Bill > H1115

This bill aims to speed up the process for approving new housing developments by creating a new designation called a "Housing Priority Zone." A Housing Priority Zone is defined as an area zoned for housing that allows for at least 10% more units than previously permitted, requires at least 40% of its units to be affordable for those earning 80% or less of the area median income (meaning the typical income for that region), and can use flexible zoning methods like cluster development or open space residential design. Once designated as a priority zone by a board in consultation with the department of housing and community development, any housing built within it will be credited at 1.75 units towards meeting certain state housing requirements when a building permit is issued, a provision designed to encourage development by making it count more towards state goals. These changes are set to expire five years after the bill becomes law unless extended.