SB 15
Background
In 2023, a proposed law that would prohibit cities from requiring single-family lot sizes greater than 1,400 sf (31.1 units per acre) narrowly failed in the legislative process. Cities have been preparing for the concept to be refiled in the 2025 89th Legislative Session. SB 15 prohibits cities from requiring lot sizes larger than 1,400 sf (31.1 units per acre); currently, this proposed legislation applies to cities with larger populations. At just over 30,000, the bill, as drafted, would not apply to Melissa, but the population brackets can be amended during the deliberation process. SB 15 has been passed by the Senate and moved to the House of Representatives.
Context to Melissa
Melissa’s current single-family minimum lot size is 7,800 sf. Single-family developments have the ability to request varying lot sizes through a public approval process, with no guarantee of approval. If SB 15 were to be amended to a population bracket that would include Melissa, the city could not require single-family lots to be any larger than 1,400 sf. In general terms, a 1,400 sf lot would accommodate a 600 sf home and approximately 31 homes per acre. The City’s Comprehensive Planning efforts never would have contemplated such a dense single-family product. The City feels like this type of land use decision is one best left to individual communities to set and regulate, not a blanket law established across a vast state the size of Texas. While this law would not apply to Melissa today, we are encouraging everyone to be diligent and let your legislators know that this is a detrimental concept for communities, and one that is not right for Melissa. We will continue to watch this bill as it moves through the legislative process during this session.
For Your Consideration
SB 15 is being considered, which would remove most local decision-making related to minimum lot sizes for single-family homes. The City believes there is strong momentum to approve all bills that help eliminate the perceived barriers to more housing options being made available, but this bill has the ability to fundamentally change the look and feel of our communities. While SB 15 does not currently apply to Melissa due to the incorporated population brackets, the brackets can be adjusted through the legislative process.
More information can be found at the following link: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB00015
Who to contact:
Senator Angela Paxton, District 8
angela.paxton@senate.texas.gov
Capitol Address:
Room 3E.10 Capitol Building
Austin, Texas 78701
Representative Jeff Leach, District 67
Capitol Address:
Room 1W.3
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
Representative Keresa Richardson, District 61
keresa.richardson@house.texas.gov
Capitol Address:
Room E2.416 Capitol Building
Austin, Texas 78701
Suggested Language(Please consider personalizing this as you choose)Dear Honorable Representative Leach/Richardson/Paxton, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed bill, SB 15, introduced by Senator Bettencourt. I believe that this bill significantly undermines local control, which is essential for maintaining the unique character and needs of individual communities. Currently written, SB 15 would not apply to Melissa, but this bill will lead the way for this concept to be further applied to communities like Melissa now or in the future. This legislation imposes rigid restrictions by dictating minimum lot sizes, dimensions, and dwelling unit densities without regard for local planning efforts or community needs. By prohibiting local ordinances that require residential lots to be larger than 1,400 square feet or to have certain setbacks and parking requirements, this bill effectively strips local governments of their ability to guide development and manage growth in a way that aligns with their specific urban plans and environment, and most importantly, their community’s expectations. The bill does not stop at limiting a municipality’s ability to regulate specific zoning components, such as off-site parking, removes critical tools that cities use to address issues like traffic congestion, neighborhood character, and infrastructure planning. It goes further by proactively allowing municipalities and/or municipal officials to be sued if residents or housing organizations perceive non-compliance. This could lead to costly legal battles that divert funds from essential city services. Furthermore, the criteria set forth in the bill neglects to consider the importance of flexibility that municipalities require to enforce zoning regulations that reflect their community's priorities and values. Local control ensures that the distinct voices of the residents are heard and considered in the decision-making process, which is a cornerstone of governance at the local level. In conclusion, while I understand and appreciate the efforts to standardize certain zoning practices, the current language of the bill severely curtails local control in a manner that is detrimental to the effective governance of our communities. I urge you to reconsider these aspects of the bill and to support a community’s right to define for themselves how they want to look and feel. Thank you for your service to our great State and your attention to this pressing issue. Sincerely |