Texas Senate Bill SB75

Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to approval of certain land development applications by a municipality or county.

Impact

This legislation is expected to impact how municipalities and counties handle development applications, potentially simplifying and expediting the approval process for developers. By mandating that the starting date for approval timelines begins upon the submission of a plan or plat, the bill seeks to reduce delays in land development initiatives. As such, it can be viewed as an effort to promote economic development through enhanced efficiency in local governance processes. Furthermore, it emphasizes accountability by prohibiting local authorities from refusing to process or act on submitted applications.

Summary

Senate Bill 75 aims to streamline the approval process for land development applications submitted to municipalities and counties. The bill proposes amendments to the Local Government Code, introducing limitations on the ability of municipal planning commissions and county commissioners to impose preliminary requirements before accepting and processing development plans and plats. Specifically, the bill restricts these local authorities from requiring prerequisites or approving conditions that must be met prior to the filing of development applications.

Contention

While the bill has been introduced with the intention of fostering more accessible development procedures, there are concerns surrounding local control and zoning authority. Critics argue that the removal of the ability for municipalities to impose initial requirements could lead to unregulated development practices that may not align with local planning goals or concerns. This aspect of the bill could elicit pushback from city officials who feel it undermines their capacity to manage land use effectively within their jurisdictions.