Repealing the three-mile extraterritorial planning and zoning authority for cities.
Impact
The implications of SB37 may lead to reduced local control over planning decisions, leaving unincorporated areas and their residents subject to regulations determined solely by county commissioners. Supporters argue that this bill simplifies the regulatory landscape and promotes consistency in land use planning, which can encourage more straightforward development processes and possibly spur economic growth. Conversely, opponents contend that removing local authority undermines the ability of cities to make decisions that better reflect their unique needs and priorities, particularly in areas where expansion into adjacent land may create community challenges or necessitate specific regulations.
Summary
Senate Bill 37 aims to amend existing laws pertaining to urban planning and zoning by eliminating the authority of cities in Kansas to apply planning and zoning regulations to land located outside their city limits. Specifically, the bill repeals statutes that allow cities to exert influence over land use in areas up to three miles beyond their boundaries, effectively restricting their regulatory reach. This proposed change is seen as a significant shift in how land planning is executed at local levels, as it reallocates decision-making powers primarily to county governments, where much of the janification of urban expansion takes place.
Contention
Notable points of contention surround the balance of authority between local and county governments. Supporters of local autonomy fear that SB37 may lead to ambiguous lines of accountability regarding land use decisions. Moreover, the ability of cities to respond promptly to local needs, such as environmental concerns or community preferences, may be diminished. Critics also express worry that the reform can result in a 'one-size-fits-all' approach, where localized issues are overlooked in favor of broader strategies that do not consider the distinct characteristics of an area. Adapting to this legislative change might prompt complicated negotiations or disputes as cities and counties figure out how to work collaboratively to manage land use effectively.
Legislative process
The bill's committee history and discussions indicate a mixed response among legislators, with proponents advocating for a streamlined regulatory approach, while detractors highlight potential adverse effects on sustainable development. Should the bill pass through legislative scrutiny, it is likely to undergo additional amendments aimed at addressing concerns of various stakeholders informed by the anticipated impact on local governance structures.
Increasing bonding authority and simplifying the approval process for public airport construction and improvement projects under the surplus property and public airport authority act and increasing the cost threshold for state construction projects when the convening of a negotiating committee to obtain professional services is required.
Establishing the Pike reservoir project district act to provide for a lake and related commercial and residential development in Bourbon county and authorizing a governing board and sales and property tax increment financing for such project.
Authorizing school districts to levy an annual levy of up to two mills for the purposes of school building safety, security and compliance with the Americans with disabilities act and including such levy in the capital outlay state aid determination for such school districts.
Updating references and corresponding changes related to 2021 Executive Reorganization Order No. 48 and the transfer of the division of tourism from the department of wildlife and parks to the department of commerce.
Providing countywide retailers' sales tax authority for Dickinson and Grant counties, providing for a sales tax exemption for area agencies on aging and purchases made by Kansas suicide prevention HQ, inc., providing that the secretary of revenue file a release of warrant in the county where such warrant is docketed, granting authority to the director of property valuation to develop qualifying courses and providing that certain tax notices and statements may be transmitted by electronic means by the county treasurer and county appraiser if consented to by the taxpayer.