Texas House Bill HB3929

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/09

Caption

Relating to subdivision platting requirements in counties near an international border.

Impact

The bill introduces significant changes to how residential building permits are issued in border counties. It mandates that counties issue building permits to individuals who comply with the prerequisites laid out in the bill. Specifically, applicants are required to have a single residence planned for a tract of land that is either less than five acres or between five and ten acres, provided the latter is utilized for agriculture and has proper access to public roads. This alteration facilitates easier access to building permits, which might encourage residential development in these strategically significant areas.

Summary

House Bill 3929 aims to amend the subdivision platting requirements specifically for counties situated near an international border. The bill focuses on land designated primarily for residential use, allowing for a more streamlined process when subdivisions are established in these areas. It presupposes that any lot less than five acres is intended for residential purposes. Importantly, the bill exempts subdivisions that are gifts between relatives, thereby safeguarding familial transactions from additional regulations.

Contention

While the bill appears to promote residential development, its implications may provoke discussion regarding land use regulation. Stakeholders, including local governments and community members, may have differing views on the effectiveness of these changes. There could be concerns over whether such amendments adequately address the specific needs of communities along the border or if they inadvertently undermine broader land-use planning. The balancing act between facilitating development and maintaining local control is likely to be a contentious point as this bill progresses through the legislative process.