Texas Senate Bill SB1599

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to county and municipal land development regulation.

Impact

The implications of SB1599 are significant, particularly in how it restructures the local government’s responsibilities and powers concerning land development. By amending the Local Government Code, the bill seeks to improve the management and oversight of land development processes while facilitating growth in areas with pressing needs for infrastructure improvements. The amendments are designed to ensure that subdivision applications adhere to stricter regulatory standards, which can lead to better-planned communities and potentially safeguard public investment in infrastructure.

Summary

SB1599 relates to regulations governing county and municipal land development in Texas. It introduces amendments to existing provisions in the Government Code and Local Government Code, focusing specifically on development standards for subdivisions. The bill emphasizes the importance of preparing plat maps, especially for subdivisions with lots five acres or less, in an effort to streamline land development and ensure proper oversight of new divisions of land. Additionally, it provides a framework for how municipalities and counties can nominate areas for identification as colonias, which are often underserved communities requiring specific attention regarding infrastructure and services.

Enactment

The bill ultimately passed and took effect on September 1, 2013. Its passage signifies a shift toward more centralized control over land development issues at the state level, potentially resulting in more uniform standards across Texas counties and municipalities. By addressing land use and development more comprehensively, SB1599 aims to promote sustainable growth while also protecting the interests of vulnerable communities.

Contention

Discussion around SB1599 highlighted points of contention among stakeholders. Supporters argue that enhancing land development regulations will protect residential areas from improper development and ensure that public utilities are adequately provided. On the contrary, there may be concerns about how these regulations could impact property rights and development flexibility for landowners and developers. Notably, the requirement for municipalities to adopt specific model rules before considering applications for development funds was under scrutiny, as it imposes an additional administrative burden on local entities.