by Nicole Bradford
A bill working its way through the Texas Legislature could address the housing affordability crisis but could also create unintended consequences.
“It’s important we get involved,” Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole said during his March Talk of the Town. “The biggest thing is it takes away local control.”
Aiming to alleviate an ongoing housing shortage and rising costs, the Texas Senate on March 19 passed Senate Bill 15, which would reduce lot size requirements for new subdivisions that are 5 acres or larger to 1,400 square feet — tiny compared to a typical, 5,000-square-foot residential lot.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued a statement on March 24, citing reports that Texas is currently facing a shortfall of 306,000 homes.
“Local regulations and permitting issues are stifling our housing supply,” Patrick said, “rendering our communities unable to meet present and future growth.”
The bill has advanced to the Texas House of Representatives. If passed, it would override local stipulations on lot sizes, which many say is a problem.
In Pearland, more than 1,600 acres are not yet platted and could be subject to the new law if passed. It is unknown if it would apply here or solely to cities and counties with larger populations.
“We plan water and sewer facilities based on our density at buildout in our comprehensive plan,” Cole said. “This (could) have negative effects on our community.”
Senate Bill 15 was authorized by District 7 Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston).
