The proposed bill would update current statutes by introducing new provisions that protect home buyers' rights and streamline regulations for single-family home construction. Specifically, it would prohibit municipalities from interfering with a home buyer's right to choose various aspects of their home, such as features, amenities, and design, and prevent municipalities from requiring shared features that necessitate homeowners' associations or imposing restrictions on screening, walls, or fences on residential properties. Additionally, the bill would remove existing provisions that allow municipalities to set minimum lot sizes greater than 1,500 square feet for new developments and impose other restrictive regulations. Furthermore, the bill would establish new minimum standards for single-family home developments, including a maximum lot size of 3,000 square feet for new developments over five acres, and would limit the minimum building setbacks and lot coverage requirements. It clarifies that these standards do not supersede existing building codes or public health regulations and would apply only to developments constructed after the effective date in municipalities with populations over 70,000. Overall, the legislation aims to alleviate housing shortages by reducing regulatory barriers imposed by municipalities while maintaining essential safety standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-461.19, 9-461.20
Senate Engrossed Version: 9-461.19, 9-461.20