This bill proposes significant updates to current statutes regarding municipal housing design and annexation processes. Under the new law, municipalities would be required to establish standard preapproved housing design plans or a preapproved housing design plan program, which must include at least three different elevation options for each class of housing design plan. The bill specifies four classes of housing designs, with detailed requirements for single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), including size specifications and deadlines for implementation. Additionally, municipalities must accept submissions for these plans without restrictions on who may submit them and must post approved plans on their official websites.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing annexation laws by allowing a city or town to annex territory that would otherwise result in unincorporated land being completely surrounded, provided that the county board of supervisors determines that the annexation will not negatively affect county services to the remaining unincorporated areas. This change aims to facilitate more efficient urban development while ensuring that essential services are maintained. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline housing development processes and enhance municipal planning capabilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-461.19
Senate Engrossed Version: 9-461.19
House Engrossed Version: 9-461.19, 9-471, 9-500.49, 9-461.18
Chaptered Version: 9-461.19, 9-471, 9-500.49, 9-461.18