The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1313 seeks to promote housing development within a half-mile radius of public transit stations, including passenger rail, commuter rail, and bus rapid transit stations. The bill mandates that zoning regulations permit housing developments "as of right," allowing for approval without public hearings or special permits, provided they meet a minimum density of fifteen dwelling units per acre. It also establishes specific parking requirements, limiting parking to one space for studio or one-bedroom units and two spaces for larger units, while exempting certain lands from these regulations. Additionally, municipalities are required to adopt or amend zoning regulations by October 1, 2026, or face the voiding of noncompliant regulations.

The bill further amends existing zoning laws by prohibiting municipalities from imposing fixed caps on multifamily housing, middle housing, or mixed-use developments, and restricts parking requirements unless municipalities opt out. It clarifies that land use applications cannot be denied based on a district's character unless defined by physical standards, nor based on the immutable characteristics or income levels of applicants, with exceptions for age or disability-restricted housing. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to enhance housing availability and accessibility in transit-rich areas.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 8-2