BILL NUMBER: S9073
SPONSOR: KAVANAGH
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general municipal law, the general city law, the
town law and the village law, in relation to requiring municipalities to
determine whether it is in the public interest to create and period-
ically update a comprehensive plan to ensure that it addresses housing
needs
 
PURPOSE OF BILL:
This bill would require municipalities to determine whether it is in the
public interest to create and periodically update a comprehensive plan.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the general municipal law to empower the county legis-
lative body, or by resolution of such body the planning board or a
special board, to determine whether it is in the public interest to
prepare a proposed county comprehensive plan, amendments thereto and
updates thereof.
Section 2 amends the general city law to empower the city legislative
body, or by resolution of such body the planning board or a special
board, to determine whether it is in the public interest to prepare a
proposed county comprehensive plan, amendments thereto and updates ther-
eof.
Section 3 amends the town law to empower the town legislative body, or
by resolution of such body the planning board or a special board, to
determine whether it is in the public interest to prepare a proposed
county comprehensive plan, amendments thereto and updates thereof.
Section 4 amends the village law to empower the village legislative
body, or by resolution of such body the planning board or a special
board, to determine whether it is in the public interest to prepare a
proposed county comprehensive plan, amendments thereto and updates ther-
eof.
Section 5 amends the general city law to add a new article heading
"Zoning and Planning."
Section 6 requires that any municipality that does not have a comprehen-
sive plan shall develop one no later than January 1, 2029, and any muni-
cipality that has a comprehensive plan shall revise and update their
plan no later than January 1, 2029.
Section 7 sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill encourages counties, cities, towns, and villages to update
existing comprehensive plans or adopt comprehensive plans if none exists
based on a determination whether it is in the public interest to do so.
This legislative initiative recognizes the importance of utilizing plan-
ning to accommodate the ever-changing needs of localities, of signif-
icant importance now in addressing the dire need for new housing. By
incorporating housing needs into the comprehensive planning process, the
bill emphasizes the critical role of addressing affordability, accessi-
bility, and suitability of housing options to ensure the long-term well-
being of residents.
The justification for this bill lies in its commitment to the public
interest, allowing local communities the autonomy to assess and, if
necessary, adjust their comprehensive plans in response to evolving
circumstances. Encouraging community engagement, the bill ensures that
residents actively participate in shaping policy, fostering a more tran-
sparent and responsive local governance model. The emphasis on the
public interest also extends to fostering collaboration among munici-
palities, contributing to a more coordinated approach to regional devel-
opment that considers shared housing challenges and opportunities.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.