The bill, S.B. No. 210, introduces a new section, 214.9041, to the Local Government Code, which mandates expedited review processes for building permits related to affordable housing projects in municipalities with populations exceeding 100,000. An "affordable housing project" is defined as a housing development that has received low-income housing tax credits. Under this new provision, municipalities are required to grant or deny building permit applications for these projects within 50% of the standard time allocated for residential building permits. Additionally, if a municipality has an accelerated review process in place, applicants for affordable housing projects can opt to use that expedited procedure.

The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to building permit applications submitted on or after that date. This legislative change aims to streamline the permitting process for affordable housing developments, thereby facilitating the construction of much-needed housing in larger municipalities.

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