The bill, S.B. No. 673, introduces a new chapter to the Local Government Code that regulates municipal and county oversight of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). It defines an accessory dwelling unit as a residential housing unit that is independent of the primary dwelling and located on a lot that is not zoned or is zoned for single-family homes or duplexes. The bill outlines specific regulations that municipalities and counties cannot impose on ADUs, such as prohibiting construction before or concurrently with the primary dwelling, requiring owner occupancy, and imposing excessive parking or setback requirements. Additionally, it allows municipalities and counties to adopt less restrictive standards for ADUs and provides guidelines for permit approval processes.

The legislation also stipulates that municipalities or counties with populations below certain thresholds (150,000 for municipalities and 300,000 for counties) are exempt from some of the more stringent regulations if they have already adopted their own regulations for ADUs. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that it does not override existing historic preservation rules or homeowners association regulations that may limit or prohibit ADUs. Property owners are granted the right to take legal action against municipalities or counties that violate these provisions, with the possibility of recovering attorney's fees if they prevail.

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