S.B. No. 840 introduces new regulations for municipal oversight of mixed-use and multifamily residential development projects, as well as the conversion of certain commercial buildings to residential use. The bill adds Section 211.0011 to the Local Government Code, defining "mixed-use residential" and "multifamily residential," and clarifying that zoning regulations for these developments are governed by Chapter 218. It specifically targets municipalities with populations over 150,000 in counties exceeding 300,000, outlining that municipalities cannot impose overly restrictive density limits, building height restrictions, or parking requirements. If a proposed development complies with municipal land development regulations, the municipal authority is required to approve the necessary permits without further action from the governing body.

Additionally, the bill establishes that the Fifteenth Court of Appeals will have exclusive intermediate appellate jurisdiction over actions related to this section. It amends Section 395.011 of the Local Government Code to ensure that political subdivisions can only impose impact fees on land within their boundaries or extraterritorial jurisdictions by following the chapter's regulations, and it introduces a new subsection (b-1) that prohibits such fees for roadway facilities in extraterritorial jurisdictions. The provisions apply to mixed-use and multifamily residential projects initiated after the Act's effective date, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 395.011 (Local Government Code 395)
Senate Committee Report: Local Government Code 395.011 (Local Government Code 395)
Engrossed: Local Government Code 395.011 (Local Government Code 395)
House Committee Report: Local Government Code 395.011 (Local Government Code 395)
Enrolled: Local Government Code 395.011 (Local Government Code 395)