H.B. No. 4398 introduces new provisions to the Local Government Code, specifically adding Section 214.9041, which establishes expedited review processes for building permits related to affordable housing projects in municipalities with populations exceeding 100,000. The bill defines "affordable housing project" as any housing development that has received low-income housing tax credits. It mandates that applications for building permits for these projects must be granted or denied within 50% of the standard time allocated for residential building permit applications. Additionally, if a municipality has an accelerated review process in place, applicants for affordable housing projects can opt to use that expedited process.

The bill clarifies that the expedited review applies solely to the municipal building permit process and does not impact municipal zoning regulations. The provisions of this act will only apply to building permit applications submitted on or after its effective date, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: ()
Engrossed: ()