The state task force will examine six bills aimed at limiting local opposition to new housing development.
The Wyoming state legislature’s Regulatory Reduction Task Force is considering a package of housing bills that could limit local control over zoning and building to promote more housing production, reports Angus M. Thuermer, Jr. for WyoFile.
According to Thuermer, “Formed by the Legislature in 2023, the task force was charged with examining “rules, regulations, statutes, and processes affecting the mining, agricultural, and construction industries.” Landowners, developers and some affordable housing advocates last year urged the task force to also focus on local authority over development permits, fees and zoning regulations that are now top agenda items.”
The proposed bills would, among other things, limit or eliminate development fees for housing, prohibit natural gas in new buildings, and bar cities from charging rental property registration fees.
Additionally, “Zoning protest petition-amendments would change the percentage of neighboring property owners required to protest a change to zoning, development restrictions or boundaries. Set at 20% today, it could be changed to an unspecified number that the task force would recommend.” Another bill would promote the leasing of government-owned land for housing purposes.
FULL STORY: State (Wyoming) considers limiting local authority over housing, zoning and development
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