HB2841 Summary

• Establishes a state preemption declaring housing affordability as a matter of statewide concern, limiting municipal regulation of housing within designated affordability zoning overlay districts.

• Requires municipalities to adopt ordinances by July 1, 2025 creating housing affordability zoning overlay districts covering at least 1% of vacant single-family residential land, allowing up to 15 dwelling units per acre for developments where sales prices do not exceed Federal Housing Administration loan limits for the jurisdiction.

• Prohibits municipalities from denying permits or enforcing code requirements related to dwelling design elements (exterior colors, materials, roof style, garage placement, interior layouts, landscaping, and aesthetic features) within the overlay district, though building code compliance and flood insurance requirements still apply.

• Requires municipalities to approve or deny building permits for qualifying developments within 120 days; applicants may proceed without approval if deadlines are not met, though municipalities may withhold occupancy certificates for health or safety violations.

• Creates a study committee on workforce housing to research factors increasing housing costs and recommend regulatory reforms to municipal zoning and development approval processes, with a final report due December 15, 2020.