HB 5473 Summary

• Expands definitions and updates sewerage system statutes effective October 1, 2024, adding new definitions for affordable housing deed restrictions and multifamily housing to support housing development.

• Requires municipalities where single-family homes constitute at least 50% of housing stock to include in their water pollution control plans provisions for sewer service expansion to support multifamily housing development with specific capacity allocations.

• Establishes the sustainable and equitable infrastructure support program administered by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to provide funding for sewerage connection fees, infrastructure improvements, municipal sewer expansion, and planning grants up to $35,000 per municipality.

• Allocates competitive grant funding prioritized by cost efficiency, percentage of housing stock served, and advancement of housing development goals, with funds available to affordable housing developers and eligible municipalities.

• Requires the majority leaders' roundtable group on affordable housing to study municipal design review processes for residential developments and submit findings and recommendations by January 1, 2025, examining their impact on affordable housing costs and development timelines.