TX SB2477

Applies to municipalities with population over 150,000 in counties over 300,000, allowing conversion of office buildings (at least 5 years old) to residential use with at least 65% of the building and each floor dedicated to residential occupancy

Prohibits municipalities from requiring traffic impact analyses, traffic mitigation fees, additional parking beyond existing spaces, zoning changes/variances, or design requirements stricter than the International Building Code for qualifying conversions

Bars municipalities from imposing density limits more restrictive than 36 units per acre or the municipality's highest allowed residential density, and prevents restrictions on floor-to-area ratios below 120% of existing or the site maximum

Exempts converted buildings from impact fees unless the property was already subject to fees and the conversion increases water/wastewater demand; requires administrative approval of permits without governing body action when regulations are met

Excludes buildings within 1,000 feet of heavy industrial sites, 3,000 feet of airports or military bases, or in designated military aviation clear zones/accident potential zones from these protections

Takes effect September 1, 2025 and allows housing organizations or aggrieved persons to sue municipalities for violations, with attorney's fees awarded to prevailing claimants