Crucial Action Item Below
The senate (SB 844)and House (HB 24) have approved separate bills that, if finalized, will repeal the longstanding right of adjoining and nearby homeowners to file a protest petition, triggering a supermajority vote requirement to approve zoning changes that threaten their neighborhoods. Although marketed as a way to facilitate affordable housing, the bills have no affordability requirement and gratuitously apply to all commercial and industrial zoning changes, no matter how intense or inappropriate. Shockingly, most of the Travis County delegation (Rep. Troxclair absent) went along with powerful organizations that oppose protections for single-family neighborhoods and voted for the bills. Representative Gina Hinojosa voted “no,” recognizing that the bills went too far.
Representative John Bryant of Dallas raised concerns before the vote on the impact of this bill (see the video).
This bill also diminishes individual notice for broad zoning changes and shortens the statute of limitations on filing a lawsuit challenging specific zoning regulations to 60 days.
There is still a vote to be taken, so act today to call individually and let them know that you are shocked by their vote to remove your protest rights, even in commercial and industrial zoning cases. Ask that they take whatever action is necessary to defeat or amend these bills to restore your rights:
Sarah Eckhardt (512) 463-0114 Sheryl Cole (512) 463-0506
Vikki Goodwin (512) 463-0652 James Talarico (512) 463-0821
Lulu Flores (512) 463-0674 Donna Howard (512) 463-0631
And please thank Representative Hinojosa for her support.
Gina Hinojosa (512) 463-0668