Local Design Standards Preempted
Home Builders and Realtors Team Up to Prohibit Local Zoning Design Standards
Rep. Vance Smith introduced HB 302, a mammoth preemption bill that usurps local governments’ ability to regulate building design elements in single or double family dwellings. The proposed bill would prohibit the following local building standards:
- Exterior building color
- Type or style of exterior cladding material
- Style or materials of roof structures or porches
- Exterior nonstructural architectural ornamentation
- Location or architectural styling of windows and doors including garage doors
- Number and types of rooms
- Interior layout of rooms
- Types of foundation structures approved under state minimum standard codes
In short, if a house meets state minimum standard building codes, it can be built. The preemption does not apply to state or federal historic districts, mobile homes and homes governed by a neighborhood association or covenant.
Please e-mail Deputy Legislative Director Todd Edwards ([email protected] ) to let him know if and how this bill will impact your county’s zoning regulations, and share any concerns you may have with your House member(s).