No. CS/CS/CS/SB 354
Filed under Development & Land Use.
Blue Ribbon Projects; Requiring that a development project meet certain requirements to qualify as a blue ribbon project; providing maximum residential density and nonresidential intensity permitted within the development area of a blue ribbon project; requiring a blue ribbon project to have a blue ribbon plan; requiring a project to receive dollar-for-dollar credits from a local government under certain circumstances, etc.
Plain English Summary
AI-GENERATEDThe bill creates a new state statute requiring local governments to process
blue ribbon projects on 15,000-acre tracts. It mandates that 60 percent of the land be reserved for conservation, agriculture, or public benefit uses, while capping the remaining 40 percent for development.
Developers must include a minimum of 20 percent affordable or missing middle housing in every phase. The bill also requires local governments to grant dollar-for-dollar fee credits for public facilities the project funds.
Once approved, the project plan overrides local zoning and comprehensive plan requirements. Local governments must conduct two public hearings and may only deny the plan if it is substantially inconsistent with their existing comprehensive plan.
AILocal governments are required to implement blue ribbon projects within their boundaries, removing local discretion to refuse the program.
AIOnly properties of at least 15,000 contiguous acres owned by a single person or controlled entities qualify, excluding most landowners from the program.
AIAt least 60 percent of the project land must be designated as reserve area for conservation, agriculture, or public benefit uses.
AIResidential density is capped at 12 units per gross acre and nonresidential intensity at 85 percent impervious surface ratio within the development area.
AIAt least 20 percent of residential units in each phase must be affordable housing, missing middle housing, or Hometown Hero eligible housing.
AIA blue ribbon plan meeting statutory requirements is presumed consistent with the local comprehensive plan, shifting the burden to the local government to prove inconsistency.
AIApplicants may appeal denials via de novo court action, and courts may not apply a deferential standard to the local government’s decision.
AIEasements granted to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or other state agencies for reserve area must be granted without charge.