City Reviews Following Texas Legislative Updates on Land Use Regulations, Zoning Changes Following

Killeen City Council is set to implement major changes to zoning regulations after three important legislation recently passed during the 89th Texas Legislative Meeting. These changes, which take effect on September 1, aim to restructure the city’s land use and development, particularly in response to the growing demand for complex, affordable housing.

The most influential law discussed is Senate Bill 840, requiring cities to allow mixed-use housing and multi-family development in zoning districts that allow the use of offices, commercial, retail or warehouses. The bill would convert existing commercial property into multifamily homes, which could affect Killeen’s land area of about five square miles. The city will need to amend the zoning ordinance to comply with this new requirement, particularly in commercial districts.

Senate Bill 15 introduces a “preemptive detachment density” that limits the city’s ability to implement certain zoning regulations on larger, non-planarized land designated as detached homes. The bill will allow small residential lots of 3,000 square feet, the smallest size, and limit cities from imposing strict building recession and parking requirements. Approximately 4.24 square miles of Killeen’s land can be developed under this new framework aimed at promoting affordable housing options.

Additionally, House Bill 24 amends the procedure for adopting zoning regulations, reducing the voting requirements for certain zoning changes from three-quarters to a simple majority. The changes are expected to streamline the approval process for developing housing density and make new projects easier to move forward.

In conjunction with these legislative changes, city staff proposed amendments to Chapter 31 of the Clean Ordinance, including adjustments to zoning ordinance and signage requirements related to changes in zoning.

These legislative updates reflect Killeen’s commitment to addressing housing needs, adapting to evolving land use demands, and placing cities for future growth and development. The next step for the council will include formalizing these amendments to ensure compliance with state laws and to promote anticipated changes in the community’s landscape.