Missoula County opposes HB 528: Generally revise county planning, zoning and subdivision regulation laws, up for hearing this afternoon in the House Local Government Committee. HB 528 will increase the costs and complexity of completing core planning functions for both the public and private sectors, which will restrict housing supply and accelerate price increases in our already skyrocketing housing market. HB 528 introduces burdensome new requirements for updating and adopting subdivision regulations, zoning regulations and growth policies. The proposed requirements in this bill are vague, costly, repetitive and hinder vital development and planning efforts. HB 528 unnecessarily cost burdens both developers and local government by requiring regulations be supported by “best evidence” and numerous studies based upon hypothetical entitlements. For example, applicants proposing a new subdivision and zoning for a development would now bear the cost of conducting these in-depth studies in their proposals. These requirements will also quickly consume administrative time and tax-payer dollars in efforts to interpret findings. Additionally, this legislation hobbles a jurisdiction’s ability to accommodate increased development pressure and growth.
In Missoula County we are using planning, zoning, and subdivision law to proactively address our community’s development needs. This year through planning and new zoning, we have entitled 6,000 units, maximized $23 million dollars in public and private infrastructure investment, and adopted developer incentives for preserving agricultural lands; all of which has been met with broad support and input from local stakeholders. Under the requirements proposed by HB 528, this could not have been accomplished in the same timely or cost-effective manner. And because of the retroactive nature of this legislation, this effort would be rolled back and subject to reevaluation. Missoula County therefore concludes that HB 528 is detrimental in meeting development needs and creating and implementing growth goals.
Representatives Thane and Whitman,
ReplyDeleteMissoula County opposes HB 528: Generally revise county planning, zoning and subdivision regulation laws, up for hearing this afternoon in the House Local Government Committee. HB 528 will increase the costs and complexity of completing core planning functions for both the public and private sectors, which will restrict housing supply and accelerate price increases in our already skyrocketing housing market. HB 528 introduces burdensome new requirements for updating and adopting subdivision regulations, zoning regulations and growth policies. The proposed requirements in this bill are vague, costly, repetitive and hinder vital development and planning efforts. HB 528 unnecessarily cost burdens both developers and local government by requiring regulations be supported by “best evidence” and numerous studies based upon hypothetical entitlements. For example, applicants proposing a new subdivision and zoning for a development would now bear the cost of conducting these in-depth studies in their proposals. These requirements will also quickly consume administrative time and tax-payer dollars in efforts to interpret findings. Additionally, this legislation hobbles a jurisdiction’s ability to accommodate increased development pressure and growth.
In Missoula County we are using planning, zoning, and subdivision law to proactively address our community’s development needs. This year through planning and new zoning, we have entitled 6,000 units, maximized $23 million dollars in public and private infrastructure investment, and adopted developer incentives for preserving agricultural lands; all of which has been met with broad support and input from local stakeholders. Under the requirements proposed by HB 528, this could not have been accomplished in the same timely or cost-effective manner. And because of the retroactive nature of this legislation, this effort would be rolled back and subject to reevaluation. Missoula County therefore concludes that HB 528 is detrimental in meeting development needs and creating and implementing growth goals.
Please oppose HB 528.