Senate Bill – 15 – Relating to size and density requirements for residential lots in certain municipalities; authorizing a fee.

This is a summary of the bill. Read the entire bill here.

This Texas bill, effective September 1, 2025, imposes new restrictions on municipalities with populations over 150,000 (located in counties with 300,000+ residents) regarding residential zoning. Key provisions include:

1. Lot Size & Density Limits:
– Bans minimum lot sizes larger than 1,400 sq. ft., widths under 20 feet, or depths under 60 feet for certain single-family zoned tracts (5+ acres, unplatted).
– Prohibits density limits below 31.1 units per acre.

**This will allow for more housing in a smaller area: 1. More affordable housing options – Smaller lots (as tiny as 1,400 sq. ft.) mean lower land costs, potentially reducing home prices. 2. More housing supply – Could ease shortages in high-demand cities (e.g., Austin, Houston, San Antonio). 3. Flexibility in design – Fewer restrictions on setbacks, parking, and height allow for more creative home layouts (e.g., townhomes, skinny houses).

2. Small Lot Protections (≤4,000 sq. ft.):
– Limits setbacks to 5 feet (front/back/sides).
– Bans requirements like covered parking, >1 parking space/unit, >30% open space, or height restrictions under 3 stories (max 10 ft./floor).
– Exempts aquifer recharge zones from permeable surface rules.

3. Enforcement & Legal Action:
– Allows lawsuits by affected parties/housing organizations for violations, with remedies including damages, injunctions, and attorney’s fees.
– Waives governmental immunity for such claims.

4. Exemptions:
– Does not override private HOA rules, stormwater mitigation, or short-term rental regulations.
– Excludes areas near law enforcement training centers in populous counties (e.g., Harris County).

Goal: Promote higher-density housing by reducing local zoning barriers, while preserving environmental and private contractual protections.