CSHB 3167 seeks to expedite the permitting process so that there is greater predictability for developers and lower costs for consumers. This bill would streamline the development and permitting process by requiring jurisdictions to conduct more thorough initial reviews followed by substantive comments on an application that the developer can then address. After the developer addresses the initial round of substantive comments, the jurisdiction will only be permitted to re-review the amendments, without any availability to review any other parts of the application that were not initially deemed deficient.
Historic Preservation Commissions Tread on Property Rights
John Mark Slack wanted to restore his historic San Marcos home for livability. But San Marcos’ Historic Preservation Commission demanded that in order to get a Certificate of Appropriateness—its stamp of approval—he must replace the roof, siding and doors; broaden the front porch, and add skirting to their specifications. But commissioners didn’t stop there. In...