Texas has done such a great job of attracting residents and businesses that some negative side effects of this success are starting to show. Consider high housing prices, which hit public-sector workers in major cities, such as police officers, fire fighters, and teachers, especially hard. Thankfully, the Texas legislature is considering a variety of reforms this legislative session to ensure that the state remains a top destination to build a career and raise a family. And, in typical Texas style, they’re doing so through reforms that embrace the free market.
HB 3921/SB 1787, sponsored by Rep. Goldman and Senator Bettencourt, lowers the minimum required residential lot size in large municipalities, similar to bills that recently advanced in Montana. In other words, the bill allows developers to get permits to build houses on smaller lots, which would lower housing costs by increasing supply in high-cost areas. Importantly, the law would not require a smaller lot—it would simply allow a smaller lot for private property owners who want one. If a neighborhood decides that they prefer larger lots, then they can create a homeowners association and set an agreed upon larger minimum.