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It was a fairly busy week last week, with MAP testifying on four bills. The hearings on SB 174 and SB 175 went well; we supported both bills with some minor amendments. For SB 168 and SB 146, which we opposed, we will see what happens in executive action.

There are two new bills we want you to be aware of, as they may affect some of our membership, but MAP is not taking a position on them. The first is SB 209, which limits the duration of conservation easements. The second is LC1707, which requires setbacks for wind turbines. The setbacks would be in Title 75, not Title 76.

As of writing this email, we don’t have any hearings scheduled this week, but that could change. Here are some bills we are watching:

SB 243: Amend zoning regulations to allow taller buildings

This bill would allow six-story residential buildings in any commercial zone. We have some concerns regarding fire safety, ladder trucks, fire insurance, aviation easements, and other related issues.

Status: Watch

LC1861: Revise land use laws related to manufactured and factory-built homes

This bill needs revisions to be supportable. We are hoping changes can be made before it is introduced.

Status: Watch

SB 214: Revise zoning laws to clarify decisions regarding prior nonconforming use of property

We have concerns about the language in this bill. Specifically the impact on historic preservation. It has a hearing scheduled for next week:

02/10/2025, 03:00 PM

Room 405 (S) Local Government

Status: Oppose

The Weeks Ahead

If you followed land use legislation last session, this session might not seem as busy. However, we caution you that the Senate is currently dealing with many distractions. We have five very long weeks until transmittal, and the consensus on the committee is that we could see a wave of bills as we approach the March 7 deadline.