Senator Bettencourt’s Housing Affordability Bill on it’s Way to the Gov.’s Desk!

Senator Bettencourt’s Housing Affordability Bill on it’s Way to the Gov.’s Desk!  SB 15 Reduces Minimum Lot Sizes to Boost Housing Supply & Lower Costs Statewide 

AUSTIN, TEXAS – The Texas Legislature has concurred final passage on Senate Bill 15 (SB 15),  marking a major step forward in addressing the state’s growing housing affordability crisis. The bill,  authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), with 10 bipartisan joint authors, and designated  a priority bill by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, is now headed to Governor Greg Abbotts Desk for signature  to become law. If the bill is signed, it will become effective September 1, 2025. 

“The housing affordability crisis in Texas is real and we’re facing it head-on, removing large  lot size requirements has proven to increase home construction and lower prices. This bill  simply recognizes the obvious” said Sen. Bettencourt. “With the average age of a first-time  homebuyer now at 54 and rising, we must act now to bring homeownership back within reach  for Texas families.” He added.  

According to the Texas Comptroller’s 2024 Housing Report, the state is currently short over 306,000  homes, and housing prices have risen dramatically, with the median home price increasing 40% from  2019 to 2023. SB 15 takes direct aim at the regulatory barriers that have stifled housing development  in Texas’ fastest-growing cities. The bill specifically targets single family “greenfield developments”  (unmapped or unplatted) properties in specified zoned areas. SB 15 prevents cities from using  restrictive building regulations, such as setbacks, height, and bulk limits to block housing construction.  

Key Provisions of SB 15:  

• Eliminates city-imposed minimum lot sizes greater than 3,000 sq. ft. for new subdivisions in  cities with populations >150,000, counties with 300,000+ residents  
• Allows developers to build more affordable homes i.e. townhomes, starter homes  • Does not impact HOA requirements, deed restrictions, historic preservation laws, sewer and  water infrastructure, building codes, or flood regulations  
• Targets new subdivisions on at least 5 acres, enabling community-oriented growth  

“This bill cuts red tape and lets the market do its job,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in his press  statement on SB 15: “Local regulations and permitting issues are choking our housing supply  and making it impossible for our communities to meet current and future demand.”  

“I’m proud to have carried SB 15 in the House. It was a pleasure working with Senator  Bettencourt and his staff on this important issue,” said Rep. Gary Gates (R-Richmond), House  Sponsor of SB 15. “The price of land on which residential dwellings are built currently make up  as much as one-quarter of the sale price of a single-family home. This bill is designed to help  the average Texan achieve the dream of home ownership.” He added. “SB 15 will help increase  the supply and provide different types and price points to meet the demand and needs of  buyers in the area,” Gates concluded. 

“We are unblocking government regulations from getting in the way of private sector for  housing affordability solutions,” Bettencourt said. “Houston proved it works, when lot size  restrictions were relaxed, the market responded. More townhomes went up, prices went down,  and real housing demand was met. The results were staggering,” He concluded. If signed by the  Governor, SB 15 is set to expand these housing opportunities starting by end of this year.