Legislation aimed at boosting residential construction and home ownership has won Indiana House approval despite concerns about limits it would place on local authority over housing regulations.
House members voted 76-15 on Tuesday in favor of House Bill 1001, advancing it to the Senate for action.
Provisions of the bill target housing affordability by limiting local zoning regulations and streamlining approvals for new residential development. It would prohibit local officials from actions such as imposing requirements on exterior design elements of homes unless a city or county adopts an ordinance to opt out of the limitation.
Bill author Rep. Doug Miller, R-Elkhart, said he would continue working with city and county officials to alleviate worries about the loss of local control.
But Miller argued communities must be open to “safe and affordable housing at every single price point.”
“Some construction standards are necessary for health and safety, but some may be outdated or impose unnecessary design elements that drive up cost, like prohibiting prefabricated materials, requiring certain facade treatments and disallowing certain roof products,” he said.
The legislation comes as various studies have found a growing housing affordability gap in the state.
Miller’s bill has the backing of Gov. Mike Braun and is a top priority for House Republicans this legislative session.
Rep. Chris Campbell, D-West Lafayette, was among those voting against the bill, citing its limitations on regulations decided upon by local leaders.
“Taking away that local decision is not good for my community,” she said.
House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) acknowledged there is still work to be done on the bill.