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Selma council adopts resolution opposing state bills seen as limiting local zoning authority
Summary
The Selma Town Council voted May 8 to adopt a resolution opposing House Bill 765 and Senate bills 497 and 499, which council members said would restrict local planning and zoning authority. Council members described HB 765 as particularly damaging to local control and said the town had already submitted a letter opposing it.
The Selma Town Council on May 8 approved a resolution opposing several state bills that council members said would curtail local planning and zoning authority. The resolution as adopted opposes House Bill 765 and Senate Bills 497 and 499; the meeting record shows council discussion and a voice vote in favor of the resolution.
Council members described House Bill 765 as the most far-reaching. One presenter said HB 765 "would essentially eradicate planning and zoning decisions at the local level," citing examples such as restrictions on local decisions about tiny homes, accessory rentals and density changes. The presenter characterized the set of measures as favoring developers’ interests over local quality-of-life controls.
Housekeeping: During discussion the council noted an earlier reference to Senate Bill 587 in the draft was incorrect and that SB 587 should be scratched from the resolution; the final resolution lists HB 765, SB 497 and SB 499.
Action taken: The council moved, seconded and adopted the resolution opposing the named bills by voice vote. Officials said the town had already submitted a letter opposing HB 765 and that council may review other bills individually on a future date.
Discussion and context: Council members said the bills cover issues such as extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), nonconformity and downzoning; some members suggested a more nuanced review of specific bills (for example, SB 587 was noted as having provisions council supported in limited circumstances) but agreed to oppose the primary bills named in the resolution.
Ending: The council’s action sends a formal local-government objection to the state-level measures and signals the town’s position as the legislature continues to consider planning and zoning reforms.
