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Bill would lower affordability threshold for housing on religious land, expand tax-deferral eligibility
Summary
A House bill would let developments on land owned by religious organizations qualify for a local density bonus if 20% of units are affordable (down from 100%) and expand eligibility for a sales-and-use tax deferral. Supporters say faith communities hold underused land; counties warn of additional planning workload.
House Bill 18 59 would let residential projects on property owned or controlled by religious organizations qualify for a local density bonus if at least 20% of the units are set aside for low-income households for at least 50 years, Representative Usman Salahuddin told the House Housing Committee on Feb. 13.
The bill would also broaden eligibility for an existing sales-and-use tax deferral for conversions of underutilized commercial properties to affordable housing. Under current law staff described to the committee, a conversion project must maintain at least 10% affordable units for 10 years to avoid repaying deferred taxes; HB 18 59 would make lessees of religious-property eligible for that deferral.
Why it matters: The sponsor framed the bill as a supply measure that taps land held by faith institutions to help…
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