Subcommittee tables bill to make plats and plans administrative; supporters say it would speed housing approvals

Delegate Franklin Pointer presented HB 2293 to the County, Cities and Towns Subcommittee No. 3, saying the measure would move approvals of plats and final plans into an administrative, ministerial review process to accelerate housing development.

"The bill I have before you this morning really stems from work that's been done nationally, the National League of Cities, the Home Builders Association, American Planning Association, they've worked together on several public policy proposals in order to, accelerate housing production and lower costs," Delegate Pointer said. He emphasized the bill "does not impact zoning at all" and "has nothing to do with" public input on land use; instead, it would change how post-zoning, technical approvals are handled.

Supporters said the change would reduce duplicative steps and speed building. Andrew Clark of the Home Builders Association of…