SB 1545, the "Yes In God’s Backyard Act," allows religious organizations (like churches and mosques) to develop affordable housing on their owned properties without discretionary municipal approval. It requires 60% of mixed-use projects to be residential, with 80% of units designated as affordable housing (capped at 40% non-affordable units for staff housing). The bill preempts local zoning rules that would block such projects, mandates municipalities to approve applications within a set timeframe, and requires compliance with building codes and fair housing laws. This directly affects faith-based groups seeking to use underutilized land for housing, aiming to address housing shortages by streamlining development.
HB 2294 allows group homes for people with developmental or physical disabilities to operate as permitted residential uses in all residential zones across Oklahoma, eliminating the need for special permits like conditional use approvals. It requires group home operators to notify all property owners within 300 feet of the proposed location before establishment and mandates the Department of Human Services to create rules within 180 days to prevent over-concentration, setting a minimum 1,200-foot spacing requirement between new group homes. The bill prohibits local governments from imposing additional fees, taxes, or environmental reviews on group homes beyond what applies to single-family residences. This directly affects group home operators, neighboring property owners, and local zoning authorities by standardizing procedures and notification requirements.
SB 938 creates a state grant program to help Oklahoma municipalities increase workforce housing availability. Workforce housing is defined as housing for households earning 60% to 120% of the county's median income. Municipalities must submit a detailed plan covering current housing supply, projected needs, land use, and existing programs to qualify for one-time grants administered by the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency. The program uses a new revolving fund in the state treasury, funded by state appropriations and private donations, and requires grantees to submit quarterly progress reports and repay funds if they fail to meet agreement terms. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 1051, the "Fair Zoning Act of 2025," requires cities with over 20,000 residents to update zoning laws to allow multi-family housing (like apartments and duplexes) alongside single-family homes in all residential zones, ending exclusive single-family zoning. Cities must submit detailed 5-year reports to the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency on zoning changes, new housing units, affordability efforts, and community partnerships. The bill prohibits height restrictions on multi-family buildings that meet state safety standards and historical preservation guidelines, while allowing citizens to sue noncompliant local governments. It takes effect November 1, 2025, aiming to increase housing diversity and accessibility in Oklahoma communities.
SB 347 amends Oklahoma law (11 O.S. 2021, Section 43-103) to prohibit cities and towns from implementing minimum parking requirements when adopting regulations for buildings, land, or districts. The bill updates the statutory framework governing municipal planning, which previously allowed such parking mandates, and specifies that governing bodies cannot enforce these requirements while following the section's eight stated objectives (e.g., traffic safety, health, historical preservation). This change directly affects local governments' ability to regulate parking in zoning and development decisions. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.
