FT 30.9 - John Dule Affordable Housing Act (Passed)

[Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God]

A BILL FOR AN ACT
To lower the cost of housing


Be it enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Frémont

Section 1. Title

This legislation may be cited as the John Dule Affordable Housing Act.

Section 2. Regulatory reforms

1. All construction on categorized pre-developed lots shall be exempt from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses.

2. "Neighborhood character" and "social justice" shall not be considered legitimate private interest concerns when licensing new construction.

3. All state zoning laws that prohibit the integration of low-impact commercial buildings with residential apartments are hereby repealed.

4. All state height restrictions on buildings in urban centers are hereby repealed.

Section 3. Frémont Priority Project Program (FPPP)

1. All states in the Commonwealth of Frémont are hereby enrolled in the Frémont Priority Project Program (FPPP), and shall define the criteria that make a housing project eligible for priority processing. This criteria shall contain but not be limited to a higher percentage of affordable units, proximity to public transportation, or specific community benefits.

2. All states in the Commonwealth of Frémont shall appoint a team of licensed urban planners, reviewers, and inspectors to handle applications for priority housing projects. Each state board in the FPPP shall be tasked to engage with relevant authorities in pre-application meetings to address potential issues and ensure that the application is complete before formal submission. Each state board shall also be tasked with identifying and eliminating unnecessary paperwork and requirements.

3. All applications for expedited housing projects shall be approved or denied no longer than ninety (90) days after submission.

Section 4. Simultaneous Reviews

1. There shall be parallel reviews of any and all aspects of building projects, including but not limiting to zoning law compliance (provided that the criteria for existing zoning laws do not contradict this Act), environmental impact, and building code adherence.

2. Relevant housing authorities shall be tasked with identifying and eliminating unnecessary paperwork and requirements, focusing on essential information needed for the review process.

Section 5. Effectiveness

This act shall take effect ninety (90) days after passage.

SPONSOR: SCOTT OF WYOMING
OCCUPYING SLOT A

The Speaker is recognized.

[Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God]

This is an attempt to fix the housing crisis structurally without simply throwing money at the problem, which will hopefully result in long-term cost reductions.

Although this crisis is complex and multi-faceted, these are a few ideas I found worth adopting - partly inspired by a John Dule post and party inspired by ChatGPT research. The only way to truly make housing affordable in the long run is by increasing the supply, and this bill addresses that by altering the regulatory code so that architects can freely build new housing with less red tape involved, and by taking an axe to NIMBYism.

Cities like Seattle and Los Angeles are only becoming more expensive to live in without an end in sight. While I'm not opposed to any new spending of any kind, both the federal and regional infrastructure budgets already incentivize building.

[Goldwater]

Looks good to me.

[Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God]

I take it from the lack of debate that our MPs understand that frivolous zoning policies and NIMBYism accomplish nothing besides making housing less affordable, which is very good. I'll open a final vote in 24 hours if there's no objection.

[Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God]

I'm going to just halt the final vote to make a few minor changes based on a fairly similar bill Lincoln is considering:

A BILL FOR AN ACT
To lower the cost of housing


Be it enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Frémont

Section 1. Title

This legislation may be cited as the John Dule Affordable Housing Act.

Section 2. Regulatory reforms

1. All construction on categorized pre-developed lots shall be exempt from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses.

2. "Neighborhood character" and "social justice" shall not be considered legitimate private interest concerns when licensing new construction.

3. All state zoning laws that prohibit the integration of low-impact commercial buildings with residential apartments are hereby repealed.

4. All state height restrictions on buildings in urban centers are hereby repealed.

Section 3. Denial of permits

All jurisdictions in Frémont responsible for the permitting of construction shall be required to provide a valid justification for the denial of permission to construct residential buildings;

   a) Environmental impact may be considered a valid justification if direct undue environmental damage can be demonstrated. Excessive sprawl caused by single unit residences may be considered a valid form of environmental damage. Tenants shall not be considered a form of pollution.

   b) Unsafe building design or land that is unsafe for construction may be considered a valid justification.

   c) Historical preservation may be considered a valid justification if the demolition of a building which is on the national register of historic places or is a UNESCO world heritage site is proposed, or if an overwhelming desire of the public to maintain a historic place can be demonstrated.

Section 4. Frémont Priority Project Program (FPPP)

1. All states in the Commonwealth of Frémont are hereby enrolled in the Frémont Priority Project Program (FPPP), and shall define the criteria that make a housing project eligible for priority processing. This criteria shall contain but not be limited to a higher percentage of affordable units, proximity to public transportation, or specific community benefits.

2. All states in the Commonwealth of Frémont shall appoint a team of licensed urban planners, reviewers, and inspectors to handle applications for priority housing projects. Each state board in the FPPP shall be tasked to engage with relevant authorities in pre-application meetings to address potential issues and ensure that the application is complete before formal submission. Each state board shall also be tasked with identifying and eliminating unnecessary paperwork and requirements.

3. All applications for expedited housing projects shall be approved or denied no longer than ninety (90) days after submission.

Section 5. Simultaneous Reviews

1. There shall be parallel reviews of any and all aspects of building projects, including but not limiting to zoning law compliance (provided that the criteria for existing zoning laws do not contradict this Act), environmental impact, and building code adherence.

2. Relevant housing authorities shall be tasked with identifying and eliminating unnecessary paperwork and requirements, focusing on essential information needed for the review process.

Section 6. Effectiveness

This act shall take effect ninety (90) days after passage.

Members have 24 hours to object.

[Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God]

Without objection, the amendment is adopted.

Final vote in 24 hours.

[Sirius_]

Atherton delenda est

[Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God]

Without objection, a final vote is now open. 48 hours.

A BILL FOR AN ACT
To lower the cost of housing


Be it enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Frémont

Section 1. Title

This legislation may be cited as the John Dule Affordable Housing Act.

Section 2. Regulatory reforms

1. All construction on categorized pre-developed lots shall be exempt from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses.

2. "Neighborhood character" and "social justice" shall not be considered legitimate private interest concerns when licensing new construction.

3. All state zoning laws that prohibit the integration of low-impact commercial buildings with residential apartments are hereby repealed.

4. All state height restrictions on buildings in urban centers are hereby repealed.

Section 3. Denial of permits

All jurisdictions in Frémont responsible for the permitting of construction shall be required to provide a valid justification for the denial of permission to construct residential buildings;

   a) Environmental impact may be considered a valid justification if direct undue environmental damage can be demonstrated. Excessive sprawl caused by single unit residences may be considered a valid form of environmental damage. Tenants shall not be considered a form of pollution.

   b) Unsafe building design or land that is unsafe for construction may be considered a valid justification.

   c) Historical preservation may be considered a valid justification if the demolition of a building which is on the national register of historic places or is a UNESCO world heritage site is proposed, or if an overwhelming desire of the public to maintain a historic place can be demonstrated.

Section 4. Frémont Priority Project Program (FPPP)

1. All states in the Commonwealth of Frémont are hereby enrolled in the Frémont Priority Project Program (FPPP), and shall define the criteria that make a housing project eligible for priority processing. This criteria shall contain but not be limited to a higher percentage of affordable units, proximity to public transportation, or specific community benefits.

2. All states in the Commonwealth of Frémont shall appoint a team of licensed urban planners, reviewers, and inspectors to handle applications for priority housing projects. Each state board in the FPPP shall be tasked to engage with relevant authorities in pre-application meetings to address potential issues and ensure that the application is complete before formal submission. Each state board shall also be tasked with identifying and eliminating unnecessary paperwork and requirements.

3. All applications for expedited housing projects shall be approved or denied no longer than ninety (90) days after submission.

Section 5. Simultaneous Reviews

1. There shall be parallel reviews of any and all aspects of building projects, including but not limiting to zoning law compliance (provided that the criteria for existing zoning laws do not contradict this Act), environmental impact, and building code adherence.

2. Relevant housing authorities shall be tasked with identifying and eliminating unnecessary paperwork and requirements, focusing on essential information needed for the review process.

Section 6. Effectiveness

This act shall take effect ninety (90) days after passage.

[Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God]

Aye

[Goldwater]

AYE

[Senator Spark]

Aye

[KoopaDaQuick 🇵🇸]

aye

[RC (a la Frémont)]

Abstain

My fault for not bringing it up earlier but particularly the building height limit repeal rubs me the wrong way. Would have also liked to have seen more specific definitions of "neighborhood character" when it comes to private interest concerns. Holidays had me a little messed up, my bad.

[AustralianSwingVoter]

Aye

[Ebowed]

Aye

[Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God]

With six votes in favor and one abstention, the bill is passed.

A BILL FOR AN ACT
To lower the cost of housing


Be it enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Frémont

Section 1. Title

This legislation may be cited as the John Dule Affordable Housing Act.

Section 2. Regulatory reforms

1. All construction on categorized pre-developed lots shall be exempt from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses.

2. "Neighborhood character" and "social justice" shall not be considered legitimate private interest concerns when licensing new construction.

3. All state zoning laws that prohibit the integration of low-impact commercial buildings with residential apartments are hereby repealed.

4. All state height restrictions on buildings in urban centers are hereby repealed.

Section 3. Denial of permits

All jurisdictions in Frémont responsible for the permitting of construction shall be required to provide a valid justification for the denial of permission to construct residential buildings;

   a) Environmental impact may be considered a valid justification if direct undue environmental damage can be demonstrated. Excessive sprawl caused by single unit residences may be considered a valid form of environmental damage. Tenants shall not be considered a form of pollution.

   b) Unsafe building design or land that is unsafe for construction may be considered a valid justification.

   c) Historical preservation may be considered a valid justification if the demolition of a building which is on the national register of historic places or is a UNESCO world heritage site is proposed, or if an overwhelming desire of the public to maintain a historic place can be demonstrated.

Section 4. Frémont Priority Project Program (FPPP)

1. All states in the Commonwealth of Frémont are hereby enrolled in the Frémont Priority Project Program (FPPP), and shall define the criteria that make a housing project eligible for priority processing. This criteria shall contain but not be limited to a higher percentage of affordable units, proximity to public transportation, or specific community benefits.

2. All states in the Commonwealth of Frémont shall appoint a team of licensed urban planners, reviewers, and inspectors to handle applications for priority housing projects. Each state board in the FPPP shall be tasked to engage with relevant authorities in pre-application meetings to address potential issues and ensure that the application is complete before formal submission. Each state board shall also be tasked with identifying and eliminating unnecessary paperwork and requirements.

3. All applications for expedited housing projects shall be approved or denied no longer than ninety (90) days after submission.

Section 5. Simultaneous Reviews

1. There shall be parallel reviews of any and all aspects of building projects, including but not limiting to zoning law compliance (provided that the criteria for existing zoning laws do not contradict this Act), environmental impact, and building code adherence.

2. Relevant housing authorities shall be tasked with identifying and eliminating unnecessary paperwork and requirements, focusing on essential information needed for the review process.

Section 6. Effectiveness

This act shall take effect ninety (90) days after passage.

Passed by the Frémont House of Commons 6-0-1-0

Scott
Speaker of Parliament

[KoopaDaQuick 🇵🇸]

A BILL FOR AN ACT
To lower the cost of housing


Be it enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Frémont

Section 1. Title

This legislation may be cited as the John Dule Affordable Housing Act.

Section 2. Regulatory reforms

1. All construction on categorized pre-developed lots shall be exempt from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses.

2. "Neighborhood character" and "social justice" shall not be considered legitimate private interest concerns when licensing new construction.

3. All state zoning laws that prohibit the integration of low-impact commercial buildings with residential apartments are hereby repealed.

4. All state height restrictions on buildings in urban centers are hereby repealed.

Section 3. Denial of permits

All jurisdictions in Frémont responsible for the permitting of construction shall be required to provide a valid justification for the denial of permission to construct residential buildings;

   a) Environmental impact may be considered a valid justification if direct undue environmental damage can be demonstrated. Excessive sprawl caused by single unit residences may be considered a valid form of environmental damage. Tenants shall not be considered a form of pollution.

   b) Unsafe building design or land that is unsafe for construction may be considered a valid justification.

   c) Historical preservation may be considered a valid justification if the demolition of a building which is on the national register of historic places or is a UNESCO world heritage site is proposed, or if an overwhelming desire of the public to maintain a historic place can be demonstrated.

Section 4. Frémont Priority Project Program (FPPP)

1. All states in the Commonwealth of Frémont are hereby enrolled in the Frémont Priority Project Program (FPPP), and shall define the criteria that make a housing project eligible for priority processing. This criteria shall contain but not be limited to a higher percentage of affordable units, proximity to public transportation, or specific community benefits.

2. All states in the Commonwealth of Frémont shall appoint a team of licensed urban planners, reviewers, and inspectors to handle applications for priority housing projects. Each state board in the FPPP shall be tasked to engage with relevant authorities in pre-application meetings to address potential issues and ensure that the application is complete before formal submission. Each state board shall also be tasked with identifying and eliminating unnecessary paperwork and requirements.

3. All applications for expedited housing projects shall be approved or denied no longer than ninety (90) days after submission.

Section 5. Simultaneous Reviews

1. There shall be parallel reviews of any and all aspects of building projects, including but not limiting to zoning law compliance (provided that the criteria for existing zoning laws do not contradict this Act), environmental impact, and building code adherence.

2. Relevant housing authorities shall be tasked with identifying and eliminating unnecessary paperwork and requirements, focusing on essential information needed for the review process.

Section 6. Effectiveness

This act shall take effect ninety (90) days after passage.

Passed by the Frémont House of Commons 6-0-1-0

Scott
Speaker of Parliament


Koopa D. Quick
First Minister