Plano is navigating significant changes in its urban planning due to Senate Bill 840, which took effect on September 1. This legislation permits multifamily residential developments in all nonresidential zoning districts by right, altering the city’s approach to development.
Impact on Local Development
Currently, three multifamily projects are planned under SB 840, bringing 827 new apartment units to the city. These developments are located on Mapleshade Drive and in northwest Plano. The legislation has also influenced other projects, such as Heritage Creekside and a planned independent living facility, by superseding the city’s comprehensive zoning plans.
Christina Day, Plano’s Director of Planning, noted that SB 840 introduces a uniform set of development standards, creating uncertainty about future developments. She emphasized the city’s goal to offer diverse housing options to accommodate residents at different life stages.
City Council’s Strategic Decisions
In response to SB 840, Plano City Council has made strategic decisions to manage potential development impacts. On April 13, the council approved a 250-unit independent living facility at the former Plano Athletic Club site, partly to preempt a denser development under the new law. Similar concerns influenced the council’s approval of changes to Heritage Creekside’s development plan, which now includes 700 additional apartments.
Addressing Housing Demand
Lawmakers passed SB 840 to address a statewide housing shortage. A recent study projects that Plano’s housing demand will exceed supply by 2,228 units by 2027. The city also faces a significant shortfall in affordable housing, with over 9,337 households qualifying as extremely low income. Despite this need, none of the planned SB 840 developments will offer affordable housing.
Plano has adopted ordinances to retain some control over these developments, including height limits and restrictions on residential balconies facing expressways. Signs will be posted at SB 840 sites to inform residents that these developments are state-mandated.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Plano — read the source article.
