The Faith in Housing Act would let qualifying houses of worship build or substantially rehabilitate affordable housing on certain land they own, after giving written notice to the relevant state or local zoning authority. The housing must meet building standards, stay affordable for 30 years, and meet income limits. Conflicting state and local rules would generally be preempted, but equal rules narrowly tailored to prevent hazards such as floods or wildfires would remain in effect. State and local authorities could inspect the housing, and people could seek court orders or declarations if the act is violated.
A house of worship could use land it owned by January 1, 2023, or has owned for at least five years, for qualifying affordable housing. The housing’s average cost must be affordable to low-income families, and every unit must be affordable at or below 140 percent of the area median income. If you live nearby, local rules that conflict with the act might not apply to that project, though certain hazard protections and inspections would remain.
No publicly available information.
The bill’s findings say housing shortages and rising rents can increase housing insecurity and homelessness, and that land-use rules can obstruct houses of worship from providing affordable housing and other charitable support.
No publicly available information.