This bill would streamline the process for converting existing buildings to housing, limiting the ability of local government to add additional requirements/permitting conditions. Conceptually, we believe this is a good idea to encourage reuse of existing buildings. We are grateful that the substitute bill voted out of the House by a 96-0 vote includes language allowing for local review of projects seeking to convert buildings into housing that are listed as local landmarks or as part of a local historic district. This will enable conversion projects to take advantage of important state incentive programs that promote rehabilitation of historic resources. The bill recently had a hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing. We would like to see this language retained as the Committee on Housing considers a vote on this bill.
Our Position: Adopt Engrossed Substitute HB 1042 with provisions that allow local historic preservation commissions to review housing conversion projects involving locally designated historic buildings and local historic districts.
Please contact your legislator to voice your support for historic and cultural resources throughout the state. Find sample text and more information here.