Keep the Pressure on SB1118.

You can track SB1118 here.

Two bills - Senate Bill 1118 and its companion bill HB 1209 - are being introduced in the State Legislature and, if passed, will undermine the ability of local governments to manage their own urban development plans. We at Save Our Rural Areas Inc. 501(c)3 oppose them in no uncertain terms, and we encourage you to contact your state representative to make your opposition known.

Specifically these bills would:

1. Limit Local Governments’ Control Over Land Use Decisions

• The bill forces local governments to negotiate land use changes with property owners within 180 days after receiving a complete application. 

• If no agreement is reached, the state land planning agency (not the local government) reviews and potentially approves the amendment. 

• This reduces local governments’ discretion in deciding whether a proposed development aligns with their comprehensive plans. 

2. Weaken Local Land Use Planning for Agricultural Enclaves

• The bill broadens the definition of agricultural enclaves, making it easier for developers to rezone rural land for industrial, commercial, or residential use. 

• Local governments must treat agricultural enclaves as presumed non-urban sprawl, unless there is “clear and convincing” evidence otherwise. 

• This undermines local planning efforts to control urban sprawl and manage growth responsibly.

3. Encourage Fast-Tracked Amendments

• If a local government does not transmit a comprehensive plan amendment within 180 days, it is automatically sent to the state for approval.

• This reduces local oversight and may force decisions that do not align with a city or county’s long-term growth strategy.

4. Erode Local Zoning Protections

• The bill creates a new definition for infill residential development, requiring local governments to allow certain developments if they meet size and location criteria. 

• This could override local zoning rules designed to manage density, traffic, and public services. 

These bills will result in a shift towards state oversite and away from local governance, which is a revered principal in American political beliefs. It reduces local governments’ ability to enforce their comprehensive plans, and leaves local taxpayers holding the bag for road and utility expansion to accommodate unchecked urban sprawl.

We at SORA urge you to let your State representatives know you do not support these two bills. You can find the names and contact information for your county’s legislative delegation at this website. 

You can stay connected with these issues by visiting the SORA Facebook page for the latest information.