The Kentucky House of Representatives voted to approve new housing legislation on Friday.
House Bill 333, sponsored by Representative Sarge Pollock of Campbellsville, is described as an attempt to remove regulatory barriers for faith-based organizations attempting to build housing, warming centers and shelter services.
A statement from the Kentucky House Majority Caucus says the bill would allow housing developments by religious institutions or developers on church-owned properties to be treated as a permitted use under local zoning laws.
The bill defines affordable housing as “reserved for households earning no more than 80% of the area median income.”
“In many communities, churches wish to be part of the solution to our housing crisis, but facing the zoning hurdles only delays and prevents their projects all together,” Pollock said. “This measure would empower the faith organizations to use their own property to benefit families, workers, and seniors who are being priced out of the housing market.”
Qualifying developments would be limited to a specific size, restrict zoning areas and require developed properties to remain affordable for at least 15 years.
Source: WAVE
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