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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-04-02

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

The Housing Choice Act creates incentives for North Carolina municipalities to adopt housing-friendly zoning policies by giving them priority consideration for state water infrastructure funding. Smaller cities (under 100,000 residents) can adopt at least 2 of 6 housing strategies, while larger cities (100,000+ residents) can adopt at least 5 of 12 strategies to qualify for this funding priority. The bill also requires a study on the state's housing needs through 2050.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill addresses North Carolina's housing shortage by removing regulatory barriers that restrict housing development, particularly multifamily housing like duplexes and apartments.
• •By offering water infrastructure funding priority as an incentive, the bill encourages municipalities to adopt zoning reforms and programs that increase affordable housing supply, help first-time homebuyers, and allow accessory dwelling units without requiring state mandates.
• •Advocates contend this approach respects local control while using incentives to align local decisions with statewide housing needs.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents worry the bill could pressure municipalities into zoning changes they believe are inappropriate for their communities, potentially affecting neighborhood character and single-family residential areas.
• •Some express concerns that allowing multifamily housing by-right in all residential zones or eliminating parking requirements could strain infrastructure, increase congestion, or reduce quality of life.
• •Critics also question whether water infrastructure funding should be tied to housing policy rather than purely based on water system needs and public health.