As Texas gears up to potentially become the most populous state by 2050, recent legislative actions may provide the push needed to sustain its growth momentum.
The booming population, often referred to as the ‘Texas miracle,’ has faced local-level resistance, especially in North Texas, where some residents express fatigue over the rapid influx of newcomers.
Local sentiments suggest a desire to pull back on the welcoming attitude Texas has historically maintained towards new residents.
Don Frazier, director of the Texas Center at Schreiner University, emphasized how migration has shaped Texas since its inception.
From the era of Mexican rule to the Republic of Texas and through several significant national conflicts, Texas has always been a destination for those seeking new opportunities.
Frazier pointed out that newcomers like Sam Houston significantly influenced the state’s trajectory.
In order to maintain this trend, the legislature has introduced Texas Senate Bill 840, a move aimed at stimulating multifamily housing developments in urban areas experiencing a housing crisis.
The bill specifically prohibits cities with populations exceeding 150,000 from restricting multifamily projects in commercial zones—a crucial step as many areas are seeing high vacancies in retail and office spaces.
Once signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, SB 840 will limit local governments’ abilities to form development districts that impede such projects.
This legislative change is expected to invigorate housing opportunities, allowing developers to transform vacant shopping centers and office buildings into residential units.
Basil Koutsogeorgas, a developer at Provident Realty Advisors, articulated the potential of these empty spaces, suggesting they could now be repurposed for the construction of apartment complexes.
The Texas legislature seems to be acting as a catalyst for change, as evidenced by the potential impact of SB 840 on local zoning restrictions.
Historically, suburban cities have clung to outdated beliefs that office spaces will return to their previous economic vitality, instead of adapting to contemporary needs for housing.
As cities like Irving, home to numerous unused office buildings, grapple with zoning laws, SB 840 aims to eliminate local bureaucratic barriers that could stifle necessary changes.
Under this new bill, developers will have increased scope to build higher-density housing—a significant shift for communities where historical standards favor low-density apartments.
One of the critical aspects of SB 840 is its restriction on local requirements for structured parking.
Developers will only need to provide a single parking space per unit, which enables them to explore surface parking options for residential complexes.
This adjustment is noteworthy because it relieves developers from the burdensome demands of traditional parking requirements, allowing them to focus on creating functional living spaces.
By reducing restrictive measures, SB 840 offers a platform for market-driven solutions for multifamily housing—an essential component in addressing the housing challenges facing Texan cities.
As examples, regions such as Plano, McKinney, and Irving with strict apartment laws in the low 20s per acre are likely to see a paradigm shift.
The bill allows for developments of up to 36 units per acre, enabling more efficient use of land and resources.
In practice, this means projects once limited by local regulations may now flourish, promoting a stronger alignment with actual demand for housing.
Moreover, the legislation underscores the importance of adaptable urban planning, encouraging local governments to rethink their traditional approaches to community engagement.
SB 840 is expected to eliminate some time-consuming processes that previously stifled development, such as lengthy zoning debates.
As a notable case, the Pepper Square zoning issue managed by the author’s firm illustrated the complications of local zoning constraints which may no longer be necessary under the new law.
Previously stalled developments targeted for retail zoning can now transform into larger multifamily projects without the previous bureaucratic hindrances.
This creates potential for significant residential projects that can accommodate the growing demands of the state’s population.
Furthermore, the legislation allows for increased building height—at least 45 feet—eliminating additional restrictions that have characterized some Texas municipalities which previously embraced lower building profiles.
While height regulations may not lead to a flurry of high-rises due to the costs associated with structured parking, the legislation opens the door for cities to consider ambitious architectural designs that optimize urban space.
Developers, once shackled by local politics, can embrace the newfound autonomy to create visually appealing and functional living environments.
Cities will also find themselves unable to impose stringent requirements like mandating commercial spaces with residential projects, a stipulation that often complicates development efforts.
By allowing market forces to dictate project designs and feasibility, the legislation sets the stage for innovation in Texas’s urban landscapes.
This proactive approach towards housing in Texas aligns with Frazier’s assertion that the state has always welcomed newcomers and needs to continue fostering that identity.
In a state with a rich history of immigration and adaptation, recent legislative movements like SB 840 are crucial to meeting future demands as the Dallas-Fort Worth area strives to reach a projected 12 million residents by 2050.
As communities adjust to this evolving pattern, it is essential to remember the Texas ethos: building a place for everyone in the ongoing story of this diverse and ever-growing state.
With the passage of SB 840, the Texas legislature is keenly aware of its role as a facilitator of growth, reinforcing the historical narrative that Texas has always been a place for newcomers to thrive and contribute to the larger fabric of the Lone Star State.
image source from：https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2025/06/14/cothrum-new-law-will-help-texas-add-much-needed-housing/
