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HB 1503

RELATING TO DISASTER RECOVERY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Alcos and 5 co-sponsors

House Bill 1503 streamlines accessory dwelling unit approvals in Arkansas, easing regulations to boost housing recovery in disaster-affected areas like Lahaina.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#coastalzonemanagement #lahaina #reconstruction
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Bill Summary · HB 1503

Summary of House Bill 1503: Relating to Disaster Recovery

Bill Number: HB 1503
Introduced: February 17, 2025
Status: Deferred by the committee(s) on WAL
Subject: Coastal Zone Management, Lahaina, Reconstruction

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1503 aims to amend existing municipal regulations concerning accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the state of Arkansas. The primary intent of the bill is to streamline the approval process for ADUs, thereby facilitating housing recovery and reconstruction efforts, particularly in areas affected by disasters such as the recent events in Lahaina.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to the regulation of accessory dwelling units:

  1. Definition of Accessory Dwelling Units:

    • An ADU is defined as a self-contained living unit on the same parcel as a single-family dwelling, equipped with its own cooking, sleeping, and sanitation facilities.

  2. Approval Process:

    • Municipalities are prohibited from imposing restrictions that would require public hearings, variances, or other discretionary zoning actions for the approval of at least one ADU on a single-family dwelling lot.

  3. Size Limitations:

    • Detached or attached ADUs must not exceed 75% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is smaller.

  4. Restrictions on Municipal Regulations:

    • Municipalities cannot:
      • Require additional parking for ADUs.
      • Impose design matching requirements with the primary dwelling.
      • Mandate owner occupancy of either the primary dwelling or the ADU.
      • Charge development impact fees exceeding $250 for ADUs.
      • Enforce more stringent development standards than those applicable to the primary dwelling.

  5. Application Fees:

    • Municipalities may charge a fee for reviewing ADU applications, capped at $250.

  6. Regulatory Compliance:

    • Existing municipal policies that conflict with the provisions of this bill will be deemed invalid after January 1, 2026.

Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects:
- Homeowners looking to build or convert existing structures into accessory dwelling units.
- Municipalities that will need to adjust their regulations and processes concerning ADUs.
- Local governments that may experience changes in housing density and community planning as a result of increased ADU approvals.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 17, 2025: Bill introduced and passed the first reading.
  • March 4, 2025: The bill was reported correctly engrossed and underwent amendments.
  • March 12, 2025: Passed third reading and was transmitted to the Governor's Office.
  • March 18, 2025: Notification that HB1503 is now Act 313.

Conclusion

House Bill 1503 represents a significant shift in how accessory dwelling units are regulated in Arkansas, aiming to enhance housing availability and support disaster recovery efforts. By simplifying the approval process and limiting municipal restrictions, the bill seeks to encourage the development of ADUs, which can provide essential housing options in the wake of disasters.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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