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HB 2913

Relating to the authority of a municipality to allow a person to file an application to stop a nonconforming use of a property.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Venton Jones

HB 2913 authorizes Texas municipalities to accept voluntary applications from property owners to permanently discontinue grandfathered nonconforming land uses, facilitating zoning modernization.

Referred to Land & Resource Management
#citygovernment--landuse&zoning(i0064) #civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #countygovernment--landuse&zoning(i0098) #propertyinterests--realproperty(i0595)
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Bill Summary · HB 2913

Legislative bill overview

HB 2913 would grant municipalities in Texas the authority to permit property owners to formally file applications to voluntarily discontinue nonconforming uses of their land. A nonconforming use occurs when a property's current use predates zoning restrictions that would now prohibit that use, allowing it to continue under "grandfathered" protections. This bill creates a mechanism for property owners to officially end such uses through municipal application processes.

Why is this important

Nonconforming uses can complicate urban planning and property development by locking in outdated land uses that conflict with modern zoning goals. Allowing property owners to voluntarily terminate these uses could facilitate neighborhood redevelopment, reduce regulatory uncertainty, and help municipalities modernize areas without resorting to costly litigation or forced discontinuation. This particularly benefits municipalities seeking to eliminate incompatible uses like industrial operations in residential zones.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights perspective: Some argue that grandfathered nonconforming uses represent vested property rights that should be protected indefinitely, and that voluntary discontinuation could be a backdoor way to pressure owners into relinquishing those rights
  • Undefined incentive structures: The bill doesn't clarify what happens after discontinuation (can the use resume later? what compensation or regulatory relief applies?), creating uncertainty about whether municipalities might coerce terminations
  • Scope and procedural details: Unclear whether this applies to all nonconforming uses or specific categories, and what safeguards exist against discriminatory application or abuse of the application process

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

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