Housing (Zoning)

HB 3230 prohibits local governments from banning manufactured homes in residential zones where other single-family homes are allowed or imposing stricter rules on them than on traditional homes (e.g., lot size, foundation, or appearance). It defines "qualified manufactured homes" as those built within five years, meeting federal safety standards, having a minimum 900 sq ft living area, a 20-foot width or two-story height, and a masonry foundation. The bill requires local zoning rules for these homes to match those for standard homes and voids any discriminatory regulations. It directly affects manufactured home owners and local governments enforcing zoning laws in Missouri.

HB 3297 allows residential development in commercial or industrial zones if at least 40% of units are affordable for 30 years, prohibiting local governments from requiring zoning changes or special approvals for such projects. It mandates minimum density and height standards based on existing local rules and permits administrative approval without additional board review. The bill also creates property tax exemptions for qualifying affordable housing: full exemption for households earning ≤80% of median income, and 75% exemption for 80-120% of median income, applicable to new multifamily projects with over 70 units meeting income criteria. These tax benefits require annual applications with income verification and tenant restrictions, effective for tax year 2027.

HB 2991 allows cities to permit mixed-use residential (65%+ residential space) and multifamily residential (3+ units) developments in areas already zoned for offices, retail, or commercial use without requiring special zoning changes or extra approvals. It restricts cities from imposing stricter density limits (capping at 36 units/acre), building height rules (max 45 feet), or parking requirements (no more than one space per unit) than those applied to commercial buildings. The bill also simplifies conversions of existing commercial buildings to residential use by removing requirements for traffic studies, new parking, or utility upgrades beyond existing capacity. This directly affects developers building housing projects and city governments managing zoning regulations.

HB 2847 changes how certain cities can adjust zoning rules. It requires a two-thirds vote of a city council to approve zoning changes if 30% of landowners protest (covering either the affected land area or a 185-foot buffer zone). The bill also bans cities from allowing public referendums or votes to challenge zoning changes. This applies only to home rule cities located in counties with 260,000-300,000 residents.

HR 3876 is a non-binding resolution (not a bill) passed by the Missouri House of Representatives. It recognizes Missouri's severe housing affordability crisis, citing a shortage of 101,905 rental units for extremely low-income renters and 40% of renters spending over 30% of income on housing. The resolution urges the Missouri General Assembly and stakeholders to prioritize policies promoting affordable housing development, including zoning reforms and increased funding, without specifying new laws or funding mechanisms. It directly affects low-income renters, seniors, and families struggling with housing costs across urban and rural Missouri. The resolution serves as a formal call for collaborative action but does not enact any concrete policy changes.

HB 2077 prohibits institutional investors (such as hedge funds, private equity firms, or real estate investment trusts owning over 50 U.S. residential properties or managing over $100 million in real estate assets) from purchasing most single-family homes or small multi-unit properties (up to four units) after August 28, 2026. Current institutional owners must divest these properties within three years, selling them to individual owners or community-based housing organizations. Exemptions apply to nonprofits, public housing authorities, small local landlords (under 50 units statewide), and banks holding foreclosed homes for resale within 12 months. Violations carry up to $50,000 in fines per property and require forced divestment.