The dangerous facts about BUILD

Many lament the failure of the General Assembly to act on the BUILD initiative to improve the affordability of housing. I have read the seven relevant Senate bills (3726, 4060, 4061, 4062, 4063,4063, 4071) and here is what I found:

A lot larger than 2,500 square feet could have four apartments; 5,000 square feet, six units; 7,500 square feet, eight units. Any lot could have an accessory dwelling unit (someone else’s granny and her family of 12).

Any residential unit could be expanded by the greater of 1,200 square feet or 50%, with no restrictions on bulk, height, etc.

Regardless of neighboring homes, required front yard set-back can be no greater than 10 feet, side yard 5 feet.

Greatly reduced parking requirements.

A new bureaucracy to license plan reviewers and inspectors available to developers if city does not respond within very short time limits.

Increased density would reduce permeability and increase flood risk. Zoning would effectively be controlled by the state, not the local city government.

If enacted, these bills would certainly improve affordability – by reducing the values of our existing homes. If your neighbors convert their home to a three-story six- or eight-flat 5 feet from your property line, it is inconceivable that your property value would not be reduced. Those with a big mortgage could be underwater.

It has been said that this is merely a starting point, but a dangerous one in my opinion.

John K. Rutledge

Wheaton