2025 Bills SB 179: Zoning for New and Innovative Businesses
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Libertas Institute supports this bill
Staff review of this legislation finds that it aligns with
our principles and should therefore be passed into law.
Cities and counties often struggle to accommodate new and innovative business models because existing ordinances cannot anticipate every potential business model. Recent examples include food trucks, cold plunge spas, agritourism, and microschools—innovative businesses that frequently face regulatory uncertainty.
SB 179, sponsored by Senator Calvin Musselman, addresses this challenge by requiring local governments to establish a clear, predictable process for approving business types not covered by current zoning laws. The bill includes three key provisions:
- Shot Clock Mechanism – Cities and counties must review proposals for new business uses within 60 days, making a decision on approval and determining appropriate zones for operation.
- Process Transparency – Local governments must codify the process for entrepreneurs to request a business classification or petition for a new business use.
- Ordinance Clarity – Zoning tables must reference the ordinance governing the addition of new business uses, ensuring accessibility and understanding for residents.
These reforms promote transparency, predictability, and economic opportunity, particularly benefiting entrepreneurs unfamiliar with land-use and zoning regulations.
