In this episode of the Texas Land Guys Podcast, Tom Dosch sits down with zoning attorney Tommy Mann from Winstead to unpack Senate Bill 840, a groundbreaking law that is changing the way land use and multifamily development work in Texas.
Tommy breaks down why SB 840 is such a big deal for developers, how different cities are reacting (some playing by the rules, others pushing back), and what all of this means for investors, landowners, and local communities. He also shares highlights from his popular white paper, talks about the legal and political forces behind the bill, and gives developers some practical advice on moving forward in this new landscape.
From city loopholes and lawsuits to long-term market shifts and the future of multifamily housing, this episode is full of insights you will not want to miss if you are involved in Texas real estate.
Key Takeaways:
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SB 840 is designed to combat “Not In My Backyard” resistance and unlock new multifamily and mixed-use opportunities.
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Cities are responding very differently: Dallas and Fort Worth show openness, while places like Frisco, Arlington, and Irving are pushing back with restrictive measures.
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Developers should proceed cautiously site-by-site analysis and city-by-city interpretation remain essential.
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Legal challenges are expected, as both developers and housing advocacy groups now have standing to sue.
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Impact will unfold gradually: capital markets, permitting processes, and local infrastructure constraints still play huge roles.
In This Episode:
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[00:00] Introduction to the Texas Land Guys Podcast
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[00:31] Meet Tommy Mann: zoning attorney extraordinaire
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[00:46] The impact of Senate Bill 840
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[01:32] Tommy Mann’s background and career
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[03:14] Diving into Senate Bill 840
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[06:09] Cities’ reactions to Senate Bill 840
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[15:21] Developers’ perspectives and challenges
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[22:15] Legal implications and potential lawsuits
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[26:06] Future of zoning and legal practice
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[29:11] City reactions and interpretations
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[32:03] Population thresholds and legal nuances
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[39:21] Infrastructure and permitting issues
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[41:59] Market demand and developer strategies
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[44:37] Advice for landowners and developers
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[47:12] Conclusion and future outlook
Resources and Links:
Tommy Mann
Tom Dosch
