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Texas law has added complexity to a long-awaited zoning victory for residents in Southern Dallas. Senate Bill 929, passed last year, allows businesses to seek compensation if new zoning regulations reduce their property or operational value. This legislation threatens to turn a rezoning effort into a financial and legal nightmare for city planners.

    Residents of the Floral Farms neighborhood have fought for over six years to address environmental and health risks caused by Shingle Mountain, an illegal roofing debris site. The community has pushed for rezoning to remove industrial zoning and replace it with residential and agricultural designations. City leaders supported this effort, seeing it as a way to prevent future pollution.

    However, Senate Bill 929 introduces a significant financial risk into the decision-making process. Business owners can now demand compensation for losses, including land, building, and operational costs. This provision, known as amortization, has raised concerns among city officials. "A bunch of attorneys are going to get richer," said Robert Miklos, an attorney representing some industrial property owners.

    To address this new state law, the city council will hold a briefing on January 15, followed by a vote on recommendations in February. Council member Adam Bazaldua acknowledged the frustration of delays but emphasized that the community's opportunity for rezoning should not be deterred by a small delay.