Written by: William Hekman
It has been no secret that California is suffering from a housing affordability crisis, and Southern California is taking the brunt of the problem. Costs to buy, rent and build a home have skyrocketed in the state. However, the politicians in Sacramento have decided to pass two new bills dealing with housing costs that will end single-family zoning and undermine citizen initiatives at the local level.
On Aug. 30, the California democrat majority senate passed two bills that would significantly impair local control. Essentially, the two bills would permit the building of duplexes on single-family homes, which local officials would deem incompatible. Governor Newsom will soon decide whether or not to approve or veto the two bills.
The first bill, Senate Bill 9, would change local processes to increase the development and building of high-density complexes in already existing neighborhoods. For context, four market-rate homes would stand where one house already stands, without requiring the infrastructure to be improved due to the demand. Additionally, as many as six units could be built, and there is no guarantee that the houses built on the property will be affordable.
Another part of the bill limits cities from mandating adequate parking for these complexes within one-half mile of public transportation, essentially forcing those who live in these complexes to take public transit for everything, which is inconvenient and absurd.
The second bill, Senate Bill 10, would allow local governments to pass ordinances to up zone any parcel (up to 10) of residential density per parcel should it be located in a “transit-rich” area. The bill also allows city councils to override voter-approved housing initiatives, therefore going against the voters. These bills would be profoundly detrimental to California housing development and voters, who could ultimately have their vote overturned if these bills are passed.
Photo from: Shutterstock
