Planning and zoning: density bonus: floor area ratio bonus.
Impact
By enabling local governments to establish procedures for granting FAR bonuses, AB 2372 significantly alters the dynamic of housing regulations. The legislation establishes clear criteria that an eligible housing development must meet—such as being located within urban infill sites or near major transit stops and comprising a minimum density of twenty dwelling units per acre. This focus on increasing housing density and altering the way impact fees are calculated could potentially expedite the approval activities for new housing developments, ultimately leading to the creation of more affordable housing options across various communities.
Summary
Assembly Bill No. 2372 introduces new provisions under Section 65917.2 of the Government Code regarding housing development and zoning. This legislation allows cities and counties to offer a floor area ratio (FAR) bonus to developers requesting to build eligible housing developments. The bill aims to enhance the production of affordable housing units by permitting developers to calculate impact fees based on the square footage of the project rather than on a per-unit basis. This methodology is intended to facilitate housing projects that include a minimum percentage of units set aside for very low, low-, or moderate-income households, thereby addressing the critical housing shortage.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding AB 2372 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters of affordable housing. Proponents argue that the bill provides the necessary tools for local authorities to incentivize much-needed housing development in densely populated areas, thus addressing systemic shortages in affordable housing stock. However, there are concerns raised by various stakeholders regarding whether the real estate market will respond positively to these changes, and if they truly result in the intended increase in affordable housing. This duality of support and skepticism underlines the ongoing debate over the best approaches to achieve sustainable housing solutions.
Contention
Notably, some points of contention in the discussions around AB 2372 derive from its potential implications on local zoning authority. Critics express concerns that the FAR bonuses might lead to overdevelopment in certain areas and undermine local governance by allowing the state to exert greater control over local land-use decisions. The requirement for at least twenty percent of units to be affordable to low-income families is also a focal point for debate, with differing views on whether this measure is sufficient to tackle the broader issues of housing accessibility and economic disparity.