Planning and zoning: density bonuses.
The passage of AB 2797 is intended to facilitate housing development that is more inclusive of lower-income populations. Existing laws in California already required local entities to provide development bonuses and concessions; however, this bill reinforces those obligations, particularly for projects that include a significant number of affordable units. The bill's interaction with the California Coastal Act ensures that while increasing housing density to meet the demand, there is also a legal acknowledgment of the need to maintain environmental integrity within coastal zones. The expectation is that the bill will help to ease housing shortages exacerbated by increasing urban populations, especially in metropolitan areas.
Assembly Bill 2797 amends Section 65915 of the Government Code concerning density bonuses for housing developments in order to enhance the production of affordable housing within California's local jurisdictions. The bill mandates that local governments provide developers with density bonuses, concessions, and other incentives for projects that include a certain percentage of affordable units for lower-income households. Its intention is to streamline the process for housing developers especially in densely populated or high-demand areas while ensuring the legislative intent to support affordable housing initiatives. Moreover, it highlights the importance of compliance with the California Coastal Act, ensuring that coastal resources are protected during the development of housing projects.
The overall sentiment regarding AB 2797 appears to be largely supportive among housing advocates and developers who see it as a necessary step towards addressing California's severe affordable housing crisis. Proponents applaud the measures taken to facilitate housing development while ensuring compliance with environmentally protective legislation. However, there are concerns from some local government entities about the potential increase in development pressures and the challenge of balancing local zoning laws with state-mandated incentives. Critics express that without careful local implementation, the quality of housing and community well-being could be unwittingly compromised.
While the bill's goals align with broader state objectives of increased housing availability, contention may arise from local jurisdictions that may resist state-overridden policies on local planning and zoning. The requirement that a specific percentage of new developments must be allocated for lower-income housing could lead to local disputes regarding the feasibility and financial implications for developers. Furthermore, the bill necessitates specific compliance pathways that may burden local governments with processing and oversight duties, raising concerns about the administrative impact of implementing these new regulations.