San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District: transit-oriented development.
The bill fosters a critical alignment between transit development and affordable housing. Specifically, it mandates that projects must include a certain percentage of affordable housing units, thereby addressing the housing crisis in the Bay Area. It also stipulates that if local zoning does not comply with the TOD zoning standards, these new standards will take precedence for any BART-owned properties within specified distances from stations, consolidating state-level authority over local zoning where necessary. The legislation is seen as an effort to streamline housing development and ensure it aligns with public transit access, contributing to more sustainable urban environments.
Assembly Bill 2923, sponsored by Chiu, is focused on establishing new zoning standards for transit-oriented development (TOD) within the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART). The bill mandates that BART's board of directors create TOD zoning standards that set minimum requirements for aspects like height, density, parking, and floor area ratio across its stations. These standards are essential for projects deemed eligible for TOD, thereby promoting development that is efficiently connected to public transportation, which can alleviate issues related to urban sprawl and transportation inefficiency.
Sentiment surrounding AB 2923 was largely supportive among advocates of affordable housing and public transit. Proponents see the bill as a step in the right direction towards accommodating the housing needs of growing populations while connecting them to transit facilities. However, there were concerns about potential pushback from local jurisdictions wary of perceived overreach into their zoning authority. The need for collaboration between BART and local governments is emphasized in discussions, signaling that while the bill aims at efficiency and affordability, the balance of local control remains a point of contention.
A notable point of contention includes the timeline and requirements set forth for local jurisdictions to adopt or conform to the new zoning standards. Critics argue that the 2022 deadline for local compliance is ambitious and may not consider unique local needs and conditions. Furthermore, questions arise about the enforcement of affordable housing mandates and whether the bill's implementation could inadvertently lead to displacement of current residents or housing units without adequate replacement plans, leading to possible legislative scrutiny in the future. Overall, AB 2923 highlights the ongoing struggle to enhance urban infrastructure while ensuring the well-being of vulnerable populations.