Manufactured or prefabricated housing units: statewide standards.
Impact
By restricting local agencies' ability to impose additional or unique standards, AB 1006 intends to streamline the construction process for manufactured housing projects. This move is particularly significant in the context of California's housing crisis, where the availability of affordable housing is a pressing concern. Supporters of the bill argue that the uniformity it promotes will facilitate the faster deployment of housing solutions tailored to meet state and local needs through manufactured units, while simultaneously alleviating bureaucratic hurdles that may be counterproductive to increasing housing availability.
Summary
Assembly Bill No. 1006, introduced by Assembly Member Grayson, seeks to establish statewide standards for manufactured or prefabricated housing units in California. This legislation aims to simplify the regulatory landscape for the construction of these housing projects by prohibiting local agencies from applying additional building standards beyond those defined in the California Building Standards Code. As part of the Planning and Zoning Law, the bill recognizes the need for consistency in regulations that govern manufactured homes, which are increasingly used as a viable solution to housing shortages in various regions.
Contention
Despite its intended purpose, AB 1006 may raise concerns among local governments regarding their autonomy to regulate building standards to meet specific community needs. Opponents argue that a one-size-fits-all approach could overlook important local considerations, such as environmental impacts or zoning intricacies. Critics emphasize the potential loss of local control over land use decisions, which they believe are essential for ensuring that development aligns with the unique characteristics and desires of local communities.