The bill also establishes that microunit buildings should not require a conditional use permit, ensuring that local governments cannot unduly complicate or delay the permitting process for these developments. Importantly, the legislation aims to enhance affordable housing access by mandating that a certain percentage of these units be designated for extremely low, very low, or low-income households, with specific minimum percentages based on the total number of microunits within a project. This aligns with California’s ongoing battle to provide adequate housing suited for diverse income levels and promote urban density.
Assembly Bill 3173, introduced by Assembly Member Bloom, focuses on the creation and regulation of microunit buildings within California. The bill mandates that cities and counties with populations exceeding 400,000 must allow the construction of microunit buildings in any zone where multifamily residential structures are permitted. This legislative effort aims to streamline the development of these compact living spaces, thereby enhancing housing availability in areas facing severe housing shortages. Microunit buildings, defined as residential or mixed-use structures with five or more microunits and shared common areas, must comply with specific minimum construction standards and space requirements as stipulated in the bill.
However, AB 3173 has faced some debate. Proponents assert that it mitigates the housing crisis by leveraging microunits, which require less space and can be constructed more economically. Detractors argue this approach might overburden local governments and challenge existing zoning frameworks, leading to potential conflicts regarding local autonomy in land use decisions. The implications of state-mandated zoning changes raise concerns, especially about how localities can effectively manage growth and the associated infrastructure demands. The ongoing discourse emphasizes the need for balance between state intervention and local governance.