The proposed amendments will not fundamentally change existing housing law but will introduce specific guidelines related to zoning practices. This encompasses setting appropriate standards that consider minimum floor areas, building setbacks, and parking space requirements. By establishing these standards, the bill aims to promote the development of housing that is economically feasible while addressing public health, safety, and affordability concerns. The intention is to make it easier for developers to construct affordable housing for low and moderate-income families, but local governments retain the authority to enforce regulations that protect community interests.
Summary
Assembly Bill No. 3345, introduced by Assembly Member Chen, seeks to amend Section 65913.1 of the Government Code, which pertains to housing development approvals. This bill emphasizes the requirement for cities, counties, or city and county authorities to designate and zone adequate vacant land for residential purposes while ensuring that these policies meet various standards related to zoning for nonresidential use. The focus of AB 3345 is on local governance and the need to align growth projections within the frameworks of the general plan to sufficiently address housing needs across all income categories.
Contention
While the bill is primarily positioned as a technical adjustment, discussions surrounding AB 3345 may highlight potential contention regarding local control over zoning practices. Critics may argue that even nonsubstantive amendments could inadvertently limit local governments’ ability to respond to specific community needs. This reflects broader themes in state housing policy debates on balancing state mandates with the flexibility of local governments to enact ordinances that cater to unique regional circumstances. There may also be concerns regarding agricultural land, especially since the bill delineates that vacant land does not include agricultural preserves, which could create further complexities in mixed-use zoning scenarios.