Planning and zoning: regional housing need allocation: City of Brisbane.
Impact
The bill is expected to significantly influence how housing needs are assessed and allocated within the City of Brisbane. It establishes a framework for local governments to be accountable for demonstrating progress towards meeting their housing allocations. Furthermore, it reinforces the importance of local actions—such as zoning and rezoning—to meet housing demands, thereby intertwining local property management with state housing objectives. In this sense, SB 672 seeks to provide some relief to Brisbane by allowing it to focus on significant development efforts without increasing pressure from regional demands concurrently.
Summary
Senate Bill 672, introduced by Senator Hill, addresses regional housing needs in the context of the City of Brisbane. The bill modifies existing planning and zoning laws by preventing the Association of Bay Area Governments from allocating more regional housing need to Brisbane than what was allocated during the current planning period, under certain conditions. This means that as long as Brisbane takes specific actions to accommodate a significant portion of its housing allocation—specifically, 350% or more—over the next two planning cycles, it will not face increased housing expectations from regional authorities. The underlying aim of SB 672 is to support Brisbane as it works through its long-term planning process on a significant redevelopment project involving the Baylands area, which requires extensive remediation before it can be developed for housing and other uses.
Sentiment
The proposal surrounding SB 672 appears positive, indicating legislative support for local control in housing development as well as recognition of unique circumstances facing the City of Brisbane. Stakeholders seem to appreciate that the bill aims to balance the urgent need for additional housing in California with the need for reasonable and achievable development goals at the local level. Supporters argue that the bill aligns with broader efforts to address the state's housing crisis while allowing tailored solutions in individual cities.
Contention
While overall sentiment towards SB 672 is supportive, some concerns may arise regarding whether the bill adequately addresses the urgent demand for affordable housing across the region. As the City of Brisbane manages the Baylands development, critics may question the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of limiting regional allocations. Furthermore, the effectiveness of increased local autonomy might be scrutinized, especially if it does not subsequently translate into tangible housing improvements or address the needs of the community effectively.