Local planning: housing: commercial zones.
The bill will significantly amend existing state planning laws, as it asserts that housing development projects should have priority over commercial designations, thereby allowing the conversion of commercial properties into residential units. It also mandates that if local inventories of land suitable for housing development do not meet established goals for low and very low-income households, local agencies must take action to rezone sufficient land to meet these needs. Proponents argue that this legislation will enable more housing units to be built efficiently, addressing the critical affordable housing crisis in California.
Senate Bill No. 6, known as the Middle Class Housing Act of 2022, focuses on making housing development projects more accessible, particularly in commercial zones where office and retail uses are typically permitted. The bill requires local governments to permit housing development as an allowable use within these zones, provided certain conditions regarding density, public notice, and compliance with local ordinances are met. The primary goal of the legislation is to address housing shortages by facilitating the construction of more affordable housing units to meet regional needs effectively.
The sentiment around SB 6 appears to be mixed. Supporters, including various housing advocacy groups, view it positively as a necessary step towards alleviating housing shortages in urban areas and facilitating economic growth through new housing. Critics, particularly from local government associations, express concern that the bill undermines local control over planning decisions and could lead to haphazard development that does not consider local needs and context. There is fear that such legislative measures might prioritize housing development over community planning and sustainability.
Notable points of contention include the provisions that enable parties like labor organizations to take legal action against developers who do not follow bidding requirements. This aspect of the bill raises concerns regarding its potential impact on the costs and timelines of housing projects. Additionally, the requirement for local agencies to exempt parcels from the regulations only after substantial findings could lead to inconsistency and uncertainty in local planning, potentially delaying projects and creating friction between developers and municipal authorities.