News
California bans parking minimums near transit
Los Angeles Times – September 23
Citing the need to address California’s twin crises of housing affordability and climate change, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill that bars local governments from mandating parking spaces as part of most development near transit stops. Critics say the new law could backfire, but supporters argue that by eliminating a costly piece of new projects, AB 2097 will result in lower-cost homes in urban centers, a plus in a state with sky-high home prices and rents and a growing homeless population. When the bill becomes law in January, parking minimums will no longer be allowed for housing, retail, and other commercial developments within a half-mile of major public transit stops.
Coronado and three other cities lose legal bid to limit affordable housing
The San Diego Union-Tribune – September 21
A legal tussle over accommodating new affordable housing in the San Diego region ended when the California Supreme Court declined to hear a lawsuit brought by Coronado, Solana Beach, and other cities. The litigation challenged zoning requirements for low-income housing imposed by the San Diego Association of Governments in 2020 under the agency’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment Plan. Coronado leaders were upset with a dramatic increase in the amount of affordable housing called for in the current assessment, as compared to the previous planning cycle approved in 2011.
California moves to ban natural gas heaters and furnaces
The Hill – September 23
California could become the first state to ban natural gas heaters and furnaces under a new proposal passed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on September 22. The decision, which was passed unanimously, aims to phase out the sale of space heater and water heater appliances by 2030. CARB says it will engage in a public process and finalize the program by 2025. The commitment is part of a broader range of environmental efforts passed by CARB last week to meet the federal 70 parts per billion, 8-hour ozone standard over the next 15 years.
Pasadena approves affordable housing on religious institutions’ land
Pasadena Star-News – September 24
Under a newly approved ordinance, land owned by religious organizations in Pasadena can be used to develop affordable dwellings, ushering in a new chapter in the ongoing scramble of local cities to meet the burgeoning housing need during a rocky economy. Some in Pasadena wanted more from the city, worried that the measure — essentially a zoning amendment — does not go far enough.
Update to South L.A. CPIO aims to shift development to commercial corridors
Urbanize L.A. – September 26
In 2020, Los Angeles Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson introduced a motion that seeks to strengthen zoning rules by restricting the development of student housing in Exposition Park and University Park, while also identifying the cause for the continued loss of affordable housing in the neighborhoods surrounding USC. A report given last week by Los Angeles Planning officials showcases how city staff are looking to respond to that direction. The effort would be implemented as an update to the South Los Angeles Community Plan Implementation Overlay (CPIO).
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