Focus
U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear Huntington Beach affordable housing case
MyNewsLA – February 24
The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear Huntington Beach’s appeal in litigation over California’s affordable housing requirements. Declining Monday to consider the city’s appeal. In December, the California Supreme Court declined to review an appellate court ruling in the state’s favor compelling the city to adhere to the affordable housing requirements. Huntington Beach officials argued that the city was exempt from the state’s mandates on building affordable housing due to its status as a charter city.
News
New bill would shore up California’s affordable housing supply
The Center Square – February 23
A new bill introduced in the California legislature seeks to bolster the state’s affordable housing market. Senate Bill 1091, authored by Senator Anna Caballero, would establish the Community Anti-Displacement and Preservation Program, which would fund and rehabilitate unrestricted housing units and institute restrictions on affordable housing units that would prevent residents from being displaced.
California adds mountain lions to its endangered species list
Courthouse News Service – February 12
California has granted permanent protections to mountain lions in a large swath of the state, adding the pumas to the state’s endangered species list. The protections cover six mountain lion populations in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Central Coast, Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains, Santa Ana Mountains and Eastern Peninsular ranges.
San Francisco Mayor Lurie signs bill establishing downtown tax incentive district
Connect CRE - February 17
Mayor Daniel Lurie has signed legislation establishing a tax incentive district to support the conversion of vacant and underutilized downtown offices and commercial buildings into housing. The plan projects that approximately 50 properties could currently be suitable candidates for conversion, creating up to 4,400 apartment units.
State approves short-term rental rules in Del Mar, Encinitas
The Coast News – February 10
Proposed regulations for short-term rentals in the cities of Del Mar and Encinitas can now go into effect following approval by the California Coastal Commission at a recent meeting in Half Moon Bay. Del Mar has been attempting to implement regulations for short-term rentals, also known as STRs or vacation rentals, for several years, a process that has sparked contention and legal challenges from STR operators.
Two lawsuits challenge San Francisco’s new housing plan from opposite poles
San Francisco Examiner – February 17
Two lawsuits are challenging the San Francisco’s recently-approved plan to accommodate more housing, one alleging the plan doesn’t go far enough with the other arguing that it threatens neighborhoods and needs further study. Both share the contention that local officials have veered away from the city’s housing element.
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