2019 Legislation

2019 Legislation

SB 50 – The More HOMES Act

Senate Bill 50 would have legalized more homes near key job centers and public transportation. It included strong protections against displacement for renters and vulnerable communities in those areas.

The bill sought to ensure that the benefits of public investments in transportation and other amenities like parks, health care providers, and good schools are broadly accessible to Californians of all incomes. It proposed a default zoning program for cities that chose not to adopt their own local plans.

Learn more here.

 

AB 68 – Legalize ADUs Statewide

AB 68 legalized the widespread construction of “Granny Flats,” or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), as easy-to-build affordable housing. ADUs are small, independent homes that are built alongside (or sometimes, within) an existing single- or multi-family home. In addition to traditional ADUs, AB 68 also legalized “junior” ADUs of 500 square feet or smaller, which must be built entirely within an existing home and have a functioning kitchen and bathroom.

Learn more here.

SB 330 – Prohibit Downzoning and Moratoriums

SB 330 prohibits local jurisdictions from enacting new laws that would have the effect of reducing the legal limit on new housing within their borders, or delay new housing via administrative or other regulatory barriers.

Learn more here.

 

AB 881 – Technical ADU Fixes

Although recent legislation has significantly streamlined the ADU permitting process, in some cases, ambiguities in state law slowed or otherwise hindered the construction of ADUs. AB 881 updates and clarifies the state’s ADU rules to make them easier to build.

Learn more here.

ACA 1 – Affordable Housing and Public Infrastructure

ACA 1 allows local bonds & taxes for housing & infrastructure to pass with 55% majority of the voters. Currently the threshold is 2/3.

Learn more here.

 

SCA 1 – Public housing projects

In 1950, California voters passed a ballot measure that added Article 34 to the state constitution. Article 34 prevents cities from building low rent housing projects unless a local ballot measure is passed.

Senate Constitutional Amendment (SCA) 1 would begin the process of repealing Article 34. If SCA-1 passes, California voters will get a chance to vote on a ballot measure to repeal Article 34.

Learn more here.

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