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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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