Newly-Passed Legislation Would Strengthen Transparency of Historic Preservation Laws
Jurisdictions to Report Impact Historic Designations Have on Housing Progress
“California has a wealth of historic resources, but should take steps to make sure the process is not abused to block new homes”
SACRAMENTO — Today, the California State Legislature passed AB 2580, a bill authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (East Bay) and sponsored by California YIMBY that will help to align local efforts to preserve historic structures with the need to build more homes.
The bill, which now goes to the Governor’s desk, requires local jurisdictions to report to the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development when it approves new historic designations and evaluate how these designations impact the need for more housing.
“California’s unique history and historical architecture are worth protecting – but the preservation process is often abused by parties who simply want to prevent the construction of new homes,” said Brian Hanlon, CEO of California YIMBY. “AB 2580 is a critical first step toward identifying how historic preservation ordinances are being used across our state, and helping regulators keep track of instances when they reduce local housing capacity.”
“Historic preservation and housing are both essential to the wellbeing of California,” said Asm. Wicks. “AB 2580 will help state housing regulators keep track of the interplay between historic preservation efforts and our urgent need to build more homes across our state. I thank California YIMBY for their ongoing advocacy on this issue.”
Historic districts, and buildings designated as “historically significant,” receive special protections that subject new developments, building renovations, and other changes to a more rigorous and thorough review process to protect the integrity of historic elements. Most state housing law exempts historic designations to ensure their proper preservation.
But there are currently no objective standards for what qualifies as a “historic” property; in addition, any individual can petition to designate any property as historic – which invites abuse and bad-faith designations by actors whose goal is to block the construction of new homes.
Individuals and neighborhood associations in cities across the state have successfully designated entire neighborhoods as historic districts in order to slow or prevent future housing growth. These designations are often completed against the wishes of property owners, or the local government.
AB 2580 requires local governments to monitor how new historic designations could impact their ability to meet housing needs under existing state law, and report new historic buildings and districts to the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
About California YIMBY
California YIMBY is a community of neighbors who welcome more neighbors. We believe that an equitable California begins with abundant, secure, affordable housing. We focus on housing and land use policy at the state and local level to ensure grassroots organizers and city leaders have the tools they need to accelerate home building. Learn more: https://cayimby.org/