One strategy to lower the cost of housing is to facilitate the construction of “missing-middle” housing that legalizes more homes in existing neighborhoods without significant upzoning, or requirements for increased building heights.

AB 725 makes it easier for cities to allow medium-density housing by helping local governments, especially those in high-cost coastal areas, plan for more inclusive, multigenerational neighborhoods that accommodate various income levels. Specifically, under AB 725, local governments are required to plan for:

  • At least 25% of moderate income housing to be located in areas zoned for at least four units of housing per parcel, but not more than 100 units per acre.
  • At least 25% of above-moderate income homes to be located in areas zoned for at least four units of housing per parcel.

Click here for our fact sheet.

Updates:

9/28/2021: AB 602 was signed by Governor Newsom and chaptered by the Secretary of State. This bill will go into effect on January 1, 2022. Read our statement here.


Resources:

Author: Buffy Wicks (D, AD 15)

Resolution:

AB 725 was signed by the governor on 9/28/2020

Assembly Floor (8/30/20) 46 Yes / 22 No

Senate Floor (8/29/20): 23 Yes / 14 No

Click here for a detailed vote history.

Press Coverage

Assemblywoman Wicks Housing Bill Moves Forward, Bauer-Kahan and Frazier Vote Against – East County Today

Move to upzone single-family housing to fourplexes part of advancing legislative package – San Francisco Business Times

SB 50 didn’t pass. But California is still considering these housing bills. – Curbed Los Angeles

California legislators propose bill package to address state housing crisis – The Daily Californian

Supporters

  • California YIMBY (Sponsor)
  • Bay Area Housing Action Coalition
  • California Apartment Association
  • Council of Infill Builders
  • San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Research Association (SPUR) Silicon Valley at Home
  • The Two Hundred