SB 477 will require local governments to keep track of the data needed to evaluate the impact of state laws on local housing availability and affordability.

Reports filed by local planning agencies with the Department of Housing and Community Development do not include information about which state laws, if any, are used to enable more homebuilding. This lack of information makes it difficult to track the efficacy of state laws designed to address housing shortages, affordability, and related equity issues.

SB 477 resolves this data gap by requiring more information on California’s Annual Progress Report regarding Accessory Dwelling Unit law, Density Bonus Law, and laws that streamline the process for housing approvals.

SB 477 is a part of the Senate’s Building Opportunities for All housing package. Learn more about this package of legislation here.

Updates

  • 10/5/21: Governor Newsom vetoed SB 477. In his veto message, the Governor out outlined his commitment to incorporate data on housing laws into existing reporting requirements. Read his full veto message here.

Resources

Author

Scott Wiener (D, SD 11)

Sponsor

California YIMBY, SPUR

Press Coverage

Senator Wiener Introduces Four Bills to Spur Housing Production and Address California Housing Crisis – Davis Vanguard

San Francisco legislators push housing bills – Bay Area Reporter

More Wiener housing bills – Marina Times

Supporters

  • California Yimby (Co-Sponsor)
  • San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR) (Co- Sponsor)
  • California Association of Realtors
  • California Narcotic Officers’ Association
  • Circulate San Diego
  • Council of Infill Builders
  • Councilmember Zach Hilton, City of Gilroy
  • Greenbelt Alliance
  • Habitat for Humanity California
  • Housing Action Coalition
  • Sand Hill Property Company
  • Silicon Valley Community Foundation
  • South Pasadena Residents for Responsible Growth
  • Silicon Valley @ Home
  • Terner Center for Housing Innovation At the University of California, Berkeley
  • The Two Hundred
  • TMG Partners