17 - Laserfiche WebLink

could greatly alter the character and livability of these areas. Without limitations on demolition of existing properties, much larger duplex structures could come to replace more modestly-sized single family homes throughout the city. The bill, while including some tenant protections, does not guarantee affordability and thus is unlikely to result in an increase in the supply of affordable units. SB 995 (Atkins) Environmental quality: Jobs and Economic Improvement through Environmental Leadership Act of 2011: housing projects This bill provides California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) relief by expanding the exiting AB 900 process for the Environmental Leadership Development Project for housing projects, particularly affordable housing. This bill creates a new tool for housing developers who may have been interested in utilizing the AB 900 process, but did not meet the existing investment threshold to qualify. The bill would require a minimum investment of $15 million (as opposed to the current $100 million threshold), 15% of residential units in the project must be affordable; the bill would also allow projects to take advantage of an expedited 270-day CEQA litigation process, and would extend the overall program through January 1, 2025. The bill would also broaden the application and utilization of the Master Environmental Impact Report (MEIR) process that allows cities to do upfront planning and CEQA review that streamlines housing approvals on an individual project level. Recommended Position: Support This legislation promotes affordable housing, including a minimum percentage of affordable housing with long-term affordability agreements. It provides additional opportunities for cities to voluntarily revise and adopt local community plans and policies to support more housing, and to reform funding and administrative processes to encourage affordable housing production. Further, the bill would retain local control and the ability to make projects subject to CEQA review, with more certainty for developers who are able to achieve a certified EIR, and that any judicial review will be completed in a streamlined manner. SB 902 (Wiener) Planning and zoning: housing development: density. This bill allows local governments to choose to pass a zoning ordinance that is not subject to CEQA, for projects that allow up to 10 units, if they are located in one of the following priority areas: transit rich, jobs rich or urban infill site. A City may, but is not required to, take such action. Recommended Position: Support SB 902 would allow (but not require) local governments to pass an ordinance to zone any parcel for up to 10 units of residential density per parcel, if the parcel is located in a transit-rich area, a jobs-rich area, or an urban infill site. It is important to note that the bill does not mandate 10 units per parcel (it's "up to 10") — nor does it remove discretion to decide where any such zoning changes would apply. Page 3 of 11