California Housing Update – April 2024
The U.S. Supreme Court just gave California a major opportunity to lower housing costs
CalMatters – April 23
Thanks to a recent blockbuster U.S. Supreme Court ruling on excessive and often arbitrary local fees, reform may be on the way that could help ease California’s worsening housing crisis. But critical unanswered questions from the ruling could also lead to an unproductive morass of litigation – something state legislation could avert.
Supreme Court ruling could pave way for more housing developments in California
CBS Bay Area – April 22
Much of the California's effort to increase housing construction has focused on removing the obstacles thrown up by local governments. And now, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that cities and counties must be more judicious in the way they assess impact fees on development projects.
Finding an apartment may be easier for California pet owners under new legislation
ABC News – April 18
California pet owners struggling to find a rental that accepts their furry, four-legged family members could have an easier time leasing new housing under proposed state legislation that would ban blanket no-pets policies and prohibit landlords from charging additional fees for common companions like cats and dogs.
California legislators take aim at construction fees to boost housing
KQED – April 16
After nearly a decade of trying to peel away the red tape holding back housing construction in California, legislators this year are nibbling away at the last of the low-hanging fruit: impact fees. None of the proposed bills would actually reduce these fees. That’s because doing so would require tackling a much thornier question of how to make up for cities’ lost revenue.
In University City, San Diego declares higher density is better for the environment
KPBS – April 2
San Diego is seeking more high-density housing in University City in an effort to shorten commute distances for the tens of thousands of people who work in the neighborhood but don't live there.
San Jose adopts ‘anti-gentrification’ policy to set aside affordable apartments for locals*
The Mercury News – April 1
The San Jose City Council this week unanimously approved a new “tenant preference” policy meant to keep low-income tenants at risk of displacement in the city. Under the law, 20% of affordable apartments in new city-funded properties will be reserved for lower-income applicants living in “high-displacement” areas. Additionally, 15% of affordable apartments will be set aside for lower-income applicants living within the same City Council district as the available affordable housing units.
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