HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 PC REPORT SENATE BILL 50 AGENDA REPORT ITEM #3
MEETING DATE: MAY 14, 2019
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: SENATE BILL 50 (SB 50)
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Planning Commission receive and file the report_
DISCUSSION:
At the March 26, 2019, Planning Commission meeting, Commissioner Gallagher asked
staff to report back to Commission on SB 50 as it relates to impacts on local zoning
authority. The following provides background and analysis of SB 50 and how the Bill
would affect the City of Tustin. The League of California Cities and the American
Planning Association oppose SB 50 (see attached letters). Staff will continue to monitor
the Bill and will provide updates as the Bill progresses.
Background
Governor Gavin Newsom has called for California to build 3.5 million new homes in the
next five (5) years to reduce housing costs and homelessness. On December 3, 2018,
Senator Weiner introduced SB 50, the More Housing Opportunity, Mobility, Equity, and
Stability ("HOMES") Act, which would modify the Government Code, commencing with
Section 65918.50. SB 50 proposes to permit qualifying housing developments to
bypass certain zoning regulations and restrictions to incentivize housing development in
the State. On April 2, 2019, the State Senate Committee on housing voted to advance
the Bill.
This Bill would establish waivers or an "equitable communities incentive" from local
government regulations if a developer meets the criteria specified in the Bill. Eligibility
for this incentive includes: (1) a job-rich housing project or (2) a transit-rich housing
project.
• A job-rich housing project means a residential development within an area
identified as a jobs-rich area by the Department of Housing and Community
Development in consultation with the Office of Planning and Research, based on
indicators such as proximity to jobs, high area median income relative to the
Planning Commission Report
May 14, 2019
Page 2
relevant region, and high-quality public schools, as an area of high opportunity
close to jobs.
• A transit-rich housing i)roiect means a residential development of parcels which
are all within a 1/2-mile mile radius of a major transit stop or a '/4-mile radius of a
stop on a high-quality bus corridor.
This Bill would require that a residential development eligible for an equitable
communities incentive would receive waivers from maximum controls on density and
minimum controls on automobile parking requirements greater than 0.5 parking spaces
per unit, up to three (3) additional incentives or concessions under the Density Bonus
Law, and specified additional waivers if the residential development is located within a
Y2-mile or'/-mile radius of a major transit stop, as defined.
Analysis
SB 50 would create mandatory overrides of local authority over new housing projects
eligible for an equitable communities incentive around transit stops and high job areas.
This Bill would waive specified standards and allow additional incentives or concessions
by local jurisdictions. In Tustin, at minimum, the following standards would be affected:
Tustin City Code/General SB 50 Notes
Plan
Density 25 dwelling units/acre maximum No maximum density Housing developments
could be built at high
(Not inclusive of maximum densities independent of the
Density Bonus of 35%) Zoning and/or General Plan
designation.
Building R3 (Multiple Family Housing): '/z-mile radius of a major The height requirements
Height 35 feet maximum height transit stop:45 feet+ appear to apply to all zones
Tustin Legacy Specific Plan: where residential uses are
35-150 feet maximum hei ht '/a-mile radius of a major permitted.
Red Hill Specific Plan: transit stop: 55 feet+
50 feet maximum height
Downtown Commercial Core
Specific Plan:
5 stories maximum height
FAR 0.5:1 maximum FAR for '/z-mile radius of a major This would result in a lost
Commercial General Plan Land transit stop: 2.5 FAR or capstone of building
Use designationra eater massing and intensity.
'/-mile radius of a major
transit stop: 3.25 FAR or
-greater
Parking 2 spaces/unit& 0.5 spaces/unit or less Housing developments
0.25 spaces/unit for guest could be built without
parking providing sufficient parking.
Planning Commission Report
May 14, 2019
Page 3
If adopted, SB 50 would do the following:
• The Bill would undermine community input on projects, and would remove the
residents' ability to engage in planning and the community building process.
• High-quality bus corridors are heavily present throughout the community and the
lack of a clear definition of a "job-rich housing project" could lead to a significant
number of housing projects being eligible for this equitable communities
incentive.
• Housing developers and transit agencies would have the power to determine
housing densities and on-site parking standards.
The City has recently adopted an ordinance for establishing a workforce housing
incentive program. In accordance, the City is supportive of increasing the housing
supply; however, is not supportive of removing local control. The City effectively
regulates and sets standards for municipal affairs that best fit the needs to the City.
This Bill interferes with the City's ability to do so.
Fallowing the League of California Cities and the American Planning Association:
California Chapter, staff recommends opposition to SB 50, unless modified.
s
Jessica AgdilaF7 Elizabeth A. Binsack
Assistant Planner Director of Community Development
Attachments:
A) League of California Cities Opposition Letter
B) American Planning Association California Chapter Opposition Letter
C) Senate Bill 50 ('Wiener)
ATTACHMENT A
LEAGE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES OPPOSITION LETTER
CITIES
2018-2019 March 27, 2019
LEAGUE OFFICERS
President The Honorable Scott Wiener
Janet Arbuckle
Councd h?ember State Senator
State Capitol Building, Room 5100
Sacramento, CA 95814
First Vice President
Randon Lane RE: 513 50 (Wiener) Planning and Zoning. Housing Development Incentives
Mayor pro Tem,Mumeto
Oppose Unless Amended (as amended 3/11/19)
Second Vice President
John Dunbar Dear Senator Wiener:
Mayor,Younroile
Immediate Past President The League of California Cities must respectfully oppose SB SO unless the measure is
Rich Garbanno amended to address our key concerns. SB 50 would allow developers of certain types
Vete Mayor, of housing projects to override locally developed and adopted height limitations,
South SonFroncisco housing densities, parking requirements, and limit design review standards.
Executive Director We agree with the fundamental problem—there aren't enough homes being built in
Carolyn M Coleman
California. The League of California Cities remains committed to working with you, the
Legislature, and the Governor on finding ways to help spur much needed housing
construction statewide without upending longstanding community driven planning
processes and stakeholder involvement.
Unfortunately, SB 50 as presently drafted lacks the flexibility needed to meet the
State's housing goals while also acknowledging community input and engagement.
Specifically,the League has significant concerns with the following:
• SB 50 would greatly undermine locally adopted General Plans, Housing
Elements (which are certified by the Department of Housing and Community
Development), and Sustainable Community Strategies (SCS). By allowing
developers to override state approved housing plans, SB 50 seriously calls to
question the need for cities to develop these community based plans in the
first place.
• Housing developers and transit agencies would have the power to determine
housing densities, heights up to 55 feet, parking requirements, and design
review standards for "transit-rich housing projects" within one-half mile of a
major transit stop. For those "transit-rich housing projects"within one-
quarter mile radius of a stop on a high-quality bus corridor,developers would
be able to determine housing density, and parking requirements above .5
spats per unit.
• What is the full scope of SB 50? As presently drafted, it is very difficult to
determine what constitutes a "jobs-rich area" since the Department of
Housing and Community Development and the Office of Planning and
Research are largely tasked with making that determination.
• Greater density but no public transit? SB SO would require cities to allow
greater density in communities that are high opportunity and jobs rich, but
1400 K Street, Suite R Sacramento, . 0
LEAG `U'E
01 CA111O
CITIES
lack access to public transit. This seems at odds with many state policies that
encourage and incentivize more dense housing near transit so that individuals
may become less dependent on automobiles.
+ 5B 50 allows some communities to be exempt if they develop their own plan
that is consistent with the objectives of the bill. Why not all communities?
Shouldn't all jurisdictions have the ability to have a community-led planning
process that takes into account local needs and input as long as state
objectives are still met?
For these reasons, the League of California Cities opposes SB 50 unless it is amended to
address the above concerns. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me
at (916) 658-8264.
Sincerely,
Jason Rhine
Assistant Legislative Director
cc. Members, Senate Committee on Housing
Alison Hughes, Consultant, Senate Committee on Housing
Ryan Fisberg, Consultant, Senate Republican Caucus
1400 K Street,Suite 400, 00
ATTACHMENT B
AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION _CALIFORNIA
CHAPTER OPPOSITION LETTER
American Planning Association
California Chapter
Making Great Communities Happen
March 25, 2019
Senator Scott Wiener
Room 2028
State Capitol
Sacramento,California 95814
SUBJECT: SB 50 Wiener —Notice of Oppose unless Amended
Housing Development Incentives and Requirements
In Senate Housing Committee—Tuesday,April 2nd
Dear Senator Wiener:
The American Planning Association, Californ ia Chapter must respectfully oppose S8 50
unless amended. SB 50 will create mandatory overrides of local zoning around transit
as well as areas with high job but low housing rates. Although our organization is
generally supportive of increasing housing development and planning for density near
transit and promoting a healthy regional jobs-housing fit, APA is concerned about the
mechanics of implementing SB 50 in its current form. APA appreciates meeting with
you and your staff on this bill to discuss our perspective
Without having more information on the points below,even as recently amended it is
hard to know how effective SB 50 would be, where it would apply, and what local
options for influencing development would remain. The responses to these
comments will determine if APA can eventually support the bill.
• The definitions of "job-rich housing project" and "job-rich area" need to be
defined in statute, rather than deferred to a determination by HCD in
consultation with QPR, so that the areas subject to the "equitable
communities incentive'that are not within a one-half mile radius of a major
transit stop or a one-quarter mile radius of a stop can be understood in
advance.(S.65918.50(e)-(f).)
• The bill appears to apply to all zones where residential uses are p=rmitted,
even where such uses are only considered conditionally permitted i.ses.The
bill should not require communities to adopt residential projects in
commercial zones where residential in only a permitted use with a CUP, for
example,to avoid incompatible uses. (5. 65918.52(b).)
• Projects eligible for an equitable communities incentive should be required to
build the affordable units in exchange for the incentive benefits rather than
permit project to qualify through payment of an in-lieu fee or other
alternative that is not guaranteed to result in affordable housing production.
CIO STEFANIGEORGE AssoctATES
1333 36-SnaEE r
SACRAMENTO CA 955816.5401
P:g16.736.2434
F:916.456.1283
www.calapa,orq
(S.65918.52(c).)
• The new unit threshold of 10 or fewer units for imposing affordability contribution
requirements for eligible projects will be below existing density bonus requirements,
which apply to projects with five or more units. To avoid confusion about whether a
project can receive incentives and concessions and waivers under the density bonus
law after qualifying for an equitable communities incentive, the two laws should be
harmonized. Moreover, because an equitable communities incentive would increase
development potential beyond what is allowed under density bonus law, the
affordability requirements to qualify for an equitable communities incentive should be
greater than what is needed to qualify for a density bonus. (S. 65918.52(8) and
65918.53.)
• The bill still requires the same incentives be given developers in every jurisdiction of
the state. It should allow jurisdictions that agree to approve the eligible projects by
right to gradually increase heights/FAR/densities up to the greater of four times
greater than surrounding neighborhoods or the maximum specified in the bill. As
noted above, however, the increases in development potential allowed for equitable
communities incentive projects must be provided in exchange for much higher
affr. ,, I.i. flity percentages in the project than are currently required in the hill or in
dei;pit, i -i ,:s law. This approach is more similar to LA's JJJ concept and would still
substantially increase the development potential in these targeted areas. (S. 65918.52
(B)and 65918.53.)
• Under GC S. 65915 subdivision (e), density bonus law requires local jurisdictions to
waive any development standards that "physically preclude' development at the
permitted density, if an applicant receives a "waiver from density" as an equitable
communities incentive and continues to qualify for density bonus waivers, as written
this could potentially allow a project to waive any other development standards. ((S.
65918.53(a)(1)and (b)(1).)This must be fixed by defining what, if any, waivers must be
granted to an equitable communities incentive project.
• Rather than inventing a new "sensitive communities" definition and process, using the
SB 1000 definition and process would allow communities to understand where this
section would apply and to use the recently adopted community plans already
completed. (S.65918.50(j)and 65918.55.)
If you have any questions, please contact our lobbyist, Sande George, with Stefan/George
Associates,sgeorge@stefangeorge.com,916-443-5301.
Sincerely,
,51 eg
Eric S. Phillips
Vice President, Policy and Legislation-APA California
cc: Governor's Office
Senate Housing Committee
OPR
Republican Caucus
2 CIO STEFAN/GEORGE ASSoCWTES
1333 36"'STREET
SACRAMENTO CA 95816.5401
P;g16.736,2434
F:g16,456.1283
wwwu.calapa.org
ATTACHMENT C
SENATE BILL 50 (WIENER)
II r LEGISLATIVE INFORIMATION
Home Bill Information California Law Publications other Resources My Subscriptions My Favorites
5B-50 Planning and zoning: housing development: incentives. (2019-2010)
SHARE THIS: In Date Published: 03/11/2019 09:00 PM
AMENDED IN SENATE MARCH 11, 2019
I
CAI 11 it<N1\ 11,61M.Al UM 2019-2+121l RkGIJLAR SESSION
SENATE BILL No. 50
Introduced by Senator Wiener
(Coauthors: Senators Caballero, Hueso, Moorlach,-ender)Skinner, and Stone)
(Coauthors: Assembly Members Burke, Diep, Fong, Kalra, Kiley, Low, Robert Rivas, Ting, and
Wicks)
December 03, 2018
An act to amend Section 65589.5 of, and to add Chapter 4.35 (commencing with Section 65918.50) to
Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code, relating to housing.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 50, as amended, Wiener. Planning and zoning: housing development: equitable eammunities
incentives.
Existing lavr, known as the Density Bonus Law, requires, when an applicant proposes a housing development
within the jurisdiction of a local government, that the city, county, or city and county provide the developer with
a density bonus and other incentives or concessions for the production of lower income housing units or for the
donation of land within the development if the developer, among other things, agrees to construct a specified
percentage of units for very low, low-, or moderate-income households or qualifying residents.
This bill would require a city, county, or city and county to grant upon request an equitable communities
incentive when a development proponent seeks and agrees to construct a residential development, as defined,
that satisfies specified criteria, including, among other things, that the residential development is either a job-
rich housing project or a transit-rich housing project, as those terms are defined; the site does not contain, or
has not contained, housing occupied by tenants or accommodations withdrawn from rent or lease in accordance
with specified law within specified time periods; and the residential development complies with specified
additional requirements under existing law. The bill would require that a residential development eligible for an
equitable communities incentive receive waivers from maximum controls on density and minimum controls on
automobile parking requirements greater than 0.5 parking spots per unit, up to 3 additional incentives or
concessions under the Density Bonus Law, and specified additional waivers if the residential development is
located within a 1/2-mile or 1/4-mile radius of a major transit stop, as defined. The bill would authorize a local
government to modify or expand the terms of an equitable communities incentive, provided that the equitable
communities incentive is consistent with these provisions.
The bill would include f:n lir t the changes proposed by-t4ts-bitl these provisions address a matter of
statewide concern cath, n-: , r ,r rai affair and, therefore, apply to all cities, including charter cities. The
bill would also-deelar_ _--•-,- - �!e-to delay implementation of these provisions in
sensitive communities, as defined, until Jul, i, zuz;), as provided.
By adding to the duties of local planning officials, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The Housing Accountability Act prohibits a local agency from disapproving, or conditioning approval in a manner
that renders infeasible, a housing development project for very low, low-, or moderate-income households or an
emergency shelter unless the local agency makes specified written findings based on a preponderance of the
evidence in the record. That law provides that the receipt of a density bonus is not a valid basis on which to find
a proposed housing development is inconsistent, not in compliance, or not in conformity with an applicable plan,
program, policy, ordinance, standard, requirement, or other similar provision of that act.
This bill would additionally provide that the receipt of an equitable communities incentive is not a valid basis on
which to find a proposed housing development is inconsistent, not in compliance, or not in conformity with an
applicable plan, program, policy, ordinance, standard, requirement, or other similar provision of that act.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs
mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Vote: majority Appropriation: no Fiscal Committee: yes Local Program: yes
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. section 55589.5 of the Government Code is amended to read:
65569.5. (a) (1)The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(A) The lack of housing, including emergency shelters, is a critical problem that threatens the economic,
environmental, and social quality of life in California.
(B) California housing has become the most expensive in the nation. The excessive cost of the state's housing
supply is partially Caused by activities and policies of many local governments that limit the approval of housing,
increase the cost of land for housing, and require that high fees and exactions be paid by producers of housing.
(C) Among the consequences of those actions are discrimination against low-income and minority households,
lack of housing to support employment growth, imbalance in jobs and housing, reduced mobility, urban sprawl,
excessive commuting, and air quality deterioration.
(D) Many local governments do not give adequate attention to the economic, environmental, and social costs of
decisions that result in disapproval of housing development projects, reduction in density of housing projects,
and excessive standards for housing development projects.
(2) In enacting the amendments made to this section by the act adding this paragraph, the Legislature further
finds and declares the following:
(A) California has a housing supply and affordability crisis of historic proportions. The consequences of failing to
effectively and aggressively confront this crisis are hurting millions of Californians, robbing future generations of
the chance to call California home, stifling economic opportunities for workers and businesses, worsening poverty
and homelessness, and undermining the state's environmental and climate objectives.
(B) While the causes of this crisis are multiple and complex, the absence of meaningful and effective policy
reforms to significantly enhance the approval and supply of housing affordable to Californians of all income levels
is a key factor.
(C) The crisis has grown so acute in California that supply, demand, and affordability fundamentals are
characterized in the negative: underserved demands, constrained supply, and protracted unaffordability.
(Q) According to reports and data, California has accumulated an unmet housing backlog of nearly 2,000,000
units and must provide for at least 180,000 new units annually to keep pace with growth through 2025.
(E) California's overall homeownership rate is at its lowest level since the 1940s. The state ranks 49th out of the
50 states in homeownership rates as well as in the supply of housing per capita. Only one-half of California's
households are able to afford the cost of housing in their local regions.
(F) Lack of supply and rising costs are compounding inequality and limiting advancement opportunities for many
Californians.
(G) The majority of California renters, more than 3,000,000 households, pay more than 30 percent of their
Income toward rent and nearly one-third, more than 1,500,000 households, pay more than 50 percent of their
income toward rent.
(H) When Californians have access to safe and affordable housing, they have more money for food and health
care; they are less likely to become homeless and in need of government-subsidized services; their children do
better in school; and businesses have an easier time recruiting and retaining employees.
(I) An additional consequence of the state's cumulative housing shortage is a significant increase in greenhouse
gas emissions caused by the displacement and redirection of populations to states with greater housing
opportunities, particularly working- and middle-class households. California's cumulative housing shortfall
therefore has not only national but international environmental consequences.
(J) California's housing picture has reached a crisis of historic proportions despite the fact that, for decades, the
Legislature has enacted numerous statutes intended to significantly increase the approval, development, and
affordability of housing for all income levels, including this section.
(K) The Legislature's intent in enacting this section in 1982 and in expanding its provisions since then was to
significantly increase the approval and construction of new housing for all economic segments of California's
communities by meaningfully and effectively curbing the capability of local governments to deny, reduce the
density for, or render infeasible housing development projects and emergency shelters. That intent has not been
fulfilled.
(L) It is the policy of the state that this section should be interpreted and implemented in a manner to afford the
fullest possible weight to the interest of, and the approval and provision of, housing.
(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the conditions that would have a specific, adverse impact upon the
public health and safety, as described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) and paragraph (1) of subdivision (j),
arise infrequently.
(b) it is the policy of the state that a local government not reject or make infeasible housing development
projects, including emergency shelters, that contribute to meeting the need determined pursuant to this article
without a thorough analysis of the economic, social, and environmental effects of the action and without
complying with subdivision (d).
(c) The Legislature also recognizes that premature and unnecessary development of agricultural lands for urban
uses continues to have adverse effects on the availability of those lands for food and fiber production and on the
economy of the state. Furthermore, it is the policy of the state that development should be guided away from
prime agricultural lands; therefore, in implementing this section, local jurisdictions should encourage, to the
maximum extent practicable, in filling existing urban areas.
(d) A local agency shall not disapprove a housing development project, including farmworker housing as defined
in subdivision (h) of Section 50199.7 of the Health and Safety Code, for very low, low-, or moderate-income
households, or an emergency shelter, or condition approval in a manner that renders the housing development
project infeasible for development for the use of very low, low-, or moderate-income households, or an
emergency shelter, including through the use of design review standards, unless it makes written findings, based
upon a preponderance of the evidence in the record, as to one of the following:
(1) The jurisdiction has adopted a housing element pursuant to this article that has been revised in accordance
with Section 65588, is in substantial compliance with this article, and the jurisdiction has met or exceeded its
share of the regional housing need allocation pursuant to Section 65584 for the planning period for the income
category proposed for the housing development project, provided that any disapproval or conditional approval
shall not be based on any of the reasons prohibited by Section 65008. If the housing development project
includes a mix of income categories, and the jurisdiction has not met or exceeded its share of the regional
housing need for one or more of those categories, then this paragraph shall not be used to disapprove or
conditionally approve the housing development project. The share of the regional housing need met by the
jurisdiction shall be calculated consistently with the forms and definitions that may be adopted by the
Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Section 65400. In the case of an emergency
shelter, the jurisdiction shall have met or exceeded the need for emergency shelter, as identified pursuant to
paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of Section 65583. Any disapproval or conditional approval pursuant to this
paragraph shall be in accordance with applicable law, rule, or standards.
(2) The housing development project or emergency shelter as proposed would have a specific, adverse impact
upon the public health or safety, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific
adverse Impact without rendering the development unaffordable to low- and moderate-income households or
rendering the development of the emergency shelter Financially infeasible. As used in this paragraph, a "specific,
adverse impact" means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified
written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was
deemed complete. Inconsistency with the zoning ordinance or general plan land use designation shall not
constitute a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety.
(3)The denial of the housing development project or Imposition of conditions is required in order to comply with
specific state or federal law, and there is no feasible method to comply without rendering the development
unaffordable to low- and moderate-income households or rendering the development of the emergency shelter
financially infeasible.
(4) The housing development project or emergency shelter is proposed on land zoned for agriculture or resource
preservation that is surrounded on at least two sides by land being used for agricultural or resource preservation
purposes, or which does not have adequate water or wastewater facilities to serve the project.
(5) The housing development project or emergency shelter is inconsistent with both the jurisdiction's zoning
ordinance and general plan land use designation as specified in any element of the general plan as it existed on
the date the application was deemed complete, and the jurisdiction has adopted a revised housing element in
accordance with Section 65588 that is in substantial compliance with this article. For purposes of this section, a
change to the zoning ordinance or general plan land use designation subsequent to the date the application was
deemed complete shall not constitute a valid basis to disapprove or condition approval of the housing
development project or emergency shelter.
(A)This paragraph cannot be utilized to disapprove or conditionally approve a housing development project if the
housing development project is proposed on a site that is identified as suitable or available for very low, low-, or
moderate-income households in the jurisdiction's housing element, and consistent with the density specified in
the housing element, even though it is inconsistent with both the jurisdiction's zoning ordinance and general plan
land use designation.
(B) If the local agency has failed to identify in the inventory of land in its housing element sites that can be
developed for housing within the planning period and are sufficient to provide for the jurisdiction's share of the
regional housing need for all income levels pursuant to Section 65584, then this paragraph shall not be utilized
to disapprove or conditionally approve a housing development project proposed for a site designated in any
element of the general plan for residential uses or designated in any element of the general plan for commercial
uses if residential uses are permitted or conditionally permitted within commercial designations. In any action in
court, the burden of proof shall be on the local agency to show that its housing element does identify adequate
sites with appropriate zoning and development standards and with services and facilities to accommodate the
local agency's share of the regional housing need for the very low, low-,and moderate-income categories.
(C) If the local agency has failed to identify a zone or zones where emergency shelters are allowed as a
permitted use without a conditional use or other discretionary permit, has failed to demonstrate that the
identified zone or zones include sufficient capacity to accommodate the need for emergency shelter identified in
paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of Section 65583, or has failed to demonstrate that the identified zone or zones
can accommodate at least one emergency shelter, as required by paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section
65583, then this paragraph shall not be utilized to disapprove or conditionally approve an emergency shelter
proposed for a site designated in any element of the general plan for industrial, commercial, or multifamily
residential uses. In any action in court, the burden of proof shall be on the local agency to show that its housing
element does satisfy the requirements of paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 65583.
(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to relieve the local agency from complying with the congestion
management program required by Chapter 2.6 (commencing with Section 65088) of Division I of Title 7 or the
California Coastal Act of 1976 (Division 20 (commencing with Section 30000) of the Public Resources Code).
Neither shall anything in this section be construed to relieve the local agency from making one or more of the
findings required pursuant to Section 21081 of the Public Resources Code or otherwise complying with the
California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources
Code).
(f) (1) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a local agency from requiring the housing
development project to comply with objective, quantifiable, written development standards, conditions, and
policies appropriate to, and consistent with, meeting the jurisdiction's share of the regional housing need
pursuant to Section 65584. However, the development standards, conditions, and policies shall be applied to
facilitate and accommodate development at the density permitted on the site and proposed by the development.
(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a local agency from requiring an emergency shelter
project to comply with objective, quantifiable, written development standards, conditions, and policies that are
consistent with paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 65583 and appropriate to, and consistent with,
meeting the jurisdiction's need for emergency shelter, as identified pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (a)
of Section 65583. However, the development standards, conditions, and policies shall be applied by the local
agency to facilitate and accommodate the development of the emergency shelter project.
(3)This section does not prohibit a local agency from imposing fees and other exactions otherwise authorized by
law that are essential to provide necessary public services and facilities to the housing development project or
emergency shelter.
(4) For purposes of this section, a housing development project or emergency shelter shall be deemed
consistent, compliant, and in conformity with an applicable plan, program, policy, ordinance, standard,
requirement, or other similar provision if there is substantial evidence that would allow a reasonable person to
conclude that the housing development project or emergency shelter is consistent, compliant, or in conformity.
(g) This section shall be applicable to charter cities because the Legislature finds that the lack of housing,
including emergency shelter, is a critical statewide problem.
(h)The following definitions apply for the purposes of this section:
(1) "Feasible" means capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time,
taking into account economic,environmental,social, and technological factors.
(2)"Housing development project"means a use consisting of any of the following:
(A) Residential units only.
(B) Mixed-use developments consisting of residential and nonresidential uses with at least two-thirds of the
square footage designated for residential use.
(C)Transitional housing or supportive housing.
(3) "Housing for very low, low-, or moderate-income households" means that either (A) at least 20 percent of
the total units shall be sold or rented to lower income households, as defined in Section 50079.5 of the Health
and Safety Code, or (B) 100 percent of the units shall be sold or rented to persons and families of moderate
income as defined in Section 50093 of the Health and Safety Code, or persons and families of middle income, as
defined in Section 65008 of this code. Housing units targeted for lower income households shall be made
available at a monthly housing cost that does not exceed 30 percent of 60 percent of area median income with
adjustments for household size made in accordance with the adjustment factors on which the lower income
eligibility limits are based. Housing units targeted for persons and families of moderate income shall be made
available at a monthly housing cost that does not exceed 30 percent of 100 percent of area median income with
adjustments for household size made in accordance with the adjustment factors on which the moderate-income
eligibility limits are based.
(4) "Area median income"means area median income as periodically established by the Department of arousing
and Community Development pursuant to Section 50093 of the Health and Safety Code. The developer shall
provide sufficient legal commitments to ensure continued availability of units for very low or low-income
households in accordance with the provisions of this subdivision for 30 years.
(5) "Disapprove the housing development project" includes any instance in which a local agency does either of
the following:
(A) Votes on a proposed housing development project application and the application is disapproved, including
any required land use approvals or entitlements necessary for the issuance of a building permit.
(B) Fails to comply with the time periods specified in subdivision (a) of Section 65950. An extension of time
pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 65950) shall be deemed to be an extension of time pursuant to
this paragraph.
(i) If any city, county, or city and county denies approval or imposes conditions, including design changes, lower
density, or a reduction of the percentage of a lot that may be occupied by a building or structure under the
applicable planning and zoning in force at the time the application is deemed complete pursuant to Section
65943, that have a substantial adverse effect on the viability or affordability of a housing development for very
low, low-, or moderate-income households, and the denial of the development or the imposition of conditions on
the development is the subject of a court action which challenges the denial or the imposition of conditions, then
the burden of proof shall be on the local legislative body to show that its decision is consistent with the findings
as described in subdivision (d) and that the findings are supported by a preponderance of the evidence in the
record. For purposes of this section, "lower density" includes any conditions that have the same effect or impact
on the ability of the project to provide housing.
(j) (1) When a proposed housing development project complies with applicable, objective general plan, zoning,
and subdivision standards and criteria, including design review standards, in effect at the time that the housing
development project's application is determined to be complete, but the local agency proposes to disapprove the
project or to impose a condition that the project be developed at a lower density, the local agency shall base its
decision regarding the proposed housing development project upon written findings supported by a
preponderance of the evidence on the record that both of the following conditions exist:
(A) The housing development project would have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety
unless the project is disapproved or approved upon the condition that the project be developed at a lower
density. As used in this paragraph, a "specific, adverse impact" means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and
unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified written public health or safety standards, policies, or
conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.
(B) 'there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the adverse impact identified pursuant to
paragraph (1), other than the disapproval of the housing development project or the approval of the project
upon the condition that it be developed at a lower density.
(2) (A) If the local agency considers a proposed housing development project to be inconsistent, not in
compliance, or not in conformity with an applicable plan, program, policy, ordinance, standard, requirement, or
other similar provision as specified in this subdivision, it shall provide the applicant with written documentation
identifying the provision or provisions, and an explanation of the reason or reasons it considers the housing
development to be inconsistent, not in compliance, or not in conformity as follows:
(i) Within 30 days of the date that the application for the housing development project is determined to be
complete, if the housing development project contains 150 or fewer housing units.
(ii) Within 60 days of the date that the application for the housing development project is determined to be
complete, if the housing development project contains more than 150 units.
(B) If the local agency fails to provide the required documentation pursuant to subparagraph (A), the housing
development project shall be deemed consistent, compliant, and in conformity with the appiicable plan, program,
policy, ordinance, standard, requirement, or other similar provision.
(3) For purposes of this section, the receipt of a density bonus pursuant to Section 65915 or an equitable
communities incentive pursuant to Section 65915.51 shall not constitute a valid basis on which to find a
proposed housing development project is inconsistent, not in compliance, or not ine8lifeFFMAY,, conformity with
an applicable plan, program, policy, ordinance, standard, requirement, or other similar provision specified in this
subdivision.
(4) For purposes of this section, a proposed housing development project is not inconsistent with the applicable
zoning standards and criteria, and shall not require a rezoning, if the housing development project is consistent
with the objective general plan standards and criteria but the zoning for the project site is inconsistent with the
general plan. If the local agency has complied with paragraph (2), the local agency may require the proposed
housing development project to comply with the objective standards and criteria of the zoning which is
Iconsistent with the general plan, however, the standards and criteria shall be applied to facilitate and
accommodate development at the density allowed on the site by the general plan and proposed by the proposed
housing development project.
(5) For purposes of this section, "lower density" includes any conditions that have the same effect or impact on
the ability of the project to provide housing.
(k) (1) (A) The applicant, a person who would be eligible to apply for residency in the development or
emergency shelter, or a housing organization may bring an action to enforce this section. If, in any action
brought to enforce this section, a court finds that either (i) the local agency, in violation of subdivision (d),
disapproved a housing development project or conditioned its approval in a manner rendering it infeasible for the
development of an emergency shelter, or housing for very low, low-, or moderate-income households, including
farmworker housing, without making the findings required by this section or without making findings supported
by a preponderance of the evidence,or(ii) the local agency, in violation of subdivision (j), disapproved a housing
development project complying with applicable, objective general plan and zoning standards and criteria, or
imposed a condition that the project be developed at a lower density, without making the findings required by
this section or without making findings supported by a preponderance of the evidence, the court shall issue an
order or judgment compelling compliance with this section within 60 days, including, but not limited to, an order
that the local agency take action on the housing development project or emergency shelter. The court may Issue
an order or judgment directing the local agency to approve the housing development project or emergency
shelter if the court finds that the local agency acted in bad faith when it disapproved or conditionally approved
the housing development or emergency shelter in violation of this section. The court shall'retain jurisdiction to
ensure that its order or judgment is carried out and shall award reasonable attorney's fees and costs of suit to
the plaintiff or petitioner, except under extraordinary circumstances in which the court finds that awarding fees
would not further the purposes of this section. For purposes of this section, "lower density" includes conditions
that have the same effect or impact on the ability of the project to provide housing.
(B) (i) Upon a determination that the local agency has failed to comply with the order or judgment compelling
compliance with this section within 60 days issued pursuant to subparagraph (A), the court shall Impose fines on
a local agency that has violated this section and require the local agency to deposit any fine levied pursuant to
this subdivision into a local housing trust fund. The local agency may elect to instead deposit the fine into the
Building Homes and Jobs Fund, if Senate Bill 2 of the 2017-18 Regular Session is enacted, or otherwise in the
Housing Rehabilitation Loan Fund.The fine shall be in a minimum amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per
housing unit in the housing development project on the date the application was deemed complete pursuant to
Section 65943. In determining the amount of fine to impose, the court shall consider the local agency's progress
in attaining its target allocation of the regional housing need pursuant to Section 65584 and any prior violations
of this section. Fines shall not be paid out of funds already dedicated to affordable housing, including, but not
limited to, Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Funds, funds dedicated to housing for very low, low-, and
moderate-income households, and federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program and Community Development
Block Grant Program funds. The local agency shall commit and expend the money in the local housing trust fund
within five years for the sole purpose of financing newly constructed housing units affordable to extremely low,
very low, or low-income households. After five years, if the funds have not been expended, the money shall
revert to the state and be deposited in the Building Homes and Jobs Fund, if Senate Bill 2 of the 2017-18
Regular Session is enacted, or otherwise in the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Fund, for the sole purpose of
financing newly constructed housing units affordable to extremely low,very low, or low-income households.
(ii) If any money derived from a fine imposed pursuant to this subparagraph is deposited in the Housing
Rehabilitation Loan Fund, then, notwithstanding Section 50661 of the Health and Safety Code, that money shall
be available only upon appropriation by the Legislature.
(C) If the court determines that its order or judgment has not been carried out within 60 days, the court may
issue further orders as provided by law to ensure that the purposes and policies of this section are fulfilled,
including, but not limited to, an order to vacate the decision of the local agency and to approve the housing
development project, in which case the application for the housing development project, as proposed by the
applicant at the time the local agency took the initial action determined to be in violation of this section, along
with any standard conditions determined by the court to be generally imposed by the local agency on similar
projects, shall be deemed to be approved unless the applicant consents to a different decision or action by the
local agency.
(2) For purposes of this subdivision, "housing organization" means a trade or industry group whose local
members are primarily engaged in the construction or management of housing units or a nonprofit organization
whose mission includes providing or advocating for increased access to housing for low-income households and
have filed written or oral comments with the local agency prior to action on the housing development project. A
housing organization may only file an action pursuant to this section to challenge the disapproval of a housing
development by a local agency. A housing organization shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs if
it is the prevailing party in an action to enforce this section.
(1) If the court finds that the local agency (1) acted in bad faith when it disapproved or conditionally approved
the housing development or emergency shelter in violation of this section and (2) failed to carry out the court's
order or judgment within 60 days as described in subdivision (k), the court, in addition to any other remedies
provided by this section, shall multiply the fine determined pursuant to subparagraph (8) of paragraph (1) of
subdivision (k) by a factor of five. For purposes of this section, "bad faith" includes, but is not limited to, an
action that is frivolous or otherwise entirely without merit.
(m) Any action brought to enforce the provisions of this section shall be brought pursuant to Section 1094.5 of
the Code of Civil Procedure, and the local agency shall prepare and certify the record of proceedings in
accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 1094.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure no later than 30 days after the
petition is served, provided that the cost of preparation of the record shall be borne by the local agency, unless
the petitioner elects to prepare the record as provided in subdivision (n) of this section. A petition to enforce the
provisions of this section shall be filed and served no later than 90 days from the later of(1)the effective date of
a decision of the local agency imposing conditions on, disapproving, or any other final action on a housing
development project or (2) the expiration of the time periods specified in subparagraph (8) of paragraph (5) of
subdivision (h). Upon entry of the trial court's order, a party may, in order to obtain appellate review of the order,
file a petition within 20 days after service upon it of a written notice of the entry of the order, or within such
further time not exceeding an additional 20 days as the trial court may for good cause allow, or may appeal the
judgment or order of the trial court under Section 904.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure. If the local agency
appeals the judgment of the trial court, the local agency shall post a bond, in an amount to be determined by the
court, to the benefit of the plaintiff if the plaintiff is the project applicant.
(n) In any action, the record of the proceedings before the local agency shall be filed as expeditiously as possible
and, notwithstanding Section 1094.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure or subdivision (m) of this section, all or part
of the record may be prepared (1) by the petitioner with the petition or petitioner's points and authorities, (2) by
the respondent with respondent's points and authorities, (3) after payment of costs by the petitioner, or (4) as
otherwise directed by the court. If the expense of preparing the record has been borne by the petitioner and the
petitioner is the prevailing party, the expense shall be taxable as costs.
(o)This section shall be known, and may be cited, as the Housing Accountability Act.
& 1014-4-.SEC. 2. Chapter 4.35 (commencing with Section 65918.50) is added to Division 1 of Title 7 of the
Government Code, to read:
CHAPTER 4.35.Equitable Communities Incentives
65918.50. For purposes of this chapter:
(a)"AffOFElable" Fneaf�s available at affordable rent er affordable housing East te, and eceupied by, persefis aREJ
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(a) "Development proponent" means an applicant who submits an application for an equitable communities
incentive pursuant to this chapter.
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(b)"Eligible applicant"means a development proponent who receives an equitable communities incentive.
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(c)"FAIL" means floor area ratio.
(d) "High-quality bus corridor" means a corridor with fixed route bus service that meets all of the following
criteria:
(1) It has average service intervals of no more than 15 minutes during the three peak hours between 6 a.m. to
10 a.m., inclusive, and the three peak hours between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., inclusive, on Monday through Friday.
(2) It has average service intervals of no more than 20 minutes during the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 a.ffl., p.m.,
inclusive, on Monday through Friday.
(3) It h, i,erage intervals of no more than 30 minutes during the hours of S a.m. to 10 p.m., inclusive, on
Saturday and Sunday.
(e) (1) "Jobs-rich area"means an area identified by the Department of Housing and Community Development in
consultation with the Office of Planning and Research that is both high opportunity and jobs rich, based on
whether, in a regional analysis, the tract meets the fallowing:
(A) The tract is higher opportunity and its characteristics are associated with positive educational and economic
outcomes for households of all income levels residing in the tract.
(B) The tract meets either of the following criteria:
(i) New housing sited in the tract would enable residents to live in or near a jobs-rich area, as measured by
employment density and job totals.
(ii) New housing sited in the tract would enable shorter commute distances for residents, compared to existing
commute levels.
(2) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall, commencing on January 1, 2020, publish
and update, every five years thereafter, a map of the state showing the areas identified by the department as
jobs-rich areas."
(f) "Job-rich housing project" means a residential development within an area identified as a jobs-rich area by
the Department of housing and Community Development and in consultation with the Office of Planning and
Research, based on indicators such as proximity to jobs, high area median Income relative to the relevant region,
and high-quality public schools, as an area of high opportunity close to jobs. A residential development shall be
deemed to be within an area designated as job-rich if both of the following apply:
(1) All parcels within the project have no more than 25 percent of their area outside of the job-rich area.
(2) No more than 10 percent of residential units or 100 units, whichever is less, of the development are outside
of the job-rir-h iuea.
(g) "Lor--i1 ,; r,ment" means a city, including a charter city, a county, or a city and county.
(h)"Major tro sit stop"means a site EORta sing an existing rail transit station or a ferry terminal
hk,s eF -"i' .__.,,..t5eFvieeT that is a major transit stop pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 21155 of the Public
Resources Code.
(i) "Residential development" means a project with at least two-thirds of the square footage of the development
designated for residential use.
(j) "Sensitive community" means an either of the following:
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), an area identified by the Department of housing and Community
Development, which identification shall be updated every five years, in consultation with local community-based
organizations in each metropolitan planning region, as an area ineFable to displaeer.ent pressure5, l3ase ' en
where both of the following apply.-
(A)
pply.(A) Thirty percent or more of the census tract lives below the poverty line, provided that college students do not
compose at least 25 percent of the population.
(B) The location quotient of residential racial segregation in the census tract is at least 1.25 as defined by the
Department of Housing and Community Development.
(2) In the Counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano, and
Sonoma, areas designated by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission on December 19, 2018, as the
intersection of disadvantaged and vulnerable communities as defined by the Metropolitan Transportation
Commission and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, which identification of a
sensitive community shall be updated at least every five years by the Department of Housing and Community
Development.
(k) "Tenant" means a persons who does not own the property where they reside, including residential
situations that are any of the following:
(1) Residential real property rented by the person under a long-term lease.
(2) A single-room occupancy unit.
(3) An accessory dwelling unit that is not subject to, or does not have a valid permit in accordance with, an
ordinance adopted by a local agency pursuant to Section 65852.22.
(4) A residential motel.
(5) A mobilehome park, as governed under the Mobilehome Residency Law (Chapter 2.5 (commencing with
Section 798) of Title 2 of Part 2 of Division 2 of the Civil Code), the Recreational Vehicle Park Occupancy Law
(Chapter 2.6 (commencing with Section 799.20) of Title 2 of Part 2 of Division 2 of the Civil Code), the
Mobilehome Parks Act(Part 2.1 (commencing with Section 18200) of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code),
or the Special Occupancy Parks Act(Part 2.3 (commencing with .Section 18860) of Division 13 of the Health and
Safety Code).
(6) Any other type of residential property that is not owned by the person or a member of the person's
household, for which the person or a member of the person's household provides payments on a regular
schedule in exchange for the right to occupy the residential property.
(1) "Transit-rich housing project" means a residential development the parcels of which are all within a one-half
mile radius of a major transit stop or a one-quarter mile radius of a stop on a high-quality bus corridor. A project
shall be deemed to be within a ene half FRale the radius
if bath of the following apply:
(1) All parcels within the project have no more than 25 percent of their area outside of a one-half mile radius of
a major transit stop or a one-quarter mile radius of a stop on a high-quality bus corridor.
(2) No more than 10 percent of the residential units or 100 units, whichever is less, of the project are outside of
a one-half mile radius of a major transit stop or a one-quarter mile radius of a stop on a high-quality bus
corridor.
65918.51. (-a)A local government shall, upon request of a development proponent, grant an equitable
communities incentive, as specified in Section 65918.53, when the development proponent seeks and agrees to
construct a residential development that satisfies the requirements specified in Section 65918.52.
190dy that IREFease residential deps ty met undeFFnine the equitable EeFHFRUR ties ifirEefit Ye PFO@FaFn established
by tiq s elgaptt
65918.52. In order to be eligible for an equitable communities incentive pursuant to this chapter, a residential
development shall meet all of the following criteria:
(a)The residential development is either a job-rich housing project or transit-rich housing project.
(b) The residential development is located on a site that, at the time of application, is zoned to allow housing as
an underlying use in the zone, including, but not limited to, a residential, mixed-use, or commercial zone, as
defined and allowed by the local government.
(c) (1) If the local government has adopted an inclusionary housing ordinance requiring that the development
include a certain number of units affordable to households with incomes that do not exceed the limits for
moderate-income, lower income, very low income, or extremely low income specified in Sections 50079.5,
50093, 50105, and 50106 of the Health and Safety Code, and that ordinance requires that a new development
include levels of affordable housing in excess of the requirements specified in paragraph (2), the residential
development complies with that ordinance. The ordinance may provide alternative means of compliance that
` may include, but are not limited to, in-lieu fees, land dedication, offsite construction, or acquisition and
rehabilitation of existing units.
(2) (A) If the local government has not adopted an inclusionary housing ordinance, as described in paragraph
(1), aAd the FeSideFitial Elevelepffient iFiEludes er A98Fe FesideRtial Hn ts, the residential development
includes en5ite an affordable housing contribution for households with incomes that do not exceed the limits for
extremely low income, very low income, and low income specified in Sections 50093, 50105, and 50106 of the
Health and Safety Code.
resideFitial units receiving aFi equitable EOffJFRHfijtqe5 T nr=entiye PUFSUaRt te this elgapteF include hous nq affordable
i9e less thaH the number of eigs'te unFts afferdable te low eF YeFy IOW ineaFne heuseheld5 that weHld be required
(8)For purposes of this paragraph, the residential development is subject to one of the following:
(i) If the project has 10 or fewer units, no affordability contribution is imposed.
(ii) If the project has 11 to 20 residential units, the development proponent may pay an in-lieu fee to the local
government for affordable housing, where feasible,pursuant to subparagraph (C).
(iii) If the project has more than 20 residential units, the development proponent shall do either of the following:
(1) Make a comparable affordability contribution toward housing offsite that is affordable to lower income
households, pursuant to subparagraph (C).
(11) Include units on the site of the project that are affordable to extremely low income, as defined in Section
50105 of the Health and Safety Code, very low income, or low-income households, as defined in Section 50079.5
of the Health and Safety Code, as follows:
Project Size Inclusionary Requirement
21-200 units 15%low income; or
8%very low income;or
6%6 extremely low income
201-350 units 171116 low income; or
10% very low income; or
8010 extremely low income
351 or more units 25%low income; or
15%6 very low income; or
11%6 extremely low income
(C) The development proponent of a project that qualifies pursuant to clause (ii) or subclause (1) of clause(iii) of
subparagraph (B) may make a comparable affordability contribution toward housing offsite that is affordable to
lower income households, as follows:
(i) The local government collecting the in-lieu fee payment shall make every effort to ensure that future
affordable housing will be sited within one-half mile of the original project location within the boundaries of the
local government by designating an existing housing opportunity site within a one-half mile radius of the project
site for affordable housing. To the extent practicable, local housing funding shall be prioritized at the first
opportunity to build affordable housing on that site.
(ii) If no housing opportunity sites that satisfy clause (i) are available, the local government shall designate a
site for affordable housing within the boundaries of the local government and make findings that the site for the
affordable housing development affirmatively furthers fair housing, as defined in Section 8899.50.
(0)Affordability of units pursuant to this paragraph shall be restricted by deed for a period of 55 years for rental
units or 45 years for units offered for sale.
(d)The site does not contain, or has not contained, either of the following:
(1) Housing occupied by tenants within the seven years preceding the date of the application, including housing
that has been demolished or that tenants have vacated prior to the application for a development permit.
(2) A parcel or parcels on which an owner of residential real property has exercised Fs enter their rights under
Chapter 12.75 (commencing with Section 7060) of division 7 of Title 1 to withdraw accommodations from rent or
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lease within 15 years prior to the date that the development proponent submits an application pursuant to this
chapter.
(e)The residential development complies with all applicable labor, construction employment, and wage standards
otherwise required by law and any other generally applicable requirement regarding the approval of a
development project, including, but not limited to, the local government's conditional use or other discretionary
permit approval process, the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000)
of the Public Resources Code),or a streamlined approval process that Includes labor protections.
(f) The residential development complies with all other relevant standards, requirements, and prohibitions
imposed by the local government regarding architectural design, restrictions on or oversight of demolition,
impact fees, and community benefits agreements.
(g) The equitable communities incentive shall not be used to undermine the economic feasibility of delivering
low-income housing under the state density bonus program or a local implementation of the state density bonus
program, or any locally adopted program that puts conditions on new development applications on the basis of
receiving a zone change or general plan amendment in exchange for benefits such as increased affordable
housing, local hire, or payment of prevailing wages,
65918.53. (a) " F__`d_ntial de _`_pT_n` Any transit-rich or jobs-rich housing project that meets the criteria
specified in Section 65918.52 shall receive, upon request, an equitable communities incentive as follows:
(4)Any eligible app!cant shall receive the fellawing!
(1)A waiver from maximum controls on density.
fs}
(2) A waiver fromFtiaxi9guni minimum automobile parking requirements greater than 0.5 automobile parking
spots per unit.
(3) Up to three incentives and concessions pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 65915.
04
(b) An eligible applicant proposing a residential development that is located within a one-half mile radius, but
outside a one-quarter mile radius, of a major transit stop
housing drams shall receive, in addition to the incentives specified in paragiaa ),subdivision (a), waivers from
all of the following:
{-A-)
(1) Maximum height requirements less than 45 feet.
(4)
(2) Maximum FAR requirements less than 2.5.
(3) Notwithstanding subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), any maximum automobile parking requirement.
f3}
(c) An eligible applicant proposing a residential development that is located within a one-quarter mile radius of a
major transit stop shall receive, in addition to
the incentives specified ink),subdivision (a), waivers from all of the following:
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(1) Maximum height requirements less than 55 feet.
4$)
(2) Maximum FAR requirements less than 3.25.
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(3) Notwithstanding—s rr-&phr (13) a paragrapher (I) of subdivision (b), any IfflaNifflUM minimum
automobile parking requirement.
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, for purposes of calculating any additional incentive or concession in
accordance with Section 65415, the number of units in the residential development after applying the equitable
communities incentive received pursuant to this chapter shall be used as the base density for calculating the
incentive or concession under that section.
(e) An eligible applicant proposing a project that meets all of the requirements under Section 65413.4 may
submit an application for streamlined, ministerial approval in accordance with that section.
(f) The local government may modify or expand the terms of an equitable communities incentive provided.
pursuant to this chapter, provided that the equitable communities incentive is consistent with, and meets the
minimum standards specified in, this chapter.
65918.54. The Legislature finds and declares that this chapter addresses a matter of statewide concern rather
than a municipal affair as that term is used in Section 5 of Article XI of the California Constitution.Therefore, this
chapter applies to all cities, including charter cities.
65918.55. (a) Implementation of this chapter shall be
delayed in sensitive communities until July 1, 2020.
(1
(b) Between January 1, 2020, and .allows a local government, in lieu of the requirements of this chapter,-W
may opt for a community-led planning process in sensitive communities aimed toward increasing residential
density and multifamily housing choices near transit-step-5 stops, as follows:
(2)EReaurages sensitive
(1) Sensitive communities to opt fef that pursue a community-led planning process at the neighborhood level4e
deyelep shall, on or before January 1, 2025, produce a community plan that may include zoning and any other
policies that encourage multifamily housing development at a range of income levels to meet unmet needs,
protect vulnerable residents from displacement, and address other locally identified priorities. ,
(2) Community plans shall, at a minimum, be consistent with the overall residential development capacity and
the minimum affordability standards set forth in this. chapter within the boundaries of the community
plan.
(4)AHtematieally appl es the
(3) The provisions of this chapter shall apply on January 1, 2025, to sensitive communities that—de have not
have adopted community plans that meet the minimum standards described in paragraph—E3} (2), whether
those plans were adopted prior to or after enactment of this chapter.
SEC. 2.SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California
Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or
assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of
Section 17556 of the Government Code.