An act to amend Section 65589.9 of the Government Code, relating to housing.
Impact
The bill particularly targets small rural jurisdictions, defining them as cities with populations under 25,000 or counties with populations under 200,000. By requiring HCD to evaluate their housing element submissions for compliance with prohousing policies, the legislation aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for these smaller jurisdictions. Additionally, it prohibits HCD from requiring these jurisdictions to renew their prohousing designations for at least four years, thereby ensuring stability in their planning processes. This could significantly impact local policies surrounding housing development, allowing tailored solutions to meet specific community needs, which historically have been underserved.
Summary
Assembly Bill No. 36 (AB 36), introduced by Assemblymember Soria, aims to amend Section 65589.9 of the Government Code concerning housing elements. The bill shifts the responsibility for designating jurisdictions as prohousing from emergency regulations to permanent regulations adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This legislative change intends to enhance the compliance of local jurisdictions with state law related to housing planning and development, emphasizing the importance of long-term regulatory frameworks for sustainable urban growth. AB 36 is part of a broader effort to incentivize local governments to adopt prohousing policies that facilitate housing development and address housing shortages.
Sentiment
The sentiment around AB 36 appears mixed, reflecting a broader ongoing debate about housing policy in California. Supporters regard the bill as a step forward in empowering small rural communities, allowing them to better respond to their unique housing demands. Conversely, critics argue that by solidifying these designations and potentially curtailing oversight, the bill could inadvertently exacerbate issues related to unaffordable housing or insufficiently address local needs that differ from larger urban centers. The political discourse centers on balancing state-level support with local autonomy.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the implications of a firmer prohousing designation, especially regarding local concerns about development pressures and infrastructural capacity. Critics fear that while promoting housing availability, these measures might lead to a decline in the quality and affordability of housing if local governments feel pressured to expedite the process at the risk of inadequate planning. The bill's requirement for jurisdictions to maintain their designations for extended periods may also be seen as a limitation on local governance and a reduction in their ability to adapt policies based on community feedback and changing needs.
An act to amend Section 65589.9 of, and to add Article 5 (commencing with Section 53398.89) to Chapter 2.99 of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of, the Government Code, and to add Chapter 20 (commencing with Section 50899.15) to Part 2 of Division 31 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to land use.