California Greenlights San Francisco's Law to Boost Affordable Housing & Curb Builder's Remedy

Introduction

California's housing regulators have given their stamp of approval to a groundbreaking law passed in San Francisco. This law, aimed at streamlining housing, effectively thwarts builder's remedy project approvals and prevents a potential loss of funding for affordable housing. The move is a significant step forward in the city's ongoing efforts to address its housing crisis.

San Francisco's Bold Move

The city's "constraints reduction ordinance" was passed by the Board of Supervisors on December 5th. This innovative law was designed to streamline the housing approval process, making it easier for new projects to get off the ground. More importantly, it provides a safeguard against the loss of crucial funding for affordable housing.

State Approval

The California Department of Housing and Community Development has now given its approval to this new law. In their statement, they affirmed that the ordinance was consistent with state regulations and goals. This approval is a significant win for San Francisco, allowing the city to move forward with its plans to address housing issues.

Implications for Builders

The new law effectively thwarts builder's remedy project approvals. This means that developers will no longer be able to bypass local zoning laws if they include a certain percentage of affordable housing in their projects. While this may seem like a setback for builders, it's a crucial step towards ensuring that development in the city is balanced and sustainable.

Looking Ahead

This approval from state housing regulators marks a significant milestone in San Francisco's ongoing efforts to address its housing crisis. With this new law, the city is better equipped to streamline housing projects and safeguard funding for affordable housing. It's a bold move that other cities may well look to as a model in their own efforts to tackle housing issues.