Double Double Trouble?

The state of California recently enacted several laws to address the statewide housing crisis.

The Governor states that “local governments will need to plan for the creation of more than 2.5 million units statewide—more than doubling” their previous obligation.

Senate Bill 9 (SB9), the “California Home Act” allows a typical single-family, residentially-zoned lot (R1) to be converted from one primary residence on the lot to two primary residences on the lot, either an attached duplex or two detached homes.

SB9 is sparking much debate throughout the state, including in Del Mar.

PRO

Those in favor (California YIMBY, Yes, in my backyard) believe this will create “desperately needed housing” while preserving “local control…protecting environmentally sensitive areas…providing housing for low and moderate income families and protecting renters from displacement.” An analysis by the Terner Center for Housing Innovation concludes that implementation of this law will likely have no impact on 97% of lots statewide based on financial infeasibility.

CON

Those opposed (RPPG, Rennie Public Policy Group) argue that “this aggressive law affects the nearly seven million California homeowners who have scrimped and saved to acquire and maintain their piece of the California Dream, a single-family home…“enacting such a sweeping statewide law without consultation with the voters would be massively reckless.” Accordingly, an initiative petition to overturn this law is being circulated.

Most of the disagreements focus on the concept of “local control.” Opponents argue that local control enables development to be tailored to the individual character of each community instead on one size fits all. Proponents argue that local control is often used to undermine development as a way of protecting privilege.

The Del Mar City Council at its October 18 meeting received a preliminary briefing from Planning staff to be followed with more detailed information after the state regulations are formulated.

In coming months, as the debate heats up on this law and several other housing laws, the Sandpiper will post and print information and comment from several points of view.

ternercenter.berkeley.edu   |   rennepublicpolicygroup.com   |   cayimby.org