December 10, 2024 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs 27 New Housing Bills Into Law

Package of laws signed by the governor aimed at boosting affordable housing production

By Dolores Quintana

Gov. Gavin Newsom, addressing California’s severe housing crisis, has signed 27 new housing bills, created a new state agency to enforce these laws, and created new subsidies to aid in affordable housing.

“It is absolutely imperative to meet these housing goals if we are serious about building an equitable future,” Newsom said. “And it is similarly imperative to meet these housing targets because unaffordable housing leads to hours-long car commutes – directly inhibiting our efforts to meet our climate goals. Creating denser housing closer to major employment hubs is critical to limiting California’s greenhouse gas emissions.”

The newly created Housing Accountability Unit or HAU will operate as part of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The purpose of this agency is twofold. They will provide technical assistance to municipalities to comply with the new state legislation and they will also be tasked with enforcing compliance with municipalities that intentionally refuse to comply with the law on a regular basis. The group Liveable California opposes the creation of this agency.

Senate Bill 9 is the centerpiece of the affordable housing package and will allow most homeowners to build two homes or a duplex on a parcel zoned for a single home. In addition, it will allow for some property owners to split their plots and build two additional dwellings, starting on January 1, 2022.

Newsom also signed SB 10, which allows a city to bypass environmental review to construct up to 10 units on a single-family plot near a transit hub or urban infill developments. 

Another bill signed, AB 215 by Assemblymember David Chiu, would also boost enforcement against municipalities that would include recommendations to the Attorney General’s office for violations or actions taken by municipalities that are not compliant with the new laws. 

AB 1043 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan amends Section 50053 and adds to Section 50063.5 of the Health and Safety Code to specify the rents that any rental housing developments that receive state assistance can charge in respect to low income households. Those rents cannot exceed 30% of each household’s gross income to ensure that rents are affordable.

AB 838 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman, covers renter complaints of substandard housing or other landlord property violations. The amendment of Section 17970.5 would require the city or the county to inspect the property once a complaint has been made. These inspections would also require the city or county to inform the landlord of any violations and actions necessary to correct the violations and then require re-inspection to confirm that violations had been corrected. Thus this evaluation and compliance process would officially become a state mandated program. 

Gov. Newsom’s press release states that, “Every city and county in California is obligated by law to plan and zone for their fair share of housing – a process currently underway. All told, local governments will need to plan for the creation of more than 2.5 million units statewide.” The new housing subsidies are “unprecedented” according to Newsom. 

Related Posts

Mar Vista Apartment Building to Be Replaced by Affordable Housing Under Mayor Initiative: Report

December 4, 2024

December 4, 2024

Plans for the Five-Story Building Include 42 One- And Two-Bedroom Apartments A six-unit apartment building in Mar Vista is set...

33-Unit Santa Monica Apartment Complex Listed for $23M

November 28, 2024

November 28, 2024

The Property Offered at Approximately $576 per Square Foot A multifamily apartment complex located at 537 San Vicente Boulevard has...

Santa Monica Place’s Value Falls by Nearly 60%: Report

November 21, 2024

November 21, 2024

Retail Vacancies Have Compounded the Mall’s Struggles Santa Monica Place, a high-profile shopping destination in Santa Monica, continues to face...

Three-Unit Property on Marina Peninsula Listed for $4.4M

November 13, 2024

November 13, 2024

The Property Was Built in 1987 and Is Not Subject to the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance A three-unit residential...

“The Oakwood Residence” in Venice Beach Hits Market at $4.3M

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

The Home’s Design Focuses on Organic, Monochromatic Elements A newly listed property at 1008 Oakwood Avenue, priced at $4.3 million,...

“Doumani House” in Marina Del Rey Designed by Sculptor Robert Graham Lists for $17.5M

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

Features Include a Music Room With a Steel-Etched Window and a Dining Area With a Dale Chihuly Chandelier “Doumani House”,...

Governor Gavin Newsom Allocates $827 Million to Combat Homelessness Statewide

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

New Funding Aims To Create Housing, Expand Shelters, Enhance Support Services Governor Gavin Newsom announced $827 million in new state...

Petition Launched to Stop Sale of Venice’s Friendship Baptist Church

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

Congregants were recently made aware that the church property at 606 Broadway Street was listed for sale Members of Venice’s...

15-Unit Apartment Building on Abbot Kinney Lists for $7.85M

October 20, 2024

October 20, 2024

The Property Benefits From Abundant Natural Light in All Units and Features a Landscaped Central Courtyard A multifamily property located...

17-Unit Mar Vista Apartment Building Listed for $4.9M

October 9, 2024

October 9, 2024

Spanning 11,784 Square Feet, the Building Sits on an 11,300-Square-Foot Lot A 17-unit apartment building at 3840 Inglewood Blvd. in...

Los Angeles Man Indicted on 26 Felony Counts Including Rape, Stalking, Faces Life in Prison

September 25, 2024

September 25, 2024

Police Suspect There May Be More Victims, Seek Public’s Help  Terrance Hawkins has been indicted on 26 felony counts, including...

NBA Legend Lists Marina del Rey Home For Nearly $3M

September 24, 2024

September 24, 2024

The Home Includes Custom Features Suited to Accommodate His 7’2” Frame, Such as Enlarged Doorways The former residence of NBA...

Sarah Paulson Drops Price on Furnished Malibu Mobile Home in Exclusive Paradise Cove

September 10, 2024

September 10, 2024

Actress Lowers Price for Her Trailer in One of America’s Priciest Mobile Home Parks Actress Sarah Paulson has reduced the...

Marina Peninsula Home Hits Market for First Time in 40 Years

September 6, 2024

September 6, 2024

One of only five single-family homes on the Marina Peninsula, the residence features ocean views from the living room An...

Olympians to Join Pups Without Borders Adoption Event in Brentwood on Sept. 22

September 5, 2024

September 5, 2024

Meet Olympic Medalists and Adopt a Dog at the Barrington Circle Event Pups Without Borders, a rescue organization dedicated to...