Focus
S.F. takes aim at dated permitting requirements that Lurie administration says have to go
San Francisco Chronicle – September 2
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced on September 2 a legislative package that he promised would put an end to certain antiquated permitting requirements. The package represents the latest pieces of Permit SF, a larger effort launched by Lurie earlier this year to make the city’s permitting processes faster and more predictable. The latest reforms seek to make it easier for property owners to build accessory dwelling units by aligning local and state rules and would reduce development permitting fees for projects valued over $100 million, among other changes.
News
Los Angeles takes first step toward getting rid of parking requirements in new housing
Boyle Heights Beat – August 27
Los Angeles is one step closer to letting developers choose how many parking spots to include in their new housing projects. On August 26, the City Council’s Planning and Land Use committee voted 3-1 to advance a proposal that — if passed by the full council — would allow City Planning to explore a policy to end parking requirements in new projects citywide. The proposal still faces a long road to becoming law.
State appellate court says Fairfield can treat, convey SID water to Middle Green Valley
Daily Republic – September 2
The 1st District California Court of Appeals has reversed a decision by the Solano County Superior Court prohibiting the city from treating and conveying Solano Irrigation District water to the Middle Green Valley Specific Plan area. The appellate decision covers numerous other technical issues, such as what defines urban development, but the core of the argument is that the city's decision to treat and convey an outside source of water did not violate its General Plan, which prohibits providing municipal services beyond the city boundaries.
Santa Monica City Council approves limited affordable housing pilot program for off-site construction
Santa Monica Daily Press – August 27
The Santa Monica City Council voted 6-1 at its last meeting to approve a pilot program allowing developers to build affordable housing off-site instead of requiring it as part of a development, despite concerns the policy could lead to economic segregation in the city. The pilot program is limited to 1,000 units and set to expire on September 30, 2025, with staff directed to return with more data for potential renewal.
California High-Speed Rail announces accelerated timeline for milestone work
KTLA – August 28
The California High-Speed Rail Authority on August 28 announced a plan to accelerate the process of laying the first tracks on the state’s beleaguered infrastructure project. The Authority’s board of directors approved a process that invites bids from U.S. manufacturers to acquire high-speed rail track and other required system components, officials said. The Authority states that the process is being accelerated and will result in track being laid in 2026.
Encinitas renews special city fire, green building codes that exceed state standards
The San Diego Union-Tribune – August 29
The Encinitas City Council has unanimously agreed to renew the city’s special “reach” codes that help it meet its climate action plan’s goals of lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing energy use. The decision came during a special session on August 27, after a dozen supporters spoke in favor of these codes, which are known as “reaches” because they go beyond what’s required under state building and fire regulations.
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