City’s Legislative Committee to Receive Update on Seven Housing Bills

The City Council’s Legislative Committee will receive an update on state housing legislation at Tuesday’s meeting.

Over the past two years, the city has discussed the best way to oppose state laws that soften — and in some cases remove — the city’s ability to control zoning and building ordinances.

The update will include seven bills that are wending their way through the state legislature — SB902, SB995, SB1085, SB1120, SB1385, SB899, SB1299.

According to the update, the city is supporting SB902 and SB 995.

SB902 would allow duplexes in cities with fewer than 10,000 residents, triplexes in cities with between 10,000 to 50,000 residents and fourplexes in cities with more than 50,000. However, cities would maintain control over building heights and design guidelines.

SB995 would allow a CEQA exemption for housing projects if 15 percent of the units were set aside for affordable housing and cost at least $15 million.

The city opposes SB1085, SB1120 and SB1385.

SB108 increases density bonus percentages; further limits city’s ability to deny concessions; and prohibits certain fees on bonus and affordable units.

SB 1120 allows by-right duplexes and lot splits in single family residential zones with some limitations.

SB 1385 establishes the Neighborhood Homes Act, which authorizes residential uses on properties zoned for commercial office and retail uses.

No position has been taken on SB 899, SB 1299.

SB899 would establish by-right affordable housing on sites owned by religious institutions and nonprofit hospitals.

SB 1299 would establish a sales tax rebate for converting retail sites to affordable and workforce housing.

The above referenced bills were scheduled to go before the Senate Appropriations Committee on June 18.

The city wrote several position letters that included requests for amendments that provide relief for “good actors”

The city will continue ongoing conversations with offices of senators Anthony Portantino, Mike McGuire, and Toni Atkins about the potential legislation.

To view the meeting visit

http://pasadena.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=9 at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23.