AgdaPkt 2005-06-27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ø/-$ SB 435 from page 1 ............................................... S8 435 proposed to further amend changes to the state's housing density law that were enacted by S8 1818, passed in the prior legislative session and in effect only since January 2005. The League, the American Planning Association (APA) and the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) had strongly opposed S8 1818, which required communities to provide up to three con- cessions and 35 percent density bonuses to . developers, while reducing the amount of afford- able housing that a developer was required to provide under prior law. Implementation of S8 1818 has been difficult and confusing: city planners and attorneys have been uncertain as to how to implement its provi- sions in concert with other state laws and local requirements. This year the League, APA and CSAC opposed S8 435, based on concerns that the measure would undermine inclusionary housing ordinances, allow unlimited variances from local development standards, and provide unneeded extra conces- sions to applicants who choose not to use the full density bonus. We wer~ also concerned that S8 435 simply would ameñd S8 1818 too quickly, before cities had had an opportunity to determine the effects of the prior year measure. Close Monitoring of SB 435 Still Important While the amendments taken in committee this week have allowed the League to adopt a neutral position, city officials should be aware that support- ers of the measure - the California Association of Realtors (CAR) and the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation (CRLAF) - have indicated their intent to continue to press for removal of the requirement that the developer demonstrate that the development standard from which it is request- ing a waiver is necessary to make the project economically feasible. Earlier alternatives to that provision from the proponents placed that obliga- tion on the city or county. Therefore, the League will continue to closely watch the bill as the legislative session progresses, and city officials are urged to also monitor the bill carefully. Remember to Say "Thank You "I City officials should be sure to thank Assemblymember Mullin for his efforts on this hard- fought bill. In addition, city officials should thank Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee members Salinas, Hancock, Tomco, 8aca, LaSeur, and Garcia for helping get the proposed amend- ments into the bill. The League also thanks cities for their efforts to educate legislators about the League's cpncerns over 58 435. . .. ... ...... .. . .. .... -.. REGISTER NOW! MAYORS AND COUNCIL MEMBERS ACADEMY ADVANCED LEADERSH IP WORKSHOPS Five advanced leadership workshops are being offered in Monterey next month, following the Mayors and Council Members Academy Executive Forum. Each workshop will last five to six hours spread over Friday afternoon and Saturday morn- ing, July 29-30. The workshops will cover topics essential for elected officials to understand. They include development and redevelopment; homeland secu- rity, effective governance processes, building collaborative processes to help govern your city, and a skill-building workshop on becoming a more effective presider at meetings. These are important issues that elected officials face. Take this opportunity to enhance your lead- ership skills by registering for one or more of these ~o.rkshops. For registration information, please VISit www.cacities.ora/events, Visit the League's Official Website--www.cacities.org PRIORITY FOCUs/PAGE 5