Articles

As planners from around the state gather in Fresno this coming weekend, CP&DR talked to four Central Valley planning directors about planning, growth, housing, and economic development.

But San Francisco Bay island project faces a very different market than it would have a few years ago.

In the wake of the pandemic, some California downtowns are stronger than ever. Others resemble the walking dead. Both scenarios have inspired planners to get creative.

The affluent San Gabriel Valley city has asserted that late passage of its housing element might protect the city from the builder's remedy, even without HCD approval (which could come soon). But a pending project may be permitted to move forward.

Amazingly, most bills targeting local governments' land use control over housing are still alive as the legislative session progresses.

Transit ridership may be down -- but transit-oriented development is still moving forward in response to both market forces and the state's policy priorities.

Most developers have been trying to get their projects approved for years. Some are adding multifamily affordable units to single-family projects in order to qualify.

Or is one Huntington Beach City Councilmember's attempt to decertify the Beach and Edinger Specific Plan EIR simply a sideways attempt to repeal the plan?

The developer has agreed to withdraw all 14 builder's remedy applications, but would be able to resubmit eight projects for expedited ministerial approval under the city's new rules.

Only two jurisdictions are considering implementing the law so far -- the City of San Diego and Humboldt County. But others may have to use SB 10 in order to implement their housing elements

Especially in the Bay Area, cities are beginning to tax vacant units and vacant land in an attempt to bring more housing onto the market.

Even as cities strain under the weight of new housing regulations, legislators are trying new ideas and resurrecting old ones.