SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CN) — A bill that would extend an existing law that helps streamline development of affordable housing received overwhelming support from organized labor at a Monday state Assembly hearing.
However, opposition — including from the California Coastal Commission — led to a push-and-pull conversation before Senate Bill 423 passed the Natural Resources Committee. It now moves to Assembly Appropriations.
The bill, authored by state Senator Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat, would extend the sunset clause for a 2017 law he penned. Wiener proffered a series of amendments Monday in attempt to reach compromise with the Coastal Commission.
The amendments include a year delay to the bill’s implementation to coastal zone areas and using the commission’s definition for “wetlands,” as well as exempting areas vulnerable to 3 feet of sea level rise as defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Wiener also offered an amendment not requested by the commission: an exemption to the 100-foot buffer around wetlands.
“I’m optimistic we’ll reach a resolution on these issues,” Wiener said.
The bill would extend an existing sunset provision from 2026 to 2036 and loosen certain construction labor requirements, as well as remove the exclusion of the coastal zone.
Essentially, if a project complies with local zoning and objective standards, it would receive ministerial approval in months, not years, Wiener said. The bill doesn’t change existing zoning and affects only multi-unit residential areas.
“This has been one of the most impactful laws in the state of California to build affordable housing,” said Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks, an Oakland Democrat, of the existing law. “We should extend the sunset on this. Saying ‘no’ to housing is no longer an option in California. It can’t be.”
Dozens of people spoke in favor of the bill, quickly stating their names, organizations and support for the legislation.
Opposition came from the Coastal Commission. Sean Drake, an attorney for the commission, spoke about the exemption to areas vulnerable to 3 feet of sea level rise.
“Five feet is the lowest benchmark we think is acceptable,” Drake said.
The difference between 3 and 5 feet proved to be contentious during the hearing. Wiener said he wants an objective standard when pinpointing a measurement for the rise of sea levels.
Some committee members expressed concern over the bill. Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin, a Santa Cruz Democrat, said she wasn’t convinced changing the coastal act was the proper method of achieving the bill’s goals. Assemblywoman Dawn Addis, a Morro Bay Democrat, wanted more time, saying the bill appeared to be a “trickle-down” approach to affordable housing.
Other committee members expressed their support for the bill.
Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur, a West Hollywood Democrat, said state leaders must incentivize the creation of new housing. Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, a Democrat whose district includes Glendale and Burbank, said if an area is zoned multi-family, then multi-family residential housing couldn’t be stopped.
“That’s the purpose of this bill — that we will get the housing that we need,” she said.
Delivering his closing remarks, Wiener emphasized his commitment to working toward compromise with the Coastal Commission.
The senator also pointed to what he called his deep commitment to climate protection. In-fill projects and dense housing are needed to alleviate the need for cars, which emit carbon dioxide, to travel long distances.
Wiener argued there will always be a reason not to build somewhere. However, under his original bill — Senate Bill 35 — 75% of the homes streamlined under its provisions are below market rate.
No committee member voted against the bill.
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