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A CAA-supported bill that would increase the state tax credit for renters has advanced to the state Assembly.
On May 30, SB 1182 by state Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Orinda, won approval on the Senate floor with 37 yes votes, zero no votes and two abstentions.
The bill would increase the renters’ tax credit incrementally over a five-year span.
“Under current law, homeowners in California receive state and federal tax benefits, as a result of owning their own home,” CAA says in a letter supporting the bill. “Renters, however, do not receive comparable tax benefits. It’s reasonable to provide renters, who… Read More
Tagged: LegislationTaxes
A bill intended to boost the construction of accessory-dwelling units has passed the state Senate and now heads to the Assembly.
SB 831 by Sen. Bob Wieckowski, D-Fremont, won full Senate approval Wednesday on a 30-1 vote, sending it on to the second house of the Legislature.
The building of accessory dwelling units — also known as granny flats or in-law units — is increasingly considered one of the more sensible ways to address California’s housing shortage.
And while this housing type is cheaper and quicker to build than a single-family home, the excessive fees and regulatory hurdles associated with… Read More
Tagged: Legislation
By now, you’ve likely heard about the plumbing code change taking effect Jan. 1, 2019.
Basically, if your apartment building was built before 1993 — and some of the original toilets, showerheads and aerators are still in place — chances are good that your property will fall out of code compliance come New Year’s Day.
The code change taking effect comes from Senate Bill 407, a water-conservation measure that was passed in 2009. The bill’s water-efficiency mandates have rolled out slowly over the past decade, and the mandate for water-efficient plumbing fixtures in multifamily housing is the final piece to… Read More
Tagged: Compliance
A pair of bills have emerged in the Legislature this year to help California college students secure housing near campus without breaking their budgets.
SB 922 by Sen. Janet Nguyen, R-Garden Grove, focuses on turning surplus property near college campuses into housing for college students.
It would authorize the California Department of General Services to offer unused properties within two miles of any University of California, California State University or California community college to local governments or nonprofits for the construction of such housing.
Tagged: Affordable housingLegislation
Owners of older apartment buildings in California face a Jan. 1, 2019, deadline to make sure their plumbing fixtures meet state water-saving standards.
The New Year’s Day deadline applies to pre-1994 multifamily housing, as well as commercial buildings.
Tagged: Water conservation
A state lawmaker this year is again trying to make it easier and cheaper for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units.
The building of accessory dwelling units — also known as granny flats or in-law units — is increasingly considered one of the more sensible ways to address California’s housing shortage.
And while this housing type is cheaper and quicker to build than a single-family home, the excessive fees and regulatory hurdles associated with granny flats remains a serious deterrent to construction.
Tagged: LegislationNews
To help address California’s ongoing housing shortage, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have turned their attention to the California Environmental Quality Act.
While the landmark land-use law is intended to protect the environment, CEQA often hinders the development of housing. CEQA also has become a favorite tool of no-growth advocates, who frequently file lawsuits under CEQA simply to delay or stop housing projects.
A pair of bills by Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Orinda, would help protect housing projects from such frivolous legal challenges.
Tagged: Legislation
The California Apartment Association has identified three noteworthy bills to help address the state’s growing homelessness crisis.
SB 918 by State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, would establish $60 million in grants from the cannabis tax and other funds to provide rental assistance, transitional housing and shelters for homeless youth.
The bill would also streamline the state’s efforts to combat homelessness among minors.
Tagged: HomelessnessLegislation
The California Department of Housing and Community Development on Thursday released the official list of cities that will have their housing approvals streamlined under SB 35, a bill supported by the California Apartment Association and authored last year by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco.
Tagged: Affordable housing Sacramento Valley
State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, has introduced a pair of bills to help boost housing production in California, a goal shared by the California Apartment Association.
Wiener’s SB 827 is intended to encourage multifamily development around public transportation hubs. The bill would lift some locally imposed low-density zoning standards that can prevent the construction of apartment buildings in these infill locations.
The legislation promises to address California’s ongoing housing shortage, and it would offer environmental benefits by boosting higher density housing near public transit, reducing the need for residents to commute by car.
Tagged: Affordable housingLegislation