Dear Supporters of Neighbors for a Better California,

On Thursday, May 1, the Planning Commission will review proposed updates to the Bonus ADU Program.

Following the City Council’s March 4 directive to amend the Bonus ADU regulations, the Planning Department will present its proposed changes to the Planning Commission on Thursday, May 1 at 9AM

Link to see Agenda and if possible cede time to NFABC to speak

This code revision offers a crucial chance to implement significant improvements to the Bonus ADU Program. However, due to the Mayor’s resistance, the Planning Department may opt for minimal changes.

We must make it clear to the Planning Department, Mayor, and City Council that superficial adjustments won’t suffice.

Here’s how you can email: Your City Council Representative, Planning Director Vonblum, and Mayor Gloria, urging them to make substantial changes to the Bonus ADU Program that address residents’ concerns raised over recent years. If a project in your neighborhood affects you, be sure to mention it. Click HERE (link) for link to Neighbors For A Better San Diego for talking points, or use this message in your email:

Subject: Reform the Bonus ADU Program
Message: It’s time to tackle the excesses of the Bonus ADU Program. Permitting unlimited ADUs on single-family lots undermines the concepts of gentle density and missing middle housing.

I endorse the recommendations from the Community Planners Committee, Neighbors For A Better California (www. NFABC.org), Neighbors For A Better San Diego, and other groups to align the Bonus ADU Program more closely with state law. This includes eliminating the unlimited bonus in the Sustainable Development Area (SDA) and applying regulations consistently citywide outside the SDA. These practical changes would still permit most Bonus ADU projects at a suitable scale.

I also oppose the rushed process of pushing these amendments through the Planning Commission and City Council, especially after promises of public workshops and a presentation to the Community Planners Committee prior to approval.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Thank you again for taking the time to help us in this important work! And look out for upcoming website updates designed to simplify navigation and enhance your experience.

Sincerely,

Marcella Bothwell, MD, MBA

Chair, NeighborsFor A Better California

San Diego, CA

bothwellm@icloud.com