Tracking the laws shaping our neighborhoods.
From Sacramento to San Diego, California’s housing laws are rapidly changing — and not always in ways that protect communities. Neighbors for a Better California (NFABC) is committed to monitoring new legislation and local policy shifts that impact responsible development, local control, and neighborhood livability. Here’s what we’re watching.
State Legislation We're Watching
-
SB 79 – “Affordable Housing on Religious Land”
NFABC Concern: Overrides local zoning for density bonuses; lacks community oversight and creates a loophole for developers under the guise of religious land use.
-
SB 423 – Streamlining Coastal Development
NFABC Concern: Weakens the Coastal Act and limits public input on major developments in coastal zones.
-
AB 1287 – Density Bonus Stacking
NFABC Concern: Allows multiple bonuses that can result in extreme height and density—often with minimal affordable housing returns.
Local San Diego Policies in Focus
-
ADU Bonus Program
Encourages multi-unit density in single-family zones. Morrell Street is a direct result of this policy.
-
Community Plan Updates
Changes to planning documents in neighborhoods like Pacific Beach and Clairemont that increase density with little infrastructure support.
-
Housing Action Package 2.0
NFABC is watching how this update affects neighborhood design standards, parking minimums, and local voice in planning.
