This article is brought to you courtesy of the paying subscribers to California Planning & Development Report. You can subscribe to CP&DR by clicking here. You can sign up for CP&DR’s free weekly newsletter here.

Burrowing Owl Receives Endangered Species Candidacy
California wildlife officials have designated the Western burrowing owl as a candidate for protection under the Endangered Species Act, responding to significant population declines attributed to habitat loss from urban development, agriculture and renewable energy projects. This decision marks a shift from a previous denial of protections two decades ago, reflecting heightened urgency for conservation measures as the owl's numbers have plummeted to about 6,500 breeding pairs from over 10,500 in 2003. Stakeholders from various industries express concern about the economic implications of stricter regulations, arguing that development plays a crucial role in meeting state needs for housing and clean energy. Nevertheless, conservation advocates emphasize the owl's dire situation and the need for immediate protective measures, highlighting that existing regulations have been insufficient. As the California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducts a status review, the interim protections will require project proponents to navigate new regulatory challenges, potentially impacting future development and land use planning in the state. The burrowing owl is especially notable for being the subject of a 2014 essay by Kim Mai-Cutler, "How Burrowing Owls Lead To Vomiting Anarchists (Or SF’s Housing Crisis Explained)."

$2.9 Billion Mixed-Use "Urban Village" Coming to Santa Ana
The Santa Ana City Council has approved the Related Bristol urban village, a transformative 41-acre mixed-use development costing $2.9 billion, marking a significant milestone for the city. This project is projected to generate nearly 17,000 jobs and $1.5 billion in labor income, alongside 1,215 to 5,529 ongoing jobs, significantly boosting the local economy. Mayor Valerie Amezcua emphasized the development's potential to meet the needs of current and future residents through thoughtful growth and community benefits. The plan includes up to 3,750 residential units, a hotel, extensive commercial space and over 13 acres of public open space, which will remain accessible to the community. Construction is slated to begin in 2026 and is expected to be completed by 2036, enhancing Santa Ana’s southern gateway and overall urban landscape.

Court Rejects Federal Plan for Off-Roading in Mojave Desert
A federal judge has rejected a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plan for off-road vehicle routes in California's Western Mojave Desert, citing insufficient protections for the endangered desert tortoise and the Lane Mountain milk-vetch. A U.S. District judge ruled that the BLM failed to demonstrate how its route designations minimized impacts on these vulnerable species, which is critical given the tortoise's declining population. The plan would have affected over 3 million acres in five counties, primarily San Bernardino, Riverside. Conservationists are now pushing for measures such as seasonal restrictions on off-road activities in key tortoise habitats to prevent further population declines. The ruling may lead to revised planning that better integrates environmental concerns with land management, addressing the significant impact of human activities on local ecosystems.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Drop Statewide
California saw a 2.4% drop in greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, amounting to a reduction of about 9.3 million metric tons compared to the previous year, according to the California Air Resources Board. This decrease was largely driven by increased electric vehicle adoption and a shift to biofuels in transportation, which accounted for over half of the reduction. The emissions level in 2022 marked the lowest since 2020, reflecting a continuation of efforts to reduce carbon footprints while the economy recovers post-pandemic. However, significant challenges remain, as California aims to meet its ambitious climate goals, including a 40% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, which requires further action. While transportation remains the largest source of emissions, the state is making strides with renewable energy and electric vehicle sales, suggesting a positive trajectory toward long-term climate targets.

CP&DR Coverage: The Conundrum of "Objective Design Standards"
Cities and counties in California are aggressively – and sometimes in a coordinated way – adopting the “objective design standards” required by the Housing Accountability Act. But increasingly, local planners say, the waivers and concessions permitted by the state’s Density Bonus Law serve to undercut the objective standards. Although the intent of the objective design standards is to ensure that cities do not deny housing projects based on squishy requirements, developers using the Density Bonus Law can get out from under some of those standards even after they are adopted.

Quick Hits & Updates

HCD released its new Guide to Affordable Housing Preservation Laws to explain how these laws work to preserve affordable homes in California. The guide covers the various protections that promote transparency and accountability as well as incentivize long-term affordability.

The Biden administration officially established the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off California's Central Coast, which is the first sanctuary to be co-managed with Indigenous peoples. Spanning 4,543 square miles, the sanctuary will prohibit oil drilling and protect vital cultural and ecological resources, while also addressing concerns from some Indigenous leaders about the adequacy of government consultation in the process.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors adopted a scaled-back rent control proposal that would extend protections to about 40,000 renters if California voters repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act in November. The revised legislation, which only applies to buildings constructed before 1994, reflects concerns from developers and housing advocates about its potential impact on the construction market.

A state appeals court has cleared the demolition and replacement of the 72-year-old Capitol Annex building in Sacramento, despite opposition from some community groups. The project, mandated by a 2016 law, aims to create a modern, safer structure with larger offices, although costs have escalated from an initial $700 million to an estimated $1.2 billion.

Los Angeles is advancing plans to enhance its infrastructure in anticipation of major sporting events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. Mayor Karen Bass has signed an executive directive to streamline project delivery, establish a Capital Planning Steering Committee and coordinate improvements that will provide lasting benefits for the city's streets, parks and public spaces.

StoneBridge Properties LLC has filed a lawsuit against the town of Loomis, urging the court to expedite the review process for its 319-home infill project, Hidden Grove. The company claims that Loomis officials are delaying the project beyond what state law allows, despite the proposal being in limbo for over three years without a formal hearing.

A recent report from California's Select Committee on Happiness and Public Policy Outcomes reveals a decline in happiness among Californians, with those identifying as "very happy" dropping from 28% in 1998 to 16% in 2023. Factors contributing to unhappiness include dissatisfaction with jobs and finances, with younger individuals, renters and those with lower incomes more likely to report being "not too happy." The committee urges lawmakers to prioritize happiness in future policy development and to work on rebuilding trust between residents and the government.

Sonoma County has launched a comprehensive "Master Plan for Aging" to address the needs of its rapidly growing senior population, which is projected to rise from 28% of residents aged 60 and over to 35% by 2030. This 10-year strategy focuses on key areas such as affordable housing, healthcare, transportation and economic security, aiming to improve the quality of life for seniors while also addressing issues of racial and ethnic diversity among the aging population.

A family is suing the City of Healdsburg over a $20,000 inclusionary zoning fee they were charged for building two homes on their property, arguing it amounts to "extortionary zoning." The family claims the fee is unconstitutional, as new housing typically lowers prices by increasing supply and they have offered to rent one of their existing units at below-market rates, which the city rejected.