The 2023 law makes it easier for religious institutions and some colleges to build affordable housing. Some local jurisdictions are easing the path as well.
The developer has agreed to withdraw all 14 builder's remedy applications, but would be able to resubmit eight projects for expedited ministerial approval under the city's new rules.
Orange County city's attorney is drawing an ordinance to "exempt" it from the builder's remedy. Meanwhile, Santa Monica -- which originally vowed to fight -- is processing builder's remedy projects.
The attorney who is helping developers bring over 4,000 units to Santa Monica nearly overnight shares the nuances of the newly powerful Builder's Remedy.
It's been on the books for 30 years but hardly used. As the Santa Monica situation suggests, however, it could completely upend local planning for housing in California.
In 2010, the City of Santa Monica adopted a Land Use and Circulation Element to its General Plan that was hailed as a model of progressive planning. The LUCE foretold a denser but, possibly, less trafficked and more pleasant city and was one of the first such elements to achieve the goals of SB 375. Cities across the state looked to the LUCE as a model. It won "Outstanding Comprehensive Planning Award, Small Jurisdiction" from the California Chapter of the American Planning Association http://www.cp-dr.com/node/2773.
