Mayor Gloria’s Housing Package Moves Forward, But SB 10 Plan Held Back for Study

The San Diego Planning Commission on Thursday unanimously approved 10 new housing proposals from Mayor Todd Gloria that will move on for City Council consideration.  

The policies, collectively known as Housing Action Package 2.0, according to the mayor’s office, would give the city new tools “to build more homes that San Diegans of all incomes can afford.”

The package, part of Gloria’s Homes for All of Us initiative, outlines amendments to protect existing affordable homes, while encouraging the construction of more new homes. It also adds incentives for creating housing for vulnerable residents, including those who are without shelter or at risk of homelessness, those with disabilities and seniors.

“Affordable housing is key to helping people succeed mentally and physically and helping our economy succeed,” said City Planning Director Heidi Vonblum. “We are pleased to see the Planning Commission move these amendments and policies forward as we work together as a city to create more homes for all.” 

The Planning Commission, however, also recommended the creation of a working group to allow for public input on the use of Senate Bill 10, the state law passed in 2021 that allows for the development of townhomes, row homes and other so-called “missing middle” home-types in transit-rich areas.

Because of that recommendation, the mayor’s proposal to create more such homes through local implementation of SB 10 – yard signs have cropped up around town largely opposed to the law – will not proceed to a City Council committee next month.

The mayor’s plan will go before the Land Use and Housing Committee on Sept. 21 before it can move to the full City Council.

The points of the housing plan that will move forward:

• Barring harmful land uses, such as wrecking and dismantling motor vehicles, after a transition period if the area has been rezoned for homes or mixed-use development as part of a community plan update in the Promise Zone. 
• Allowing the development of private, dorm-style student homes near transit and near universities and colleges.
• Encouraging the creation of Single Room Occupancy homes, those with shared kitchens and bathrooms, particularly at the very low-income level.
• Promoting the preservation of affordable homes, to prevent residents from displacement caused by new development.
• Implementing Assembly Bill 2097, giving builders within a half-mile of a existing or planned public transit stops the ability to build the number of parking spaces they need. 
• Encouraging development of Accessible Dwelling Units (ADUs) that are appropriate for people with disabilities by amending the ADU Home Density Bonus Program.  
• Giving public agencies greater flexibility in developing homes on publicly owned land by increasing allowed densities and allowing affordable housing on areas zoned as commercial or residential.  
• Streamlining regulations to remove barriers to constructing family homes in areas with good job and school opportunities and a clean environment.