California's Housing Crisis May Gain Foothold Along the Coast as Commission Eases Regulations.
A recent shift at the California Coastal Commission may have significant implications for coastal housing development in the state. The commission, which has been criticized for not allowing enough affordable housing to be built along the coast, recently approved a rule change that makes it easier to build such developments.
The new regulation allows local governments to approve permits for affordable housing projects in coastal areas up to five years after they are issued, rather than two years as previously required. This change is seen by some as a step in the right direction towards addressing California's severe housing shortage.
Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed several commissioners to the commission who support pro-housing policies. Some of these appointees include Jaime Lee, a wealthy real estate developer, and Jose Preciado, a Chula Vista council member. Both are seen as more open to development along the coast than their predecessors.
While environmental advocates have been quiet on the issue, some say they will be watching closely to see how the new commissioners vote on issues related to coastal protection. Others argue that protecting public access and conservation should remain the primary focus of the commission, rather than housing policy.
The commission's shift towards pro-housing policies comes as California lawmakers push for further reforms aimed at simplifying regulations and increasing housing supply. However, some critics argue that these efforts will only exacerbate the state's housing crisis by allowing more development without adequate consideration for environmental impacts.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how effective this new regulation will be in addressing California's severe housing shortage along the coast.
A recent shift at the California Coastal Commission may have significant implications for coastal housing development in the state. The commission, which has been criticized for not allowing enough affordable housing to be built along the coast, recently approved a rule change that makes it easier to build such developments.
The new regulation allows local governments to approve permits for affordable housing projects in coastal areas up to five years after they are issued, rather than two years as previously required. This change is seen by some as a step in the right direction towards addressing California's severe housing shortage.
Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed several commissioners to the commission who support pro-housing policies. Some of these appointees include Jaime Lee, a wealthy real estate developer, and Jose Preciado, a Chula Vista council member. Both are seen as more open to development along the coast than their predecessors.
While environmental advocates have been quiet on the issue, some say they will be watching closely to see how the new commissioners vote on issues related to coastal protection. Others argue that protecting public access and conservation should remain the primary focus of the commission, rather than housing policy.
The commission's shift towards pro-housing policies comes as California lawmakers push for further reforms aimed at simplifying regulations and increasing housing supply. However, some critics argue that these efforts will only exacerbate the state's housing crisis by allowing more development without adequate consideration for environmental impacts.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how effective this new regulation will be in addressing California's severe housing shortage along the coast.