San Diego's Affordable Homes Bonus Program (AHBP), launched in mid-2016, increases incentives for projects that incorporate more affordable units. Developers are taking notice.
When it comes to inclusionary zoning, Josh Cohen writes, "For many years, San Diego relied on a statewide program and a long-unenforced city ordinance, but in 2016, the city rolled out a new program that builds on the state law by offering more incentives for developers [...]."
The Affordable Homes Bonus Program (AHBP), now in place for over a year, is "an expanded version of the state program that, among other incentives, offers a maximum of 50 percent density increases in exchange for 15 percent rent-restricted units built." California's program, for reference, offers a maximum 35 percent density increase with 11 percent of units rent-restricted.
San Diego developers, it would appear, have been receptive. "To date, 18 market-rate developers have applied for the new program. Between 2005 and 2016, a total of 36 developers applied to the state density bonus program."
However, critics point out that the density increases involved are hardly "modest" and that they violate the spirit of existing community plans.
FULL STORY: San Diego’s Affordable Housing Program Could One Up California
San Diego Begins to See Results of State Housing Law
Homeowners in Southern California are starting to take advantage of a state law that allows lot splitting and higher density in residential areas in an effort to increase housing supply and affordability.
San Diego Mayor’s Housing Plan Fails in Council
A proposal to stimulate more housing production in the city was opposed from multiple sides.
California Cities Could Face a Zoning Reckoning
As the state toughens rules related to its housing allocation process, cities statewide may finally be forced to overhaul their zoning codes to ensure an adequate supply of housing at all affordability levels.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)