Multi-Family Leads Recent Housing Uptick in California

With stronger state mandates kicking in, California housing permits rose sharply in September. But as one construction industry commentator noted, an uptick isn't a trend.

1 minute read

November 26, 2019, 10:00 AM PST

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


California

sevenMaps7 / Shutterstock

"After months of limited and in some cases nonexistent growth, California saw a sharp rise in the number of building permits for new homes in September," Emily DeRuy writes. Under greater pressure from Governor Gavin Newsom's administration, regional planning agencies may be giving in to more growth.

However, while the 142,000 units authorized in September mark a pointed increase over August's 116,000, "it's just a fraction of what will be needed to meet Newsom's goal." Earlier this fall, Newsom and his allies in Sacramento called for 3.5 million new units of housing to be built across California by 2025.

Notably, permits for multi-family units are leading that charge with a full 47 percent increase in September. "Permits for single-family units actually fell by around 2 percent in September," DeRuy writes. Still, construction industry commentators are skeptical this uptick in multi-family will last. "High construction and land costs, along with city fees and regulations, make getting developments off the ground difficult," one noted.

Friday, November 22, 2019 in The Mercury News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight