Introduction
In response to California's escalating housing crisis, the state legislature passed Assembly Bill 1267 (AB 1267), also known as the State Density Bonus Law, in 2019. This groundbreaking legislation aims to promote dense, resilient, and transit-oriented development by incentivizing the construction of affordable housing units.
Key Provisions of AB 1267
Benefits of the State Density Bonus
1. Increased Housing Production: According to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), AB 1267 has led to a surge in housing production, particularly in high-cost urban areas. Since its implementation, the law has enabled the construction of over 180,000 new housing units, including 39,000 affordable units.
2. Affordable Housing Accessibility: By requiring a significant portion of new units to be affordable, AB 1267 has expanded access to housing for low- and moderate-income Californians. This is crucial in a state where housing costs have skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford a place to live.
3. Transit-Oriented Development: The density bonus encourages development near transit hubs, reducing car dependency and promoting sustainable transportation. This aligns with California's climate change goals and supports the state's efforts to mitigate traffic congestion.
4. Community Revitalization: By facilitating the revitalization of underutilized or blighted areas, AB 1267 transforms neighborhoods and creates more vibrant, livable communities.
Impacts of AB 1267
The State Density Bonus Law has had a substantial impact on California's housing landscape.
Table 1: Housing Units Approved under AB 1267
Year | New Units Approved | Affordable Units |
---|---|---|
2020 | 30,478 | 7,620 |
2021 | 61,274 | 14,933 |
2022* | 88,849 | 16,803 |
*As of October 2022
Stories and Lessons Learned
Story 1: In Los Angeles, AB 1267 enabled the construction of a 7-story apartment complex with 104 units, including 26 affordable units, on a former industrial site. This development revitalized the area and provided much-needed housing options for families.
Lesson: AB 1267 can catalyze the transformation of blighted areas into vibrant communities.
Story 2: In San Francisco, a developer utilized AB 1267 to build a 12-story residential tower with 194 units, 49 of which are affordable for low- and moderate-income households. This project increased the density of the neighborhood while providing affordable housing near public transportation.
Lesson: AB 1267 allows for dense, transit-oriented development that meets the needs of diverse populations.
Story 3: In San Diego, a housing non-profit organization leveraged AB 1267 to develop a 5-story, 60-unit affordable housing building in a high-cost neighborhood. This project expanded access to affordable housing for seniors and families.
Lesson: AB 1267 empowers non-profit organizations to create affordable housing options in gentrifying areas.
Effective Strategies for Implementing AB 1267
Why AB 1267 Matters
AB 1267 is a critical tool in addressing California's housing crisis. By incentivizing dense, affordable, and sustainable housing development, the law has:
Call to Action
California must continue to leverage the State Density Bonus Law to meet its ambitious housing goals. Stakeholders, including lawmakers, developers, community groups, and residents, should collaborate to ensure the effective implementation of AB 1267.
By embracing density, affordability, and sustainability, we can create more equitable and livable communities for all Californians.
Tables
Table 2: Density Bonus Thresholds
Density Increase | Required Affordable Units |
---|---|
20% or more | 25% |
15% to 19% | 15% |
10% to 14% | 5% |
5% to 9% | 0% |
Table 3: Affordable Unit Income Limits
Income Level | Percentage of AMI |
---|---|
Very low | Up to 50% |
Low | 51% to 80% |
Moderate | 81% to 120% |
Above moderate | 121% to 150% |
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