California voters have defeated a ballot question that would have allowed local jurisdictions to expand rent control or create new rent control laws on most housing types.
The measure, Proposition 21, had support of roughly 40% of voters. It was the second time in consecutive election cycles that voters shot down a statewide rent control referendum. Real estate developers and Gov. Gavin Newsom opposed the measure.
Another question impacting commercial real estate, Proposition 15, was losing as of Nov. 5, but the outcome was considered too close to call. This measure would amend the state constitution to allow commercial and industrial properties to be taxed at market value rather than the purchase price.
In San Francisco, Proposition H, a measure to streamline the permitting processes for new businesses and allow existing restaurants/retailers to change business models and storefronts was approved. Proposition I, a question to increase the transfer tax on property sales valued at $10 million or more with funds to go toward affordable housing, appears to have passed.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2019
Property lenders shouldn’t invest for 30 years in most of Florida, expert warns
Climate ignorance driving some ‘insane’ deals.
Codes and Standards | May 17, 2019
NIMBYism is the biggest multifamily construction barrier
National Apartment Assn. report assesses reasons for difficulty in creating more apartments.
Codes and Standards | May 17, 2019
Dept. of Energy to award up to $33.5 million for advanced construction R&D
Focus is on techniques to reduce energy bills.
Codes and Standards | May 16, 2019
Mixed reviews on targeted tax break for San Francisco neighborhood
“Twitter tax break” may have worsened some of the area’s problems.
Codes and Standards | May 15, 2019
OSHA inspections to increase, says Secretary of Labor
Newly hired inspectors getting up to speed.
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2019
Database records more than 1,360 K-12 school shooting incidents since 1970
Naval Postgraduate School program maps locations nationwide.
Codes and Standards | May 13, 2019
In many cities, downtown housing comes with a hefty premium
Urban core living costs hundreds of thousands more in largest U.S. cities.
Codes and Standards | May 7, 2019
San Francisco plan would require largest commercial buildings to use 100% renewable electricity
First in the U.S. mandate would be phased in from 2022 to 2030.
Codes and Standards | May 7, 2019
ABC says best practices can improve construction companies’ safety by 680%
Daily ‘toolbox safety talks’ were most effective safety measures.
Codes and Standards | May 7, 2019
Office noise significantly reducing employee concentration, productivity, and creativity
Workplace distractions cause some to choose to work remotely.