California recently passed three new laws that are expected to promote construction of more affordable housing and make the state’s built environment more sustainable.
Senate Bill 9 allows property owners to build duplexes or split their properties in areas with zoning ordinances designed to allow only a single-family dwelling per lot. These zoned areas comprise about two thirds of zoned land in the state.
Senate Bill 10 eliminates some obstacles for cities to change their zoning codes in urban areas with plenty of public transit. Such efforts will no longer have to go through the California Environmental Quality Act’s arduous review process.
Senate Bill 8 bolsters an existing law that prevents cities from using longstanding regulations to shut out new residents by blocking localities from imposing downzoning policies that allow fewer people in, and raising building permit fees. These laws are expected to foster denser growth that is believed to reduce an area’s carbon footprint.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2021
New York, New Jersey legislatures may revamp bidding rules to promote low-carbon concrete
Contractors would have to certify that their concrete is in compliance.
Codes and Standards | Jul 19, 2021
Lack of information on carbon emissions challenges construction industry
Reports recommends whole-life carbon assessments on building projects.
Codes and Standards | Jul 19, 2021
Florida condo collapse spurs increased scrutiny on inspections, regulations
Insurers demand proof of current inspections.
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2021
Three drywall code-referenced publications have been updated
Include guidance on fire resistance, sound control, application, and finishing.
Codes and Standards | Jul 14, 2021
Biden’s infrastructure proposal includes massive investment in school buildings
‘Once in a lifetime opportunity’ to upgrade HVAC and other key systems.
Codes and Standards | Jul 13, 2021
Reluctance to fund maintenance on older condos is a serious problem
Owner associations defer needed work, putting properties at risk.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2021
Regulations on hydrofluorocarbons reduce roof insulation options
Canada, some U.S. states ban HFC blowing agents used in closed-cell foam.
Codes and Standards | Jul 8, 2021
New York City shuts down 322 construction sites for unsafe conditions
Action comes as inspectors visit more than 2,100 sites.
Codes and Standards | Jul 7, 2021
Bechtel, Nautilus partner on sustainable, high-performance data centers
Facilities would use 70% less power for cooling, eliminate consumption of drinking water.
Codes and Standards | Jul 7, 2021
Surfside condo collapse could spur new legislation
Natl. Institute of Standards and Technology is investigating.