The U.S. Supreme Court turned away a legal challenge to a San Jose affordable housing law brought by the housing industry.
The law requires housing developers to include below-market priced units for low-income buyers on any new housing projects in the city. In its appeal, the industry argued that the law violates federal constitutional protections against the taking of private property.
The California Supreme Court, in June upheld the law, and this decision now stands. In the written decision, one state justice said, "These [affordable housing] problems have become more and more severe and have reached what may be described as epic proportions in many of the state's localities."
The League of California Cities and California State Association of Counties says that about 170 local governments have put versions of the law in place. Developers argued that such laws will force them to pass along the cost of subsidizing below-market units to new homebuyers.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 21, 2019
New York City contractors adding 5% to 10% to construction costs due to trade war
Tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other materials swell budgets.
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2019
Codes organizations to develop new guidelines on shipping containers as building components
Intl. Code Council and Modular Building Institute combine forces.
Codes and Standards | Mar 19, 2019
Plan for transformation of Lower Manhattan streetscapes unveiled
Pedestrian-friendly “Slow Streets” pilot starts on Earth Day 2019.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2019
Newly developed building materials could have big impact on sustainability
Transparent wood, self-cooling walls, bricks that filter air pollutants among the technological breakthroughs.
Codes and Standards | Mar 14, 2019
U.S. and Canada differ on how to evaluate field performance of windows, curtain walls
Variations include laboratory test method for determining rate of air leakage.
Codes and Standards | Mar 13, 2019
Climate change can’t be stabilized without addressing urban sprawl
Even if power goes green, transportation will still be a major emissions source.
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2019
Virginia county hones new rainwater harvesting standard
Developer prompts new rules to use rainwater for heating and air conditioning.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2019
Portland delays requirement for posted warnings on unreinforced brick and stone buildings
Regulation would mandate signs warning that buildings could be unsafe during earthquakes.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2019
California will allow flame retardant-free building insulation
State also repeals business furniture flammability standard.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2019
Sixty six construction companies cited for wage theft violations in Massachusetts
Penalties total $2.7 million.