Hoping to build on an effort to get much-needed affordable housing approved across California, Sen. Scott Wiener on Monday announced plans to expand a contentious state law that forces cities to approve certain projects.
Senate Bill 35 — one of Wiener’s signature achievements — shook up the state’s building process when it was passed in 2017, and sparked intense pushback from some city leaders and residents who contended it gave Sacramento too much control over what kind of housing is allowed in their neighborhoods. But it also helped thousands of new homes make it through an approval and permitting process that can otherwise be so difficult that projects are stymied. Now, Wiener wants to make the changes permanent by removing the sunset provision on SB 35, which is set to expire in 2025. He’s also proposing changes that would expand the law’s reach.
“California needs millions of new homes, and we must give cities and builders every tool to make those homes a reality,” he said in a news release.
It’s only controversial to racist nimby groups