Del Mar introduces ordinance for SB 9 construction
Since SB 9 went into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, cities have been adopting ordinances to apply objective standards to new units constructed under the ordinance, which provide a limited set of criteria for oversight. Cities typically have a more thorough discretionary review for new construction that can be tailored to each project, but the new law largely supersedes local zoning.
“To the extent we can manage that, it’s in our interest to do that,” Del Mar City Councilmember Dwight Worden said during the meeting.
The bill allows duplexes, fourplexes and accessory dwelling units in any combination that adds up to no more than four units of housing in single-dwelling residential zones. There are certain exemptions, such as historically designated lots or lots that are also within environmental overlay zones.
There are 768 lots in Del Mar that are eligible for SB 9, equal to about 38% of the city’s residential lots, according to city staff.
Through the ordinance, and a planned update to the city’s inclusionary housing policy, council members said they want to make sure SB 9 contributes to the city’s affordable housing stock. Affordable housing requirements were at the forefront of a Planning Commission meeting last month during a discussion of the proposed ordinance.
“Almost from the beginning we’ve been talking about these issues of affordability and opening up more housing all throughout California,” Planning Commissioner John Farrell said at the time. “It’s been front and center for at least the last three years. I think we have to address it. If we don’t address it, I think we’re being negligent in our duties.”
Council members discussed other standards that would help integrate SB 9 units into the community, such as setbacks and floodlights. But with a persisting housing affordability crisis, some residents throughout the state have raised concerns that objective design standards inhibit new SB 9 construction.
“I appreciate that we’re trying to strike a balance between following the law and doing it the ‘Del Mar way,’ but I fear this rather exhaustive list of SB-9 regulations will unduly kneecap the intent of the legislation, which is to increase the supply of available housing — full stop,” Del Mar resident Brad Walters wrote in an email to the city ahead of the meeting this week. “This is certain to invite state scrutiny, perhaps even further delaying the certification of our latest Housing Element.”
BY LUKE HAROLDSTAFF WRITER
JUNE 6, 20231:41 PM PT
Original posts at Del Mar Times
Prices Strong Despite Lockdowns Hindering April Sales
May 21, 2020
The latest existing-home sales numbers show a housing market facing the headwinds of the COVID-19 pandemic in April. Existing-home sales fell 17.8% last month compared to March, marking a two-month decline in sales, the National Association of REALTORS® reported Thursday.
Still, home prices remain resilient in the face of the pandemic. The median existing-home price for all housing types in April jumped 7.4% compared to a year ago ($286,800). All four major regions of the U.S. saw annual gains in home prices, too.
But total existing-home sales—which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and co-ops—fell to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.33 million in April. Sales were down 17.2% compared to a year ago (5.23 million existing-home sales in April 2019). Existing-home sales are at the lowest level since July 2010
“The economic lockdowns—occurring from mid-March through April in most states—have temporarily disrupted home sales,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “But the listings that are on the market are still attracting buyers and boosting home prices.”
Record low mortgage rates likely will be a key factor in driving housing demand as state economies gradually reopen, Yun adds. “Still, more listings and increased home construction will be needed to tame price growth,” he notes.
Here is an overview of additional key indicators from NAR’s latest housing report:
Inventory: Total housing inventory at the end of April was 1.47 million units, down 19.7% from a year ago. Unsold inventory is currently at a 4.1-month supply at the current sales pace.
Days on the market: Properties typically stayed on the market for 27 days in April, up from 24 days a year ago. Fifty-six percent of homes sold in April were on the market for less than a month.
First-time home buyers: More sales last month were from buyers who were purchasing their first home. First-time buyers accounted for 36% of sales in April, up from 32% a year ago.
All-cash sales: All-cash sales comprised 15% of transactions in April, down from 20% a year ago. Individual investors and second-home buyers, who make up the biggest bulk of cash sales, purchased 10% of homes in April, down from 16% in April 2019.
Distressed sales: Foreclosures and short sales represented 3% of sales in April, which is about the same as a year ago.
Regional Breakdown
The following is a closer look at how existing-home sales fared across the country in April:
Northeast: Existing-home sales dropped 16.9% in April to an annual rate of 540,000—an 18.2% decrease compared to a year ago. Median price: $312,500, up 8.7% from April 2019.
Midwest: Existing-home sales fell 12% to an annual rate of 1.10 million—an 8.3% decrease compared to a year ago. Median price: $229,200, a 9.3% increase compared to April 2019.
South: Existing-home sales dropped 17.9% to an annual rate of 1.88 million in April, down 16.8% from the same time a year ago. Median price: $249,400, a 6.4% increase compared to April 2019.
West: Existing-home sales dropped 25% to an annual rate of 810,000 in April—a 27% decrease compared to April 2019. Median price: $419,300, up 6.1% from a year ago.
Original article found atRealtor
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