In December of 2018, State Senator Scott Wiener introduced SB 50, which would mandate greater density and height for new housing developments on all properties within 1/2-mile of any transit stop or within 1/4-mile of any stop on a major bus route. Wiener’s controversial bill would grant this “upzoning” regardless of current zoning, which means that developers would be able to build apartment buildings – up to five stories – on single-family (R1) zoned streets.
SB 50 is based on a previous bill authored by Senator Wiener – SB 827 – that failed in committee earlier in 2018. And while Wiener claims that SB 50 addresses many of the flaws/criticisms of SB 827, in reality it is much, much worse.
- SB 50 would mandate denser/taller development in affluent communities (above average median income) and with good schools, regardless of proximity to transit.
- To qualify for the density/height incentives in SB 50, developers can choose to either include a token number of units (as few as 6% of the total) for low-income tenants or pay a fee to local government. In other words: Senator Wiener wants developers to be able to buy their way out of the affordable housing requirement altogether and still enjoy all of the incentives (aka profits) of SB 50!
Another key feature of SB 50 is that it would take away any and all local control over land use in the designated areas. Developers would be able to build what they want, where they want and City government would be powerless to stop them – regardless of the availability of infrastructure to support these developments.
Without doubt, SB 50 promises a second “California Gold Rush” for developers and real estate speculators. But at what cost to regular California homeowners and communities? SB 50 would be DEVASTATING for our neighborhood and hundreds like it all over the state.
And while Wiener and his supporters claim that SB 50 is the only way to make housing more affordable in California, many land-use experts and planners say it would have the reverse effect, creating a surplus of luxury housing and displacing lower-income residents – forcing them out of our cities (or even out of the state) altogether. Not surprisingly, Scott Wiener’s re-election campaign was supported in large part by contributions from developers, real estate professionals and Big Tech. And – like SB 827 before it – SB 50 is co-sponsored by a powerful pro-developer lobbying group called California YIMBY.
Councilmember Koretz has taken a lead role in the pushback against Scott Wiener’s attack on single-family communities by introducing to City Council a motion to oppose SB 50. WSSM applauds and strongly supports the Councilmember’s position and will be following the progress of his motion closely over the coming months.
What YOU can do to fight back against SB 50
Please send an email to each of the key State Senators who will be weighing SB 50, urging them to oppose this dangerous bill. Suggested email text, contact names and email addresses HERE.