HomeMy WebLinkAbout_4.1(b)--Letter of Opposition for Senate Bill 423
CITY OF REDDING
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
Recommendation
Authorize the Mayor to send a letter to legislators affirming opposition to Senate Bill (SB) 423,
which proposes to limit local government control by requiring overreaching ministerial approval
of certain multi-family housing developments, allowing for the bypassing of the California
Environmental Quality Act, and eliminating public input; and authorize additional letters of
opposition for future legislation that may continue to place limits on, or support of legislation
that encourages, the authority of local government to maintain control of realistic zoning and
permitting within the community.
Fiscal Impact
There is no direct fiscal impact on the General Fund as a result of sending the attached letter.
Alternative Action
The City Council could decline to authorize the Mayor to send the letter and provide alternative
direction to staff.
Background/Analysis
California Senator Scott Wiener is proposing Senate Bill (SB) 423 – Streamlined housing
approvals: multifamily housing developments SB 35 (Chapter 366, Statutes of 2017) expansion.
This would greatly expand SB 35 (Chapter 366, Statutes of 2017) provisions and eliminate the
Jan. 1, 2026, sunset date, and thereby permanently requiring cities to ministerially approve
certain housing projects without public input or environmental review. This bill forces cities to
approve certain housing projects without regard to the needs of the community, opportunities for
environmental review, or public input. While it may be frustrating for some developers to
address neighborhood concerns about traffic, parking, and other development impacts, those
directly affected by such projects have a right to be heard. As stated in the letter of opposition,
MEETING DATE: April 4, 2023
ITEM NO. 4.1(b)
FROM:
***APPROVED BY***
btippin@cityofredding.org
btippin@cityofredding.org
SUBJECT: 4.1(b)--Letter of Opposition for Senate Bill 423
Barry Tippin, City Manager
Report to Redding City Council March 24, 2023
Re: 4.1(b)--Letter of Opposition for Senate Bill 423 Page 2
public engagement also often leads to better projects. Not having such outlets will increase
public distrust in government and result in additional ballot measures that limit housing
development. As drafted, this bill ties the hands of local governments in making practical
decisions about residential development in their communities. As such, the attached letter
establishes a position of opposition to SB 423.
In addition to establishing the above noted position of opposition for SB 423, staff requests
further authorization to prepare letters of opposition to legislation that limits local control of
planning and development and support of legislation that continues to encourage local control.
Environmental Review
This is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act, and therefore no
further action is required.
Council Priority/City Manager Goals
• Government of the 21st Century – “Be relevant and proactive to the opportunities and
challenges of today’s residents and workforce. Anticipate the future to make better
decisions today.”
• Economic Development – “Facilitate and become a catalyst for economic development
in Redding to create jobs, retain current businesses and attract new ones, and encourage
investment in the community.”
Attachments
SB 423 (Wiener) Opposition Letter
Michael Dacquisto, Mayor
mdacquisto@cityofredding.org
530.225.4447
April 5, 2023
The Honorable Scott Wiener
Chair, Senate Committee on Housing
1021 O Street, Suite 3330
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: SB 423 (Wiener) Streamlined housing approvals: multifamily housing developments:
SB 35 (Chapter 366, Statutes of 2017) Expansion.
Notice of Opposition
Dear Senator Wiener:
The City of Redding writes to express its opposition to your measure, SB 423, which would greatly
expand SB 35 (Chapter 366, Statutes of 2017) provisions and eliminate the Jan. 1, 2026 sunset
date.
On any given day, newspaper headlines in California and across the nation are highlighting the
state’s growing housing supply and affordability crisis. Seven in ten Californians view housing
affordability as one of the top problems in their communit ies, and there is growing concern from
residents that housing prices are so expensive, younger generations will be priced out of ever being
able to buy a home.
The Redding community intimately understand s this crisis as it plays out in our communit y every
day. Local leaders are working to find creative solutions so homes of all income levels can be built.
We are taking on this difficult and complex task, and are successfully planning and implementing
plans for a diversified housing market to equitably address the housing crisis in our community.
SB 423 is the latest overreaching bill. This measure would double-down on the recent trend of the
state overriding its own mandated local housing plans by forcing cities to approve certain housing
projects without regard to the needs of the community, opportunities for environmental review, or
public input. While it may be frustrating for some developers to address neighborhood concerns
about traffic, parking, and other development impacts, those directly affected by such projects
have a right to be heard. Public engagement also often leads to better projects. Not having such
outlets will increase public distrust in government and result in additional ballot measures that
limit housing development.
The City of Redding actively works with its developers and seeks out those who will continue to
build and grow our housing market in a way that is smart for the community. We value the input
we receive from the public as it provides guidance in the best ways to serve them. This bill would
limit our ability to make smart development decisions for our growing community and elim inate
the ability for the public to voice meaningful concerns about the space in which they live, work,
and play.
Instead of continuing to pursue top-down, one-size-fits-all legislation, lawmakers should partner
with local officials. The League of California Cities is calling on the Governor and lawmakers to
include a $3 billion annual investment in the state budget to help cities prevent and reduce
homelessness and spur housing development. Targeted, ongoing funding is the only way cities can
find community-based solutions that get our residents off the streets and keep them in their homes.
California will never produce the number of homes needed with an increasingly state driven, by-
right housing approval process. What is really needed is a sustainable state investment that matches
the scale of this long-term crisis.
For these reasons, the City of Redding respectfully opposes your measure,
Sincerely,
Michael Dacquisto
Mayor
City of Redding