[Will O' Wisp]

Lot of regulatory changes happening this week.

First up, City Council approved Gomez's affordable housing measure 5-4. The measure more than doubles in-lieu fees from $12 to $24 per square foot, or require developers to reserve 10% of their housing for families making less that 50% of the region's average median income (vs the current requirement of 60% AMI).

Proponents argued that the current in-lieu fees fees are too low, and that $12 a square foot is far less than what housing actually costs to build anywhere in San Diego, meaning that instead of providing part for part replacement housing the in-lieu fees allow developers to cheap out at the expense of low income families.

Opponents argued that fees of this size will increase construction costs to such a degree that less housing of all types will be able to be built, defeating the purpose of the measure.

Gomez commissioned a study which found the new requirements wouldn't effect housing construction rates, but that was contingent on landowners agreeing to sell their land to housing developers for 10-30% less than they are now. Opponents argued that landowners would instead choose to sell their land for other uses (like office space), proponents argued this was fear mongering.

Developers and the planning commission requested Gomez moderate her proposal, but Gomez demurred citing frustration with how little would be left of the measure otherwise. After over three hours of public testimony the measure passed, but with one of the committee dems joining the repubs opposing it. With only 5 yeas overriding a veto from Mayor Falconer would require one of the opponents to change their vote, and with the city's own planning department more or less saying this bill is too extreme he'd have a lot of political cover for it.

Right after council unanimously passed a planning commission sponsored measure that gives projects a 25% density boost if they reserve 10% of their housing for middle class families making 80%-120% AMI. Tack that on to current affordable housing bonuses and a project can boost its density by 175% with various incentives.