SB 79 Takes Effect: Major Changes for Housing Density Near Transit in San Diego

 

California's new SB 79 housing law officially took effect on July 1 and is expected to have a significant impact on land use, redevelopment opportunities, and housing density near major transit corridors throughout San Diego County. The law requires cities to allow substantially greater residential density near qualifying transit stops, although implementation will vary by location.

The article below provides a helpful overview of where the law will apply immediately, where implementation may be delayed, and some of the local planning considerations that remain unresolved.

For property owners, developers, investors, lenders, and real estate professionals, understanding these changes will become increasingly important as the market evaluates potential redevelopment opportunities and land values in affected areas.

Article:KPBS Article for San Diego

San Diego considering more apartment rental regulations to limit fees.

 

San Diego is considering new apartment regulations regarding rental fees.

Apartment Rental Increases in San Diego

 

Some San Diego apartment landlords are increasing rents above the legally allowed limit.

Commercial Buildings Designed to Preserve and Manage Water

 

The BBC has an interesting article about commercial property designed to preserve and manage water, which we could learn from here in California. 

Water Solutions Used in Asia

Blackstone Apartments in San Diego

 

CBS News reports on Blackstone apartment rents in San Diego.   

Apartment Construction in San Diego

 

The Construction Industry Research Board Reports the Final Numbers for Apartment and Housing Construction in San Diego.  According to the report, San Diego County built more housing in 2023 than in the previous 17 years. The 2023 total for multi-family was 9,100 units. The additional inventory has done little to curb apartment rental rates. The San Diego apartment market has very limited vacancy and historically high rental rates.

San Diego Real Estate - Home Ownership Trends

 Channel 10 News reports on the cost of San Diego real estate increasingly placing home ownership out of reach.

Real Estate Insurance Costs Are Becoming Primary Drivers In Some Markets

 

Insurance has started driving multiple real estate markets across the U.S.  I see posts about people losing their insurance regularly here in San Diego. The loss of insurance and higher HOA fees in Florida are impacting condominium appraised values.  State governments are concerned and trying to assist. Unfortunately, there is no easy solution to this problem.  

Restaurants and Retailers Deciding to Close Locations with High Crime

 

This is a very sad sign of the times - In-N-Out Restaurant to Close Up in Oakland. National retailers typically invest close to 2 million dollars for a state-of-the-art fast-food restaurant.  Obtaining the permits for a restaurant site with multiple curb cuts and drive-through lanes can be a very time-consuming task because it impacts the traffic flow in the area.  For a national retailer to walk away from a modern, profitable location due to crime and employee safety indicates a very serious problem.  We are also seeing this in San Diego with Target opting out of a downtown San Diego location. 

San Diego Insurance Premiums Increasing in 2024

 

Channel 8 News reports higher insurance premiums being rolled out in 2024 for many homeowners in San Diego County. 

Insurance Rates in 2024 Increasing in San Diego

San Diego Reaches Top Rank - Most Expensive City in US in 2023

San Diego - America's Most Expensive City in 2023 according to U.S. News and World Report.  The sharp increase in housing purchase prices, apartment rents, and gasoline prices within just a few years is largely responsible for topping this list.  

More Tiny Houses Coming to San Diego

 

More Tiny Houses Coming to San Diego

Section 8 Policies Have Been Revised

New Section 8 Policies in the City of San Diego 

A lawsuit has prompted changes to Section 8 threshold levels in multiple zip codes.  This impacts both rental property owners and families that can qualify for the Section 8 housing program. 

Historic Downtown Theatre Must Be Torn Down

 

City of San Diego Orders a historic downtown theater to be demolished.

Costar Reports Apartment Rents Continue to Increase Throughout San Diego County

 

According to Costar's Second Quarter, 2022, Multifamily Report, "asking market rent growth is soaring, and it is trending near its highest level in two decades. Performance has been driven by mid-tier and 4 & 5 Star inventory where rents are rising 15.8% and 13.3%, respectively, year over year. More than half of San Diego submarkets have recorded double-digit rent growth in the past 12 months."

Two Downtown San Diego City Blocks to Be Redeveloped

 

Downtown San Diego City Blocks To Be Redeveloped

City Of San Diego Halting Rent Payments On Downtown High Rise

 

Voice of San Diego Reports on City Halting Rent Payments

Tiny Homes As Accessory Dwelling Units in San Diego

 The Latest On San Diego Short Term Rental Rules

KPBS is reporting on the next steps involving Tiny Homes as accessory dwelling units in San Diego.  Increased enforcement is anticipated in the future. 

The City of San Diego Is Taking Comments, Suggestions on Housing Policy Outline

The city of San Diego residents can submit comments and suggestions to the city’s Planning Department through Dec. 20, 2019.  The City of San Diego staff will use the comments to prepare the final housing outline draft, which will be presented to the City Council for adoption at a future date.

Link to San Diego Planning Department Page

Draft Housing Element for Public Review

City of San Diego staff are happy to announce the release and public review period for the Draft 6th Cycle Housing Element, which incorporates the input gathered from a wide range of San Diegans. Upon adoption, this plan will be used to guide future housing-related planning decisions through implementation steps designed to meet the identified goals, objectives, and policies. Consistent with the City's General Plan and its City of Villages Strategy, the Draft Housing Element aims to increase housing opportunities while enhancing the transportation and land use connection through an improved jobs-housing balance and creating more compact and walkable communities.

The Draft of the Housing Element can be accessed through the links below. Important content is found in both the main body of the Housing Element and in its appendices.

Comments on the Draft can be submitted through Friday, December 20th, 2019 to Elizabeth Dickson by email at EDickson@sandiego.gov or in writing to 9485 Aero Drive San Diego, CA 92123. 

Mission Valley Stadium Update

Voice Of San Diego Reports on the SDSU Stadium Redevelopment Project