The following list intends to report all land use legislation at the state (California) and city (San Diego) level. These are bills and projects in the works as of 2/19/2025.
State
Assembly Bills (AB):
- AB 1633: Housing Accountability Act: Disapprovals: California Environmental Quality Act Compliance
- Summary: This bill aims to refine and clarify the standards for local agencies’ discretion in housing development projects, particularly concerning compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). It seeks to establish procedures allowing applicants to notify local governments of evidence supporting required findings under CEQA.
- Status: Under legislative consideration.
- Details: AB 1633 Bill Text
- AB 312: State Partnership for Affordable Housing Registries
- Summary: This bill proposes the establishment of a housing preapplication by January 1, 2026. The preapplication aims to standardize information required from affordable housing applicants, reducing redundancies and streamlining the application process.
- Status: Under legislative consideration.
- Details: AB 312 Bill Text
Senate Bills (SB):
- SB 866: Land Use: Housing
- Summary: This bill proposes nonsubstantive changes to existing laws that emphasize the importance of making housing available and affordable for all Californians.
- Status: Under legislative consideration.
- Details: SB 866 Bill Versions Comparison
- SB 7: Regional Housing Need: Determination
- Summary: This bill focuses on the determination of regional housing needs, aiming to amend specific sections of the Government Code related to land use.
- Status: Under legislative consideration.
- Details: SB 7 Bill Status
Please note that legislative processes are dynamic, and the status of bills can change rapidly. For the most current information, refer to the California Legislative Information website.
City
The City of San Diego is actively engaged in several initiatives related to housing, land use, and construction.
2025 Land Development Code (LDC) Update
The City is in the process of its annual update to the Land Development Code, aiming to address evolving land use issues, streamline permitting processes, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. The 2025 update focuses on several key areas:
- Climate Action Alignment: Incorporating regulations to promote sustainable development and reduce carbon footprints.
- Housing Affordability: Implementing measures to facilitate the construction of affordable housing units.
- Equity Considerations: Ensuring that land use policies are inclusive and equitable across all communities.
- Infrastructure Development: Updating codes to support modern infrastructure needs, including transportation and utilities.
Public workshops and consultations are ongoing, with the final adoption of the 2025 LDC Update anticipated later this year. citeturn0search2
Single-Issue Code Updates
In addition to the comprehensive annual updates, the City addresses specific, time-sensitive issues through single-issue code amendments. These updates allow for targeted revisions to the LDC to respond promptly to emerging challenges or legislative changes. Currently, there are no single-issue LDC updates being processed.
Master Plan Updates
College Area Community Plan Update
The College Area Community Plan, last updated in 1989, is undergoing a comprehensive revision. This update aims to align the community’s development with current conditions, the City’s Climate Action Plan, General Plan, and specific community goals. The process emphasizes public engagement, with recent meetings held to gather community input. The updated plan will focus on sustainable growth, housing affordability, and enhanced infrastructure.
Mid-City Communities Plan Update
Initiated in 2024, the Mid-City Communities Plan Update addresses the communities of City Heights, Eastern Area, Kensington-Talmadge, and Normal Heights. This update seeks to identify opportunities for new housing, businesses, and infrastructure improvements. A Draft Existing Conditions Mobility Assessment has been released, highlighting current transportation infrastructure and identifying areas for enhancement. Community members are encouraged to provide feedback on this assessment by February 28, 2025.
University Community Plan Update
Approved in 2024, the University Community Plan Update outlines a long-term vision for land use, mobility, urban design, public facilities, natural resources, and economic development. The plan emphasizes creating opportunities for housing and mixed-use developments connected to key institutions like the University of California San Diego. It also focuses on enhancing public spaces and improving transportation networks to support sustainable growth.
Clairemont Community Plan Update
Projected for completion in 2025, the Clairemont Community Plan Update aims to establish a long-range vision encompassing land use, mobility, urban design, and public facilities. The plan promotes the development of pedestrian-oriented areas to support housing, employment, and mixed-use projects near transit hubs. It also addresses the enhancement of retail centers, residential neighborhoods, parks, and transportation infrastructure to foster a vibrant and connected community.
Mira Mesa Community Plan Update
On December 5, 2022, the San Diego City Council approved the Mira Mesa Community Plan Update. This plan considers current conditions and aligns with citywide goals outlined in the Climate Action Plan and General Plan. It provides direction for the community’s long-term development, focusing on accommodating residential and employment growth, infrastructure needs, and economic vitality.
Community Plan Implementation Overlay Zone (CPIOZ) Update
The CPIOZ Update aims to consolidate supplemental development regulations from various community plans into the Land Development Code. This effort seeks to streamline the implementation of community-specific policies and ensure consistency across the city’s regulatory framework. The project is projected for completion in 2025.