Governor Newsom Enacts SB 4
On October 11, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) into law, marking a significant milestone in California’s journey towards affordable housing. Recognized as the ”Yes In God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) bill, SB 4 emerges as a pivotal piece of legislation, empowering religious institutions and nonprofit colleges to construct affordable housing on their land. This strategic move addresses the critical housing shortage in the state, providing a beacon of hope and tangible solutions for communities across California.
Empowering Faith Institutions and Nonprofit Colleges
SB 4 is a transformative legislation that enables religious and faith institutions, as well as nonprofit colleges, to build affordable housing on their land, circumventing traditional zoning and CEQA barriers. This legislation is projected to liberate approximately 171,000 acres of land for affordable housing, serving as a crucial catalyst in providing essential homes in a state grappling with a severe housing deficit.
A Holistic Approach to Housing Challenges
Governor Newsom’s extensive housing package, inclusive of SB 4, signifies a unified commitment to tackle California’s housing crisis by reducing barriers to housing development and supporting the creation of more affordable homes. The package aims to streamline housing developments, enable institutions like colleges and religious organizations to utilize their property for housing development, and uphold a state statute used to hold local communities accountable for their fair share of housing.
Ensuring Compliance and Encouraging Housing Starts
Governor Newsom and the Legislature have invested $30 billion in affordable housing production and enacted numerous CEQA reforms. The creation of the Housing Accountability Unit at the California Department of Housing and Community Development ensures cities and counties fulfill their legal responsibilities to plan and permit their fair share of housing. This focus on accountability has contributed to a 15-year high in housing starts in California.
Streamlining Your Affordable Housing Projects with Expertise
At RHE Development, LLC, we are poised to assist religious institutions, nonprofit colleges, and other organizations in navigating through the complexities and opportunities presented by SB 4. Our comprehensive services span from client sign-up, feasibility studies, design, permitting, construction, to compliance, ensuring your affordable housing project transitions smoothly from conception to realization. With a dedicated team and a robust technology platform, RHE is committed to turning legislative opportunities into tangible assets for communities throughout California.
From the initial consultation through the intricate phases of design, planning, permitting, and construction, RHE Development, LLC stands as a steadfast pillar, ensuring your project is executed flawlessly from inception to completion. Our comprehensive management, administrative, and construction oversight capabilities ensure that clients navigate through the SB 4 development process with ease and confidence.
We invite you to explore the various resources available and encourage you to reach out to us for any queries or further assistance in navigating through your SB 4 development options.