Support for Sustainable Development Areas in Council
Ready the policy letter in pdf form here.
Dear Council President Elo-Rivera and Councilmembers:
On behalf of the YIMBY Democrats of San Diego County, please accept this letter of support for the new definition of Sustainable Development Areas (SDA) (Item #5 of the 2022 Land Development Code (LDC) Update). The YIMBY Democrats of San Diego County are dedicated to growing San Diego in the communities where we live. In addition to developing more affordable and market-rate housing to increase the supply of housing, we believe in prioritizing infill development near transit and employment centers with the goal of increasing our housing supply, leveraging our urban environments, protecting our natural resources and advancing economic inclusion and opportunity for all.
Our club supports Item #5 because it will help create more transit-oriented development opportunities in our region - at a time where housing costs continue to rise and affordability continues to be a top concern for every San Diegan. The Planning Department’s analysis found that SDA has approximately 5,224 more developable acres than the current Transit Priority Area. The SDA furthers Fair Housing Goals by providing approximately 3,342 more developable acres in high and highest-opportunity areas determined by the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC). We further support this proposal as the analysis shows that approximately 688 more developable acres are eligible for the Complete Communities Housing Solutions Program and includes approximately 4,612 more developable acres eligible for the ADU Home Density Bonus program. Ultimately, the new SDA definition allows for the increase of desperately needed housing in strategic locations.
The YIMBY Democrats of San Diego County respectfully request the City Council pass Item #5 in the LDC Update. We look forward to the potential for new housing options close to transit. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Angeli Hoyos
President, YIMBY Democrats of San Diego County
