What is the Builder’s Remedy?
– The Builder’s Remedy is a provision in California housing law that allows developers to bypass local zoning laws and regulations if a municipality fails to meet its housing production goals. This is intended to expedite the construction of affordable housing in areas where local governments have not complied with state housing requirements.
Key Concerns with the Builder’s Remedy:
1. Increased Development Pressure
– Encourages large-scale developments in small towns, often straining local infrastructure and services.
2. Loss of Community Character
– Potentially disrupts the unique aesthetic and cultural feel of small towns, altering their character and charm.
3. Traffic and Congestion
– Can exacerbate existing traffic problems, making local roads and intersections more congested and impacting overall mobility.
4. Impact on Emergency Services
– Increased traffic congestion may lead to longer emergency response times, potentially compromising safety and access to critical services like hospitals.
5. Environmental Concerns
– Development on greenfields or near sensitive habitats can threaten local wildlife, increase fire risks, and contribute to erosion and flooding due to the addition of impermeable surfaces.
6. Insufficient Affordable Housing
– Despite the push for affordable housing, some projects may offer only a small percentage of affordable units compared to the total number of new units, limiting their effectiveness in addressing local housing needs.
7. Architectural Incompatibility
– Large-scale developments may feature designs that clash with the local architectural style, undermining community cohesion and aesthetic appeal.
Example: Proposed Project in Solvang
– Size: 105,400 square feet, 190 bedrooms in 100 units. (As of April 2024)
– Issues Identified:
– Visual Impact:The complex will tower over surrounding neighborhoods, with reduced setbacks.
– Traffic: Increased congestion at Alamo Pintado Road/Hwy. 246 and Old Mission Drive.
– Emergency Services: Potential delays in response times due to traffic.
– Parking: Insufficient resident parking, leading to overflow onto public streets.
– Historical Impact: Potential effects on the Historic Mission Santa Ines aqueduct.
– Affordable Housing: Only 20 units out of 100 will be designated as low-income.
– Environmental Risks: Increased risk of erosion and flooding; incompatible architectural style.
Steps to Address the Builder’s Remedy
1. Educate and Mobilize the Community:
– Share information and gather public support through meetings, petitions, and social media.
2. Engage with Local Officials:
– Contact city council members and other officials to express concerns and advocate for community interests.
3. Submit Formal Comments and Petitions:
– Provide written objections and support petitions opposing inappropriate developments.
4. Propose Alternatives:
– Suggest alternative sites or development plans that align with community needs and infrastructure capacity.
5. Pursue Legal and Policy Actions:
– Consult with legal experts to explore potential challenges and advocate for policy changes that protect local interests.
6. Promote Positive Solutions:
– Highlight successful developments and engage in community planning to ensure future projects are beneficial and sustainable.
How You Can Help:
– Sign Petitions: Add your name to petitions opposing specific projects.
– Attend Meetings: Participate in city council meetings and public forums to voice your concerns.
–Spread the Word: Use social media and local media to raise awareness and gather support.
Sign the Petition To Stop the Wildwood Alamo Pintado Project
Join the Santa Ynez Valley Citizens Council on Facebook to Follow this and other Critical Issues
City of Solvang Alamo Pintado Apartment Page
City Documents
By taking these steps, we can work together to ensure that housing development meets our community’s needs while preserving its unique character and quality of life.