In recent years, California has faced a significant housing crisis, leading to the creation of laws that encourage more housing development across the state. One of the most controversial tools is the “Builder’s Remedy,” a provision that allows developers to bypass local zoning laws and regulations if a city or town has not met its state-mandated housing goals. This policy has sparked debate, especially in small towns like ours. Let’s break down what the Builder’s Remedy is and consider both the positive and negative aspects of this provision.
What is the Builder’s Remedy?
The Builder’s Remedy is part of California’s Housing Accountability Act. It allows developers to build housing projects even if they don’t comply with local zoning rules, such as height limits or density caps, as long as the city does not have an approved Housing Element (a part of the General Plan that ensures cities are meeting housing requirements set by the state). In essence, if a town is behind on its state-required housing plan, developers can propose projects that the town wouldn’t normally approve—and the town must accept them.
The Pros of the Builder’s Remedy
1. Addresses Housing Shortages:
California’s housing shortage is real, and the Builder’s Remedy aims to address this problem head-on. By allowing more housing developments, especially in areas that have been slow to build, the policy helps create new homes for people in need, including affordable housing for low-income families.
2. Encourages Affordable Housing:
Many Builder’s Remedy projects include affordable units, which can help families that might otherwise be priced out of the market. The state has a pressing need for more affordable housing, and this provision pushes towns to contribute to that goal.
3. Promotes Growth:
Some see the Builder’s Remedy as a way to modernize and expand communities that have resisted growth for years. By increasing housing options, towns can attract more residents, boost the local economy, and provide more diverse housing opportunities.
The Cons of the Builder’s Remedy
1. Ignores Local Planning:
One of the biggest criticisms of the Builder’s Remedy is that it overrides local zoning laws and the careful planning that communities have worked hard to establish. Many towns, like ours, have spent years developing General Plans that outline what kind of growth is appropriate. The Builder’s Remedy allows developers to ignore these plans, potentially leading to developments that don’t fit the town’s character.
2. Strains Local Infrastructure:
Small towns typically have limited infrastructure, such as roads, parking, emergency services, and schools. Large developments that suddenly bring in hundreds of new residents can put a huge strain on these services, making it difficult for the town to keep up with the demands of a growing population.
3. Threatens Community Character:
Many small towns, including our own, have a unique charm and character. The Builder’s Remedy can lead to high-density developments that clash with the town’s historical feel, architecture, and peaceful environment. Over time, this could change the very identity of the town.
Why We Oppose the Builder’s Remedy
While the Builder’s Remedy aims to address California’s housing crisis, it forces small towns like ours to accept large developments that could permanently damage the character of our community. Our town has spent years creating a General Plan that includes responsible, thoughtful growth, including affordable housing. But the Builder’s Remedy disregards this hard work, allowing developers to bypass these plans and pursue projects that benefit them more than our community.
The strain such developments would place on our local infrastructure, from traffic to emergency services, would be overwhelming. Our town simply doesn’t have the resources to absorb such rapid growth, and the quality of life for current residents could suffer as a result.
In the end, while it’s important to build more housing, it must be done in a way that respects the town’s vision for its future. The Builder’s Remedy undermines that vision, and for that reason, we believe it is not the right solution for our community.
By supporting responsible development and working within our General Plan, we can ensure that our town grows in a way that benefits everyone—without losing the small-town charm and character that makes it special.
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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.