AB2011 and SB6
Assembly Bill 2011 (AB 2011) and Senate Bill 6 (SB 6), both effective on July 1, 2023, create processes and standards to permit residential development on sites zoned and designated for commercial and retail uses.
AB 2011 provides a CEQA-exempt, ministerial approval process for multi-family housing on sites within a zoning district where office, retail or parking are the principally permitted uses. The law provides different qualifying criteria and standards depending on whether the project is 100-percent affordable or mixed income along specified "commercial corridors." AB 2011 projects are subject to prevailing wage and other labor standards and requirements.
SB 6 developments may be either a 100 percent residential development or mixed-use project where at least 50-percent of the square footage is dedicated to residential uses on sites within a zoning district where office, retail or parking are the principally permitted uses. SB 6 projects are not exempt from CEQA and are not subject to minimum affordability requirements beyond the requirements set forth in the City's Affordable Housing Ordinance. The legislation does specify that developments meeting SB 6 criteria may choose to invoke Senate Bill 35 (SB 35) and the Housing Accountability Act for a more streamlined process. SB 6 projects are required to pay prevailing wage and to utilize a skilled and trained workforce.