Re: Support – SB 1120 – Subdivisions: tentative maps

August 7, 2020

The Honorable Ben Allen

California State Senate

State Capitol

Sacramento, CA 95814

The Honorable Richard Bloom

California State Assembly

State Capitol

Sacramento, CA 95814

The Honorable Toni Atkins

California State Senate

State Capitol

Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: Support – SB 1120 – Subdivisions: tentative maps

We write on behalf of Santa Monica Forward to support SB 1120, which will allow duplexes on lots currently zoned for single family use.

Santa Monica Forward was founded in 2015 and now has over a thousand local supporters, who subscribe to our email newsletter, attend our events, and engage in our advocacy campaigns. We advocate for equitable and sustainable policies in the areas of housing, transportation, education, and economic development.

As you know, California has a statewide housing shortage of nearly 3.5 million homes. Low- and middle-income households face historic rent burden in California, and the problem worsens by the day as middle-income households move into naturally affordable housing previously occupied by low-income renters – forcing these households to move further away from their jobs, and in some cases, onto the streets. Undersupply of “Missing Middle” housing, or medium density housing near jobs and transit, is one of the key factors contributing to the displacement and rent burden of Californians across the state. This sort of housing is banned in over 70 percent of the state. SB 1120 adopts best practices from housing experts at the University of California Los Angles for resolving California’s housing shortage. It will also help California respond to historic job loss and a 45-percent decrease in home construction due to COVID-19.

SB 1120 allows two important major changes to state law. First, it allows someone to build a second home on a parcel that a local government has determined is for single family use only, allowing more housing growth in places that need it. Second, it allows a lot to be split into two lots under specific circumstances, allowing those who meet the criteria to build even more housing on otherwise unused land. SB 1120 contains important protections against displacement of existing tenants.

Because this bill will help address California’s housing crisis, Santa Monica Forward is very pleased to support it. Thank you for bringing this important bill forward.

Sincerely,

Abby Arnold Carl Hansen abby@abbyarnold.com cjh268@cornell.edu

Co-chair, Santa Monica Forward Co-chair, Santa Monica Forward