City of Encinitas AB 2011 & SB 6 Workshop 04-15-24

The City of Encinitas held a workshop on April 15, 2024, to discuss the development of an ordinance and objective design standards to implement California housing laws AB 2011 and SB 6. These laws facilitate residential development in commercial zones to promote affordable housing, with complex eligibility criteria and development standards. The city council had previously secured a SANDAG HAP grant and approved a professional services agreement with Ascent Environmental to assist in this effort. The workshop covered the differences between AB 2011 and SB 6, including affordability requirements, density, height limits, and labor standards. The city is working to create clear, objective design standards to guide multifamily projects under these laws, aiming to provide predictability for developers and enhance community character. No current applications under these laws exist in the city, and the process is in early stages with further workshops and public review planned. The discussion highlighted the complexity of the legislation and the need for specialized consultants to navigate the nuances, emphasizing the importance of clear local standards to reduce development risks.