(June 21, 2005) The California Chamber of Commerce-opposed “job killer” bill that increases the complexity of the land use and planning process will be heard by the Assembly Local Government Committee tomorrow.

“Companies in California are already having a hard time attracting and retaining qualified employees due to the lack of affordable housing in the state,” said Charles Bacchi, Chamber legislative advocate. “This bill will only add to this lack of housing by making it harder and more expensive to build in California.”

SB 409 (Kehoe; D-San Diego) has been labeled a “job killer” because it slows development of affordable housing by adding increased complexity and delay to the planning process and creates another opportunity for legal challenges to new housing by inserting new water supply requirements into general plans.

California is failing to meet the demand for affordable housing for its residents.  SB 409 will only worsen the current situation and could have devastating effects on California’s housing industry for years to come. The Chamber is committed to increasing the supply of housing through many strategies, including streamlining the planning process.

SB 409 would require a new planning analysis that numerically lays out water supply requirements and a very detailed listing of the physical infrastructure that would deliver the water to new housing. SB 409 is unnecessary because the information is already contained in Urban Water Management Plans. This will only add increased complexity and delay to the planning process by expanding the opportunity for opponents of growth to challenge local housing projects. This is in conflict with our goal of building more affordable housing.

Action Needed
SB 409 will be heard by the Assembly Local Government Committee on June 22.  The Chamber is urging employers to send committee members letters opposing SB 409.  Use our easy-to-edit sample letter.

For more information on SB 409 or to view the entire “job killer” list, please visit the Chamber’s website at www.calchamber.com/jobkillers.