Residents' input sought on new state laws regarding housing

A Menifee City Council member is seeking input from residents in advance of a Dec. 20 presentation to the council on new laws that could make it even easier for housing developments to gain approval in California cities.

Council member Greg August said he wants to give residents the opportunity to submit questions and concerns in advance of the meeting, during which city attorney Jeffrey Melching will tell the council how this new legislation could affect city planning in Menifee.

The discussion will center on California SB 167, AB 1515, and AB 678, all of which were designed to amend the Housing Accountability Act to further limit a local agency’s ability to disapprove or reduce the density of residential projects. These laws go into effect Jan. 1.

According to an email received by council members from Melching's law firm, Ruttan and Tucker, cities will now have a more difficult time reject a housing proposal on the basis it would have an adverse impact on public health or safety.

"Some say it will have a dramatic impact on city planning, while others say no," August wrote in an email to Menifee 24/7. "Pre-submitted questions would be helpful, making the council meeting more purposeful and informative."

Residents may email questions to gaugust@cityofmenifee.us or to Cheryl Kitzerow, community development director, at ckitzerow@cityofmenifee.us.