San Diego Inclusionary Zoning Program Makes Headway

When it comes to inclusionary zoning, Josh Cohen writes, "For many years, San Diego relied on a statewide program and a long-unenforced city ordinance, but in 2016, the city rolled out a new program that builds on the state law by offering more incentives for developers [...]."

The Affordable Homes Bonus Program (AHBP), now in place for over a year, is "an expanded version of the state program that, among other incentives, offers a maximum of 50 percent density increases in exchange for 15 percent rent-restricted units built." California's program, for reference, offers a maximum 35 percent density increase with 11 percent of units rent-restricted.

San Diego developers, it would appear, have been receptive. "To date, 18 market-rate developers have applied for the new program. Between 2005 and 2016, a total of 36 developers applied to the state density bonus program."

However, critics point out that the density increases involved are hardly "modest" and that they violate the spirit of existing community plans.