California Bill Would Authorize Inclusive Zoning for New Housing

The bill would invalidate a 2009 court ruling that the practice of “inclusive zoning” violates state law. Backers of the bill say it would allow people with low wage jobs to live in the communities where they work.

“Communities can be inclusive by insuring that as we build new development, a percentage is affordable to a range of incomes,” saysBrian Augusta with the Western Center on Law and Poverty, which co-sponsored the bill. “We can make sure we’reincluding the school nurse and teachers and firefighters and others.”

The California Apartment Association and other opponents say the bill could hit property owners in the pocket book.

The bill has passed the Assembly.  It could be up for vote on the Senate floor in the coming days.