AUGUST 23, 2019
A WEEK WITH BIA
LA COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS EVENT
On Thursday, BIA-LAV CEO, Tim Piasky, attended BizFed's Annual Freshman Policy Makers Summer event. Business leaders had the opportunity to meet and mingle with local US Congressmembers, City Mayors, Councilmembers, State Officials, and to discuss issues in a relaxed and friendly setting. BIA-LAV will continue to foster relationships with our elected representatives to best communicate the needs of our members and the homebuilding industry to those making housing policy decisions.
ADVOCACY IN ACTION
PLUM COMMITTEE HAMMERS OUT DETAILS OF ADU'S IN HILLSIDE AREAS
The long-awaited ADU ordinance for the City of LA was heard again at this week’s PLUM Committee meeting, this time with a report back from staff on three options to ensure fire safety in hillside areas. Because BIA-LAV recognizes ADUs as a step forward in helping to alleviate the housing crisis, Senior Director of Government Affairs, Christine Rangel, testified in favor of the option that leaves the most opportunity for Angelenos to exercise their right to build a unit in their backyard. The ordinance will be drafted and come back to PLUM for approval at an unscheduled date .
PASADENA UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES INCREASING INCLUSIONARY ZONING 
The City of Pasadena unanimously directed staff to adopt four amendments to change the current Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance. The amendments will negatively impact the ordinance by: increasing the inclusionary zoning provision from 15% to 20%; remove their buy-down incentive option for very-low inclusionary units; and dramatically increase their in-lieu fee. BIA-LAV CEO, Tim Piasky, spoke in opposition to the ordinance and was one of the only industry representatives in a council chamber packed with supporters.. The actions won't be implemented until after the second reading hearing. BIA-LAV will continue to be vigilant in finding opportunities to positively affect any upcoming outcomes. For more info rmation, please contact BIA-LAV Director of Government Affairs, Diana Coronado .

DOCUMENT LINKS :


LA COUNTY BUILDING CODE UPDATE
Yesterday, the Building and Safety Division of Public Works conducted a meeting on proposed amendments to the new 2019 State Building Codes, including County of Los Angeles amendments. BIA and different industry stakeholders were in attendance. BIA commented on amendments going too far, above and beyond California standards and the feasibility and technology available to implement such mandates. BIA will be providing a formal letter based on the feedback from our membership. The updates will be considered by the Board of Supervisors in November and if passed will be implemented by January 2020. For more information, please contact BIA-LAV Director of Government Affairs, Diana Coronado .
LONG BEACH INCLUSIONARY ZONING STUDY SESSION
On Thursday, BIA-LAV attended Long Beach City's (LBC) inclusionary zoning (IZ) Planning Commission meeting "Study Session". The City presented the results and recommendations from the IZ feasibility study, which was recently made available to the public. BIA-LAV made comments on the negative impacts of a mandatory IZ ordinance, and the challenges to including ownership in the inclusionary policy. BIA-LAV is cautiously optimistic in the model that has been recommended under submarket two; it would be an incentive-based inclusionary zoning option. We will be sending an updated letter that includes our analysis of the now released feasibility study. Please e-mail Diana Coronado to join our Long Beach Inclusionary Zoning Interest Group, here .  

DOCUMENT LINKS:

MEMBER OF THE MOMENT
NOON Home  is the maker of the most advanced smart lighting system in the housing market. NOON’s primary controller, the Director, features a high-resolution OLED display that provides one-touch control of your lighting. The Director connects wirelessly to coordinate NOON Extension Switches — just click to turn all of a room’s lights on, swipe to transition to your preferred scene, and more! Learn more here .
HOUSING SPOTLIGHT
CUE is made up of 20 modern homes with a great location in North Hollywood; less than one mile from the Metro. These spacious single family floor plans provide up to 1,788 square feet with two bedrooms and a flex room, up to 3.5 bathrooms, a private two-car garage and rooftop deck with cinematic views. Join the interest list for a ticket to all things CUE, including VIP previews and early access to pricing and release dates. For additional details, please click here .
NEWSWORTHY
$700K for an apartment? The cost to solve the homeless crisis is soaring in Los Angeles (USA Today)


Housing crisis looms while lawmakers drag their feet (OC Register)


How Fixing California’s  Housing  Crisis Is Like Playing Whac-a-Mole "Wednesday: Local regulations stand in the way of more apartments." (NY Times)
GET SOCIAL

Do you want to be featured as a Standout Social Media Member?! Use the links below to connect and engage with us on social media. You'll receive updated information and the latest news related to the BIA and the building industry. Click on the second row to share this newsletter with friends!