Governor Signs Motel Conversion Bill to Ease Affordability and Homelessness Epidemic
Senate Bill 450's aim is to ease the lack of housing that the state is currently facing. Specifically here in Los Angeles, we've seen a massive increase in the homeless population. According to CoStar "California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a measure exempting certain conversions of former motels into housing from strict and potentially time-consuming environmental review rules, in a move meant to boost housing services for people without permanent homes in the state."
Authored by Sen. Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana, the bill has "incentivized developers to prioritize transitional housing for vulnerable populations." Developers will be thrilled to hear that SB 450 provides CEQA exemptions related to expedited developments, to facilitate the conversion of motels into housing units that provide services to those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
