Overview

• A report by YIMBY Law concludes that five California housing laws passed since 2021 have had 'limited to no impact' on the state's housing supply.
• Key laws, such as SB 9 allowing single-family homes to be split into duplexes and SB 4 enabling affordable housing on church properties, have seen very few projects initiated.
• Barriers include stringent labor requirements, affordability mandates, and opposition from local governments, which have imposed restrictive ordinances to limit the laws' effectiveness.
• Broader challenges like high interest rates, labor shortages, and rising construction costs further deter housing development in the state.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) remain a rare success, with over 28,000 permitted in 2023, attributed to fewer regulatory hurdles compared to other housing initiatives.