California's SB4 Law Sparks Affordable Housing Transformation on Religious Institution Land

California's SB4 law, which went into effect in 2021, has simplified the process for religious institutions and nonprofit colleges to convert their underutilized land into affordable housing. The law allows these organizations to bypass zoning and environmental review rules, accelerating the development of much-needed affordable housing units across the state.

The Episcopal Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Placentia is one of the first religious institutions to take advantage of the new law. In partnership with National CORE, a nonprofit developer, the church is transforming its surplus land into the Santa Angelina Senior Community, an affordable housing project for seniors. The successful completion of this project has changed perspectives and generated enthusiasm about the potential for similar developments on religious institutions' land.

Why this matters: California's homeless crisis has reached alarming levels, with many individuals and families struggling to find affordable housing. The SB4 law provides a unique opportunity for religious institutions and nonprofit colleges to contribute to the solution by utilizing their underutilized land for the development of affordable housing units.

The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles plans to use 25% of its church property for affordable housing projects, demonstrating the growing interest among religious organizations to address the housing crisis. While some existing communities may initially resist these developments, the success of projects like the Santa Angelina Senior Community has the potential to change minds and gain support.

SB4 Law Impact on Affordable Housing: According to estimates, the SB4 law could speed up the production of thousands of affordable housing units across California. By streamlining the development process and removing zoning and environmental review obstacles, religious institutions and nonprofit colleges can play a significant role in providing much-needed housing for low-income individuals and families.

The Santa Angelina Senior Community serves as a model for future affordable housing developments on religious institutions' land. The project's success has inspired other organizations to explore similar opportunities, with the goal of making a positive impact on the lives of those in need of affordable housing. As more religious institutions and nonprofit colleges embrace this approach, California may see a significant increase in the supply of affordable housing units, helping to alleviate the state's homeless crisis.

Key Takeaways

• SB4 law simplifies affordable housing development on religious/college land in CA.
• Episcopal church in Placentia partners with nonprofit to build affordable senior housing.
• Episcopal Diocese plans to use 25% of church property for affordable housing.
• SB4 law could speed up production of thousands of affordable housing units in CA.
• Santa Angelina Senior Community serves as a model for future affordable housing.