The Planning Department has a December 19 deadline to implement the small business streamlining provisions of Proposition H, which was approved by the voters last month. Proposition H expedites the approval process for principally permitted uses in Neighborhood Commercial
Unfamiliar Terrain
Navigating the complex Bay Area land use landscape
Unfamiliar Terrain is a blog published by the law firm Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP that focuses on legal developments affecting real estate, land use, and housing policy, particularly in California. The blog covers legislative changes such as housing production laws, zoning reforms, and environmental regulations like CEQA streamlining. It also addresses issues related to commercial and residential tenant protections, public agency meeting procedures, and litigation strategies in land use and development. The content reflects the firm's expertise in corporate, real estate, environmental, and regulatory law, providing updates on state and local government actions impacting property development and management.
Latest from Unfamiliar Terrain - Page 2
Election Results: Key San Francisco and California Ballot Measures Impacting Real Estate
In late October, we reported on a number of California, San Francisco, and regional propositions, including measures impacting real estate and other taxes, rent control, affordable housing, permits, and governance. At the state level, results were mixed and…
San Francisco Tax Propositions on the November Ballot
San Francisco voters will confront a number of tax measures on the November ballot. These measures are summarized below.
Proposition F — Adjustment of Baseline Funding and Business Tax Changes
Current Law:
San Francisco imposes a number of taxes under…
Another Daunting San Francisco Ballot
San Francisco voters will again confront a formidable ballot on November 3, 2020, with 13 San Francisco propositions to consider in addition to state and federal offices and measures. The local propositions address an array of topics, including governance, affordable…
California State Ballot Includes Major Property Tax, Rent Control Measures
While the focus in November is on the top of the ticket, Californians also face a long list of ballot measures. Here we focus on three major measures that impact California real estate: Propositions 15, 19 and 21.…
2020 Housing Legislation Overview: Started with a Bang, Ended with a Whimper
[Originally posted on September 9, 2020, updated on October 15, 2020]
Like so much of this unprecedented year, the 2019-2020 California Legislative Session ended with unexpected twists and pointed disappointments as the Assembly and Senate wrestled with the coronavirus pandemic,…
Land Use Litigation Statute of Limitations Tolling Period to End on August 3, 2020
On May 29, 2020, the Judicial Council of California amended Rule No. 9 of its COVID-19 emergency regulations to add certainty and to shorten the tolling period for civil causes of action subject to statutes of limitation of 180 days…
Trial Court Decisions Illustrate SB 35’s Power
SB 35 was one of the most prominent bills to come out of a package of housing-related laws enacted by the California legislature in 2017. It promised to allow swift approval of developments that were consistent with local zoning and…
Bay Area Construction Resumes Under New Orders
By Eric Hieber, David Gold & Tay Via
San Francisco Commercial Eviction Moratorium Applies to Security Deposits
As previously reported on the Unfamiliar Terrain blog, San Francisco Mayor London Breed declared a moratorium on evictions of small and medium-sized businesses (those having worldwide receipts of $25 million or less) impacted by COVID-19 for non-payment of rent. By…