Relaxed Rules, Quicker Reviews And Tiny homes: New Suite Of County Measures Will Fast-Track Home-Building In Unincorporated Areas.
San Diego County Approves Tiny Homes On Wheels
County Removes Barriers to Housing Production
May 24, 2023: Source Donna Durckel County of San Diego Communications Office-
The changes approved today are designed to deliver different types of housing faster and easier. They reduce and guarantee review times for housing plans and permits, encourage innovation and technology, provide extra customer support and include financial incentives. The Board committed $14.5M in funding to carry out these efforts.
The actions will help builders save time and provide certainty in the development process – both identified as highly valuable for both market-rate developments as well as affordable housing projects. Others involve information technology changes that aid project tracking, transparency, and increased communication, as well as customer education, guidance tools, and support.
There also will be extra professionals to make sure applications are complete and correct when submitted to save time going back and forth on corrections. In addition, projects needing septic tank approvals will have dedicated assistance to conduct safety reviews more efficiently.
The County will also be offering pre-approved plans for single family homes and accept tiny homes on wheels as an approved housing option.
The recommendations were generated by a multi-department County working group and shaped by stakeholder input. The working group included Planning & Development Services, Public Works, Environmental Health & Quality, County Counsel, County Fire, Housing & Community Development Services, Purchasing & Contracting, General Services, and the Office of Economic Development and Government Affairs.
Here Is A Snapshot Of All Adopted Actions Today
Actions Achievable Within 12 Months
- Guaranteed Timelines for 100% Affordable Housing & Shelters, VMT Efficient and Infill Areas and Workforce Housing
- Prioritization of Contracts to Support Housing
- Process Improvements
- Environmental Health & Quality Temporary Contracting Authority
- Over-the-Counter Reviews for Previously Approved Home Designs
- Permit Specialists to Assist Applicants
- Tools & Guidance for Applicants
- Housing Legislation Outreach, Promotion, & Implementation
- Development Feasibility Analysis Liaisons (Economic Development)
- Expedite Implementation of the Housing Element
- Grading Ordinance Update
- Flexibility for Infrastructure Requirements (additional community engagement)
Actions Achievable Within 1 to 3 Years:
- Tiny Homes on Wheels
- Prepare Pre-Approved Home Plans