SACRAMENTO — Today, AB 803, Assemblymember Boerner Horvath's Starter Home Revitalization Act of 2021, was signed by Governor Newsom. It passed the California State Assembly and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Homeownership status remains the predominant driver of family wealth – and by extension – a family's potential for upward mobility and community resilience. California's housing affordability crisis continues to hold hard-working families back from the dream of homeownership, with only 27 percent of households in California able to afford a middle-market home.
By facilitating the development of smaller, affordable-by-design, single-family homes on mid-range density multi-family lots, AB 803 will boost supply, while retaining the community character of the surrounding neighborhoods.
"Californians, and residents of my district, deserve the chance to achieve the American Dream of homeownership, and Governor Newsom's signature brings that dream one step closer to reality," said Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath. "Young families deserve a shot at buying a house in the place they call home."
"We are one step closer to making housing affordability a reality for middle-income families and first-time homebuyers thanks to Assemblymember Boerner Horvath," said Brett Farrow, an architect, and supporter of the bill. "Small lot homes provide a sensible housing option, which help us move away from sprawl development, while retaining the character of our communities."
AB 803 creates new opportunities for residential infill that are more compatible with surrounding single-family neighborhoods, while simultaneously increasing housing diversity – especially important for high-land-value, suburban cities. AB 803 does not increase the existing density or base zoning for any project.
AB 803 will become law on January 1, 2022.