San Diego Land Use and Housing Committee Meeting - September 16, 2021

On September 16, 2021, the Land Use and Housing Committee of the San Diego City Council met via Zoom under Executive Order N08-21. Chair Stephen Whitburn presided, joined by Councilmembers Lacava and Moreno; Vice Chair Elo Rivera was absent. The committee approved the July 23, 2021 meeting minutes, heard public comments on non-agenda items, and took up a consent agenda, one discussion item, and two informational items.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda, approved unanimously (3-0), included:

• Second amendment to a lease agreement with Mingei International Museum of Folk Art for the House of Charm.
• An ordinance amending municipal code sections related to leases for telecommunications facilities.

Public Comments & Testimony

Non-Agenda Public Comment (3 speakers):

• Barbara Gordon requested banning all outdoor marijuana advertisements, citing RAND Corporation research showing adolescent exposure increases use.
• Kelly McCormick, a public health educator, urged consideration of marijuana cultivation's carbon footprint, citing a Colorado State University study that emissions from one ounce of cannabis equal burning 7–16 gallons of gasoline.
• Jeff Hutter (Chair, Neighbors for a Better San Diego) and Paul Kroger (also representing Neighbors for a Better San Diego) requested continued revisions to the ADU ordinance, noting Councilmember Rivera's recent memo but expressing disagreement on density bonus, height, setbacks, and TPA use.

Item 4 – Spaces as Places (3 speakers):

• Kathleen Neal (La Jolla Community Planning Association) expressed concerns about loss of parking, impacts on traffic flow, and lack of caps on streeteries; requested clearer definitions and community input.
• Bill Keller (former Gaslamp business owner) supported the program but urged dedicated code enforcement officers funded by fees, warning of likely noncompliance.
• Jesse O'Sullivan (Policy Counsel, Circulate San Diego) gave full support but requested inclusion of regulations for creative crosswalks and intersection murals.
• Wally Wulfeck (Chair, Community Planners Committee) requested an 8-week continuance, stating that materials were provided too late for proper coordination.
• Jeff Hutter (again) urged flexibility in neighborhood decisions regarding bikes vs. outdoor dining.

Item 5 – Affordable Housing Fund Annual Report: No public comments.

Item 6 – Innovative Ideas on Public Land for Housing (1 speaker):

• Jeff Hutter praised the presentation and emphasized incorporating recycled materials and creative finishes.

Discussion Items

Item 4 – Spaces as Places: Samira Rao (Planning Department) presented a proposed program to make temporary outdoor dining and gathering spaces permanent. Four options were outlined: streeteries (temporary platforms in parking lanes), social curbs (permanent curb extensions), outdoor dining on private property, and promenades (partial/full street closures). Draft regulations included design standards (5-foot clear path, ADA compliance, no overhead structures), locational restrictions (no streets over 30 mph, no bus lanes/bike facilities), operational hours (7am–9pm Sun–Thu, 7am–10pm Fri–Sat within 150 feet of residential use), and a two-year permit. A fee of $20 per square foot per year was proposed for exclusive use, with discounts for public access (25% public – reduced fee; fully public – no fee). Development impact fees ($15–$500 for 200 sq ft) would be used for public improvements, with at least 50% for underserved communities. City Attorney Noah Brazier noted the draft ordinance was still under legal review. Councilmember Lacava raised several concerns: the uniform fee should vary by neighborhood (fair market value), the 25% public access requirement is unworkable, and development impact fees should be reconsidered. He also questioned insurance, enforcement, alcohol regulation clarity, and potential conflicts with utilities. Councilmember Moreno emphasized maintaining clear pedestrian paths. The committee voted unanimously to forward the item to full City Council without a recommendation, allowing further refinement before the October 2021 hearing.

Item 5 – City of San Diego Affordable Housing Fund Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Report: Saket Thell (SDHC EVP), Tracy McDermott, and Crystal Vanderwind presented. Key metrics: $24 million in AHF funds leveraged $185 million (8:1 ratio), supporting over 2,900 households. FY2021 saw 442 affordable units closed (exceeding goal of 321); $14.9 million spent on homeless housing initiatives assisting 2,500 households. Since inception: over 8,000 units created, 400+ preserved, 300+ first-time home buyers assisted, and ~22,000 homeless households served. Councilmembers Lacava and Moreno praised the performance and suggested raising production goals. The committee voted unanimously to accept the report and forward it to the full City Council.

Item 6 – Report on Innovative Ideas to Leverage City-Owned Land: Helmy Hisserich (Senior Principal, LASAR Development Consulting) presented a concept to marshal 300 acres of public land across multiple agencies to produce 10,000 units at scale. Key components: use of parametric modeling to identify sites, pre-approved modular housing prototypes targeting $300,000 per unit, mixed-income communities (55% deeply affordable, 45% moderate-income), a community land trust for perpetual affordability, and a $500 million infrastructure fund for site preparation and amenities. Councilmember Lacava introduced the item and noted the need for collaboration with the Mayor's office, Housing Commission, IBA, and other agencies. Councilmember Moreno requested including the County of San Diego. The committee received the informational report with interest, agreeing to continue discussions.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (Items 1 & 2): Approved unanimously.
• Item 4 – Spaces as Places: Motion to forward to City Council without recommendation passed unanimously (3-0). Committee members will work with staff on remaining issues (fee equity, code enforcement, design details) before the October 2021 council hearing.
• Item 5 – Affordable Housing Fund Annual Report: Accepted and forwarded to City Council unanimously.
• Item 6 – Innovative Ideas on Public Land for Housing: Received as informational; further collaboration with Mayor's office, Housing Commission, IBA, and County was encouraged.

The meeting was adjourned; the next Land Use and Housing Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 14, 2021, at 1:00 p.m.