Comment on CB 119769

We are excited to see the exemption of Affordable Housing from Administrative Design Review and urge more support to advance a pipeline of projects that will be shovel-ready when we are through the present crisis. 

Below is a summary of what is being considered as it relates to the ADR:

1. Temporary changes to design review, permitting, and special district review that allow the housing development process to continue while avoiding public health risks.

2. “Full” Design Review shift (For market rate development) to Administrative Design Review (ADR).

3. Exemption of affordable housing projects from administrative design review (ADR) if they apply for their building permits with the 6 months timeframe of the legislation. Allowing electronic or digital platforms for Early Community Outreach. We plan to share promising practices as learned from some of our members already doing this virtual outreach.  

4. Suspending board/committee reviews for 60 days in select situations.

5. Other details of the bill focused on the Landmark process and shifting authority from Boards to give some minimal approval authority to the Historic Preservation Officer, only for minor changes on existing structures.

Full HDC comment letter can be viewed here!