The Long Beach City Council approved an amendment to Chapter 21.67 of the Zoning Code to expand the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance beyond the Downtown and Midtown Plan submarkets to apply citywide, including properties within the coastal zone. The ordinance adjusts affordability requirements, requiring 12% of units in High Resource Submarket Areas to be designated as affordable, with a majority at very low-income levels. The revised ordinance also introduces alternative compliance options for developers and requires submission to the California Coastal Commission for certification. The change aims to increase affordable housing opportunities across Long Beach and align the city's housing policies with regional and state mandates.
Expanding the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance ensures that affordable housing requirements apply uniformly across the city, promoting equitable access to housing. This decision addresses Long Beach’s housing shortage and helps mitigate displacement while increasing housing stability for low- and very low-income residents.