The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 Wednesday on a set of policies intended to create more opportunities for affordable housing, including for senior citizens.
As directed by the board, the department of Planning and Development Services will begin work on the following four programs:
- Small-lot subdivisions, to encourage design and construction of smaller single-family homes.
- Senior housing and assisted-living facilities that create incentives for developers while also incorporating accessible-design principles.
- Streamlining the approval process to include developments featuring at least 20% affordable housing for low-income families and individuals.
- Allowing the sale of accessory dwelling units separate from the primary home on a property.
The county also will immediately make some surplus land available for development.
Over the next 18 to 36 months – depending on environmental analysis – the county will expand the small-lot subdivision program, streamline environmental reviews for individual projects and create additional zoning standards for senior housing and assisted living facilities, according to officials.
County goals for the 2026-27 fiscal year include expanding a density-bonus program for senior housing and universal design projects, and creating an ordinance allowing for the sale of ADUs, officials said.
Supervisor Joel Anderson, the lone no vote on Wednesday’s proposal, didn’t say why he was opposed.
During a public comment period, Sean Kilkenny of Nolen Communities urged the county to begin the programs “so (developers) can start building more housing in San Diego.”
A woman who spoke favored the new policies.
“Owning a home and land gave me a foundation and a future,” she added.
