As South Pasadena gears up for the upcoming November 5th elections, the housing debate remains at the forefront of local discussions. In an effort to provide South Pasadena voters with a well-rounded perspective ahead of the critical ballot measure, this report revisits the city’s June 12th, 2024, virtual town hall on housing and building height restrictions. While some time has passed since the event, the issues discussed are more relevant than ever, as residents weigh the future of their community.
This article is part of a broader series examining the Housing Element through interviews with City Council members, candidates, and letters to the editor, helping voters make informed decisions this November.
South Pasadena, June 12, 2024 – In a highly anticipated virtual town hall produced by the South Pasadena City Staff & Outside Consultants, residents of South Pasadena gathered online to discuss critical decisions facing the city regarding future housing development and building height restrictions. The town hall, led by consultant Ryder Smith and city officials, focused on the city’s need to comply with state mandates requiring the zoning of over 2,000 new housing units by 2029.
The meeting, which spanned over 80 minutes, delved into the complexities of the city’s Housing Element—a state-mandated plan that directs municipalities to plan for adequate housing to meet population growth. South Pasadena, known for its small-town charm, is now grappling with balancing state housing mandates with local concerns about maintaining the character of its neighborhoods.
From the July 17th, 2024 Staff Report on the ‘Town Hall’
(click here for the city staff report)
“Community Survey and Education”
“At the April 24, 2024, City Council meeting, the City Council approved a professional services agreement with FM3 Research and Tripepi Smith to conduct a community survey and prepare informational materials regarding the ballot measure. The community survey has been completed and FM3 will be providing a high-level summary presentation of the survey at the study session.
In terms of education and informational material, City Staff has been working with its consultant Tripepi Smith to develop background materials related to the upcoming ballot measure. On the City’s website is a page dedicated to the ballot measure, southpasadenaca.gov/ballotmeasure, which will be updated as necessary through the election date.
On June 12, 2024, Community Development staff and consultant Tripepi Smith held a virtual Town Hall with over 40 attendees.”
State Mandates and Local Control
One of the core issues discussed was the tension between state housing mandates and local control. Under California law, South Pasadena must zone for 2,067 new housing units by 2029, a massive increase from the 63 units required in the previous housing cycle. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $600,000 per month and expose the city to the Builder’s Remedy, a state provision allowing developers to bypass local zoning laws if the city doesn’t meet its housing goals.
City officials emphasized the importance of adopting a Housing Element that is certified by the state to avoid these penalties and maintain local control over land use. Ryder Smith explained that, “Without a certified Housing Element, the city risks losing control over its zoning regulations, which would allow developers to proceed with projects that don’t align with the city’s vision.”
Debate Over Building Heights
A central topic of the discussion was the city’s current 45-foot height limit for buildings, established by voters in 1983 to prevent overdevelopment. City officials pointed out that the existing height restriction presents a challenge in meeting the state’s housing density requirements. The town hall highlighted two possible paths forward: increasing building heights in specific commercial areas, such as Fair Oaks Avenue and Mission Street, or rezoning more residential neighborhoods for higher density.
The city’s proposed solution includes raising the height limit to 84 feet in certain areas, allowing for buildings of up to seven stories. Ben Jarvis, a senior planner for the city, explained, “This increase in height is crucial for accommodating the additional units while maintaining the character of South Pasadena’s residential neighborhoods.”
Upcoming Ballot Measure
Residents were informed of an upcoming ballot measure in November 2024, where voters will decide whether to adjust the city’s building height limit. The measure could either pave the way for taller buildings in key commercial corridors or keep the 45-foot limit in place, potentially forcing the city to rezone residential areas to meet the state’s housing mandate.
The ballot measure is seen as a pivotal decision that will shape the future of South Pasadena. “The voters will ultimately decide whether to allow for higher-density buildings in select areas or spread the housing burden across the city’s neighborhoods,” said Smith.
Community Concerns and Engagement
Residents expressed concerns about how the new developments would impact traffic, infrastructure, and the city’s overall quality of life. City officials reassured the public that new housing projects would be concentrated in commercial areas, minimizing disruption to established neighborhoods.
The town hall also addressed questions about how the city plans to accommodate the projected increase of 6,000 new residents while maintaining essential services such as schools, emergency services, and utilities. Officials noted that new developments would contribute to the city’s tax base, which could help fund necessary infrastructure improvements.
Potential Bias in Presentation
While the town hall provided comprehensive details about the city’s Housing Element, some viewers may have perceived a subtle bias in how the information was presented. The focus was predominantly on the necessity of complying with state mandates and the benefits of increasing building heights as a solution. City officials framed the issue in a way that emphasized the risks of non-compliance—such as hefty fines and losing local control over zoning—which puts pressure on residents to support the city’s proposed actions.
Opposing viewpoints or concerns from residents about preserving the character of South Pasadena were not given significant attention, and alternative solutions to meet housing requirements, such as different zoning adjustments, were only briefly mentioned. This focus on promoting the city’s plans for height adjustments without thorough exploration of potential downsides or alternatives may have contributed to an impression of bias toward the city’s preferred approach.
Looking Ahead
As South Pasadena faces the November 2024 ballot, city officials continue to emphasize the need for community engagement and education on the issue. With the pressure to comply with state housing laws, the outcome of the ballot will play a critical role in shaping the city’s future development.
The city has launched a dedicated website with detailed information about the Housing Element and zoning maps, encouraging residents to stay informed and participate in the decision-making process.
The City of South Pasadena posted the recorded ‘town hall’ session last June, and can be viewed here:
Letter to the Editor: Residents Voted for A Building Height Limit For A Reason
