New Law Designates Marin as Suburban County

The following news release was submitted for publication by the office of Assemblymember Marc Levine, D-San Rafael, who represents the 10th Assembly District, which includes Marin County and southern Sonoma County:

Today Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill 1537 by Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael). This bill will designate Marin County as a suburban county, instead of metropolitan, for purposes of planning housing.

“I thank Governor Brown for his leadership in signing this important Marin County legislation,” said Levine. “Housing should be built in a manner that reflects the character of the communities in which we live. This bill encourages this by correcting an anomaly in law. This bill assures that the law reflects what Marin residents already know; we live in suburban communities, not a metropolitan county.”

“The County of Marin is dedicated and committed to affordable housing that is consistent with the community in which it is located. AB 1537 represents a common-sense approach to a problem we have worked with the State to address for several years,” said Kate Sears, President of the Marin County Board of Supervisors. “We will continue to engage all of our partners in an effort to develop affordable housing opportunities that recognize and compliment the suburban and rural character of our county.”

Currently, under California housing law, Marin County, because of its close proximity to San Francisco, is considered “metropolitan” for purposes of building affordable housing. This requires Marin County to have the same high density affordable housing as San Francisco. This is an anomaly in current law. AB 1537 corrects this and takes effect January 1, 2015.

“Marin County is a very beautiful place and NPH and our members strive to be good neighbors and to be responsive to community concerns and wishes,” said Michael Lane, Policy Director of the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California (NPH). “We will continue to work with the Board of Supervisors and local residents to produce attractive and affordable homes that are consistent with and complimentary to the character of existing neighborhoods.”

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