Build-to-Rent Housing Project Raises Concerns for Planning Commission, in Santa Maria

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Santa Maria Planning Commission shelved a decision on a build-to-rent, single-family housing development incorporating additional residential units as parts of the project from the beginning.

On Wednesday, March 15, the planning commissioners voted 3-1 to postpone the project pending research on matters concerning large

rental properties, and a precise plan for a more expansive neighborhood. Commissioners Esau Blanco, Robert Dickerson, and Yasmeen Mohajer agreed to the wait, but chairman Tim Seifert voted against it.

Furthermore, Canfield Development has suggested numerous types of housing and public conveniences for 160 acres on an approximately a17-acre lot bordered by Blosser, Stowell, and Battles roads and Depot Street in the Blosser-Southeast 5B Specific Plan.

Both single-family and high-density residential projects are proposed along with various amenities, such as a school, parks, and a fire station.

Commissioners were entrusted with evaluating a planned development permit and tract map for the Blosser Ranch development with 105 single-family residences, along with a neighborhood center, a pool, and more.

in addition, The applicant also has suggested detached accessory dwelling units on 96 of the lots.

The two-story houses, with three- and four-bedroom choices would be situated in a gated community. Each lot would have two garage spaces, two driveway spaces, and a pair of spaces for the ADU. parking on the street would be prohibited but would include 57 guest spaces.

Officials wondered if the project would lead to a monopoly for rental housing rates that would reverberate to other rental projects in the community and requested data regarding the build-to-rent market in other locations.

“This isn’t an issue of capitalism. It’s not an issue of this is a free market economy. It is the potential issue of a large landlord affecting all of the rentals, and that’s the difference.” said Dickerson, mentioning that Increasing the housing supply can ease the housing supply shortage and help keep rental rates lower, as reported by Canfield’s rep.

“I see it as a good project and something that’s needed for the community and supported by the community,” Seifert stated, the favorable remarks made by employers and locals.

Commissioners saw the proposal. The panel once held discussions at two study sessions, leading the applicant to edit the proposal such as adding carports for on-site parking for the ADUs, also.

The City planning team stated it was unclear how fast they could return with the report desired by commissioners.

Blosser Ranch is just one phase of the enormous development, and another phase of the project will land before the commission soon, planning consultant Laurie Tamura said.

“We’re moving these projects forward. They’re all coming to you over the next couple of months, so we want to be able to allay your fears, address your concerns and move the rest of the project forward,” Tamura said.

This article originated via Nooshawk and was updated by Anita johnson-Brown

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