Sand City recognized as pro-housing jurisdiction by California
SAND CITY, Calif. —
Sand City, a small community on the Monterey Peninsula with a population of about 300 residents, has been officially named a pro-housing jurisdiction by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, recognizing its policies that facilitate housing development.
Over the last two decades, Sand City has intentionally transformed from an industrial community to a mixed-use area that supports both industrial and residential development.
The pro-housing designation program was created by California to encourage cities to reduce barriers to housing development.
The city has made adjustments to its housing plan to accommodate future growth, and this designation will improve its ability to compete for millions in future state funding.
“Through this designation, the state HCD [Housing and Community Development] is saying, ‘Sand City, you’ve done a great job in removing barriers to the production of housing,'” said City Manager Vibeke Norgaard.
By qualifying for the designation, the state acknowledges that Sand City has adopted policies such as streamlining permit approvals, updating zoning areas, and reducing delays to construction.
Officials plan to focus future expansion in the West End area, transforming underused properties into neighborhoods with homes and businesses.
“There’s a proposal to develop that into approximately 50 units of housing, to be determined, but leaving some outdoor space to continue the art pop events that we enjoy so much in Sand City,” Norgaard said.
Another significant project in the city is the South of Tioga project, which will bring a mixed-use space and over 350 housing units near the Marriott Hotel.
“The designation acknowledges Sand City’s commitment to doing its part to address the regional housing shortage,” Norgaard said. “It reflects a lot of hard work on our part and a lot of vision on the council’s part to get here.”