The Appraisal Blog

Interstate 15 used to dead end in the San Diego City Heights neighborhood.  Nine blocks of houses and business had to be acquired by CALTRANS to connect the freeway.  What an eminent domain disaster?  But I am glad they got it done.  Check out the before and afters and listen to the podcast for some interesting information on freeway's in San Diego.




https://www.kpbs.org/news/local/2023/05/23/watch-as-9-blocks-of-housing-in-san-diego-become-a-freeway

Two policy issues are in direct opposition to each other.  Historical designations preserve architectural unique properties.  Changes to zoning increase density to increase the number of housing units in a community.  Who determines a "Streamline Moderne" style structure is historically significant?  Do we want another "Up" house surrounded by 20 story buildings?

These are unanswered questions.  What do you think?



https://voiceofsandiego.org/2023/05/22/historic-properties-are-again-a-battleground-for-housing/

The citizens of California were lied to from the get go.  This never should have gotten off the ground and will never be financially viable.



https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/let-s-face-it-california-s-los-angeles-to-san-francisco-bullet-train-will-never-happen/ar-AA18o7pZ

Thee geek in me loves a good map.  And finding zoning information can be arduous.  It needs to be searched and verified for every appraisal assignment.  It has gotten easier over time with more and more municipalities moving to on-line and searchable databases ... but the disparity and availability of data is still a hurdle.  These 3D zoning maps might add another layer of complexity for those who choose to adopt them ... but boy would they be cool!!



https://concept3d.com/blog/map-software/how-municipalities-can-leverage-stunning-3d-zoning-maps/

NIMBYism in full force.  Apparently if you've lived in an area forever, no new development should be allowed.  Personally I think development is good, things change.  It is the natural cycle of things.



https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2019/dec/17/stringers-carlsbad-road-manhattan-beach/#

Proposed mixed use development in Poway getting some push back from the city council.


https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/pomerado-news/news/story/2019-12-17/fairfield-to-submit-revised-poway-development-plans

Housing market remains strong with future home construction up at the end of last year.  Is this too little too late?  Will it be enough to slow rising prices?  Only time will tell.



https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/19/us-housing-starts-total-1point314m-in-october-vs-1point320m-expected.html

The trend to remodel existing retail malls continues with Fashion Valley.  UTC is in the midst of a massive retrofit, The Shops at Carlsbad were (partially) remodeled, and Horton Plaza is planning a major shift as well.  All good for the San Diego market!


https://www.pacificsandiego.com/latest/story/2019-11-13/fashion-valley-is-getting-a-resort-style-makeover?fbclid=IwAR0rezi4jRzOEsyoSCDG4BpIyPlcnObGRkNlGQLuRd67uW8IeOEfo9814xk

It is well known that many municipalities are waving permit fees to build ADU's.  Some are even providing free plans.  But will these incentives actually create enough demand to impact supply?



https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2019/nov/12/stringers-granny-flat-subsidies-look-encinitas/#

In response to the housing crisis in California, Newsom and the state legislature have implemented AB 68 which allows for the construction of ADU's (Accessory Dwelling Units) on any lot zoned for a single family residence.  Whether this will have a significant impact on the actual housing supply remains to be seen... as will the impact on municipal services including water, sewer, trash, and traffic and parking.  Time will tell...



https://archinect.com/news/article/150159240/california-eliminates-single-family-zoning