Assembly Member Alvarez's proposal to modify California's surplus land regulations recalibrates affordable housing requirements for properties near academic institutions while maintaining density standards. The legislation amends how local agencies calculate affordable housing obligations when disposing of surplus land that includes housing for students, faculty, and staff.

The bill revises two key provisions governing exempt surplus land in sectional planning areas. First, it specifies that the requirement to dedicate 25% of units to lower-income households applies only to units not designated for academic institution members. Second, it clarifies that the minimum density requirement of 10 units per acre must account for all residential units in the planning area, including those designated for academic institution occupants.

These modifications aim to provide a more precise framework for calculating affordable housing obligations while preserving overall density requirements. The changes maintain existing enforcement mechanisms, including civil penalties for non-compliance and requirements for recorded deed restrictions to ensure long-term affordability. Local agencies must continue reporting development status to the Department of Housing and Community Development, which retains oversight authority for exempt surplus land declarations.