A study released by the Cleveland National Forest Foundation, and prepared by the non-profit GreenInfo Network, concluded that with existing zoning, there is enough development capacity to accommodate approximately 400,000 new homes in the incorporated areas of San Diego County. This means that without making any changes to zoning, all of the region's projected housing needs for 2030 could take place as infill development (within the incorporated cities of San Diego), and the cities would still have 170,000 additional units available for development beyond 2030.

The study was commissioned to analyze the potential for sustainable, infill development to meet the housing needs of the region. According to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), the region will require 230,000 new housing units in San Diego County by 2030.

 

The study's findings will be used in the current discussions of SANDAG's 2050 Regional Transportation Plan, for which an Urban Area Transit Strategy is under development. "Successful transit depends on a foundation of urban, infill housing", said Duncan McFetridge, Chairman of the Cleveland National Forest Foundation. "This study clearly shows we have the capacity to support a more aggressive strategy for meeting housing needs, building transit that works, protecting the environment and making our economy more prosperous. The Urban Area Transit Strategy is a last-chance opportunity for the San Diego region to choose a sustainable future."

 

The study's conclusions are supported by current national trends in the market demand for suburban housing. According to a recent Special Report titled "The Future of the City" in Atlantic magazine, "Urban-style housing in walkable neighborhoods - including those in the inner suburbs - is what's in demand today. And for a variety of reasons, that demand will intensify in the coming years. Only by serving it can the country kick-start growth in an enormous and essential part of the economy."

 

Sherman Harmer, a prominent San Diego homebuilder and 40-year veteran of the construction industry, agrees with this direction: “In San Diego County, we have the opportunity to meet most of our housing challenges with infill development, create an economic catalyst for jobs, as well as enhance the quality of life in the region,” he said.  “However, in order to accomplish these goals, we will need a strong investment in our 'Urban Core' in transit infrastructure to provide a foundation for future development."

For a complete copy of the study and more information on the Urban Area Transit Strategy, visit www.transitsandiego.org.