Planning for Affordability: Local Zoning Innovations to Address Housing Shortages

California’s housing crisis isn’t confined to its coastal cities; it is reshaping communities like Ontario and the Inland Empire every day. Families are struggling with rising rents, limited housing options, and the possibility that future generations may not be able to live where they grew up.

As a planning commissioner, I’ve seen both the promise and the challenges of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), often referred to as “granny flats” or “casitas.” These small homes can provide affordable options for extended families, young professionals, and seniors who want to age in place. Yet, as beneficial as ADUs can be, their proliferation has created real community concerns: strained infrastructure, increased street parking congestion, lack of transparency in approvals, and exploitation of legal loopholes.

Much of the tension arises from California Government Code § 65852.2, which states that no city may enforce ordinances that restrict the approval of ADUs. While the law accelerates housing supply, it also reduces local control, leaving cities with fewer tools to manage growth responsibly. Perhaps it’s time to revisit this law, not to roll back housing progress, but to balance statewide goals with community needs.

Moving forward, solutions should include:

• Revisiting parking requirements to relieve neighborhood strain
• Closing loopholes that allow ADU misuse
• Increasing transparency in the approval process
• Advocating for adjustments in state law that align local infrastructure realities with housing goals

Housing affordability is not about statistics alone; it is about people: families, seniors, and first-time homebuyers who deserve access to stable, affordable communities. Ontario has the opportunity to lead by shaping policies that expand affordability while respecting the character and infrastructure of our neighborhoods.