California voters have defeated a ballot question that would have allowed local jurisdictions to expand rent control or create new rent control laws on most housing types.
The measure, Proposition 21, had support of roughly 40% of voters. It was the second time in consecutive election cycles that voters shot down a statewide rent control referendum. Real estate developers and Gov. Gavin Newsom opposed the measure.
Another question impacting commercial real estate, Proposition 15, was losing as of Nov. 5, but the outcome was considered too close to call. This measure would amend the state constitution to allow commercial and industrial properties to be taxed at market value rather than the purchase price.
In San Francisco, Proposition H, a measure to streamline the permitting processes for new businesses and allow existing restaurants/retailers to change business models and storefronts was approved. Proposition I, a question to increase the transfer tax on property sales valued at $10 million or more with funds to go toward affordable housing, appears to have passed.
Related Stories
| Jun 21, 2012
Brazilian engineering/construction firm Odebrecht sues Florida over ban on companies doing business in Cuba
Odebrecht Construction Inc., a Brazilian engineering and construction company, is suing the State of Florida over a new law that bans governments from hiring companies with business ties to Cuba.
| Jun 21, 2012
String of shattered glass balcony panels prompts call for code reform in Ontario
Since last summer, glass balconies have shattered at 13 different buildings in Toronto.
| Jun 21, 2012
California adds window film to building code
California is the first state to add window film into its building code. Window film, a polymer material, offers cost-effective energy savings.
| Jun 21, 2012
New ISO standard to improve environmental management of concrete
A new ISO standard will help the construction industry better manage the environmental impacts of concrete.
| Jun 21, 2012
On net-zero projects, Building Teams will be held accountable for energy-efficiency performance
The building team will be held accountable for how net-zero energy buildings perform two, five, and maybe ten years after completion.
| Jun 14, 2012
USGBC co-founder launches rating system for building product manufacturers
U.S. Green Building Council co-founder David Gottfried’s new venture, Regenerative Ventures, has established a rating system for building product manufacturers.
| Jun 14, 2012
Green standard set for single-ply roofing membrane
A sustainability standard has been established for single-ply roofing membranes used on commercial buildings.
| Jun 14, 2012
Minnesota Vikings stadium plan gets legislative go-ahead
Legislation that approved the construction of a new billion dollar stadium for the Minnesota Vikings passed the Minnesota legislature.
| Jun 14, 2012
Report alleges New York’s prevailing construction wages are miscalculated, costing billions
A miscalculation in how prevailing wages are calculated in New York reportedly costs the state $3 billion a year in public-infrastructure projects.
