AIA California is actively seeking input from our members working in the field of adaptive reuse to shape proposed changes to building standards that could facilitate adaptive reuse projects statewide. Your valuable insights will directly influence our formal response to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) as they work to identify barriers and opportunities within adaptive reuse for residential projects.
Background on AB 529 and the AB 529 Working Group
Assembly Bill 529, passed as Chapter 743 of the Statutes of 2023, directs HCD to convene a working group to identify ways to support adaptive reuse. This process will ultimately inform HCD’s recommendations to the California Legislature, with findings due by December 31, 2025. The bill’s aim is to increase housing availability by exploring ways to repurpose existing buildings—like commercial spaces or offices—into residential units.
The AB 529 working group, which AIA California has been a part of since its inception, is a collaborative effort to analyze and address the challenges and opportunities surrounding adaptive reuse. Now, as HCD has issued a Request for Information (RFI), it’s critical that stakeholders in the adaptive reuse sector provide detailed feedback on the current standards and regulations. Your perspective could be pivotal in influencing future policies that may simplify adaptive reuse conversions across California.
Why Your Feedback Matters
The information gathered from this RFI will play a central role in shaping policy recommendations that could streamline adaptive reuse projects, making them more feasible and accessible for developers, architects, and communities. Whether it’s specific building codes, zoning regulations, or other standards that impact the viability of these projects, your firsthand experience will be invaluable in guiding AIA California’s response to HCD.
How to Participate
To ensure that AIA California’s feedback is comprehensive and reflective of our members’ expertise, please complete the following survey sharing any obstacles or suggestions you believe are critical in improving adaptive reuse standards. Responses are requested by Monday, November 11, so we can incorporate your insights into our official response.
View the Google Form for feedback.
Thank you for your time and expertise. Your feedback could be instrumental in transforming California’s approach to adaptive reuse, making it a viable solution for housing needs across the state. For further information on AB 529, visit the HCD website or email AB529Workgroup@hcd.ca.gov.
Let’s work together to make adaptive reuse a cornerstone of California’s housing future.
