San Jose’s cooling pipeline for conventional homebuilding has put unusual emphasis on one small-scale format that continues to deliver results: accessory dwelling units. Backed by a wave of California legislation that curbed local barriers and clarified property rights, ADUs—once a niche backyard project—have evolved into a central element of the city’s growth strategy. Because they are constructed on existing lots and typically require fewer discretionary approvals than multifamily p
San Jose’s cooling pipeline for conventional homebuilding has put unusual emphasis on one small-scale format that continues to deliver results: accessory dwelling units. Backed by a wave of California legislation that curbed local barriers and clarified property rights, ADUs—once a niche backyard project—have evolved into a central element of the city’s growth strategy. Because they are constructed on existing lots and typically require fewer discretionary approvals than multifamily p
The San Jose metropolitan area has topped a national ranking — but for reasons that signal growing trouble for California’s housing market. According to a recent HomeAbroad report analyzing U.S. Census Bureau data, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara region recorded the steepest drop in residential construction permits among the country’s 100 largest metro areas, with a staggering 68% decline over five years. In July 2020, the region issued 1,949 building permits. By July 2025,
The San Jose metropolitan area has topped a national ranking — but for reasons that signal growing trouble for California’s housing market. According to a recent HomeAbroad report analyzing U.S. Census Bureau data, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara region recorded the steepest drop in residential construction permits among the country’s 100 largest metro areas, with a staggering 68% decline over five years. In July 2020, the region issued 1,949 building permits. By July 2025,
San Jose city workers started clearing a homeless encampment at Columbus Park on Monday morning, but the process took a tragic turn when a man was discovered dead inside his RV. Authorities confirmed that the body was found as crews began moving through the area. The cause of death has not yet been determined, but friends of the man believe the stress of the encampment sweep and the uncertainty of losing his shelter may have played a role.
San Jose city workers started clearing a homeless encampment at Columbus Park on Monday morning, but the process took a tragic turn when a man was discovered dead inside his RV. Authorities confirmed that the body was found as crews began moving through the area. The cause of death has not yet been determined, but friends of the man believe the stress of the encampment sweep and the uncertainty of losing his shelter may have played a role.
As California cities increasingly pass laws banning homeless encampments and intensify sweeps, a group of state lawmakers from the San Jose area is moving in the opposite direction. They are backing legislation aimed at protecting homeless individuals and the people who help them from criminal penalties. Senate Bill 643, co-authored by State Senator Sasha Perez and Assemblymembers Ash Kalra, Alex Lee, and Matt Haney, would prohibit cities from enacting ordinances that stop organiz
As California cities increasingly pass laws banning homeless encampments and intensify sweeps, a group of state lawmakers from the San Jose area is moving in the opposite direction. They are backing legislation aimed at protecting homeless individuals and the people who help them from criminal penalties. Senate Bill 643, co-authored by State Senator Sasha Perez and Assemblymembers Ash Kalra, Alex Lee, and Matt Haney, would prohibit cities from enacting ordinances that stop organiz
San Jose has updated its long-standing rent control policy to clearly include recreational vehicles (RVs) located on mobile home lots, following disputes over illegal rent increases by mobile park landlords. The clarification addresses recent cases where property owners raised rents beyond legal limits, claiming RVs were not covered under the city’s mobile home ordinance. The rent control regulation, which has been in effect for over 40 years, prohibits rent increases of mor
San Jose has updated its long-standing rent control policy to clearly include recreational vehicles (RVs) located on mobile home lots, following disputes over illegal rent increases by mobile park landlords. The clarification addresses recent cases where property owners raised rents beyond legal limits, claiming RVs were not covered under the city’s mobile home ordinance. The rent control regulation, which has been in effect for over 40 years, prohibits rent increases of mor
San Jose is taking major steps to ramp up housing development by expanding financial incentives aimed at drawing more residential builders into the city. In a unanimous vote on May 13, city leaders approved a boost to its multifamily housing incentive program, increasing the cap on eligible new homes from 1,500 to 1,800 units. Under this initiative, developers can qualify for a 50% reduction in commercial, residential, mobile home park, and building and structure taxes through the end of the yea
San Jose is taking major steps to ramp up housing development by expanding financial incentives aimed at drawing more residential builders into the city. In a unanimous vote on May 13, city leaders approved a boost to its multifamily housing incentive program, increasing the cap on eligible new homes from 1,500 to 1,800 units. Under this initiative, developers can qualify for a 50% reduction in commercial, residential, mobile home park, and building and structure taxes through the end of the yea