The Developer's Rent Regulation Sourcebook
San Francisco vs. Los Angeles
Subtitle: The definitive index of official codes, ordinances, and downloadable forms for San Francisco & Los Angeles residential development.
Scope: San Francisco Planning LA Housing Dept (LAHD) SB 330 / AB 1482
1. The Cost of Regulatory Error
Why is deep research critical? Because falling into the wrong regulatory bucket destroys your pro forma. If your project is classified as "Replacement Units" rather than "New Construction," your allowable annual rent increase drops significantly.
The Insight: AB 1482 (State) allows a ~10% increase. Local RSO (SF/LA) often freezes rents or caps them below inflation.
📊 Data: Comparison of Max Allowable Rent Increases (2024 Est.)
The following data replaces the dynamic bar chart.
| Jurisdiction | Regulation Source | Max Annual Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | SF Rent Board | 1.7% (60% CPI) |
| Los Angeles | LA RSO | 3.0% (3-4% Est) |
| California | AB 1482 (State) | 8.8% (5% + CPI) |
2. San Francisco: Essential Code Links
Planning Code Sec. 317
Loss of Dwelling Units & Demolition The "Holy Grail" of demolition controls. Defines when you can remove a unit and the mandatory public hearing process. Open Code Text ↗
Rent Ordinance Chap. 37
Residential Rent Stabilization The governing document for tenant protections. Crucial for understanding "Just Cause" evictions even in new buildings. Open Ordinance ↗
MOHCD Inclusionary Manual
Sec. 415 Procedures Official procedures for BMR (Below Market Rate) units. Includes the "Unpriced Schedule" for setting rents. Get 2024 Pricing ↗
3. Los Angeles: Essential Code Links
LAMC 151.28 (RSO)
Replacement Unit Determination The specific code outlining the "RUD" process. If you demo an RSO unit, this section dictates your replacement obligations. Open Code Text ↗
TOC Guidelines
Transit Oriented Communities The incentive manual. Explains density bonuses in exchange for affordable units (ELI/VLI/LI). Download PDF ↗
Housing Crisis Act (SB 330)
State Override on Demolition While state law, LA Planning leans heavily on this for "No Net Loss" determinations. Essential reading. Read Bill Text ↗
4. The "Affordable" Definitions
Inclusionary housing requirements use different dictionaries. SF MOHCD uses "Unpriced" schedules which often demand higher income coverage (up to 110% AMI). LA's TOC program targets "Deep Affordability" (Extremely Low Income at 30%) to grant massive density bonuses.
📊 Data: Priority Focus Areas
The following table illustrates the "Priority Focus" visualized in the original stacked chart.
| AMI Level | SF (MOHCD) Priority | LA (TOC) Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Extremely Low (30%) | Low Priority | High Focus |
| Very Low (50%) | Low Priority | High Focus |
| Low (80%) | Moderate Focus | Low Focus |
| Moderate (110%) | High Focus | No Focus |
📥 5. Document Checklist
Before submitting your Preliminary Project Assessment (PPA) or Planning Application, ensure you have reviewed these specific PDF forms: