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Full-Text Articles in Housing Law

Zoning By A Thousand Cuts, Sara C. Bronin Apr 2023

Zoning By A Thousand Cuts, Sara C. Bronin

Pepperdine Law Review

Zoning is increasingly viewed as a constraint on the nation’s housing supply, and as zoning enters its second century, there is a strong drumbeat for reform. Across the country, reformers have targeted the elimination of single-family zoning, pointing to research showing that single-family zoning drives up development costs, degrades the environment, and homogenizes communities. While allowing more multi-family options could help address these issues, reformers should not exclusively focus on the elimination of single-family zoning. Process requirements including mandatory public hearings, and substantive requirements involving lot configuration, building size, and occupancy, among other things, play a significant role in determining …


The Power Of State Legislatures To Invalidate Private Deed Restrictions: Is It An Unconstitutional Taking?, Ken Stahl Apr 2023

The Power Of State Legislatures To Invalidate Private Deed Restrictions: Is It An Unconstitutional Taking?, Ken Stahl

Pepperdine Law Review

Over the past several years, state legislatures confronting a severe housing shortage have increasingly preempted local land use regulations that restrict housing supply in an effort to facilitate more housing production. But even where state legislatures have been successful, they now confront another problem: many of the preempted land use regulations are duplicated at the neighborhood or block level through private “covenants, conditions and restrictions” (CCRs) enforced by homeowners associations (HOAs). In response, California’s legislature has begun aggressively invalidating or “overriding” these CCRs. While many states have barred HOAs from prohibiting pets, clotheslines, signs, and flags, California has moved much …


Measuring Local Policy To Advance Fair Housing And Climate Goals Through A Comprehensive Assessment Of Land Use Entitlements, Moira O'Neill, Eric Biber, Nicholas J. Marantz Apr 2023

Measuring Local Policy To Advance Fair Housing And Climate Goals Through A Comprehensive Assessment Of Land Use Entitlements, Moira O'Neill, Eric Biber, Nicholas J. Marantz

Pepperdine Law Review

California’s legislature has passed several laws that intervene in local land-use regulation in order to increase desperately needed housing production—particularly affordable housing production. Some of these new laws expand local reporting requirements concerning zoning and planning laws, and the application of those laws apply to proposed housing development. This emphasis on measurement requires the state to develop a housing data strategy to support both enforcement of existing law and effective policymaking in the future. Our Comprehensive Assessment of Land Use Entitlements Study (CALES) predates, but aligns with and supports, this state-led effort to improve local reporting. For the cities that …


Growth ≠ Density: Zoning Deregulation And The Enduring Problem Of Sprawl, Christopher Serkin, Kelsea Best Apr 2023

Growth ≠ Density: Zoning Deregulation And The Enduring Problem Of Sprawl, Christopher Serkin, Kelsea Best

Pepperdine Law Review

According to its many critics, zoning bears significant responsibility for the housing crisis in America and for promoting unsustainable development patterns. Reformers argue that zoning reduces the supply of new housing and therefore drives up prices in thriving communities. Zoning also increases carbon emissions by restricting density in the urban core and promoting carbon-intensive, land-consuming, automobile-dependent sprawl in single-family suburbs. A growing chorus calls for relaxing zoning limits in order to promote growth in the urban core as a response to the twin crises of housing costs and climate change. Relaxing zoning limits will almost certainly promote growth but may …


A Twisted Fate: How California's Premier Environmental Law Has Worsened The State's Housing Crisis, And How To Fix It, Noah Dewitt Mar 2022

A Twisted Fate: How California's Premier Environmental Law Has Worsened The State's Housing Crisis, And How To Fix It, Noah Dewitt

Pepperdine Law Review

California, the iconic Golden State, holds the infamous record for the largest population of people experiencing homelessness in the United States. These record-setting numbers have been steadily on the rise for decades and are due in large part to the state’s severe housing shortage, which is currently just under one million housing units. From those directly experiencing homelessness to those living in the country’s most expensive zip codes, the compounding economic and social impacts of the crisis touch every Californian. The extent of the crisis is not lost on California’s leaders, but despite countless initiatives on both the state and …


Embracing Airbnb: How Cities Can Champion Private Property Rights Without Compromising The Health And Welfare Of The Community, Emily M. Speier Apr 2017

Embracing Airbnb: How Cities Can Champion Private Property Rights Without Compromising The Health And Welfare Of The Community, Emily M. Speier

Pepperdine Law Review

Peer-to-peer services offer participants considerable advantages whether they are a provider of such services or a user of them. The Airbnb phenomenon is an example of how technological advancement has transformed the rental industry and has signaled a societal acceptance of a sharing economy. However, the question now is to what extent cities should regulate this influx of short-term rentals while still preserving the property rights of homeowners. Much of the answer to this question depends on each city’s individual interpretation of specific areas of the law. Some legal issues raised by regulation and explored by this article include the …


Domestic Violence Victims A Nuisance To Cities, Filomena Gehart Jun 2016

Domestic Violence Victims A Nuisance To Cities, Filomena Gehart

Pepperdine Law Review

Unless municipal nuisance ordinances change, domestic violence victims can face eviction just for calling the police. Nuisance ordinances generally impose fines on a property owner or landlord when the police are called to respond to incidents of crime a certain number of times at the same residence. Many nuisance ordinances also revoke a landlord’s rental license if a property is deemed a nuisance. However, many of these nuisance ordinances do not have an exception for incidents of domestic violence and, consequently, victims are scared to call 911 or request police assistance. This comment surveys the development of nuisance laws and …


Mi Casa Es Su Casa: The Benefits Of A Hud Mediation Program For Resolving Housing Accommodation Or Modification Disputes Between Landlords And Tenants With Disabilities, Adam Knobler Jan 2015

Mi Casa Es Su Casa: The Benefits Of A Hud Mediation Program For Resolving Housing Accommodation Or Modification Disputes Between Landlords And Tenants With Disabilities, Adam Knobler

Pepperdine Law Review

After first providing a background on federal housing laws that prohibit discrimination based on disability, this article then proceeds to describe and analyze the remedies available to tenants who have experienced disability discrimination. The article concludes that, not only are such remedies as filing a complaint or pursuing litigation difficult and time-consuming, they could also damage the long-term relationship between the parties and preclude the possibility of creative remedies that satisfy the needs of both parties. The article finishes by proposing that HUD develop an agency-wide mediation program based on the model of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) mediation …


Treading Water: Can Municipal Efforts To Condemn Underwater Mortgages Prevail?, Michael S. Moskowitz Apr 2014

Treading Water: Can Municipal Efforts To Condemn Underwater Mortgages Prevail?, Michael S. Moskowitz

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.


The Housing Element: How Can Its Adequacy Be Measured? , Nina E. West, James C. Schroeder May 2013

The Housing Element: How Can Its Adequacy Be Measured? , Nina E. West, James C. Schroeder

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.


Title I Of The 1974 Housing And Community Development Act And Its Impact On Local Communities, Edward E. Haworth May 2013

Title I Of The 1974 Housing And Community Development Act And Its Impact On Local Communities, Edward E. Haworth

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.


California Planning Law: Requirements For Low And Moderate Income Housing , C. Foster Knight May 2013

California Planning Law: Requirements For Low And Moderate Income Housing , C. Foster Knight

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.


Providing Low And Moderate Income Housing In The Suburbs, Stephen L. Taber May 2013

Providing Low And Moderate Income Housing In The Suburbs, Stephen L. Taber

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.


The Landlord's Tort Liability For Injuries Caused By Defects Upon The Demised Premises , Michael K. Mckibbin May 2013

The Landlord's Tort Liability For Injuries Caused By Defects Upon The Demised Premises , Michael K. Mckibbin

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.


The Real Estate Brokerage Industry And Antitrust Implications, Lynn H. Mack, Valerie A. Moore Feb 2013

The Real Estate Brokerage Industry And Antitrust Implications, Lynn H. Mack, Valerie A. Moore

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.


A Positive Response To Growth Control Plans: The Orange County Inclusionary Housing Program, Linda J. Bozung Feb 2013

A Positive Response To Growth Control Plans: The Orange County Inclusionary Housing Program, Linda J. Bozung

Pepperdine Law Review

Affordable housing programs have been enacted throughout the state in response to the current critical housing shortage. They serve an essential function as an element of community growth control plans. This article focuses on the success of the Orange County affordable housing program. By utilizing a variety of means, such as density bonus plans, flexible regulations, and deed restrictions, the County has developed a plan which is not only successful but may also serve as a model for other local governments.


The Legality Of California Development Fees, Erik B. Michelsen Jan 2013

The Legality Of California Development Fees, Erik B. Michelsen

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.


Equal Protection And The New Rational Basis Test: The Mentally Retarded Are Not Second Class Citizens In Cleburne, Gordon W. Johnson Jan 2013

Equal Protection And The New Rational Basis Test: The Mentally Retarded Are Not Second Class Citizens In Cleburne, Gordon W. Johnson

Pepperdine Law Review

Recently, the Fifth Circuit held that classifications involving the mentally retarded were quasi-suspect and should be reviewed under a heightened scrutiny analysis. The Supreme Court reversed that holding but granted the retarded a remedy by applying a more genuine scrutiny under the rational basis test. The Court's decision in City of Cleburne, Texas v. Cleburne Living Center, Inc. raises the question whether the Court intends to apply an increased level of scrutiny under the rational basis test or whether this case merely represents another ad hoc decision made on the horns of a dilemma. This Note discusses the uncertain impact …


Consumerism And Land Sales , Leonard Levin Jan 2013

Consumerism And Land Sales , Leonard Levin

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.


Land Use By, For, And Of The People: Problems With The Application Of Initiatives And Referenda To The Zoning Process, Nicolas M. Kublicki Nov 2012

Land Use By, For, And Of The People: Problems With The Application Of Initiatives And Referenda To The Zoning Process, Nicolas M. Kublicki

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.


Condos, Cats, And Cc&Rs: Invasion Of The Castle Common, Armand Arabian Oct 2012

Condos, Cats, And Cc&Rs: Invasion Of The Castle Common, Armand Arabian

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.


Protected Petitioning Or Unlawful Retaliation? The Limits Of First Amendment Immunity For Lawsuits Under The Fair Housing Act, David K. Godschalk Oct 2012

Protected Petitioning Or Unlawful Retaliation? The Limits Of First Amendment Immunity For Lawsuits Under The Fair Housing Act, David K. Godschalk

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.


Mortgage Wars Episode V - The Empiricist Strikes Back (Or Out): A Reply To Professor Levitin's Response , Mark S. Scarberry Feb 2012

Mortgage Wars Episode V - The Empiricist Strikes Back (Or Out): A Reply To Professor Levitin's Response , Mark S. Scarberry

Pepperdine Law Review

Professor Adam Levitin has responded to my recent symposium article critiquing proposed congressional legislation that would allow modification (including strip down) of home mortgages in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. A portion of my Critique criticized his empirical studies concerning the likely effect of the proposed legislation on mortgage interest rates and availability, and also criticized the arguments he has made in support of the proposed legislation. The Critique did note, however, that the insight involved in conceiving of such empirical studies was impressive. Surprisingly, Professor Levitin’s Response fails to deal with the substantial case authority discussed in my Critique. He treats …


Back To The Future With Chapter 13: A Response To Professor Scarberry, Adam J. Levitin Feb 2012

Back To The Future With Chapter 13: A Response To Professor Scarberry, Adam J. Levitin

Pepperdine Law Review

Professor Mark Scarberry has put forth a formidable critique of my empirical study of mortgage market sensitivity to bankruptcy modification risk. As this response shows, however, his critique does not hold up under scrutiny. Professor Scarberry argues that my study design is invalid because, as he reads the current state of the law, cramdown is virtually impossible. Therefore, he contends, we should not expect markets to exhibit sensitivity to cramdown risk, so no policy conclusions can be derived from my finding of market insensitivity. Regrettably, Professor Scarberry overreads the state of the law. The law is in fact unsettled, and …


Cracking The Foundation: Highlighting And Criticizing The Shortcomings Of Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Practices, Michael Floryan Feb 2012

Cracking The Foundation: Highlighting And Criticizing The Shortcomings Of Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Practices, Michael Floryan

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.


How Negotiability Has Fouled Up The Secondary Mortgage Market, And What To Do About It, Dale A. Whitman Feb 2012

How Negotiability Has Fouled Up The Secondary Mortgage Market, And What To Do About It, Dale A. Whitman

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.


A Critique Of Congressional Proposals To Permit Modification Of Home Mortgages In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Mark S. Scarberry Feb 2012

A Critique Of Congressional Proposals To Permit Modification Of Home Mortgages In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Mark S. Scarberry

Pepperdine Law Review

Proposed amendments to the Bankruptcy Code permitting strip down of under secured home mortgages to the court-determined value of the homes and other modifications of home mortgages in Chapter 13 would substantially alter the risk characteristics of home mortgages, with likely substantial effects on future mortgage interest rates and future mortgage availability. Thus, the future societal cost of such a change in the law likely would be large. This article explains and supports that thesis, primarily on the ground that the proposed changes would leave mortgage holders with all of the future downside risk in the real property market while …


Confronting The Mortgage Meltdown: A Brief For The Federalization Of State Mortgage Foreclosure Law, Grant S. Nelson Feb 2012

Confronting The Mortgage Meltdown: A Brief For The Federalization Of State Mortgage Foreclosure Law, Grant S. Nelson

Pepperdine Law Review

This Article argues for federal preemption of state procedures governing the foreclosure of mortgages and security interests in rents. While it also suggests that federal action limiting or prohibiting state anti-deficiency legislation may be appropriate, it leaves this issue to future consideration. Thus, its major focus is to advocate the congressional adoption of both Uniform Nonjudicial Foreclosure Act (UNFA) and Uniform Assignment of Rents Act (UARA) to make them available to all lenders nationwide. However, the federal government has a special stake in greater uniformity for its own account. This is especially the case as to mortgages on real estate. …


Preventing A Return Engagement: Eliminating The Mortgage Purchasers' Status As A Holder-In-Due-Course: Properly Aligning Incentives Among The Parties, Alex M. Johnson Jr. Feb 2012

Preventing A Return Engagement: Eliminating The Mortgage Purchasers' Status As A Holder-In-Due-Course: Properly Aligning Incentives Among The Parties, Alex M. Johnson Jr.

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.


The Value(S) Of Foreclosure Law Reform, Melissa B. Jacoby Feb 2012

The Value(S) Of Foreclosure Law Reform, Melissa B. Jacoby

Pepperdine Law Review

This symposium contribution examines the starkly different values reflected in traditional legal literature on foreclosure law reform in the U.S. as compared to some more recent entries in the wake of the rise of subprime lending and high rates of residential mortgage default. I highlight economist Dean Baker’s “right to rent” proposal, which would give former homeowners leasehold rights at market rates, to illustrate a more progressive set of housing policy considerations and to challenge the assumption that ownership is essential or optimal to promoting various housing objectives.