A proposal to limit the number of apartment units that could be converted to condominiums in one year failed to pass the San Diego City Council after they voted 6-2 to reject the cap on Sept. 25.
Councilman Jim Madaffer said the amendments to the condo conversion regulations were “poorly crafted,” and made a motion to reject them. The cap would have set a limit on no more than 1,000 units per year that could be converted into condos.
“The cap tries to control the market. We shouldn’t put any arbitrary number,” said Madaffer, who represents the 7th District.
Councilman Kevin Faulconer agreed with Madaffer, saying he could not support any version of amendments to existing regulations.
Another regulation criticized by Madaffer would have required the city to survey the tenants of the residential units proposed to be converted. Madaffer said he had questions over the purpose of the survey and didn’t see its usefulness. Madaffer said there were no specifics as to when the residents would be interviewed and what type of questions would be asked.
Councilmembers Toni Atkins and Donna Frye voted against the motion, which referred the matter to closed session. State law allows local government agencies to discuss litigation in closed session.
The amendments to condominium conversion regulations were also related to an attempt to settle a lawsuit filed by attorney Cory Briggs. The annual cap was offered to end the lawsuit.
Briggs represents the Affordable Housing Coalition and Citizens for Responsible Equitable Environmental Development. Briggs told the council they could lose in court. The condominium regulations also included a provision that Briggs receive $75,000 to cover his legal fees. That was part of the motion that failed.
“Mr. Briggs should drop his lawsuit,” Madaffer said.