BILL NUMBER:  AB 2702
  VETOED	DATE: 09/29/2004




To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 2702 without my signature.

This bill establishes more detailed standards regarding the
development of second unit housing in California.  One provision
specifically restricts local governments from requiring a second unit
floor space to be less than 550 square feet. This creates a one-size
fits all approach to second units being built in local
neighborhoods.

This bill limits the say of local governments, homeowners, and local
communities regarding second units being constructed in their
neighborhoods.  In effect, this bill dictates unilateral decisions by
the state regarding what type of development is appropriate for
local communities without any community participation.

As a strong proponent of local control, I believe that government is
most responsive and accountable to people when it is close to the
people.  This bill removes that control away from local officials,
where homeowners and residents can voice their concerns about their
neighborhoods and moves it to a state bureaucracy in Sacramento.

Additionally, with the unanticipated growth from second units on
single family properties, this bill does not take into consideration
the impact and ability for local governments to provide adequate
water, sewer and schools.

My Administration is very aware of the lack of affordable housing
facing California.  At the beginning of my Administration, I asked
the Secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency to
pursue an aggressive agenda into finding ways of increasing home
ownership opportunities for all Californians.  I encourage all
housing advocates and local governments to work with the Secretary to
implement this agenda making the American Dream more affordable and
available to our citizens.

For these reasons I am unable to support this bill.

Sincerely,



Arnold Schwarzenegger