A new place to call home. Residents are now moving into 80 brand new affordable homes in Hillcrest. The Bel, a new 100% affordable development from Trestle Build, celebrated its grand opening on Friday, June 5. The thoughtfully designed apartments offer a mix of floor plans ranging from studio to three-bedroom units, all within one of San Diego’s most vibrant and walkable neighborhoods. 

The Bel is the latest community made possible through the City’s Affordable Housing Permit Now program, which accelerates review times for affordable housing and shelter projects.

 “Affordable Housing Permit Now cuts through red tape so we can cut more red ribbons on projects like The Bel,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “Housing affordability starts with housing production, and these 80 new affordable homes in Hillcrest show what’s possible when the City makes it easier to build the housing San Diegans need.” 

Affordable Housing Permit Now was created through a 2023 executive order from Mayor Todd Gloria and tasked the City’s Development Services Department with reviewing 100% affordable housing and shelter projects in 30 days or fewer. This allows projects to move to construction quickly, accelerating the availability of affordable housing throughout the city of San Diego. 

Since launching three years ago, Affordable Housing Permit Now has helped permit 6,746 homes citywide. This City has consistently met the required 30-day review target, with an average staff review time of nine days. Development Services teams review project applications, issue construction permits and ensure projects meet all code requirements during construction. With the opening of The Bel, the program has now helped deliver 2,228 completed homes citywide. 

“The Affordable Housing Permit Now program has resulted in thousands of new homes all across the city,” said Elyse Lowe, Director of DSD. “The Bel is the latest example of this program helping to deliver more affordable homes faster and easier than ever before.”

All homes at The Bel will be priced at 50% of the area median income or lower, expanding access to quality, affordable housing. Amenities include two community rooms, a courtyard featuring both a play area and barbecues, and an 8th-floor balcony. The property also includes two laundry rooms, multiple conference rooms and parcel lockers for deliveries. 

“The Affordable Housing Permit Now program has provided certainty, something that's increasingly rare in affordable housing development,” said Pari Zakar, Project Manager for Trestle Build. “The program's predictable timelines and collaborative approach have helped our projects move forward quickly, and the City's team has been an exceptional partner, providing clear communication and coordinated support throughout the whole process.” 

The opening of The Bel comes as San Diego continues to make progress on expanding housing opportunities across the city. It comes on the heels of Affordable Housing Month and some notable changes for housing in San Diego. Recent updates to the City’s Land Development Code, along with State housing proposals such as SB79 aimed at supporting housing near transit, are helping create more opportunities to build the homes San Diegans need. These programs and policy updates are just some of the ways that the City is making housing more affordable, more accessible and more buildable across communities.