(a) (1) For a mixed-income multifamily structure, both of the following shall apply:

(A) The occupants of the affordable housing units within the mixed-income multifamily structure shall have the same access to the common entrances to that structure as the occupants of the market-rate housing units.

(B) The occupants of the affordable housing units within the mixed-income multifamily structure shall have the same access to the common areas and amenities of that structure as the occupants of the market-rate housing units.

(2) A mixed-income multifamily structure shall not isolate the affordable housing units within that structure to a specific floor or an area on a specific floor.

(b) For purposes of this section:

(1) “Affordable housing unit” means any residential dwelling unit that is restricted by deed or other recorded document as affordable housing for persons and families of low or moderate income, as that term is defined in Section 50093.

(2) “Common entrance” means any area used by the occupants of a mixed-income multifamily structure for ingress to or egress from that structure.

(3) “Market-rate housing unit” means any residential dwelling unit that is not an affordable housing unit or a unit occupied by on-site property management staff.

(4) “Mixed-income multifamily structure” means any residential structure with five or more residential dwelling units that includes both affordable housing units and market-rate housing units.

(c)  This section is declaratory of existing law. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the application of existing law, including, but not limited to, Article 2 (commencing with Section 12955) of Chapter 6 of Part 2.8 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, § 65008 of the Government Code, or Subchapter 7 (commencing with Section 12005) of Chapter 5 of Division 4.1 of Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 345, Sec. 1. (AB 491) Effective January 1, 2022.)