AB 1621 amends the Planning and Zoning Law by limiting local agencies to two plan checks for building permits, authorizing application denial after two non-compliant reviews. It also revises appeal timelines to expedite processes and empowers applicants to seek mandate writs if agencies fail in compliance or appeal decisions. The bill aligns with the Housing Accountability Act, ensuring that deviations from approved plans are minimized, and imposes state-mandated programs to improve permit predictability, applying changes statewide, including charter cities.

The Public Lands Protection Act automatically applies conservation-oriented zoning to parcels transferred from federal to private ownership post-January 1, 2025. Any zoning changes or development inconsistent with conservation mandates require a full environmental impact report. Exceptions include necessary electric infrastructure. This bill applies to all California cities and demands urgent enactment.

AB 1710 redefines the criteria for "ordinances, policies, and standards" within housing development, adding materials, requirements, and standards imposed by other public agencies. It mandates compliance with existing plans and standards at the time of a preliminary application. The bill aligns with the Permit Streamlining Act, requiring projects considered for housing developments or emergency shelters to meet consistency and compliance evaluations. This bill enforces a state-mandated local program impacting all cities, including charter cities, and affects provisions for mandated cost reimbursements to local agencies.

AB 1732 relates to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), proposing an exemption for housing development projects aligned with public higher education land use plans. It allows projects absent of general plans to use statewide performance standards for compliance. This expansion is a state-mandated local program. No reimbursement is required due to specified reasoning.

AB 1740 enables cities in California to declare themselves as urban multimodal communities if they possess certain transit corridors and environmental plans. These designated cities can bypass coastal development permits for specific developments, like bicycle infrastructure, provided they do not impede public coastal pathways. Required documentation must be submitted for review and made available online, facilitating operational ease in promoting eco-friendly and safe transportation options.

AB 1751 ensures townhome housing development projects comply with a streamlined, ministerial approval process if they meet defined planning standards. It mandates local agencies to factor in parcel maps ministerially, excluding discretionary reviews, thus expanding exemptions from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for ministerial projects. The act defines "townhome" as a single-family dwelling under three stories, and allows local agencies to disapprove projects only with specific, evidence-based findings regarding public health and safety impacts. This bill establishes new responsibilities for local officials, creating a state-mandated local program, without requiring state reimbursement.

The bill restricts cities and counties from enforcing building standards exceeding state minimums on projects using factory-built housing, if at least 15% of hard costs are dedicated to such housing. It emphasizes that this matter addresses statewide concern, impacting all city types. No state reimbursement is required for these provisions.

AB 1857, named The Grocery Store Access Act, aims to eliminate legal obstacles preventing properties from being used as grocery stores. It nullifies any covenants, contracts, or clauses that restrict grocery store development, whether recorded or unrecorded. This bill seeks to enhance access and accommodate evolving land use that meets consumer demands, particularly for essential services like groceries.

AB 1895 seeks to revise the Surplus Land Act by broadening the category of "exempt surplus land". This new classification would encompass land deemed unsuitable for housing due to certain characteristics such as slope instability, which poses risks like mudslides, landslides, and other seismic hazards.

Bill AB 1997 enhances existing laws to expedite housing development projects. It prohibits revisions of approved plans by subsequent agencies unless there are material changes. It incentivizes jurisdictions with efficient housing processes. Large cities must appoint project managers for costly projects, and deadlines under CEQA for project approval are shortened. The Department of Housing is to establish a working group to accelerate housing developments. The bill includes measures to minimize the time taken in housing project approvals, aiming for a more efficient process to meet regional housing needs.

AB 2002 proposes the creation of the Regional Early Action Planning Fund to support local councils and regional bodies in California. This fund aims to provide one-time grants facilitating housing-related planning activities necessary for addressing future cycles of regional housing needs assessments. The bill empowers these entities to use the funding for developing and implementing housing plans and methodologies while offering technical assistance and resources for updating planning and zoning documents. It allows fund allocations upon legislative approval, with usage strictly for supporting housing planning activities in line with the program’s objectives.

The bill requires local agencies to mandate that applicants for urban lot splits commit to a three-year owner-occupancy through an affidavit or condition of sale. The legislation introduces new disclosure requirements for sellers and prevents agencies from creating additional urban lot split restrictions, thereby enhancing housing policy consistency.

The bill requires the formation of a Coastal Resilience Permitting Working Group, led by the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency. This group is tasked with developing a roadmap to streamline permitting processes for coastal resilience projects. By January 1, 2028, this roadmap must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature. Additionally, an advisory group will be formed to aid the working group, ensuring collaboration between state entities and local agencies.

AB 2074 requires major transit cities to set up Regional Transit Hub Districts by July 1, 2027, prioritizing downtown housing. These districts will facilitate developments that meet labor standards and qualify for ministerial approval. The bill initiates the Downtown Revitalization Loan Fund to support construction efforts, thus enhancing urban efficiency through transit-oriented development strategies.

AB 2094 seeks to refine the Planning and Zoning Law by making nonsubstantive improvements that affect the affordable housing sector. The focus remains on ensuring local planning incorporates comprehensive housing needs assessments. By introducing these changes, the bill aims to bolster the responsiveness of housing development strategies, thereby facilitating better alignment with state housing goals.

AB 2118 revises the Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act of 2022 to streamline the approval process for mixed-income housing developments that meet certain criteria along commercial corridors. It mandates developments be considered a “use by right” if they adhere to specified site, affordability, and development standards, thus exempting them from certain environmental reviews. Additionally, it ensures that objective standards do not limit mixed-use developments, reinforcing the application of these provisions to all cities, including charter cities.

AB 2127 mandates that local agencies cannot block accessory dwelling units (ADUs) based solely on the use of private sewage systems. Local health officers are disallowed from requiring new sewage systems if existing ones suffice for additional load. This is intended to simplify ADU development, imposing state-mandated local program duties while ensuring state sewage standards are met.

AB 2185 requires California housing agencies to reassess and potentially amend their rules by July 1, 2027, for multifamily affordable housing programs. The goal is to better accommodate and integrate factory-built housing solutions. This involves the California Housing and Homelessness Agency, California Housing Finance Agency, and related committees focusing on multifamily, farmworker, and veteran housing programs.

AB 2252 mandates the Department of Housing and Community Development to create building standards for six-story residential buildings with a single exit. These standards, to be included in the upcoming Building Standards Code edition, require collaboration with the State Fire Marshal. Additionally, it sets conditions for modifications to residential building standards until 2031, focusing on emergency health and safety needs.

AB 2263 authorizes the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) to acquire property for rental or for-sale housing for its employees. This legislation supports the development of transit-oriented projects, allowing VTA to engage in partnerships and collaborations for funding and development. Additionally, it provides VTA with the ability to form or join limited liability companies for these projects.

AB 2296 focuses on adjusting timelines related to the housing element and regional housing needs allocation. The bill extends the timeline for forming subregional entities and determining regional housing needs from 28 and 25 months to 34 and 31 months, respectively. This aims to enhance planning and zoning collaboration among local governments. Additionally, the bill enforces compliance communication between planning agencies and the Department of Housing and Community Development, requiring explicit remedies if housing elements do not comply with existing laws.

AB 2342 focuses on parole procedures for inmates serving sentences for violent felonies. The bill grants the Governor power to modify or reverse parole board decisions regarding parole grants under the Elderly Parole Program or youth offender parole program. This change would only be implemented if a related constitutional amendment is approved by voters at a future statewide election.

The bill mandates that planning agencies within cities and counties include the number of temporary emergency shelter beds and permanent housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness in their annual reports. This requirement begins with the report due by April 1, 2028. The bill establishes that this additional reporting imposes a state-mandated local program, which may necessitate state reimbursement if the Commission on State Mandates determines state-mandated costs.

Bill AB 2390 proposes updates to streamline multifamily housing project approvals, maintaining the process until January 1, 2036. It restricts local government's review scope to the actual construction site only. The bill also ensures modification requests post-approval rely on original zoning standards. The time validity of project approvals extends with litigation. Statewide applicability is affirmed, affecting all cities, including charter cities. Additional duties imposed on local officials make this a state-mandated program.

AB 2397 addresses the financing of public capital facilities and services through community facilities districts, particularly focusing on housing development projects. The bill prevents local agencies from denying or complicating financing applications related to housing projects for lower and moderate-income families unless strong evidence justifies these actions. It aligns with the Housing Accountability Act, emphasizing state concerns over municipal matters.

AB 2433 amends the Density Bonus Law, requiring local governments to grant development bonuses if certain low-income housing criteria are met. Definitions for income levels are expanded to include extremely low-income households. The bill revises how density bonuses are calculated and where they can be applied geographically, ensuring that procedural clarity and project eligibility determinations are streamlined by local authorities. It also specifies that the granting of bonuses, incentives, or concessions should not require environmental reviews or amendments to general plans or zoning, applying uniformly across all California cities, including charter cities.

AB 2480 proposes enhancements to existing density bonus regulations for housing developments that accommodate student populations. It specifies the provision of additional density bonuses for developments that allocate a higher percentage of units to lower-income students, provided certain criteria are met. The bill emphasizes the need for affordability by ensuring a substantial portion of units remain accessible to both lower and moderate-income student groups. This initiative is framed as a statewide concern, extending its applicability to all cities, including charter cities.

This proposed legislation addresses transportation impact mitigation under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). It permits a lead agency to mitigate significant transportation impacts by contributing to the Transit-Oriented Development Implementation Fund, ensuring complete mitigation and legal compliance. The bill emphasizes urgent implementation as it declares immediate effect.

AB 2569 proposes amendments to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to broaden its scope by including impacts on individuals in its definitions. It mandates that Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) address potential effects from projects situated near natural hazards or adverse conditions. This addition imposes extra duties on lead agencies, defining new criteria for the evaluation of projects under CEQA, without requiring state reimbursement for the associated costs.

AB 2576 addresses transit-oriented development by proposing a one-year delay in certain effective dates for housing projects. It increases the population threshold for specific requirements from 35,000 to 40,000. It redefines "historic resource" and modifies related exclusions in transit-oriented zoning areas.

This bill facilitates concurrent processing of applications for housing developments with up to two units and urban lot splits. It allows local agencies to condition building permits on the approval of parcel maps and supports the development or conversion of primary dwellings to condominiums. Additionally, it permits bypassing public report requirements by the Department of Real Estate if the projects comply with health and safety standards.

AB 2616 mandates landlords to facilitate a nonmechanical cooling method to maintain indoor temperatures at or below 82°F in dwelling units, without passing the cost to tenants. By 2030, landlords and tenants can agree on cooling methods, and a tenant has the right to use portable cooling devices with proper notice. The Department of Housing will provide a dedicated website for assistance. This applies to leases from January 2028.

AB 2656 addresses modifications to the Planning and Zoning Law, specifically the procedural application of formal evidence rules in legal disputes related to zoning. It allows for exceptions where public agency provisions may dictate alternative procedures, ensuring flexibility in handling judicial actions associated with zoning matters.

AB 2676 mandates that local governments cannot enact policies or extend moratoriums on housing developments, including the use of referendum powers. It also revises what constitutes reducing land use intensity, such as new setback or lot size requirements. The bill applies retroactively and imposes a state-mandated local program by expanding these prohibitions to include the sphere of influence of cities. No state reimbursement is required for the implementation of this legislation.

AB 2692 makes nonsubstantive amendments to the planning regulations requiring cities and counties to prepare general plans. These plans necessarily include comprehensive strategies for future developments affecting land use, conservation, housing, and public safety. The bill aims to clarify existing requirements without altering substantive regulations.

AB 2702 enacts the Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly on Faith-Based Lands Act of 2026, allowing development on religious institution lands. The bill provides streamlined, ministerial approvals for compliant projects, enhances potential for density bonuses, and limits parking requirements near public transit. It applies to all cities, overriding inconsistent local regulations, and is effective until January 1, 2037.

AB 2741 mandates that cities and counties maintain an inventory of land for residential development, ensuring zoning compliance with regional needs. It allows for mixed-use zoning that satisfies density and affordability requirements, integrates housing element compliance verification processes, and outlines conditions for maintaining housing development feasibility.

SB 967 modifies the Planning and Zoning Law to allow cities and counties that exceed emergency shelter needs and support interim housing for acutely low-income households to report these as part of their approved housing units. The bill permits up to 50% of the regional housing need for such households to be met with interim housing. It also mandates state guidance on reporting housing units not defined by the Census Bureau as official housing units.

SB 979 addresses processes within the Planning and Zoning Law by allowing judicial review of decisions made by councils of governments or delegate subregions regarding regional housing needs allocations. The bill stipulates that the final determination of housing allocation, which is traditionally handled administratively within regional bodies, is subject to judicial evaluation, thereby offering additional oversight over how housing needs are distributed across cities and counties.

SB 996 allows for the classification of manufactured homes and mobilehomes as real property for purposes such as titling and taxation, provided they meet specific conditions. These conditions involve the homeowner holding a long-term, transferable exclusive occupancy right to the homesite. The Department of Housing is tasked with updating regulations by 2028, and local agencies must accept applications for reclassification, instituting taxation procedures accordingly. This aims to streamline property classifications while ensuring compliance with federal requirements.

SB 1014 mandates that within 30 days of receiving a housing development application, local agencies must provide a list of onsite or offsite improvements and cost estimates. It prohibits requiring undisclosed improvements later in the project. This bill asserts state-level relevance across all cities, avoiding reimbursement obligations for local agencies.

SB 1036 aims to refine the Mitigation Fee Act by requiring fees imposed on development projects to reflect the net impact on public facilities and recognize if the project replaces an existing use. This adjustment ensures fair fee assessment and mandates local agencies to provide fee credits or reductions for redevelopment projects that alleviate prior impacts.

SB 1072 repeals expired housing provisions for Napa County. It mandates an update for local governments' housing elements, altering the timing for 8th and subsequent revisions, linking them to regional transportation plan updates. The bill modifies procedures for notifying changes to subsidized housing and aligns state tax laws with federal changes concerning low-income housing credits. Furthermore, it ensures the Department of Housing and Community Development updates Senate Committee names in fund administration provisions and removes outdated reporting requirements.

SB 1086 proposes amendments to existing zoning laws to classify microschools and micro-education entities as permitted uses, ensuring streamlined local agency approval without discretionary review. The bill mandates the development of model ordinances by the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, enforcing statewide application to both general and charter cities, with state reimbursements for local compliance costs.

SB 1087 mandates an 8-year sustainable communities strategy within regional transportation plans. The bill requires the state to set greenhouse gas reduction targets aligned with regional plans. It shifts review responsibilities of these strategies from the state board to the commission and enforces public participation before updating targets.

SB 1116 amends housing development regulations by ensuring height limits pertain only to building height, not floor numbers. It prevents setbacks that would limit housing units on subdivided lots and mandates liberal interpretation favoring maximum unit production. The bill requires local compliance reporting to the Housing Department and enforces new size specifications for multifamily parcels, effective 2027.

SB 1117 focuses on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units, refining the calculation of impact fees. It mandates that fees for ADUs over 750 square feet be based solely on the area exceeding this threshold, altering local agencies' responsibilities and overriding municipal affairs to ensure statewide applicability. The bill stipulates no state reimbursement for local costs incurred due to these changes.

SB 1216 mandates the Department of Housing and Community Development to annually list jurisdictions designated as housing leaders online. These jurisdictions must have submitted progress reports over five years and meet varying housing production standards depending on affordability classifications. Designated jurisdictions gain certain regulatory flexibilities. Changes are declared statewide concerns, affecting all cities, including charter cities.

SB 1426 focuses on the procedures surrounding annual reports within the context of planning and zoning. It seeks to establish guidelines that ensure relevant updates and comprehensive report submissions are maintained to align with state goals in urban planning and development frameworks.