Bill > AB610

This bill requires local governments to include a new "potential and actual governmental constraints disclosure statement" in their housing elements, which must identify any new or amended governmental constraints that the local government anticipates adopting within the first three years of the planning period. The bill restricts local governments from adopting new or more stringent governmental constraints within three years of their housing element being deemed in substantial compliance, unless specific conditions are met. These conditions include submitting the proposed constraint to the state department of housing, ensuring the constraint was previously disclosed in the housing element, completing existing housing element program commitments to address governmental constraints, or demonstrating that the constraint is required by state or federal law or necessary for public health and safety. A "governmental constraint" can include fees, development policies that reduce residential land use intensity, or changes to historic district designations. The bill aims to promote consistency in housing development regulations and prevent local governments from implementing new restrictions that could impede housing development shortly after their housing element has been approved. The legislation applies to all cities, including charter cities, and is considered a matter of statewide concern.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB610