Bill > SB445

This bill modifies existing transportation law to adjust the timeline for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to develop and adopt a project intake, evaluation, and encroachment permit review process for complete streets facilities, extending the deadline from January 1, 2027 to February 1, 2027. The bill emphasizes the importance of sustainable transportation projects in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing housing shortages, and acknowledges that third-party permits and approvals can cause significant delays in project development. The legislation declares an intent to introduce future amendments that would accelerate and improve the reliability of permits and approvals for sustainable transportation projects, potentially by requiring early engagement with third parties, setting timelines for design review, and limiting permit-related requirements. The bill also maintains existing provisions about encroachment permit processing, including requirements for Caltrans to notify applicants about permit application completeness, provide detailed explanations for denials, and offer an appeal process. Additionally, the bill requires Caltrans to designate an encroachment permit manager in each district with expertise in bicycle, pedestrian, and transit priority facilities, and to annually report on the number of applications, permits issued, and processing times.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB445