Bill > AB893

This bill expands housing development opportunities near college campuses by amending existing housing development laws to include a new "campus development zone" provision. The bill allows housing development projects within a half-mile radius of a main campus of public universities and colleges to receive streamlined, ministerial review if they meet specific affordability and design standards. For rental housing in these zones, developers can qualify by dedicating a percentage of units to extremely low-income households, very low-income households, students experiencing homelessness, or faculty and staff, with specific percentages required depending on the project. The bill also modifies existing density and height requirements for developments in these zones, generally allowing higher densities and building heights compared to other areas. Additionally, the bill limits local government review to only the area physically disturbed by construction and ensures that easements for utilities or public improvements do not disqualify a project from streamlined review. The legislation aims to address the student housing crisis by promoting more housing development near college campuses and providing clearer, more standardized guidelines for such developments. The bill requires that the outcomes of projects built in campus development zones be reported in a study to be completed by January 1, 2031.