Bill > SB625

This bill addresses housing reconstruction after disasters by introducing several key provisions. First, it would make any covenant, restriction, or governing document provision void if it prohibits substantially similar reconstruction of a residential structure damaged during a declared disaster, with "substantially similar" defined by specific parameters like maintaining 110% of the original square footage and height. The bill requires that housing development proposals for reconstruction be processed expeditiously, with review bodies required to determine application completeness within 15 business days and conduct a full review within 30 business days. For housing developments on parcels where a residential structure was destroyed in a disaster, the bill establishes a streamlined, ministerial approval process that requires local governments to approve compliant projects within 90 days. Additionally, the bill allows for the temporary placement of manufactured homes, mobilehomes, or recreational vehicles on residential parcels for reconstruction purposes for three years following a disaster declaration. The bill also mandates that housing development proponents comply with specific labor standards and requires courts to award reasonable attorney's fees to applicants who prevail in related legal actions. Notably, the bill applies to all cities, including charter cities, and is framed as addressing a matter of statewide concern, specifically in response to potential housing challenges following disasters like the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB625