Bill > SB625

This bill addresses housing reconstruction in areas affected by disasters by introducing several key provisions. First, it makes any covenant or restriction that prohibits substantially similar reconstruction of a residential structure destroyed in a disaster void and unenforceable. The bill defines a "disaster" as a state of emergency declared by federal, state, or local authorities and sets specific parameters for what constitutes "substantially similar reconstruction," such as maintaining a similar square footage (up to 110% of the original) and adhering to local building codes. For common interest developments, the bill requires any review body to process reconstruction applications within strict timelines: determining application completeness within 30 days and conducting a review within 45 days. If an application is found incomplete or non-compliant, the review body must provide detailed feedback and a clear process for appeal. Additionally, the bill creates a streamlined, ministerial approval process for housing developments on parcels where residential structures were destroyed in a disaster, requiring local governments to approve such developments within 90 days if they meet objective planning standards. The bill also temporarily prevents local ordinances from prohibiting the use of manufactured homes, mobilehomes, or recreational vehicles during reconstruction and ensures that homeowners who prevail in related legal actions can recover reasonable attorney's fees.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

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