Bill > SB786

This bill addresses several key provisions related to planning and zoning, particularly focusing on housing elements and judicial challenges to general plans. The bill extends the time local governments have to comply with court orders regarding housing elements from 60 to 120 days, and removes previous provisions allowing for extensions. It introduces new rules about how conflicting development standards in general plan elements should be resolved, with the most recently adopted element taking precedence. The bill also clarifies that any order or judgment challenging a general plan's validity will be immediately appealable, regardless of whether a final judgment has been issued. For judicial challenges, the bill limits continuances to 60 days and requires courts to grant temporary relief in certain circumstances. Additionally, the bill applies these provisions to charter cities, which were previously exempt from some planning and zoning requirements. The legislation aims to streamline housing element compliance, provide more clarity in judicial proceedings, and ensure that local governments can more effectively address housing development challenges. Importantly, the bill includes a declaration that these changes address a matter of statewide concern, thus applying to all cities, including charter cities.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB786