Bill > AB1294

This bill aims to streamline the housing development application process by creating a standardized application form and setting clearer timelines for local government review. Specifically, it mandates that by July 1, 2027, the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) will adopt a standardized application form for housing entitlements, which cities and counties must accept starting October 1, 2027, prohibiting them from requiring additional forms unless absolutely necessary. The bill also clarifies that an application for a housing entitlement is considered complete upon payment of fees and submission of specified basic information, such as a project description and a list of requested approvals, with certain exceptions for specific jurisdictions. Furthermore, it prohibits local governments from requiring certain information or approvals as a condition for deeming an application complete and prevents them from penalizing applicants who use the standardized form. The bill also strengthens enforcement by adding violations of these new housing entitlement application requirements to the list of offenses that can trigger notification to the Attorney General. Additionally, it revises the definition of "disapprove the housing development project" under the Housing Accountability Act to include instances where a local agency improperly deems an application incomplete, and it clarifies that local governments must bear the burden of proof for such determinations. Finally, it requires cities and counties with websites to post the standardized application form and any locally developed forms.