Bill > AB1997

This bill aims to expedite housing development approvals in California by streamlining processes and setting stricter timelines for local agencies. Key provisions include prohibiting one local utility or agency from overturning approvals made by another unless the project proponent makes a significant change, and awarding extra points for state housing programs to jurisdictions that are designated as "housing development expediters" by the Department of Housing and Community Development, which will establish a benchmark to identify these expediters. For cities and counties with populations of 250,000 or more, the bill mandates the assignment of a project development director to oversee projects costing over $10 million from application to occupancy, and a lead inspector to coordinate inspections. Furthermore, it shortens the timeframes for local agencies to approve or disapprove development projects after environmental reviews are completed, with specific accelerated timelines for projects with a high percentage of affordable housing. Finally, the bill establishes a working group to explore and recommend further measures to expedite housing development.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1997