Bill > SB1116

This bill aims to streamline housing development projects by modifying existing laws related to planning and zoning, specifically concerning subdivisions. Key provisions include requiring that height limits for new developments be based on the physical height of a building rather than the number of floors, and generally prohibiting local agencies from imposing specific front or internal setback requirements. The bill also mandates a liberal interpretation of rules governing ministerial approval of housing developments on subdivided lots to encourage the creation of the maximum number of housing units. Furthermore, local agencies must now submit their adopted ordinances to the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for review and respond to any findings from HCD. The bill also revises requirements for lot sizes and density for newly created parcels, allowing for smaller parcels in multifamily housing zones under certain conditions, and modifies the definition of "net habitable square feet" to exclude stairs and enclosed bicycle parking. Additionally, local agencies will have a stricter 60-day deadline to approve or deny applications for final maps for housing development projects, and their annual reports to HCD will now need to include more detailed information about housing development projects processed under these new provisions. Finally, the bill makes certain private restrictions on property use unenforceable if they would physically prevent housing development on a subdivided lot, with an exception for common interest developments. These changes are set to take effect for applications received on or after January 1, 2027.