Keeping track of the ever-evolving landscape of housing legislation in California might be an incredible task, given that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed 56 housing bills just this year. The numerous laws aim to address the persistent housing shortage issue plaguing the state. Among them, Senate Bill 423 stands out for its significant expansion and extension of California’s pioneering housing streamlining bill.
Senate Bill 423, brings an extension to the exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and discretionary entitlements for various housing projects, widening the scope to include the Coastal Zone. This change adds another element to the mix, providing further latitude in the hunt for solutions to the housing crisis.
Prior to this, we had examined a couple of these bills, including Assembly Bill 1287, which bolsters the Density Bonus Law, and Senate Bill 4, both contributing in their own ways to the housing initiatives undertaken by the administration. However, SB 423 takes the streamlining efforts a step further, identifying new eligible zones and renewing the exemption period, thereby potentially impacting the speed and ease in executing housing projects.
As the Golden State continues to grapple with housing shortages, large corporations and top-tier law firms should take a keen interest in the new regulatory adjustments, as the real impact of these laws will manifest in zoning decisions, project approvals, and the overall housing development in the coming years.