Planning and zoning: affordable housing: streamlined approval process.
One of the significant implications of AB 2631 is the reduction of barriers for developers through a ministerial approval process. This means that if local governments do not respond within 30 days regarding any conflicts with the proposed standards, the development is considered compliant by default. Furthermore, once approved, such developments will have an extended approval period of five years, thereby granting developers the stability to plan and execute their projects without frequent reevaluations.
Assembly Bill 2631, introduced by Assembly Member Travis Allen, aims to facilitate the development of affordable housing through a streamlined approval process. By adding Section 65913.5 to the Government Code, the bill permits developers to submit applications for multifamily housing projects that meet specific objective planning standards. These standards stipulate that the development must contain fewer than 25 residential units and must be located on vacant or available sites designated for residential use or residential mixed-use development. The bill emphasizes projects that cater to low or moderate-income families, essential in addressing the growing housing crisis.
Despite its aims, the bill has faced contention from various stakeholders concerned about the implications of streamlined approvals on local governance and control. Critics argue that this legislation might undermine city planning efforts and impede public oversight, allowing developments without adequate local scrutiny. Notably, the bill includes provisions that prohibit local governments from imposing additional parking standards or fees specifically because a project is eligible for streamlined approval, raising concerns about the adequacy of such developments in addressing local infrastructure and service demands.