General plan: annual report.
The bill is expected to impose a state-mandated local program by requiring additional elements to be included in the annual report that local agencies must prepare. This includes providing evidence of compliance with various internet requirements, such as maintaining a current schedule of fees and impact studies. Omitting certain requirements from reimbursement shifts the financial burden onto local agencies, as they will have to absorb the costs associated with the additional reporting without state funding to cover these expenses. The change could lead local governments to prioritize compliance over innovative housing solutions.
Assembly Bill 2144, introduced by Assembly Member Grayson, seeks to amend Section 65400 of the Government Code in California regarding general plans and annual reports by planning agencies. The legislation mandates that the planning agency of a city or county must compile and submit an annual report by April 1 of each year, detailing the status of the general plan, progress towards meeting regional housing needs, and compliance with certain internet posting requirements. This report must also include specific information regarding housing developments, including the number of applications received and the number of units approved or disapproved in the prior year.
The sentiment surrounding AB 2144 appears to lean towards supporting better transparency and accountability in housing development planning. Proponents argue that the requirements outlined will strengthen planning processes and ensure that the local governmental bodies are actively working towards addressing housing needs. However, there are concerns regarding the increased administrative burden this places on local agencies, particularly in light of the associated unreimbursed costs. Thus, while the sentiment supports the goals of the bill, it also highlights valid anxieties among local governments about compliance capabilities and financial strain.
One notable point of contention is the bill's lack of provisions for state reimbursement for the additional costs incurred by local agencies as a result of the new reporting requirements. As communities strive to enhance housing availability to meet regional needs, the added burden of compliance without financial assistance could lead to resistance from local governments. Moreover, there is the broader concern that highlighting compliance with state mandates could detract from addressing unique local housing challenges and foster a standardized approach that may not suit every community's needs.