Planning and Zoning Law: postentitlement phase permits.
The proposed bill is projected to shape state laws concerning local agency interactions with housing development projects, particularly in setting clearer deadlines for reviews and approvals. Existing mandates that come into play include the Housing Accountability Act, with noncompliance potentially leading to violations under state law. Noteworthy revisions include reducing the previous 60 business day timeline for appeals to 15-30 days for smaller projects, highlighting the bill's emphasis on rapid processing to facilitate housing development.
Assembly Bill 660, introduced by Assembly Member Wilson, aims to modify the procedures and timelines for postentitlement phase permits under the Planning and Zoning Law in California. The bill seeks to streamline the review process by limiting local agencies to two plan check and specification reviews for building permits. If a local agency does not adjudicate an application within specified timeframes after it is deemed complete, applicants can hire licensed professionals to ensure compliance at their expense, thus expediting project approvals. The legislation emphasizes efficiency, particularly in the context of housing development projects.
The discussion around AB 660 appears to reflect a general support for expediting housing development processes to combat growing housing shortages in California. Proponents advocate that reducing bureaucratic delays can encourage development and ultimately benefit local economies. However, there is contention regarding whether this bill could undermine local governance and oversight, potentially leading to standardized measures that might not account for unique local conditions.
One area of contention within AB 660 revolves around how it impacts local agency authority and control over the permitting process. Opponents express concerns that limiting the number of reviews and quickening the approval timelines may lead to a loss of critical local input on developments, particularly in areas affecting community health and safety. The conflict exists between the drive to address housing shortages at state levels and the intricate balance of local autonomy in land use decisions.