California Assembly Bill AB499

California 2017-2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/17
• Failed: 2/1/18

Caption

California Environmental Quality Act: infill development.

Impact

The amendments proposed by AB 499 intend to facilitate residential development in urban settings, which could lead to increased housing availability. By streamlining the environmental review process for projects that meet the outlined criteria, the bill incentivizes developers to engage in infill projects that align with state goals of intensifying land use within urban centers. This reflects California's broader strategy to combat housing shortages and elevate the standards for housing density necessary for healthy urban growth.

Summary

Assembly Bill 499 seeks to amend existing provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) specifically concerning infill developments. The bill outlines that certain residential projects located on infill sites within urbanized areas may be exempt from the usual requirement of an environmental impact report, provided they meet specific criteria. AB 499 introduces a clearer framework that delineates when such exemptions may apply, emphasizing projects that enhance housing density while contributing to local community needs.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding AB 499 include concerns from environmental advocates regarding the exemption of certain projects from comprehensive environmental reviews. Critics argue that easing the regulatory framework may lead to adverse environmental impacts if significant project-specific effects go unassessed. Additionally, there may be apprehensions from local governments about losing control over land use and development decisions, which could impact their ability to uphold community standards.