Planning and zoning: affordable housing: streamlined approval process.

Existing law, until January 1, 2026, authorizes a development proponent to submit an application for a multifamily housing development, which satisfies specified planning objective standards, that is subject to a streamlined, ministerial approval process, as provided, and not subject to a conditional use permit. Existing law requires a local government to notify the development proponent in writing if the local government determines that the development conflicts with any of those objective standards by a specified time; otherwise, the development is deemed to comply with those standards. Existing law provides that if a local government approves a project pursuant to that process, that approval will not expire until a specified period of time depending on the nature of the development. This bill would authorize a development property to submit an application for a development to be subject to a streamlined, ministerial approval process provided that development meet specified objective planning standards, such as that the development contains fewer than 25 residential units and provides housing for persons and families of low or moderate income. The bill would require a local government to notify the development proponent in writing if the local government determines that the development conflicts with any of those objective standards within 30 days of the application being submitted; otherwise, the development is deemed to comply with those standards. The bill would provide that if a local government approves a project pursuant to this process, then that approval will not expire for 5 years. By imposing new duties upon local agencies with respect to the streamlined approval process described above, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.