Development permits: commercial shopping centers: pedestrian accessibility.

The Permit Streamlining Act sets forth various procedures and requirements with respect to the review and approval of development projects, including requiring a public agency that is the lead agency for the project to approve or disapprove the project within specified time periods. That act includes various requirements and conditions with respect to approvals of permits for specific types of development projects. This bill would require that a city or county, as a condition of approving a permit for a development project for a commercial shopping center or for improvements to an existing commercial shopping center, require that the proposed improvements include pedestrian accessibility improvements to make the commercial shopping center accessible to pedestrians if specified conditions apply. The bill would define "commercial shopping center" for these purposes. The bill would also define "improvements to an existing commercial shopping center" and expressly exclude any work done by a commercial tenant in a commercial shopping center. By adding to the duties of local officials with respect to reviewing and approving development projects, 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.