Planning and zoning: housing development projects: postentitlement phase permits.

Existing law relating to housing development approval requires a local agency to compile a list of information needed to approve or deny a postentitlement phase permit, to post an example of a complete, approved application and an example of a complete set of postentitlement phase permits for at least 5 types of housing development projects in the jurisdiction, as specified, and to make those items available to all applicants for these permits no later than January 1, 2024. Existing law defines "postentitlement phase permit" to include all nondiscretionary permits and reviews filed after the entitlement process has been completed that are required or issued by the local agency to begin construction of a development that is intended to be at least 23 residential, excluding discretionary and ministerial planning permits, entitlements, and certain other permits and reviews. These permits include, but are not limited to, building permits and all interdepartmental review required for the issuance of a building permit, permits for minor or standard off-site improvements, permits for demolition, and permits for minor or standard excavation and grading. Existing law defines other terms for its purposes. This bill would modify the definition of "postentitlement phase permit" to also include all building permits and other permits issued under the California Building Standards Code or any applicable local building code for the construction, demolition, or alteration of buildings, whether discretionary or nondiscretionary. Existing law establishes time limits for completing reviews regarding whether an application for a postentitlement phase permit is complete and compliant, and whether to approve or deny an application, as specified, and makes any failure to meet these time limits a disapproval of the housing development project and a violation of the Housing Accountability Act. Existing law requires a local agency, beginning on specified dates determined by population size, to provide an option for postentitlement phase permits to be applied for, completed, and retrieved by the applicant on its internet website, and accept applications for postentitlement phase permits and any related documentation by electronic mail until that process has been established. This bill would instead require a local agency to return an approved permit application on each postentitlement phase permit requested for a housing development project, if the local agency determines that the complete application is compliant with the permit standards. The bill would prohibit a local agency from subjecting the postentitlement phase permit to any appeals or additional hearing requirements once the local agency determines that the postentitlement permit is compliant with applicable permit standards, as specified. By imposing additional duties on local officials, the 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.