Development projects: permits and other entitlements.

The Planning and Zoning Law requires each county and each city to adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan for its physical development, and the development of specified land outside its boundaries, that includes, among other mandatory elements, a housing element. Existing law, the Permit Streamlining Act, among other things, requires a public agency that is the lead agency for a development project to approve or disapprove that project within specified time periods. Existing law extended by 18 months the period for the expiration, effectuation, or utilization of a housing entitlement, as defined, that was issued before, and was in effect on, March 4, 2020, and that would expire before December 31, 2021, except as specified. Existing law provides that if the state or a local agency extended the otherwise applicable time for the expiration, effectuation, or utilization of a housing entitlement for not less than 18 months, as specified, that housing entitlement would not be extended an additional 18 months pursuant to these provisions. This bill would extend by 18 months the period for the expiration, effectuation, or utilization of a housing entitlement, as defined, that was issued before January 1, 2024, and that will expire before December 31, 2025, except as specified. The bill would toll this 18-month extension during any time that the housing entitlement is the subject of a legal challenge. By adding to the duties of local officials with respect to housing entitlements, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would include findings that changes proposed by this bill address a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair and, therefore, apply to all cities, including charter cities. 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.