Project

California housing law / ministerial approvals (SB423, SB4, AB1633, AB1287)

1mentions

2023first mention

2023last mention

approvedfinal signal

Summary

RCPC Land Use Chair Ken Rich explains new California legislation expanding ministerial (no-hearing) approvals for housing projects that meet zoning rules. Key bills: SB423 mandates ministerial approvals for most new housing in jurisdictions not meeting housing allocations; SB4 mandates ministerial approvals for housing on private college and religious institution land; AB1633 prohibits using CEQA to hold up housing approvals; AB1287 increases the state density bonus to 70% for projects with substantial affordable units. Oakland is now creating 'objective design standards.' Councilmember Kalb introduced a zoning code amendment requiring 300-foot notice to neighbors even for ministerially approved projects.

residentialneutralmediumapproved

Aliases

California housing law / ministerial approvals (SB423, SB4, AB1633, AB1287)

Timeline

2023_12

California housing law / ministerial approvals (SB423, SB4, AB1633, AB1287)

neutralapprovedmedium

Quotes

“The most potentially controversial of these changes involve the expansion of what are called 'ministerial' approvals of new housing projects. This means that if a proposed new residential development meets the zoning rules that are on the books, it must be approved by City staff with no public hearings or involvement of the Planning Commission or City Council.”2023_12 - Land Use article, Ken Rich, RCPC Land Use Chair

“SB4: Mandates ministerial approvals for certain low- and moderate income housing projects to be constructed on the property of private colleges and religious institutions.”2023_12 - Land Use article, Ken Rich, RCPC Land Use Chair