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

Assembly Members Schiavo and Rivas propose extending California's housing permit streamlining requirements to state departments, building upon existing local agency regulations for postentitlement phase permits. The legislation requires state departments to publish detailed permit information and example applications on their websites by January 1, 2026, mirroring current local agency requirements.

The bill establishes specific review timelines for state departments processing housing development permits. Departments must determine application completeness within 15 business days and issue decisions within 30 business days for projects with 25 or fewer units, or 60 business days for larger developments. Applications automatically receive approval if departments fail to meet these deadlines. For appeals, state departments must provide final determinations within 60 business days for smaller projects and 90 business days for larger ones.

Under the expanded definition of postentitlement phase permits, the requirements apply to all nondiscretionary permits and reviews required after entitlement, including building permits, demolition permits, and standard off-site improvements. The bill maintains existing provisions allowing time extensions by mutual agreement and preserving agencies' ability to provide feedback. As an urgency measure, these changes take effect immediately upon enactment.