California First Time Homeowner Dream Act.

Assembly Member Jackson's proposal to exempt certain single-family home construction from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements aims to facilitate first-time homeownership through targeted regulatory adjustments. The exemption would apply to new single-family dwellings of 1,500 square feet or less with no more than three bedrooms, intended for sale to first-time buyers at prices under $400,000.

Under the measure, lead agencies must verify that developers or property owners provide sufficient legal commitments to meet the exemption criteria. Upon determining a project's eligibility, agencies must file notices with both the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation and the county clerk where the project is located. The bill maintains existing CEQA requirements for projects that do not meet these specific parameters.

The legislation establishes a state-mandated local program requiring agencies to implement and oversee the new exemption process. Local entities may receive state reimbursement for costs associated with these additional administrative duties, subject to determination by the Commission on State Mandates. This reimbursement would follow established procedures under the Government Code for state-mandated expenses.