Planning and Zoning Law: postentitlement phase permits: Housing Accountability Act.

Assembly Member Wilson's housing accountability legislation aims to streamline California's post-entitlement permit process by limiting local agencies' plan review cycles and accelerating appeal timelines. The bill prohibits agencies from requiring more than two plan check reviews for building permits, unless additional review is needed to address specific public health or safety impacts. Local agencies may deny applications that remain non-compliant after two submissions, though applicants retain the right to request additional review opportunities.

The measure reduces the timeline for local agencies to issue final determinations on permit appeals - from 60 to 30 business days for projects with 25 or fewer units, and from 90 to 45 business days for larger developments. If agencies fail to meet these deadlines or deny an appeal, applicants can seek a court order compelling permit approval. The bill also prevents agencies from requiring changes during building inspections that deviate from previously approved plans, except when necessary to address public safety concerns.

To enhance transparency, local agencies must compile and publish detailed checklists of required permit application materials and post examples of approved applications for various housing project types. The legislation classifies violations of these provisions as infractions of the Housing Accountability Act, subjecting non-compliant agencies to potential penalties. While charter cities typically maintain autonomy over municipal affairs, the Legislature declares these reforms address a matter of statewide concern, making them applicable to all California cities.