Housing developments: ordinances, policies, and standards.

Assembly Member Carrillo's housing accountability measure expands the scope of development standards that local agencies must apply consistently when evaluating housing projects. The bill adds materials requirements, post-entitlement permit standards, and regulations from other public agencies to the existing framework of ordinances, policies and standards that govern housing development approvals.

The legislation establishes that housing development projects and emergency shelters are deemed compliant with applicable plans and requirements if substantial evidence would allow a reasonable person to conclude they are consistent. This new standard aims to create more objective criteria for evaluating project compliance, rather than relying on subjective determinations.

For projects serving very low, low-, or moderate-income households, local agencies must base any project denials or conditions on written findings supported by preponderant evidence. The bill maintains existing protections that prevent agencies from rejecting these projects without thorough analysis of economic, social and environmental impacts. Local agencies that fail to comply may face court orders and financial penalties, with funds directed to affordable housing initiatives.

The measure applies statewide, including to charter cities, reflecting the Legislature's determination that providing certainty in housing development regulations addresses a matter of statewide concern. While preserving local agencies' ability to levy fees and assessments, the bill requires no state reimbursement since agencies can recover costs through existing revenue mechanisms.