Planning and zoning: housing development: standardized application form.
- Requires cities and counties to accept a new standardized housing application form starting October 2026.
- Prohibits local agencies from requiring additional forms or imposing penalties for using the standard application.
- Mandates cities to post housing fees, requirements and application forms on their websites.
- Establishes fines of at least $10,000 per unit for cities that improperly deny housing projects.
Assembly Member Haney's standardized housing application legislation aims to streamline California's housing development process by establishing uniform requirements and limiting additional local agency demands. The Department of Housing and Community Development must adopt a standardized application form by July 2026 that local agencies must begin accepting by October 2026.
The bill specifies that housing applications are deemed complete upon payment of permit processing fees and submission of basic project information, including descriptions, requested approvals, and architectural plans. Local agencies cannot require preapplication submissions, special approvals, or expert studies beyond those explicitly allowed. The legislation also prohibits penalties or additional requirements for using the standardized form.
Local agencies must post comprehensive housing development information on their websites, including fee schedules, zoning ordinances, and development standards. While agencies may develop their own application forms, these must align with the bill's core requirements and cannot impose additional burdens. The legislation includes enforcement mechanisms, allowing courts to compel compliance and levy fines against non-compliant agencies, with proceeds directed to affordable housing initiatives.
The bill's provisions apply to all California cities, including charter cities, reflecting the Legislature's determination that streamlining housing approvals addresses a matter of statewide concern. Local agencies may receive state reimbursement for costs incurred implementing these requirements if the Commission on State Mandates determines they constitute state-mandated expenses.
 Joaquin ArambulaD Assemblymember | Committee Member |  Not Contacted | |
 Buffy WicksD Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
 Lisa CalderonD Assemblymember | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Mike FongD Assemblymember | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Matt HaneyD Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted |
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | PASS |
- Requires cities and counties to accept a new standardized housing application form starting October 2026.
- Prohibits local agencies from requiring additional forms or imposing penalties for using the standard application.
- Mandates cities to post housing fees, requirements and application forms on their websites.
- Establishes fines of at least $10,000 per unit for cities that improperly deny housing projects.
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Assembly Member Haney's standardized housing application legislation aims to streamline California's housing development process by establishing uniform requirements and limiting additional local agency demands. The Department of Housing and Community Development must adopt a standardized application form by July 2026 that local agencies must begin accepting by October 2026.
The bill specifies that housing applications are deemed complete upon payment of permit processing fees and submission of basic project information, including descriptions, requested approvals, and architectural plans. Local agencies cannot require preapplication submissions, special approvals, or expert studies beyond those explicitly allowed. The legislation also prohibits penalties or additional requirements for using the standardized form.
Local agencies must post comprehensive housing development information on their websites, including fee schedules, zoning ordinances, and development standards. While agencies may develop their own application forms, these must align with the bill's core requirements and cannot impose additional burdens. The legislation includes enforcement mechanisms, allowing courts to compel compliance and levy fines against non-compliant agencies, with proceeds directed to affordable housing initiatives.
The bill's provisions apply to all California cities, including charter cities, reflecting the Legislature's determination that streamlining housing approvals addresses a matter of statewide concern. Local agencies may receive state reimbursement for costs incurred implementing these requirements if the Commission on State Mandates determines they constitute state-mandated expenses.
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | PASS |
Joaquin ArambulaD Assemblymember | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Buffy WicksD Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
Lisa CalderonD Assemblymember | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Mike FongD Assemblymember | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Matt HaneyD Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted |