Housing development: streamlined approvals.

Senator Wiener's housing development legislation modifies California's approval process for residential construction by establishing new ministerial review requirements and limiting local regulatory authority. The measure revises existing housing laws to mandate streamlined approvals for two-unit developments on single-family lots while increasing minimum unit sizes from 800 to 1,750 square feet.

The bill prohibits local agencies from imposing deed restrictions, rent covenants, or impact fees on units under 1,750 square feet. For larger developments, impact fees must be charged proportionally. Local ordinances must be submitted to the Department of Housing and Community Development within 60 days of adoption for compliance review, with agencies required to amend non-compliant regulations or provide written justification for maintaining them.

In coastal zones, the legislation requires local governments to submit amended programs by July 1, 2026 that harmonize streamlined approval processes with coastal resource protection. The bill voids homeowner association covenants and restrictions that unreasonably limit construction of accessory dwelling units or prevent implementation of the new approval standards.

The measure establishes uniform statewide standards for housing development approvals while maintaining specific exemptions for historic properties, tenant-occupied housing, and environmentally sensitive areas. Local agencies must process applications within prescribed timelines - 60 days for projects with 150 or fewer units and 90 days for larger developments. The Department of Housing and Community Development gains authority to review local ordinances and require amendments to ensure compliance with state standards.