California’s building laws may soon undergo significant changes as lawmakers consider major reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Established in 1970, CEQA requires developers to disclose and mitigate environmental impacts before starting projects. While supporters argue it protects the environment, critics say it contributes to the state’s housing crisis by delaying development.
Currently, two bills propose substantial changes to CEQA. One bill, introduced by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, aims to exempt most urban housing projects from CEQA’s requirements. This proposal is part of a broader “Fast Track Housing Package” of 22 bills designed to streamline housing development processes. If passed, it would eliminate environmental lawsuits over proposed apartment buildings and remove legislative debates over project exemptions, potentially ending what some call California’s “Housing-CEQA Wars” (CalMatters).
The second bill would weaken CEQA rules for various projects, including housing, highways, and power plants. Proponents of reform argue that CEQA’s broad requirements are often used to block developments for reasons unrelated to the environment. They claim that these changes are necessary to address California’s housing shortage and respond to climate change (Los Angeles Times).
Assembly Bill 609, sponsored by Wicks, seeks to facilitate “environmentally friendly” housing development by exempting infill housing projects from CEQA review. To qualify, projects must be on sites under 20 acres in urban areas and comply with local zoning regulations. This bill is part of a larger effort to address housing affordability and is supported by Governor Gavin Newsom, who has fast-tracked its approval (JRG Attorneys At Law).
While these proposals have garnered support, they face opposition from environmental and labor groups, who have successfully resisted major changes to CEQA in the past.
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