This bill would require a local agency to compile a list of information needed to approve or deny a postentitlement phase permit, as defined, to post an example of a complete, approved application and an example of a complete set of postentitlement phase permits for at least 5 types of housing development projects, as defined, in the jurisdiction, as specified, and to make those items available to all applicants for these permits no later than January 1, 2024. The bill would define “local agency” for these purposes to mean a city, county, or city and county.

This bill would require a local agency, beginning on specified dates determined by population size, to provide an option for postentitlement phase permits to be applied for, completed, and retrieved by the applicant on its internet website, and accept applications for postentitlement phase permits and any related documentation by electronic mail until that process has been established. The bill would require the local agency to list on their internet website or provide by electronic mail upon request, as applicable, the current processing status of the applicant’s permit.

This bill would establish time limits for completing reviews regarding whether an application for a postentitlement phase permit is complete and compliant, and whether to approve or deny an application, as specified, and would make any failure to meet these time limits a disapproval of the housing development project and a violation of the Housing Accountability Act. The bill would define specified terms for its purposes. By imposing additional duties on local officials, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.