I am disturbed by the number of clients with fully entitled - yet economically infeasible - denser multi family projects now looking to re-entitle for low density townhomes. Current law permits a whopping 100% densify bonus yet capital is smiling on only 15-20 d/u per acre 🤦‍♂️.

ChatGBT just gave my client wrong advice re: his project’s eligibility for the new AB130 CEQA exemption. (Huge sigh of relief from the lawyer). But as we simplify and streamline regulations - it won’t be long before AI takes over land use consulting (along with everything else).

Critics of ULA are not engaging in “hate” but rightfully probing the fundamental policy question - how many units has the housing tax killed vs how many created? Newsflash - it’s not even close.

RT @CA_Insider: For years, CEQA has played a major role in what gets built and where. A new reform could speed up housing in urban areas, a….

It’s all to the good. The post entitlement mandates are going to be the most frequently ignored and violated (they are today). I do wish there were more stringent penalties for noncompliance.

RT @michaeldlane: Reminder: The budget trailer bill AB 130 also subjects the California Coastal Commission's review of housing project perm….

Housing entitlement processing trifecta:. 1) Clean infill CEQA exemption ✅. 2) Approval deadline shot clock ✅. 3) Single standardized form app and streamlined completeness review❓. Senate, time to adopt AB1294. End front end app processing abuse. Close the last loophole!.

CM Raman proves yet again that she is the pro housing champion on the LA City Council!

Those of us in the development industry have complained extensively about organized labor’s CEQA tactics. But today we should acknowledge and thank the Carpenters Union for their leadership and pragmatism which was crucial to AB130’s passage. More housing = more jobs for CA!.

And let me also add a shout out to our local LA YIMBY activists @AbundantHousing. Thank you for all your work on this monumental day!.

CEQA reform actually happened! . Thank you . @CAgovernor @BuffyWicks @Scott_Wiener @cayimby @yimbyaction . You changed CA forever in ways some of us old cynics never thought possible. We are so grateful and excited for the future! . Never been so proud to be a Californian!.

There is only One Big Beautiful Bill - its before the CA Legislature tomorrow and its transformative housing/CEQA reform to the degree no one thought possible. Fewer kids leaving for TX, CO and FL. Call your legislator. Message = fix this broken system now for CA’s future!.

SB131 allows housing to mitigate VMT impacts by funding affordable housing. Good concept. Details need work. Guardrails needed so locals can’t impose unreasonable carte blanche fees risking project feasibility. Mainly SFRs . But not a reason to detail SB130. The real BBB!.

I absolutely loathe Trump and everything he stands for. And the OBBB is a catastrophe for Americans most in need. But the LITC and affordable housing changes are positive and needed.

In an era where private capital and financing options are in short supply for new housing projects, why don’t we explore this in California?

I first downplayed the SB607/SB131 single subject EIR. But now studying a real project disqualified from the exemption, where SB131 still keeps us on the fast track. How long can it take for a 2 page analysis of why a housing project next to a drainage channel =no impacts?.

Mixing/matching new CEQA reforms:. -300 units, tough city, EIR = years. - New infill exemption a no go b/c site includes a wetland (bld outside of it). BUT . - SB131 “single subject” EIR only requires wetland impact study (nothing else) . - Result= 2 page EIR and no alternatives.

5 client calls today have gone something like this. - I know the EIR/SCEA/Class 32/SCPE has been taking forever. Good news. Monday brings a clean CEQA exemption. - Yes I swear no labor provision. - Timing? 30 day approval after tribal consult. - Yes I know - good news for once!.

Very good.

In an interesting turn of events the AB609/AB130 negotiated “wage floor” for low/mid rise buildings (other than 100% affordable which still requires PW) has been removed entirely from the exemption.