Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 20 FEBRUARY 2018

California Issues Initial Implementation Guidance On 2017 Housing Laws

Holland & Knight
Explore more from Holland & Knight

One of the most notable laws in California's package of housing laws passed by the State Legislature and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2017 is SB 35, which requires most local governments to issue housing developers streamlined approvals in 90-180 days for projects that comply with a number of qualifying criteria.

United StatesReal Estate and Construction
Jennifer Hernandez
Jennifer Hernandez
Chelsea Maclean
Chelsea Maclean
Daniel Golub
Daniel Golub
Author LinkedIn connections

Jennifer Hernandez and Chelsea Maclean are Partners and Daniel Golub is an Associate in the San Francisco office

HCD Identifies Jurisdictions Where Local Governments Must Issue Qualifying Housing Projects "By Right" – with Streamlined Approvals and No Project-Level CEQA Reviews

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • One of the most notable laws in California's package of housing laws passed by the State Legislature and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2017 is SB 35, which requires most local governments to issue housing developers streamlined approvals in 90-180 days for projects that comply with a number of qualifying criteria.
  • Significantly, SB 35 projects are statutorily exempt from the need for environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Residential Vacancy Tax Preempted By State Law

A California Court of Appeal has invalidated San Francisco's Empty Homes Tax, ruling that the Ellis Act—which protects property owners' right to exit the rental market—also shields them from being forced to enter it through vacancy taxation. This landmark decision raises critical questions about the viability of similar residential vacancy taxes that other California municipalities have enacted or are considering as housing policy tools.
United StatesReal Estate and Construction
Cox, Castle & Nicholson
Cox, Castle & Nicholson
Article

More For The Missing-Middle: SB 1116 Expands Starter Home Revitalization Act (SB 684/1123)

California's Starter Home Revitalization Act receives significant enhancements through Senate Bill 1116, expanding site eligibility criteria, limiting local zoning restrictions, and invalidating certain private deed covenants to accelerate small-lot residential subdivisions. The legislation introduces streamlined 60-day ministerial approvals while establishing new rules for lot size averaging, height restrictions, and concurrent permit processing that fundamentally reshape the pathway for starter home devel
United StatesReal Estate and Construction
Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP
Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP
Article

New York City Rent Freeze Faces Legal Challenge As Court Considers Landlords’ Claims

Landlords of rent stabilized buildings in New York City have filed a lawsuit challenging the rent freeze passed by the Rent Guidelines Board, questioning the Board's independence and data integrity. With operating costs rising 31% over five years while the Board voted 7-1 for a freeze affecting 1 million apartments, the case raises critical questions about the balance between tenant protection and landlord viability.
United StatesReal Estate and Construction
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader
Article

Understanding And Addressing Mechanic’s Liens On California Projects

Mechanic's liens pose significant challenges for property owners and developers in California construction projects, even when they have fulfilled their payment obligations. Understanding the strict procedural requirements, timing deadlines, and available remedies can help owners protect their projects from improper claims and efficiently resolve legitimate liens when they arise.
United StatesReal Estate and Construction
Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP
Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP
Article

Colorado’s New Mechanic’s Lien Law: Bigger Claims, Stronger Protections, And New Risks For Owners And Contractors

On April 6, 2026, the same day that the Colorado Supreme Court issued its decision in Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company, LLC v. Regional Rail Partners, Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 26-074 into law. The legislation, which took effect on August 12, 2026, clarifies the amounts that may be included in mechanic’s liens and public construction payment claims, as well as the circumstances under which those claims may be considered excessive.
United StatesReal Estate and Construction
Higgins, Hopkins, McLain & Roswell, LLC
Higgins, Hopkins, McLain & Roswell, LLC
Article

Texas Business Court Addresses Notice Requirements For Foreclosure Sales

The Texas Business Court examined whether foreclosure notices delivered via email and UPS next-day service satisfied contractual deed of trust provisions and Texas Property Code requirements that specified certified mail. The court also addressed whether notice sent to a designated agent constituted proper notice to the borrower when the borrower's name was omitted from the address line.
United StatesReal Estate and Construction
Greenberg Traurig
Greenberg Traurig
Article

New Florida Law Adds Licensing Risk To Contractor/Subcontractor Payment Disputes

Florida's new Section 489.1295 establishes licensing consequences for contractors who fail to timely pay subcontractors and suppliers, effective July 1, 2026. The statute creates disciplinary exposure for knowingly or willfully withholding payment, though it includes important exceptions for bona fide disputes and contractual payment terms. Contractors must now navigate potential license sanctions including fines up to $10,000, suspension, or revocation when payment disputes arise.
United StatesReal Estate and Construction
Peckar & Abramson, P.C.
Peckar & Abramson, P.C.