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ARTICLE · 19 SEPTEMBER 2025

Major CEQA Reforms Limit Review For Housing And Other Projects

Perkins Coie LLP
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In the most significant reforms to CEQA in recent years, two new laws—AB 130 and SB 131—exempt certain infill housing from CEQA, limit environmental review for housing projects...

United StatesReal Estate and Construction
Alan Murphy
Alan Murphy
Deborah E. Quick
Deborah E. Quick

In the most significant reforms to CEQA in recent years, two new laws—AB 130 and SB 131—exempt certain infill housing from CEQA, limit environmental review for housing projects that nearly qualify for an exemption, and introduce other significant reforms for rezoning and nonresidential projects.

New CEQA Exemption for Infill Housing Projects

AB 130 creates a new statutory exemption from CEQA review for housing development projects in urban areas that meet the following criteria:

  • The project site is no more than 20 acres, except sites for builder's remedy projects, which are limited to five acres.
  • The project site previously was developed with an urban use or largely adjoins or is surrounded by urban uses.

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