California to Expedite Housing Project Approvals in Coastal Cities, Fire Zones

More than 100 cities were opposed, citing concerns about local control being undermined and crowded cities being overdeveloped.

A construction worker builds housing in Huntington Beach, Calif., on March 17, 2023. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Since 2018, California cities that have failed to meet state-mandated housing goals have provided developers with a streamlined approval process for affordable or multifamily housing projects. After the recent enactment of a new law, coastal and fire zones that were previously excluded will now be eligible for the same.

Senate Bill 423, authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), extends the former law that expires after 2025 by a decade and include some coastal and fire hazard zones. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on Oct. 11.