- Anthony Reyes
- (916) 319-2078
- Anthony.Reyes@asm.ca.gov
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – On Tuesday the California State Assembly passed AB 253, a key measure to accelerate home construction by streamlining the post-entitlement permitting process. The bill, now headed to the Senate, would allow licensed third-party professionals to review permits when local building departments are unable to process them within 30 days, cutting bureaucratic delays that stall much-needed housing projects.
“California cannot afford to let bureaucracy stand in the way of housing. AB 253 cuts through the red tape, ensuring that when homes are ready to be built, government delays do not stand in the way,” said Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva. “I would like to thank Assemblymember Ward for his leadership. Californians deserve action, not obstacles.”
Currently, even after a project receives land use approvals, construction cannot begin until post-entitlement permits are issued—a process often bogged down by backlogs in local building departments. These delays drive up costs, slow down housing production, and worsen the state’s housing shortage.
“We’re tackling the housing crisis so that California can again be a place where new homes are built quickly because housing supply is a key driver of overall affordability for families,” said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. “The Assembly’s fast action on these housing bills is a key step toward reducing construction delays and cost overruns.”
AB 253 provides a practical solution by allowing developers and homeowners to turn to qualified third-party professionals for permit reviews when government agencies fail to meet deadlines. This approach builds on successful models from states like Florida, Tennessee, and Texas, as well as international best practices from the United Kingdom and Japan—where streamlined permitting has proven effective in boosting housing production.
“California’s housing crisis demands bold action, and AB 253 ensures that approved housing projects don’t get stuck in red tape,” said Assemblymember Chris Ward, the bill’s author. “By modernizing the permitting process, we’re making it faster, easier, and more efficient to get homes built for Californians who need them.”
With AB 253 advancing to the Senate, housing advocates and industry leaders are optimistic about its potential to speed up development and make housing more accessible and affordable across California.