- Anthony Reyes
- (916) 319-2078
- Anthony.Reyes@asm.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego) announced that his bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 253 – the California Residential Private Permitting Review Act – and AB 368, have been signed by Governor Gavin Newsom becoming state law. AB 253 addresses long delays in residential building permits that stall housing production, increase costs for families, and worsen the state’s housing shortage, while AB 368 evaluates the cost effectiveness of Passive House standards to promote greener, more energy efficient building standards.
“California is in the middle of a housing crisis, and every delay makes the problem worse,” said Assemblymember Ward. “The signing of AB 253 marks a major victory in the effort to make California more affordable and tackle the housing crisis. I’m grateful to the Governor for signing this measure ensuring that communities have the flexibility and tools they need to keep construction moving, cut down on costs, and make homes more affordable for Californians.”
Under AB 253, applicants can hire licensed private professionals—such as certified engineers or architects—to conduct plan checks for certain residential permits when local building departments cannot complete reviews within 30 business days. Local governments retain final authority to approve or deny permits, ensuring compliance with California’s strict building standards.
“Workers, business owners and all Californians deserve the to live near their jobs, in the communities they help enrich,” said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. “I thank Assemblymember Ward for partnering on this new law and taking urgent action to build housing faster, improve affordability and deliver real results.”
The legislation also strengthens accountability by requiring cities and counties to publicly report how many permits are reviewed by public staff and how many are processed through private providers. This transparency will help track progress, highlight bottlenecks, and ensure jurisdictions are equipped to meet the scale of California’s housing needs. Because of the urgent need to speed up housing development, AB 253 will take effect immediately.
“AB 253 is about cutting through red tape to get homes built faster, while keeping safety at the forefront,” Ward added. “California cannot solve its housing crisis if projects sit idle in permitting backlogs. This bill gives homeowners and builders another path forward, without compromising oversight or accountability.”
AB 368, also signed by Governor Newsom, directs the California Energy Commission (CEC) to conduct an analysis of the cost-effectiveness of Passive Housing standards across all of California’s different climate zones. With California facing intensifying wildfires, droughts, and rising sea levels, AB 368 aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by promoting energy-efficient construction. Buildings account for 31% of total GHG emissions, making sustainable design a key part of the state’s climate strategy.
"Passive House standards reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and create healthier, more resilient buildings," said Assemblymember Ward. "AB 368 will help drive innovation in our state’s building practices, making it easier and more affordable to construct sustainable homes and strengthen our communities."
PH standards are increasingly recognized by environmental and design professionals as superior standards, which focus on airtight construction and efficient ventilation, cutting heating and cooling energy use by up to 50%. States like New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania have already integrated these standards, demonstrating their effectiveness in cutting emissions and improving indoor air quality. In addition to energy savings, PH buildings are more resistant to pollution, wildfire smoke, and extreme temperatures. Their design—fewer vents, better insulation, and air filtration—also enhances fire resilience by reducing ember intrusion.
“Passive House represents the next major leap in how we design and construct the built environment,” said Rob Haw of Climate Action California, the bill’s sponsor. “We deeply appreciate the Governor’s leadership in signing AB 368 and advancing California’s commitment to high-performance, climate-resilient buildings.”