The American Planning Association (APA) California chapter recently released their updated legislative initiatives in which they announced they are actively monitoring over 400 planning-related bills introduced during the 2024 legislative session, highlighting a predominant focus on addressing the housing and homelessness crisis. As recent legislative efforts have focused on streamlining housing development, other perceived barriers to housing development have come into focus, including impact fees, as noted in the Sheetz v. County of El Dorado case in which a Traffic Impact Mitigation fee program is being challenged by George Sheetz who applied for a permit to build a single-family home on his plot of land.

 

According to the APA, the Supreme Court's decision, which is expected by this summer, "could drastically impact the ability for local governments to assess legislatively adopted development exactions."

The APA also discussed proposals to expand existing streamlining opportunities and affordable housing. They support a proposed housing bond (AB 1657, Wicks) for 2024 but are concerned about potential budget cuts to REAP 2.0 grants and other housing-related programs. Additionally, they are anticipating a budget deficit which will lead to discussions about funding sources for housing, climate, and other important programs.

https://www.apacalifornia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Feb-2024-Leg-Update-FINAL.pdf