California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s...more
Various state housing bills are currently making their way through the California State Legislature that are expected to benefit mixed-income multifamily housing developers. The following summaries reflect the status of the...more
For property owners in California’s coastal zone hoping to rebuild after the wildfires in the Los Angeles area, including the Pacific Palisades and Malibu, obtaining building permits from their local government may not be...more
The San Diego City Council voted on March 4, 2025, to begin the process of revising its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Bonus Program (ADU Bonus Program or Program), which has served, to date, as one of the state’s most...more
As discussed in previous Holland & Knight alerts on Dec. 10 and Dec. 18, 2024, New York City recently made comprehensive changes to its Zoning Resolution, known collectively as City of Yes for Zoning for Housing Opportunity...more
In part two of the Housing New Laws series, Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) attorneys provide key analyses of new housing legislation in 2025 addressing governing urban lot splits and two unit projects, accessory dwelling units...more
Governor Gavin Newsom stepped up his intervention on the California Coastal Commission last Monday, chiding the agency for providing “legally erroneous guidance” that threatens to create confusion and delay the rebuilding...more
On August 6, 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed into law, the Affordable Homes Act, (H.4977) authorizing nearly $5.16 billion in spending over the next five years with approximately 49 policy initiatives to counter rising...more
As in previous years, California saw a significant volume of new housing legislation emerge from Sacramento in 2024. (See Holland & Knight's previous annual recaps of California Housing Laws in the final section below.) This...more
Attention Multifamily Owners: SB 1211 (Skinner) was just signed into law last Thursday, September 19, 2024, which significantly expands multifamily ADU opportunities, effective January 1, 2025....more
The Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act (H. 4977), signed into law on August 6, 2024, includes provisions intended to promote residential housing construction. These provisions: (1) require municipalities to permit accessory...more
AB 1893 (Wicks) is currently making its way through the state legislature and would modify the Builder’s Remedy under the Housing Accountability Act. This legal alert summarizes the significant amendments made to AB 1893 in...more
The 2023 California Legislative session, like the last several, saw the enactment of a large number of significant new housing production laws. (See Holland & Knight's previous annual recaps of California Housing Laws in the...more
With the state facing a severe housing crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law that will make it easier for universities and other housing developers to build housing and overcome lawsuits from local residents...more
As in previous years, the California Legislature enacted a large volume of housing production laws in the 2022 session, some of which may have a significant effect on housing production in 2023. ...more
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, on Sept. 16, 2021, signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 9, a landmark law that would allow for the ministerial approval of certain housing development projects containing up to two dwelling units...more
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have become popular during the run up in California real estate values. ADUs have been touted for several benefits, including increasing housing supply, creating affordable housing options,...more
On Sunday, February 7, 2021, The New York Times published an article entitled, “Converting Backyards into Family Compounds” involving the latest trend in assisted living – accessory dwelling units....more
For mixed-use multifamily/commercial buildings, ground floor retail is often sought by urban and city planners to serve the residential uses above and in the surrounding neighborhood, while endeavoring to activate the street...more
A challenge to the interpretation of a project condition of approval may be filed more than 90 days following the project approval - Bullet Allen Matkins – June 30 - On June 25, 2020, the Fifth Appellate District...more
In 2019, the California legislature passed, and Governor Newsom approved, new legislation impacting the development industry. Effective January 1, 2020, the laws summarized in the link below will impact the development...more