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Bill would set short inspection deadlines for small housing projects to clear completed units for occupancy
Summary
AB 1308 would require local building departments to complete final inspections within a short clock for small residential projects (1–10 units up to 40 feet tall); proponents say the change reduces vacancy and holding costs, while unions and local agencies requested clarifications that were accepted as amendments.
Assemblymember introduced AB 1308 as part of a fast‑track housing package to address inspection delays that leave completed housing projects vacant while they await final sign‑off. The bill would impose a time limit for final inspections on small residential projects (1–10 units, not exceeding 40 feet) to reduce unnecessary hold times, speed tenant occupancy and lower carrying costs for developers.
Support: Housing and development groups including California YIMBY and the California Building Industry Association supported the bill as a targeted, practical step to shorten a predictable bottleneck in the housing pipeline. Witnesses argued that inspection delays make projects more expensive and discourage construction investment in California compared with faster permitting states.
Labor and administrative concerns: Labor unions and public‑sector groups raised questions that were addressed by committee amendments. SEIU and AFSCME representatives said earlier opposition had been removed by the committee amendments; the sponsors worked with stakeholders to preserve safety inspections while setting reasonable timeframes.
Outcome: The committee adopted the bill with committee amendments and passed it to the Committee on Housing with a unanimous committee summary vote recorded.
