Assemblymember Lowenthal presented AB 462 to require that completed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) applications that trigger a coastal development permit be approved or denied within 60 days by either a local jurisdiction with a certified Local Coastal Program (LCP) or by the California Coastal Commission. The bill’s amended form would require concurrent review of ADU permits and prevent appeals of a local jurisdiction’s coastal decision under the amendment the sponsor accepted for committee consideration.

Lowenthal framed the bill as a response to recent wildfire losses in Los Angeles County and as an effort to align ADU permitting in coastal jurisdictions with the same 60‑day ministerial timeline that applies elsewhere in the state. "AB 462 seeks to provide vital relief not only to the rental market in Los Angeles ... but in all coastal zones throughout California," he told the committee.

Speakers in support, including Nolan Gray of California YIMBY and representatives of planning associations and county governments, emphasized ADUs’ role in increasing housing supply. Gray told the committee that ADUs "now make up about 20% of the housing construction in California" and described the bill’s deeming provision: "If the Coastal Commission does not act within 60 days, a coastal development permit will be deemed approved," providing certainty for homeowners.

The Coastal Commission’s legislative manager said the commission had no official position but expressed concern about the proposed prohibition on appeals of local coastal permits and asked to continue discussions with the author. Several environmental and coastal protection groups including Surfrider Foundation expressed conditional support for the statutory alignment on timelines but remained concerned about the prohibition on appeals and sought continued negotiations.

The committee moved AB 462 as amended to the Senate Housing Committee. (Tally recorded in the hearing: yes 7, no 0.)