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City committee raises safety and clarity concerns about AB 609 CEQA streamlining bill
Summary
The Santa Barbara City Sustainability Committee discussed AB 609, a state bill proposing CEQA exemptions for certain residential projects up to 20 acres, and directed staff to seek clarifications and possible amendments amid concerns the measure could bypass local environmental protections.
The Santa Barbara City Sustainability Committee discussed AB 609, a state bill that would create a CEQA exemption for certain residential development projects (including projects up to 20 acres) if they meet specified zoning, environmental and safety criteria.
Committee members and staff said the bill's language is unclear and could allow large projects that the committee does not consider "infill" to bypass environmental review and local protections. Carly (Townsend public affairs representative) summarized the bill for the committee and noted there are carve-outs and qualifications in current text; committee members and a public commenter warned the bill as written could permit…
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