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Laird proposes coastal pilot to prioritize housing in uncertified coastal plan areas
Summary
Senator Laird introduced SB 484, creating three pilot programs allowing targeted prioritization of affordable housing in coastal areas that lack certified local coastal plans; the League of California Cities urged amendments to clarify alignment with state‑approved housing element site inventories.
Senator Laird presented SB 484 as a pilot approach to prioritize housing in certain coastal jurisdictions that lack certified local coastal plans. Laird said the intent is to allow a narrow pilot — three locations — where local permitting can prioritize housing consistent with state law while not broadly altering the Coastal Act's regulatory authority.
The League of California Cities testified in respectful opposition unless amended, asking for clarity that parcels selected for the pilot be consistent with sites in locally adopted housing elements that are state‑approved. The League said it supports the concept of permitting waivers for coastal development permits in targeted cases but wants more clarity to avoid duplicative planning efforts and to ensure selected sites align with existing housing inventories.
Senator Laird responded that the bill applies only to uncertified areas and aims to leave local governments as the permitting entity for targeted affordable housing projects. Committee members thanked the author and asked for future refinement of pilot site selection criteria; the hearing did not proceed to a final committee vote and the author noted ongoing discussions with stakeholders.
