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Local Government Committee advances AB 748 to Appropriations to expand preapproved housing designs
Summary
The Assembly Local Government Committee voted 7-0 to send AB 748 to the Appropriations Committee. The bill would require local agencies to develop preapproval programs for single-family and small multifamily housing plans, aiming to speed permitting and lower costs, supporters said.
SACRAMENTO — The California State Assembly Local Government Committee on Jan. 14 voted unanimously to pass AB 748 to the Appropriations Committee after brief author remarks and supportive testimony from an affordable-housing advocate.
Assemblymember Harvidian, the bill's author, told the committee the measure would extend a preapproval program previously used for accessory dwelling units to single-family and small multifamily developments of fewer than 10 units. He said the approach builds on an earlier program the committee had supported and pointed to local examples where preapproved design catalogs have sped rebuilding after fires.
"If it's good for fire survivors, it should be good for all of our residents," Assemblymember Harvidian said, arguing the market wants faster, lower-cost plans that avoid lengthy back-and-forth reviews with planning departments.
Debbie Arachell, CEO of Habitat for Humanity California, testified in support, saying the bill would "help expedite the first phase of the architectural design and plan review," reduce costs for affordable builders and allow organizations that develop modest homes to move more quickly to permitting. She said Habitat has used similar preapproved models in post-disaster rebuilding and believes the approach can benefit more communities statewide.
The author emphasized that AB 748 preserves local control over what designs are approved and does not change local permitting fees. "They get to do it themselves, and they get to approve what they want," the author said during remarks on local implementation and a phased timeline for smaller jurisdictions.
A motion to pass AB 748 to the Appropriations Committee was seconded and approved on a roll-call vote. The secretary recorded 'aye' votes from Carrillo, Ta, Hoover, Pacheco, Rubio, Stephanie and Ward, yielding a 7-0 vote in favor. The committee left the roll open briefly to await Assemblymember Ramos before formally closing it and adjourning the hearing.
The Appropriations Committee will now consider AB 748. The hearing record shows support from Habitat for Humanity California and in-room supporters; no formal opposition was recorded at the committee hearing.
