Developers, sponsors tell committee SB 677 will limit frivolous subdivision appeals and protect TEFRA timelines

Sen. (SB 677 author) told the committee the bill addresses two distinct problems: opponents abusing the subdivision map appeal process for non‑map objections and local bodies delaying TEFRA hearings for tax‑exempt bond financings. He said such tactics can jeopardize project financing and increase costs.

John Lovell of Mission Housing described a recent project in San Francisco that faced a subdivision map appeal unrelated to the map itself; though the appeal was ultimately rejected, he said the delay increased fees and risked state funding deadlines: “Despite that victory, beating the appeal came out of cost particularly, in fees that we had to pay for our land use attorney.” Garrett Borges of Cypress Equity Investments described a TEFRA vote that was used as a vehicle for council members to protest state law, briefly denying the TEFRA and then revoting after political and legal pressure — a sequence he said wasted time and money.

Supporters included affordable housing developers, municipal finance authorities and housing advocates. The committee incorporated amendments and moved the bill toward appropriations with a recommendation to continue stakeholder negotiations.