Back to California

AB-818 • 2026

Permit Streamlining Act: local emergencies.

Permit Streamlining Act: local emergencies.

Housing
Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Ávila Farías
Last action
Official status
Chaptered
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official summary refers to 'specified structures' but does not define them in the provided text.

Faster Building Permits During Local Emergencies

This law requires cities and counties to decide on specific temporary building permits within 10 business days when a local emergency is declared.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires cities, counties, or city-counties to approve or deny complete applications for certain specified structures intended as temporary housing until repairs are finished within 10 business days of receiving them.
  • Applies these new time limits only during periods when a local emergency has been officially proclaimed under the California Emergency Services Act.
  • States that this rule applies to all cities, including charter cities, because it addresses a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair.
  • Creates a state-mandated program by adding new duties for local agencies.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Cities and counties responsible for issuing building permits.
  • People who need temporary structures until their affected property is rebuilt or repaired after an emergency.
  • Charter cities, which must follow this state rule because it addresses a matter of statewide concern.

Terms To Know

Local Emergency
An official proclamation made by the governing body of a city or county under certain circumstances that grants political subdivisions various powers and authorities.
Charter City
A type of city in California where this law still applies because it addresses a matter of statewide concern rather than just local municipal affairs.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The official text mentions 'specified structures' but does not list exactly which types of temporary buildings qualify.
  • The bill states that no state reimbursement is required for costs related to this act, citing a specified reason without explaining the details in the summary.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Chaptered

Official Summary Text

Permit Streamlining Act: local emergencies.