Governor Newsom Signs Assemblyman Hoover’s Bill to Make Housing More Affordable

SACRAMENTO – Today Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) announced his measure to streamline housing, Assembly Bill 1308, was signed by the Governor. AB 1308 is part of the bipartisan Fast Track Housing Package and creates a statutory requirement for local building departments to conduct final inspections within a set timeframe for small-scale residential projects.

”California currently faces a severe and worsening housing crisis, making homeownership elusive for far too many of our residents,” Assemblyman Josh Hoover said. “My bill will bring housing costs down by streamlining the permitting process and bringing new homes to market faster. Despite California’s progress over the last few years in making homes easier to build, the Legislature needs to enact many more reforms to make housing costs more affordable.”

AB 1308 speeds up home construction approvals by requiring local building departments to complete final inspections for qualifying projects within 10 business days after the builder notifies them that construction is finished and ready for review. This will establish a statewide mandate that aims to provide applicants with greater predictability and timeliness during the final phase of residential construction permitting. AB 1308 will apply to new residential housing projects or additions of 10 units or fewer, and that are no more than 40 feet tall.

“The current permitting process is riddled with delays, which increases construction timelines and adds to the cost of housing,” Assemblyman Hoover said. “AB 1308 holds local municipalities more accountable by ensuring timely inspections when permitting residential housing projects. A quicker turnaround in the residential permitting process will go a long way in reducing housing costs for California families.”

Josh Hoover represents Assembly District 7, which includes the cities of Citrus Heights, Folsom, and Rancho Cordova and the unincorporated communities of Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Foothill Farms, Gold River, Mather, McClellan Park, North Highlands, Orangevale, and Rosemont.

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