Starting in 2025, Coastal Zone properties now get SB-423’s fast-track approvals!

[Felicia Nitu]

For years, many projects in Chula Vista's Coastal Zones faced long delays, but starting in 2025, SB-423 changes that. Eligible developments can now move forward with streamlined approvals provided they meet affordability requirements.

How SB-423 Accelerates Coastal Development:

// Faster Permitting
·For projects with 150 units or fewer:
- Eligibility Review deadline: 60 days from submittal
- Approval deadline, including Design Review: 90 days from submittal

· For projects with more than 150 units:
- Eligibility Review deadline: 90 days from submittal
- Approval deadline, including Design Review: 180 days from submittal
· No public hearings or environmental impact reports for qualifying projects 

// Smarter Development Rules
· Excludes high-risk areas, like those prone to sea-level rise
· Ensures projects meet affordability and public investment requirements

// More Housing, Less Uncertainty
· Projects stay approved if at least 50% of units are affordable and include public investment beyond tax credits
· Opens up new opportunities in previously restricted areas
· Clearer guidelines help developers plan with confidence

[Jay Hinrichs]

Quote from @Felicia Nitu:

Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:

hope it works.. but throwing in the affordable housing requirement a lot of times kills the project right there.

Also at least in markets I have worked the time lines START from completed submission.. you make your submission and then get an incomplete letter this goes on for months and months soo time lines still extend.. but at least its a step in the right direction hope if works.

Hi Jay, the affordable housing requirement can definitely be a dealbreaker for some projects. And you're right, those timelines are often misleading since the real delays come from back-and-forth revisions after submission. Still, at least this is a step toward streamlining the process. Hopefully, it actually plays out as intended.

I find trying to force affordable housing on the private sector just keeps deals from happening so even though these are feel good intentions by the jurisdiction and they get brownie points for them.. Still boils down to will the developers go for it and will the market receive them well.

Portland came up with some really high density rules to allow these little tiny home villages and the planners and city was so proud and a few developers tried them but the market ( buyers) dont like them and the projects have failed so no one is building them anymore..