Local Abuse of Historic Preservation Rules Leads to Reform “We can build more homes and also preserve historic neighborhoods” SACRAMENTO – Today, California took a major step toward ending the abuse of historic preservation laws to block urgently-needed new housing,…
California Gets “Shot Clock” for Housing Inspections
Law signed by Gov. Newsom Will Speed California Families Into New Homes “Californians need housing now – not when inspectors get around to it“ SACRAMENTO – California families will soon be able to move into new homes faster, thanks to…
California Law Makes it Easier to Build Small, In-Home ADUs
New Law Signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom Removes Barriers, Imposes Standards “It’s now easier than ever to build a home inside your home” SACRAMENTO – Californians will find it faster, cheaper, and easier to add small accessory dwelling units (“ADUs”)…
California Housing Guidelines to be Translated into Multiple Languages
Bill Signed by Gov. Newsom Reflects Diverse, Multilingual Populace “California is for everyone – our housing guidelines should be translated to reflect our diversity” SACRAMENTO – Californians who speak a language other than English at home will have an easier…
New California Law to Issue Housing Permits in 30 Days
Local Permitting Delays Often Took Months; “Shot Clock” Sets a Time Limit “We’re reducing permitting times from many months to four weeks” SACRAMENTO – California home builders will be guaranteed faster permitting processes for new homes, thanks to new legislation…
New Law Ends NIMBY Abuse of ADU Permitting
“Final Boss” Bill Voids Local Regulations Designed to Ban Accessory Dwelling Units “Californians want to build ADUs. Now, local jurisdictions have to let them.” SACRAMENTO – Homeowners who seek to build accessory dwelling units (“ADUs”) will now have the full…
Governor Newsom Signs Historic Housing Legislation
SB 79 Culminates Eight-Year Fight to Legalize Homes Near Transit “This Governor has cemented his legacy as a pro-housing leader” SACRAMENTO — Today California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 79, a bill that will make it legal…
The Homework: October 8, 2025
Welcome to the October 8, 2025 Main edition of The Homework, the official newsletter of California YIMBY — legislative updates, news clips, housing research and analysis, and the latest writings from the California YIMBY team. News from Sacramento All of…
How America’s Regional Planning Boards Exclude Renters and Transit Users
America’s regional planning boards are stacked against transit riders. While renters make up over 30% of households in typical metropolitan areas, they hold just 3% of seats on regional planning agencies that control billions of dollars in federal transportation funding.…
The Legal Trap That’s Making California Condos Unaffordable—And It’s Not What You Think
California’s construction defect liability system (the legal rules that let people sue builders for problems with new buildings) is adding up to $18,300 per unit to the costs of condominiums. What was supposed to protect consumers has become a barrier…