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 state housing legislation signed into law today by Governor Newsom. 

AB 1308, authored by Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) and sponsored by California YIMBY, establishes California’s first statewide “shot clock” for final home inspections. The law requires local building departments to complete final inspections – required for the “certificates of occupancy” that allow people to move in – within 10 business days of the completion of residential projects of 10 homes or fewer.

“Californians already wait far too long for the housing they need,” said Brian Hanlon, CEO of California YIMBY. “The slow pace of local building inspections just adds insult to injury. With the signing of AB 1308 into law, families will no longer have to wait indefinitely to move into housing that’s safe and ready for occupancy.”

The law targets small residential projects (10 units or fewer, under 40 feet tall), and addresses common housing bottlenecks throughout the state. In many jurisdictions, fully-constructed and completed homes sit vacant for months while builders wait for inspectors to issue certificates of occupancy.

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About California YIMBY: California YIMBY is a community of neighbors who welcome more neighbors. We believe that an equitable California begins with abundant, secure, affordable housing. We focus on housing and land use policy at the state and local level to ensure grassroots organizers and city leaders have the tools they need to accelerate home building. https://cayimby.org/