(SACRAMENTO, CA) – AB 2418, authored by Assemblymember Mark González (AD-54), passed the California State Assembly today in an overwhelming 61-0 vote, marking a major step forward to make nonresidential permitting and plan check more timely, predictable and transparent across California. Sponsored by CBPA and co-sponsored by NAIOP SoCal and over 25 business and trade associations, AB 2418 – the California Nonresidential Private Permitting Review Act – provides a practical permitting backstop for a wide range of nonresidential projects, including tenant improvements, interior remodels, new construction, building expansions, and reinvestment in retail, office, dining and educational facilities. “This legislation responds to a problem our industry has faced for years – permits that used to take weeks to review are too often delayed for months,” said Stephane Wandel, Board President, NAIOP SoCal. “AB 2418 gives building permit applicants a pragmatic option to keep projects moving by allowing the use of qualified third-party plan checkers while allowing public agencies an avenue to address growing permit backlogs or staff shortages.” The Assembly floor vote follows strong support in the committee process. AB 2418 passed unanimously out of the Assembly Local Government, Judiciary, and Appropriations committees respectively. On April 15, TJ Bard, Senior Vice President of Surf Management and NAIOP SoCal Board Member and Legislative Affairs Committee Co-Chair, testified in support of AB 2418 before the Assembly Local Government Committee, citing real-world examples of excessive plan-check delays that imposed substantial costs on small business operators. “NAIOP SoCal thanks Assemblymember González for his leadership in introducing and working closely with stakeholders to advance AB 2418,” said Tim Jemal, CEO, NAIOP SoCal. “By championing this bill, Assemblymember González is helping address everyday permitting delays that impose significant costs on small businesses, employers and commercial real estate projects across California.” AB 2418 now moves to the State Senate. NAIOP SoCal will continue to collaborate with Assemblymember González, CBPA and our coalition partners to advance this important permitting reform measure, and will keep Members apprised of key developments as the bill moves forward. |
