An act to add and repeal Section 17929.1 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to building standards.
Impact
This legislative change is positioned as a means to stimulate affordable housing development by reducing financial burdens associated with conforming to newer, potentially more expensive building standards regarding EV charging installations. The intent is to support local governments and housing agencies in their efforts to provide affordable housing options while also recognizing the growing demand for electric vehicle facilities. The bill's exemption is intended to encourage the construction of affordable units without eliminating necessary environmental considerations.
Summary
Assembly Bill 2748, introduced by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva, aims to modify the building standards applicable to affordable housing developments in California, particularly concerning the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The bill proposes to exempt new or existing affordable housing developments that submit permit applications between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2035, from the requirements of installing specific low power Level 2 or higher EV charging receptacles as outlined in the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code. Instead, these developments would be required to adhere to the standards present in the previous edition of the California Building Standards Code from 2022.
Contention
While the intent behind AB 2748 focuses on reducing costs and increasing the availability of affordable housing, it also raises important questions about the implications for building safety and environmental standards. Critics may argue that such exemptions could delay the transition to more sustainable living practices and might undermine California's aggressive climate goals aimed at promoting electric vehicle usage. Furthermore, the bill suggests that the statutes apply to all cities uniformly, which could lead to contention among local municipalities that prefer to implement their building standards reflective of specific community needs.
An act to amend Sections 19969.3, 19971, 19972, 19975.1, 19976.05, and 19993 of, and to add Sections 19970.1 and 19971.1 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to housing.