An act to add Section 54222.3.3 to the Government Code, and to add Chapter 6.8 (commencing with Section 21189.60) to Division 13 of the Public Resources Code, relating to land use.
Summary
Senate Bill 1145, introduced by Senator Grayson, is a legislative measure concerning the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) that specifically addresses the disposal of surplus land previously owned by military installations. The bill aims to streamline the process for local reuse authorities to dispose of property conveyed by the federal government due to military base closures, such as the Concord Naval Weapons Station. By exempting some properties from the typical local agency requirements for surplus land disposal, SB1145 intends to facilitate more efficient redevelopment and economic activity on these lands.
The bill permits local reuse authorities, like the City of Concord, to sidestep certain regulations associated with the Surplus Land Act, provided they adhere to specific conditions related to the development of affordable housing. For example, it mandates that 25% of new residential units on conveyed land be reserved for lower-income households. This measure reflects an effort not only to promote timely redevelopment but also to incorporate community housing needs into the planning process. The overarching goal of SB1145 is to stimulate job creation and economic revitalization in the region affected by military base closures.
Sentiment around the bill has been mixed. Proponents argue that SB1145 removes bureaucratic barriers that hinder the redevelopment of surplus military lands and thus contributes to local economic growth. They emphasize the opportunity to create new jobs and residential units, particularly important in California's current housing crisis. However, some critics express concerns that the bill may undermine the geographical and environmental scrutiny typically applied to developments under CEQA, potentially leading to inadequate assessments of the ecological impacts of new constructions.
Notable points of contention include the bill's exemption from CEQA requirements, especially regarding discussions of project alternatives and growth-inducing impacts during subsequent environmental reviews. Detractors argue this could result in significant environmental oversight diminishment, impacting local communities adversely. The bill also stipulates a limited timeframe for legal actions to contest these exemptions—set at 90 days post-approval of development agreements—further fueling concerns about limiting public input and oversight on critical land use decisions.
An act to amend Sections 7922.535 and Section 7923.600 of, and to add Section 7923.606 to, the Government Code, and to amend Section 25152.5 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to public records.
An act to amend Sections 51178 and 51181 of the Government Code, and to amend Sections 4202 and 4204 of the Public Resources Code, relating to land use.
An act to add amend Section 12405 to 12203 of the Public Contract Code, and to amend Sections 42920 and 42926 of the Public Resources Code, relating to solid waste.
An act to add Section 37224 to, and to add Article 12 (commencing with Section 66095) to Chapter 2 of Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of, the Education Code, and to amend Sections 11131 and 54961 of the Government Code, relating to holidays.