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California makes density-bonus approvals nondiscretionary and exempt from CEQA review

By LexCircuit Desk · · AI-drafted, human-reviewed

Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2433 on September 29, 2026, amending the Density Bonus Law, Government Code section 65915. From January 1, 2027, a city or county's grant of a density bonus, incentive or concession, or waiver of development standards is not discretionary and requires no CEQA review. Once an application is deemed complete, the city or county must give the applicant a density-bonus eligibility determination. Applicants filing a base density study may elect a floor-area-ratio bonus.

Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of the Governor

Key points

  • AB 2433 amends Government Code section 65915, the Density Bonus Law; it takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies to charter cities.California Legislative Information
  • Granting a density bonus, incentive or concession, or waiver or reduction of development standards is not discretionary and requires no CEQA review.California Legislative Information
  • When a city or county deems an application complete, it must give the applicant a determination that the project is eligible for a density bonus.California Legislative Information
  • Applicants who provide a base density study may elect a density bonus as a percentage increase in maximum floor area ratio.California Legislative Information
  • Governor Newsom signed AB 2433 on September 29, 2026, as part of a package of housing bills.Office of the Governor

Sources2 articles across 2 outlets

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RegulationCal.AB 2433 — Density Bonus ReformComplianceHousingLocal governmentReal estateRegulatoryFor practitionersFor governance