CAL.Regulation
California bars treating building-height impacts alone as significant under CEQA
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 958 on September 29, 2026. New Public Resources Code section 21080.82 provides that impacts of increased building height alone, such as shadow, air circulation, light reflection or attracting wildlife, are not significant under CEQA if the project's use and density were analyzed in a certified EIR, the site is previously graded infill without sensitive biological resources, the project is not industrial, and it fits local airport land use plans.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of the Governor
Key points
- Height-alone impacts, including shadow, air circulation, noise, light reflection and wildlife attraction, are not significant under CEQA.California Legislative Information
- Applies when use and density were analyzed in a certified EIR on a graded infill site.California Legislative Information
- Excludes industrial projects and sites with sensitive biological resources.California Legislative Information
- Takes effect January 1, 2027; there is no urgency clause.Office of the Governor
Sources2 articles across 2 outlets
California Legislative Information
Office of the Governor
Filed under
RegulationCal.SB 958 — CEQA Building Height ImpactsEnvironmentalLocal governmentReal estateFor practitionersFor governance