Mark DeSaulnier of the 7th District created a land use, development project review bill that would take away local control, by mandating a cost-benefit analysis in order to increase hurdles to economic development. DeSaulnier is more well known for bills designed to resurrect the now defunct Redevelopment Agencies. Last year he pursued a tax on real estate transactions to attempt to fund a new branch of state government whose sole purpose would be to create government sponsored tax free housing.
Here is a description of SB673:
<http://www.legtrack.com/bill.html?bill=201320140SB673>
"The Permit Streamlining Act requires the lead agency that has the principal responsibility for approving a development project, as defined, to approve or disapprove the project within 60 days from the date of adoption of a negative declaration or the determination by the lead agency that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, unless the project proponent requests an extension of time.
This bill additionally would require a city, county, or city and county, including a charter city or charter city and county, prior to approving or disapproving a proposed development project that would permit the construction of a retail or other commercial facility project, as specified, to cause a cost benefit analysis to be prepared, as specified, which would be paid for by the project applicant. This bill would provide that the cost-benefit analysis would include specified assessments and projections including, among other things, an assessment of the effect that the construction and operation of the proposed development will have on the ability of the city, county, or city and county to implement the goals contained in its general plan.
This bill would specify that it would not be construed to create a private right of action in any civil litigation.
By increasing duties of local officials, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason."
The last thing local officials need is for government to increase redundant unfunded mandates.
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