Civil Actions: writs: housing development projects.

Senator Caballero's proposal to expedite judicial review of housing permit denials would establish new procedural requirements for California courts and local agencies. The legislation creates parallel processes to those currently used for First Amendment-related permit decisions, requiring courts to prioritize hearings and decisions regarding denied housing development permits.

Under the proposed framework, local agencies must compile and certify administrative records within 15 days of receiving a writ petition. Courts would need to schedule hearings within 45 days of petition filing and issue decisions no more than 30 days after submission or 75 days after filing, whichever comes first. The bill defines housing development projects to include single-unit residences and applies to cities, counties, districts, and other local authorities.

The measure outlines specific documentation requirements and cost responsibilities, with local agencies generally bearing record preparation expenses unless petitioners elect to compile records themselves. To maintain prescribed timelines, presiding judges may request temporary judicial officers when existing court schedules cannot accommodate the expedited review process. Appeals of these cases would receive scheduling priority in both the Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court.