AB 2011 and SB 6

Assembly Bill 2011 (AB 2011) and Senate Bill 6 (SB 6), both effective on July 1, 2023, create processes and standards to permit residential development on sites zoned and designated for commercial and retail uses.

AB 2011 provides a CEQA-exempt, ministerial approval process for either multi-family housing projects with residential units only, a mixed-use project with at least two-thirds of the square footage designated for residential use, or transitional or supportive housing on sites within a zoning district where office, retail or parking are the principally permitted uses. The law provides different qualifying criteria and standards depending on whether the project is 100-percent affordable or mixed income along specified "commercial corridors." AB 2011 projects are subject to prevailing wage and other labor standards and requirements.

SB 6 developments may be either a residential development only or mixed-use project where at least 50-percent of the square footage is dedicated to residential uses on sites within a zoning district where office, retail or parking are the principally permitted uses. SB 6 projects are not exempt from CEQA and are not subject to minimum affordability requirements. Developments meeting SB 6 criteria may choose to invoke Senate Bill 35 (SB 35) and the Housing Accountability Act for a more streamlined process. SB 6 projects are required to pay prevailing wage and to utilize a skilled and trained workforce.


AB 2011 Checklist

SB 6 Checklist

Site Criteria
  1. AB 2011- CEQA exempt, ministerial review process:
    1. Submit Formal Application for an Architectural and Site Review Permit with AB 2011 Checklist.
    2. Projects with 150 units or less - Applicant is notified of any inconsistencies of qualifying criteria within 60 days of submittal. Applicant is notified within 90 days of submittal of inconsistencies of local objective standards. Once qualifying criteria and objective standards are determined to be consistent, the project will be deemed complete and approved administratively by staff. 
    3. Projects with 150 units or more - Applicant is notified of any inconsistencies of qualifying criteria within 90 days of submittal. Applicant is notified within 180 days of submittal of inconsistencies of local objective standards. Once qualifying criteria and objective standards are determined to be consistent, the project will be deemed complete and approved administratively by staff.
  2. SB 6- Not exempt from CEQA. Follows the Permit Streamlining Act process but may invoke SB 35 and the Housing Accountability Act:
    1. Submit Formal Application for an Architectural and Site Review Permit with SB 6 Checklist.
    2. Staff will review the application per the Permit Streamlining Act.