San Francisco Becomes First City in California to Implement SB 423 for Streamlined Housing Approvals

Jul 1, 2024, 02:37 PM

San Francisco has implemented SB 423, a new state law aimed at streamlining the housing approval process. The city, previously known for having the longest permitting process in California, will now see most proposed housing projects bypass the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. This change is expected to significantly reduce the median wait time for permits from 620 days to a much shorter period. The law, championed by Senator Scott Wiener, is designed to address the impractically large time, financial, and social costs associated with San Francisco's bureaucratic procedures. The majority of housing projects will now be eligible for over-the-counter approval. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the efficiency gains and others concerned about the loss of local oversight.