California assembly moves to amend housing laws with AB 10 61 and AB 13 08

The California State Senate's Local Government Committee convened on July 9, 2025, to discuss significant housing legislation aimed at addressing the state's ongoing housing crisis. The meeting primarily focused on two bills: AB 10 61 and AB 13 08, both designed to streamline housing development processes while balancing community needs.

AB 10 61, presented by Assemblymember Quirk Silva, seeks to amend the California HOME Act to allow for duplexes and small-scale lot splits in historic districts. This bill aims to close a loophole that has been exploited to block housing development under the guise of historic preservation. Proponents argue that the current exclusion of historic districts limits the effectiveness of the HOME Act, which has seen underutilization since its implementation. The bill maintains protections for individually listed historic landmarks while allowing for reasonable development standards in historic districts.

Supporters of AB 10 61, including housing advocacy groups, emphasized the need for increased housing supply and affordability. However, opposition from the League of California Cities raised concerns about the potential erosion of previously negotiated protections for historic districts. Critics argue that the lack of housing development is not solely due to historic designations but also market conditions and other factors.

The committee also reviewed AB 13 08, introduced by Assemblymember Hoover, which mandates local building departments to conduct final inspections for small-scale residential projects within a specified timeframe. This legislation aims to reduce delays that hinder housing availability and increase costs for developers and tenants alike. Supporters highlighted the importance of expediting the inspection process to alleviate California's housing shortage, which has reached crisis levels.

Both bills received mixed responses from committee members, with some expressing support for the need to balance housing development with historic preservation. The committee ultimately voted to advance both bills for further consideration, reflecting a commitment to addressing California's pressing housing challenges while navigating the complexities of local governance and community interests.

As the state grapples with a severe housing shortage, these legislative efforts underscore the ongoing debate over how best to increase housing supply while respecting local heritage and community character. The next steps for these bills will involve further discussions and potential amendments as they move through the legislative process.