AB 609: California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: housing development projects.

This bill would exempt certain housing development projects from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements. To qualify, the project must meet specific conditions, such as size, density, and location. The project must also be located within 500 feet of a freeway. A local government would be required to approve the development only if the proponent completes a specified environmental assessment regarding hazardous substance releases. If a recognized environmental condition is found, the proponent must complete a preliminary endangerment assessment and specified mitigation. This bill would impose a state-mandated local program to determine whether a project qualifies for this exemption.