TO: City of Cupertino
Legislative Review Committee
FROM: Anthony, Jason, And Paul Gonsalves
SUBJECT: Consider adopting a watch position on AB 1997 (Lee) Land use: housing development approvals: timelines and processes
DATE: August 17, 2026
The official text of AB 1997 (Lee) can be found at the California Legislative Information Webpage.
Summary:
AB 1997 (Lee), as amended on June 18, 2026, streamlines the approval process for affordable housing developments by shortening local review timelines following environmental review and clarifying provisions of the Permit Streamlining Act. The bill requires local agencies to approve or disapprove qualifying housing development projects within 30 days after certifying an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), rather than allowing additional discretionary delays. It also defines "housing development project" for purposes of the Permit Streamlining Act and makes conforming changes to ensure consistent application of approval timelines.
The bill primarily applies to housing developments in which at least 90% of the units are affordable to very low- or extremely low-income households. In addition, AB 1997 establishes a statewide working group to identify recommendations for improving and expediting housing development approvals throughout California.
Support:
Aids Healthcare Foundation
Opposition:
City of La Verne
Status:
AB 1997 is now on the Senate Floor and was ordered to a third reading on August 4, 2026.
Legislative Platform:
This bill falls under the Housing & Community Development section Page 7, Item #2, “Oppose legislation that may reduce municipal authority, with an emphasis on land use policy, local review, and design standards.”
Recommended Action:
Adopt a watch position on AB 1997.
Though the LRC can choose to oppose this bill based off of the Legislative Platform, a watch position is recommended as there is limited support and opposition at this time.
The League of CA Cities removed their opposition because the recent amendments removed the requirements for local agencies to assign a single staff member to coordinate all aspects of development, and referring back to existing timelines. Also, the bill is narrowly targeted and primarily applies to projects where at least 90% of the units are affordable to very low- or extremely low-income households. Lastly, the bill largely addresses the timing of local decisions after environmental review has already been completed.