Assemblymember James C. Ramos
45th Assembly District
[AB 1748 (RAMOS): QUALIFYING LOGISTICS USE
PROJECTS
4/5/23
SUMMARY
AB 1748 will provide a requirement for local
agencies to implement either a minimum setback
for qualifying logistic facilities or require
compliance with a local agencies’ industrial
guideline framework which, in its discretion,
adequately balances siting qualifying logistics
uses next to sensitive receptors (commonly
referred to as a good neighbor policy or
sustainability ordinance).
BACKGROUND
The logistics industry is a well -established sector
of the State’s economy that has contributed to
local job growth, fueled by societal growth trends
in e-commerce, increased population growth, and
the need for local business to store food, medical
supplies, goods and other necessities. The
industry thrives and is a necessity given the
State’s strategic location connected to its various
ports and railway hubs. At the same time,
operations of logistics projects , without proper
design and siting considerat ions, in certain
circumstances, may impact sensitive land uses
such as residences or parks.
AB 17 48 will require that local agencies either
implement a default buffer distance between
logistics facility at a distance demonstrated by
current scientific information to be conservative or
require that a logistics facility comply with that
local agency’s framework for balancing siting
qualifying logistics uses next to sensitive
receptors.
PROBLEM
Previous attempts to establish balanced siting
considerations would strip away local control ,
prevent redevelopment of existing heavy
industrial sites, and prevent development of sites
located next to existing land uses such as
freeways and airports. In addition, previous
buffer proposals upwards of over 1,000 feet could
result in a de facto moratorium in several localities
resulting in environmental degradation requiring
trucks to drive significantly farther from the ports
while increasing vehicles miles travelled and
associated emissions.
SOLUTION
AB 1748 recognizes balanced warehouse siting
considerations are needed and that local elected
officials are best suited to address local policy
issues.
Although this Bill further regulates the logi stics
industry, it does so in balanced matter, sensitive
to the fact that other land use growth, including
residential, office, commercial, and retail also
result in environmental impacts, and in many
cases, can exceed the impacts of logistics facility
on the same site.
SUPPORT
California State Council of Laborers (Sponsor)
STAFF CONTACT
Jacob Rivera
Office of Assemblymember James C. Ramos
[email protected]
(916) 319-2045