San Francisco reviews five new housing legislation impacting development projects in 2024
December 06, 2023 | San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
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In a recent government meeting, San Francisco officials discussed five significant pieces of state legislation that will shape the city’s housing development landscape in 2024. These laws aim to streamline housing production and address the ongoing housing crisis, reflecting a commitment to increasing affordable housing options for residents.
One of the key pieces of legislation is AB 2011, which became effective in July 2025. This law introduces a ministerial review process for housing projects, meaning they can bypass lengthy environmental reviews and discretionary approvals if they meet specific criteria. Projects under this bill must include at least five units and adhere to on-site affordability requirements. Notably, AB 2011 offers two pathways: one for 100% affordable housing and another for mixed-income developments, which must include a minimum percentage of affordable units.
Another important bill, SB 423, extends the provisions of SB 35, allowing for ministerial review of projects that meet certain affordability thresholds. This bill is particularly relevant as San Francisco transitions from a 50% affordability requirement to a 10% requirement for above-moderate-income projects next year. This shift is expected to increase the number of projects eligible for expedited approval, thereby accelerating housing production.
Additionally, SB 4 focuses on facilitating the development of 100% affordable housing by nonprofit and educational institutions. This legislation aims to simplify the approval process for such projects, further enhancing the city’s capacity to address its housing needs.
AB 1287 introduces modifications to the state density bonus law, allowing developers to receive additional density bonuses for including very low or moderate-income units in their projects. This change is designed to incentivize the creation of more affordable housing units.
Lastly, AB 1114 streamlines the permitting process for housing developments, establishing clear timelines for review and limiting public appeals on certain permits. This legislation aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and enhance efficiency in the permitting process.
The discussions highlighted the city’s proactive approach to tackling housing challenges, with officials emphasizing the importance of compliance with objective standards to ensure transparency and accountability in the development process. As these laws take effect, San Francisco residents can expect a more streamlined approach to housing development, potentially leading to increased availability of affordable housing options in the coming years.
One of the key pieces of legislation is AB 2011, which became effective in July 2025. This law introduces a ministerial review process for housing projects, meaning they can bypass lengthy environmental reviews and discretionary approvals if they meet specific criteria. Projects under this bill must include at least five units and adhere to on-site affordability requirements. Notably, AB 2011 offers two pathways: one for 100% affordable housing and another for mixed-income developments, which must include a minimum percentage of affordable units.
Another important bill, SB 423, extends the provisions of SB 35, allowing for ministerial review of projects that meet certain affordability thresholds. This bill is particularly relevant as San Francisco transitions from a 50% affordability requirement to a 10% requirement for above-moderate-income projects next year. This shift is expected to increase the number of projects eligible for expedited approval, thereby accelerating housing production.
Additionally, SB 4 focuses on facilitating the development of 100% affordable housing by nonprofit and educational institutions. This legislation aims to simplify the approval process for such projects, further enhancing the city’s capacity to address its housing needs.
AB 1287 introduces modifications to the state density bonus law, allowing developers to receive additional density bonuses for including very low or moderate-income units in their projects. This change is designed to incentivize the creation of more affordable housing units.
Lastly, AB 1114 streamlines the permitting process for housing developments, establishing clear timelines for review and limiting public appeals on certain permits. This legislation aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and enhance efficiency in the permitting process.
The discussions highlighted the city’s proactive approach to tackling housing challenges, with officials emphasizing the importance of compliance with objective standards to ensure transparency and accountability in the development process. As these laws take effect, San Francisco residents can expect a more streamlined approach to housing development, potentially leading to increased availability of affordable housing options in the coming years.
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