CA AB1581

Exempts alteration projects of vacant retail structures (existing before January 1, 2008, not exceeding 120,000 square feet) from California Environmental Quality Act requirements if they meet energy efficiency, water consumption, and land use consistency standards, effective until January 1, 2014.

Requires lead agencies to improve energy efficiency by at least 25 percent above Title 24 standards and reduce water consumption to at least 20 percent below the previous five-year average for similar retail structures.

Expands scoping meeting notice requirements to include organizations and individuals who file written requests for notice, in addition to existing required recipients.

Excludes projects that increase the vacant retail structure's footprint, floor plan, or floor area ratio from the exemption.

Specifies that no state reimbursement is required because local agencies have authority to levy service charges and fees to cover mandated program costs.