CA AB499

Requires lead agencies to identify the "recipient of approval" (project applicant) in notices of determination or exemption filed under CEQA.

Mandates that parties challenging CEQA decisions name the identified recipient of approval as a real party in interest and serve them within 20 business days of serving the public agency.

Allows courts to dismiss petitions or complaints for failure to serve the identified recipient, unless the petitioner demonstrates good faith effort to serve within the timeframe.

Defines "recipient of approval" as the project applicant on the date of final public agency action, as identified in the agency's record of proceedings.

Exempts proceedings pending before December 31, 2009, or actions challenging decisions for which notices were filed before that date from these new requirements.