AB 2163 Summary

• Extends indefinitely the streamlined environmental review process for large development projects, removing the previous January 1, 2015 expiration date.

• Expands eligible projects to include commercial developments exceeding 125,000 square feet, residential projects exceeding 50 units, and recreational projects with over 20 acres of cultivated development.

• Removes requirements that projects have a $100 million minimum investment, be located on infill sites, or be certified by the Governor; instead requires projects to meet CalGreen Tier 1 building standards and achieve 10-percent greater transportation efficiency than comparable projects.

• Streamlines judicial review by requiring cases to be filed in the Court of Appeal with a 175-day decision deadline and allows appointment of a special master to manage the case.

• Requires lead agencies to prepare the administrative record concurrently with project review and post all documents in an accessible electronic format within specified timeframes.