CA AB1404

Expands the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) categorical exemption for infill development to include residential and mixed-use housing projects in unincorporated county areas, not just incorporated cities.

Applies exemption to projects on sites of no more than five acres that are substantially surrounded by urban uses, provided all other conditions of the existing exemption are met.

Requires the Office of Planning and Research to recommend regulatory amendments to Section 15332 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations by January 1, 2019, with certification and adoption by the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency.

Constitutes a state-mandated local program, as lead agencies must determine applicability of the exemption.

Waives state reimbursement requirements under California Constitution Article XIII B, Section 6, citing local authority to levy service charges and fees.