CA AB890

City councils and county boards of supervisors have exclusive authority to adopt or amend general plans, specific plans, and zoning ordinances that convert discretionary approvals to ministerial approvals, change land use designations to more intensive uses, or authorize more intensive land uses.

The initiative process cannot be used to approve or amend development agreements, which are negotiated contractual agreements between local governments and private parties.

Exemptions apply to legislative actions that increase residential densities or heights for affordable housing, prohibit previously permissible land uses, establish urban growth boundaries, or do not fall within the restricted categories.

City councils and boards of supervisors retain authority to submit ballot measures to voters when voter approval is required by law or when they conditionally approve a measure and exercise discretion to submit it for advisory or final approval.

The bill applies to all cities and counties, including charter cities, and does not affect referendum powers or initiative petitions certified before January 1, 2018.