CA AB989

Establishes an Office of Housing Appeals within the Department of Housing and Community Development to review housing development projects allegedly denied or conditioned in violation of the Housing Accountability Act, operating until January 1, 2029.

Creates housing appeals panels comprised of three randomly-assigned administrative law judges with at least five years of State Bar membership and knowledge of the Housing Accountability Act to hear appeals.

Allows applicants proposing housing development projects with 5 or more units to appeal local agency denials or conditions within 30-60 days of receiving a final decision, with the panel rendering written decisions within 14 days of the hearing.

Requires panels to vacate decisions violating the Housing Accountability Act and order local agencies to issue approvals or remove/modify unlawful conditions within 30 days, with applicant entitlement to attorney's fees and court enforcement authority.

Prohibits applicants from bringing court actions alleging Housing Accountability Act violations prior to the office's final decision, with exceptions for local agencies lacking compliant housing elements, prior housing law violations, or when both parties certify the office cannot resolve the dispute.