CA SB478

Prohibits local agencies from imposing floor area ratio standards less than 1.0 for housing projects with 3-7 units, or less than 1.25 for projects with 8-10 units, if located in multifamily or mixed-use zones in urbanized areas.

Prohibits local agencies from denying housing development projects solely based on minimum lot size requirements or imposing lot coverage requirements that would prevent projects from achieving the allowed floor area ratios.

Voids and makes unenforceable any covenants, restrictions, or conditions in deeds, contracts, or governing documents that prohibit or unreasonably restrict eligible housing development projects from using the authorized floor area ratio standards.

Requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to identify and notify local governments of violations of these provisions and adds the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 to laws for which violation notices must be issued.

Applies to all cities, including charter cities, and exempts projects in single-family zones, historic districts, and properties on the State Historic Resources Inventory.