CA SB886

Exempts university housing development projects (student and faculty/staff housing) from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements through January 1, 2030 if carried out by public universities (UC, CSU, California Community Colleges) on their owned property and meeting specified criteria.

Projects must achieve LEED platinum or better certification, have fully mitigated construction impacts, comply with a transportation demand management program, and achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions with at least 50 percent from local direct reduction measures.

Projects are prohibited on certain sensitive sites including prime farmland, wetlands, very high fire hazard zones, hazardous waste sites, earthquake fault zones, special flood hazard areas, and habitat for protected species.

Prohibits exemption if the project would demolish affordable housing, rent-controlled housing, recently occupied housing, historic structures, or would exceed 2,000 units or 4,000 beds; also prohibits exemption on sites where housing was demolished within 10 years prior.

Requires public universities to hold at least one noticed public hearing, pay prevailing wages and use skilled/trained workforce, file LEED certification and mitigation determinations with the Office of Planning and Research and county clerk before issuing certificates of occupancy.