CA AB1893

Modifies Housing Accountability Act to allow local agencies to disapprove housing projects for very low, low-, or moderate-income households only if the jurisdiction lacks an adopted housing element in substantial compliance with state law and the project is not a "builder's remedy project."

Expands definition of "housing development project" to include farmworker housing and broadens mixed-use development thresholds to allow projects with 50 percent residential use (previously required two-thirds) under specified conditions.

Establishes "builder's remedy project" status for developments that provide affordable housing when a jurisdiction fails to maintain a compliant housing element, granting such projects streamlined approval processes and protection from new or excessive development standards.

Redefines "disapprove" to include local agency failures to comply with time periods, failures to cease improper conduct causing delays, and failures to make environmental determinations, making these actions subject to Housing Accountability Act enforcement.

Authorizes courts to impose minimum fines of $10,000 per housing unit on local agencies that violate the act and fail to comply with court orders, with funds directed to local or state housing trust funds for affordable housing development.