CA AB2243

Increases site size limits for regional malls from 20 acres to 100 acres for both the Middle Class Housing Act and streamlined affordable housing development projects.

Allows housing developments within 500 feet of freeways to qualify for streamlined review if buildings meet specified air quality and safety standards, including centralized HVAC systems and high-efficiency air filtration (MERV 16).

Prohibits demolition of historic structures on national, state, or local historic registers for affordable housing developments under the streamlined review process.

Clarifies affordability thresholds apply only to base units and exclude density bonus units; requires 8% very low income or 5% extremely low income (rental) or 15% lower income units; for owner-occupied requires 30% moderate-income or 15% lower income units.

Establishes mandatory timelines for local government decisions: 60 days for projects with ≤150 units and 90 days for larger projects to determine consistency with objective standards, with approval required within 60-90 days after determination of consistency.