CA AB812

Allows cities and counties to reserve up to 10% of required affordable housing units for artists in residential developments, if units are located within or within one-half mile of a state-designated or locally-designated cultural district.

Requires local agencies adopting such ordinances to include protections consistent with the Local Tenant Preferences to Prevent Displacement Act, prohibit eviction of existing tenants in favor of artists, and establish a fair vetting process for artist status and income verification.

Permits unoccupied reserved units to be offered to the general public if an insufficient number of artists apply for or occupy them.

Defines "artist" as creators of visual, graphic, or performing art including paintings, sculptures, photographs, films, or performances.

Applies to all cities, including charter cities, as a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair.