CA AB1808

Expands city authority to delegate western Joshua tree removal permits to include commercial and industrial projects, in addition to existing categories of single-family residences, multifamily residences, accessory structures, and public works projects

Creates a new fee-free permit process for homeowners to remove western Joshua trees within 30 feet of an existing single-family residence, within 15 feet of an existing accessory structure, or within 15 feet of a new accessory structure's construction footprint

Allows public works project developers to remove western Joshua trees within 15 feet of the construction footprint without paying mitigation fees

Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to approve or deny permit requests within 60 days, with denials including a written explanation

Exempts these new fee-free removal permits from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review requirements