CA SB1216

Creates a "housing leadership designation" for jurisdictions that demonstrate exceptional housing production, requiring the Department of Housing and Community Development to publish an annual list of qualifying jurisdictions by July 1 each year

Establishes tiered housing production thresholds based on affordability: affordable jurisdictions must permit 5+ units per 1,000 residents annually, unaffordable jurisdictions 7.5+ units, and extremely unaffordable jurisdictions 10+ units (averaged over 5 years, net of demolitions)

Defines affordability categories using home price-to-income ratios: affordable (ratio under 5), unaffordable (ratio 5-10), and extremely unaffordable (ratio over 10)

Grants designated jurisdictions regulatory relief including authority to modify or exempt themselves from state laws on ADU requirements, lot splits, setbacks, and density bonus height limitations

Provides designated jurisdictions a 90-day cure period before fines can be imposed for housing law violations identified by the Attorney General or HCD, and requires the department to adopt implementing regulations by July 1, 2027