S.B. 2037 Summary

• Creates the Housing Accountability Act restricting counties from disapproving housing development projects or emergency shelters unless they make written findings based on preponderance of evidence meeting one of five specific criteria.

• Allows disapproval or conditional approval only if county has met affordable housing obligations, project poses specific adverse public health/safety impacts with no feasible mitigation, denial required by state/federal law, project lacks adequate water/wastewater facilities, or project conflicts with zoning/general plan with limited exceptions.

• Requires counties to provide written documentation within 30-60 days (depending on project size) identifying any claimed inconsistencies with applicable plans or ordinances; failure to provide documentation deems project compliant.

• Imposes minimum fines of $10,000 per housing unit if counties fail to comply with court orders within 60 days, with collected fines deposited into the dwelling unit revolving fund.

• Allows applicants, eligible residents, or housing organizations to bring enforcement actions; authorizes courts to compel compliance, award attorney's fees, and issue orders directing county approval; takes effect August 26, 2050.