Legal Digest

SB 158, which lifts the CEQA exemption for some projects, apparently applies only to one project in the entire state: a proposed eight-story apartment building behind the iconic Santa Barbara Mission.

Appellate court concludes city should not have exempted car wash, which could lead to more Benzene emissions near school playground

Proponents request for a second review of signatures for ballot is deemed a protected free speech activity and the judge granted an anti-SLAPP motion against the City of San Diego

The city has won two ballot measures to raise the height limit around its longtime sports arena. Now, for the second time, an appellate court has struck down the associated environmental analysis -- and the ballot measure.

Reversing lower court, appellate justices say city acted properly in repealing previous approval and limiting new approval to administrative actions.

In an unpublished ruling, court concludes that city can spend impact fee funds anywhere in the city.

Redondo Beach's residential overlay on commercial and industrial land doesn't meet legal requirements for a housing element site because there's no guarantee housing will be built, court says.

Deletion of fast-food restaurant with drive-through was enough to persuade an appellate court to issue an unpublished ruling in the city's favor.

In a mobile home case from Jurupa Valley, an appellate court seemingly suggests that if a municipal code does not require strict compliance with a general plan, a GP amendment is not necessary.

As part of a legal settlement with the state, the city repealed a moratorium and also agreed to greater oversight by HCD.

Appellate court rules that 120-day shot clock applies even though Huntington Beach is a charter city. 

A judge found SB 9 unconstitutional for charter cities. But an appellate court has now said the same argument doesn't apply to general law cities.