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.

Proposed 2026 ballot measure would create two categories of projects: "essential projects" subject to tighter timelines and other projects subject to current law. 

This year's CEQA reform will put more pressure on cities and counties to bulletproof their housing element EIRs. But it also creates a much "cleaner" exemption for infill housing than was previously available. 

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.

Most bills have to do with housing, seeking to further sweep away regulations that restrict housing approvals. One new law would subject cities to attorney's fees and additional fines if they violate housing reform laws. 

Deletion of fast-food restaurant with drive-through was enough to persuade an appellate court to issue an unpublished ruling in the city's favor.

Judge also says city can't rely on greenhouse gas reduction plan that was kicked out by appellate court.

In a small town in Kern County, a water district is using California Environmental Quality Act litigation to fight the city's plans to create more housing as required by the Regional Housing Needs Allocation process. 

The city had denied the project, claiming it was inconsistent with the general plan. But the judge, a former city council member, said the inconsistency was not identified during the "shot clock" period under the Housing Accountability Act.

Agreement on Village at Palisades Tahoe -- formerly Squaw Valley -- ends 14 years of legal wrangling over the expansion of one of the nation's largest ski resorts.