Summary:

Slow, opaque, and fragmented permitting processes have exacerbated California’s housing crisis.  Assembly Bill 920 (AB 920), also known as the Permit Streamlining Act, is a crucial step in addressing this crisis.  It aims to modernize the system by requiring large jurisdictions to establish centralized online portals for housing development applications.  This legislation, authored by Assemblymember Jessica Caloza and co-sponsored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, was enrolled and presented to the Governor on 4 September 2025, marking a significant step toward digital transformation in local government permitting.

What AB-920 Does

AB-920 amends the Government Code to add Section 65940.3, introducing several key requirements:

• Centralized Application Portal
  Cities and counties with populations of 150,000 or more that maintain an internet website must provide a centralized application portal for housing development projects.  This portal must:
• Allow applicants to submit applications electronically.
• Provide real-time tracking of application status.
• Be accessible 24/7 for transparency and convenience.
• Implementation Timeline
  Jurisdictions must comply by 1 January 2028, or, if specific procurement steps are initiated by that date, no later than 1 January 2030.
• Scope and Limitations
  The portal is not required to display the status of permits or inspections managed by other local agencies, state agencies, or utility providers.
• Statewide Concern
  The bill explicitly states that these changes address a matter of statewide concern, applying to all cities—including charter cities—under California’s constitutional framework.

Why It Matters

California ranks 26th nationwide in customer experience with government services, and only 22% of Americans report being “extremely satisfied” with their most recent interaction with the state government.  AB 920 aims to close this gap by digitizing and streamlining permitting systems, reducing delays, and improving transparency.

Potential Benefits

• Faster Approvals: Digital systems in other states have cut approval times by up to 70%.
• Improved Transparency: Applicants can track progress without repeated phone calls or in-person visits.
• Cost Savings: Reduced administrative burden for local governments and developers.
• Housing Acceleration: By removing bottlenecks, AB 920 could help California meet its ambitious housing production goals.

Challenges and Considerations

• Funding and Resources: While the bill states no state reimbursement is required, local agencies must fund implementation through service charges or fees.
• Technology Readiness: Smaller jurisdictions may struggle with procurement and integration of new systems.
• Interagency Coordination: The portal won’t cover permits from other agencies, which may still create friction in the overall process.

Looking Ahead

If signed into Law, AB 920 positions California as a leader in responsive, user-friendly government services.  By modernizing permitting, the state can accelerate housing development and restore public trust in local governance.  The success of this initiative will depend on the timely implementation of robust technology solutions and ongoing collaboration between state and local agencies.

Key Dates

• Introduced: 19 February 2025
• Enrolled: 4 September 2025
• Compliance Deadline: 1 January 2028 (or 2030 with procurement steps)

Would you like me to expand this into a full-length feature article (1,500+ words) with:

• Background on the Permit Streamlining Act History
• Stakeholder perspectives (housing advocates, local governments)
• Comparisons to similar reforms in other states
• Visual timeline and compliance checklist?