by William Fulton

Progressives who have long protected community power over developers are praising Biden's proposed new program, while Republicans are calling it a war on the suburbs.

Flat denial of blufftop house meant the "futility exception" was in play. Cost to the city: $3.4 million and counting.

For Sacramento and Berkeley, the hard part is still coming: How to create a development code that will encourage rather than block other small-scale housing products.

In the latest skirmish over Los Padres Del Mar -- 10 years after the city approved the project for the second time -- an appellate court has ruled that Pismo and the developer do not have to pay LAFCO's attorneys fees.

... There's no remedy in the law when a lead agency fails to notify an interested party, even though it's against the law. >>read more

In Marin City, a clever developer is building a project double the allowed size with very little parking and few other amenities -- and the county couldn't do anything to stop it. >>read more

A lifetime urban dweller, Donald Trump was an anti-city president. Biden is a lifelong Amtrak rider -- and California urban planning is likely to change with him at the helm.

Appellate court says citizen group can proceed with Brown Act lawsuit against ABAG regarding CASA Compact approval.

Appellate court overturns decision favoring Department of Finance.

Also on the legislative docket: Bills to restrict development in wildfire areas.

The property owners undertook a major renovation -- apparently beyond what the Coastal Development Permit allowed -- with city permits but without out telling the Coastal Commission.

The law has proven stubbornly resistant to reform. But cities and other lead agencies are learning how to end-run the whole process.

In followup to 2018 Cal Supremes ruling, appellate court rejects "partial decertification" of EIR.