California 'Shot Clock' bill targets permit delays to boost housing production
Construction begins on a property damaged by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
PASADENA, Calif. — In Pasadena, what looks like an old carport is soon expected to become two below-market-rate apartments. But first, the developer needs permits—and that’s where the delays begin.
What You Need To Know
AB 253, or the “Shot Clock” bill, would allow developers to hire certified third-party reviewers if a city doesn’t complete a permit review within 30 days
The bill only applies to smaller housing projects of 10 units or fewer—not large-scale apartment buildings
Supporters say it could cut long permitting delays that discourage or derail badly needed housing, especially for fire victims trying to rebuild
Cities like Pasadena say they’re already delivering on-time reviews 91% of the time, and that applicant delays often extend project timelines
Andrew Slocum, a Pasadena-based developer, says the plan check process can stretch on for months as city departments request rounds of corrections.
“It feels like an endless maze where you keep having to do more and more until you hopefully finally get to the end and get the cheese, which will be your building permit to provide housing for people,” Slocum said.
Now, a new bill making its way through the California legislature aims to help developers like Slocum by putting cities on a deadline — also known as a “shot clock.”
Under AB 253, developers could use a certified, independent plan reviewer — paid for privately, but held to the same safety standards as city staff. If passed, the bill would take effect immediately.
Pasadena Assemblymember Christopher Ward, who authored the bill, says it’s designed to free up city resources while accelerating small-scale housing development.
“We have a housing crisis today,” Ward said. “We need immediate relief and immediate options for people to be able to build their home.”
The bill has already passed the state Assembly and is currently under review in the Senate.
Cities aren’t universally on board. The city of Pasadena told Spectrum News that it maintains “industry-leading review times,” completing initial reviews for small multi-family projects within four weeks, and even faster in cases tied to wildfire recovery.
“Overall, project timelines are significantly influenced by the applicant’s responsiveness,” the city statement reads.
Still, developers like Slocum say more certainty — and faster timelines — would make it easier to build housing when every unit counts. Slocum added it's not the initial reviews that cause delays, but the changes that come after the initial review criteria is met.
“The sooner the plans are approved, the sooner someone is able to move in and live there,” he said. “That’s the end goal.”
BY Anna Albaryan | Pasadena
