AB 609 – Infill Housing Gets a Green Light
Faster approvals for housing where it’s needed most
AB 609 accelerates the development of infill housing by exempting qualifying projects from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review—as long as the project complies with existing zoning and other local requirements. That means less red tape, fewer delays, and faster paths to building homes in areas already planned for growth.
This is a big deal for small-scale builders and homeowners in cities with established infrastructure, where new housing can be added responsibly—without years of environmental study holding things up.
What This Means for You
If you’re considering:
Building a new home, duplex, or small apartment on an empty lot,
Adding additional units to an existing property,
Or developing a missing-middle housing project in an urban area,
AB 609 could make your project faster and more cost-effective—as long as you’re working in an area already zoned for housing.
Key Benefits:
No CEQA review for qualifying projects = faster approval timelines,
Reduced legal and consultant costs,
Predictable outcomes that help keep your project on budget and on schedule,
Encouragement of smart, sustainable growth in urban and suburban neighborhoods.
However, understanding if your site qualifies—and how to design within the rules—is critical. That’s where expert help makes all the difference.
How New Avenue Homes Can Help
At New Avenue, we specialize in smart infill housing—and AB 609 aligns perfectly with the way we’ve been helping clients for years: designing right-sized, well-located homes with minimal friction and maximum impact.
Here’s how we help you take full advantage of AB 609:
Feasibility analysis: We’ll evaluate your site and let you know if your project qualifies for CEQA exemption under AB 609.
Compliance-first design: Our architects and planners create beautiful housing that meets local zoning, design standards, and environmental guidelines from day one.
End-to-end management: We handle everything from permitting to construction, helping you avoid costly surprises and delays.
Whether you’re a homeowner adding value or a small developer creating new housing, we’ll help you move forward faster, with confidence.
Want to Build Without the Environmental Review Roadblock?
Schedule your free consultation today to learn how AB 609 can streamline your infill housing project—and how New Avenue Homes can guide you every step of the way.
