Tuesday, October 13, 2026

California AB 956 Housing Bill: Allowing Two ADUs on Eligible Single-Family Residential Lots Creates New Opportunities for Homeowners

California AB 956 Housing Bill: Allowing Two ADUs on Eligible Single-Family Residential Lots Creates New Opportunities for Homeowners

1. Background of AB 956

California has faced a persistent housing shortage, high home prices, and rising rents for many years. For many families, purchasing a home has become increasingly difficult. At the same time, housing needs have become more complex as young adults seek independent living arrangements, aging parents need housing and care, and adult children continue to live with their parents.

To address the housing shortage, California has continued to revise its housing laws to encourage property owners to make better use of existing residential land and increase the housing supply. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have become an important tool in this effort.

On February 20, 2025, California Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva introduced AB 956. The bill seeks to expand opportunities for ADU construction on eligible properties, simplify the approval process, and limit unreasonable restrictions imposed by homeowners associations (HOAs) on lawful ADU development.

On September 29, 2026, AB 956 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, becoming part of California’s ongoing housing reform efforts.

2. What Is an ADU?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU, is a secondary residential unit located on the same lot as an existing or proposed primary residence. It may have its own kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and separate entrance.

Common types of ADUs include:

  1. Detached ADUs: Separate residential structures built outside the main house, often in the backyard or another suitable location.
  2. Attached ADUs: Residential units connected to the main house or created within an expanded portion of the existing residence.
  3. Garage Conversion ADUs: Existing garages converted into residential units that meet applicable requirements.
  4. Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs): Smaller living spaces, generally no more than 500 square feet, created within an existing or proposed single-family residence and subject to specific legal requirements.

ADUs can provide housing for parents, adult children, or other family members. They may also be rented out, when permitted by applicable law, to generate additional income for homeowners.

3. The Most Important Change Under AB 956: Two Detached ADUs on Eligible Lots

One of the most significant features of AB 956 is its expansion of opportunities to build detached ADUs on eligible single-family residential lots.

Under the revised California law, local agencies must approve up to two newly constructed detached ADUs through the applicable streamlined approval process on qualifying lots with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling.

These units must meet the applicable legal requirements, including relevant side-yard and rear-yard setback requirements. Local agencies may impose applicable size and height limitations under this approval pathway, and the law allows the permitted floor area to reach 800 square feet per unit.

This reform is significant because, under the previous framework, eligible lots generally could obtain approval for only one newly constructed detached ADU through this particular streamlined approval pathway. AB 956 increases that number to two, allowing certain residential properties to make more efficient use of their land.

However, the law also establishes limitations concerning combinations of two detached ADUs and a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. If a property already has two detached ADUs approved under the relevant provisions, a local agency may not be required to approve an additional JADU through the same streamlined approval pathway.

Therefore, homeowners should not assume that every residential lot can accommodate an unlimited number of additional units. The actual number of units permitted depends on the property’s characteristics, applicable building codes, and relevant legal requirements.

4. Restrictions on HOAs Under AB 956

In California, many residential communities are governed by homeowners associations, commonly known as HOAs. These associations typically establish rules governing exterior appearance, building alterations, land use, and other community matters.

In the past, even when state law permitted ADU construction, some homeowners encountered obstacles imposed by HOA rules.

AB 956 amends relevant provisions of California’s Civil Code and broadens the statutory protections for ADUs and JADUs from certain single-family residential zoning terminology to lots where single-family residential use is permitted. This change may expand the scope of properties covered by these protections.

Under the revised provisions, certain covenants, restrictions, or HOA governing documents that effectively prohibit or unreasonably restrict the construction or use of ADUs and JADUs on qualifying properties may be considered void and unenforceable.

However, this does not mean that HOAs can no longer regulate any residential improvements. Reasonable restrictions may still be permitted, provided they do not impose unreasonable costs, effectively prohibit construction, or deprive homeowners of their legal right to build an ADU.

Therefore, homeowners planning to build an ADU should still verify applicable building codes, property conditions, and community requirements. The passage of AB 956 does not automatically invalidate every HOA restriction.

5. What Practical Benefits Does AB 956 Offer Homeowners?

1. Additional Rental Income

For homeowners with sufficiently large backyards, building two detached ADUs may create additional rental opportunities if the properties meet the applicable requirements.

For example, a homeowner could build two small residential units in the backyard and rent them to separate tenants. After deducting construction loan payments, insurance, maintenance, taxes, and vacancy-related expenses, the rental income could provide a long-term source of additional income.

The actual financial return, however, depends on construction costs, local rental rates, market demand, and the feasibility of the project.

2. Housing for Family Members

AB 956 is not just about real estate investment. It may also help families arrange their living spaces more effectively.

For example, parents could live in one ADU while an adult child occupies the other, with the homeowner continuing to live in the main house. Family members could maintain a degree of independence while remaining close enough to support one another.

For families who want aging parents to live nearby while preserving everyone’s privacy, this arrangement may be worth considering.

3. More Efficient Use of Existing Residential Land

Traditional single-family properties generally contain one primary residence. If a lot is large enough, appropriately configured, and compliant with applicable laws and building requirements, adding ADUs can increase the amount of housing accommodated on the property.

In some circumstances, retaining the existing house and adding ADUs may offer a more flexible development option than demolishing the original house and redeveloping the entire property.

4. More Options for Retirement Planning

For homeowners who already own property and are preparing for retirement, ADUs may become part of a broader retirement strategy.

Homeowners can rent out the units to supplement retirement income or allow parents, children, or other relatives to live nearby, potentially reducing housing costs for the family.

Before proceeding, however, homeowners should carefully evaluate the expected return, ongoing maintenance expenses, and future housing needs.

6. AB 956 Does Not Mean Every Property Can Begin Construction Immediately

Although AB 956 expands ADU development opportunities, homeowners should keep several considerations in mind.

First, lot size and layout. The available backyard space, distances between buildings, access points, and fire access requirements can all affect whether a project is feasible.

Second, building and safety codes. New ADUs must still comply with applicable building codes, fire safety requirements, structural safety standards, and other relevant regulations.

Third, local government approval. Streamlined approval does not mean that permits are unnecessary. Homeowners must still apply for the required building permits and satisfy applicable legal requirements.

Fourth, construction costs and investment returns. Building two ADUs requires a greater initial investment and may involve additional expenses for utilities, sewer connections, foundations, construction, and maintenance. Homeowners should estimate costs and analyze the financial feasibility of the project before construction begins.

Fifth, rental regulations. Under the relevant approval provisions as amended by AB 956, rental terms for ADUs approved through this pathway must exceed 30 days. Homeowners should not assume that these units can automatically be used for short-term vacation rentals.

7. Conclusion: Moving Toward More Flexible Use of Residential Property

AB 956 represents an important step in California’s continuing efforts to reform housing policy. By expanding opportunities to build detached ADUs on eligible single-family residential lots and further limiting unreasonable barriers to lawful ADU construction, the legislation gives homeowners more options for using their existing residential land.

For ordinary homeowners, the significance of this law extends beyond increasing the number of housing units. It allows residential property to serve multiple purposes: meeting family housing needs, generating rental income, and supporting retirement planning.

However, legal permission to build does not mean that every property is suitable for ADU development. Homeowners considering a project should evaluate their property’s characteristics, local approval requirements, construction costs, and long-term financial objectives, preferably with professional assistance.

More broadly, ADU policy reflects an important approach to urban development: increasing housing supply by making better use of existing residential land, without relying entirely on large-scale demolition and redevelopment. This approach can create more housing options for people of different ages, income levels, and family structures.

References:

加州 AB 956 住房法案:允许独栋住宅地块建设两套 ADU,为房主增加住房与出租收入创造新机会

加州 AB 956 住房法案:允许独栋住宅地块建设两套 ADU,为房主增加住房与出租收入创造新机会

一、AB 956 法案的背景

加州长期面临住房供应不足、房价高、租金昂贵等问题。对于许多普通家庭来说,购买一套住房已经不容易,而年轻人独立生活、老年父母养老以及成年子女与父母同住等需求,也使住房问题变得更加复杂。

为了解决住房短缺问题,加州近年来不断修改住房法规,鼓励业主充分利用现有住宅土地,增加住房供应。其中,附属住宅单元(Accessory Dwelling Unit,简称 ADU)成为重要的政策工具。

2025年2月20日,加州众议员 Sharon Quirk-Silva 提出了 AB 956 法案。该法案旨在进一步放宽符合条件的 ADU 建设规定,简化审批程序,并限制业主协会(Homeowners Association,简称 HOA)对合法 ADU 建设的不合理限制。

2026年9月29日,AB 956 正式由州长 Gavin Newsom 签署成为法律,成为加州持续推动住房建设改革的一部分。

二、什么是 ADU?

ADU 是附属住宅单元,通常是指建在现有住宅地块上的独立或附属居住空间。它可以拥有自己的厨房、卫生间、卧室和独立出入口。

常见的 ADU 类型包括:

  1. 独立式 ADU: 在主住宅之外的后院或其他适当位置,新建一套独立住宅。
  2. 附属式 ADU: 在主住宅内部或与主住宅相连的空间中改建,例如扩建部分或经过改造的附属空间。
  3. 车库改建 ADU: 将符合条件的车库改造成可以居住的住宅单元。
  4. 初级附属住宅单元(JADU): 通常是在独栋住宅内部改造、面积不超过500平方英尺的居住空间,并须符合相关法律要求。

ADU 可以用于安置父母、成年子女或其他家庭成员,也可以在符合法律规定的情况下出租,帮助房主增加收入。

三、AB 956 最重要的变化:符合条件的地块可以建设两套独立式 ADU

AB 956 最值得关注的内容,是扩大了符合条件的独栋住宅地块建设独立式 ADU 的机会。

根据该法案修改后的加州法律,对于拥有现有或拟建独栋住宅的符合条件地块,地方政府必须按照法定的简化审批程序,批准最多两套符合规定的全新独立式 ADU。

这两套住宅需要满足相关条件,其中包括侧院和后院退界要求。地方政府可以对符合该审批途径的独立式 ADU 规定相应的面积和高度限制;法案允许的面积限制可以达到每套800平方英尺的居住空间。

这项改革的重要意义在于:过去,符合特定条件的独栋住宅地块通常只能通过这条简化审批途径获得一套新建独立式 ADU 的批准。AB 956 将数量增加到两套,使部分住宅地块能够更充分地利用土地。

需要注意的是,法案对两套独立式 ADU 与初级附属住宅单元的组合也作出了限制:如果同一地块已经依照相关条款建成两套独立式 ADU,地方政府不一定需要再通过同一条简化审批途径批准一套 JADU。

因此,不能简单地认为所有住宅地块都可以无限制地增加住宅数量。具体能建多少套,仍然需要结合地块条件、建筑规范以及适用的法律规定进行判断。

四、AB 956 对 HOA 的限制

在加州,一些住宅社区设有业主协会,即 HOA。HOA 通常通过社区管理文件,对住宅外观、建筑改造、土地使用及其他事项作出规定。

过去,即使州法律允许建设 ADU,部分房主仍可能遇到 HOA 规则带来的阻碍。

AB 956 修改了相关民法规定,将对 ADU 和 JADU 的保护范围,从特定的单户住宅分区表述,调整为允许单户住宅使用的地块。这有助于扩大相关法律保护的适用范围。

根据修改后的规定,如果住宅地块符合州法律要求,相关契约、限制或 HOA 管理文件中有效禁止或不合理限制 ADU、JADU 建设或使用的条款,可以被认定为无效且不可执行。

不过,这并不代表 HOA 从此不能管理任何住宅改造。法律仍允许合理限制,例如不构成不合理成本负担、不实质禁止建设,也不剥夺依法建设 ADU 机会的限制。

因此,房主在准备建设 ADU 时,仍应核实建筑规范、地块条件及适用的社区规定,不能因为 AB 956 已经通过,就认定所有 HOA 要求都自动失效。

五、AB 956 对房主有哪些实际好处?

1. 增加租金收入

对于拥有面积较大后院的房主,如果地块条件适合建设两套独立式 ADU,就可能增加可出租的住宅空间。

例如,一位房主在自己的后院建设两套小型住宅,可以分别出租给不同的租户。在扣除建设贷款、保险、维护、税费及空置期等成本后,租金可能成为一项长期收入来源。

当然,实际能否获得理想收益,取决于建设成本、当地租金水平、市场需求以及项目的可行性。

2. 帮助家庭成员解决住房问题

AB 956 不仅与投资有关,也有助于家庭安排居住空间。

例如,父母可以住在一套 ADU,成年子女住在另一套,而房主继续住在主住宅内。家庭成员既可以保持一定的独立性,也能够相互照顾。

对于希望让年长父母住得离自己更近、同时保留私人生活空间的家庭来说,这是一种值得考虑的住房方案。

3. 提高现有住宅土地的利用效率

传统独栋住宅通常只在土地上建有一套主住宅。如果地块面积足够、布局合适,而且符合相关法律和建筑要求,增加 ADU 可以让现有土地容纳更多居住空间。

与完全拆除旧住宅、重新开发整块土地相比,在适当情况下,保留主住宅并增加 ADU 可能是一种更灵活的开发方式。

4. 为老年人的退休生活提供更多选择

对于已经拥有住宅、准备退休的房主来说,ADU 可能成为养老规划的一部分。

房主可以选择将 ADU 出租,以补充退休收入;也可以让父母、子女或其他亲属入住,减少家庭成员之间的住房负担。

但在决定建设之前,仍应仔细评估投资回报、维护成本和未来的居住需求。

六、AB 956 并不意味着所有地块都可以直接开工

尽管 AB 956 扩大了 ADU 的建设机会,但房主仍需注意以下问题。

第一,地块面积和布局。 后院是否有足够空间、建筑物之间的距离是否合适、出入口和消防通道是否满足要求,都会影响项目的可行性。

第二,建筑及安全规范。 新建 ADU 仍须符合适用的建筑规范、消防要求、结构安全标准及其他相关规定。

第三,地方政府审批。 简化审批并不等于完全不需要许可证。房主仍须向所在地政府申请必要的建筑许可,并满足适用的法定条件。

第四,建设成本和投资收益。 两套 ADU 意味着更大的建设投入,也可能涉及水电、排污、地基、施工及维护费用。房主应在开工前进行成本估算和财务分析。

第五,出租规定。 根据 AB 956 修改后的相关审批条款,依照该条款批准的 ADU 出租期限须超过30天。因此,不能直接假设这些住宅可以用于短期度假出租。

七、结语:从一套住宅走向更灵活的住房利用方式

AB 956 是加州推动住房供应改革的一项重要立法。它通过扩大符合条件的独栋住宅地块建设独立式 ADU 的机会,并进一步限制对合法 ADU 建设的不合理阻碍,为房主提供了更多利用现有住宅土地的可能性。

对于普通房主来说,这项法律的意义不仅在于增加住宅数量,还在于让住房承担更多功能:既可以满足家庭成员的居住需求,也可以为出租收入和退休规划提供新的选择。

不过,法律允许建设,并不代表每一块土地都适合建设。真正准备实施项目的房主,应当结合地块条件、地方审批要求、建筑成本及长期财务目标,进行专业评估。

从更广泛的角度来看,ADU 政策体现了一种值得重视的城市发展思路:在不完全依赖大规模拆除和重建的情况下,通过合理利用现有住宅土地,逐步增加住房供应,为不同年龄、收入和家庭结构的人群创造更多居住选择。

参考资料:

Monday, October 12, 2026

California’s SB 1123 Housing Law: Creating More Opportunities for Small-Scale Housing Development and Homeownership

California’s SB 1123 Housing Law: Creating More Opportunities for Small-Scale Housing Development and Homeownership

1. Why Is California Promoting This Housing Law?

For many years, California has faced a shortage of housing, high home prices, and growing difficulties for ordinary families trying to purchase a home. For many young people, middle-income households, and first-time homebuyers, purchasing a home near their workplace has become increasingly difficult.

Several factors contribute to this problem, including high land costs, expensive construction, restrictive land-use regulations, and complex housing project approval procedures.

In some communities, even vacant land in established urban neighborhoods may be restricted to the construction of a single-family home. This means that a relatively large parcel may not be subdivided to accommodate multiple smaller homes, even when market demand supports additional housing.

To increase housing supply and improve homeownership opportunities, California has continued to reform its housing laws.

In 2024, California enacted Senate Bill 1123 (SB 1123), which expanded and modified the small-scale housing development framework established under SB 684. The law took effect on July 1, 2025, and is formally known as the Starter Home Revitalization Act.

The primary goal of this legislation is to make eligible small-scale housing developments easier to approve and expand opportunities to develop certain vacant lots that were previously restricted to single-family residential use.

2. Key Provisions of SB 1123

2.1 Expanding Development Opportunities on Certain Single-Family Residential Lots

Traditional single-family residential zoning typically imposes strict requirements on land use, residential density, and parcel subdivision.

SB 1123 expands the existing small-scale housing development framework, allowing certain eligible vacant lots in areas originally designated for single-family residential use to qualify for streamlined approval procedures under state law.

This does not mean that every single-family residential property in California can automatically be subdivided or converted into an apartment complex. Projects must still comply with applicable legal requirements, including those governing site location, lot configuration, density, environmental protection, and other development standards.

However, for qualifying properties, the law creates additional development opportunities.

For example, a vacant parcel that previously permitted only one detached house may, under certain circumstances, qualify for the development of multiple smaller homes, subject to state law and applicable objective standards.

This approach can increase housing supply within existing urban communities rather than relying exclusively on development at the edges of cities.

2.2 Streamlining Housing Development and Subdivision Approvals

SB 1123 continues and expands the streamlined approval framework established under SB 684 for qualifying small-scale residential developments.

Eligible projects may qualify for ministerial approval, a process that differs significantly from traditional discretionary review.

Under conventional discretionary review, a project may be subject to public hearings, planning commission review, and broader local government judgment regarding planning and design considerations.

Ministerial approval, by contrast, generally involves determining whether a project complies with predetermined, objective standards. When a project satisfies the applicable statutory requirements, the local government generally cannot reject it solely because of subjective preferences.

This approach can reduce uncertainty in the approval process and help developers assess project feasibility more accurately.

However, streamlined approval does not eliminate applicable building codes, fire safety requirements, infrastructure standards, or other legal obligations.

2.3 Creating More Opportunities for Smaller Homes and Starter Homes

One important policy objective of this legislation is to encourage smaller residential developments that can offer alternatives to traditional detached houses and large apartment complexes.

Traditional residential development often requires a substantial investment in land. When a parcel can accommodate only one home, land costs may represent a significant portion of the total housing cost.

If eligible land can accommodate several smaller homes, developers may be able to distribute the land cost across multiple residential units.

In theory, this could reduce the land cost per unit and expand housing options for first-time homebuyers and middle-income households.

However, subdividing land and increasing the number of homes do not guarantee lower home prices. Actual prices depend on land acquisition costs, construction expenses, financing rates, market demand, and developers’ pricing decisions.

3. How Many Homes Can Be Developed Under This Law?

SB 1123 applies primarily to small-scale residential development projects. According to California’s Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the relevant legal framework generally accommodates projects involving up to 10 residential lots or units, depending on the applicable statutory provisions and project characteristics.

It is important to distinguish between the number of residential units and the number of subdivided lots. These figures are not always identical, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) may be subject to separate rules.

Therefore, it would be incorrect to assume that any vacant parcel can automatically accommodate 10 homes.

Before proceeding, a developer must verify whether the property meets the applicable requirements for land use, parcel size, density, environmental conditions, and other statutory criteria. The developer must also determine which specific approval provisions apply to the proposed project.

4. What Types of Properties May Qualify?

For real estate investors, architects, planners, and property owners, one of the most important questions is whether a particular property qualifies under the law.

Several factors should be considered.

First, is the property located within an eligible urban development area?

The framework primarily supports residential development in urban areas or locations with an established urban development pattern. It is not intended to open all rural land to residential development.

Second, does the property meet the applicable land-use and vacancy requirements?

SB 1123 expands eligibility for certain vacant lots designated for single-family residential use. However, not every existing residential property can automatically use this streamlined approval process.

Third, does the parcel meet the applicable size and density requirements?

Even a relatively large parcel must comply with the relevant statutory density limits, subdivision rules, and design standards.

Fourth, are there environmental or public safety restrictions?

Properties located in protected environmental areas or subject to other legally established restrictions may not qualify for this approval process.

Fifth, does the project comply with other applicable objective standards?

Building layout, access, fire lanes, infrastructure, and other requirements may affect the number of homes that can actually be developed.

Consequently, a property’s single-family zoning designation alone is not sufficient to establish that multiple homes can be built. The most reliable approach is to review the implementation guidance published by California HCD and consult the local planning department.

5. How Could SB 1123 Affect Real Estate Investors and Property Owners?

The law may create new development opportunities for certain property owners.

For example, an owner may have a relatively large vacant parcel that, under traditional local planning rules, could accommodate only one detached house. If the property satisfies the requirements of SB 1123, the owner may be able to explore subdividing the land into multiple lots or developing several smaller homes.

For developers, this creates an opportunity to reassess the development potential of certain urban properties.

For architects and planners, project design may expand beyond a single residence to include multiple smaller homes. This requires additional consideration of site planning, building areas, parking, access, fire safety, and subdivision feasibility.

Nevertheless, the law provides an opportunity to seek streamlined approval when the statutory conditions are met; it does not guarantee that every property can accommodate additional homes.

Before purchasing land, investors should conduct thorough due diligence, including verification of applicable statutory provisions, permitted density, subdivision feasibility, construction costs, and potential sales revenue.

6. Can This Law Help Lower California Home Prices?

One of the long-term objectives of SB 1123 is to improve housing affordability by increasing housing supply and expanding the range of available housing types.

When cities can accommodate more homes within existing urban areas, they may be able to use land, roads, public facilities, and community resources more efficiently.

If additional smaller homes enter the market, first-time homebuyers and some middle-income households may have more housing options.

Small-scale residential development may also help cities improve land-use efficiency and reduce their reliance on large residential development projects.

However, housing prices are influenced by more than supply alone. Construction materials, labor costs, land prices, mortgage rates, employment opportunities, and local demand all affect the final market price.

Therefore, SB 1123 should be viewed as one component of California’s broader housing reform efforts, rather than a standalone solution to the state’s housing crisis.

Its actual impact on homeownership opportunities will depend on local implementation, developer participation, project financing, and the prices at which newly constructed homes are offered.

7. Implications for Urban Planning and Architectural Design

From an urban planning perspective, SB 1123 reflects an important shift in California housing policy: increasing housing supply within existing cities through clearer objective standards and streamlined approval procedures while maintaining applicable public safety and planning requirements.

Traditional planning systems divide land into different use categories and regulate development through density limits, minimum lot sizes, and approval procedures.

Newer housing policies place greater emphasis on finding practical ways to accommodate additional homes within established urban environments.

For architects, this represents not only a regulatory change but also a change in design thinking.

When evaluating a property, designers may need to consider more than the construction of a single detached house. Where legally permitted, they can explore whether thoughtful site organization, building layouts, natural lighting, ventilation, fire safety, and shared spaces can accommodate additional homes.

Urban planners, meanwhile, must balance increased housing supply with the protection of community character and neighborhood conditions.

When carefully designed and planned, small-scale residential development can increase housing choices and make more efficient use of urban land without necessarily transforming the overall character of an established neighborhood.

8. Conclusion

California’s SB 1123 housing law is an important measure in the state’s continuing efforts to expand housing construction and streamline residential development approvals.

By expanding eligibility for certain small-scale housing projects and establishing streamlined approval procedures for qualifying developments, the law creates new possibilities for some vacant properties and provides a policy foundation for smaller homes and starter housing.

For ordinary households, its potential benefit is a wider range of future housing choices. For property owners and real estate developers, it offers an opportunity to reassess the development potential of certain properties. For architects and urban planners, it highlights the importance of understanding state housing legislation and integrating regulatory requirements with sound architectural design, land use, and community planning.

Ultimately, the law’s effectiveness will depend on property conditions, project costs, local implementation, and market demand.

Effective housing reform requires more than simply allowing additional homes to be built. It also requires making new housing economically feasible, well-designed, and responsive to the actual needs of ordinary households.


References

  1. California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD): Starter Home Revitalization Act — Official Information
  2. California Department of Housing and Community Development: 2026 Housing Law Fact Sheets
  3. California Department of Housing and Community Development: Housing Accountability and Enforcement Resources

This article is based on publicly available California housing legislation and government resources and is intended for general informational purposes only. Whether a specific property qualifies under SB 1123 depends on the current statutory requirements, the local planning department’s interpretation, and the details of the proposed project.