All mechanisms
California State Law27 documented cases

California Environmental Quality Act

Commonly known as CEQA

State law requiring environmental review for most projects. Frequently weaponized by opponents to trigger costly appeals and delay housing even when environmental impacts are minimal.

How it's used against housing

Third-party appeals filed to add years and millions to project timelines.

Documented cases

San Francisco Family Zoning Plan
San Francisco · 36,282 units
Litigated
Midway Rising — Midway District Sports Arena Redevelopment
San Diego · 4,254 units
In review
Howard Terminal Waterfront Housing
Oakland · 3,000 units
Withdrawn
One Redondo — AES Power Plant Waterfront Redevelopment
Redondo Beach · 2,700 units
Stalled
Vallco Town Center / The Rise
Cupertino · 2,669 units
Approved
Brisbane Baylands Specific Plan
Brisbane · 2,200 units
In review
People's Park Student and Supportive Housing
Berkeley · 1,238 units
Under construction
Trammell Crow Sears Site Redevelopment
Glendale · 682 units
Approved
80 Willow Road Towers (Former Sunset Magazine Campus)
Menlo Park · 665 units
Litigated
469 Stevenson Street Residential Tower
San Francisco · 495 units
Approved
156 California Avenue Towers (Mollie Stone's Site)
Palo Alto · 382 units
In review
The Arya and The Luxe: Los Gatos Boulevard Builder's Remedy Projects
Los Gatos · 295 units
Litigated
505 East Los Olivos Street (Behind the Old Mission)
Santa Barbara · 270 units
Litigated
Seaside Ridge — Del Mar North Bluff
Del Mar · 259 units
Stalled
School Street Plaza (95 Broadway)
Fairfax · 243 units
Approved
Grady Ranch Affordable Housing
Unincorporated Marin County (Lucas Valley area) · 224 units
Withdrawn
Downtown Livermore Apartments (Eden Housing)
Livermore · 130 units
Under construction
Vista Capri (14288 Capri Drive)
Los Gatos · 119 units
Litigated
806 West Adams Boulevard Apartments (University Park)
Los Angeles · 102 units
Stalled
Wildwood (Alamo Pintado Road and Old Mission Drive)
Solvang · 100 units
Stalled
294-296 Tyrella Avenue Condominiums
Mountain View · 80 units
Litigated
600 Foothill Boulevard Mixed-Use
La Cañada Flintridge · 80 units
Approved
Lot T Affordable Housing — 450 Lytton Avenue
Palo Alto · 72 units
Stalled
Dominican Valley Development
San Rafael · 64 units
Disputed
Silver Oaks Senior Housing (10728 and 10758 Mora Drive)
Los Altos Hills · 62 units
Litigated
1609 Grand Avenue Apartments (Lower Riviera)
Santa Barbara · 53 units
In review
Marinda Heights Builder's Remedy Subdivision (Wall Property)
Fairfax · 25 units
Withdrawn