Campbell Fast-tracks Townhome Development, First in State | KQED

"Today's event represents progress, partnership and practical solutions to California's housing shortage. Proof that smart policy can translate into real homes for real families."

"Under standard permitting, projects can face months or years of discretionary review, environmental analysis and potential litigation. SB 684 created what is known as ministerial review - meaning if a project meets the legal requirements, it must be approved within 60 days."

"It's impossible to scale housing production as long as you have these sorts of delays."

Mercury Lane Townhomes in Campbell represents the first major construction project under California's 2023 SB 684 law, designed to accelerate homeownership opportunities for middle-income families. The project broke ground on March 6, 2026, with units expected to complete in early 2027 at prices starting around $1.15 million—substantially below Campbell's median home price exceeding $1.8 million. The law implements ministerial review, requiring project approval within 60 days if legal requirements are met, eliminating months or years of discretionary review, environmental analysis, and potential litigation. State Senator Ana Caballero, who authored the bill, emphasized that smart policy translates into real homes for families. This approach addresses California's housing shortage by removing bureaucratic delays that prevent scaling housing production.

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