(a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Interim motel housing project” or “project” means the conversion of a structure with a certificate of occupancy as a motel, hotel, residential hotel, or hostel to supportive or transitional housing, and the conversion meets one or both of the following conditions:

(A) It does not result in the expansion of more than 10 percent of the floor area of any individual living unit in the structure.

(B) It does not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality.

(2) “Residential hotel” has the same meaning as defined in Section 50519 of the Health and Safety Code.

(3) “Supportive housing” means housing linked to onsite or offsite supportive services and with no limit on length of stay for persons with low incomes who have one or more disabilities and may include, among other populations, adults, emancipated minors, families with children, elderly persons, young adults aging out of the foster care system, individuals exiting from institutional settings, veterans, and homeless people.

(4) “Supportive services” means services that are provided on a voluntary basis to residents of supportive or transitional housing, including, but not limited to, a combination of subsidized and permanent housing services, intensive case management, medical and mental health care, substance abuse treatment, employment services, benefits advocacy, and other services or service referrals necessary to obtain and maintain housing.

(5) “Transitional housing” means temporary housing linked to supportive services that is offered, usually for a period of up to 24 months, to facilitate movement to permanent housing for persons with low incomes who may have one or more disabilities, and may include, among other populations, adults, emancipated minors, families with children, elderly persons, young adults aging out of the foster care system, individuals exiting from institutional settings, veterans, and homeless people.

(b) This division does not apply to an interim motel housing project.

(c) A lead agency that determines an interim motel housing project is exempt pursuant to this section shall file a notice of exemption in accordance with subdivision (b) of Section 21152 with the Office of Planning and Research.

(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2025, and as of that date is repealed.

(Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 344, Sec. 2. (SB 450) Effective January 1, 2020. Repealed as of January 1, 2025, by its own provisions.)