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SACRAMENTO & INLAND EMPIRE, Calif. — Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 415 (Reyes & Carrillo) into law, delivering technical cleanup to AB 98, California’s landmark statute establishing statewide siting standards and buffer requirements for new large-scale warehouse developments. Originally enacted last year, AB 98 created design, circulation, and setback rules for warehouse and logistics projects.
SB 415 provides essential clarifications related to effective dates, statutory definitions, enforcement standards, buffer areas, internal circulation, per-building thresholds, and loading-bay orientation. These refinements are narrow but critical, ensuring the law is workable in practice without diminishing AB 98’s underlying environmental and community protections.
Beginning in October 2024, several groups came together to coordinate a statewide stakeholder effort that helped shape SB 415 - working directly with legal experts, local government officials, legislators and staff. The coalitions convened multiple meetings across California to get input. Through this collaboration, the final measure reflects practical implementation realities while preserving the core intent of AB 98.
“As the Inland Empire continues to serve as a critical hub in California’s goods-movement network, we applaud the swift action to refine AB 98 through SB 415,” said Paul Granillo, President & CEO, Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP). “These targeted fixes are essential to protecting the regional economy and preserving the thousands of jobs supported by logistics, warehousing, and industrial operations. We appreciate Assemblymember Carrillo’s collaboration and partnership in advancing this important issue. Our large coalition drove this outcome to ensure our region remains competitive and resilient.”
“We deeply appreciate the Governor and bill authors for moving quickly to address implementation issues with AB 98,” said Matthew Hargrove, President and CEO of the California Business Properties Association (CBPA). “This legislation demonstrates how collaboration between policymakers and stakeholders can lead to practical, balanced solutions. We are grateful to all of our coalition partners — from local government leaders to manufacturers, developers, and economic development organizations — who came together to ensure this important law can be implemented effectively.”
The coalition extends appreciation to Assemblymember Carrillo and his team, as well as Senator Reyes and her staff, for their leadership and commitment. Leading partners of the coalition include the Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP), CBPA, NAIOP Corporate, NAIOP SoCal, NAIOP Inland Empire, California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), California Business Roundtable, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA), and many others including many local government stakeholders. All spent considerable time on direct engagement and gave steadfast support to the coalition throughout this process.
The coalition extends its appreciation to the Supply Chain Federation, whose leadership and sustained engagement were instrumental in achieving the above amendments.
While SB 415 represents a major achievement, additional work remains. In the coming year, the coalition will continue collaborating with stakeholders to address outstanding issues, including redevelopment and modernization projects, and potential follow-up legislation triggered by bills like SB 79 that may require further clarification around residential encroachment on industrial buffer zones established under AB 98.
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