CBIA participates in the judicial branch of government through its Legal Action Committee. The Committee makes recommendations on matters pending in the courts that may establish a statewide precedent on issues affecting the home building and land development industries. This is a critical part of CBIA’s efforts because such legal decisions not only can have a direct impact on projects outside of the court case, such legal cases can also influence legislation or policy-making efforts in the state capitol.
Many of the cases CBIA is involved in have a direct impact on homebuilding and land development around the state. Whether it is to avoid increases in costs, regulations or litigation on our members CBIA’s legal activities play a large role in protecting our member’s ability to do business in the state of California. CBIA’s legal activities are a significant piece of the association’s efforts to ensure California is a welcoming business environment.
Examples of issues that may impact the building industry through the judicial system:
- Construction Defect Liability
- Builder Liability and Risk Management
- Property Rights
- Environmental issues including the California Environmental Quality Act, species protection, wetlands protection, water quality, air quality, and others
- Land use issues including the subdividing land, zoning matters, permitting, general plan amendments, natural hazards, and agricultural land preservation
- Sales documentation and disclosure, including the formation of homeowners associations
We participate in the courts primarily by filing friend-of-the-court briefs and seeking publication or depublication of legal decisions.