California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill into law, known as Assembly Bill 98, which imposes new requirements that industrial landlords and operators must meet – regardless of whether they operate on sites zoned for industrial use.

Among other provisions, the bill establishes a minimum distance requirement between loading bays in new or existing warehouses undergoing expansion and community spaces, such as residences, hospitals, schools, assisted living facilities, and parks. The legislation also introduces new building standards for landscaping buffers, signage, and parking that facilities developed after January 1, 2026, will be required to meet.

Operators of warehouses exceeding 250,000 square feet will also be required to file a truck route plan with their local county or city government before they can obtain a certificate of occupancy.