The biggest impediment to building in CA isn't zoning laws; most areas are zoned for way more density than they are built to. As an example, Habitat for Humani

The biggest impediment to building in CA isn't zoning laws; most areas are zoned for way more density than they are built to. As an example, Habitat for Humanity wants to build 6 stories of below-market-rate condos in Redwood City, which complies with zoning codes, but are being opposed by a lawyer who lives on the block, because it's "out of character" with the other buildings in the neighborhood. It's a byzantine approval process that includes City Councils who are 100% responsible for local housing decisions, and are elected and responsible only to current city residents. Zealous Planning Commission boards who consider things like shadows and wind when making decisions, EIR (environmental impact report) appeals, CEQA lawsuits, a constitutional housing amendment (Prop 13) that incentivizes existing homeowners to oppose new development, and more... (It help if more areas were upzoned, but it's not the reason by any stretch)