Housing Element Update

Background

The Housing Element is part of the City’s General Plan, and it identifies policies and programs to meet the housing needs of the City’s current and future residents. State law requires that every California city and county adopt a Housing Element every eight years. Additionally, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) reviews and determines whether each jurisdiction’s Housing Element substantially complies with State Housing Element Law. The City’s previous Housing Element was adopted and certified in May 2015, and covered the 5^th Cycle planning period (2015-2023). The 6^th Cycle Housing Element was adopted by City Council on January 24, 2023 covers the 2023-2031 planning period. The 6^th Cycle Housing Element includes several major components:

1. Policy and Programs Review: Assessment of progress in implementing the policies and programs from the prior Housing Element.

2. Housing Needs Assessment: Analysis of demographic data, economic trends, and current housing inventory and characteristics. The analysis also considers the needs of special needs populations (e.g., the unhoused, large households, low income, seniors, female-headed households, etc.). 

3. Housing Constraints Assessment: Analysis and approach to addressing existing and potential governmental and nongovernmental constraints to the development of housing.

4. Adequate Sites Inventory: Identification of housing sites available for development or redevelopment, also ensuring sufficient capacity to accommodate the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA).

5. Analysis of Fair Housing (Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing): Analysis of existing fair housing and segregation issues and the plan to address any identified disparities in housing needs, displacement, or access to opportunity.

6. Housing Resources Assessment: Review of administrative and financial resources available to support the development, preservation, and rehabilitation of housing.

7. Implementation Plan: Identification of goals, policies, and programs dedicated to meeting the City’s housing needs.

The City’s Housing Element Update triggered state laws (SB 1241 and 1000) requiring the City to amend its Public Safety and Noise Element to add information on fire risks and creation of a new Environmental Justice Element. The Environmental Justice Element and amendments to the Public Safety and Noise Element are still underway and are anticipated to be considered by the City Council in late July or early August 2023.