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Rosie Dyste
Project Planner
(805) 564-5470 x4599
HEU@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

Title

Housing Element Update

Body

The Housing Element of the City’s General Plan identifies Santa Barbara’s housing needs and establishes goals, policies, and actions to further the City’s commitment to the production of affordable housing and sound community planning. The Housing Element is updated every eight years and is currently addressing the 2023 to 2031 planning period.

Substantial Compliance Determination from HCD

On February 13, 2024, the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) informed the City that the 2023-2031 Housing Element is in substantial compliance with State Housing Element Law (Gov. Code, § 65580 et seq). 

2023 - 2031 Housing Element  

Final Adopted Housing Element (December 12, 2023)

On December 12, 2023, City Council adopted the final 2023-2031 Housing Element.  Government Code requires that Housing Elements contain a parcel-specific inventory of appropriately zoned, available, and suitable sites that provide housing opportunities for all income categories.  See the Suitable Sites Inventory link below for a map and more information. 

Public Meetings

On December 12, 2023, City Council held a hearing to consider adoption of the 2023-2031 Housing Element.  The staff report and meeting materials can be found below.  For meetings prior to December 2023, please go to the City Council and Planning Commission websites. 

Environmental Review

Environmental review for implementation of the Housing Element Programs is underway with preparation of a Housing Plan Program EIR. Click here for more information

Annual Progress Reports

Annual reports on the progress of the Housing Element are provided to City Council and HCD by April 1 each year. To view the most recent Housing Element Annual Progress Report, click here.

Sections

Timeline

1
Project Initiation (March 2022)

City Council initiated the Housing Element update at the March 29, 2022 hearing.

2
Public Review Draft Housing Element (July 2022)

The Draft Housing Element was released for public review in July 2022. 

3
Planning Commission and City Council Review (July 2022)

The Draft Housing Element was presented to the Planning Commission and City Council.

4
Submit Draft Housing Element to HCD (August 2022)

The draft Housing Element was submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for a 90-day review.

5
HCD Responds to the Draft Housing Element Update (November 2022)

HCD submitted comments and suggested changes on the Draft Housing Element to the City.

6
Submit Revised Draft Housing Element to HCD (April 2023)

The Revised Draft was submitted to HCD for a 60-day review period.

7
Revised Housing Element to Planning Commission (June 2023)

Staff presented the revised Housing Element to the Planning Commission in 2023. 

8
Adoption Draft Housing Element to HCD (October 2023)

The proposed adoption draft Housing Element was submitted to HCD.

9
HCD Responds to Adoption Draft Housing Element (November 2023)

City received response letter from HCD

10
Adoption Draft Housing Element to Planning Commission (November 2023)

Planning Commission hearing and recommendation to City Council on the proposed Adoption Draft Housing Element

11
Revised Housing Element to City Council (December 2023)

Staff presented the Revised Housing Element to City Council for adoption. 

12
Adopted Housing Element to HCD (December 2023)

After adoption, the Housing Element was submitted to HCD for certification. 

13
Final Certification from HCD (February 2024)

HCD determined the adopted Housing Element was in substantial compliance with State Housing Element Law and the 2023-2031 Housing Element is certified

Frequently Asked Questions

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