The State Certifies the City’s Adopted 2023-2031 Housing Element

On February 13, 2024, the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) informed the City that the City’s adopted Housing Element is in substantial compliance with state law. The City submitted the 2023-2031 Housing Element for state approval on December 21, 2023, following its adoption by City Council on December 12, 2023. 

The Housing Element is a state-mandated part of the City’s General Plan and identifies how the city will accommodate its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 8,001 units at different levels of affordability and affirmatively further fair housing across the community. 

The City’s 2023-2031 Housing Element analysis shows that the City has the capacity to accommodate its share of the RHNA without the need to rezone parcels for higher density. With this finding from HCD, the City will no longer be accepting project applications under the Builder’s Remedy provisions in the Housing Accountability Act.

“This is a significant milestone and is a document that the community can be proud of. Special thanks to our dedicated Planning Division and City Attorney's Office staff, the Planning Commission, and the City Council for their tireless efforts over the past several years.” Allison De Busk, City Planner

“This document provides the City with a solid foundation for new programs that will help us meet our affordability and housing needs.  We’re pleased to have it certified – it’s been a long and challenging process with the state’s review and new requirements.  We’re eager to work with the community on implementation and construction of much needed housing.” Community Development Director Elias Isaacson

The final adopted and certified 2023-2031 Housing Element is posted at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/HEU. City staff can now look forward to implementing the essential programs to meet the community’s housing needs throughout this cycle of the Housing Element.