Big news! We’ve added new housing program data - check them out under “Housing Programs” on each city page.
Housing programs are the strategies that cities and counties legally have at their disposal to produce more and preserve existing affordable housing, as well as protect existing residents from getting displaced from their homes and communities.
Local housing programs, as part of a housing element, have significant impacts on a city or county reaching its affordable housing goals. Each additional housing policy has a significant impact on the residents who are most in need of affordable housing. However, the number of programs that a jurisdiction includes in their housing element is not meant to imply how well a city or county is addressing local housing needs since the quality and impact of each will need to be determined as well.
Use the below data to explore this jurisdiction’s approaches to affirmatively furthering fair housing for the 6th element cycle, and review the actions, deliverables, and deadlines committed to for each program.
PROGRAM NUMBER | ACTIONS | DELIVERABLE | DELIVERABLE DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | The City shall continue to review housing needs, conditions, achievements, and challenges as part of the City’s regular annual reporting to the Planning Commission and City Council and Annual Housing Element Progress Report, as required by State law. | Submit the Annual Progress Report to the State Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research by April 1st of each year | Annually |
| B | The City shall continue to work with the Regional Transportation Planning Committees (TRANSPAC/ TRANSPLAN) and the other transportation sub- regions to limit potential traffic congestion created through new development by notifying TRANSPAC when new housing development proposals generate 100 or more peak hour trips per day, as required by the Congestion Management Authority. | Ongoing coordination with regional transportation agencies | Ongoing |
| C | The City shall prepare a sites inventory and suitability analysis that identifies suitable sites for housing development that allows targeted income housing developers to have a clear idea of what sites are suitable for meeting the Regional Housing Needs of the City. The City shall monitor housing production and rezone parcels as necessary to maintain adequate sites for housing for all income categories throughout the planning period, in compliance with the “no net loss” provisions of Government Code Sec. 65863. The City shall maintain an inventory of parcels meeting the requirements of Government Code Section 65583.2(c); that is, vacant sites identified in two or more consecutive housing elements or non- vacant sites identified in a prior housing element, that are identified to accommodate housing for lower income households. This inventory shall be made available online. The City shall rezone parcels to meet the RHNA shortfall, as identified within the sites inventory analysis in the Housing Needs Assessment, including 7.0 acres to Mixed Use Very High Density (70-100) and 5.8 acres to Mixed Use High Density (40-70) toprovide capacity for 548 lower-income units thoughunderutilized sites, and 9.95 acres of vacant land to Multi-family Residential High Density (30-40 du/ac) to provide capacity for 298 lower-income units in low- density higher resource areas. Zoning for the two vacant parcels proposed for rezone shall require a minimum number of units be developed on each site based on site acreage and minimum density requirements, including a minimum requirement of 196 units on the Morello Terraces site and 102 units on the Paso Nogal site.At least 50 percent of the lower-income need shall be accommodated on sites designated for residential use only or on sites zoned for mixed uses that accommodate all of the very low and low-income housing need, if those sites: allow 100 percent residential use, and require residential uses occupy 50 percent of the total floor area of a mixed use project.Lower-income sites included in the sites inventory with a proposed zoning change to meet the RHNA shortfall, as well as vacant sites identified in two previous housing elements and non-vacant sites identified in the previous housing element, shall be rezoned, incompliance with Govt. Code Section 65583.2(h) and (i), to: permit owner-occupied and rental multifamily uses by-right (without discretionary approval) for developments in which 20 percent or more of the units are affordable to lower income households. accommodate a minimum of 16 units per site; and require a minimum density of 20 units per acre. The City shall consider AFFH in the identification of sites within the inventory and will work to provide sites that proactively work to overcome concentrations of lower- and moderate-income earning populations on the eastern portion of the city.The City shall, in accordance with SB 6 (2019), submit an electronic copy of the sites inventory to the Department of Housing and Community Development. This inventory will also be made available to interested developers. | Identify housing sites suitable to accommodate: Very low income: 566 units Low income: 326 units Moderate income 254 units Above Moderate income: 657 units Total: 1,803 units A publicly visible inventory of available sites by 2023 Biennially engage with private and non-profit housing providers to promote available parcels appropriate for development that can accommodate low-income and/or moderate-income Through consideration of AFFH in the sites inventory process, as well as engagement with developers, actively encourage development of new affordable housing in low- density highest opportunity areas,high opportunity areas, as well as in moderate opportunity areas in the central and western portions of the city where fair housing issues are less concentrated (higher resource areas) | Publicly-visible inventory: by 2023 Rezone to meet shortfall: within one year of the statutory deadline (by January 31, 2024). Engagement with developers on lower- and moderate-income sites: biennially |
| D | The City shall work with the County and neighboring cities to increase the opportunity to jointly develop affordable housing, particularly in higher resource areas. | Contact County and surrounding cities on an annual basis to explore opportunities for coordination on affordable housing Support regional efforts to obtain funding for affordable housing Update TCAC Opportunity diagrams as new data is released. Present data to regional partners to encourage the development of new housing in higher resource areas | Annually |
| E | The City shall, in accordance with AB 1486 (2019) and AB 1255 (2019), annually identify and inventory a list of sites owned by the City, county, or State that have been sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of in the prior year. This inventory shall be publicly available and be included in the Housing Element annual report presented to the City Council and submitted to HCD. There are currently (2022) no surplus public lands in the Planning Area. | Public-facing inventory of surplus publicly-owned lands | Ongoing |
| F | To increase density and housing options in low density residential areas as well as along commercial corridors, the City shall update the General Plan, Municipal Code and Zoning Map as follows: Add a new Mangini Delu-Residential designation and corresponding zone that will allow residential densities between 4.6 and 13.0 dwelling units per acre. Add a new Mixed Use Neighborhood designation and corresponding zone that will allow residential densities between 1.3 and 20 dwelling units per acre. Add a new Mixed-Use designation and corresponding zone that will allow residential densities between 12 and 40 dwelling units per acre. Add a new Mixed-Use High-Density designation and corresponding zone that will allow residential densities between 40 and 70 dwelling units per acre. Add a new Mixed Use Very High-Density designation and corresponding zone that will allow residential densities between 70 and 100 dwelling units per acre. In order to promote housing mobility and increasing housing choices and affordability in low-density Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence (RCAAs), the City shall redesignate and rezone land in RCAAs (beyond rezones to meet the RHNA shortfall) as follows: 2.4 acres from Neighborhood Business to Mixed Use High-Density 1.5 acres from PPD to Mixed Use High- Density 0.8 acres from PAO to Mixed Use 1.4 acres from PAO to Multiple Family – Low Density 15.8 acres from PAO to Mixed Use Very High- Density 1.8 acres from Retail Business to Mixed Use 25.9 acres from R-10 to Mangini-Delu Residential 0.3 acres from R-10 to Mixed Use Neighborhood 43.3 acres from R-7 to Mixed Use 11.7 acres from R-7 to Mixed Use: Neighborhood | Update the General Plan and Municipal Code within two years of Housing Element adoption deadline Increase densities appropriately to encourage the development of new housing in low-density higher resource areas and RCAAs Provide for additional density and capacity to work to protect existing residents from displacement Redesignate and rezone parcels (beyond the RHNA) to create additional capacity for more than 2,700 units in low-density RCAAs, with a goal of encouraging the development of 500 net new multifamily units in RCAAs in the planning period | Amend the General Plan and Land Use Diagram: in 2023 (complete) Update the Municipal Code and Zoning Map: within two years of the Adoption Deadline |
| G | The City shall, in accordance with AB 1483 (2019), obtain, maintain, update, and make publicly available information related to zoning ordinances, development standards, fees, exactions, affordability requirements, fair housing laws from the Department of Housing and Community Development and State Fair Employment, and Housing Commission’s enforcement program, programs and funding sources for homeowners at risk of foreclosure, State Historic Building Code, information on energy conservation opportunities.The City shall, as appropriate, share this information on the City website and/or in hard copy form at City Hall and local library. Any changes to such information shall be made public within 30 days of changes. The City shall provide these items in English and Spanish. | Updated information is made publicly available within 30 days of changes | Ongoing |
| H | To ensure that development standards do not pose an unreasonable constraint to achieving the City’s housing objectives, the City shall continue to monitor development and report in its Annual Progress Reports required pursuant to Government Code Section 65400. The City shall evaluate development standards within the 2040 General Plan Update and subsequent Zoning Code Update and shall amend or remove any provisions that constrain the production of housing, including but not limited to height, lot coverage, parking for small units and multifamily developments, and setbacks along scenic routes. | Review and revise, as appropriate, General Plan and Zoning Code provisions by 2026 Remove identified constraints related to height, lot coverage, parking, and setbacks along scenic routes | by 2026 |
| I | The City shall encourage alternative housing types such as, duplexes, small-lot developments, small unit sizes, and single-family attached units in low density higher resource single-family zones by: A: evaluating and revising development standards, as necessary, as part of the General Plan Update process and subsequent Zoning Code Update to remove identified constraints to these housing types B: using the Objective Design and Development Standards to streamline the design review process. | Through actions A and B, encourage the development of: 24 very low-income units 24 low-income units 50 moderate-income units 50 above moderate- income units Encourage the development of new housing in low-density higher resource areas Increase capacity to work to protect existing residents from displacement | Action A: by 2024 Action B: Within three years of the adoption deadline |
| J | The City shall continue to allow manufactured housing in residential districts in accordance with applicable State and Federal laws and Sec. 18.20.090 of the zoning ordinance, and require such units to meet local standards for elements such as siding, roofing, and type of foundation, to the extent allowed by State and Federal law. | N/A | 2023-2031 |
| K | The City shall utilize mixed use zoning to encourage housing production along commercial corridors, and near employment and transportation rich areas. The City shall amend the Zoning Code to create and implement the development criteria set for mixed use development within Pleasant Hill. The City shall encourage commercial redevelopment projects in mixed use zones to consider incorporating a residential component and will incentivize projects that incorporate an affordable component. Incentives may include, but are not restricted to, an additional density bonus or height allowance, streamlined review, or direct financial or technical support. | Encourage the new construction of: 50 very low-income units 150 low-income units 150 moderate-income units 50 above moderate- income units Total: 400 units Promote increased density and expanded capacity beyond the RHNA through the expansion of mixed-use zoning to work to protect existing residents from displacement | Ongoing; Explore allowing 100 percent residential projects in mixed use zones by 2025 |
| L | The City shall continue to provide appropriate flexible parking requirements that allow shared use in locations being considered for higher-density housing development. The City currently allows (and has also approved) requests for parking reductions for all types of projects within the City. The City shall continue to consider parking reductions, as appropriate, to encourage residential development and shall also consider non-traditional parking types (tandem, stacked, etc.) The City shall consider parking reductions for special needs housing, including housing for seniors, which often have a reduced need for parking. | N/A | Ongoing |
| M | The City shall continue to apply streamlined permit processing for affordable housing developments and shall explore additional measures to expedite the affordable housing developments in the city. Planning staff shall evaluate and revise the streamlined application review process and the Objective Design and Development Standards, as appropriate, to further streamline projects that provide affordable housing. The City shall also explore the option of allowing the Zoning Administrator to grant exclusions from standards within the Objective Design and Development Standards to remove barriers to developing affordable housing based on site-specific constraints to facilitate the production of affordable, senior, special needs, or workforce housing. Building and Engineering staff will study ways to mitigate the cost of construction, for example by revising engineering standards and working with the local Fire District to allow for narrower street widths, rolled curbs and parking bays, and considering allowing use of less expensive building materials, such as plastic for storm drainage pipes, provided applicable code requirements are satisfied. | Review and revise the streamlined review process annually Review and revise, as necessary the Objective Design and Development Standards by 2028 | Review streamlined review process: annually Review Objective Design and Development Standards: by 2028 |
| N | The City shall continue to allow single-room occupancy (SRO) housing in the MRVL, MRL, MRM and MRH zoning districts consistent with Sec. 18.20.085 of the Zoning Ordinance. This type of housing can help to address the needs of very-low- and extremely-low-income households such as college students and service sector employees, and those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. | Encourage the development of: 40 SRO units (extremely low-income) | 2023-2031 |
| O | The City shall review and amend the Municipal Code, to comply with State law to: Allow low barrier navigation centers for compliance with Government Code Sections 65660 and 65668 (AB 101). Update Chapter 18.20.150 (Density Bonus) for compliance with California Government Code Sections 65915 through 65918. Permit emergency shelters without a conditional use permit or other discretionary permits in zone(s) with capacity to meet the identified need that allows residential uses, in compliance with the statutory requirements of AB 139 and AB 2339. Revise the definition of emergency shelter to include interim interventions, including, but not limited to, navigation centers, bridge housing, and respite or recuperative care in compliance with AB 2339. Reduce parking requirements for emergency shelters to only the number of spaces necessary for staff working in the shelter and no more than other uses in the same zones, in compliance with AB 139. Allow transitional and supportive housing in compliance with AB 2162 (Government Code Section 65651), including, but not limited to, allowing these uses by-right (without discretionary action) in zones where multifamily and mixed uses are permitted. Allow Accessory Dwelling Units in compliance with all recent state laws, including but not limited to, AB 3182 (2020), AB 345 (2021), AB 2221 (2022), SB 897 (2022), and AB 345 (2022). The City shall immediately contact the California Department of Housing and Community Development to identify compliance issues and shall adopt further changes to the Municipal Code to achieve full compliance with State law. Define agricultural employee housing for six or fewer employees as a single-family structure, permitted in the same manner as other dwellings of the same type in the same zone. Permit small residential care facilities (licensed and unlicensed), as well as large care facilities in all zones allowing residential uses with objectivity to facilitate approval certainty and in the same manner as residential uses of similar type and form. Remove separation requirements for residential care facilities of all sizes. | Amend the Municipal Code for compliance with State law by 2026 Identify zone(s) where emergency shelters are a permitted use in compliance with AB 139 and AB 2339, and complete the required AB 2339 capacity analysis, within two years of adoption of the Housing Element Address the lack of affordable housing types in the city by removing governmental constraints to housing production | Municipal Code Update: by 2026 Allow for emergency shelters in compliance with State law: within two years of adoption of the Housing Element |
| P | The City shall continue to facilitate the construction of ADUs and will create incentives to encourage production, particularly for units accessible to lower- income households, seniors, and those with special housing needs. Potential incentives include, but are not restricted to, fast tracking development applications, deferred or waived fees, pre-approved plans, or capping total fees and the City shall give preference to ADU projects that include a three-year lower- or moderate-income affordability agreement. The City shall monitor development trends through the planning period and shall establish additional incentives if metrics are not being met. The City shall also encourage and incentivize ADU construction in low-density zones and higher resource areas, consistent with the City’s commitment to affirmatively further fair housing. The City shall provide information and educational materials to property owners and by offering technical assistance related to the permitting process.The City shall continue to provide and update public information regarding ADUs on the City website, including a guide for homeowners explaining the benefits and procedures for adding an ADU and links to resources and incentive programs. | Address the lack of affordable housing types in the city by incentivizing the development of: 200 total ADUs 20 above moderate 60 moderate-income units 110 lower-income units 10 extremely low-income units Including: 60 ADUs by 2026 120 by 2028 200 by 2032 Incentivize the development of 80 ADUs accessible to seniors and residents with special housing needs Explore and adopt, as appropriate, additional financial incentives by 2025Encourage the development of new housing in low-density higher resource areas by providing informational materials on the City website, as well as technical assistance to 30 households primarily in higher resource area within the planning period | 2023-2031 Informational materials: by 2024 Adopt additional incentives, as necessary: by 2025 |
| Q | The City shall revise the Zoning Code to allow urban lot splits, duplexes, and other two-unit projects in single-family residential zones in accordance with Senate Bill 9. The City shall evaluate and consider adoption of SB 10 provisions that allow for up to ten units on urban- infill sites in transit rich areas. | Encourage the development of: 50 very low-income units 50 low-income units 100 moderate-income units Revise the Zoning Code by 2026. Review SB 10 provisions and hold a public meeting to consider for adoption by 2025 Increase capacity in low-density areas to proactively work to relieve displacement pressures on multifamily zones Encourage the development of new housing in higher resource areas through the use of SB 9 lot splits | 2023-2031 Zoning Code Update: by 2026 SB 10 Consideration: by 2025. |
| R | The City shall review and amend the General Plan and zoning code and applicable development standards to encourage and promote a mix of dwelling types and sizes, specifically missing middle-density housing types (e.g., triplexes, courtyard buildings, townhomes, live/work) to create a diversity of housing types and densities and increase the availability of affordable housing to reduce displacement risk for residents overpaying for housing. Specifically, the City will add new mixed-use zones and will evaluate and revise development standards such as minimum lot sizes; setback, lot coverage and building height restrictions; and required parking ratios to allow for missing middle housing types, particularly on vacant sites in high opportunity, low- density areas. | Encourage the development of: 100 low-income units 150 moderate-income units 150 above moderate- income units Revise zoning standards to encourage missing middle housing by 2026 To enhance housing mobility and housing choice, support the development of at least three missing middle housing developments between three and 40 units To enhance housing mobility, encourage the development of 50 moderate-income units in higher resource areasPromote multi-unit development in low-density zones to proactively work to relieve displacement pressures on multifamily zonesEncourage the development of new housing in higher resource areas | 2023-2031 Revise zoning standards: by 2026 |
| S | The City shall continue to provide a density bonus for development of affordable housing, as well as senior, workforce, and other special needs housing consistent with State law. The City shall provide for additional density bonuses beyond State law requirements to encourage the production of 100 percent affordable housing projects on lower-income sites in the sites inventory, including 100 percent affordable projects for those with special housing needs. | Encourage the development of: 40 very low-income units 30 low-income units 30 low-income senior units | 2023-2031 |
| T | The City shall continue to allow developers to satisfy affordable housing requirements by providing units elsewhere in high resource areas of the city (as designated by TCAC) when inclusion of affordable units within the development is not feasible, or by providing an in-lieu fee to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to be used to incentivize the production of affordable units, particularly in low-density higher resource areas. | Amend the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance to update in-lieu fees, as necessary, to reflect real costs of developing affordable housing, and to provide incentives to construct workforce housing . | 2023-2031 |