Housing Element

The Housing Element is one of seven required elements of the General Plan. Lafayette last updated its Housing Element in 2015 and is required by state law to do so every eight years. In 2021, the General Plan Advisory Committee initiated planning efforts for the next Housing Element, which will span 2023-2031.

The single most important goal of the Housing Element is to achieve an adequate supply of safe, decent housing for all residents of Lafayette. In order to meet this goal, the policies and programs of the Housing Element address several major issues:

Maintaining and preserving the existing housing stock
Retaining the character of Lafayette's residential neighborhoods
Meeting the City's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA)
Providing additional affordable housing, particularly for senior citizens and young families

Second HCD Comment Letter

Lafayette submitted its City-Council-adopted 6th Cycle Housing Element to the State of California’s Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on January 31, 2023. On March 29, the City received HCD’s review letter finding that “the adopted element addresses many statutory requirements; however, revisions will be necessary to comply with State Housing Element Law.” City staff and its consultants continue to work closely with HCD to ensure timely completion and ultimate certification of the City’s Housing Element. Be sure to sign up for e-notifications for the “General Plan update” to be notified when meetings are scheduled to discuss the Housing and Safety Elements

Third HCD Comment Letter

Lafayette submitted its Revised 6th Cycle Housing Element to the State of California’s Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on December 14, 2023, in response to comments received in March 2023. On February 12, 2024, the City received HCD’s third review letter, HCD’s third review letter finding that “the revised draft element addresses many statutory requirements; however, revisions will be necessary to substantially comply with State Housing Element Law.” The City is seeking HCD’s timely assistance to clarify any deficiencies and identify concrete actions that will allow HCD to deem the City’s further revisions substantially compliant with State law. Be sure to sign up for e-notifications for the “General Plan update” to be notified when meetings are scheduled to discuss the Housing Element.

The May 2024 Revised Draft Housing Element is Available for Public Review from MAY 3rd to MAY 10th.

The City Council discussed revisions to the Housing Element Update on March 11, 2024, March 25, 2024, and April 22, 2024. At this last meeting, the Council directed staff to make final revisions, publish the May 2024 Revised Draft Housing Element, circulate it for a 7-day statutory public review period, and then submit it to HCD for formal review. Click here to view the May 2024 Revised Draft Housing Element

Use the tiles below to explore specific topics related to the Housing Element and its update process