HCD Says Housing Element Update Requires Revision

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.” 

Over the last several years, the State legislature has adopted expansive new requirements Housing Elements, making the development of these important plans more complex, more time-consuming, and more costly. The City has been working on the Housing Element since the formation of the General Plan Advisory Committee in 2020, holding a variety of public engagement activities, with more to come. Of the 109 jurisdictions in the region with the same January 31, 2023 deadline for submission, only 13 have been deemed in compliance by HCD. City staff and its consultants continue to work closely with HCD to ensure a timely completion and ultimate certification of the City’s Housing Element.

For more information, read the staff report for item 12.A on the April 10, 2023 City Council agenda or visit www.planlafayette.org or www.lovelafayette.org/housing-element