Housing 101

The Housing Element is one of the eight required elements of the General Plan and the only element required to be approved (“certified”) by the State. The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has the legal authority to review and certify housing elements.

ABAG Housing Elements are due to be adopted January 31, 2023. Since 1969, State law requires that California local governments (cities and counties) update their Housing Elements every 8 years according to a legally mandated schedule.