General plan: housing elements.
If passed, AB 713 would reinforce existing compliance processes where planning agencies are mandated to provide the Department of Housing and Community Development with electronic copies of inventories detailing land suitable for residential development. This requirement particularly concerns housing elements or any amendments adopted since January 1, 2021. By ensuring that these inventories are accurate and up-to-date, the bill supports efficient land management and planning practices aimed at addressing housing shortages in California.
Assembly Bill 713, introduced by Assembly Member Alanis, is focused on the amendment of Section 65583.3 of the Government Code, primarily addressing the requirements related to housing elements within local government general plans. The bill aims to refine and clarify the existing laws that dictate how cities and counties should prepare and submit their housing elements—a critical component of their overall general plans that addresses residential development. The modifications proposed in AB 713 are characterized as nonsubstantive changes, which means that they are intended to streamline the procedures without altering the fundamental goals of the legislation.
Ultimately, AB 713 serves to enhance the existing framework for housing planning in California without imposing new burdens on local agencies. Its focus on accurate reporting and streamlined submission processes aims to create a more accountable and efficient means of progressing towards state housing objectives. However, the efficacy of these amendments in fostering meaningful change will depend on broader discussions and actions around housing strategy and enforcement across the state.
Despite its nonsubstantive nature, stakeholders may still debate the effectiveness of such changes in the context of California’s housing crisis. Proponents of AB 713 argue that clarifying the submission requirements and ensuring compliance can aid local governments in meeting housing goals. On the other hand, detractors might express concern that simply refining existing requirements does not tackle the deeper issues facing housing development in California, such as funding, infrastructure, and community opposition.