The proposed amendments emphasize the need for detailed assessments of housing needs and the documentation of resources and constraints relating to housing development. The bill specifies that local governments have a duty to recognize and plan for the housing requirements of extremely low, low-, and moderate-income households. This means local plans must involve adequate zoning to facilitate the development of diverse housing types including emergency shelters, supportive housing, and affordable rental units.
Summary
Senate Bill 446 aims to amend section 65583 of the Government Code concerning housing elements within local government general plans. The bill dictates that each city, county, or city and county must prepare and adopt a general plan that encompasses a housing element. This housing element must identify both existing and projected housing needs for various economic segments of the community, ensuring adequate housing availability through suitable site identification and development plans.
Contention
There are concerns regarding the enforceability of local government obligations under this bill. If local agencies fail to meet the requirements for zoning or housing site availability, they face restrictions on disapproving housing projects that comply with established standards. Some local governments may view this as an imposition on their planning autonomy, raising debates over local control versus state mandates aimed at addressing housing shortages.