Since 1969, California has required that all local governments (cities and counties) adequately plan to meet the housing needs of everyone in the community. California’s local governments meet this requirement by adopting housing plans as part of their “general plan” (also required by the State). General plans serve as the local government’s "blueprint" for how the city and/or county will grow and develop and include seven required elements: land use, transportation, conservation, noise, open space, safety, and housing. 

The law mandating that housing be included as an element of each jurisdiction’s general plan is known as “housing-element law.” California’s housing-element law acknowledges that, in order for the private market to adequately address the housing needs and demand of Californians, local governments must adopt plans and regulatory systems that provide opportunities for (and do not unduly constrain), housing development. As a result, housing policy in California rests largely upon the effective implementation of local general plans and, in particular, local housing elements. Although the Housing Element is one of seven required elements of the general plan, it has several unique requirements that set it apart from the other six. State law (Government Code Section 65580 (et seq.)) specifies in detail the topics that the housing element must address and sets a schedule for required updates every eight years. 

The housing element is also the only element reviewed and certified by the State for compliance with State law. The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is the State department responsible for this certification. The 2023-2031 Housing Element establishes a comprehensive plan to address housing needs in Pleasant Hill over the eight-year planning period between January 31, 2023 and January 31, 2031. The Housing Element sets the community goals and policies surrounding the development, rehabilitation, and preservation of housing units to meet the needs of Pleasant Hill residents (present and throughout the planning period). 

More information on the Housing Element can be found at the following link - www.pleasanthill2040.com

The updated/revised Adopted Housing Element that was submitted to HCD can be found - HERE

The City also recently received a comment letter from HCD (dated July 31, 2023) on the updated/revised housing element, this letter can be viewed - HERE