State finds City of San Jose housing plan in compliance

California Construction News staff writer

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has certified San Jose’s 2023-2031 Housing Element, declaring it in substantial compliance with state regulations.

Since 1969, the state has required cities to update the housing element of their general plan every eight years, however, due to the housing crisis the latest cycle with its updated requirements is being call the most challenging.

To succeed, San José had to identify sites and strategies that could realistically accommodate its RHNA allocation of 62,200 units, including affordable housing for low-income residents. The city team first completed an assessment of fair housing strategies in the fall of 2019 and held community workshops and educational events through the summer of 2022 to hear from residents and business owners on how to fairly shape the plan.

“We’re glad to receive HCD’s stamp of approval on the Housing Element our Council adopted last June, confirming that we are in substantial compliance with state law,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “Our community is in desperate need of housing at all affordability levels — we need to grow smart, fast, and near transit.”

According to Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department Director Chris Burton, implementing the Housing Element involves more than 130 policy actions to achieve the five key goals of the Housing Element. “We’re excited to move from developing policy to implementing this important plan and laying the groundwork for more housing in our community.”