Policy: Housing Element
The Housing Element is a state mandated component of every local governments’ general plan, that must be updated every 8 years. We are currently in the 6th cycle of housing element updates. Every local government in the San Francisco Bay Area was required by update their Housing Element by January 31, 2023. The Housing Element requires each jurisdiction to plan for a state-determined number of housing units (called the Regional Housing Needs Allocation or the RHNA). HCD, a state level agency, must certify that the Housing Element meets state law.
Historically, there were few consequences for jurisdictions out of compliance with Housing Element law. That has changed due to the current housing crisis. Jurisdictions out of compliance may be subject to a number consequences, including being subject to the “Builder’s Remedy” (a law that removes jurisdictions abilities to deny some development proposals) and streamlined approval processes under SB 423.
Learn About Housing Elements
Housing Element Update – Dec 2023
Another important date in the housing element process is just around the corner. Jurisdictions that did not have their housing elements certified by May 31, 2023 must have all housing…
Housing Element Tracker
Every local government in the San Francisco Bay Area was required by law to update their Housing Element by January 31, 2023. The Housing Element requires each jurisdiction to plan…
City of San Rafael – San Rafael Housing Element Submitted to the State
In June this year (2023) San Rafael resubmitted their Housing Element to HCD following requests from the state to make some revisions. Read more and track the Housing Element here.
Housing Elements Resources & Links
Click to see a list of resources, including a video with a quick primer on Housing Elements (made by Carlsbad, but equally applicable to Marin), MEHC’s Housing Element Primer, and the State RHNA progress report.
Jurisdiction | RHNA (Housing units required) | HCD Status |
Belvedere | 160 | Out of compliance |
Corte Madera | 725 | Certified |
Fairfax | 490 | Certified |
Larkspur | 979 | Out of compliance |
Marin County | 3,569 | Certified |
Mill Valley | 865 | Certified |
Novato | 2,090 | Out of compliance |
Ross | 111 | Out of compliance |
San Anselmo | 833 | Certified |
San Rafael | 3,220 | Certified |
Sausalito | 724 | Certified |
Tiburon | 639 | Certified |
Housing Element News
- Marin IJ: Fairfax Housing Element is certified by the state
April 11, 2024Fairfax, Housing Element, Housing News, Policy - Marin IJ: Fairfax is Close to State Certification of its Housing Element
March 12, 2024Fairfax, Housing Element, Housing News, Policy - Marin IJ: Mill Valley Begins Process To Rezone for New Housing
January 26, 2024Mill Valley, Housing Element, Housing News - Marin IJ: Sausalito's Housing Element Environmental Report is Released
January 24, 2024Sausalito, Housing Element, Housing News - CalMatters: State Deadlines for Housing Rezoning Implementation Are Approaching
January 25, 2024Marin County Unincorporated, Housing Element, Housing News, MEHC Quoted - Marin IJ: Mill Valley's Housing Element Approved By State
January 12, 2024Mill Valley, Housing Element, Housing News