Housing Element

The housing element is one of the seven mandated elements of the local government’s general plan. The West Sacramento City Council is required to adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan for the physical development of the city. Housing element law, enacted in 1969, mandates that local governments adequately plan to meet the existing and projected housing needs of all economic segments of the community. The City’s current Housing Element was adopted by the City Council on October 8, 2008. California law acknowledges that, in order for the private market to adequately address housing needs and demand, local governments must adopt land use plans and regulatory systems which 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. Housing element law also requires the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) review local housing elements for compliance with State law and to report its written findings to the local government.