October 2025

Improve and Conserve the Existing Housing Stock

Conserve and improve the condition of the existing affordable housing stock, which may include addressing ways to mitigate the loss of dwelling units demolished by public or private action (Government Code Section 65583.(c)(4)).

Sample Program

Sample Program Format

Description of the specific actions, jurisdiction’s specific role in implementation and demonstration of commitment to implement
Objectives: (Quantified, where possible)
Responsible Agency: 
Timeline: 
Funding Source(s): (Where appropriate)

Policy and Program Options

Improvement

  • Coordinate code enforcement. Code enforcement programs should be coordinated with utility, housing code inspection, and rehabilitation programs to effectively utilize funding resources, efficiently ensure safe homes, and avoid displacement.
  • Create rehabilitation programs. Regularly seek funding or continue to fund existing repair and rehabilitation programs for ownership, rental and mobilehome parks. Funding resources may include Community Development Block Grants, HOME, etc.
  • Maintain single-room occupancy units.

Legal Action

The HAU is committed to collaborating with local jurisdictions and providing technical assistance whenever possible but will take enforcement action when necessary. In partnership with the Attorney General’s Office, HCD has filed lawsuits, secured stipulated judgments and settlement agreements, and filed an amicus brief. HCD will continue to hold local jurisdictions accountable when they fail to comply with state housing laws.

Enforcement Process

HCD may initiate review of an issue based on information contained within a housing element, annual progress report, stakeholder comment letter, phone call, email, news article, or additional source. During its review, HCD may consult with any local government, agency, group, or person.

Enforcement Authority

In 2017, several bills, including Assembly Bill (AB) 72, were signed to strengthen and clarify existing laws, and to increase accountability and enforcement to better address the housing needs of Californians. HCD's authority was expanded in 2021 by AB 215 and in 2023 by AB 434. As a result, HCD has the authority to enforce the state housing laws below.

Assist in the Development of Housing

Assist in the development of adequate housing to meet the needs of extremely low-, very low-, low-, and moderate-income households (Government Code Section 65583(c)(2)).

Required Components of Programs

Photo of modern apartment building

Analysis of Consistency with General Plan and Coastal Zone Requirements

Government Code Section 65300.5 states: “In construing the provisions of this article, the Legislature intends that the general plan and elements and parts thereof comprise an integrated, internally consistent and compatible statement of policies for the adopting agency.” The element shall include a statement of the community’s goals, quantified objectives and policies relative to the maintenance, preservation, improvement and development of housing, (Government Code Section 65583(b)).

Provide Equal Housing Opportunities

Promote housing opportunities for all persons regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, color, familial status, or disability (Government Code Section 65583(c)(5)).

Sample Programs

Sample Program Format

Description of the specific actions, jurisdiction’s specific role in implementation and demonstration of commitment to implement
Objectives: (Quantified, where possible)
Responsible Agency: 
Timeline: 
Funding Source(s): (Where appropriate)

Sample Program 1

The city will contract with the Fair Housing Council to provide fair housing services to its residents and property owners. Services will include:

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