The Surplus Land Act (SLA) (Gov. Code, §§ 54220-54234) aims to make local public land that is no longer needed for government purposes available for building affordable homes.
Local agencies (cities, counties, special districts, and certain other entities) must send notices about available, surplus local public land to all the following:
- HCD
- Any local public entity within the jurisdiction where the surplus local land is located
- Developers who have notified HCD of their interest in developing affordable housing on surplus local public land
Prior to agreeing to terms to dispose of surplus property, local agencies must send a description of notices of availability sent, and negotiations conducted, in addition to a copy of any restrictions to be recorded against the property, to HCD for review using HCD forms.
Pursuant to Government Code section 54230.5, subdivision (b)(2), HCD has published guidelines for the Surplus Land Act. The final Updated Surplus Land Act (SLA) Guidelines were published on August 1, 2024.
All SLA inquiries and documentation including surplus land dispositions, SLA exemptions, Notices of Availability (NOAs), requests for technical assistance (ex. draft resolution review, legal questions), and SLA complaints must be submitted to HCD via the portal. Click the link to create an account. An account is not required to submit an SLA complaint.
Notices of Available Locally-Owned Surplus Land Map
Explore surplus local public land that may be suitable for affordable housing development.
Notices of Available Locally-Owned Surplus Land MapView updated data on SLA outcomes since the implementation of AB 1486, including HCD's technical assistance to local agencies and the number of housing units unlocked through these actions.
Technical assistance and enforcement letters are available to the public. A report of all letters issued is organized by jurisdiction, date, and subject matter (e.g., Housing Element Law, Fair Housing, Surplus Land Act, etc.).
Important resources for cities, counties, or special districts including surplus/excess land inventory requirements
Important resources for developers interested in purchasing or leasing surplus local land for affordable housing development