HCD accepts requests for review of potential violations from any party through the online Surplus Land Portal. Please note that if you are a private individual and do not give HCD express permission to disclose your identity, it is HCD’s practice to protect requestors’ identities from disclosure under the California Public Records Act (PRA) to the full extent authorized by the PRA. (Gov’t Code, § 7922.000; Cal. Const., Art. 1, § 1.) However:
- Even though your identity may be withheld, the PRA may require HCD to disclose the substance of your request, including your written communications with HCD (with name redacted), after the request is closed, or if a reasonable amount of time has elapsed since the date of the request.
- In some cases, it may be difficult or impossible to investigate an allegation without disclosing your identity. If that is a concern, please contact us at PublicLandsPortal@hcd.ca.gov to discuss the possibility of withdrawing your request if it later becomes necessary for maintaining your anonymity.
- Notwithstanding the above, if you are writing on behalf of a business, nonprofit, state or local agency, or state or local government official, the PRA may require HCD to disclose your name, the organization, or public office you represent, and other identifying information. Although organizations and public figures enjoy fewer privacy protections than private individuals under state law, HCD recognizes the importance of whistleblower anonymity. If you represent an entity that risks negative consequences for reporting housing accountability issues, it is HCD’s practice to protect your identifying information from PRA disclosure unless specific circumstances create a greater public interest in disclosure. HCD evaluates these circumstances on a case-by-case basis. (Gov’t Code, § 7922.000.)
- In rare cases, HCD may be compelled to disclose a requestor's identity during legal proceedings that may or may not include the requestor as a party.
If you have any concerns about confidentiality of your request, please contact us at PublicLandsPortal@hcd.ca.gov and a representative of HCD will be available to advise you.
To submit a request for assistance, visit HCD’s Surplus Land Portal.
Send mail requests to:
David Zisser, Assistant Deputy Director
Department of Housing and Community Development
Division of Housing Policy Development
651 Bannon Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95811