Escalon 2023 Housing Element Update
The City of Escalon has undertaken a comprehensive update of the Housing Element within the framework of Escalon's General Plan, ensuring preparedness to address future housing needs. As per California State law, each city and county, including Escalon, is mandated to revise its Housing Element to meet specific requirements and submit the updated element to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). A major component of this update is the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment ("RHNA"), in which the State estimates each region's housing needs for all income groups.
If you have specific questions or would like to be added to the contact list for the Housing Element Update, please email [email protected] to stay informed about opportunities to participate in the Housing Element Update.
Escalon's Initial HCD Draft Documents - Housing Element
Escalon HCD Review Draft Housing Element (2023-12-29)
Escalon HCD Review Draft Background Report, Fair Housing Assessment & Appendices (2023-12-29)
Public Involvement
We want to hear from you! Please take this brief survey that addresses important Housing Element update topics.
Understanding the Housing Element
According to State law, the Housing Element must:
- Formulate objectives, policies, quantified goals, and scheduled initiatives to preserve, enrich, and develop housing.
- Identify and assess existing and projected housing demands for all economic segments within the community.
- Specify suitable sites that are appropriately zoned and available over an 8-year housing cycle, catering to the city's equitable portion of regional housing needs across income levels.
- Attain certification from the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for compliance with state regulations.
- Maintain internal harmony with other components of the General Plan, a prerequisite for a legally sound General Plan.
Escalon's Fair Share of RHNA
In line with the San Joaquin Council of Governments Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) methodology, Escalon's equitable portion of the regional housing demand is projected to encompass 367 new housing units. This includes a minimum of 90 units for very-low-income residents (below 50% of the Area Median Income), 56 units for low-income individuals (50%-80% of AMI), 66 units for moderate-income households (80% to 120% of AMI), with the remainder constituting market-rate units free of income restrictions.
Housing Element Update Timeline
The City is moving forward with an ambitious timeline for achieving State compliance of the Housing Element—a local agency requirement to plan for its share of the state’s housing needs for people of all income levels—as close to the statutory deadline of December 31, 2023 as possible. The City hosted public workshops on October 2 and November 6, 2023 with the Planning Commission and City Council. The Housing Element was made available for 30 days of public review starting November 15, 2023, including a community workshop on December 4, 2023. An initial draft was transmitted to HCD for 90-day review on December 29, 2023, with comments due back from the State on March 28, 2024. Ultimately, the Planning Commission and City Council will adopt the Plan. Once adopted, there is a subsequent 60-day review of a draft by the State department responsible for the Housing Elements. Public comment is welcomed at every stage of the process through the workshops and public meetings, community survey listed above, and any time at [email protected].
Documents
2019 Adopted Housing Element