San Rafael, CA –Marin County has been notified that its 2015-2023 Housing Element, which outlines a comprehensive plan for future housing, has been certified by the State of California and found to be in compliance with state housing element law.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) reviewed the 2015-2023 Housing Element that was adopted on December 9, 2014, by the Marin County Board of Supervisors and submitted to the State HCD. On March 20, 2015, HCD notified the County of its certification, meaning that Marin remains eligible for funds that serve local transportation needs.
All towns, cities and counties in California must deliver a plan every eight years to meet existing and planned housing needs according to state law. Marin’s 2015-2023 Housing Element shows how a range of housing choices can be provided to accommodate diversity of incomes, lifestyles and workforce needs, even in a slow-growing county such as Marin. The Housing Element identifies sites appropriately zoned for future housing development in unincorporated Marin, including emergency shelter and transitional units.
“This Housing Element reflects an inclusive, community-minded vision for how we address housing needs in keeping with the values and priorities that have made Marin such a wonderful place to live,” said Katie Rice, Marin County Board of Supervisors President.
The issues in the document were publicly presented and discussed at countywide and community levels throughout 2014. According to the County’s Community Development Agency, the update will help balance housing options in Marin while maintaining the integrity of existing land-use regulations, open space, distinctive small town centers and green hillside community separators.
In its certification letter, HCD said it was pleased to find Marin’s Housing Element in full compliance with state law. “The Department wishes Marin County success in implementing its Housing Element and looks forward to following its progress through the General Plan annual progress reports,” wrote HCD Assistant Deputy Director Glen Campora.