Balancing Local Control: Challenges in Housing and Community Development

As a county supervisor, I've grappled with the complexities posed by California's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements, mandated by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)—notably known as rezoning locally. While the intention to address housing needs is commendable, the state's approach of dictating land use policies to local jurisdictions presents significant challenges and raises concerns regarding local autonomy.

You may be aware that the state is requiring the county to rezone properties within the unincorporated areas to aid in the development of affordable housing. The requirement is to allow for 20-30 units per acre in density, which means a 10-acre parcel could hold up to 240-300 multi-family units.

The RHNA process imposes housing targets on each region, irrespective of local land use regulations, infrastructure capacities or community preferences. This one-size-fits-all approach undermines the principle of local control and ignores the unique characteristics and priorities of individual counties like Placer. As a result, we find ourselves in the difficult position of reconciling state mandates with the needs and values of our communities.

Moreover, the cost of housing development in California, compounded by stringent regulations and high construction expenses, poses a significant barrier to meeting RHNA goals. The state's focus on affordable housing fails to acknowledge the challenges above and expects local jurisdictions to just “figure it out.”

Another challenge arises from the limited availability of appropriate developable land in the unincorporated areas, and the competing demands for its use. Placer County must balance the accommodation of growth with the preservation of open spaces, natural resources, and the character of our neighborhoods. However, state mandates like RHNA often overlook these considerations, leading to conflicts between regional targets and local land use objectives.

Furthermore, the regulatory hurdles and bureaucratic processes associated with housing development exacerbate the challenges faced by local jurisdictions. Rather than empowering communities to devise tailored solutions that align with their unique circumstances, the state's top-down approach stifles innovation and impedes local decision-making processes.

In light of these challenges, I’ve been exploring alternative strategies to help maintain local control and autonomy. I’m seeking any opportunities we may have as a county for greater flexibility and discretion in land use planning, allowing us to tailor housing policies to suit the needs and preferences of our residents. In my conversations with HCD, our state lobbyist, and others, it’s clear we have many hurdles to overcome.

I’m in favor of more viable options including prioritizing infill development, encouraging adaptive reuse of existing structures, and promoting mixed-use projects that enhance the vitality of our communities without sacrificing current residential agriculture zoning. By leveraging existing assets and maximizing the efficient use of land, we can accommodate growth in a sustainable and responsible manner while respecting the principles of local governance.

It’s important that we as a county actively engage with state legislators, policymakers and advocacy groups to voice our concerns and advocate for legislative reforms that empower local jurisdictions to play a more significant role in decision-making processes related to housing and community development. This includes supporting legislation that provides greater flexibility in meeting RHNA targets, acknowledging the diversity of housing needs across regions, and respecting the authority of local governments to make land use decisions that align with the preferences of their residents.

I also believe we can affect meaningful change at the state level and ensure that future housing policies are more responsive to the needs and realities of local communities by working together. I’m committed to seeking opportunities to collaborate with other local jurisdictions and communities to identify a platform of such changes.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on this ever-evolving challenge, and if you have innovative ideas or potential solutions that may help, please contact my office. I’m open to any and all solutions that might help us maintain local control.

Shanti Landon
Placer County Supervisor, District 2