Regional Housing Needs Assessment
What is RHNA?
The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is mandated by State Housing Law as part of the periodic process of updating local housing elements of the General Plan. RHNA quantifies the need for housing within each jurisdiction during specified planning periods.
In March 2021, SCAG adopted its 6th cycle RHNA allocation plan, which covers the planning period October 2021 through October 2029. For the 6th cycle, SCAG received a need of 1,341,827 housing units, which was distributed to all 197 SCAG jurisdictions.
- Final RHNA Methodology (Updated 3/5/20)
- Final RHNA Methodology Data Appendix (Updated 3/5/20)
- HCD Final Regional Housing Need Determination
- 6th Cycle Final RHNA Allocation Plan
- Public Information and Input Session on RHNA reform
- RHNA Reform Powerpoint
- RHNA Reform Technical Working Group PowerPoint
- RHNA Reform Outreach Presentation
- Click here
- Read more
Housing Element Support
6th Cycle Housing Element Adoption
Sixth cycle housing elements are due to HCD by October 15, 2021. Jurisdictions are to submit housing elements directly to HCD through their submittal process — HCD is required to provide comments on submitted draft housing elements within 60 days of submittal. To ensure adequate time for HCD review and any needed changes, it is recommended that jurisdictions submit their draft housing elements well in advance of the 60 days prior to the October deadline.
Jurisdictions that do not have an adopted and compliant housing element by the October deadline may be ineligible to apply for local funding opportunities, including the Permanent Local Housing Allocation/Senate Bill 2 grant anticipated in December 2021. View HCD’s Housing Element Compliance Fact Sheet detailing consequences of housing element compliance and non-compliance, accountability and enforcement.
6th Cycle Housing Element Update Resources
To comply with state housing law, jurisdictions within California must update their housing element every eight (8) years. In collaboration with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), SCAG has developed a variety of resources to assist local jurisdictions. These data are available as complete reports as well as in raw format. HCD has certified the local housing data and ADU Affordability Analyses for local use in the housing element.
Regional Early Action Planning
SCAG was awarded $47 million in Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) funding from Assembly Bill (AB) 101 to provide housing planning and process improvement services to cities and counties.
Sustainable Communities Strategies Integration
The Sustainable Communities Program (SCP) – Housing and Sustainable Development (HSD)
The Sustainable Communities Program (SCP) – Housing and Sustainable Development (HSD) will provide resources and direct technical assistance to approximately 25 jurisdictions to complete local planning efforts that both accelerate housing production as well as enable implementation of the Sustainable Communities Strategy of Connect SoCal. For this cycle, the HSD program is funded by Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) grant funds.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Planning and Development
Changes in state law in recent years have increased the potential for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to support increased housing supply. New laws have addressed barriers to their implementation at scale, for example: setting development criteria for ADUs, streamlined processing, and limiting impact fees.
Technical Assistance & Resources
Agencies and Organizations
California Department of Housing and Community Development HCD is responsible for reviewing local housing element updates and providing comments in accordance with State housing law.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.