Housing development program approved for Placer County for 15 sites, including North Lake Tahoe. Photo courtesy of Placer County

AUBURN, CA (MPG) - The Placer County Board of Supervisors took action today to adopt an amendment to the county’s 2021-29 Housing Element, which includes 15 rezoned sites and related programs to accommodate a state mandate for higher-density housing.

Placer County’s Planning Division has been working for the past two years to update the county’s Housing Element, a document that outlines the county’s housing goals, policies and objectives.

Tuesday’s board action to adopt the amendment to the Housing Element was accompanied by an action to determine that all components of the amendment are within the scope of analysis outlined by the program’s environmental impact report.

“Today’s action marks the final step in our process of implementing Housing Element Program 1 and meeting the county’s state-mandated obligation to meet a shortfall of affordable housing,” Planning Director Chris Pahule said. “I’m proud of our team for meeting the state’s deadlines and keeping Placer County in compliance with the Department of Housing and Community Development.”

California requires counties and cities throughout the state to update their Housing Element for increased housing production, particularly affordable housing. Placer County is complying with these requirements through the creation of a zoning designation that allows up to 30 units per acre.

After a series of public hearings and workshops, the board took action in May 2024 to approve 15 sites – two of them county-owned – to rezone and remain in compliance with the state’s mandate to accommodate 3,409 lower-income housing units.

Jurisdictions that fall out of compliance could face stiff penalties from the state, including the loss of local land-use authority, and financial fines.