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SB 340

General plans: housing element: emergency shelter.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Catherine Blakespear and 1 co-sponsor

SB 340 requires California local governments to enhance emergency shelters by ensuring adequate sites and onsite services, improving support for homeless individuals.

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 514, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · SB 340

Summary of SB 340: General Plans: Housing Element: Emergency Shelter

Bill Number: SB 340
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 514, Statutes of 2025.
Author: Laird
Subject: General Plans, Emergency Shelter, Housing Element

Purpose and Intent

SB 340 aims to enhance the housing element of general plans in California by mandating local governments to improve the provision of emergency shelters. The bill seeks to ensure that cities and counties not only identify adequate sites for emergency shelters but also enhance the services provided at these facilities to better support homeless individuals.

Key Provisions

  1. Housing Element Requirements:

    • Local governments must prepare a housing element that identifies adequate sites for various types of housing, including emergency shelters.
    • The housing element must assess housing needs and inventory resources and constraints relevant to meeting these needs.

  2. Emergency Shelter Definition:

    • The definition of "emergency shelter" is modified to include housing with supportive services for homeless persons, limited to occupancy of six months or less.

  3. Onsite Services:

    • Emergency shelters must provide all services onsite, including the addition or expansion of services that align with written, objective standards.

  4. Zoning Designations:

    • Local governments are required to identify zoning designations that allow emergency shelters as a permitted use without needing a conditional use or discretionary permit.
    • Each local government must ensure that at least one year-round emergency shelter can be accommodated within its zoning designations.

  5. Objective Standards for Emergency Shelters:

    • Emergency shelters will be subject to specific written, objective standards regarding:
      • Maximum occupancy
      • Parking requirements
      • Size and location of waiting and intake areas
      • Onsite management
      • Proximity to other emergency shelters
      • Length of stay
      • Security and lighting

  6. State-Mandated Local Program:

    • The bill imposes a state-mandated local program, requiring local agencies to comply with the new standards and potentially incurring costs.

  7. Reimbursement for Costs:

    • If the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill imposes costs on local agencies, the state will reimburse those costs according to established procedures.

Impact

  • Local Governments: Cities and counties will need to revise their general plans to comply with the new requirements, potentially leading to increased administrative and operational costs.
  • Homeless Individuals: The bill aims to improve the quality and availability of emergency shelters, thereby enhancing support for homeless individuals and facilitating their transition to self-sufficiency.
  • Community Services: The requirement for onsite services may lead to better coordination among service providers and improved outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Timeline

  • Chaptered: October 10, 2025
  • Legislative Process: The bill underwent multiple readings, amendments, and committee reviews before being approved by the Governor.

SB 340 represents a significant step towards addressing homelessness in California by ensuring that local governments take a proactive approach in their housing plans, particularly in the provision of emergency shelters and associated services.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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