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SB 262

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2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Russ Goodman and 7 co-sponsors

SB 262 incentivizes California cities to adopt prohousing policies, boosting funding for housing projects and improving availability and affordability for residents.

Senate Read and Referred
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Bill Summary · SB 262

Summary of SB 262: Housing Element and Prohousing Designations

Bill Number: SB 262
Introduced: February 3, 2025
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 513, Statutes of 2025.
Author: Wahab
Subject: Housing element, prohousing designations, prohousing local policies

Purpose and Intent

SB 262 aims to enhance California's housing policies by incentivizing local jurisdictions to adopt "prohousing local policies." The bill seeks to address the housing crisis by encouraging cities and counties to create environments conducive to housing development and preservation. It emphasizes the importance of keeping residents housed and provides a framework for jurisdictions to receive additional support from state programs.

Key Provisions

  • Definition Expansion: The bill expands the definition of "prohousing local policies" to include policies that actively keep people housed. This includes a variety of local strategies aimed at facilitating housing development and reducing barriers to housing access.

  • Incentives for Compliance: Jurisdictions that adopt housing elements compliant with state requirements and implement prohousing local policies will receive additional points or preferences in scoring applications for state housing and infrastructure programs. This includes:

    • Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program
    • Transformative Climate Communities Program
    • Infill Incentive Grant Program
    • Infill Infrastructure Grant Program

  • Emergency Regulations: The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is tasked with designating jurisdictions as prohousing through emergency regulations, which will be reported annually to relevant agencies.

  • Additional Examples of Prohousing Policies: The bill provides a non-exhaustive list of examples of prohousing local policies, including:

    • Local financial incentives for housing
    • Reduced parking requirements
    • Zoning for residential and mixed-use development
    • Adoption of accessory dwelling unit ordinances
    • Safe parking and camping programs for individuals experiencing homelessness

Impact

  • Local Jurisdictions: Cities and counties that adopt prohousing policies will benefit from enhanced scoring in state funding applications, potentially leading to increased financial support for housing projects.

  • Residents: The bill aims to improve housing availability and affordability, directly impacting residents by promoting policies that prevent displacement and support those experiencing homelessness.

  • State Programs: The bill aligns state housing initiatives with local efforts, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing California's housing challenges.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was approved by the Governor on October 10, 2025, and is now part of California law.
  • It incorporates changes to Section 65589.9 of the Government Code, which will be operative only if this bill and Assembly Bill 36 are enacted together.

Conclusion

SB 262 represents a significant step towards addressing California's housing crisis by incentivizing local governments to adopt policies that facilitate housing development and support residents at risk of displacement. By aligning local actions with state goals, the bill aims to create a more robust and inclusive housing framework across California.

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

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