What is the Housing Element?
The Housing Element is a City’s primary planning document to address its housing needs for the future. Through goals, policies and programs in the Housing Element, the City must demonstrate that it is able to provide housing opportunities to adequately meet its housing needs for all income levels. Each jurisdiction’s Housing Element must be updated every eight years and certified by the State.
The current Vista Housing Element adopted in April, 2013 addresses the City’s housing needs for the period from 2013 to 2021.
Update to the Housing Element
The City is currently updating its Housing Element, a process that is required by state law, which demonstrates how the City’s share of regional growth would be accommodated for the next eight years. The State forecasts the need for housing based on population projections, and then each region must show how it will accommodate that need. This includes updating the City’s housing policies and designating space for the State’s allocation of 2,561 new housing units by 2029, of which 1,205 units need to be affordable for people with very low to moderate incomes.
Give Your Input
Public participation is also a vital part of the Housing Element update process. The City would appreciate your input on the next eight year Housing Element. Responding to the Housing Element online survey below will help the City develop a plan that best reflects our community’s needs, values, and priorities, when it comes to new housing.
Housing Update Survey Here. The survey is available through Monday, October 19
En Español Aquí. La encuesta está disponible hasta el lunes 19 de Octubre
Why This Matters
Vista continues to grow as our families grow and the City welcomes new community members. The City needs to plan for where people will live. It is estimated that approximately 2,561 new housing units will be necessary in the next eight years to keep up with Vista’s growing population and housing needs.
To address this, the updated Housing Element will identify potential sites where new housing development should occur and programs for how Vista can encourage new housing.
The Housing Element identifies strategies and programs that focus on:
Conserving and improving existing affordable housing
Maximizing housing opportunities throughout the community
Assisting in the provision of affordable housing
Removing governmental and other constraints to housing investment; and
Promoting fair and equal housing opportunities
Related Information
California Department of Housing & Community Development
Regional Housing Needs Assessment
Project Contact
Patsy Chow
Deputy Director I City Planner
P: 760-639.6100
E: pchow@cityofvista.com
