The City of Solvang Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element is available for a 30-day public review period from December 15, 2022 through January 15, 2023.
The Draft Housing Element is available here: plansolvang.com/housing.
A copy of the Draft Housing Element may also be reviewed at the City of Solvang Planning & Building Division, 411 Second Street, Solvang, CA 93463 or at Municipal Hall, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang, CA 93463. The City will be closed on December 23rd, December 26th, and January 2nd. The Planning Division will also be closed from December 28th through December 30th.
During this public review period, the City of Solvang welcomes all public comments. Please email public comments to Sophia Checa at scheca@cityofsolvang.com.
Public comments may also be submitted in-person or via mail:
City of Solvang
Attn: Sophia Checa, Planning Manager
411 Second Street
Solvang, CA 93463
They may also be via the green "comments" tab on the right size of the window on the plansolvang.com website.
The Public Review Draft of the Housing Element and comments received will be provided to the City Council at their meeting on January 23, 2023. Public comment can also be provided on this item at that time. The agenda will be posted here in mid-January: https://www.cityofsolvang.com/AgendaCenter.
What is the Housing Element?
The Housing Element is a chapter of the General Plan that identifies and analyzes existing and projected housing needs to preserve, improve, and develop housing for all economic segments of the community.
The purpose of the Housing Element is to:
•Provide an assessment of current and future housing needs
•Identify opportunities and constraints on housing production
•Establish goals, policies, and programs to meet those needs
•Update City practices and regulations to reflect new State laws
Who oversees the Housing Element process?
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) plays the critical role of reviewing every local government’s housing element to determine whether it complies with state law and then submits written findings back to each local government. HCD must certify the housing element before the City can adopt its it as part of its overall General Plan. HCD review is scheduled to take place immediately following the public review period.
For information on this matter, please contact Rodger Olds at (805) 688-5575 x 225 or rolds@cityofsolvang.com.