In Depth: Implementing Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Requirements in California

April 13, 2023  

In Depth: Implementing Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Requirements in California

The In Depth section on HUD User’s Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse (RBC) takes a closer look at innovative state and local strategies, activities, and plans to mitigate the impacts of regulations on the development of affordable housing. Each In Depth article highlights a particular plan, ordinance, or strategy in the RBC database and elaborates on aspects such as the approval process, stakeholder participation, and the progress made in reducing regulatory barriers.

In 2015, HUD adopted the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule to encourage localities to take meaningful steps to eliminate impediments to fair housing. In 2018 California passed Assembly Bill 686 to add AFFH requirements to the state’s existing fair housing and civil rights legislation. The bill requires state and local agencies to combat discrimination against the state’s protected classes, overcome past segregation, and foster greater inclusivity. The bill also amends the state’s land use and planning legislation to require jurisdictions to address AFFH requirements in the housing element of their general plans. To help local governments understand the bill’s specific requirements, the California Department of Housing and Community Development created a guidance memorandum that explains the scope of the AFFH requirements and offers compliance checklists, formulas to aid analysis, and definitions of key terms.

Visit HUD User’s RBC In Depth page to learn more about Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Requirements in California, as well as other plans and initiatives that state and local governments have enacted to reduce impediments to affordable housing.