Housing Element FAQs

The need for every city and county in California to plan for their fair share of the projected housing need is based on Housing Element Law, enacted in 1969 (Government Code Section 65583). The concept behind the law is that, in order for the private development market to adequately address housing demand, local governments must adopt housing plans that provide opportunities for – and not unduly constrain – housing development.  

  1. What is Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)?
  2. How is Danville’s housing assignment determined?
  3. How much housing do we need to plan for?
  4. Is the Town required to build all the housing units allocated in the RHNA?
  5. What happens if a jurisdiction does not adopt a Housing Element or the Element does not comply with State law?
  6. Why should I get involved and how will my feedback be used?