The Housing Element is a required chapter of the City’s General Plan. It establishes policies and programs that guide the development of housing over an 8-year period (also referred to as a Planning Cycle). State law requires all California jurisdictions update their Housing Elements every 8 years and receive certification from the California State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Certification ensures Housing Elements are in substantial compliance with State housing law.

The City is currently in the process of updating its 6^th Cycle Housing Element Update for 2023-2031 Planning Period. The update process will involve:

• An analysis of existing conditions, community demographics, and the housing stock.
• A review of City processes, fees, zoning requirements, local ordinances, and development standards related to housing.  
• An analysis of environmental factors and availability of infrastructure and services.
• An analysis of fair and equitable housing practices and availability of housing opportunity.
• A review of the currently adopted 5^th Planning Cycle Housing Element policy programs.

For the 6^th Cycle Housing Element Update, the City of Brentwood must demonstrate the ability to accommodate 1,522 housing units during the 2023-2031 Planning Period at a range of affordability levels. The Housing Element Update will demonstrate the City of Brentwood currently has or will adopt policies to have ability to accommodate these units through its zoning and development standards.