Is there a definition for “specific, adverse impact” upon public health and safety?

Yes. The HAA provides that a “specific, adverse impact” means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete. Inconsistency with the zoning ordinance or general plan land use designation is not such a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety. (Gov. Code, § 65589.5, subds. (d)(2) and (j)(1)(A).)

The HAA considers that such impacts would be rare: “It is the intent of the Legislature that the conditions that would have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety, as described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) and paragraph (1) of subdivision (j), arise infrequently.” (Gov. Code, § 65589.5, subd. (a)(3).)

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Housing Accountability Act Technical Assistance Advisory

Appendix B: Definitions