Step1: Utilizing minimum densities to calculate realistic capacity of sites Government…
Housing Element Sites Inventory Guidebook (AB 1397) · 2026 edition · updated 2026-07-29 · California
If the jurisdiction has adopted a law, policy, procedure, or other regulation that requires the development of a site to contain at least a certain minimum residential density, the jurisdiction can utilize that minimum density to determine the capacity of a site. For purposes of this analysis, the use of either gross or net acreage is acceptable but should be consistent with the standard the jurisdiction typically uses for determining allowable units for a residential development project. For example:
| Site Description | Value |
|---|---|
| Size of site (Gross acreage) | 3 acres |
| Zoning | Residential Multifamily |
| Allowable density | 20 (required minimum) – 30 dwelling units per acre |
| Realistic capacity utilizing minimum | 3 X 20= 60 units |
Please note, to meet this standard on a zone that allows for multiple uses, the general plan or zoning must require the specified minimum number of residential units on the identified sites regardless of overlay zones, zoning allowing nonresidential uses, or other factors potentially impacting the minimum density. Otherwise, the capacity of the site must be calculated using the factors outlined in Step 2.
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Ask AI about this code▸ Contents — Housing Element Sites Inventory Guidebook (AB 1397)
- SUBJECT: Housing Element Site Inventory Guidebook Government C…
- Housing Element Site Inventory Requirements
- SITE INVENTORY GUIDEBOOK FRAMEWORK
- PART A: IDENTIFICATION OF SITES
- PART B: SITES TO ACCOMMODATE LOW AND VERY LOW- INCOME RHNA
- PART C: CAPACITY ANALYSIS
- PART D: NONVACANT SITES
- PART E: DETERMINATION OF ADEQUATE SITES
- Step 1: Identification of Developable Sites Government Code se…
- Government Code section 65583.2(b)
- Step 3: Infrastructure Availability Government Code section 65…
- Step 4: Map of Sites
- Step 5: Determination of Consistency with Affirmatively Furthe…
- Government Code section 65583.2(c)
- HCD Best Practices for selecting sites to accommodate the lowe…
- Step 7: Environmental Constraints
- NEXT STEP:
- Step 1: NEW Sites Used in Previous Planning Periods Housing El…
- Unusual Circumstances
- Step 1B:
- Definition of Use By Right (Government Code section 65583.2 (i))
- Sample Program:
- Government Code section 65583.2(c)(3)
- Housing Overlays
- Step 3: Size of Sites
- Definition of a Large Site
- Specific Plans, Master Plan, and other Subdivisions
- NEXT STEP:
- Step1: Utilizing minimum densities to calculate realistic capa…
- Government Code section 65583.2(c)(2)
- - Applicable land use controls and site improvement requirements
- Form Based Codes
- Typical densities of existing or approved residential developm…
- No Net Loss Law
- NEXT STEP:
- Definition of a Vacant Site
- Step 1: Description of the nonvacant site Government Code Sect…
- Government Code section 65583.2(g)(1)
- Existing Uses:
- Development Trends:
- Market Conditions:
- Availability of Regulatory and/or other Incentives:
- Step 3: NEW Reliance on nonvacant sites to accommodate more th…
- Step 4: NEW Program and policy requiring replacement of existi…
- Program X: Replacement Unit Program
- Funding: General Funds
- NEXT STEP:
- Government Code section 65583.1
- Impact of New Accessory Dwelling Unit Laws
- Step 2: Determine whether there is sufficient capacity to acco…
- Step 3: Adequate Sites Program
- General Program Requirements
- Timing
- Consequences for Failing to Complete Rezoning Deadline:
- Housing Accountability Act and the Housing Element
- Annexation
- Common Program Questions and Answers for Shortfall Zoning:
- ATTACHMENT 1: SUMMARY OF NEW LAWS REFERENCED IN THE GUIDEBOOK
- ATTACHMENT 2: GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65583.2