Housing Element Update

Draft 2021 to 2029 Housing Element - 4th Draft

The 4th draft of the 2021 to 2029 Housing Element is the most recent/up-to-date version. This revision addresses the California Department of Housing and Community Development's (HCD) letter dated March 1, 2024. The public comment period is between August 2, 2024 to August 10, 2024 (5 pm).

Please email J. Burns comments on the Housing Element. Title all comments with the following heading: Housing Element Public Comment.

Draft 2021 to 2029 Housing Element - 3rd Draft

Draft 2021 to 2029 Housing Element - 2nd Draft

The 2nd draft of the 2021-2029 Housing Element is the version that the Planning Commission took action on October 11, 2022 and the version that was adopted by the City Council on November 15, 2022. It addresses the January 14, 2022 (PDF) review letter the City received from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). A copy of the adopted Housing Element was sent to HCD for review.

Draft 2021 to 2029 Housing Element - 1st Draft

The City's draft Housing Element was submitted to the HCD for review on November 16, 2021.

Housing Element Purpose

As required by the California State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) every jurisdiction in California must adopt a General Plan, including a Housing Element. The Housing Element as part of the West Covina General Plan ensures that the City establishes policies, procedures and incentives in its land use planning and redevelopment activities that result in the maintenance and expansion of the housing supply to adequately accommodate households currently living and expected to live in West Covina. While jurisdictions must review and revise elements of their General Plan regularly, State law is much more specific to the Housing Element, requiring an update at least every eight years. The Housing Element institutes policies that will guide City decision making and establishes an action program to implement housing goals. West Covina's current adopted Housing Element is for the 2014 to 2021 planning period. The City is in the process of working on updating the Housing Element for the 2021 to 2029 (6th Cycle) planning period.

One of the most important aspects of the Housing Element is the requirement to plan for growth for the number and type of housing units required by the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). The State determines the number of housing units needed in the State, then divides that total number among regions. The Southern California region is addressed through the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). The number of units assigned to West Covina for the 2021 to 2029 period is 5,334 total housing units across all income categories:

Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (PDF)

  • Very Low Income: 1,649
  • Low Income: 848
  • Moderate Income: 863
  • Above Moderate Income: 1,974

Importance of Updating the Housing Element

Ensures the City complies with State housing laws
Allows the City to become eligible for State grants and funding sources
Demonstrates the ability to meet future housing growth need
Allows the community to further engage in the planning process

Public Participation

The update process will include several opportunities for community input, including presentations, surveys, workshop/study session, and Planning Commission and City Council public hearings.

  • Housing Element Survey: A survey was conducted prior to the initial draft. The survey period is now closed.
  • Upcoming Meetings: None
  • Past Meetings:
    • The draft 2021 to 2029 Housing Element was reviewed and adopted by the City Council on November 16, 2021.
    • The draft 2021 to 2029 Housing Element was reviewed and discussed at the October 11, 2022 Planning Commission Meeting (public hearing). The Planning Commission Agenda Packet may be viewed through the following link: October 11, 2022 Planning Commission Meeting Agenda Packet
    • The Housing Element Update was discussed at the March 1, 2022 City Council Meeting. The City Council was provided information on the comment letter that the City received from HCD. The City Council Agenda Packet may be viewed through the following link: Current Meetings and Agendas
    • The Housing Element Update was discussed at the February 8, 2022 Planning Commission Meeting. The Planning Commission was provided information on the comment letter that the City received from HCD. Download the Housing Element Update Presentation (PDF).
    • A Town Hall Meeting to obtain public comments on the draft Housing Element was held on Wednesday, October 27 at 6:30 pm at the West Covina City Hall - City Council Chambers. Download the Housing Element Town Hall Meeting Presentation (PPTX).
    • A joint City Council and Planning Commission meeting was held on Thursday, May 20th, 2021 at 6 pm in the City of West Covina City Hall - Council Chambers. Download the Housing Element Workshop Presentation (PDF).