The goals of the technical assistance program provided through HCD, OPR, and PlaceWorks consulting team are to:

• Ensure geographic equity and promote access so that all local governments are able to benefit from the planning grants funding and technical assistance.
• Provide support and ongoing expertise to local governments as they implement activities related to the priority policy areas and other planning efforts.
• Regionally tailor technical assistance to meet the unique needs of each region.
• Develop long-term partnerships between local, regional, and state government to create a peer-to-peer learning environment, maximize resources, and leverage all funding opportunities.

The Housing Planning Hub Site is a repository of statewide and regional toolkits, factsheets, and guidance on a variety of housing policy areas with a specific focus on priority policy areas. HCD will continually update the resource center as new tools become available.

Use this link to access the resources center:

Housing Planning Hub Site

In consultation with stakeholders, developers, planners, local governments, and academics, HCD has developed six policy areas that are evidenced-based practices to streamlining housing approvals, accelerating housing production, and becoming more housing friendly. HCD technical assistance teams will make toolkits and resources available to help local governments implement these strategies.

• Rezone to Permit By-right: Rezoning for significant additional housing capacity without or with lesser discretionary review or establishing zoning to permit residential development by-right, particularly multifamily, without discretionary action pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(h) and (i).
• Objective Design and Development Standards: Developing objective design standards or pre-approved site and architectural plans that facilitate non-discretionary permitting.
• Specific Plans or Form-based Codes Coupled with CEQA Streamlining: Designating and rezoning for additional housing capacity or preparing specific plans or form codes that include zoning and development standards and plan-level environmental analysis that can be used to streamline future housing projects and facilitate affordability.
• Accessory Dwelling Units or Other Innovative Building Strategies: Encouraging Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and other innovative building types through actions above state law requirements such as, outreach, fee waivers, pre-approved plans, website zoning clearance assistance, and other homeowner tools or finance tools. Also, establishing other approaches to intensify existing lower-density residential areas and “missing middle” typologies to encourage significantly more residential development (e.g., duplexes, triplexes) in lower-density residential areas.
• Expedited Processing: Speeding up approvals and permit processing, including instituting programs that streamline or consolidate the review process or create a separate process for expedited review of housing projects.
• Housing Related Infrastructure Financing and Fee Reduction Strategies: Developing and implementing approaches to local, regional, or sub-regional housing-related infrastructure financing. Creating plans and programs to finance and increase infrastructure with accompanying enhanced housing capacity, such as enhanced infrastructure financing districts. Fee reduction and rationalization approaches, such as reassessing fees to adhere to best practices in reducing costs, deferrals, sliding scales, or proportionate impacts fees (e.g., ADUs, transit-oriented and infill development, special needs housing), or fee transparency measures including publicly available fee calculators.

Pursuant to Government Code Section 65589.9, The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) intends to submit emergency regulations for the Prohousing Designation Program to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL). See the following documents for information on the regulations. Please send any questions to ProhousingPolicies@hcd.ca.gov.

• Prohousing Justifications for Emergency Regulations (PDF)
• Prohousing Regulation Text (PDF)
• Prohousing Application Resolution (PDF)

The Planning Grants and Local Housing Strategies Map will keep you up to date on :

• Cities’ and counties’ local planning practices and solutions for accelerating housing production
• Where HCD’s technical assistance (TA) teams are conducting outreach and providing TA
• Which cities/counties have submitted planning grant applications
• Which jurisdictions are eligible for planning grants

The goals of the map:

• Promoting transparency in planning grant funding and distribution
• Illustrates HCD’s commitment to geographic equity and access.
• Creates a peer-learning environment by sharing jurisdictions’ implementation efforts on accelerating housing production throughout the state.

To accelerate housing production, SB 330 (Statutes of 2019) makes changes to land use and zoning law to remove barriers and impediments to building new housing in urban areas of the state. To increase transparency and certainty in the development application process, SB 330 allows a housing developer to submit a “preliminary application” to a local agency for a housing development project. Submittal of a pre-application allows a developer to provide a specific subset of information on the proposed housing development ahead of providing the full amount of information required by the local government for a housing development application. Upon submittal of an application and a payment of the permit processing fee, a housing developer is allowed to “freeze” the applicable fees and development standards that apply to their project while they assemble the rest of the material necessary for a full application submittal. SB 330 requires the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to develop a standardized form that applicants for housing development projects may use for the purpose of satisfying the requirements for submittal of a preliminary application if a local agency has not developed its own application form. HCD has also provide a template that local governments may use to develop their own preliminary application form.

• Preliminary Application Form for use by Developers (PDF)
• Preliminary Application Template for use by Local Governments (DOC)

SB 330 (Statutes of 2019) requires the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to develop a list of cities (“affected cities”) and census designated places (CDPs) within the unincorporated county (“affected counties”) that are prohibited from taking certain zoning-related actions, including, among other things:

• Downzoning certain parcels.
• Imposing a moratorium on development.
• Imposing design review standards that are not objective.

The law also requires jurisdiction-wide housing replacement when housing affordable to lower-income residents is demolished.

View a full list of all the bill’s provisions.

Pursuant to Government Code section 66300, HCD has updated the list of affected cities and counties due to new data obtained from the 2020 Census.

Definition of "affected cities" — SB 330 defines an "affected city," as any city, including a charter city, that is located in an urbanized area as designated by the United States Census Bureau. Based on HCD’s determination, 452 of the 482 cities in the state are identified as affected by the provisions of SB 330.

• Affected Cities (PDF) (*Updated: 4/19/2023)

Definition of "affected counties" — "Affected counties" are defined as a CDP that is wholly within the boundaries of an urbanized area. Based on HCD’s determination, 141 CDPs in 22 counties are identified as affected by the provisions of SB 330.

• Affected Counties (PDF) (*Updated: 4/19/2023)

How the determination was made — In order to make the determination of Affected Cities and Affected Counties, HCD used census data and geographic information systems (GIS) software to find all incorporated cities and towns that are located within urbanized areas. HCD used census data and GIS software to find all CDPs that are wholly within the boundaries of an urbanized area.

• View the data sources for the lists.

View map of Affected Cities and Affected Counties.

*The list of affected cities and counties may be updated once on or after January 1, 2021 to account for changes in urbanized areas or urban clusters due to new data obtained from the 2020 census.

The Streamlined Ministerial Approval Process (Government Code section 65913.4) requires local governments to review multifamily housing projects in a streamlined, ministerial review process if a local government has not met sufficient progress toward their regional housing need allocation. The law requires developers to deed restrict affordable housing with at least 10 percent affordability or 50 percent affordability, depending on the local government. The law also requires developers to meet labor and wage requirements.

Please note: Pursuant to SB 423 (Chapter 778, Statutes of 2023), any jurisdiction that did not adopt a housing element that has been found in substantial compliance with housing element law are subject to streamlined ministerial approval for qualifying proposed developments with at least 10% affordability. To confirm housing element compliance, visit the Housing Element Compliance Report.

• Final Updated Streamlined Ministerial Approval Guidelines (PDF)
• Streamlined Ministerial Approval Process (SMAP) Dashboard (updated daily beginning 6/30/2025)
  • For the following please see the “Dashboard” page of SMAP Dashboard:
    • Summary of which jurisdictions are not currently subject to SMAP, which are currently subject to SMAP for developments with at least 10 percent affordability, and which are currently subject to SMAP for developments with at least 50 percent affordability
    • Infographic summarizing which jurisdictions are currently subject to SMAP for developments with at least 10 percent affordability, which are currently subject to SMAP for developments with at least 50 percent affordability, and which are not subject to SMAP
  • For a summary of Annual Progress Report (APR) permits please see the following pages of the dashboard:
    • Determination Data: Replaces the “SB 423 SMAP Determination Data” tab from the “Annual Progress Report Permit Summary” file released in prior years
    • Determination Summary: Replaces the “5th Cycle Raw Data” and “6th Cycle Raw Data” tabs from the “Annual Progress Report Permit Summary” file released in prior years
• Streamlined Ministerial Approval Process Determination Methodology (PDF) — Updated 06/30/2025 — Additional detail on the determination methodology and background data
• 2025 SMAP Determination Webinar Recording — coming soon — A recording of HCD’s 7/16/2025 webinar reporting on the results of the 2025 Streamlined Ministerial Approval Process Determination

Government Code sections 65912.100-65912.140

AB 2011 requires a streamlined ministerial approval process for multifamily development that meets specified objective standards, affordability, and site criteria including being located within a zone where office, retail, or parking are a permitted use. The bill provides two distinct options for eligibility – one option is to provide 100 percent affordable projects on properties zoned for commercial uses and a second for mixed-income projects that abut commercial corridors.

Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act (AB 2011) – Housing Law Fact Sheet 2026 (PDF)

Selected Letters:

• City of Santa Ana (PDF) (July 11, 2023)
• City of Baldwin Park (PDF) (November 13, 2025)

NEW! HCD has prepared Draft AB 2011 Guidelines (PDF) for review and comment. The guidelines are intended as a resource to assist local governments and developers with implementation of AB 2011, the Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act of 2022 (Government Code sections 65912.100-140).

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: May 5, 2026 – June 4, 2026

WEBINAR – May 20, 2026: Register for a webinar to learn about HCD’s initial draft AB 2011 Guidelines.

You can submit comments to AB2011Guidelines@hcd.ca.gov at any time during the public review period.
 

Permit to Construct Application — HCD MP 50 English (PDF) / Spanish (PDF)
Permit application to erect, construct, reconstruct, install, replace, relocate or alter any building, structure, accessory building or structure, or building component; any electrical, mechanical, or plumbing equipment; any fuel gas equipment and installations, or fire protection equipment; or installations of, or within, a park, or a lot, or perform grading. Three (3) copies of the form are required and one (1) of those copies must have an original signature from the park. Installations of MH-units or construction of accessory buildings or structures also require a Plot Plan (HCD 538) approved by the park.

Note: Form HCD MP 50 English (PDF) / Spanish (PDF) can be submitted to the Department via mail, in person, and through C&S Online Services.

When submitted to HCD, the completed application must be accompanied by the appropriate fees. Payment must be in the form of a check or money order payable to the Department of Housing and Community Development. Payments can also be submitted through the Department’s C&S Online Services. Please note: you must have a DTN and a zip code to make a payment online. This information can be obtained by contacting the appropriate Area Office at (800) 952-8356 or NAOstaff@hcd.ca.gov or SAOstaff@hcd.ca.gov.

Earthquake Resistant Bracing System (ERBS) installation application — HCD MP 50 ERBS (PDF) 
Permit application for the installation of ERBS within a park.

School Impact Fee Certification — HCD MP 502 (PDF) 
Certification form to verify the payment of school impact fees when required by local ordinance. These fees are only applicable in parks constructed after September 1, 1986. They are not applicable to new installations for the replacement of existing homes in parks.

Alternate Approval Application — HCD MP 511 (PDF) 
This form is used to request approval of alternates that meet the equivalent requirements of the regulations.

Standard Plan Approval Application — HCD MP 520 (PDF) 
Application for Department approval of statewide plans for repeated installation of accessory buildings or structures, foundation systems, and engineered tiedown systems.

Plot Plan — HCD 538 (PDF) 
Dimensioned plot plan required for the installation of MH-units and accessory buildings or structures. Three (3) copies of the form are required and one (1) of those copies must have an original signature from the park.

Flood Plain Ordinance Compliance Certification for Manufactured Home Installations — HCD 547 (PDF) 
This form is submitted to and filled out by, the local floodplain management agency when the local jurisdiction has passed a floodplain ordinance.

Permit To Operate — HCD MP 500 (PDF)  
When HCD is the enforcement agency, use this application to request a Permit to Operate a mobilehome or special occupancy park or to change the name, address, or park information on the current permit. Local approvals are required for the increase or decrease in the number of lots, or for a change in lot status (i.e., RV to MH lots). If your park is under local jurisdiction, contact your local enforcement agency to amend the Permit to Operate information.

Fire Hydrant Test and Certification Report — HCD 532 (PDF)  
Required form for the certification of private fire hydrants in mobilehome and special occupancy parks.

Application for State Public Benefits — HCD Benefits Status Form 1 (PDF)  
Statement of Citizenship, Alienage, and Immigration Status. This form is required under federal law and is necessary prior to an individual operating a mobilehome or special occupancy park. It only needs to be completed one time.

Assembly Bill 1400 (Chapter 648, Statutes of 2003) requires HCD to develop guidelines and adopt a New Home Universal Design Option Checklist. HCD developed the first checklist in 2005 and an additional checklist in 2007. Both checklists cover the requirements of the law; however, the 2007 New Home Universal Design Option checklist may be considered more user friendly for consumers and builders. Contact the State Housing Law Program at (800) 952-8356 to obtain a copy of either checklist.

The statute specifically requires:

• That the checklist covers single-family dwellings, duplex, triplex, townhouse, condominium, or other dwellings.
• That the checklist include specified standards and features, and any other requested by the buyer at a reasonable time, if reasonably available and feasible to install or construct
• That the developer and buyer be permitted to agree in writing to different standards if they are clearly disclosed.
• That each feature be indicated on the list as "standard," "limited," "optional," or "not available."
• That the list includes at what point in the construction process the buyer must notify the developer that the buyer wishes to purchase the features.
• That the developer is not required to provide any feature on the list.
• That the Department can develop, certify, and make available a standard form providing the checklist information, and that a developer’s use of a form substantially the same as that developed and distributed by the Department is deemed to comply with the law.

The introductory section of the Checklists provides information as to the house being purchased and clarifies, in plain English, the statutory requirements and how the form works. 

Either form (2005 or 2007) is a standard available to those who want to use it. Its use, in substantially the same form, is deemed compliant with the statute.  Any builder, however, may develop its own form as long as it complies with the requirements of the statute.

For information on necessary permits for modifying a mobilehome, manufactured home, or commercial modular, visit the Modifying a Mobilehome page.

HCD MH 415 - Manufactured Housing Permit Application (PDF)

Manufactured Homes Alterations and Permit Guidelines — HCD MH 604

• English (PDF) / Spanish (PDF)

Alteration permit applications can be submitted using Codes and Standards Online Services (C&S OS). Please login or create an account.

Form HCD MH 415 can be submitted to the Department by mail to the appropriate HCD Area Office or via email to:

• Northern Area Office at NAOstaff@hcd.ca.gov
• Southern Area Office at SAOstaff@hcd.ca.gov

Exception: HCD does not accept large format plans via email. These plans must be submitted by mail or in person.

When submitted to HCD, the completed application must be accompanied by the appropriate fees. Payment must be in the form of a check or money order payable to the Department of Housing and Community Development. Payments can also be submitted through the Department’s C&S Online Services. Please note: you must have a DTN and a zip code to make a payment online. This information can be obtained by contacting the appropriate Area Office at (800) 952-8356 or NAOstaff@hcd.ca.gov or SAOstaff@hcd.ca.gov.

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) provides a guideline for construction permit applicants to explain procedures and application requirements. The basic procedures and associated fees include:

• Obtain any necessary local agency approvals and complete all necessary plans, calculations, engineering, etc. required for processing your application.
• Consider contacting the appropriate Area Office for additional guidance regarding your application, plans and pertinent documents (project package).
• During the plan check staff will use the Mobilehome and Special Occupancy Park Construction Plan Review Booklet, HCD MP 514 English (PDF) / Spanish (PDF) as a worksheet to indicate if your project package is complete and ready to be submitted.
• Fees for preliminary plan check meetings are $238 per hour with a one-hour minimum.
• Include a copy of your worker's compensation insurance coverage.
• Submit your application and 3 sets of plans with calculations and specifications to HCD's plan check section.
• Once the submittal is received in the plan check section, the plan will require 4 to 6 weeks for review.
• If the package is approved, you will receive your permit and job copy of the plans and documents by mail unless otherwise specified in advance.
• If the package is not approved, you will be contacted by mail and told whom you should contact. The approval process will be suspended until a satisfactory response is received.

Factory-built housing is inspected at the factory prior to application of the insignia.  Installation of factory-built housing or building components is subject to inspection by the local building department.