Housing Element Update

The City of Thousand Oaks is updating its Housing Element, as required by State Law. The 2021 - 2029 Housing Element is the sixth update and is also referred to as the 6th Cycle Housing Element. The Housing Element update builds upon and revises the goals and programs of the existing Housing Element to ensure that the City can meet the housing needs of all Thousand Oaks residents when the plan is scheduled to be updated again.

The Housing Element is the planning document that provides the City with a roadmap for accommodating the projected number of housing units needed to house existing and future residents and guides future decisions that impact housing. The Housing Element aims to achieve several overarching goals:

  • Accommodate projected housing demands, as mandated by the State,

  • Provide a wide range of housing opportunities for persons of all income levels,

  • Provide housing opportunities for persons with special needs,

  • Maintain and improve the existing housing stock of the City by reducing housing deterioration,

  • Preserve existing affordable housing, and

  • Affirmatively further fair housing.

Revised Housing Element

On September 8, 2023, the State Department of Housing and Community Development completed review of the revised Housing Element, and provided a letter indicating that the revised Housing Element met most statutory requirements of State Housing Element Law and would be found in compliance when the City has completed necessary rezones to address the shortfall of sites to accommodate RHNA.

  • To review the revised Housing Element, click here.

On April 3, 2023, the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) completed review of the revised Housing Element, and provided a letter indicated that the revised Housing Element met most statutory requirements; however, additional revisions were necessary to comply with State Housing Element Law. Pursuant to the Government Code, the revised Housing Element has been made available for public review, beginning on July 12, 2023.

  • To review the revised Housing Element, click here. This version includes strikethrough and highlighted edits.

On April 7, 2022, the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) completed review of the adopted Housing Element, and provided a letter indicating that the adopted Housing Element met most statutory requirements; however, additional revisions were necessary to comply with State Housing Element Law. Pursuant to the Government Code, the revised Housing Element was made available for public review for a period of seven days from January 24, 2023 to January 31, 2023, prior to resubmittal to HCD. A summary of the public comments and responses are on pages 4 through 6 of the document.

  • To review the revised Housing Element submitted to HCD on February 1, 2023, click here. This version includes strikethrough and highlighted edits.

January 25, 2022 City Council Meeting

The City Council adopted the 2021-2029 Housing Element on January 25, 2022. The Housing Element will now be submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for Certification.

  • To view the staff report (Item 8A), click here.

    • The Housing Element is on Pages 11-244 of the staff report.

January 10, 2022 Planning Commission Meeting

The draft 6th Cycle 2021-2029 Housing Element was previously reviewed by Planning Commission on September 27, 2021 and has been reviewed by the California Department of Housing and Development. On January 10, 2022 the Planning Commission reviewed and made a recommendation to approve the Housing Element to City Council.

Watch the January 10 Planning Commission Meeting

Send feedback via email to gp@toaks.org.

Watch The Monday, September 27th Planning Commission Review of the Draft Housing Element

FAQs

 

Why does this matter?

High housing costs and a lack of affordable housing affects all residents.  The City is working to establish a Housing Plan to address the needs and residents of all income levels in Thousand Oaks.

What is considered “affordable housing”?

Housing is affordable if it costs no more than 30% of someone’s monthly income.  For example, a household making $3,000 per month would have a rent no higher than $900 to be affordable.

Will this plan build housing?

The Housing Element establishes a roadmap and goals to meet the needs of Thousand Oaks residents for the next eight years, but the actual construction is done by private and nonprofit developers.  

How can I provide feedback on the plan?

The Housing Element draft will be open for feedback until the adoption of the General Plan by City Council. You can submit an email with your comments to gp@toaks.org, attend an upcoming Planning Commission meeting, or utilize our online feedback tool to comment directly on the document (link coming soon).

Wasn’t the General Plan adopted in May?

In May 2021, City Council endorsed a draft land use map that guides the remainder of the General Plan Update. There are a variety of elements, and the land use map was a big part of the process, but the work continues on the remaining elements.

How can I be more involved?

Make sure you sign-up to receive email updates on the project and check the website frequently for upcoming meetings and options to participate and provide feedback to help guide the future of your community! You can also follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.