The Parlier City Council convened on November 16, 2023, to discuss critical updates regarding housing development regulations and the city's housing element status. The meeting focused on recent legislative changes impacting housing policies and the city's compliance with state requirements.

The session began with a review of various housing laws enacted in recent years, including the Housing Accountability Act of 2017 and the Housing Crisis Act of 2019. These laws aim to streamline the approval process for affordable housing projects and limit local governments' ability to impose subjective standards that could hinder development. Notably, the Housing Crisis Act restricts the number of hearings for residential projects and prevents cities from reducing housing density without compensatory increases elsewhere.

The council also addressed the upcoming update cycle for the housing element, which is mandated every eight years. The current cycle will begin on December 31, 2023, and run through December 31, 2031. The city is participating in a multi-jurisdictional housing element process facilitated by the Fresno Council of Governments. A critical aspect of this update is the requirement for certification by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Failure to secure this certification by the deadline could jeopardize the city's eligibility for state funding.

During the public review period for the housing element, which ran from September 27 to October 26, 2023, the city received one comment letter from Self Help Enterprises, a nonprofit organization. This letter was deemed generic and did not provide specific feedback relevant to Parlier. Consequently, the city submitted the housing element to HCD on November 10, 2023, initiating a 90-day review process.

The council noted that while the city is technically at risk of non-compliance after December 31, 2023, the likelihood of HCD enforcing penalties is low, given the city's lower population and the pressing need for affordable housing funding. Historical context was provided, indicating that previous housing elements had successfully navigated the certification process, and the current trajectory suggests a similar outcome.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of adhering to state housing regulations while navigating the complexities of local development needs. The council remains committed to ensuring compliance and facilitating housing growth in Parlier, with further updates expected as the review process progresses.