Tehachapi council adopts sixth‑cycle housing element after state finds it substantially compliant

The Tehachapi City Council voted unanimously to adopt the city’s sixth‑cycle housing element for the 2023–2031 planning period and found the document exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, Council records show.

The housing element is a state‑mandated component of a city’s general plan that documents local housing needs and shows how the city can accommodate its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). Corey Pistello, assistant city manager, introduced consultants from Lisa Wise Consulting, who described the document and the changes made during state review. David (Lisa Wise Consulting) told the council the revised draft had received “a letter of substantial compliance” from the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), meaning HCD had determined the draft met state requirements subject to formal adoption.

Why it matters: adopting a substantially compliant housing element allows the city to meet its state planning obligations for the cycle and begins the timeline for implementing the element’s programs. The document identifies sites and programs the city says will accommodate Tehachapi’s RHNA of 902 units for the cycle and lays out measures for development streamlining, accessory dwelling units, downtown mixed‑use incentives and a new fair‑housing…