The goal of this survey is to better understand how jurisdictions either support or prevent new housing development and specifically highlight policies that may play a role in the production of affordable housing. Not all factors influencing housing production are controlled by local governments: land supply, federal subsidies, and materials and labor costs all fall mostly outside the realm of local planning and regulations. However, local regulations and processes are also critical in shaping how much housing is built, and at what levels of affordability.

The survey results offer insights about the implementation of specific policies and programs across California’s jurisdictions and may point towards “easy fixes” that would both reduce the administrative burden of development and development costs. For example, the data on zoning exceptions implies that some jurisdictions could revise their multifamily parking standards, as well as setbacks and lot coverage

The survey also can inform current policy discussions. For example, the survey results suggest that inclusionary housing policies may spur the use of density bonus provisions, leading to further questions about the relationship between state and local affordable housing incentives. The evidence of the limited use of rent control and just cause evictions ordinances could also help to inform ongoing discussions over avenues for expanding renter protections. The report also reveals the many ways cities may be limiting new housing production, including zoning little land for multifamily housing or imposing significant restrictions on how much could be built on existing lots.