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The state certified the town of Woodside’s housing element plan for 2023 through 2031 on Jan. 29, according to a state letter to the town. By adopting the housing element and meeting necessary rezoning requirements, the state Department of Housing and Community Development found the town’s plans substantially complied with State Housing Element law.
The housing element is required by the state for all local governments to develop a plan to meet housing demands across California every eight years. Woodside’s housing element had been out of state compliance since Jan. 31, 2023 and is required to develop 328 new housing units between 2023-31.
“I think this has been the toughest two-year period we’ve gone through as a council,” said Mayor Brian Dombkowski in a prepared statement. “We were all asked to do some things that weren’t necessarily anything anyone wanted to do, but Woodside is committed to doing our part in addressing the housing needs of the broader community and doing so in a way that ultimately improves the fabric of our community, supports multi-generational living needs and contributes to better accessibility and affordability in general.”
In December 2024, HCD sent the WoodsideTown Council feedback that the town’s rezoning plans did not meet state requirements. In response, the town adopted an urgency ordinance to amend its multi-family housing zoning and approved an ordinance to amend the objective design standards of multi-family housing sites on Raymundo Drive, High Road and 773 Cañada Road during a Jan. 14 Town Council meeting.
To maintain its housing element compliance, the town must continue to implement all of its adopted programs effectively. These programs include accessory dwelling units, Town Center Area Plan, Senate Bill 9 lot splits, rental assistance, supportive housing and more.
The town is required to monitor and report on the results of these programs through its annual progress report. HCD authorities are allowed to review any of the town’s actions or failures that it determines is inconsistent with the housing element, including failures to implement adopted programs. The state may revoke the town’s housing element compliance if its actions do not comply with state law.
“HCD appreciates the dedication and commitment that you and town staff provided
throughout the housing element update and review,” said HCD Senior Program Manager Paul McDougall in the letter to the town. “HCD wishes the town success in
implementing its housing element and looks forward to following its progress.”
