The Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department hosted a virtual workshop to provide information on the county’s prohousing designation, awarded by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Through the program, cities across the state that have taken the initiative to go beyond what is required by state housing laws and policies will receive recognition and support for their efforts.
Assistant Director at the Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department, Paul Johnson, explained that “the county is currently pursuing designation for the unincorporated areas.”
Kern County has over 65 unincorporated communities listed on the GIS Data Map. Johnson added that incorporated cities must apply for this program independently, as they typically operate under their own jurisdiction and regulations.
Faster housing development, funding advantages, and the unlocking of new funding opportunities are among the benefits of implementing the prohousing designation program. Back in 2020, Lamont, an unincorporated area located in Kern County, received its first affordable housing complexes through this initiative.
Johnson also explained that the prohousing designation does not directly produce housing units, “it enhances eligibility and competitiveness for state funding programs.”
Residential developments such as affordable housing, senior housing, farmworker housing, supportive housing, and transition housing are a few types of housing found in unincorporated areas of Kern County. The designation does, however, expire after three years, which requires designees to implement the prohousing policies within two years. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in an investigation and the removal of the designation program for that area.
When asked about the faster housing developments proposed under the prohousing designation and the regulations and policies applicants must follow, given the reduced government constraints, Johnson stated that the program does not eliminate or waive any applicable housing regulations.
“All housing developments must continue to comply with state and local laws, including zoning, environmental review, and building standards,” said Johnson. “The designation instead reflects that a jurisdiction has adopted policies that reduce barriers, such as streamlining permit processes, allowing for a broader range of housing types, and aligning local standards with state housing laws.”
Therefore, for those interested in Kern County’s application, the appropriate jurisdiction is primarily the unincorporated areas of the county. The county is also emphasizing the safety, health, and basic needs of unhoused individuals through this initiative. Currently, they are creating pathways to permanent housing and support services for these individuals.
Johnson explained that engagement with the unhoused community is conducted through outreach by local community-based organizations, service providers, and continuum-of-care partners.
“Efforts may include outreach teams, partnerships with organizations that provide language access, transportation assistance, and coordination with health and social services to address barriers,” said Johnson.
According to a report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, only twenty rental homes are considered affordable and available for every one hundred extremely low-income households in the state. Many low-income households also reported spending the majority of their income on rent and housing utilities.
But through the pro-housing designation program, the California Housing and Community Development Department aims to provide stable and affordable housing to ensure that all California residents have a roof over their heads.
