This year marks a pivotal moment for affordable housing in California. With innovative laws now in effect, Homes 4 the Homeless is leading the way. By leveraging progressive legislation and our exclusive VESSEL housing solutions, we’re transforming underutilized properties into thriving communities that offer dignity, sustainability, and hope.
Legislation That Powers Our Mission
SB 1211 – The ADU Revolution – https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB1211
California has redefined what’s possible with ADU development. SB 1211 removes local zoning restrictions and sets the stage for high-density affordable housing projects.
- Up to 8 Detached ADUs: State law mandates that parcels zoned for residential or mixed-use can host up to 8 detached ADUs, creating unprecedented opportunities for higher-density housing.
- No Owner-Occupancy Requirement: Non-profits and developers no longer need to live on-site, allowing full flexibility for large-scale housing creation.
- Fast-Track Approvals: Cities are required to approve ADU applications within 60 days, eliminating delays and red tape.
How We Benefit:
With 8-unit VESSEL home developments, we’re redefining land use and delivering scalable, affordable housing communities that meet the needs of vulnerable populations.
SB 1395 – The Interim Housing Act – https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB1395
California’s housing crisis requires urgent solutions, and SB 1395 makes it easier than ever to develop transitional housing. This law streamlines approvals for temporary housing like tiny homes, ensuring rapid deployment for those in need.
- Reduced Regulatory Barriers: SB 1395 simplifies zoning and permitting, enabling faster construction of interim housing solutions.
- Support for Creative Housing Models: From pallet homes to our upscale VESSEL units, this law supports innovative designs that provide safe, dignified housing for transitional use.
How We Benefit:
Our upscale VESSEL homes are raising the standard for transitional housing, offering long-term durability and dignity for residents while taking full advantage of expedited approvals.
AB 2553 – Zero Property Taxes for Affordable Housing – https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180AB2553
For non-profits dedicated to providing 100% affordable housing, AB 2553 delivers transformative financial relief:
- Full Property Tax Exemption: Properties used exclusively for affordable housing qualify for zero property taxes, regardless of value. Whether developing raw land worth $1 million or a completed community valued at $15 million, this exemption applies.
- Reinvestment Opportunity: Every dollar saved goes directly into expanding our mission, building more homes, and helping more families.
How We Benefit:
This permanent tax exemption supercharges our resources, enabling us to scale operations and maximize our impact.
SB 1037 – Enforcing Accountability – https://digitaldemocracy.calmatters.org/bills/ca_202320240sb1037
Cities that fail to comply with state housing laws now face penalties of up to $50,000 per month for delaying approved projects. This enforcement ensures affordable housing developments move forward without obstruction.
How We Benefit:
We leverage this enforcement to secure faster approvals and stronger collaboration with municipalities, ensuring our projects stay on track.
SB 937 – Deferring Impact Fees – https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB937#:~:text=The%20act%20prohibits%20a%20local,is%20issued%2C%20whichever%20occurs%20first%2C
Affordable housing developers no longer need to pay impact fees upfront. These fees can now be deferred until later stages of construction.
How We Benefit:
This deferral frees up financial resources during critical phases, accelerating our ability to launch projects and focus on delivering homes.
SB 1123 – Expanding Development Potential – https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB1123#:~:text=By%20expanding%20opportunities%20for%20ownership,XI%20of%20the%20California%20Constitution.
This law expands opportunities by allowing up to 10 units per parcel in single-family zones, alongside additional ADU allowances. Combined with SB 1211, it creates unprecedented density potential for developers and non-profits alike.
How We Benefit:
By combining SB 1123 with SB 1211, we optimize land use and create high-density affordable housing communities on parcels previously limited by zoning.
AB 2097 – Parking Requirements – https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB2097
Parking minimums near transit hubs are eliminated, reducing development costs and increasing the feasibility of higher-density housing projects.
How We Benefit:
By cutting unnecessary parking requirements, we can allocate more land and resources to building affordable housing, especially in urban and transit-rich areas.
Why This Matters
With these new laws, Homes 4 the Homeless is positioned to:
- Build Smarter and Faster: Utilize fast-track approvals, zoning overrides, and reduced regulatory burdens to deliver housing quickly.
- Scale Without Limits: Maximize land use with up to 8 detached ADUs, higher-density developments, and streamlined parking requirements.
- Maximize Financial Impact: Enjoy zero property taxes on completed projects, reinvesting savings into expanding our mission.
- Ensure Accountability: Use state enforcement measures to push municipalities to prioritize housing projects, reducing delays and barriers.
- Set a New Standard for Transitional Housing: With SB 1395, our upscale VESSEL units are redefining what interim housing can and should be.
A Call to Action
The housing revolution is here, and Homes 4 the Homeless and its partners The Lime Foundation and Defining Humanity is leading the charge. With state-backed laws, innovative housing solutions, and a mission-driven focus, we’re creating affordable, dignified housing communities that transform lives.
Join us in building the future of affordable housing. Together, we can provide hope, opportunity, and homes for all.
Thank you to our partners:
