SB 4: A Step Toward Affordable Housing in California
Many of California's faith-based organizations and non-profit colleges are located on lands where local zoning codes prohibit multifamily housing, making it difficult to address the growing demand for affordable homes. Currently, these institutions must go through a costly and lengthy rezoning process, which delays development and opens the door to potential lawsuits and opposition from neighbors, increasing risk and driving up housing costs statewide.
Enter SB 4, a newly passed law aimed at streamlining the process for faith-based institutions and non-profit colleges to build affordable housing on their land. By overriding local zoning restrictions, SB 4 guarantees "by-right" approval for new homes that meet objective building standards and environmental regulations, thus removing barriers and reducing delays caused by appeals.
In addition to facilitating the construction of affordable housing, SB 4 includes pro-worker provisions to ensure fair wages and benefits for construction workers. These measures help grow the skilled workforce needed to build affordable homes, ensuring construction jobs offer economic stability and health care.
The new law mandates that housing built under SB 4 remains affordable for decades—55 years for rental units and 45 years for ownership—ensuring long-term affordability in communities across the state.
With SB 4 officially signed into law by Governor Newsom in October 2023, California takes a meaningful step toward addressing its housing crisis and creating more inclusive, affordable communities.
“California desperately needs to ramp up housing production, and the Governor’s actions today help put us on a path to achieve that goal. The era of saying no to housing is coming to an end.”
California YIMBY: SB 4 – Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act
State of California press release: Governor Newsom Signs Package to Streamline Housing and Expand Tenant Protections in California
SB 4, the Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act, provides a streamlined process for religious organizations and nonprofit colleges to develop affordable housing on their property.