Affordable Housing Streamlined Approval (SB 423)

SB 35, also known as CA Government Code section 65913.4, is designed to simplify the approval process for housing projects, particularly in cities struggling to meet its Regional Housing Need Allocation affordable housing goals. In San Francisco, where there's a shortfall in constructing homes for above-moderate housing, SB 35 mandates expedited approval for projects, ensuring that 50-100% of the units are affordable for households earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Effective January 1, 2024, San Francisco will require approval for housing projects with two or more units, following modifications to CA Govt. Code Section 65913.4 under SB 423. This update also introduces a pre-submittal hearing and modifies certain labor provisions. Referred to as "SB423" throughout the application, projects may currently receive ministerial review if 50% of the units are affordable to households at 80% AMI or below, provided they meet SB 423 eligibility requirements. 

Anticipated changes in June will allow projects of 11 or more units to receive ministerial review if 10% of the units are affordable, and projects of 2-10 units may also qualify for ministerial review if they comply with building codes and meet SB 423 eligibility requirements. Until the change takes effect, only applications meeting the 50% affordable unit requirement will be accepted. This webpage will be updated to reflect these changes.

Please read the Affordable Housing Streamlined Approval Informational Packet and the instructions in this application carefully before completing and submitting the application. 

For questions, you can call the Planning counter at 628.652.7300 or email pic@sfgov.org where planners are able to assist you.