Last week, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) released the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for SB 2 (Statutes of 2017) grants to fund planning projects and tools that will help increase housing production. Approximately $123 million in SB 2 funds are available to update local planning documents and processes that will streamline housing approvals and accelerate housing production. Cities and counties that have a certified housing element and have completed either the 2017 or 2018 Annual Progress Report are eligible to receive grant funds ranging from $160,000 to $625,000 depending on the size of the jurisdiction. This a is a non-competitive, over-the-counter grant program that can fund a range of projects including:
- Targeted General Plan Updates
- Community Plans and Specific Plans
- Zoning Updates and By-Right Zoning for Housing
- Objective Design Standards
- Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations
- Streamlined Environmental Analyses
- Process Updates to Improve and Expedite Local Permitting
Ascent is a member of the team, led by PlaceWorks, that has been selected by HCD to provide technical assistance to cities and counties applying for SB 2 grants. Our team will be working closely with local jurisdictions to help identify eligible activities and assist with the application process. Hyperlinks to useful information about the SB 2 program are provided below. If you do not yet meet the eligibility requirements or would like assistance with your grant application, our team is available to provide technical guidance.
A few important links:
- Notice of Funding Availability
- SB 2 Planning Grants Program Application
- SB 2 Planning Grants Program Guidelines
- SB 2 Planning Grant Website
A few key dates:
- March 28, 2019: Notice of Funding Availability published
- April 1, 2019: Application window opens
- April – May 2019: NOFA-Application Workshops/Webinar Period
- November 30, 2019: Application submittal period ends
- June 30, 2022: Anticipated end of grant term
Maximum grant funding amounts are based on population:
- Small Localities (population of 60,000 or less): $160,000
- Medium Localities (population between 60,000-200,000): $310,000
- Large Localities (population of 200,000 or more): $625,000
Please contact us if you’d like to learn more about the eligibility requirements, application process, upcoming workshops, or available technical assistance.
