Placer County explores innovative solutions to maximize ADU utilization and housing compliance

The Placer County Board of Supervisors convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss critical housing issues, particularly focusing on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and compliance with state housing requirements. The meeting highlighted ongoing challenges in meeting housing needs and the complexities surrounding income classifications for housing units.

Planning Director Chris Pooley initiated discussions regarding the classification of housing units as "very low income." He explained that for a unit to be counted as such, it must be deed-restricted at the very low income level. This stipulation has raised concerns among supervisors about the potential to count units occupied by families who may qualify as very low income but lack the necessary deed restrictions.

Supervisor discussions emphasized the need for innovative solutions to fill ADUs and ensure they serve low-income families effectively. One suggestion included partnering with organizations like American River Home Share to facilitate matches between homeowners with available ADUs and individuals seeking affordable housing. Supervisors expressed frustration over the current inability to count certain units as very low income, despite their occupancy by families likely unable to afford alternative housing.

The conversation also touched on the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process, with Supervisor Landon questioning the potential for collaboration with cities to meet housing needs more effectively. Pooley indicated that future discussions could explore such collaborations, particularly in the upcoming housing element cycle.

Public comments during the meeting echoed the supervisors' concerns, with Veronica Blake from the Placer Community Foundation urging for bold actions rather than minor policy adjustments to address the housing crisis. She highlighted the lack of progress in developing low-income housing despite existing policies.

Wayne Nader raised concerns about the infrastructure challenges associated with new housing developments, particularly regarding transportation impacts on Highway 65. He questioned the county's strategy in balancing housing development with necessary infrastructure improvements.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from staff to further investigate the potential for counting non-deed-restricted properties as part of the housing element, as well as a recognition of the need for proactive measures to meet state housing requirements by 2029. The Board of Supervisors plans to continue these discussions in future meetings, aiming to develop actionable strategies to address the pressing housing needs in Placer County.