Summary:

California’s housing crisis, deeply intertwined with homelessness, necessitates not only permanent housing solutions but also safe, service-rich emergency shelters.  The pivotal Senate Bill 340 (SB‑340), enacted into Law in September 2025, plays a crucial role in this context.  It updates the state’s Housing Element Law, expanding emergency shelter obligations for local jurisdictions and ensuring shelters provide comprehensive support services.

Background: Housing Element and Emergency Shelter

Under Government Code §65583, every city and county must adopt a housing element as part of its general plan.  This element must:

• Assess housing needs and constraints.
• Identify adequate sites for housing, including emergency shelters.
• Provide programs and timelines to meet the jurisdiction’s share of regional housing needs.

What SB‑340 Changes

• Comprehensive onsite services for emergency shelters (navigation centers, case management, health care).
• Updated definition of emergency shelter (supportive services required, occupancy ≤ 6 months).
• By-right zoning for shelters in at least one suitable zone.
• Objective standards for operations (lighting, security, intake areas).
• Regional collaboration allowed (up to three jurisdictions).
• Equity provisions: no denial of shelter due to inability to pay.
• Standardized reporting formats from HCD starting with the seventh housing element revision.

✅ Compliance Checklist for SB‑340

Before submitting your housing element, confirm:

• By-right zoning for emergency shelters in at least one suitable zone.
• Comprehensive onsite services are included and expandable under objective standards.
• Objective standards adopted for occupancy, parking, intake, lighting, and security.
• Regional collaboration agreements documented (if applicable).
• Equity compliance: no denial due to inability to pay.
• Updated housing element aligns with HCD’s reporting format.

Bottom Line

SB‑340 modernizes California’s housing element Law to reflect best practices in homelessness response.  By requiring comprehensive onsite services, streamlined zoning, and regional cooperation, the state moves closer to a holistic solution for housing insecurity.