The purpose of the No Net Loss Law (Government Code Section 65863) is to ensure development opportunities remain available throughout the planning period to accommodate a jurisdiction’s regional housing need allocation, especially for lower- and moderate- income households. This memorandum provides guidance in understanding and implementing the No Net Loss Law.
The memorandum includes information on:
- The background of the No Net Loss Law
- The scope for the No Net Loss Law and guidelines to determine whether it applies to your jurisdiction
- Responsibilities and requirements of the No Net Loss Law
- Guidelines and parameters for maintaining sites
- Jurisdiction actions
- Lower-density development approval
- California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) considerations
- Consequences of a failure to comply with the No Net Loss Law
- Additional resources on No Net Loss and meeting your Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA)