California Housing Guidelines to be Translated into Multiple Languages

Bill Signed by Gov. Newsom Reflects Diverse, Multilingual Populace

“California is for everyone – our housing guidelines should be translated to reflect our diversity”

SACRAMENTO – Californians who speak a language other than English at home will have an easier time using state housing guidelines to build more homes, thanks to new legislation signed into law today by Governor Gavin Newsom.

AB 413, authored by Assemblyman Mike Fong and sponsored by California YIMBY and Casita Coalition, requires the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to translate key state housing guidelines and handbooks into any language spoken by groups that comprise at least 5 percent or more of the people served by the agency. 

“California has over 16.2 million residents who speak a language other than English at home—yet our state housing guides are only in English,” said California YIMBY CEO Brian Hanlon. “Californians who lack fluency in English will now better understand their rights under state law, including rules governing ADU production.”

The bill ensures equal language access to housing rules that are designed to expand housing options, while giving homeowners new pathways for inter-generational housing and wealth-building. The state estimates that over 16.2 million California residents speak a language other than English at home; under the provisions of AB 413, HCD information about ADUs, duplexes, and other housing options will be made available in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Filipino, Hindi, and Korean.