Affordable Housing Ordinance

​Background

On February 25, 2014, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors repealed and revised the Affordable Housing Ordinance (AHO) (Chapter 22.35 of Sacramento County Code). The AHO requires housing developers to either pay an affordability fee to the AHO Fund, dedicate land for affordable housing, and/or include affordable units in their development. Collected AHO fees are then transferred to the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA), who uses the funds to finance and support affordable housing projects in unincorporated Sacramento County. 

View the Affordable Housing Ordinance - SCC Chapter 22.35

View the Affordable Housing Program Guidelines

As of March 27, 2026, the current Affordability Fee increased by 3.24% to $3.91 per habitable square foot of each housing unit. For assistance with paying AHO Fees or other questions, please contact peredr@saccounty.gov. 

​Affordable Housing Fee Notice for 20​26

Affordable Housing Ordinance Review Project​

Housing Element Program E3 of the County’s 2021-2029 Housing Element directs the County to undertake the following:

  • Perform an evaluation of the AHO to determine whether affordable housing is being produced at the anticipated rate of at least ten percent;
  • Pursue an economic feasibility study to guide considerations of an inclusionary housing component
  • Examine opportunities to prioritize the production of affordable housing in the highest, high, and moderate resource areas; and
  • Engage a broad range of stakeholders through at least one kick-off meeting and three focus group meetings.

Based on the results of these efforts, the County is then to:

  • Consider amendments to the AHO to increase the production of affordable housing in the County, and
  • Modify the owner-builder exemption.

Upcoming Meetings

Date

Hearing Body

October 6, 2026

Board of Supervisors Workshop

​​​​Project Schedule 

Project Stage

Estimated Timeframe

Project Initiation & Phase 1 Technical Studies

Spring 2025 – Spring 2026

Community Engagement Kickoff

Fall 2025

Phase 1 Technical Study Complete

Spring 2026

Community Engagement and Focus Group Meetings

Summer 2026

Board of Supervisors Workshop

Fall 2026

Phase 2 Technical Study and Residential Nexus Study

Fall 2026 – Spring 2027

Ordinance Drafting

Spring 2027 – Summer 2027

Community Engagement

Summer 2027 – Fall 2027

Planning Commission and Board of Supervisor Hearings

Winter 2027

Project Documents

Staff Contact

For questions related to the Affordable Housing Ordinance Review Project, or to be added to the project email list, please contact Jacob Dawe at dawej@saccounty.gov or 916-874-5909.

For assistance with paying AHO Fees or other questions, please contact peredr@saccounty.gov.