Section 65585.

(a) In the preparation of its housing element, each city and county shall consider the guidelines adopted by the department pursuant to Section 50459 of the Health and Safety Code. Those guidelines shall be advisory to each city or county in the preparation of its housing element.

(b) At least 90 days prior to adoption of its housing element, or at least 60 days prior to the adoption of an amendment to this element, the planning agency shall submit a draft element or draft amendment to the department. The department shall review the draft and report its written findings to the planning agency within 90 days of its receipt of the draft in the case of an adoption or within 60 days of its receipt in the case of a draft amendment.

(c) In the preparation of its findings, the department may consult with any public agency, group, or person. The department shall receive and consider any written comments from any public agency, group, or person regarding the draft or adopted element or amendment under review.

(d) In its written findings, the department shall determine whether the draft element or draft amendment substantially complies with the requirements of this article.

(e) Prior to the adoption of its draft element or draft amendment, the legislative body shall consider the findings made by the department. If the department's findings are not available within the time limits set by this section, the legislative body may act without them.

(f) If the department finds that the draft element or draft amendment does not substantially comply with the requirements of this article, the legislative body shall take one of the following actions:

(1) Change the draft element or draft amendment to substantially comply with the requirements of this article.

(2) Adopt the draft element or draft amendment without changes. The legislative body shall include in its resolution of adoption written findings which explain the reasons the legislative body believes that the draft element or draft amendment substantially complies with the requirements of this article despite the findings of the department.

(g) Promptly following the adoption of its element or amendment, the planning agency shall submit a copy to the department.

(h) The department shall, within 90 days, review adopted housing elements or amendments and report its findings to the planning agency.

(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 471, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2001.)