The City of Salinas first adopted an inclusionary housing ordinance in 1992. During the 2002 update of the City’s General Plan, it was determined that the need for affordable housing was such that inclusionary policies should be reviewed to determine if it was feasible to increase the requirements of the ordinance

On May 1, 2003, Bay Area Economics (BAE) submitted a feasibility study to the City of Salinas. Subsequently the City engaged BAE to update the study and to provide additional information regarding options for increasing the required percentage of affordable units within new residential development. The update was presented to the Planning Commission on May 18, 2005.

Inclusionary Housing Ordinance

The ordinance calls for preparation of implementing guidelines for the City Council's consideration. Guidelines were adopted by the Council on November 21, 2006.