(a)  The department may adopt, and from time to time revise, guidelines for any of the following:

(1)  The preparation of housing elements required by Section 65302 and Article 10.6 (commencing with Section 65580) of Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code.

(2)  The preparation of a document that meets both of the following sets of requirements:

(A)  Requirements for housing elements pursuant to Section 65302 and Article 10.6 (commencing with Section 65580) of Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code.

(B)  Requirements for the Consolidated Submissions for Community Planning and Development Programs required by Part 91 of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(b)  The department shall review housing elements and amendments for substantial compliance with Article 10.6 (commencing with Section 65580) of Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code and report its findings pursuant to Section 65585 of the Government Code.

(c)  On or before April 1, 1995, and annually thereafter, the department shall report to the Legislature on the status of housing elements and the extent to which they comply with the requirements of Article 10.6 (commencing with Section 65580) of Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code. The department shall also make this report available to any other public agency, group, or person who requests a copy.

(d)  The department may, in connection with any loan or grant application submitted to the agency, require submission to the department for review of any housing element and any local housing assistance plan adopted pursuant to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-383).

(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 686, Sec. 8. Effective October 10, 1995. Operative January 1, 1996, by Sec. 9 of Ch. 686.)