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Unlocking Housing Potential for Churches

California’s Affordable Housing on Faith and Higher Education Lands Act (SB4) gives churches like yours a unique opportunity: to use underutilized land to create much-needed affordable housing while advancing your ministry’s mission.

What is SB4?

SB4, passed in 2023, allows faith-based institutions and nonprofit colleges to build affordable housing on their property by-right — without the long delays of rezoning or CEQA review. This law was designed to unlock the potential of thousands of acres of underutilized land across California for housing that truly serves local communities.

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Who is Eligible Under SB4?

  • Faith-based institutions:

    • Churches

    • Synagogues

    • Mosques

    • Other nonprofit religious organizations

  • Nonprofit higher education institutions:

    • Private nonprofit colleges

    • Universities with underutilized land

    • Schools with non-core parcels available for housing

Why SB4 Matters for Churches

  • Extends your ministry’s mission beyond the sanctuary.

  • Provides housing for seniors, veterans, families, and local workforce.

  • Unlocks the value of parking lots, vacant parcels, and underutilized property.

  • Offers a sustainable way to steward church assets for Kingdom impact.

SB4 Resources for Your Ministry

We’ve curated the most helpful guides and reports to give you a complete understanding of SB4 — from simple overviews to full legislative text.

Ready to Explore Housing on Your Church Land?

IDS helps churches navigate SB4 every step of the way — from feasibility studies to project delivery.

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