In a move aimed at addressing California's ongoing housing crisis, state officials have announced a series of proposed zoning regulations that aim to increase housing density and affordability throughout the state. The new regulations, which were unveiled today, come at a time when the cost of housing in California continues to skyrocket, making it one of the least affordable places to live in the country.One of the key aspects of the proposed regulations is a new mandate that would require cities and counties to zone for a minimum number of housing units per acre. This would effectively increase the density of housing developments, making it more feasible for developers to build more affordable housing units. Additionally, the regulations would streamline the approval process for housing projects, making it easier for developers to get their projects off the ground."We recognize that California is facing a severe housing shortage, and we need to take bold action to address this crisis," said state planning official, Sarah Martinez. "These new zoning regulations are a critical step towards ensuring that all Californians have access to safe, affordable housing."The proposed regulations have already faced pushback from local government officials, who argue that the mandates will infringe on their local zoning authority. However, supporters of the regulations argue that a more unified approach to zoning is necessary to effectively address the housing crisis.In addition to the new zoning regulations, state officials have also proposed a series of incentives for cities and counties to encourage the development of affordable housing. These incentives include funding for infrastructure improvements, tax breaks for developers, and streamlined permitting processes.Overall, the proposed regulations are seen as a significant step towards addressing California's housing crisis. With housing costs continuing to rise, many are hopeful that these new regulations will help to alleviate some of the pressure on California's housing market. The regulations are set to be finalized later this year, with implementation expected to begin in early 2027.