California Code, Health and Safety Code - HSC § 50152

The department shall be the principal state department responsible for coordinating federal-state relationships in housing and community development, except for housing finance, and for evaluating the operations and accomplishments of other state departments as they affect housing and community development. The department shall have primary responsibility for development and implementation of housing policy.

In addition, the department shall be the primary agency in the implementation of that policy. The types of programs for which the department is responsible include, but are not limited to, technical assistance, rental subsidies, predevelopment loans, loans and grants for solar energy installation, grants and loans for the construction and rehabilitation of housing for persons and families of low or moderate income, and financial and other assistance to local public entities and nonprofit organizations for housing-related services. The department is also responsible for the development and enforcement of building and housing standards and regulations as provided by law to protect the public's health and safety. Nothing in this section is, however, intended to supersede Part 1.5 (commencing with Section 17910) of Division 13.

All housing programs not expressly assigned to other agencies shall be assigned to the department for implementation.