California officials have reached a settlement with the City of La Habra Heights to ensure compliance with the state's Housing Element Law. The agreement requires the city to adopt a housing plan by July 7, 2025, allowing for the development of 244 housing units. Of these, at least 164 must be affordable for low- and very low-income households.
The settlement, announced by Attorney General Rob Bonta, Governor Gavin Newsom, and California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Director Gustavo Velasquez, is part of California's sixth "housing element update cycle" for 2021-2029. This process mandates cities and counties to periodically update their housing plans to meet regional needs.
La Habra Heights was initially required to update its housing plan by October 15, 2021, but failed to identify adequate sites for lower- and moderate-income units during the previous cycle. Consequently, an additional 72 units were added to its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) target.
Attorney General Rob Bonta stated: “The City of La Habra Heights has done the right thing. Instead of continuing to skirt California’s housing laws, it will finally be complying with its legal obligation to plan for 244 housing units.”
Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized community responsibility in addressing homelessness: “No more excuses — every community has a responsibility to create housing and to help reduce homelessness.”
HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez highlighted accountability: "This latest agreement is a key example of why it is so important that every city, big and small, is held accountable for doing its fair share to address the statewide housing need."
A compliant housing element includes an assessment of needs and resources as well as programs implementing policies through zoning ordinances. It aims at providing homes across income levels while addressing historical issues like redlining.
Under this settlement:
- La Habra Heights must adopt a compliant housing element by July 7, 2025.
- Until compliance is achieved, certain development projects cannot be denied based on outdated planning codes.
- Noncompliance after twelve months may result in monetary penalties.
The petition detailing these terms awaits court approval.