Golden State Today

California officials, including Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom, have reached a settlement with the City of La Habra Heights to ensure compliance with the state's Housing Element Law. The agreement mandates that La Habra Heights update its housing plan by July 7, 2025, to facilitate the development of 244 housing units. At least 164 of these units must be affordable for low- and very low-income households.

This settlement comes after La Habra Heights failed to meet its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) target during the previous cycle. As a result, an additional requirement was added, bringing the total needed units to 244. The city received a notice of violation from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), prompting negotiations with state officials.

Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the importance of compliance: “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 reiterated this sentiment: “No more excuses — every community has a responsibility to create housing and to help reduce homelessness.”

HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez highlighted the significance of holding all cities accountable: "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."

The compliant housing element must include an assessment of needs, resource inventory, constraints analysis, and implementation programs. It serves as a critical tool in providing homes for moderate-, low-, and very low-income Californians while addressing historical disinvestment issues.

As part of the settlement terms:

- La Habra Heights will expedite actions required for adopting a compliant housing element by July 7, 2025.

- Until compliance is achieved, certain restrictions apply on denying specific income-level projects based on outdated plans.

- Monetary penalties could be imposed if noncompliance persists beyond one year after judgment approval.

The proposed judgment awaits court approval.