Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a favorable decision from the Santa Barbara County Superior Court regarding an affordable housing project in Goleta. The court has mandated that the City of Goleta must accept and process a preliminary application for a proposed development by the Shelby Family Partnership. This project aims to build 56 single-family homes, including 13 designated as affordable for lower-income households.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the clarity of the court's ruling, stating, "The ruling by the Santa Barbara County Superior Court is unambiguous: Goleta must allow the application to move forward." He urged the city to comply without delay and assured continued monitoring of the situation by his office due to the critical need for affordable housing.

In December 2024, Attorney General Bonta filed an amicus brief supporting this project. The brief highlighted that when Goleta lacked a legally compliant housing plan in 2023, the Shelby Family Partnership submitted an amended application under Senate Bill 330 to include affordable homes. However, Goleta rejected this application, claiming that Senate Bill 330 applies only to new projects. Attorney General Bonta countered this interpretation, arguing that Senate Bill 330 does not restrict applicants from amending their projects.

Additionally, on December 5, 2023, Goleta attempted to return the preliminary application without adequate explanation. Attorney General Bonta contended that local governments are limited in their ability to disapprove qualifying housing development projects unless specific conditions are met with documented findings.

The court's order aligns with Attorney General Bonta's arguments and positions on these matters.