Costa Mesa plans to review housing element changes due to a lawsuit filed by the state.
In response to upcoming legal challenges from state authorities, the City Council of Costa Mesa is set to deliberate on potential amendments to its housing element on Tuesday, September 1. This housing element outlines strategies for constructing 11,760 new residential units mandated by the state by the close of the decade, addressing the pressing housing crisis in California.
The proposed changes aim to update the city’s general plan and expand the inventory of housing opportunity sites, enabling new residential developments across various income levels. Additionally, the revisions will integrate environmental justice policies to enhance community welfare.
Recent modifications made by city staff, following guidance from the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), have identified 94 new sites capable of supporting approximately 6,978 homes, as highlighted in a report to the council. Simultaneously, the city plans to eliminate over two dozen sites from its inventory that do not fulfill redevelopment criteria due to lack of interest from developers or inadequate provisions for low-income housing.
On August 21, HCD communicated to Costa Mesa officials that these adjustments would align with the statutory requirements of state housing law, paving the way for certification once the city finalizes the rezoning of remaining sites—including the Fairview Developmental Center.
California’s housing element law mandates local governments to revise their housing plans every eight years to facilitate the construction of homes aimed at combating the state’s ongoing housing crisis. This sixth cycle, spanning from 2021 to 2029, requires municipalities to collectively plan for an ambitious total of 2.5 million homes throughout the state.
It is important to note that cities are not directly responsible for building homes; rather, they must create a conducive zoning environment and identify suitable areas for development. For Costa Mesa, the requirement during this cycle includes plans for 11,760 new residential units, with 40% specifically designated for low- or very-low-income households.
In July, California Attorney General Rob Bonta initiated legal action against Costa Mesa and four other cities, alleging failure to produce housing plans that adequately address regional housing needs. Costa Mesa’s initial housing element submission in 2022 was rejected a year later, with state officials indicating that the city had not completed essential rezoning necessary to make previously identified sites available for development. Notably, the Fairview Development Center and a group home were cited as critical components in this rezoning initiative.
The City Council is anticipated to discuss and potentially vote on a definitive land use plan regarding the Fairview Development Center at its upcoming session on September 15. As Costa Mesa navigates these legal obligations and community needs, the forthcoming revisions may shape the city’s residential landscape for years to come.
