Score: +2
(21/84/19)
Orange County Grand Jury
• 2025-2026
California Housing Mandates The Unintended Reshaping of Orange County Neighborhoods
Published: May 21, 2026
67 pages
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 22 findings
F1
In recent years, the California Legislature has enacted an unusually large and burdensome volume of housing-related laws intended to strengthen compliance with State Housing Mandates.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
OCCOG should expand its technical assistance and training programs, by September 30, 2026, to ensure that all Orange County jurisdictions - understand RHNA methodology, statutory obligations, and the implications of noncompliance. (F1, F2, F3, F4)
R15
By September 30, 2026, and ongoing, the County Board of Supervisors and all city councils should make a coordinated and sustained effort to educate their constituents about the RHNA process—its requirements, its impact on local planning and community character, and the role residents can play in shaping outcomes. Public education efforts should also include guidance on how community members can effectively engage with the California Legislature and advocate for more realistic, data driven housing policies. (F1, F7) -
F2
Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
OCCOG should expand its technical assistance and training programs, by September 30, 2026, to ensure that all Orange County jurisdictions - understand RHNA methodology, statutory obligations, and the implications of noncompliance. (F1, F2, F3, F4)
F3
OCCOG coordinates RHNA regional planning in partnership with the SCAG for Orange County. OCCOG lacks adequate influence with SCAG.
Related Recommendations (6)
R1
OCCOG should expand its technical assistance and training programs, by September 30, 2026, to ensure that all Orange County jurisdictions - understand RHNA methodology, statutory obligations, and the implications of noncompliance. (F1, F2, F3, F4)
R2
OCCOG should coordinate a countywide review of sites identified in local Housing Elements, by December 31, 2026, to evaluate whether each site meets state requirements for realistic capacity and development feasibility, supported by a standardized, version controlled change log. (F3, F4) - -2026
R3
OCCOG should develop and publish a comprehensive RHNA Inputs Catalog, by April 30, 2027, prior to drafting the 7th Cycle methodology, documenting all datasets used, their sources, methodological assumptions, and a version controlled record of changes. (F3, F4)
R6
OCCOG should convene a 7th Cycle Technical Working Group, by December 31, 2026, composed of planners, data analysts, and transit experts to pre evaluate methodology scenarios and deliver unified, countywide recommendations to SCAG. (F3, F6, F15) -
R7
OCCOG, all Orange County cities and the County of Orange should reassess the current dues structure, by September 30, 2026, to ensure that OCCOG has the resources necessary to effectively represent Orange County jurisdictions in SCAG processes, including RHNA methodology development and appeals. (F3, F15)
R11
The County of Orange and each city should ensure consistent participation in SCAG and OCCOG committees by September 30, 2026, including the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), to strengthen regional representation during RHNA methodology development. (F3, F4, F15)
F4
Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies.
Related Recommendations (5)
R1
OCCOG should expand its technical assistance and training programs, by September 30, 2026, to ensure that all Orange County jurisdictions - understand RHNA methodology, statutory obligations, and the implications of noncompliance. (F1, F2, F3, F4)
R2
OCCOG should coordinate a countywide review of sites identified in local Housing Elements, by December 31, 2026, to evaluate whether each site meets state requirements for realistic capacity and development feasibility, supported by a standardized, version controlled change log. (F3, F4) - -2026
R3
OCCOG should develop and publish a comprehensive RHNA Inputs Catalog, by April 30, 2027, prior to drafting the 7th Cycle methodology, documenting all datasets used, their sources, methodological assumptions, and a version controlled record of changes. (F3, F4)
R11
The County of Orange and each city should ensure consistent participation in SCAG and OCCOG committees by September 30, 2026, including the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), to strengthen regional representation during RHNA methodology development. (F3, F4, F15)
R12
The County of Orange and e-ach city should designate a single technical representative, by September 30, 2026, along with an alternate, for all RHNA related SCAG and OCCOG committees to ensure continuity of participation and eliminate gaps in representation across multiple - decision making bodies. (F4)
F5
SCAG’s 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021–2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10
By June 30, 2-027, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should evaluate whether the County should pursue its own independent Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) designation for purposes of regional housing planning. (F5, F6, F7, F15) -2026
F6
RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions, infrastructure constraints, environmental factors, and public health and safety requirements.
Related Recommendations (3)
R6
OCCOG should convene a 7th Cycle Technical Working Group, by December 31, 2026, composed of planners, data analysts, and transit experts to pre evaluate methodology scenarios and deliver unified, countywide recommendations to SCAG. (F3, F6, F15) -
R8
By December 31, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should partner with cities to evaluate countywide infrastructure capacity— including water, wastewater, flood control, transportation, and public safety systems—and develop a coordinated regional plan capable of supporting - the level of housing growth required under state law. (F6)
R10
By June 30, 2-027, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should evaluate whether the County should pursue its own independent Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) designation for purposes of regional housing planning. (F5, F6, F7, F15) -2026
F7
Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to neighborhood character, safety considerations, the environment and open-space preservation.
Related Recommendations (2)
R10
By June 30, 2-027, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should evaluate whether the County should pursue its own independent Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) designation for purposes of regional housing planning. (F5, F6, F7, F15) -2026
R15
By September 30, 2026, and ongoing, the County Board of Supervisors and all city councils should make a coordinated and sustained effort to educate their constituents about the RHNA process—its requirements, its impact on local planning and community character, and the role residents can play in shaping outcomes. Public education efforts should also include guidance on how community members can effectively engage with the California Legislature and advocate for more realistic, data driven housing policies. (F1, F7) -
F8
California’s regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers—particularly those delivering affordable units. -2026
Related Recommendations (1)
R16
By December 31, 2026, all cities should look to enhance their relationships with not-for-profit affordable housing developers to increase the opportunity to develop more affordable housing. (F8, F10, F12)
F9
The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per unit when fully complying with current state regulations. New low-income housing is generally not financially feasible without public subsidy.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechanism for cities and counties to finance affordable housing and related infrastructure. The loss of redevelopment has reduced cities’ ability to support construction of affordable units.
Related Recommendations (1)
R16
By December 31, 2026, all cities should look to enhance their relationships with not-for-profit affordable housing developers to increase the opportunity to develop more affordable housing. (F8, F10, F12)
F11
Because public subsidy is limited and highly competitive, cities seeking to produce meaningful quantities of low-income housing must rely in part on private development incentives, often resulting in higher overall development densities and unit counts than the RHNA allocation.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
The 6th Cycle RHNA methodology included numerous technical inputs published by SCAG and HCD; however, these inputs were highly complex and difficult for cities to interpret or independently verify.
Related Recommendations (1)
R16
By December 31, 2026, all cities should look to enhance their relationships with not-for-profit affordable housing developers to increase the opportunity to develop more affordable housing. (F8, F10, F12)
F13
The California State Auditor’s 2022 review found significant deficiencies in HCD’s regional determination process—including inadequate documentation, data-entry errors, and insufficient justification for key assumptions—raising concerns that similar issues may affect the 7th Cycle process.
Related Recommendations (1)
R14
By April 30, 2027, the County of Orange and each city should publish annual monitoring dashboards showing (a) entitlement pipeline conditions, (b) realistic site yield, (c) assembled funding sources for affordable units, and (d) conversion rates from planned capacity to issued permits and completed units, ensuring that County and city determined capacity assumptions remain aligned with actual production. (F13) -
F14
OCCOG’s current resources and organizational structure are insufficient to fully advocate for Orange County jurisdictions during RHNA methodology development, especially when compared with larger or more heavily resourced regional councils of governments that also influence SCAG.
No recommendations for this finding
F15
Demands on HCD are anticipated to materially alter methodology for the 7th Cycle, but Orange County jurisdictions have not yet received clear guidance on how these allocations will be translated into SCAG policy or local impacts.
Related Recommendations (5)
R6
OCCOG should convene a 7th Cycle Technical Working Group, by December 31, 2026, composed of planners, data analysts, and transit experts to pre evaluate methodology scenarios and deliver unified, countywide recommendations to SCAG. (F3, F6, F15) -
R7
OCCOG, all Orange County cities and the County of Orange should reassess the current dues structure, by September 30, 2026, to ensure that OCCOG has the resources necessary to effectively represent Orange County jurisdictions in SCAG processes, including RHNA methodology development and appeals. (F3, F15)
R9
By September 30, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should strengthen its engagement with OCCOG and increase staff support to develop a shared, countywide database of potential housing sites and key development feasibility factors. (F15)
R10
By June 30, 2-027, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should evaluate whether the County should pursue its own independent Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) designation for purposes of regional housing planning. (F5, F6, F7, F15) -2026
R11
The County of Orange and each city should ensure consistent participation in SCAG and OCCOG committees by September 30, 2026, including the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), to strengthen regional representation during RHNA methodology development. (F3, F4, F15)
F16
The reliance on transit accessibility as a major RHNA consideration requires high-quality, early-released datasets from OCTA; however, these datasets are not currently consolidated or formally adopted for use in the 7th Cycle methodology.
Related Recommendations (2)
R4
OCCOG should create a pu-blic facing RHNA Accountability Dashboard, by April 30, 2027, displaying deadlines, responsible agencies, dataset - readiness, and upcoming SCAG decision points, to ensure transparency and timely action by jurisdictions. (F16)
R5
OCCOG should request that SCAG and HCD, by December 31, 2026, provide written guidance explaining how HCD’s recommendations will be applied in shaping the 7th Cycle RHNA methodology so that jurisdictions can prepare proactively. (F16)
F17
The large number of committees, subcommittees, and advisory groups involved in SCAG and OCCOG’s RHNA processes promotes broad participation but diffuses accountability, making it difficult to determine who is responsible for specific analytic inputs or process decisions. -2026
Related Recommendations (1)
R13
OCTA sh-ould provide an official, data frozen countywide transit dataset (GTFS + GIS), by September 30, 2026, to meet OCCOG’s analytical - needs for 7th Cycle RHNA planning. (F17)
F18
The City of Huntington Beach has been unsuccessful in its attempts to contest Housing Mandates. To date, Huntington Beach lacks an approved General Plan Housing Element related to RHNA Allocation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R17
By September 1, 2026, the City of Huntington Beach should evaluate submitting an appropriate Housing Element to reduce potential exposure to HCD penalties. (F18)
F19
The City of Irvine has been progressive in submitting a housing plan that calls for twice the number of units mandated (56,000). However, this threatens the historical nature of a master plan community with substantial infrastructure challenges.
Related Recommendations (1)
R18
By September 1, 2026, the City of Irvine should ascertain the level of community support for its housing element submission and its impact on the character of its master plan. (F19) -2026
F20
Cities and other stakeholders encounter difficulty explaining RHNA outcomes to elected officials and the public due to a lack of clear, consolidated documentation describing how allocation decisions are derived from the underlying data.
Related Recommendations (1)
R20
By September 1, 2026, SCAG should revise its RHNA appeals process to improve procedural transparency and responsiveness by clearly defining appeal criteria, documenting staff analyses and recommendations, providing written explanations for appeal decisions, and ensuring jurisdictions have meaningful opportunities to present and respond to staff
F21
The absence of a clearly articulated and easily understandable description of the RHNA allocation algorithm contributes to perceptions that discretionary or political considerations may influence outcomes, even when allocations are made in compliance with state housing laws.
Related Recommendations (1)
R19
By September 1, 2026, SCAG should conduct a formal review of its RHNA allocation methodology and clearly document, in understandable language, the inputs, assumptions, weighting, and decision points used in the allocation algorithm. This documentation should be publicly released and designed to improve transparency, reduce perceptions of political influence, and enhance public understanding of how allocations are determined. (F21)
F22
Improved transparency and communication regarding RHNA methodology would enhance public confidence in the process and reduce misunderstandings among member jurisdictions.
No recommendations for this finding
Agency Responses 14
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.
▶
City of Costa Mesa
13 pages
• 21 responses
•
Score: +1
(+1, 13, 0)
View Details ▾
21 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
In recent years, the California Legislature has enacted an unusually large and burdensome volume of housing-related laws intended to strengthen compliance with State Housing Mandates.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City agrees with this finding. The volume of housing-related laws enacted since 2019 has resulted in significant staff resources required to interpret and implement the laws, including educating the community and local officials. For example, during the 2025 legislative cycle, approximately 60 housing related bills were enacted. In most cases, the laws become effective in a short amount of time once they are signed into law (e.g. immediately, three months, or up to 10 months), which limited the City's and staff ability to adapt and understand the new regulations, 77 FAIR DRIVE, POST OFFICE...
F2
Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City agrees with this finding. The Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) was incredibly complex in its approach, with methodologies that were not transparent, that were difficult for staff to understand and assist in explaining the methodology to the community and local officials. The consultation process between the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) operated in a vacuum during the 6th Housing Element Cycle. With little to no transparency during the consultation process, there was no way to confirm t...
F3
OCCOG coordinates RHNA regional planning in partnership with the SCAG for Orange County. OCCOG lacks adequate influence with SCAG.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City acknowledges that OCCOG should have necessary resources to effectively represent Orange County jurisdictions in the SCAG processes, including RHNA methodology development and appeals. This is not an action item the City of Costa Mesa can independently initiate; however, the City is supportive of the intent of this recommendation. However, the City also emphasizes that jurisdictions continue to face budgetary constraints, which would make it difficult to commit to increased dues to support the recommended resources. R8. By December 31, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors shoul...
F4
Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City agrees with this finding. F5. SCAG's 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021-2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers. City Response: The City agrees with this finding. As noted in the City's response to finding F2, the 6th Cycle RHNA process lacked transparency. It was difficult to determine the data and inputs used to arrive at RHNA methodologies, subsequent audits found errors in the model and accounting process, and it was difficult to explain this proc...
F5
SCAG’s 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021–2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City agrees with this finding. As noted in the City's response to finding F2, the 6th Cycle RHNA process lacked transparency. It was difficult to determine the data and inputs used to arrive at RHNA methodologies, subsequent audits found errors in the model and accounting process, and it was difficult to explain this process, and data behind it, to the community and local officials. F6. RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions, infrastructure constraints, environmental factors, and public...
F6
RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions, infrastructure constraints, environmental factors, and public health and safety requirements.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City agrees with this finding. The RHNA continues to be a onesize-fits-all process where the methodology does not consider the characteristics or constraints associated with any individual jurisdiction. Since the Housing Element must demonstrate capacity to accommodate the RHNA along with aligning a substantial breadth of the jurisdiction's regulations to State policies, there are drastic variables that affect each jurisdiction's ability to meet their RHNA. For example, the 8-year planning cycle itself is simply too short to implement the City of Costa Mesa's 47 Housing Element programs, p...
F7
Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to neighborhood character, safety considerations, the environment and open-space preservation.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City agrees with this finding. F8. California's regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers-particularly those delivering affordable units. City Response: The City agrees with this finding. Many financial incentivizes, opportunities and sources exist at the County level. Local jurisdictions are already constrained and increasingly more constrained in subsidies, grants and other funding mechanisms they can provide and support. Additionally, private developers, including affordable housing developers, request incentives l...
R7
OCCOG, all Orange County cities and the County of Orange should reassess the current dues structure, by September 30, 2026, to ensure that OCCOG has the resources necessary to effectively represent Orange County jurisdictions in SCAG processes, including RHNA methodology development and appeals. (F3, F15)
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F8
California’s regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers—particularly those delivering affordable units. -2026
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
, many financial incentivizes, opportunities and sources exist at the County level. Local jurisdictions are already constrained and increasingly more constrained in the subsidies, grants and other funding mechanisms they can provide and support. Additionally, private developers, including affordable housing developers, request incentives like reductions to building code requirements, waiving of impact fees and relaxing of other code requirements to help the project from a financial standpoint. However, relaxing of these requirements are not often beneficial from a quality-of-life standpoint, a...
R8
By December 31, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should partner with cities to evaluate countywide infrastructure capacity— including water, wastewater, flood control, transportation, and public safety systems—and develop a coordinated regional plan capable of supporting - the level of housing growth required under state law. (F6)
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City acknowledges this recommendation. The City prepared a comprehensive programmatic environmental impact report (PEIR) that evaluated citywide infrastructure capacity including water, wastewater, flood control, transportation, and public-safety infrastructure for the citywide rezoning effort, Neighborhoods Where We All Belong, to implement the Sixth Cycle Housing Element. Additionally, the City reached out to the local school districts to evaluate capacity impacts in the three focus areas where the majority of the residential and residential mixed-use is sited. The PEIR is not yet certif...
F9
The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per unit when fully complying with current state regulations. New low-income housing is generally not financially feasible without public subsidy.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City agrees with this finding. As noted in the City response to F8, many financial incentivizes, opportunities and sources exist at the County level. Local jurisdictions are already constrained and increasingly more constrained in the subsidies, grants and other funding mechanisms they can provide and support. Additionally, private developers, including affordable housing developers, request incentives like reductions to building code requirements, waiving of impact fees and relaxing of other code requirements to help the project from a financial standpoint. However, relaxing of these requ...
R9
By September 30, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should strengthen its engagement with OCCOG and increase staff support to develop a shared, countywide database of potential housing sites and key development feasibility factors. (F15)
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City partially agrees with this recommendation. The City of Costa Mesa staff attend all OCCOG Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) monthly meetings, participate in bi-annual countywide data collection requests, share information with Orange County jurisdictions through OCCOG, attend trainings related to RHNA and state law implementation. The City would support a countywide 10 | Pag e
GIS database of Housing Element sites and would make shapefiles accessible for this purpose. However, this recommendation is focused on the County of Orange for implementation and not Costa Mesa. R11. The Count...
F10
Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechanism for cities and counties to finance affordable housing and related infrastructure. The loss of redevelopment has reduced cities’ ability to support construction of affordable units.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City agrees with this finding. Medium-sized jurisdictions have populations with diverse demographics and housing needs. However, resources to address these needs continue to be limited, often paired with competitive application processes. As a result of legislation in 2012, all redevelopment agencies in the State were dissolved, which has had a profound effect on the quantity and complexity of affordable housing development in the State. Redevelopment was a tax increment financing tool that allowed cities and counties to retain a higher share of the growth in property taxes in designated a...
F11
Because public subsidy is limited and highly competitive, cities seeking to produce meaningful quantities of low-income housing must rely in part on private development incentives, often resulting in higher overall development densities and unit counts than the RHNA allocation.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City agrees with this finding. The City of Costa Mesa continues to rely on its Inclusionary Housing Ordinance and State Density Bonus Law (SDBL) to achieve lower-income housing included in residential projects. These development projects are not producing affordable housing at the densities for the City to meet its RHNA allocation identified for Housing Element sites. This is due to current market factors favoring lower density townhomes rather than higher density rental projects, which diminishes the required Housing Element surplus of units and presents a no net loss risk. Market factors...
R11
The County of Orange and each city should ensure consistent participation in SCAG and OCCOG committees by September 30, 2026, including the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), to strengthen regional representation during RHNA methodology development. (F3, F4, F15)
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City agrees with this recommendation and has designated staff representatives, or alternates, for all RHNA-related SCAG and OCCOG committees who actively participate in and attend the meetings. R12. The County of Orange and each city should designate a single technical representative, by September 30, 2026, along with an alternate, for all RHNA-related SCAG and OCCOG committees to ensure continuity of participation and eliminate gaps in representation across multiple decision-making bodies. (F4) City Response: The City agrees with this recommendation as noted in R11. R14. By April 30, 2027...
F12
The 6th Cycle RHNA methodology included numerous technical inputs published by SCAG and HCD; however, these inputs were highly complex and difficult for cities to interpret or independently verify.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City agrees with this finding. As noted in the City response for F2, the Sixth Cycle RHNA was incredibly complex in its approach. Costa Mesa wrote at least four letters to SCAG over the course of the development of the methodology and noted over the course of three months (September 2019 to November 2019) that five different methodologies were presented and reviewed. Costa Mesa expressed significant concerns about local input not being included in the methodology, and that the process should be transparent and interactive. The process was input focused and did not rely enough on feedback f...
R12
The County of Orange and e-ach city should designate a single technical representative, by September 30, 2026, along with an alternate, for all RHNA related SCAG and OCCOG committees to ensure continuity of participation and eliminate gaps in representation across multiple - decision making bodies. (F4)
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City agrees with this recommendation as noted in R11. R14. By April 30, 2027, the County of Orange and each city should publish annual monitoring dashboards showing (a) entitlement pipeline conditions, (b) realistic site yield, (c) assembled funding sources for affordable units, and (d) conversion rates from planned capacity to issued permits and completed units, ensuring that County and city-determined capacity assumptions remain aligned with actual production. (F13) City Response: This recommendation is already being implemented. Costa Mesa has an Active Development Projects map availabl...
F13
The California State Auditor’s 2022 review found significant deficiencies in HCD’s regional determination process—including inadequate documentation, data-entry errors, and insufficient justification for key assumptions—raising concerns that similar issues may affect the 7th Cycle process.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
This recommendation is already being implemented. Costa Mesa has an Active Development Projects map available on the City's website that shows where projects are being constructed. In addition, the City reports housing production data on an annual basis to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) through the annual progress report which includes information for entitlements through to certificate of occupancy, and project funding sources, if known. Identifying project funding sources is a newer reporting requirement established by HCD during the last two annual repo...
R14
By April 30, 2027, the County of Orange and each city should publish annual monitoring dashboards showing (a) entitlement pipeline conditions, (b) realistic site yield, (c) assembled funding sources for affordable units, and (d) conversion rates from planned capacity to issued permits and completed units, ensuring that County and city determined capacity assumptions remain aligned with actual production. (F13) -
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
This recommendation is already being implemented. Costa Mesa has an Active Development Projects map available on the City's website that shows where projects are being constructed. In addition, the City reports housing production data on an annual basis to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) through the annual progress report which includes information for entitlements through to certificate of occupancy, and project funding sources, if known. Identifying project funding sources is a newer reporting requirement established by HCD during the last two annual repo...
F15
Demands on HCD are anticipated to materially alter methodology for the 7th Cycle, but Orange County jurisdictions have not yet received clear guidance on how these allocations will be translated into SCAG policy or local impacts.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City acknowledges that OCCOG should have necessary resources to effectively represent Orange County jurisdictions in the SCAG processes, including RHNA methodology development and appeals. This is not an action item the City of Costa Mesa can independently initiate; however, the City is supportive of the intent of this recommendation. However, the City also emphasizes that jurisdictions continue to face budgetary constraints, which would make it difficult to commit to increased dues to support the recommended resources. R8. By December 31, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors shoul...
R16
By December 31, 2026, all cities should look to enhance their relationships with not-for-profit affordable housing developers to increase the opportunity to develop more affordable housing. (F8, F10, F12)
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City agrees with and is already implementing this recommendation. The City's Housing Element identifies program 2B (Affordable Housing Development), which includes pursuing funding opportunities related to affordable housing, pursuing local partnerships with affordable housing organizations and establishing development incentives (i.e. deferment of fees, priority process, modified development standards, etc.) to encourage affordable housing in the City. As part of a REAP 2.0 grant awarded to the City in early 2026, consultant Interwest is assisting the City in preparing a memo that identif...
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City of Laguna Woods
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City of Newport Beach
12 pages
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City of La Palma
5 pages
• 11 responses
•
Score: -4
(+0, 6, -4)
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11 responses to findings and recommendations
F7
Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to neighborhood character, safety considerations, the environment and open-space preservation.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of La Palma partially disagrees with this finding. The City's fees are set at or below the cost of providing services as allowed by law. • F9. The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per unit when fully complying with current state regulations. New low-income housing is generally not financially feasible without public subsidy. • F10. Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechanism for cities and counties to finance affordable housing and related infrastruc...
R7
OCCOG, all Orange County cities and the County of Orange should reassess the current dues structure, by September 30, 2026, to ensure that OCCOG has the resources necessary to effectively represent Orange County jurisdictions in SCAG processes, including RHNA methodology development and appeals. (F3, F15)
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
This recommendation will not be implemented, but the City of La Palma is open to conversations regarding the current dues structure. The City is not aware of whether OCCOG will be able to evaluate the current dues structure by September 30, 2026. The City is committed to partnering with Orange County cities and the County of Orange to strengthen OCCOG's ability to represent Orange County effectively in SCAG processes, subject to available resources and further regional discussion. • R8. By December 31, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should partner with cities to evaluate countywi...
F8
California’s regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers—particularly those delivering affordable units. -2026
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of La Palma partially disagrees with this finding. The City's fees are set at or below the cost of providing services as allowed by law. • F9. The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per unit when fully complying with current state regulations. New low-income housing is generally not financially feasible without public subsidy. • F10. Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechanism for cities and counties to finance affordable housing and related infrastruc...
R8
By December 31, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should partner with cities to evaluate countywide infrastructure capacity— including water, wastewater, flood control, transportation, and public safety systems—and develop a coordinated regional plan capable of supporting - the level of housing growth required under state law. (F6)
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
This recommendation will not be implemented unless the Orange County Board of Supervisors decides to move forward. However, the City of La Palma supports the concept of a coordinated regional infrastructure evaluation and would participate, as staffing and resources allow. • R9. By September 30, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should strengthen its engagement with OCCOG and increase staff support to develop a shared, countywide database of potential housing sites and key development-feasibility factors. Response: This recommendation will not be implemented because it is not within...
R9
By September 30, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should strengthen its engagement with OCCOG and increase staff support to develop a shared, countywide database of potential housing sites and key development feasibility factors. (F15)
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
This recommendation will not be implemented because it is not within the City of La Palma's control. The City of La Palma does support regional tools that reduce duplicative work for individual jurisdictions. • R11. The County of Orange and each city should ensure consistent participation in SCAG and OCCOG committees by September 30, 2026, including the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), to strengthen regional representation during RHNA-methodology development. Response: This recommendation has been implemented. The City of La Palma actively participates in both SCAG and OCCOG committees.
• ...
R11
The County of Orange and each city should ensure consistent participation in SCAG and OCCOG committees by September 30, 2026, including the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), to strengthen regional representation during RHNA methodology development. (F3, F4, F15)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
This recommendation has been implemented. The City of La Palma actively participates in both SCAG and OCCOG committees.
• R12. The County of Orange and each city should designate a single technical representative, by September 30, 2026, along with an alternate, for all RHNA-related SCAG and OCCOG committees to ensure continuity of participation and eliminate gaps in representation across multiple decision-making bodies. Response: This recommendation has been implemented. The City has a designated representative serving on SCAG and OCCOG committees. • R14. By April 30, 2027, the County of Oran...
F12
The 6th Cycle RHNA methodology included numerous technical inputs published by SCAG and HCD; however, these inputs were highly complex and difficult for cities to interpret or independently verify.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
This recommendation will not be implemented, but the City of La Palma is open to conversations regarding the current dues structure. The City is not aware of whether OCCOG will be able to evaluate the current dues structure by September 30, 2026. The City is committed to partnering with Orange County cities and the County of Orange to strengthen OCCOG's ability to represent Orange County effectively in SCAG processes, subject to available resources and further regional discussion. • R8. By December 31, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should partner with cities to evaluate countywi...
R12
The County of Orange and e-ach city should designate a single technical representative, by September 30, 2026, along with an alternate, for all RHNA related SCAG and OCCOG committees to ensure continuity of participation and eliminate gaps in representation across multiple - decision making bodies. (F4)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
This recommendation has been implemented. The City has a designated representative serving on SCAG and OCCOG committees. • R14. By April 30, 2027, the County of Orange and each city should publish annual monitoring dashboards showing (a) entitlement pipeline conditions, (b) realistic site yield, (c) assembled funding sources for affordable units, and (d) conversion rates from planned capacity to issued permits and completed units, ensuring that County and city-determined capacity assumptions remain aligned with actual production. Response: This recommendation will not be implemented. As requir...
R14
By April 30, 2027, the County of Orange and each city should publish annual monitoring dashboards showing (a) entitlement pipeline conditions, (b) realistic site yield, (c) assembled funding sources for affordable units, and (d) conversion rates from planned capacity to issued permits and completed units, ensuring that County and city determined capacity assumptions remain aligned with actual production. (F13) -
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
This recommendation will not be implemented. As required by the State of California, the City of La Palma submits an annual report on the City's progress in implementing its certified General Plan Housing Element, which includes information outlined in the recommendation. The City supports the goal of improving transparency around housing production and realistic development capacity. To the extent additional reporting or dashboard information is requested in the future, the City would welcome a coordinated approach that provides clear guidance, standardized reporting tools, and technical supp...
R15
By September 30, 2026, and ongoing, the County Board of Supervisors and all city councils should make a coordinated and sustained effort to educate their constituents about the RHNA process—its requirements, its impact on local planning and community character, and the role residents can play in shaping outcomes. Public education efforts should also include guidance on how community members can effectively engage with the California Legislature and advocate for more realistic, data driven housin...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
This recommendation has been implemented as the City of La Palma continues to communicate with our residents about housing matters through Council Meetings, our electronic newsletter, The Visionary, and on social media. Educational efforts regarding the RHNA process will continue, especially as we approach the 7th Cycle. • R16. By December 31, 2026, all cities should look to enhance their relationships with not-for-profit affordable housing developers to increase the opportunity to develop more affordable housing. Response: This recommendation has been implemented through the City of La Palma'...
R16
By December 31, 2026, all cities should look to enhance their relationships with not-for-profit affordable housing developers to increase the opportunity to develop more affordable housing. (F8, F10, F12)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
This recommendation has been implemented through the City of La Palma's Housing Element programs. The City is open to collaborating with the entire stakeholder community to enhance affordable housing options in Orange County, subject to available staffing, resources, and site opportunities.
The Honorable Sheila F. Hanson Response to Orange County Grand Jury Report, California Housing Mandates, The Unintended Reshaping of Orange County Neighborhoods August 4, 2026 Page 5 Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Grand Jury Report. Should you have any questions or need any additional info...
▶
City of Rancho Santa Margarita
4 pages
• 13 responses
•
Score: 0
(+1, 11, -1)
View Details ▾
13 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
In recent years, the California Legislature has enacted an unusually large and burdensome volume of housing-related laws intended to strengthen compliance with State Housing Mandates.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F2: Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F4: Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies. Response: The City of Ranc...
F2
Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F4: Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita partially agrees with this finding. The City participates in both OCCOG and SCAG and it is unclear how or if past, current, or future participation will impact Housing Mandates policies, especially those passed by the legislature. F5: SCAG's 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange ...
F4
Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita partially agrees with this finding. The City participates in both OCCOG and SCAG and it is unclear how or if past, current, or future participation will impact Housing Mandates policies, especially those passed by the legislature. F5: SCAG's 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021-2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers.
Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F6: RHNA allocations are unrealistic an...
F5
SCAG’s 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021–2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F6: RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions, infrastructure constraints, environmental factors, and public health and safety requirements. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F7: Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to neighborhood character, safety considerations, the environment and open-s...
F6
RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions, infrastructure constraints, environmental factors, and public health and safety requirements.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F7: Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to neighborhood character, safety considerations, the environment and open-space preservation. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F8: California's regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers - particularly those delivering affordable units. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margari...
F7
Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to neighborhood character, safety considerations, the environment and open-space preservation.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F8: California's regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers - particularly those delivering affordable units. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita disagrees with this finding. The City of Rancho Santa Margarita's fees are set at the cost of providing the service pursuant to State law. F9: The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per unit when fully complying with state...
F8
California’s regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers—particularly those delivering affordable units. -2026
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita disagrees with this finding. The City of Rancho Santa Margarita's fees are set at the cost of providing the service pursuant to State law. F9: The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per unit when fully complying with state regulations. New low-income housing is generally not financially feasible without public subsidy. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F10: Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary...
F9
The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per unit when fully complying with current state regulations. New low-income housing is generally not financially feasible without public subsidy.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F10: Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechanism for cities and counties to finance affordable housing and related infrastructure. The loss of redevelopment has reduced cities' ability to support construction of affordable units. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F11: Because public subsidy is limited and highly competitive, cities seeking to produce meaningful quantities of low-income housing must rely in part on private development incentives, often r...
F10
Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechanism for cities and counties to finance affordable housing and related infrastructure. The loss of redevelopment has reduced cities’ ability to support construction of affordable units.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F11: Because public subsidy is limited and highly competitive, cities seeking to produce meaningful quantities of low-income housing must rely in part on private development incentives, often resulting in higher overall development densities and unit counts than the RHNA allocation. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita partially agrees with this finding. This is not the City's experience or expertise, but may reflect the view of other cities. F12: The 6th Cycle RHNA methodology included numerous technical inputs published by ...
F11
Because public subsidy is limited and highly competitive, cities seeking to produce meaningful quantities of low-income housing must rely in part on private development incentives, often resulting in higher overall development densities and unit counts than the RHNA allocation.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita partially agrees with this finding. This is not the City's experience or expertise, but may reflect the view of other cities. F12: The 6th Cycle RHNA methodology included numerous technical inputs published by SCAG and HCD; however, these inputs were highly complex and difficult for cities to interpret or independently verify.
Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. Recommendations: R7: OCCOG, all Orange County cities and the County of Orange should reassess the current dues structure by September 30, 2026, to ensure that OCCOG...
F12
The 6th Cycle RHNA methodology included numerous technical inputs published by SCAG and HCD; however, these inputs were highly complex and difficult for cities to interpret or independently verify.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. Recommendations: R7: OCCOG, all Orange County cities and the County of Orange should reassess the current dues structure by September 30, 2026, to ensure that OCCOG has the resources necessary to effectively represent Orange County jurisdictions in SCAG processes, including RHNA methodology development and appeals. (F3, F15) Response: The recommendation will not be implemented. No information was provided about any proposed modified fee structure and how additional funding would allow OCCOG to more effectively represent the City of R...
R14
By April 30, 2027, the County of Orange and each city should publish annual monitoring dashboards showing (a) entitlement pipeline conditions, (b) realistic site yield, (c) assembled funding sources for affordable units, and (d) conversion rates from planned capacity to issued permits and completed units, ensuring that County and city determined capacity assumptions remain aligned with actual production. (F13) -
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
: By April 30, 2027, the County of Orange and each city should publish annual monitoring dashboards showing (a) entitlement pipeline conditions, (b) realistic site yield, (c) assembled funding sources for affordable units, and (d) conversion rates from planned capacity to issued permit and completed units, ensuring that County and city-determined capacity assumptions remain aligned with actual production. (F13) Response: This recommendation will not be implemented because the City complies with all California Department of Housing and Community Development and Housing Element requirements incl...
R16
By December 31, 2026, all cities should look to enhance their relationships with not-for-profit affordable housing developers to increase the opportunity to develop more affordable housing. (F8, F10, F12)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
R16: By December 31, 2026, all cities should look to enhance their relationships with not-for-profit affordable housing developers to increase the opportunity to develop more affordable housing (F8, F10, F12) Response: This recommendation has been implemented via the City's Housing Element programs.
▶
Orange County Executive Office
10 pages
• 14 responses
•
Score: -4
(+0, 10, -4)
View Details ▾
14 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
In recent years, the California Legislature has enacted an unusually large and burdensome volume of housing-related laws intended to strengthen compliance with State Housing Mandates.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: Agrees with the finding.
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies. Response: Agrees with the finding. F5. SCAG's 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionabl...
F2
Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agrees with the finding.
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies. Response: Agrees with the finding. F5. SCAG's 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021-2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers. Response: Agrees with the finding. F6. RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable with...
F4
Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agrees with the finding. F5. SCAG's 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021-2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers. Response: Agrees with the finding. F6. RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions, infrastructure constraints, environmental factors, and public health and safety requirements. Response: Disagrees partially with the finding. Because RHNA allocations a...
F5
SCAG’s 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021–2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agrees with the finding. F6. RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions, infrastructure constraints, environmental factors, and public health and safety requirements. Response: Disagrees partially with the finding. Because RHNA allocations are largely based upon set formulas and other mathematical calculations, they may not fully account for local conditions. For example, some urban and transit-served areas may have more success with attaining RHNA allocations while less developed areas face ch...
F6
RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions, infrastructure constraints, environmental factors, and public health and safety requirements.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagrees partially with the finding. Because RHNA allocations are largely based upon set formulas and other mathematical calculations, they may not fully account for local conditions. For example, some urban and transit-served areas may have more success with attaining RHNA allocations while less developed areas face challenges due to the factors cited in the finding. Whether a RHNA allocation is realistic and attainable is location specific. F7. Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to ...
F7
Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to neighborhood character, safety considerations, the environment and open-space preservation.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagrees partially with the finding. The County acknowledges that anecdotal feedback has been received from residents expressing a desire for more autonomy in local planning decisions. Priorities, however, vary by community and the County does not gather data on the matter. Therefore, the County cannot comment on the opinions of residents on a countywide basis.
F8. California's regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers-particularly those delivering affordable units. Response: Disagrees partially with the finding. The Co...
F8
California’s regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers—particularly those delivering affordable units. -2026
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagrees partially with the finding. The County does not gather data regarding the regulatory construction costs and fees incurred by private housing developers at the regional or state level and therefore cannot comment on the impact of those costs on housing production. However, as noted in F9, the County acknowledges that new low-income housing is generally not financially feasible without public subsidy. Within the unincorporated areas, the County establishes its fees using a cost recovery model in accordance with applicable law. Understanding that development fees on low-income developer...
R8
By December 31, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should partner with cities to evaluate countywide infrastructure capacity— including water, wastewater, flood control, transportation, and public safety systems—and develop a coordinated regional plan capable of supporting - the level of housing growth required under state law. (F6)
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
. By December 31, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should partner with cities to evaluate countywide infrastructure capacity-including water, wastewater, flood control, transportation, and public safety systems-and develop a coordinated regional plan capable of supporting the level of housing growth required under state law. (F6) Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable. While the Board acknowledges t that infrastructure capacity is an important factor in planning for housing growth, the responsibility for planning, opera...
F10
Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechanism for cities and counties to finance affordable housing and related infrastructure. The loss of redevelopment has reduced cities’ ability to support construction of affordable units.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagrees partially with the finding. The County agrees that, prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechanism to finance affordable housing and related infrastructure. However, the County cannot comment on the impact the loss of redevelopment has on cities' ability to support construction of affordable units.
F11. Because public subsidy is limited and highly competitive, cities seeking to produce meaningful quantities of low-income housing must rely in part on private development incentives, often resulting in higher overall development densities and u...
R10
By June 30, 2-027, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should evaluate whether the County should pursue its own independent Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) designation for purposes of regional housing planning. (F5, F6, F7, F15) -2026
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
. By June 30, 2027, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should evaluate whether the County should pursue its own independent Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) designation for purposes of regional housing planning. (F5, F6, F7, F15) Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable. The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable. Pursuing an independent MPO designation would duplicate existing regional governance and planning functions and would require significant resources. As the County...
F11
Because public subsidy is limited and highly competitive, cities seeking to produce meaningful quantities of low-income housing must rely in part on private development incentives, often resulting in higher overall development densities and unit counts than the RHNA allocation.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagrees wholly with the finding The County disagrees wholly with the finding as the County does not gather data on the matter and cannot comment on the experience of cities. F12. The 6th Cycle RHNA methodology included numerous technical inputs published by SCAG and HCD; however, these inputs were highly complex and difficult for cities to interpret or independently verify. Response: Disagrees wholly with the finding The County disagrees wholly with the finding as the County does not gather data on the matter and cannot comment on the experience of cities. RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESPONSES R7. O...
F12
The 6th Cycle RHNA methodology included numerous technical inputs published by SCAG and HCD; however, these inputs were highly complex and difficult for cities to interpret or independently verify.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagrees wholly with the finding The County disagrees wholly with the finding as the County does not gather data on the matter and cannot comment on the experience of cities. RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESPONSES R7. OCCOG, all Orange County cities and the County of Orange should reassess the current dues structure, by September 30, 2026, to ensure that OCCOG has the resources necessary to effectively represent Orange County jurisdictions in SCAG processes, including RHNA methodology development and appeals. (F3, F15) Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or...
R12
The County of Orange and e-ach city should designate a single technical representative, by September 30, 2026, along with an alternate, for all RHNA related SCAG and OCCOG committees to ensure continuity of participation and eliminate gaps in representation across multiple - decision making bodies. (F4)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
. The County of Orange and each city should designate a single technical representative, by September 30, 2026, along with an alternate, for all RHNA-related SCAG and OCCOG committees to ensure continuity of participation and eliminate gaps in representation across multiple decision-making bodies. (F4) Response: The recommendation has been implemented. The County has designated appropriate Board and staff representatives to participate in RHNA-related SCAG and OCCOG committees, including alternates when necessary. The County will continue its active participation in regional planning efforts a...
R15
By September 30, 2026, and ongoing, the County Board of Supervisors and all city councils should make a coordinated and sustained effort to educate their constituents about the RHNA process—its requirements, its impact on local planning and community character, and the role residents can play in shaping outcomes. Public education efforts should also include guidance on how community members can effectively engage with the California Legislature and advocate for more realistic, data driven housin...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
. By September 30, 2026, and ongoing, the County Board of Supervisors and all city councils should make a coordinated and sustained effort to educate their constituents about the RHNA process-its requirements, its impact on local planning and community character, and the role residents can play in shaping outcomes. Public education efforts should also include guidance on how community members can effectively engage with the California Legislature and advocate for more realistic, data-driven housing policies. (F1, F7) Response: The recommendation has been implemented. During the development and...
▶
City of San Clemente
5 pages
• 12 responses
•
Score: +11
(+11, 1, 0)
View Details ▾
12 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
In recent years, the California Legislature has enacted an unusually large and burdensome volume of housing-related laws intended to strengthen compliance with State Housing Mandates.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree. F.2 Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: Agree. F.4 Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies. Response: Agree. F.5 SCAG's 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021-2029 plan...
F2
Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree. F.4 Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies. Response: Agree. F.5 SCAG's 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021-2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers. Response: Agree. F.6 RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available ...
F4
Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree. F.5 SCAG's 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021-2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers. Response: Agree. F.6 RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions, infrastructure constraints, environmental factors, and public health and safety requirements. Response: Agree. F.7 Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to ...
F5
SCAG’s 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021–2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree. F.6 RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions, infrastructure constraints, environmental factors, and public health and safety requirements. Response: Agree. F.7 Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to neighborhood character, safety considerations, the environment, and open-space preservation. Response: Agree, however, the City of San Clemente has not conducted an independent surv...
F6
RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions, infrastructure constraints, environmental factors, and public health and safety requirements.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree. F.7 Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to neighborhood character, safety considerations, the environment, and open-space preservation. Response: Agree, however, the City of San Clemente has not conducted an independent survey to confirm this finding. F.8 California's regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers-particularly those delivering affordable units.
Response: Agree, however, the City of San Clemente ...
F7
Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to neighborhood character, safety considerations, the environment and open-space preservation.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree, however, the City of San Clemente has not conducted an independent survey to confirm this finding. F.8 California's regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers-particularly those delivering affordable units.
Response: Agree, however, the City of San Clemente has not conducted an independent survey to confirm this finding. F.9 The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per units when fully complying with current State regulations. N...
F8
California’s regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers—particularly those delivering affordable units. -2026
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree, however, the City of San Clemente has not conducted an independent survey to confirm this finding. F.9 The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per units when fully complying with current State regulations. New low-income housing is generally not feasible without public subsidy. Response: Agree, however, the City of San Clemente has not conducted an independent survey to confirm this finding. F.10 Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechanism for cities and ...
F9
The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per unit when fully complying with current state regulations. New low-income housing is generally not financially feasible without public subsidy.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree, however, the City of San Clemente has not conducted an independent survey to confirm this finding. F.10 Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechanism for cities and counties to finance affordable housing and related infrastructure. The loss of redevelopment has reduced cities' ability to support construction of affordable units. Response: Agree. F.11 Because public subsidy is limited and highly competitive, cities seeking to produce meaningful quantities of low-income housing must rely in part on private development incentives, often resulting ...
F10
Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechanism for cities and counties to finance affordable housing and related infrastructure. The loss of redevelopment has reduced cities’ ability to support construction of affordable units.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree. F.11 Because public subsidy is limited and highly competitive, cities seeking to produce meaningful quantities of low-income housing must rely in part on private development incentives, often resulting in higher overall development densities and unit counts than the RHNA allocation. Response: Agree, however, the City of San Clemente has not conducted an independent survey to confirm this finding. F.12 The 6th Cycle RHNA methodology included numerous technical inputs published by SCAG and HCD; however, these inputs were highly complex and difficult for cities to interpret or independentl...
F11
Because public subsidy is limited and highly competitive, cities seeking to produce meaningful quantities of low-income housing must rely in part on private development incentives, often resulting in higher overall development densities and unit counts than the RHNA allocation.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree, however, the City of San Clemente has not conducted an independent survey to confirm this finding. F.12 The 6th Cycle RHNA methodology included numerous technical inputs published by SCAG and HCD; however, these inputs were highly complex and difficult for cities to interpret or independently verify. Response: Agree. City responses to the Grand Jury Report "California Housing Mandates" Findings are as follow: R.7 OCCOG, all Orange County cities and the County of Orange should reassess the current dues structure, by September 30, 2026, to ensure that OCCOG has the resources necessary to ...
F12
The 6th Cycle RHNA methodology included numerous technical inputs published by SCAG and HCD; however, these inputs were highly complex and difficult for cities to interpret or independently verify.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree. City responses to the Grand Jury Report "California Housing Mandates" Findings are as follow: R.7 OCCOG, all Orange County cities and the County of Orange should reassess the current dues structure, by September 30, 2026, to ensure that OCCOG has the resources necessary to effectively represent Orange County jurisdictions in SCAG processes, including RHNA methodology development and appeals. (F3, F15) Response: The Recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted at this time. This Recommendation should not be implemented until OCCOG provides analysis of resource requi...
R15
By September 30, 2026, and ongoing, the County Board of Supervisors and all city councils should make a coordinated and sustained effort to educate their constituents about the RHNA process—its requirements, its impact on local planning and community character, and the role residents can play in shaping outcomes. Public education efforts should also include guidance on how community members can effectively engage with the California Legislature and advocate for more realistic, data driven housin...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
By September 30, 2026, and ongoing, the County Board of Supervisors and all city councils should make a coordinated and sustained effort to educate their constituents about the RHNA process-its requirements, its impact on local planning and community character, and the role residents can play in shaping outcomes. Public education efforts should also include guidance on how community members can effectively engage with the California Legislature and advocate for more realistic, data-driven housing policies. (F1, F7) Response: The Recommendation has been implemented. The City commits to make a c...
▶
City of Brea
6 pages
• 19 responses
•
Score: -8
(+0, 11, -8)
View Details ▾
19 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
In recent years, the California Legislature has enacted an unusually large and burdensome volume of housing-related laws intended to strengthen compliance with State Housing Mandates.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
F2
Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
F4
Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
F5
SCAG’s 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021–2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
F6
RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions, infrastructure constraints, environmental factors, and public health and safety requirements.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
F7
Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to neighborhood character, safety considerations, the environment and open-space preservation.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
R7
OCCOG, all Orange County cities and the County of Orange should reassess the current dues structure, by September 30, 2026, to ensure that OCCOG has the resources necessary to effectively represent Orange County jurisdictions in SCAG processes, including RHNA methodology development and appeals. (F3, F15)
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
F8
California’s regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers—particularly those delivering affordable units. -2026
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
R8
By December 31, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should partner with cities to evaluate countywide infrastructure capacity— including water, wastewater, flood control, transportation, and public safety systems—and develop a coordinated regional plan capable of supporting - the level of housing growth required under state law. (F6)
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
F9
The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per unit when fully complying with current state regulations. New low-income housing is generally not financially feasible without public subsidy.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
R9
By September 30, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should strengthen its engagement with OCCOG and increase staff support to develop a shared, countywide database of potential housing sites and key development feasibility factors. (F15)
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
F10
Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechanism for cities and counties to finance affordable housing and related infrastructure. The loss of redevelopment has reduced cities’ ability to support construction of affordable units.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
F11
Because public subsidy is limited and highly competitive, cities seeking to produce meaningful quantities of low-income housing must rely in part on private development incentives, often resulting in higher overall development densities and unit counts than the RHNA allocation.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
R11
The County of Orange and each city should ensure consistent participation in SCAG and OCCOG committees by September 30, 2026, including the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), to strengthen regional representation during RHNA methodology development. (F3, F4, F15)
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
F12
The 6th Cycle RHNA methodology included numerous technical inputs published by SCAG and HCD; however, these inputs were highly complex and difficult for cities to interpret or independently verify.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
R12
The County of Orange and e-ach city should designate a single technical representative, by September 30, 2026, along with an alternate, for all RHNA related SCAG and OCCOG committees to ensure continuity of participation and eliminate gaps in representation across multiple - decision making bodies. (F4)
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
R14
By April 30, 2027, the County of Orange and each city should publish annual monitoring dashboards showing (a) entitlement pipeline conditions, (b) realistic site yield, (c) assembled funding sources for affordable units, and (d) conversion rates from planned capacity to issued permits and completed units, ensuring that County and city determined capacity assumptions remain aligned with actual production. (F13) -
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
R15
By September 30, 2026, and ongoing, the County Board of Supervisors and all city councils should make a coordinated and sustained effort to educate their constituents about the RHNA process—its requirements, its impact on local planning and community character, and the role residents can play in shaping outcomes. Public education efforts should also include guidance on how community members can effectively engage with the California Legislature and advocate for more realistic, data driven housin...
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
R16
By December 31, 2026, all cities should look to enhance their relationships with not-for-profit affordable housing developers to increase the opportunity to develop more affordable housing. (F8, F10, F12)
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
The City of Brea agrees with the finding. F2. Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Brea agrees with the finding. Cecilia Hupp Mayor Marty Simonoff Mayor Pro Tem Christine Marick Council Member Blair Stewart Council Member Steven Vargas Council Member
F4. Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represent...
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City of Rancho Santa Margarita
4 pages
• 13 responses
•
Score: 0
(+1, 11, -1)
View Details ▾
13 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
In recent years, the California Legislature has enacted an unusually large and burdensome volume of housing-related laws intended to strengthen compliance with State Housing Mandates.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F2: Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F4: Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies. Response: The City of Ranc...
F2
Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F4: Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita partially agrees with this finding. The City participates in both OCCOG and SCAG and it is unclear how or if past, current, or future participation will impact Housing Mandates policies, especially those passed by the legislature. F5: SCAG's 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange ...
F4
Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita partially agrees with this finding. The City participates in both OCCOG and SCAG and it is unclear how or if past, current, or future participation will impact Housing Mandates policies, especially those passed by the legislature. F5: SCAG's 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021-2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers.
Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F6: RHNA allocations are unrealistic an...
F5
SCAG’s 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021–2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F6: RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions, infrastructure constraints, environmental factors, and public health and safety requirements. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F7: Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to neighborhood character, safety considerations, the environment and open-s...
F6
RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions, infrastructure constraints, environmental factors, and public health and safety requirements.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F7: Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to neighborhood character, safety considerations, the environment and open-space preservation. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F8: California's regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers - particularly those delivering affordable units. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margari...
F7
Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to neighborhood character, safety considerations, the environment and open-space preservation.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F8: California's regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers - particularly those delivering affordable units. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita disagrees with this finding. The City of Rancho Santa Margarita's fees are set at the cost of providing the service pursuant to State law. F9: The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per unit when fully complying with state...
F8
California’s regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers—particularly those delivering affordable units. -2026
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita disagrees with this finding. The City of Rancho Santa Margarita's fees are set at the cost of providing the service pursuant to State law. F9: The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per unit when fully complying with state regulations. New low-income housing is generally not financially feasible without public subsidy. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F10: Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary...
F9
The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per unit when fully complying with current state regulations. New low-income housing is generally not financially feasible without public subsidy.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F10: Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechanism for cities and counties to finance affordable housing and related infrastructure. The loss of redevelopment has reduced cities' ability to support construction of affordable units. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F11: Because public subsidy is limited and highly competitive, cities seeking to produce meaningful quantities of low-income housing must rely in part on private development incentives, often r...
F10
Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechanism for cities and counties to finance affordable housing and related infrastructure. The loss of redevelopment has reduced cities’ ability to support construction of affordable units.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. F11: Because public subsidy is limited and highly competitive, cities seeking to produce meaningful quantities of low-income housing must rely in part on private development incentives, often resulting in higher overall development densities and unit counts than the RHNA allocation. Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita partially agrees with this finding. This is not the City's experience or expertise, but may reflect the view of other cities. F12: The 6th Cycle RHNA methodology included numerous technical inputs published by ...
F11
Because public subsidy is limited and highly competitive, cities seeking to produce meaningful quantities of low-income housing must rely in part on private development incentives, often resulting in higher overall development densities and unit counts than the RHNA allocation.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita partially agrees with this finding. This is not the City's experience or expertise, but may reflect the view of other cities. F12: The 6th Cycle RHNA methodology included numerous technical inputs published by SCAG and HCD; however, these inputs were highly complex and difficult for cities to interpret or independently verify.
Response: The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. Recommendations: R7: OCCOG, all Orange County cities and the County of Orange should reassess the current dues structure by September 30, 2026, to ensure that OCCOG...
F12
The 6th Cycle RHNA methodology included numerous technical inputs published by SCAG and HCD; however, these inputs were highly complex and difficult for cities to interpret or independently verify.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita agrees with this finding. Recommendations: R7: OCCOG, all Orange County cities and the County of Orange should reassess the current dues structure by September 30, 2026, to ensure that OCCOG has the resources necessary to effectively represent Orange County jurisdictions in SCAG processes, including RHNA methodology development and appeals. (F3, F15) Response: The recommendation will not be implemented. No information was provided about any proposed modified fee structure and how additional funding would allow OCCOG to more effectively represent the City of R...
R14
By April 30, 2027, the County of Orange and each city should publish annual monitoring dashboards showing (a) entitlement pipeline conditions, (b) realistic site yield, (c) assembled funding sources for affordable units, and (d) conversion rates from planned capacity to issued permits and completed units, ensuring that County and city determined capacity assumptions remain aligned with actual production. (F13) -
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
: By April 30, 2027, the County of Orange and each city should publish annual monitoring dashboards showing (a) entitlement pipeline conditions, (b) realistic site yield, (c) assembled funding sources for affordable units, and (d) conversion rates from planned capacity to issued permit and completed units, ensuring that County and city-determined capacity assumptions remain aligned with actual production. (F13) Response: This recommendation will not be implemented because the City complies with all California Department of Housing and Community Development and Housing Element requirements incl...
R16
By December 31, 2026, all cities should look to enhance their relationships with not-for-profit affordable housing developers to increase the opportunity to develop more affordable housing. (F8, F10, F12)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
R16: By December 31, 2026, all cities should look to enhance their relationships with not-for-profit affordable housing developers to increase the opportunity to develop more affordable housing (F8, F10, F12) Response: This recommendation has been implemented via the City's Housing Element programs.
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City of Laguna Beach
13 pages
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City of Laguna Hills Extension
1 pages
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City of Irvine
• 21 responses
•
Score: +3
(+4, 16, -1)
View Details ▾
21 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
In recent years, the California Legislature has enacted an unusually large and burdensome volume of housing-related laws intended to strengthen compliance with State Housing Mandates.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Irvine agrees with this finding. Over the past decade, the California legislature has increasingly enacted housing-related laws that further erode local control, diminish community input on planning and zoning, and significantly impact long-standing single-family neighborhoods. The one-size-fits-all methodology for drafting housing-related law does not take into consideration the unique conditions found in the City of Irvine that are specifically related to development standards associated with a master planned approach. Finding F2 - Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA ...
R1
OCCOG should expand its technical assistance and training programs, by September 30, 2026, to ensure that all Orange County jurisdictions - understand RHNA methodology, statutory obligations, and the implications of noncompliance. (F1, F2, F3, F4)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The City of Irvine respectfully declines to implement this recommendation as extensive outreach specifically focused on community support for the adopted and certified 2021-2029 Housing Element and the subsequent 2045 General Plan and Zoning Ordinance Update was implemented between 2021-2022 and again in 2023-2024. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65583(c)(9), local governments are required to "make a diligent effort to achieve public participation of all economic segments of the community in the development of a housing element." To meet these requirements, the City of Irvine or...
F2
Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Irvine agrees with this finding. The Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process continues to lack transparency, particularly during consultation between the Southern California Association of
Governments (SCAG) and the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), which results in the total housing need determination for the region. The consultation process operates in a vacuum and during the 6th Housing Element Cycle there was not an opportunity for jurisdictions to provide any public outreach, input, or review. Additionally, with little to no transparency du...
F4
Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Irvine agrees with this finding. Following the 4th RHNA in 2006, the City of Irvine assigned a permanent staff member to attend all OCCOG and SCAG meetings. At the time of the 4th Cycle, the City of Irvine was in a SCAG district with the City of Newport Beach and was able to have representation on the SCAG Regional Council. The City of Newport Beach, with a City Council of seven members, was always able to outvote the City of Irvine, who at the time had a Council consisting of five members. Per SCAG by-laws, the vote is not weighted equally, but by the number of Councilmembers per ...
F5
SCAG’s 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021–2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Irvine agrees with this finding. Historically and prior to the 6th Housing Element Cycle, the RHNA methodology developed by SCAG was primarily based on the projected household growth. Following the identification of an initial projected need, the allocation was proportionally adjusted for social equity depending on a jurisdiction's individual need. This resulted in a RHNA allocation more closely aligned with the growth forecast provided to SCAG by each local jurisdiction. However, for the 6th Housing Element Cycle, the methodology developed by the SCAG RHNA Subcommittee was highly ...
F6
RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions, infrastructure constraints, environmental factors, and public health and safety requirements.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Irvine agrees with this finding. The RHNA continues to be a one-size-fits-all process where the methodology does not consider unique characteristics or constraints associated with an individual jurisdiction. For example, as documented in Irvine's RHNA Appeal, submitted to SCAG October 26, 2020, the majority of land suitable for urban development in the City of Irvine is entitled through Development Agreements, which allow units to be constructed in phases. Nearly all the residential units in Irvine are less than 50 years old, with the majority
of these units constructed since the ...
F7
Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to neighborhood character, safety considerations, the environment and open-space preservation.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Irvine agrees with this finding. As noted in Finding F6, the RHNA methodology does not take into consideration community priorities such as locally protected open space and neighborhood character, particularly for Irvine's master planned community. Finding F8 - California's regulatory construction costs (i.e., permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers - particularly those delivering affordable units. Response: The City of Irvine partially agrees with this finding. Throughout the period coinciding with the 2021-2029 Housing Element and as part of...
F8
California’s regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers—particularly those delivering affordable units. -2026
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Irvine partially agrees with this finding. Throughout the period coinciding with the 2021-2029 Housing Element and as part of Annual Progress Reports, the City shared with HCD that housing development is dependent on market conditions. Factors impacting market conditions include, but are not limited to, construction costs, labor costs, availability of materials, permitting fees, availability of funding/financing. Jurisdictions are unable to predict times of economic uncertainty, such as a recession, or a large scale regional natural disaster, such as the Palisades/Altadena fires, w...
R8
By December 31, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should partner with cities to evaluate countywide infrastructure capacity— including water, wastewater, flood control, transportation, and public safety systems—and develop a coordinated regional plan capable of supporting - the level of housing growth required under state law. (F6)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The City of Irvine respectfully declines to implement this recommendation because it is not warranted or reasonable at this time. In 2024, as required for the 2045 General Plan update, the City prepared a comprehensive programmatic environmental impact report (PEIR) that evaluated citywide infrastructure capacity including water, wastewater, flood control, transportation, and public-safety infrastructure. Additionally, the City reached out to the local school districts to evaluate capacity impacts in the three focus areas where the majority of the residential and residential mixed-use is sited...
F9
The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per unit when fully complying with current state regulations. New low-income housing is generally not financially feasible without public subsidy.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Irvine agrees with this finding. Feasibility is challenging for affordable housing as the revenue derived from income-restricted rents and sales prices (lower than market rate housing units) but construction and land prices are the same as, or sometimes higher than, than for market rate housing. Public funding sources are required to fill the "gap," or difference between revenues and costs, and public (local, state, and federal) resources are very limited. On a state-wide basis jurisdictions lost $2 billion annually for affordable housing following the dissolution of Redevelopment ...
R9
By September 30, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should strengthen its engagement with OCCOG and increase staff support to develop a shared, countywide database of potential housing sites and key development feasibility factors. (F15)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The City of Irvine respectfully declines to implement this recommendation as it is the responsibility of the County of Orange and not the City of Irvine. Recommendation R11 - The County of Orange and each city should ensure consistent participation in SCAG and OCCOG committees by September 30, 2026,
including the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), to strengthen regional representation during RHNA-methodology development. Response: The City of Irvine continues to have technical staff representation on the SCAG and OCCOG committees and will retain this representation through the RHNA process. ...
F10
Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechanism for cities and counties to finance affordable housing and related infrastructure. The loss of redevelopment has reduced cities’ ability to support construction of affordable units.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Irvine agrees with this finding. As a result of legislation in 2012, all redevelopment agencies in the State were dissolved, which has had a profound effect on the quantity and complexity of affordable housing development in the State. Redevelopment was a tax increment financing tool that allowed cities and counties to retain a higher share of the growth in property taxes in designated areas to invest in those areas. Over 400 cities and counties in the State used this tool. Redevelopment projects were required to allocate 20% of all tax increment for affordable housing in the commu...
F11
Because public subsidy is limited and highly competitive, cities seeking to produce meaningful quantities of low-income housing must rely in part on private development incentives, often resulting in higher overall development densities and unit counts than the RHNA allocation.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Irvine agrees with this finding. The incentives are primarily associated with additional density as mandated by state density bonus laws. Irvine has experienced a trend of development projects that include affordable units to meet a portion of the City's inclusionary (affordable) housing requirement. This trend is as a result of State law requiring jurisdictions to provide density bonus in exchange for the affordable units. The bonus also includes concessions and incentives for developers to reduce development costs. Developers primarily request waiving of fees (such as park fees) ...
R11
The County of Orange and each city should ensure consistent participation in SCAG and OCCOG committees by September 30, 2026, including the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), to strengthen regional representation during RHNA methodology development. (F3, F4, F15)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The City of Irvine continues to have technical staff representation on the SCAG and OCCOG committees and will retain this representation through the RHNA process. Additionally, Irvine is committed to dedicating one staff member to serve as the OCCOG TAC chair. Recommendation R12 - The County of Orange and each city should designate a single technical representative, by September 30, 2026, along with an alternate, for all RHNA-related SCAG and OCCOG committees to ensure continuity of participation and eliminate gaps in representation across multiple decision-making bodies. Response: The City of...
F12
The 6th Cycle RHNA methodology included numerous technical inputs published by SCAG and HCD; however, these inputs were highly complex and difficult for cities to interpret or independently verify.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Irvine strongly agrees with this finding. As noted in the City of Irvine RHNA Appeal dated October 26, 2020, State housing law is very clear on how to calculate the regional determination, specifically they are to utilize the regional population forecast if it is within 1.5% of the Department of Finance forecast. However, HCD did not follow statute and opted to utilize its own forecast which doubled the regional housing need from approximately 651,000 housing units to 1.34 million housing units. Additionally, in its letter the City contended that HCD incorrectly applied the residen...
R12
The County of Orange and e-ach city should designate a single technical representative, by September 30, 2026, along with an alternate, for all RHNA related SCAG and OCCOG committees to ensure continuity of participation and eliminate gaps in representation across multiple - decision making bodies. (F4)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The City of Irvine agrees with and strongly supports this recommendation. In 2006, the City of Irvine identified a single technical representative from the Community Development Department to attend all RHNA-related SCAG and OCCOG committees. Beginning in 2014, the City identified an alternate technical representative to SCAG and OCCOG. In addition, since 2008, the City of Irvine has held a leadership role on the OCCOG Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and has been intimately involved in the development of the RHNA. The City intends to continue to implement this recommendation through the dev...
R14
By April 30, 2027, the County of Orange and each city should publish annual monitoring dashboards showing (a) entitlement pipeline conditions, (b) realistic site yield, (c) assembled funding sources for affordable units, and (d) conversion rates from planned capacity to issued permits and completed units, ensuring that County and city determined capacity assumptions remain aligned with actual production. (F13) -
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
This recommendation has already been implemented by the City of Irvine. Specifically, the Irvine Community Development Department publishes a Notable Development Projects Map website that identifies pending, approved, under construction, and completed projects. Additionally, the City documents units permitted through the Annual Progress Report (APR) process, which is due to HCD annually by April 1, and is posted on the City's website. Project staff reports associated with residential and residential mixed-use projects document proposed density compared to densities assumed in the certified Hou...
R15
By September 30, 2026, and ongoing, the County Board of Supervisors and all city councils should make a coordinated and sustained effort to educate their constituents about the RHNA process—its requirements, its impact on local planning and community character, and the role residents can play in shaping outcomes. Public education efforts should also include guidance on how community members can effectively engage with the California Legislature and advocate for more realistic, data driven housin...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The City of Irvine agrees with and strongly supports this recommendation. Since 2005 and the 4th Housing Element Cycle, the City of Irvine has consistently educated its constituents about the RHNA process, its requirements, its impact on local planning and community character, and the role residents play in shaping outcomes. Councilmembers representing the City of Irvine at SCAG on the Regional Council have provided briefings at Council meetings during the RHNA process and public updates were provided at Planning Commission and City Council meetings throughout the 4th, 5th, and 6th Housing Ele...
R16
By December 31, 2026, all cities should look to enhance their relationships with not-for-profit affordable housing developers to increase the opportunity to develop more affordable housing. (F8, F10, F12)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The recommendation has already been implemented by the City of Irvine. The Irvine Community Land Trust (ICLT) is a local non-profit affordable housing development partner to the City. Irvine is one of just a few cities with a land trust. Two City Councilmembers have seats on the ICLT Board of Directors and the City provides financial and other assistance to ICLT on affordable development projects. To date, ICLT has developed three projects with approximately 225 units within the City of Irvine. Additionally, City staff conducted significant developer outreach during the 6th Cycle Housing Eleme...
R18
By September 1, 2026, the City of Irvine should ascertain the level of community support for its housing element submission and its impact on the character of its master plan. (F19) -2026
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The City of Irvine respectfully declines to implement this recommendation as extensive outreach specifically focused on community support for the adopted and certified 2021-2029 Housing Element and the subsequent 2045 General Plan and Zoning Ordinance Update was implemented between 2021-2022 and again in 2023-2024. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65583(c)(9), local governments are required to "make a diligent effort to achieve public participation of all economic segments of the community in the development of a housing element." To meet these requirements, the City of Irvine or...
F19
The City of Irvine has been progressive in submitting a housing plan that calls for twice the number of units mandated (56,000). However, this threatens the historical nature of a master plan community with substantial infrastructure challenges.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
The City of Irvine respectfully disagrees with this finding. While the official RHNA allocation for Irvine was 23,610 units for the 6th Cycle, per Housing Element statute, the City is required to demonstrate both adequate sites for the total RHNA and capacity for each income level (very-low, low, and moderate income). In addition, prior to the 6th Housing Element Cycle, new legislation associated with "no net loss" and "affirmatively furthering fair housing" required the City to develop a site inventory that not only dispersed affordable units equitably throughout the jurisdictions, it also cr...
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City of Dana Point
5 pages
• 7 responses
•
Score: +3
(+3, 4, 0)
View Details ▾
7 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
In recent years, the California Legislature has enacted an unusually large and burdensome volume of housing-related laws intended to strengthen compliance with State Housing Mandates.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Dana Point partially agrees with this finding. While the City actively participates in OCCOG and SCAG, the City is unsure participation materially influences policies passed by legislature regarding housing mandates. F5: SCAG's 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021-2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers. F6: RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions,...
F2
Housing Mandates are implemented through a RHNA process that often lacks transparency and relies on complex methodologies that are difficult for local officials and the public to understand or meaningfully challenge.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Dana Point partially agrees with this finding. While the City actively participates in OCCOG and SCAG, the City is unsure participation materially influences policies passed by legislature regarding housing mandates. F5: SCAG's 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021-2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers. F6: RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions,...
F4
Meaningful participation by Orange County cities in both OCCOG and SCAG meetings is critical to ensuring that local perspectives are represented during the development and implementation of Housing Mandates policies.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Dana Point partially agrees with this finding. While the City actively participates in OCCOG and SCAG, the City is unsure participation materially influences policies passed by legislature regarding housing mandates. F5: SCAG's 6th Cycle RHNA assigned Orange County a questionable total of 183,861 housing units for the 2021-2029 planning period, with higher allocations concentrated in cities with major population and employment centers. F6: RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions,...
F6
RHNA allocations are unrealistic and not attainable within the current planning cycle due to limited available land, built-out urban conditions, infrastructure constraints, environmental factors, and public health and safety requirements.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Dana Point agrees with this finding F8: California's regulatory construction costs (i.e., permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers, particularly those delivering affordable units. F9: The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per unit when fully complying with current state regulations. New low-income housing is generally not financially feasible without public subsidy. F10: Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechan...
F7
Residents in Orange County consistently express a desire for local planning decisions to reflect community priorities, including but not limited to neighborhood character, safety considerations, the environment and open-space preservation.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Dana Point agrees with this finding F8: California's regulatory construction costs (i.e., permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers, particularly those delivering affordable units. F9: The cost of constructing a single affordable housing unit in California typically ranges from approximately $500,000 to $800,000 per unit when fully complying with current state regulations. New low-income housing is generally not financially feasible without public subsidy. F10: Prior to their dissolution in 2012, redevelopment agencies served as a primary mechan...
F8
California’s regulatory construction costs (i.e. permitting fees) present substantial challenges for private housing developers—particularly those delivering affordable units. -2026
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Dana Point agrees with this finding F8: California's regulatory construction costs (i.
R11
The County of Orange and each city should ensure consistent participation in SCAG and OCCOG committees by September 30, 2026, including the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), to strengthen regional representation during RHNA methodology development. (F3, F4, F15)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
: The County of Orange and each city should ensure consistent participation in SCAG and OCCOG committees by September 30, 2026, including the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), to strengthen regional representation during RHNA-methodology development. (F3, F4, F15) Response: The recommendation has been implemented. The City of Dana Point participates in monthly OCCOG TAC meetings, and Mayor John Gabbard is the current Chair of OCCOG. Mayor Gabbard actively represents Dana Point at the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), serving on the Community, Economic, and Human Developm...
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City of Santa Ana
9 pages
• 1 response
•
Score: 0
(+0, 1, 0)
View Details ▾
1 response to findings and recommendations
R11
The County of Orange and each city should ensure consistent participation in SCAG and OCCOG committees by September 30, 2026, including the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), to strengthen regional representation during RHNA methodology development. (F3, F4, F15)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
: The County of Orange and each city should ensure consistent participation in SCAG and OCCOG committees by September 30, 2026, including the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), to strengthen regional representation during RHNA-methodology development. 1 The City of Santa Ana maintains active, consistent representation in regional planning bodies to ensure local constraints and priorities are voiced during RHNA-methodology development. The City's actions include attendance in monthly TAC meetings as well as monitoring and participating in SCAG's policy committees, working groups, and general a...
In the Press 3
Press coverage of this report, automatically tracked.
Op-ed: The state’s housing laws are working as intended - Los Angeles Times
LA
Los Angeles Times
· August 15, 2026
Fullerton to tell grand jury state housing targets are out of reach — and that student housing should count - NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts
NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts
· August 15, 2026
NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts
· August 15, 2026
Costa Mesa blasts state housing mandates as overreaching and unreasonable - Los Angeles Times
LA
Los Angeles Times
· August 7, 2026