Huntington Beach’s state housing lawsuit appeal won’t get Supreme Court consideration

Huntington Beach’s legal battle against California’s state housing requirements has ended after the US Supreme Court declined to consider its appeal on February 23rd. This decision upholds a lower court ruling that the city violated state law by failing to update its housing plan and zone for at least 13,368 new homes, including affordable options, by the end of the decade. Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the ruling, stating the city must now comply with state housing laws and will be held accountable for delays, potentially facing $50,000 monthly penalties. Governor Gavin Newsom also criticized the lawsuit as a waste of taxpayer resources.

Huntington Beach officials, however, maintain their commitment to defending local control over municipal affairs, including housing, and vowed to continue fighting. The city initially sued the state in 2023, arguing that as a charter city, it wasn’t obligated to follow certain state laws, but this argument was rejected by both lower and federal appeals courts. A state appeals court previously ordered the city to update its housing element within 120 days and allowed the state to impose restrictions on permitting and development.

Despite expressing disappointment, Huntington Beach officials acknowledged the Supreme Court’s low acceptance rate for cases. The city now has until mid-April to update its housing plan, as mandated by a December court order. The core issue revolves around the city’s obligation to create an environment conducive to new housing development, even if it doesn’t directly build the units itself.

(Source：Ocregister)