Santa Barbara County faces housing crisis as RHNA units fall drastically behind demand

The Lompoc City Council meeting on March 18, 2025, highlighted pressing issues surrounding housing and income disparities in Santa Barbara County. A key discussion point was the definition of low income, with one council member questioning how a family of four earning $130,000 annually could be classified as low income. This perspective raised concerns about the disconnect between income levels and housing needs in Lompoc, where the council member noted that such a family would likely feel financially secure.

The council also addressed the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), revealing that Lompoc still requires 2,200 housing units to meet its goals. The slow pace of development was alarming, with only two single-family homes built in the previous year. The discussion included the classification of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), with concerns raised about how converted garages could be categorized as above moderate housing due to high rental prices, which some council members found astonishing.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the distribution of Section 8 housing vouchers, noting that Lompoc has a significant number—794 vouchers, representing 27% of the town's population, despite being only 10% of the county's total population. This disparity prompted calls for a more equitable distribution of resources across the county.

The council concluded the meeting with a motion to accept staff recommendations, which passed unanimously. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges Lompoc faces in addressing housing shortages and income inequality, setting the stage for future initiatives aimed at improving the community's housing landscape.