Westminster receives and files 2024 annual housing progress report; 675 housing units reported since cycle start

The Westminster City Council received and filed the city’s 2024 Annual Progress Report on March 26, accepting staff’s presentation on housing production and next steps. The report — required annually by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) — summarizes building permits, units completed and progress toward the city’s RHNA allocation.

Key figures: Staff reported a total of 675 housing units completed since the start of the city’s 6th‑cycle housing element (October 2021 through 2024). Westminster’s full 6th‑cycle RHNA allocation is 9,759 units for October 2021–October 2029. Staff noted that Westminster has already exceeded the total number of units completed in the prior 5th cycle (606 units) but that the city still faces a significant gap to meet the full RHNA target.

Planned projects: Staff reviewed recently entitled projects, including a 54‑unit senior project (53 low‑income units reported) and a 25‑unit townhome project that includes two very‑low‑income units. Staff said predictable project pipelines (including potential redevelopment of the Westminster Mall site) should accelerate production in coming years and that code text amendments to support higher density and mixed use are in process and expected to return for council action later in the fiscal year.

Council discussion: Councilmembers asked about state penalties and noted the city’s role is to plan (not build) housing; staff reiterated that local infrastructure and updated zoning encourage private investment but the ultimate pace depends on developers. Council directed staff to submit the APR to HCD and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research by April 1 as required.

Vote: The council voted 5–0 to receive and file the 2024 APR and to direct staff to submit it to HCD and OPR.