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La Habra Heights adopts housing-element ordinances in second reading to meet state requirements
Summary
Council approved the second reading and adoption of ordinances amending the general plan and municipal code to accommodate the housing element; supporters said the action resolves state compliance issues while opponents warned of long-term impacts to local planning authority.
On Aug. 11 the La Habra Heights City Council completed second readings and adopted the housing-element-related resolution and two ordinances to amend the general plan and municipal code consistent with state requirements. Staff said the measures are necessary to address the city's outstanding obligations under state housing law.
Glenn Shepherd (Hacienda Road) told the council he supported adoption to resolve the city’s difficult situation with the state but said the changes would continue to erode the city’s existing general-plan character. “In theory, you can increase your developer fees,” Shepherd said, but he warned that state incentives favor developers and could change the local planning landscape.
Staff described the ordinances as implementing general-plan amendments and zoning code changes to define multifamily residential regulations and to make the necessary CEQA findings. The council moved and approved the second readings and adoptions unanimously.
Next steps: the ordinances become effective consistent with the usual posting and adoption schedule; staff will continue implementation steps required under state law and will update the safety element as part of follow-up work tied to the housing element adoption.
