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Fullerton to submit housing element after staff reports 1,384 credited units and 11,825 unmet RHNA
Summary
Planning staff reported Fullerton’s 6th‑cycle regional housing needs assessment of 13,209 units, of which the city has credit for 1,384 units and an unmet obligation of 11,825; council authorized the city manager to submit the housing element to the state.
Planning staff presented the City’s annual housing element progress report and told the council that Fullerton was assigned a sixth‑cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 13,209 units for 2021–2028. The report broke credits down by affordability level and noted that Fullerton currently has credit for 1,384 units and therefore an unmet obligation of 11,825 units.
Planner Mr. Schaffer said ADU production has contributed to credits (60 ADUs in 2021 rising to 168 in 2025) but that larger multifamily projects face financial feasibility constraints—higher construction costs and interest rates have delayed several approved projects or left others in limbo. He listed three larger projects that have broken ground (Pointe Common, Atlas Fullerton, and the Pines project) and several others awaiting financing or review.
Council members asked about differences with other cities and what the city can do to encourage affordable and below‑market housing. Staff said Fullerton has taken steps (zoning changes and a compliant housing element) but noted that financing for very‑low and extremely‑low income projects often requires layered subsidies from state or federal sources and tax credits, which have been competitive in recent years.
The council unanimously authorized the city manager to submit the housing element/progress report to the state. Staff said the annual report is due to the state by April 1.
