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Calimesa council adopts resolution urging restoration of local land‑use authority
Summary
The Calimesa City Council unanimously approved a letter and a resolution asking the governor and state lawmakers to restore local land‑use authority, saying state housing mandates and regulatory complexity have hindered housing delivery despite local planning efforts.
The Calimesa City Council unanimously approved a letter to state leaders and adopted a resolution calling for restoration of local land‑use authority at its March 16 meeting.
City Manager Cobol told the council staff drafted the item after a request from Councilmember Cundiff and a review of actions taken by the city of Yucaipa. Cobol said recent state housing laws have expanded the role of state agencies and, in his view, ‘‘gradually eroded local land‑use authority,’’ while many barriers to building — including interagency coordination, infrastructure funding challenges and litigation under the California Environmental Quality Act — remain controlled at the state level.
The resolution and attached letter make three central points: (1) Calimesa has complied with state housing law and has already planned residential capacity beyond its RHNA allocation, (2) cities should not be portrayed as the primary cause of California’s housing shortage when other regulatory and funding barriers exist, and (3) the state should work with cities and regional partners to address those external constraints. Cobol said the measures are intended to ‘‘push back on that narrative’’ and encourage collaboration with Inland Empire cities.
Councilmember Cundiff said he appreciated that the item recognizes cities’ efforts and the need for regional coordination. Mayor Pro Tem (speaker 9) said he ‘‘strongly agree[d]’’ with the points outlined in the letter. Councilmember Cundiff moved to approve the letter, adopt the resolution referenced in the staff packet as "resolution number 20 20 six‑seven," and direct staff to coordinate with regional jurisdictions; the motion was seconded and the council approved it 4–0.
The action directs staff to transmit the letter and pursue regional coordination with nearby cities and organizations to advocate for legislative and regulatory changes. The council provided no additional amendments to the resolution and the item concluded with staff standing ready to support regional outreach.
