It's been on the books for 30 years but hardly used. As the Santa Monica situation suggests, however, it could completely upend local planning for housing in California.

Legal Briefs, Sept 2022

In a case from San Diego, an appellate court reaffirms a 13-year old ruling that says the legislature has barred RHNA allocation lawsuits by COG members.

Auditor calls for clarification of methodology on vacancy rates and household formation -- the two factors that have been most controversial in pushing up the housing targets.

HCD says 70% of draft elements don't meet the state's enhanced requirements.

The recent rejection of 469 Stevenson reveals rifts -- both philosophical and political -- in a city that no longer seems to trust the private market. 

As with SCAG, Bay Area jurisdictions are appealing their housing targets in large numbers. Unsurprisingly, the most challengers are coming from Marin County.

The council vote was unanimous, but now comes the hard part: Implementing an upzoning in a city with strong homeowner advocacy and fire-prone hillside neighborhoods.

Except for two minor adjustments, all cities lose their appeals. Half of Orange County cities appealed.