In a dramatic move, a CA court says housing density doesn’t mean affordability

In a dramatic move, a CA court says housing density doesn’t mean affordability

By Tim Redmond
April 28, 2024

For the first time, unless I have missed something, a court in California has ruled that there’s no demonstrable connection between increased density and housing affordability.

If the appellate courts agree, it could be a profound defeat for the free-market Yimby agenda, which holds that any new housing, anywhere, will eventually bring down prices.

A win is win but keeping it in perspective is important

A win is win but keeping it in perspective is important

By Bob Sivestri
April 26, 2024

“On April 22, 2024, at 11:00 AM, the Honorable Curtis A. Kin in Department 86 of the Los Angeles Superior Court issued a ruling granting a Petition for Writ of Mandate challenging the constitutionality of Senate Bill 9, as applied to charter cities. Senate Bill 9 requires all California cities to ministerially approve an application for a lot split, and up to four total housing units, on a single family residential lot that meets certain specified criteria.”

A wealthy Peninsula town is dragging its feet on building housing, state says. Now, it faces consequences.

A wealthy Peninsula town is dragging its feet on building housing, state says. Now, it faces consequences.

By KATE TALERICO
April 2, 2024

The town is the first to have its housing element decertified by the state, which means it loses out on key state infrastructure funds. Wealthy Portola Valley earlier this year became one of the first towns in San Mateo County to receive state approval for its plan to build more housing.
Department says that plan isn’t worth anything if the city isn’t following through on it — and, as it turns out, Portola Valley isn’t.

Judge: Huntington Beach likely to lose housing case, must approve development projects

Judge: Huntington Beach likely to lose housing case, must approve development projects

By MICHAEL SLATEN |
PUBLISHED: March 22, 2024

Huntington Beach is likely to lose its state housing lawsuit for its refusal to plan for more housing and must approve new housing projects that come before it, a San Diego Superior Court judge ruled Thursday, March 21.
The judge suspended some of Huntington Beach’s development authority in a ruling that prevents the city from rejecting housing developments that meet state density requirements.

Livermore Petition Refusal is Ruled Unconstitutional

Livermore Petition Refusal is Ruled Unconstitutional

Coalition for Balanced Growth

March 7, 2024

Livermore city staff acted unconstitutionally when they refused to process referendum petitions for a vote of the people. This is another major court decision against the City of Livermore. Winning and losing in court is an occasional occurrence for most cities. Comparatively, this may be the most serious illegal activity the City of Livermore has ever accomplished.

Judge: Huntington Beach likely to lose housing case, must approve development projects

State wants to limit Huntington Beach’s development authority

By MICHAEL SLATEN
February 24, 2024

A San Diego Superior Court judge heard arguments Friday over whether she should suspend some of Huntington Beach’s development authority, which could prevent the city from issuing building permits and making zoning changes, as part of the state’s lawsuit to get the city to build more housing.
“The city is standing in the way of the entire region meeting its housing need,” Deputy Attorney General Matthew Struhar said during oral arguments. “Because the city is doing that, the law requires accountability.”