On December 5, the Yorba Linda City Council reviewed the revisions to the 2021-2029 Housing Element proposed by the Yorba Linda Housing Policy Resident Working Group.
After discussing the proposed revisions and hearing additional public comment, the City Council unanimously voted to advance the draft 2021-2029 Housing Element to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for a compliance review with State housing laws. It is anticipated that HCD will complete their review by early spring 2024. If approval is granted, the City will take this effort through an extensive community engagement and public hearing process in late spring 2024 to begin the action of formally adopting the Housing Element and its accompanying General Plan Amendments and Zoning Code Amendments. Ultimately, in November 2024, Yorba Linda voters will decide any major zoning changes in accordance with Yorba Linda’s Right-to-Vote Amendment (also known as “Measure B”).
Approval from HCD is mandatory before integrating the Housing Element into the City’s comprehensive General Plan. A failure of compliance can result in decertification of a jurisdiction’s Housing Element, and furthermore, diminished control over future developments and potential financial penalties.
The City Council’s decision follows extensive input from residents and from the Yorba Linda Housing Policy Resident Working Group, which met six times from mid-May to late June 2023 to discuss housing and land-use policies. The Working Group’s findings, encapsulated in a comprehensive report, were presented to the City Council on July 18, 2023. Subsequently, seven community workshops and meetings were held in September and October, allowing further public input opportunities. Two of these meetings were recorded and are available on the City’s website at YLLocalControl.com/Workshops.
The December 5 City Council meeting recording and Housing Element item staff report are available for reference.
The City underscores its commitment to a resident-centered process, retaining local control, and ensuring a balanced and inclusive housing plan that protects Yorba Linda’s distinct character and living standards.
Residents seeking a deeper dive into the details can refer to recordings of the October 12 workshop and Q&A webinar. For further information on the Housing Element and to stay engaged, visit YLLocalControl.com or contact YLHousingElement@yorbalindaca.gov.