FAQs | Yorba Linda Housing Element Update

What is the difference between “Total Development Capacity” and “Realistic Development Capacity” as it relates to the Housing Element Rezone Sites?

“Total Development Capacity”, or “Total Net Unit Potential”, is the total residential density multiplied by the total acreage. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) requires the City to calculate the total development capacity of every housing site submitted for review. In addition, Measure B requires that the City’s public hearing notice include

Olivia Rizzuto2024-06-21T08:01:36-07:00June 21st, 2024|

What are the different General Plan Designations?

Please visit the Zoning Designations Explained page for definitions and explanations.

Olivia Rizzuto2024-06-21T08:00:40-07:00June 21st, 2024|

What are the different Zoning Code Designations?

Please visit the Zoning Designations Explained page for definitions and explanations.

Olivia Rizzuto2024-06-21T07:59:34-07:00June 21st, 2024|

What steps does the City take to ensure fire safety and have proper evacuation plans in place in case of an emergency when evaluating a Housing Element plan?

The City of Yorba Linda, in partnership with the Orange County Sheriff's Department and the Orange County Fire Authority, has a comprehensive safety and evacuation strategy to address emergencies, including wildfires. For detailed information on evacuation zones, routes, and safety measures, please visit https://www.yorbalindaca.gov/861/Know-Your-Way.

Mackenna Morrice2024-01-12T15:17:52-08:00January 12th, 2024|

Does the Yorba Linda Right-to-Vote (Measure B) override other laws when it comes to rezoning? Why doesn’t it protect Yorba Linda from Builder’s Remedy?

State law takes precedence over local laws and ordinances. Measure B only applies to certain City actions to approve or reject major adjustment's to the City land use documents. In contrast, the Builder’s Remedy does not require any approval or amendment of City land use documents and indeed prevents a City from using City zoning

Mackenna Morrice2024-05-10T06:06:18-07:00September 28th, 2023|

How is “lower income housing” defined?

"Lower income housing" represents housing that is for individuals and families making up to 120% of the area median income (AMI) for a household is split into three categories: moderate, low, and very low. The Orange County AMI is currently $127,800. Moderate income in Orange County would be households making between 80%-120% of AMI, which

Mackenna Morrice2023-10-26T15:09:25-07:00September 28th, 2023|

Is there a trend of legal actions favoring cities over Housing Elements?

Several cities have filed legal action against the State related to their Housing Elements and recent housing legislation, but these cases are rarely resolved in favor of cities.

Mackenna Morrice2023-09-28T17:36:49-07:00September 28th, 2023|

Are there monetary penalties for not having a Certified Housing Element?

Yes, the State can subject a city to fines for not having a Certified Housing Element.

Mackenna Morrice2024-05-10T09:44:24-07:00September 28th, 2023|

Can the City simply pay fines instead of having a Certified Housing Element?

No, paying fines is not an "opt-out" provision. It's only one of the penalties imposed on jurisdictions that do not have a Certified Housing Element.

Mackenna Morrice2023-09-28T17:33:09-07:00September 28th, 2023|

Can the City or voters reject State-mandates and just not have a Housing Element?

No, the City must develop a complaint Housing Element and related zoning or it will face the loss of local land use control, risk protections for open space, become vulnerable to lawsuits from other entities and open the gates to 'Builder's Remedy' applications that completely bypass many local land use rules. To date, every city

Sara Madsen2024-05-10T09:53:16-07:00August 23rd, 2023|