Common Misconceptions

Are the new developments being concentrated in one area, creating a “low-income housing zone”?

The Working Group considered fairness between various parts of the city and deemed Savi Ranch an appropriate location to add housing units. These decisions were influenced by development opportunities, concerns over fire evacuation, and feedback from residents. It is also important to note that the housing proposed in the Savi Ranch area would allow for

2023-10-26T15:11:45-07:00September 28th, 2023|

Does zoning for “affordable housing” mean that Section 8 supported housing or other housing that some might view as having a detrimental impact be built on those sites?

"Affordable housing" is a term that has taken on some negative connotations for some community members and the mere term can raise their concerns. It is notable that there are several “low-income” developments in Yorba Linda already and there is no evidence of any negative repercussions from those developments. See Exhibit F in this report

2023-10-26T15:24:53-07:00August 23rd, 2023|

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis on the Housing Element seemed to just accommodate the growth rather than indicate the negative impacts. Don’t the negative impacts of more housing prevent the City from having to accept more housing?

No. A Housing Element has never been rejected because the environmental impacts were too negative. CEQA analysis generally notes what environmental impacts there are, then attempts to identify how those impacts can be mitigated. While concerns like increased traffic, wildfires, or water availability are valid, and the City of Yorba Linda is working to address

2023-08-23T21:35:03-07:00August 23rd, 2023|

I hear there are citizen initiatives being drafted that would return local control to cities and roll back many State housing policies. Can’t we wait for those to win before we commit to this new housing?

First: if those initiatives are successful, they will not reduce or change the current RHNA housing allocation. They may affect future ones, but all cities are obligated under existing law to address their RHNA housing allocation. Second: the viability of those initiatives appears low at this time. While there is enthusiasm among local elected leaders

2023-10-26T15:34:14-07:00August 23rd, 2023|

Aren’t there lawsuits that are going to overturn these State housing mandates? Can’t that alleviate the 2,415 RHNA housing allocation?

Yes, there are lawsuits in action now by cities. Indeed, Yorba Linda is a member of  the Orange County Council of Government (OCCOG), which has sued the State over the RHNA number for the SCAG region. Additionally, the City of Huntington Beach is on the front line of challenging the State and the Attorney General.

2023-10-26T15:29:57-07:00August 23rd, 2023|

Won’t the State Legislature change course on housing policy when it becomes clear that cites are getting pushback and many have not complied with State Housing mandates?

While Sacramento policy decisions are hard to predict, it is pretty clear from Sacramento policy experts that the legislature is even more bullish on housing mandates and that, rather than rolling back recent policy requirements, the State Legislature is adding on more mandates or expanding the applicability of mandates. The housing advocates in Sacramento reportedly

2023-10-26T15:32:40-07:00August 23rd, 2023|
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