The California Supreme Court has ruled that Huntington Beach must follow state housing laws and approve plans for affordable housing. This decision ends the city’s long fight to avoid building housing for low-income residents.
State vs. City: A Long Battle Over Housing
Huntington Beach, a conservative-led city of about 193,000 people, has spent years arguing that local governments—not the state—should decide how much housing is built. City officials believe they have the authority to control development inside their borders.
However, state leaders disagree. They say housing shortages affect all Californians and therefore fall under statewide responsibility. Federal courts have already rejected Huntington Beach’s challenge to this law, and the city has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Says Huntington Beach Must Comply
On Wednesday, the California Supreme Court upheld a previous ruling requiring Huntington Beach to approve affordable-housing plans. When the state sued the city in 2023, it required Huntington Beach to plan for 13,368 homes for low-income residents.
After the case returns to Orange County courts, the city will have 120 days to submit a state-approved housing plan. If they refuse, state officials can block the city from issuing any new building permits.
City’s Arguments Rejected
Huntington Beach claims that building more housing would harm the environment. Officials also argue that, as a “charter city,” they have the right to make independent decisions on local issues.
But the state’s 4th District Court of Appeal disagreed. The court said the housing crisis is too big and too important for cities to ignore state rules.
What the Court Said
Presiding Justice Judith McConnell wrote that California faces a “housing supply and affordability crisis of historic proportions.” Because the problem affects millions of people, the state has authority to enforce housing requirements.
Other Disputes Between Huntington Beach and the State
This is not the only issue causing conflict between California officials and Huntington Beach:
- The city challenged California’s sanctuary law that limits cooperation with federal immigration agents.
- A Latino group sued over the city’s use of citywide elections instead of district-based elections.
- A voter ID law passed by Huntington Beach residents in 2024 was struck down by a state appeals court.
More than 40 California cities have supported a proposed ballot measure that would give local governments more power over housing decisions. Huntington Beach is among them.
Housing Advocates Celebrate the Ruling
The Kennedy Commission, a nonprofit that fights for affordable housing, supported the state in this case. Executive Director Cesar Covarrubias said the decision ensures that residents in all cities, including charter cities, have access to affordable homes.
Huntington Beach officials have not yet commented on the Supreme Court’s decision.
Conclusion
The California Supreme Court’s ruling is a major win for statewide housing policy. Huntington Beach must now create an affordable housing plan or face penalties. As housing costs continue to rise, the decision reinforces the state’s power to require cities to do their part in addressing California’s housing crisis.
