Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a settlement with La Habra Heights to ensure the city complies with California’s housing requirements. The stipulated judgment requires La Habra Heights to develop a compliant housing plan, creating 244 new units, including at least 164 affordable homes for low or very-low-income residents.
Governor Newsom emphasized the urgency of addressing California’s housing crisis. “No more excuses — every community has a responsibility to create housing and help reduce homelessness,” he said. “I am pleased that La Habra Heights has agreed to meet their housing goals.”
Attorney General Bonta echoed the sentiment, praising the city’s decision to comply. “Instead of continuing to skirt California’s housing laws, [La Habra Heights] will finally be complying with its legal obligation,” he stated. “My office will not let up until every local government does its part to tackle our housing crisis.”
Designated as a high-opportunity area, La Habra Heights currently lacks multifamily housing and affordable units. Despite being required to adopt a housing element by October 2021, the city failed to meet the deadline. In March 2024, the state’s Housing Accountability Unit issued a Notice of Violation, prompting collaborative efforts between the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Attorney General’s Office to reach the agreement.