The state of California has given a “final warning” to 15 cities and counties saying they have failed to properly plan for additional new homes as the state tackles a lack of affordable housing.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced last week that the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development issued notices to the communities, who have 30 days to respond.
“I’m disappointed on behalf of the state and the people of California that after years of effort, we still have communities that aren’t meeting the needs of their residents,” Newsom said in a statement.
The cities and counties that received the notices stretched across the state, from Half Moon Bay in the San Francisco Bay Area, to Montclair in Southern California, CBS News reported. Two counties in the Central Valley, Kings and Merced, also received notices.
Communities Stretch Across the State
Communities That Received Notice of Violation are:
- Atwater
- Avenal
- California City
- Corcoran
- Escalon
- Half Moon Bay
- Hanford
- Kings County
- Lemoore
- Merced County
- Montclair
- Oakdale
- Patterson
- Ridgecrest
- Turlock
State officials noted the communities were more than two years behind schedule on their housing plans, also known as a “housing element.”
CBS News reported that under state housing law that has been in effect since 1969, communities are required to submit plans that demonstrate how they intend to meet regional housing needs for residents at all income levels.
“There’s no carve-out here. No community gets a pass when it comes to addressing homelessness or creating more housing access. We’ll keep pushing forward by enforcing the law, fighting NIMBY actions, and holding local governments accountable, because every Californian deserves a place to call home,” Newsom said.
The state said that communities that do not comply with the notice could face further action and a potential lawsuit.
Citing the Department of Housing and Community Development, CBS said that 92% of cities and counties (480 in total) have adopted a final housing element and related zoning changes necessary to comply with state law. Another 22 communities are expected to finalize their housing plans in the next two months.
