Huntington Beach
In Compliance
Out of Compliance
Unincorporated Area
Unincorporated Area
Unincorporated Area
Overview
Population
197481
Avg. Household Income
$
114747
Experiencing Rent Burden
48
Providing adequate housing options is a key function of local governments. To help residents ensure their local government is meeting this need, we’ve compiled important information about this jurisdiction’s housing efforts below.
Housing Element is In Compliance
This city is currently working on implementing its housing element.
Housing Element is Out of Compliance
This city is currently working on implementing its housing element.
Good Progress
This city is currently on track to meet their RHNA housing targets.
Making Slow Progress
This city is falling behind. It is not on track to meet its housing targets.
Housing Targets
Every 8 years California assesses housing need and assigns each city with a target they must hit. If
Huntington Beach
repeats its efforts from the previous cycle
it will only meet 29% of the identified need.
Current RHNA Target
2021
-
2029
On Target
Behind
Hit Target
Missed
Very Low Income
Low Income
Median Income
Above Median Income
State Statutes
Organizers fighting for fair housing can use many state laws to ensure that jurisdictions meet their housing targets.
Builder’s Remedy
When a city’s Housing Element is out of compliance, the Builder’s Remedy allows developers to bypass the zoning code and city general plan for qualifying affordable housing projects. If a Builders Remedy project application was submitted prior to 1/1/2025, there are virtually no limits on the size and density of a project proposed. Subsequent to 1/1/2025, in exchange for more certainty in the entitlement process, AB 1893 limits the density for Builders Remedy projects.
Applies
Applies
Applies
SB 423
When cities lack a compliant housing element or are behind on RHNA, this statute streamlines approval of projects that meet a threshold of affordable units.
10% Affordable
10% Affordable
Conditions in
Orange County
HE Compliance
How does
Huntington Beach
compare to its neighboring cities?
This city is currently doing a worse job than its neighbors at meeting housing needs.
Progress
-6
-6
Income
1
1
Density
11
11
Huntington Beach
's Plan
Add Policy
Key parts of
Huntington Beach
’s housing element are currently being worked on. Get involved to hold them accountable for meeting their deadlines.
Impactful Housing Element Policies:
No prioritized policies
There are no prioritized housing element policies for this jurisdiction which are currently being tracked. If you'd like to submit a policy to be tracked, please fill out the policy submission form.
Other Tracked Housing Element Policies:
No other policies
There are no other housing element policies for this jurisdiction which are currently being tracked. If you'd like to submit a policy to be tracked, please fill out the policy submission form.
Join the Fun!
Our volunteers, watchdogs, push cities to enact good housing policy and keep tabs on the city’s policy progress. Sign up to help push
Huntington Beach
reach its housing targets.
Orange County
's Volunteers
24
Current Watchdogs
Level III
24/40 Volunteers
Upcoming Opportunities
Add Event
These upcoming events and tasks are great opportunities to make a difference in your community.
Event Name
Stop by Drinks & Agendas
Each Friday at 12:00PST our team gets together via Zoom to monitor local agendas so we can direct watchdogs to key meetings where decisions are being made about housing.
Watchdog Reports
Add Report
Our watchdogs are on the ground observing and taking part in the fight for fair housing. Read their reports below.
Huntington Beach
's Reports
Anonymous
Jack Farrell
02
/
26
The Supreme Court declined to accept Huntington Beach's appeal, leaving in place a ruling that it must adopt a Housing Element and allow for higher density development.
https://www.sanbenitocountyca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/15254/639058132760070000
/
Loss
/
Pro Housing
/
Win
/
Pro Housing
/
Deferred
/
Pro Housing
Anonymous
Jack Farrell
09
/
25
A recent court orders the Orange County city to adopt a compliant housing plan within 120 days and places restrictions on its ability to approve development until it does so. More details here: https://davisvanguard.org/2025/09/huntington-beach-housing-ruling/
/
Loss
/
Pro Housing
/
Win
/
Pro Housing
/
Deferred
/
Pro Housing
Anonymous
Elizabeth Hansburg
06
/
21
City has 10% inclusionary; some specific plans have greater percentages; The city is reluctant to increase it too much more lest it kill development altogether. One owner of a 1960s era apt building requested an upzoning to higher density to redevelop more units and offered to include some Very Low level units. It will be interesting to see if the city sites include existing NOAH multifamily.
/
Loss
5
/
15
Pro Housing
/
Win
5
/
15
Pro Housing
/
Deferred
5
/
15
Pro Housing