Huntington Beach

In Compliance
Out of Compliance
Unincorporated Area
Unincorporated Area
Unincorporated Area

Overview

Population
197481
Density
7382
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
855
 / 
13368
 units
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
Join the Fun!
Key parts of
Huntington Beach
’s housing element are currently being worked on. Get involved to hold them accountable for meeting their deadlines.
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
Date
Type
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
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.

Read More
   
/
 Loss
5
/
15
 Pro Housing
   
/
 Win
5
/
15
 Pro Housing
   
/
Deferred
5
/
15
 Pro Housing