Laguna Beach

In Compliance
Out of Compliance
Unincorporated Area
Unincorporated Area
Unincorporated Area

Overview

Population
22943
Density
2592
Avg. Household Income
$
141875
Experiencing Rent Burden
50
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 
Laguna Beach
 repeats its efforts from the previous cycle 
it will only meet 37% of the identified need.
Current RHNA Target
2021
 
-
 
2029
On Target
Behind
Hit Target
Missed
215
 / 
394
 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.
Does not apply
Does not apply
Does not apply
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.
50% Affordable
50% Affordable
Conditions in 
Orange County
HE Compliance
How does
 
Laguna Beach
 
compare to its neighboring cities?
This city is currently doing a better job than its neighbors at meeting housing needs.
Progress
41
41
Income
12
12
Density
-22
-22
Join the Fun!
Join
Key parts of
Laguna Beach
’s housing element are currently being worked on. Get involved to hold them accountable for meeting their deadlines.
Orange County
's Volunteers
23
Current Watchdogs
  
Level III
23/40 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.
Become a Volunteer
Watchdog Reports
Add Report
Our watchdogs are on the ground observing and taking part in the fight for fair housing. Read their reports below.
Laguna Beach
's Reports
Anonymous
  
04
/
21

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Laguna Beach City Council/ Planning Commission Meeting 4/6/2021

City staff member, So Kim gave a presentation which highlighted specific building sites which can fulfill Laguna Beach’s 2021-2029 RHNA assessment. Affordable housing needs have increased dramatically since the last RHNA cycle. Laguna Beach is required to plan for 394 affordable housing units. Potential building sites include portions of church, and Mission Hospital property. Members of the planning commission discussed ways to incentivize developers to create affordable housing by expediting development process. The need for third -party funding and incentives to develop was emphasized. There is interest in creating housing developments in commercial areas of downtown. At least one member of the planning commission has great interest in developing artist live/ work units

Read More
   
/
 Loss
1
/
1
 Pro Housing
   
/
 Win
1
/
1
 Pro Housing
   
/
Deferred
1
/
1
 Pro Housing
Be a Part of Change
As a watchdog you’ll join other volunteers pushing cities to address their housing needs.
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