Mission Viejo

In Compliance
Out of Compliance
Unincorporated Area
Unincorporated Area
Unincorporated Area

Overview

Population
93233
Density
5255
Avg. Household Income
$
136570
Experiencing Rent Burden
53
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 
Mission Viejo
 repeats its efforts from the previous cycle 
it will only meet 45% of the identified need.
Current RHNA Target
2021
 
-
 
2029
On Target
Behind
Hit Target
Missed
129
 / 
2217
 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
 
Mission Viejo
 
compare to its neighboring cities?
This city is currently doing a worse job than its neighbors at meeting housing needs.
Progress
-6
-6
Income
10
10
Density
-3
-3
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Key parts of
Mission Viejo
’s housing element are currently being worked on. Get involved to hold them accountable for meeting their deadlines.
Orange County
's Volunteers
21
Current Watchdogs
  
Level III
21/40 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.
Mission Viejo
's Reports
Anonymous
  
04
/
21

Discussions centered around Housing Element Planning Cycle for 2021-2029. Housing Element Consultant, John Douglas provided a PowerPoint presentation where he stated that RHNA requires Mission Viejo plan for 2,217 affordable housing units.  25 comments from the public advocated for more affordable housing in Mission Viejo. At least three public commentators were proponents of mixed zoning, commercial and residential properties in the same area. Several public commentators also suggested using church property for affordable housing.

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 25 comments from the public advocated for more affordable housing in Mission Viejo. At least three public commentators were proponents of mixed zoning, distributing commercial and residential properties in the same area. Several public commentators also suggested using church property for affordable housing. There are several outstanding questions to be addressed in upcoming meetings. State property such as Saddleback College may be able to accommodate affordable student housing, but it’s unclear whether such student housing will be able to fulfill Mission Viejo’s RHNA requirements (considering similar problems in the city of Fullerton). As of now, board members did not have concrete figures regarding how many affordable units are currently available in Mission Viejo, and whether Mission Viejo has fulfilled RHNA requirements from previous cycles. There were several concerns regarding a lack of redevelopment funding to incentivize developers to build affordable housing units. There were also concerns over HOAs in affordable housing communities, and the fact church property could not be allocated to create affordable housing units due to state legislation. There was some talk regarding Saddleback Church or a property adjacent to it (follow-up required for further clarification).

Read More
Gardena City Council - Mar 31, 2021
   
04
/
21
 Loss
1
/
1
 Pro Housing
Gardena City Council - Mar 31, 2021
   
04
/
21
 Win
1
/
1
 Pro Housing
City Council
   
04
/
21
Deferred
1
/
1
 Pro Housing
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