Rancho Santa Margarita
In Compliance
Out of Compliance
Unincorporated Area
Unincorporated Area
Unincorporated Area
Overview
Population
47702
Avg. Household Income
$
150146
Experiencing Rent Burden
52
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
Rancho Santa Margarita
repeats its efforts from the previous cycle
it will only meet 6% 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.
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
Rancho Santa Margarita
compare to its neighboring cities?
This city is currently doing a worse job than its neighbors at meeting housing needs.
Progress
-12
-12
Income
15
15
Density
-14
-14
Rancho Santa Margarita
's Plan
Add Policy
Key parts of
Rancho Santa Margarita
’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
Rancho Santa Margarita
reach its housing targets.
Orange County
's Volunteers
2
Current Watchdogs
Level I
2/10 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.
Rancho Santa Margarita
's Reports
Anonymous
Jack Farrell
10
/
24
From city planning:
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is required to complete the rezoning to accommodate the RHNA by October 15, 2024. We recently completed the required rezoning, along with implementation of several other program requirements of the 2021-2029 Housing Element. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Housing Element Implementation and Rezoning Project on August 7th, and the City Council held a public hearing on the item on August 28th. Second readings of the ordinances occurred on September 11th, and the new and amended sections of the Rancho Santa Margarita Zoning Code go into effect on October 11th. The links above will take you to the staff reports, resolutions, and ordinances. It will take a few more weeks before the online version of the Zoning Code is updated.
/
Loss
/
Pro Housing
/
Win
/
Pro Housing
/
Deferred
/
Pro Housing