San Juan Capistrano

In Compliance
Out of Compliance
Unincorporated Area
Unincorporated Area
Unincorporated Area

Overview

Population
35099
Density
2485
Avg. Household Income
$
123474
Experiencing Rent Burden
46
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 
San Juan Capistrano
 repeats its efforts from the previous cycle 
it will only meet 69% of the identified need.
Current RHNA Target
2021
 
-
 
2029
On Target
Behind
Hit Target
Missed
380
 / 
1054
 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
 
San Juan Capistrano
 
compare to its neighboring cities?
This city is currently doing a better job than its neighbors at meeting housing needs.
Progress
23
23
Income
5
5
Density
-23
-23
San Juan Capistrano
's Plan
Add Policy
Key parts of
San Juan Capistrano
’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:
San Juan Capistrano Tenant Protection Ordinance

Program 17 of the Housing Element promises to enact a no net loss/tenant protection ordinance by the end of 2023. A review of recent ordinances shows no such action, or discussion within city council minutes 

Proposal:
Link to Proposal
Resources:
Required (not introducted)
Due
Dec 31
, 
2023
Join the Fun!
Join
Our volunteers, watchdogs, push cities to enact good housing policy and keep tabs on the city’s policy progress. Sign up to help push
San Juan Capistrano
 reach its housing targets.
Orange County
's Volunteers
19
Current Watchdogs
  
Level II
19/20 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.
San Juan Capistrano
's Reports
Anonymous
Jack Farrell
  
11
/
24

The city completed its rezonings on April 18, 2023. Information about the City's progress with the Housing Element programs are presented annually in March to the City Council prior to being submitted to the state. The annual report for 2023 can be found online at https://sjc.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?viewid=3&clipid=2846&meta_id=173266 and you may check the future Council March agenda for the next 2024 (and future year) report at https://sanjuancapistrano.org/189/Public-Meetings.

Read More
   
/
 Loss
/
 Pro Housing
   
/
 Win
/
 Pro Housing
   
/
Deferred
/
 Pro Housing
Anonymous
Maria Zacarias Torres
  
05
/
21

Reviewed different parts of the general plan that will be updated like housing and environmental justice. SJC's RHNA allocation is 1,054. The meeting was facilitated by a consultant. Polls were taken throughout the meeting.

Read More
   
/
 Loss
/
 Pro Housing
   
/
 Win
/
 Pro Housing
   
/
Deferred
/
 Pro Housing
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Working on a Project?
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