Or is one Huntington Beach City Councilmember's attempt to decertify the Beach and Edinger Specific Plan EIR simply a sideways attempt to repeal the plan?
The developer has agreed to withdraw all 14 builder's remedy applications, but would be able to resubmit eight projects for expedited ministerial approval under the city's new rules.
City makes novel arguments like violation of First Amendment and Commerce Clause, but also argues that its charter city rights are violated and the relationship between the RHNA and CEQA puts it in an untenable position.
Both cities claim that their Housing Elements are compliant, even though HCD has not yet approved them. Sonoma also claimed an apartment proposals application was deficient.
Orange County city's attorney is drawing an ordinance to "exempt" it from the builder's remedy. Meanwhile, Santa Monica -- which originally vowed to fight -- is processing builder's remedy projects.
In turning down a 48-unit condominium project near Beach Boulevard, did Huntington Beach violate the Housing Accountability Act's requirement that findings be based on objective standards? Or will a fire expert's 11th-hour conclusion that one standard was violated be enough to save the city's case?
