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Land Use

May 19, 2026

Huntington Beach hit with first major penalties under new housing law

A San Diego judge ordered Huntington Beach to pay $160,000 in sanctions for violating California housing laws, marking the first major enforcement action under a 2024 statute empowering the state to financially penalize noncompliant cities.

Huntington Beach hit with first major penalties under new housing law
San Diego County Superior Court Judge Katherine A. Bacal

San Diego Judge Katherine A. Bacal ordered Huntington Beach to pay $160,000 in civil penalties for violating California's Housing Element Law, marking the first major enforcement action under a 2024 statute empowering the state to financially penalize cities that defy housing mandates.

Under Thursday's ruling, the city faces escalating sanctions of $50,000 per month beginning in June if it remains out of compliance. The People of California ex rel. Rob Bonta v. City of...

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