Introduction to Housing Disputes
The lecturing came hot and heavy this week. Government leaders took Huntington Beach and Artesia to task as the state cracks down on jurisdictions that can’t — some might say won’t — get in compliance with housing laws.
Background on the Dispute
Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta claimed victory on Friday, when a California court of appeals ruled in their favor, forcing Huntington Beach to get a compliant housing element done in 120 days. The Orange County city locked horns with the state a few years ago after failing to approve plans that outline how it will address housing needs in the long term across income levels in what’s known as a housing element.
Reaction from Government Officials
“Today’s win is an important development,” Bonta said of the court’s decision. “Huntington Beach is running out of excuses, and the consequences for failing to plan for its fair share of housing are becoming clearer and more serious.” The lecturing followed Artesia’s settlement with the state on Tuesday. After falling out of compliance by not having a housing element completed in 2023, the city now has until January to figure out how it’ll accommodate 1,069 more housing units.
Accusations and Settlements
Newsom accused Artesia of “wasted time and money,” while California Department of Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez brought up cities’ “moral responsibility” when it comes to housing in the Huntington Beach ruling. Some local jurisdictions say they are struggling to meet the housing targets while balancing local and state regulations around development.
Builder’s Remedy Projects
A builder’s remedy project in La Cañada Flintridge resulted in several years of litigation, but the city backed down from its fight in March, after a judge ordered the town to post a $14 million bond if it wanted to continue fighting against Cedar Street Partners’ mixed-use project at 600 Foothill Boulevard. Plans call for about 7,200 square feet of office and 80 dwelling units, of which eight would be affordable and 16 for hospitality.
Real Estate Updates
David Parnes and James Harris, founders of the Bond Street Partners team at Carolwood Estates, are splitting as business partners. Details on what will happen with the nine other agents on their team or if the Bond Street name will be dissolved are not yet known. The two declined to say anything beyond their prepared Instagram message.
Notable Property Sales
Oceanfront neighborhood The Strand gets all the attention, but how about that Hill Section? That’s where Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Dončić paid $25 million for tennis star Maria Sharapova’s custom build. Carolwood Estate’s Susân Perryman was the listing agent, and it appears the property traded off market.
Celebrity Real Estate
Two-time Oscar winner Brad Pitt shuffled the deck on his real estate holdings yet again. The actor sold his Los Feliz home, known locally as The Steel House, in an off-market deal on Friday. Sources told TRD the asking price was $5.5 million. What the home actually closed at is not yet known. If the purchase price was less than $5.3 million, Pitt will have managed to bypass paying the contentious Measure ULA two-tier tax on real estate deals.
Conclusion
The housing disputes in California, particularly in Huntington Beach and Artesia, highlight the challenges faced by local jurisdictions in meeting housing targets while balancing local and state regulations. The state’s crackdown on non-compliant cities and the court’s ruling in favor of the state demonstrate the importance of addressing housing needs. Meanwhile, the real estate market continues to see notable sales and updates, including the split of Bond Street Partners and the purchase of Maria Sharapova’s custom build by Luka Dončić.
FAQs
Q: What is a housing element, and why is it important?
A: A housing element is a plan that outlines how a city will address housing needs in the long term across income levels. It is important because it helps ensure that cities are providing adequate housing for their residents.
Q: What is a builder’s remedy, and how does it relate to housing disputes?
A: A builder’s remedy is a project that is approved by a court when a city fails to comply with housing laws. It allows developers to build housing units that are not subject to the same regulations as other projects.
Q: What is the significance of the court’s ruling in favor of the state in the Huntington Beach case?
A: The court’s ruling demonstrates the state’s commitment to enforcing housing laws and holding cities accountable for non-compliance. It also highlights the consequences for cities that fail to plan for their fair share of housing.
Q: How do notable property sales, such as the purchase of Maria Sharapova’s custom build, reflect the current state of the real estate market?
A: Notable property sales, such as the purchase of Maria Sharapova’s custom build, reflect the continued demand for luxury properties in desirable locations. They also highlight the importance of real estate agents and their role in facilitating high-end transactions.
