La Cañada Flintridge, CA – A court has found that the City of La Cañada Flintridge should process the proposed development at 600 Foothill Blvd. as a Builder’s Remedy project. Builder’s Remedy is a legal provision of the State Housing Accountability Act that prohibits cities from disapproving development proposals that are inconsistent with local zoning and general plan requirements if a city does not have a State-certified Housing Element. The City has claimed that the Builder’s Remedy application for the development was not valid as the City had a “substantially compliant” housing element at the time the application was filed. The City Council will consider whether it should appeal the ruling or evaluate other legal options as it continues to defend itself and the community.

“I am proud of the work done by our City Council and City staff to implement a housing element which zones for 689 additional units, including 482 low-income housing units,” said Mayor Gunter. “We have acted as a partner to the State to be a part of the solution to the housing crisis, and while I disagree with the court’s decision in relation to this particular development, I respect the legal process and our City Council will work with City staff and legal counsel to decide on next steps.”

The City of La Cañada Flintridge is committed to supporting statewide efforts to tackle the high cost of housing. The City has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to work with the community, stakeholders and the State to ensure that the City can fulfill its share of the State’s much-needed housing and the City stands ready to implement its identified housing programs and partner with the community and the State on this critical mission.

Importantly, the ruling affirmed that the City of La Cañada Flintridge did not act in bad faith. Moreover, the Court denied the petitioners’ causes of action that claimed the City violated California’s Density Bonus Law and the Subdivision Map Act.

“While I believe that our housing element complies with every request made by the State’s Department of Housing and Community Development, we respect the legal process and we will now consider our next steps,” said City Manager Daniel Jordan.

The City will continue to keep residents informed about developments in this legal matter.

Contact:
Daniel Jordan
djordan@lcf.ca.gov
(818) 790-8880