California sues five cities for failing to adopt required housing plans

California filed lawsuits Thursday against five cities that officials say have not adopted housing plans required under state law. The cities named are Calexico, Costa Mesa, Half Moon Bay, Ridgecrest, and Turlock. Officials stated that each jurisdiction is years overdue in submitting updated housing elements that outline how they will accommodate housing at all income levels.

Background on state requirements State law requires every city and county to update its housing element on a regular schedule. More than 95 percent of jurisdictions have submitted compliant plans, according to officials. The five cities received formal notices of violation, opportunities to respond, and multiple meetings with state officials before the cases were referred for litigation.

Prior enforcement actions Officials said the state has reached settlements with other cities, including Hollister, Malibu, Fullerton, and Coronado. A judge earlier this year ordered Huntington Beach to pay $160,000 for failing to adopt a compliant plan, with additional monthly penalties of $50,000 until compliance.

Under current law, jurisdictions that remain out of compliance can lose authority to deny certain housing projects and may face civil penalties directed toward affordable housing in their communities.