A PROPOSAL to challenge the requirement that Huntington Beach zone for over 13,000 more housing units was postponed “indefinitely” by the city council Monday night (Flickr/Gilbert Mercier).

A proposal to go to court to challenge a ruling that would require Huntington Beach to create zoning to allow for over 13,000 new housing units was postponed indefinitely Monday night by the City Council.

The item, put forth by Mayor Pro Tem Tito Ortiz, would have directed the city attorney to appeal a determination by the Southern California Association of Governments that the city needed to zone for 13,386 new housing units. Cities are not required to make sure such housing is built, but simply to change city land use codes to permit it.

Ortiz’ proposal was voted down 5-2, with only himself and Councilmember Erik Peterson in favor.

Recent state law – in an effort to alleviate homelessness – requires that cities submit to a Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). Critics call it interference with local control and argue that it could cause overcrowding and worsen traffic.

Also Monday night, the council supported Mayor Kim Carr’s proposal to provide all operators of short-term rentals with an extension until Oct. 1, 2021 to comply with the city’s new regulations of STRs.

The next meeting of the city council is set for Monday, May 3.