MICHAEL GATES, Huntington Beach City Attorney (OC Tribune photo).
The City of Huntington Beach’s struggle with the State of California over a mandate that Surf City zone for more homes suffered another setback this week, but the fight’s not over.
After the announcement on Wednesday that San Diego Superior Court Judge Katherine Bacal ruled that the Orange County city had 120 days to pass a housing document that would require zoning for – but not necessarily require the construction of – 13,368 more housing units, there was this response from City Hall from Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark and City Attorney Michael Gates: “We are committed to opposing Sacramento’s overreach. The city council has instructed the city attorney to appeal and combat the state’s lawsuits attempting to impose unsustainable and irresponsible high-density housing on our city.”
“Huntington Beach is not above the law – that’s the essence of today’s ruling,” said California Attorney General General Rob Bonta in a statement. “Local governments up and down the state should take notice.”