It's been on the books for 30 years but hardly used. As the Santa Monica situation suggests, however, it could completely upend local planning for housing in California.

Legal Briefs, Sept 2022

The Bankers Hill group tried to shoot down a 20-story apartment building by, essentially, ignoring recent changes in state housing law. They failed.

Judge shifts gears and rules against city in Housing Accountability Act case in light of San Mateo ruling.

Reversing lower court, First District rules San Mateo's "stepback" requirement was not specific enough and required discretion to apply.

In turning down a 48-unit condominium project near Beach Boulevard, did Huntington Beach violate the Housing Accountability Act's requirement that findings be based on objective standards? Or will a fire expert's 11th-hour conclusion that one standard was violated be enough to save the city's case?

Simi Valley may appel superior Court ruling on 108-unit project, claiming it is a commercial enterprise not a residential use.