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.