{"generated_at":"2026-10-22T07:18:59.854Z","license":"CC BY 4.0","license_url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","citation_format":"Who Killed the Building?, [case name], whokilledthebuilding.com/projects/[slug], accessed [date]","count":39,"cities":[{"id":27,"slug":"palo-alto-santa-clara","city":"Palo Alto","county":"Santa Clara","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Palo Alto is the symbolic capital of Silicon Valley — home to Stanford University and the early offices of dozens of major tech companies. Population approximately 68,000. Median home price exceeded $3.5 million in 2024. Despite its liberal political identity, Palo Alto has some of the most restrictive housing policies of any California city. After the 2013 Maybell referendum, the City Council abolished the Planned Community zoning mechanism that affordable projects had relied on. Palo Alto has repeatedly blocked housing projects through environmental review, discretionary processes, and a politically organized slow-growth coalition. HCD found the adopted 2023-2031 housing element in substantial compliance on August 20, 2024.","case_count":3,"units_proposed":526,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":2,"avg_delay_months":18.7,"mechanisms":[{"count":2,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Height and Density Limits","short_name":"Height Limit"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Voter Approval Requirements (Measure J/R and similar)","short_name":"Measure J"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":0,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":2,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/palo-alto-santa-clara","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":29,"slug":"redondo-beach-los-angeles","city":"Redondo Beach","county":"Los Angeles","region":"SoCal","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Redondo Beach is a Los Angeles County coastal city of approximately 67,000 residents in the South Bay. Median home price ~$1.5 million in 2022. A Charter City, which gives it certain additional powers under California law — including the claim that major land use changes require a popular vote. Redondo Beach was the first city in California to vote to explicitly ban Builder's Remedy (December 20, 2022). The AES power plant site — 50-54 acres on the waterfront — represents one of the most significant coastal infill redevelopment opportunities in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. In October 2025 the Court of Appeal held that the city's prior housing element did not comply with state law; HCD found a revised element in compliance on May 20, 2026.","case_count":3,"units_proposed":2784,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":1,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":23.5,"mechanisms":[{"count":2,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":2,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"},{"count":1,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Parking Minimums","short_name":"Parking Min"}],"recurring_actors":[{"name":"Leo Pustilnikov","cases":2,"actor_type":"Developer","organization":"Next Century Power LLC / SLH Investments"},{"name":"City of Redondo Beach","cases":2,"actor_type":"City Government","organization":"City of Redondo Beach"}],"decision_count":10,"denial_decisions":2,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/redondo-beach-los-angeles","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":12,"slug":"cupertino-santa-clara","city":"Cupertino","county":"Santa Clara","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Silicon Valley city of ~60,000 residents, home to Apple's global headquarters. Was out of compliance with regional housing goals at time of SB 35 application (2018). City must add 4,588 homes by 2031 under state mandate. A Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury report (2023) specifically criticized the \"Better Cupertino\" faction on the council for governance failures tied to the Vallco fight. HCD found the adopted 2023-2031 housing element in substantial compliance on September 4, 2024.","case_count":2,"units_proposed":2719,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":79,"mechanisms":[{"count":2,"full_name":"Voter Approval Requirements (Measure J/R and similar)","short_name":"Measure J"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":1,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Height and Density Limits","short_name":"Height Limit"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":6,"denial_decisions":1,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/cupertino-santa-clara","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":3,"slug":"davis-yolo","city":"Davis","county":"Yolo","region":"Sacramento","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Subject to Measure J/R/D — a citywide voter approval requirement for any rezoning of agricultural land for urban use. Originally adopted in 2000 and renewed multiple times since. Unique in California. HCD found the adopted 2021-2029 housing element in substantial compliance on February 8, 2024.","case_count":2,"units_proposed":2260,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":1,"cases_open":0,"avg_delay_months":24,"mechanisms":[{"count":2,"full_name":"Voter Approval Requirements (Measure J/R and similar)","short_name":"Measure J"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":1,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/davis-yolo","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":56,"slug":"fairfax-marin","city":"Fairfax","county":"Marin","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Town of Fairfax, Marin County. YIMBY Law sued the town in February 2023 over its missed housing element deadline. HCD found the element, adopted December 13, 2023, in substantial compliance on April 8, 2024.","case_count":2,"units_proposed":268,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":0,"avg_delay_months":12,"mechanisms":[{"count":2,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Height and Density Limits","short_name":"Height Limit"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":2,"denial_decisions":1,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":1,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/fairfax-marin","lead_count_note":null},{"id":48,"slug":"santa-barbara-santa-barbara","city":"Santa Barbara","county":"Santa Barbara","region":"Central Coast","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"City of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County. HCD found the adopted 2023-2031 housing element in substantial compliance on February 13, 2024, according to the city; HCD had approved the draft on November 16, 2023. City Charter Section 1506 sets a 30-foot height limit.","case_count":2,"units_proposed":323,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":2,"avg_delay_months":36.5,"mechanisms":[{"count":2,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":2,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Height and Density Limits","short_name":"Height Limit"}],"recurring_actors":[{"name":"Ben Eilenberg","cases":2,"actor_type":"Developer","organization":"Woodside Community Housing"},{"name":"Stephanie Smith","cases":2,"actor_type":"Developer","organization":"The Mission LLC"},{"name":"SAGE","cases":2,"actor_type":"Neighborhood Association","organization":null}],"decision_count":5,"denial_decisions":2,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":6,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/santa-barbara-santa-barbara","lead_count_note":null},{"id":58,"slug":"los-gatos-santa-clara","city":"Los Gatos","county":"Santa Clara","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Town of Los Gatos, Santa Clara County. HCD certified the housing element on July 10, 2024. In builder's remedy litigation the court put the town's compliance gap at February 1, 2023 to July 10, 2024.","case_count":2,"units_proposed":414,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":2,"avg_delay_months":34,"mechanisms":[{"count":2,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":2,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"}],"recurring_actors":[{"name":"Town of Los Gatos","cases":2,"actor_type":"City Government","organization":null}],"decision_count":4,"denial_decisions":1,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/los-gatos-santa-clara","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":9,"slug":"san-francisco-san-francisco","city":"San Francisco","county":"San Francisco","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"City and County of San Francisco. Board of Supervisors has individual member EIR appeal rights, a process HCD and state legislators identified as a systemic tool for blocking housing. HCD launched an unprecedented Housing Policy Review of SF in August 2022, triggered in part by the 469 Stevenson denial. HCD certified the 2023-2031 housing element on February 1, 2023.","case_count":2,"units_proposed":36777,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":24,"mechanisms":[{"count":2,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Height and Density Limits","short_name":"Height Limit"}],"recurring_actors":[{"name":"California Department of Housing and Community Development","cases":2,"actor_type":"State Enforcement Agency","organization":"State of California"},{"name":"YIMBY Law","cases":2,"actor_type":"State Enforcement Agency","organization":"YIMBY Law"}],"decision_count":3,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":25,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/san-francisco-san-francisco","lead_count_note":null},{"id":11,"slug":"berkeley-alameda","city":"Berkeley","county":"Alameda","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"City of ~125,000 residents, home to UC Berkeley. Was out of compliance with regional housing goals when SB 35 was applied to 1900 Fourth St. in 2018. Court found Berkeley violated the HAA. City paid $2.6M HAA fine (directed to its Housing Trust Fund) and $1.4M developer attorney fees. Also contributed $1.5M toward the $27M site purchase that prevented housing from ever being built. HCD found the adopted 2023-2031 housing element in substantial compliance on February 28, 2023. In December 2025 HCD warned that it could revoke the finding if the city did not finish its by-right rezoning (Program 32) on time, and the council adopted that ordinance on February 10, 2026.","case_count":2,"units_proposed":1498,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":0,"avg_delay_months":54,"mechanisms":[{"count":2,"full_name":"Historic Preservation Designation","short_name":"Hist Pres"},{"count":1,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"SB 35 Ministerial Streamlining","short_name":"SB 35"}],"recurring_actors":[{"name":"California Supreme Court","cases":2,"actor_type":"Court","organization":null}],"decision_count":3,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":10,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/berkeley-alameda","lead_count_note":null},{"id":17,"slug":"los-angeles-los-angeles","city":"Los Angeles","county":"Los Angeles","region":"SoCal","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"City of Los Angeles, population ~4 million. Nearly 75% of residentially zoned land is designated exclusively for single-family homes. Mayor Karen Bass took office December 2022 with affordable housing production as her top priority. Her ED1 program cut approval timelines from 9+ months to ~60 days for 100% affordable projects. By 2025, ED1 had generated approvals for nearly 29,000 affordable units citywide — but almost none in the wealthy single-family neighborhoods of the Valley. HCD found the 2021-2029 housing element in compliance on June 29, 2022.","case_count":2,"units_proposed":302,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":9,"mechanisms":[{"count":2,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"},{"count":1,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Design Review","short_name":"Design Review"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Historic Preservation Designation","short_name":"Hist Pres"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":5,"denial_decisions":1,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":5969,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/los-angeles-los-angeles","lead_count_note":null},{"id":35,"slug":"woodside-san-mateo","city":"Woodside","county":"San Mateo","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Town of Woodside, San Mateo County. Population approximately 5,800. Median home price approximately $6 million — one of the most expensive communities in the United States. Median household income approximately $250,000. Primarily single-family residential with 1-acre minimum lot sizes. Zero commercial development. Neighbors Atherton (5-minute drive) — both share the same Peninsula wealthy-suburb pattern of housing resistance. 6th Cycle RHNA obligation: 328 units (2023-2031). Prior cycle built: 62 units. As of July 30, 2024, HCD confirmed the adopted Housing Element meets statutory requirements but is not yet in substantial compliance pending required rezonings. Faces $10,000/month fines and potential loss of local land use control if rezoning is not completed. HCD found the adopted housing element in substantial compliance on January 29, 2025, after the town completed required rezoning.","case_count":2,"units_proposed":433,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":0,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Height and Density Limits","short_name":"Height Limit"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Development Moratoriums","short_name":"Moratorium"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":0,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/woodside-san-mateo","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":57,"slug":"costa-mesa-orange","city":"Costa Mesa","county":"Orange","region":"SoCal","hcd_compliant":false,"notes":"City of Costa Mesa, Orange County. HCD has not found the sixth-cycle housing element in substantial compliance; it issued a notice of violation on August 22, 2025, and the Attorney General and HCD sued the city on July 16, 2026. Measure Y (2016) requires citywide votes on major land-use changes; Measure K (2022) partly lifted that requirement on commercial corridors.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":11760,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":null,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Height and Density Limits","short_name":"Height Limit"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Voter Approval Requirements (Measure J/R and similar)","short_name":"Measure J"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":3,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/costa-mesa-orange","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":59,"slug":"newport-beach-orange","city":"Newport Beach","county":"Orange","region":"SoCal","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"City of Newport Beach, Orange County. HCD found the sixth-cycle housing element in substantial compliance on October 5, 2022 and again on November 21, 2024. Charter Section 423 (the Greenlight measure, added by voters in 2000) requires citywide votes on large general plan amendments.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":4845,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":0,"avg_delay_months":null,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Downzoning","short_name":"Downzoning"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Voter Approval Requirements (Measure J/R and similar)","short_name":"Measure J"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":4,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/newport-beach-orange","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":13,"slug":"oakland-alameda","city":"Oakland","county":"Alameda","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"City of ~440,000 residents in the East Bay experiencing severe gentrification and displacement pressure. Median rent for a 1-bedroom in 2022: ~$2,300/month. The Howard Terminal project would have been the largest infill development in the city's recent history, adding 3,000 units to a historically underserved waterfront near Jack London Square. HCD found the adopted 2023-2031 housing element in full compliance on February 17, 2023.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":3000,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":0,"avg_delay_months":60,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":0,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":141,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/oakland-alameda","lead_count_note":null},{"id":20,"slug":"san-jose-santa-clara","city":"San Jose","county":"Santa Clara","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"San Jose is the largest city in Northern California (~1 million residents) and the economic capital of Silicon Valley. It has a stated goal of adding 25,000 new homes. West San Jose — where the 826 N. Winchester site is located — is a predominantly single-family neighborhood adjacent to the high-density commercial corridor of Santana Row and Westfield Valley Fair, well-served by VTA bus lines. HCD found the adopted 2023-2031 housing element in substantial compliance on January 29, 2024.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":135,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":1,"cases_open":0,"avg_delay_months":17,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":0,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":46,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/san-jose-santa-clara","lead_count_note":null},{"id":10,"slug":"burbank-los-angeles","city":"Burbank","county":"Los Angeles","region":"SoCal","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"City of ~106,800 residents in the San Fernando Valley. Was out of Housing Element compliance at time of the Pickwick denial, which is precisely what triggered SB 35 eligibility. Home to Warner Bros., Disney, and Netflix Animation. Had set a citywide goal of 12,000 new residential units over 15 years. HCD found the adopted 2021-2029 housing element in full compliance on October 7, 2022.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":92,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":0,"avg_delay_months":15,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Downzoning","short_name":"Downzoning"},{"count":1,"full_name":"SB 35 Ministerial Streamlining","short_name":"SB 35"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":0,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/burbank-los-angeles","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":21,"slug":"san-diego-san-diego","city":"San Diego","county":"San Diego","region":"SoCal","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"City of San Diego, California's second-largest city (~1.4 million residents). Has a stated goal of adding 108,000 homes by 2029 under RHNA. The Midway-Pacific Highway Community Plan area covers approximately 1,324 acres in the inner city, west of I-5, between Old Town and Ocean Beach. The community plan calls for approximately 10,000 new homes in the district. HCD found the re-adopted 2021-2029 housing element in substantial compliance on September 10, 2021.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":4254,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":49,"mechanisms":[{"count":2,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Height and Density Limits","short_name":"Height Limit"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":0,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/san-diego-san-diego","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":26,"slug":"del-mar-san-diego","city":"Del Mar","county":"San Diego","region":"SoCal","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"City of Del Mar, San Diego County. Population approximately 4,161 — one of the smallest incorporated cities in California. Median household income exceeds $150,000 — one of the wealthiest. Del Mar is a beach town roughly 20 miles north of downtown San Diego. The city has historically built almost no affordable housing. Under the 6th Cycle RHNA, Del Mar must accommodate 113 low-income units and 185 units total. HCD certified its Housing Element on May 31, 2023 — seven months after the Seaside Ridge preliminary application was filed. Del Mar is classified as a coastal city, meaning all development requires California Coastal Commission review and compliance with the Coastal Act in addition to local permitting.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":259,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":43,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":1,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":2,"denial_decisions":1,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/del-mar-san-diego","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":32,"slug":"livermore-alameda","city":"Livermore","county":"Alameda","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Livermore is an East Bay city of approximately 95,000 residents in the Tri-Valley region, about 40 miles east of San Francisco. Known for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and wine country. Median home price approximately $1.2 million in 2022. The downtown core has undergone redevelopment for over 20 years; the Eden Housing site was purchased by the city specifically for affordable housing around 2005. Livermore City Council has been consistently supportive of affordable housing production and has maintained a compliant Housing Element.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":130,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":0,"avg_delay_months":48,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Voter Approval Requirements (Measure J/R and similar)","short_name":"Measure J"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":10,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":25,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/livermore-alameda","lead_count_note":null},{"id":37,"slug":"suisun-city-solano","city":"Suisun City","county":"Solano","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Suisun City is a small city of approximately 30,000 residents in Solano County, located between Fairfield and the Sacramento River Delta. It is the only local government that has embraced the California Forever annexation proposal. The project's 52,000+ acres are located in unincorporated Solano County, but the annexation pathway routes through Suisun City to bypass the county's General Plan prohibition on development outside existing city limits. Solano County as a whole has been opposed to the project. The county's General Plan specifies that all new housing and industrial development must occur within the boundaries of existing municipalities.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":173913,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":38,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Downzoning","short_name":"Downzoning"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Voter Approval Requirements (Measure J/R and similar)","short_name":"Measure J"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":0,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":9,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/suisun-city-solano","lead_count_note":null},{"id":33,"slug":"elk-grove-sacramento","city":"Elk Grove","county":"Sacramento","region":"Sacramento","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Elk Grove is a Sacramento County suburb of approximately 185,000 residents, incorporated in 2000. It is a majority-minority city — approximately 45% white, 27% Asian, 17% Hispanic/Latino, 10% Black. The Old Town Elk Grove Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered a high-resource area under California AFFH standards because of its transit access, walkability, and proximity to services. Elk Grove settled state housing lawsuits in 2024 and 2025. Under the September 2024 settlement, the city must identify a new site for affordable housing in a highest-resource area. HCD found the adopted 2021-2029 housing element in substantial compliance on February 16, 2022.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":67,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":0,"avg_delay_months":25,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":3,"denial_decisions":1,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":118,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/elk-grove-sacramento","lead_count_note":null},{"id":68,"slug":"unincorporated-santa-cruz-county-live-oak-area-santa-cruz","city":"Unincorporated Santa Cruz County (Live Oak area)","county":"Santa Cruz","region":"Central Coast","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Unincorporated Santa Cruz County, including Live Oak. HCD found the county's adopted 2023-2031 housing element in substantial compliance on April 12, 2024.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":162,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":null,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":6,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/unincorporated-santa-cruz-county-live-oak-area-santa-cruz","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":69,"slug":"mountain-view-santa-clara","city":"Mountain View","county":"Santa Clara","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"City of Mountain View, Santa Clara County. HCD found the adopted 2023-2031 housing element in substantial compliance on May 26, 2023.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":80,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":26,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":2,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/mountain-view-santa-clara","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":70,"slug":"unincorporated-santa-clara-county-south-san-jose-area-santa-clara","city":"Unincorporated Santa Clara County (South San Jose area)","county":"Santa Clara","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Unincorporated Santa Clara County, governed by the County of Santa Clara. HCD found the adopted 2023-2031 housing element in substantial compliance on February 5, 2025.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":69,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":36,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":3,"denial_decisions":2,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/unincorporated-santa-clara-county-south-san-jose-area-santa-clara","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":71,"slug":"solvang-santa-barbara","city":"Solvang","county":"Santa Barbara","region":"Central Coast","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"City of Solvang, Santa Barbara County. HCD found the adopted 2023-2031 housing element in substantial compliance on February 12, 2024.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":100,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":null,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":1,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":2,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/solvang-santa-barbara","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":49,"slug":"brisbane-san-mateo","city":"Brisbane","county":"San Mateo","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":false,"notes":"City of Brisbane, San Mateo County. HCD certified the housing element on May 25, 2023, relying on rezoning of the Baylands, which makes up 81 percent of the sites inventory. After the city missed the May 18, 2026 rezoning deadline, HCD revoked its compliance finding on June 30, 2026.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":2200,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":null,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Voter Approval Requirements (Measure J/R and similar)","short_name":"Measure J"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":2,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":2,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/brisbane-san-mateo","lead_count_note":null},{"id":50,"slug":"santa-monica-los-angeles","city":"Santa Monica","county":"Los Angeles","region":"SoCal","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"City of Santa Monica, Los Angeles County. HCD certified the housing element on October 14, 2022, the day after the last of 16 builder's remedy preliminary applications was filed.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":4176,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":0,"avg_delay_months":null,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Height and Density Limits","short_name":"Height Limit"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":0,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":56,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/santa-monica-los-angeles","lead_count_note":null},{"id":19,"slug":"unincorporated-marin-county-lucas-valley-area-marin","city":"Unincorporated Marin County (Lucas Valley area)","county":"Marin","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Marin County is consistently ranked among the least affordable counties in the United States. Median household income: ~$91,000 (2015); median home price in 2015 was approximately $900,000. Marin built fewer affordable homes per capita than almost any Bay Area county during the 2000s and 2010s. The Lucas Valley area is unincorporated land administered by the county board of supervisors. Open space conservation is the dominant land use value in the area; the county has preserved over 80% of its land from development. HCD found the County of Marin's adopted 2023-2031 housing element, with modifications, in substantial compliance on June 19, 2023.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":224,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":0,"avg_delay_months":18,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":0,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/unincorporated-marin-county-lucas-valley-area-marin","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":51,"slug":"los-altos-hills-santa-clara","city":"Los Altos Hills","county":"Santa Clara","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Town of Los Altos Hills, Santa Clara County. HCD certified the housing element on May 30, 2023. The California Housing Defense Fund reports that HCD certified a 2026 amendment, which it is challenging in court.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":62,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":null,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":2,"denial_decisions":1,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":11,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/los-altos-hills-santa-clara","lead_count_note":null},{"id":31,"slug":"atherton-san-mateo","city":"Atherton","county":"San Mateo","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Town of Atherton, San Mateo County. Population ~7,000. The most expensive zip code in the United States (94027, ranked #1 by Forbes). Median home price exceeds $7 million. Average individual income: ~$203,000. Atherton had NO multifamily housing of any kind until the 2023-2031 Housing Element process. Zero apartments. Zero affordable housing. RHNA requirement: 348 units. HCD certified the Housing Element on May 5, 2025 — 2+ years after the January 31, 2023 deadline.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":15,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":51,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Downzoning","short_name":"Downzoning"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":0,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":3,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/atherton-san-mateo","lead_count_note":null},{"id":34,"slug":"huntington-beach-orange","city":"Huntington Beach","county":"Orange","region":"SoCal","hcd_compliant":false,"notes":"Huntington Beach is an Orange County coastal city of approximately 200,000 residents, known as Surf City USA. Median home price approximately $1.3 million. Has been out of compliance with the 6th Cycle Housing Element since the October 15, 2021 deadline. Required RHNA: 13,368 units. Huntington Beach is the most prominent example in Orange County — which had roughly 30 cities simultaneously non-compliant — of treating state housing law as an unconstitutional overreach. The city fought in federal district court, the Ninth Circuit, the U.S. Supreme Court, California Superior Court, the California Court of Appeal, and the California Supreme Court. It lost in all of them. Under court order as of December 2025 to adopt a compliant housing element. Financial penalties ordered May 15, 2026 under SB 1037. HCD reviewed the element the city adopted in June 2026 and found it out of compliance on August 18, 2026.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":13368,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":60,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Voter Approval Requirements (Measure J/R and similar)","short_name":"Measure J"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":5,"denial_decisions":1,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":7,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/huntington-beach-orange","lead_count_note":null},{"id":36,"slug":"beverly-hills-los-angeles","city":"Beverly Hills","county":"Los Angeles","region":"SoCal","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Beverly Hills is an incorporated city of approximately 34,000 residents entirely surrounded by the City of Los Angeles. Median home price approximately $3.3 million (2024). Famous globally for Rodeo Drive and wealthy residents — and for the near-total absence of multifamily residential buildings across most of its residential zones. Beverly Hills has historically used single-family zoning as an economic sorting mechanism effectively impenetrable without state override. Its 6th Cycle Housing Element was out of compliance from October 15, 2021 to May 1, 2024 — 2.5 years. During that period, the city issued incompleteness determinations requiring a General Plan Amendment and Zoning Change (GPA/ZC) for builder's remedy applications. HCD's Dec. 2, 2024 notice of violation covered ten of them, totaling 981 units, 198 of them affordable, and said state law prohibits requiring a GPA/ZC for builder's remedy projects. As of May 2026, multiple Builder's Remedy projects remain in active litigation.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":165,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":48,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":2,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/beverly-hills-los-angeles","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":1,"slug":"san-rafael-marin","city":"San Rafael","county":"Marin","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Article suggests city is engaged in extensive obstruction; check HCD compliance status as it affects Builder's Remedy eligibility. According to the city, HCD certified the adopted 2023-2031 housing element on June 22, 2023.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":64,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":19,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":1,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Height and Density Limits","short_name":"Height Limit"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":0,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/san-rafael-marin","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":2,"slug":"glendale-los-angeles","city":"Glendale","county":"Los Angeles","region":"SoCal","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Has been subject to multiple HCD enforcement actions including 2024-25 dispute over ADU ordinance. December 2025 Notice of Violation issued over Sears site denial. HCD found the adopted 2021-2029 housing element in substantial compliance on February 27, 2023.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":682,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":0,"avg_delay_months":3,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Design Review","short_name":"Design Review"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Historic Preservation Designation","short_name":"Hist Pres"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":1,"denial_decisions":1,"decisions_overriding_staff":1,"lead_count":151,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/glendale-los-angeles","lead_count_note":null},{"id":5,"slug":"la-canada-flintridge-los-angeles","city":"La Cañada Flintridge","county":"Los Angeles","region":"SoCal","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Affluent LA County suburb incorporated 1976. Population ~20,000. Failed to adopt compliant 6th Cycle Housing Element by Oct 2021 deadline, triggering Builder's Remedy window. HCD certified Housing Element Nov 17, 2023. City paid $1.3M+ in legal settlements in 2025 related to 600 Foothill litigation.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":80,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":0,"avg_delay_months":35,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":1,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Height and Density Limits","short_name":"Height Limit"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":6,"denial_decisions":1,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/la-canada-flintridge-los-angeles","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":52,"slug":"los-altos-santa-clara","city":"Los Altos","county":"Santa Clara","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"City of Los Altos, Santa Clara County. HCD's August 28, 2026 letter describes the housing element as adopted and certified as substantially compliant, and says the city must amend it if voters pass Measure D on November 3, 2026.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":15,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":0,"avg_delay_months":22,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Height and Density Limits","short_name":"Height Limit"},{"count":1,"full_name":"SB 35 Ministerial Streamlining","short_name":"SB 35"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":5,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":14,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/los-altos-santa-clara","lead_count_note":null},{"id":53,"slug":"norwalk-los-angeles","city":"Norwalk","county":"Los Angeles","region":"SoCal","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"City of Norwalk, Los Angeles County. HCD revoked the city's housing element compliance on October 2, 2024 over its ban on shelters and supportive housing, and restored it with conditions on September 19, 2025 after a settlement with the state.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":0,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":null,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Development Moratoriums","short_name":"Moratorium"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":2,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":16,"active_watch_count":0,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/norwalk-los-angeles","lead_count_note":null},{"id":54,"slug":"menlo-park-san-mateo","city":"Menlo Park","county":"San Mateo","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"City of Menlo Park, San Mateo County. HCD certified the 2023-2031 housing element on March 20, 2024, after a conditional finding on December 20, 2023.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":665,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":34,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"},{"count":1,"full_name":"California Environmental Quality Act","short_name":"CEQA"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Discretionary Review","short_name":"DR"},{"count":1,"full_name":"Historic Preservation Designation","short_name":"Hist Pres"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":1,"denial_decisions":0,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":0,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/menlo-park-san-mateo","lead_count_note":"No HCD permit leads imported for this jurisdiction"},{"id":55,"slug":"danville-contra-costa","city":"Danville","county":"Contra Costa","region":"Bay Area","hcd_compliant":true,"notes":"Town of Danville, Contra Costa County. HCD found the housing element in substantial compliance on April 9, 2024.","case_count":1,"units_proposed":38,"units_built":0,"cases_denied":0,"cases_open":1,"avg_delay_months":39,"mechanisms":[{"count":1,"full_name":"Builder's Remedy","short_name":"Builder Remedy"}],"recurring_actors":[],"decision_count":4,"denial_decisions":2,"decisions_overriding_staff":0,"lead_count":15,"active_watch_count":1,"url":"https://whokilledthebuilding.com/cities/danville-contra-costa","lead_count_note":null}]}