County Superior Court Rules Against the City, Restricts Permit Issuance
A recent ruling by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Curtis Kin has determined that the city of Beverly Hills is barred from issuing new construction permits due to its non-compliance with state laws mandating affordable housing planning, as reported by ABC 7 News. While the ruling allows Beverly Hills to proceed with new residential developments, it restricts the issuance of permits for residential renovations, commercial projects, and other construction endeavors.
Californians for Homeownership, an affordable housing advocacy group, initiated the lawsuit against Beverly Hills, alleging the city’s long-standing evasion of state housing laws. California law has mandated cities to maintain compliant, affordable housing plans for over 50 years, outlining the development locations for housing across various income levels.
A representative from Californians for Homeownership expressed optimism that the court-imposed penalties would prompt Beverly Hills to adopt a compliant housing element in early 2024, as quoted by ABC 7 News. The group emphasized that the city, now two years behind schedule, needs to take necessary actions promptly.
In response, the Beverly Hills city attorney stated that the city would continue issuing construction permits while appealing the decision. The city’s representative expressed that the city’s goal remains to achieve a certified housing element in line with state law, ensuring diverse housing options in Beverly Hills presently and in the future, as in a press statement.
