The Future of Yorba Linda’s Housing Development

Yorba Linda, a suburban gem in Orange County, California, is known for its affluent neighborhoods, strong community values, and commitment to preserving its semi-rural charm. With a population of approximately 68,000 and a median household income exceeding $120,000, the city has long been a haven for single-family homes and a high quality of life. However, like many California cities, Yorba Linda faces mounting pressure to address the state’s housing crisis while balancing local control, community character, and environmental concerns. The future of Yorba Linda’s housing development is shaped by state mandates, local policies, community engagement, and innovative planning strategies. This blog post explores the trajectory of housing development in Yorba Linda, focusing on recent milestones, challenges, and opportunities for sustainable growth.

The State Mandate: Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)

California’s housing crisis has prompted stringent state laws requiring cities to plan for new housing to accommodate population growth and affordability needs. The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), administered by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), assigns housing targets to cities for an eight-year planning cycle. For the 2021-2029 cycle, Yorba Linda is mandated to zone for 2,415 new housing units, a 10% increase in its housing stock. These units must address a range of income levels, from extremely low to above-moderate income households.

This mandate has sparked significant debate in Yorba Linda, a city where zoning changes require voter approval under Measure B, a 2006 initiative known as the Right-to-Vote Amendment. The RHNA process is not just about meeting numbers; it’s about ensuring equitable housing opportunities while navigating local resistance to high-density development. Failure to comply risks penalties, including loss of local land-use control and exposure to the Builder’s Remedy, a provision allowing developers to bypass zoning restrictions if a city lacks a certified Housing Element.

Yorba Linda’s Housing Element: A Community-Driven Approach

Yorba Linda has made significant strides in addressing its RHNA obligations. In April 2022, it became the first of Orange County’s 34 cities to receive state approval for its 2021-2029 Housing Element, a comprehensive plan outlining how the city will meet its housing goals. The plan, conditionally certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in March 2024, was finalized with over 90% voter approval for Measure JJ in the November 2024 election. This milestone reflects Yorba Linda’s commitment to balancing state requirements with local priorities.

The Housing Element identifies 18 housing opportunity sites, down from an original 27, with a net potential of 1,929 dwelling units. Key strategies include:

• Rezoning for Mixed-Use Development: The plan emphasizes revitalizing areas like Savi Ranch, a commercial and industrial zone, into mixed-use spaces with residential units, retail, and restaurants. The Yorba Canyon Community initiative, for instance, proposes a garden-style residential community in Spanish Mission architectural style, integrating updated shopping and dining to reduce commuter traffic.

• Affordable Housing Incentives: The city is introducing zoning overlays, such as the Affordable Housing Overlay and Congregational Land Overlay, to encourage development on underutilized sites, including religious properties.

• Streamlining Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Known as granny flats or mother-in-law units, ADUs are promoted to increase housing stock without significant land-use changes.

• Community Engagement: Yorba Linda’s process involved extensive public input, including over a dozen workshops, online surveys, and a 17-member resident working group formed after the rejection of Measure Z in 2022. This group helped craft a plan that addresses concerns about density and neighborhood character.

The success of Measure JJ, with a 91% approval rate, underscores the effectiveness of this community-driven approach. Tripepi Smith, a public affairs firm, played a crucial role in facilitating outreach, ensuring residents were informed and engaged.

Challenges in Yorba Linda’s Housing Future

Despite its progress, Yorba Linda faces several challenges in implementing its housing vision:

1. Voter Approval Requirements: Measure B mandates that major zoning changes go to a public vote, adding complexity and uncertainty. The rejection of Measure Z in 2022, with only 25% support, highlighted initial resistance to high-density proposals. While Measure JJ succeeded, future zoning adjustments will require sustained community buy-in.

2. Builder’s Remedy Threat: Without a certified Housing Element, Yorba Linda risks developers invoking the Builder’s Remedy, which could lead to high-density projects bypassing local design standards. Examples in nearby cities like Orange and La Habra, as well as high-profile cases in Beverly Hills and Palo Alto, illustrate the potential for unwanted transformations.

3. Environmental and Infrastructure Concerns: Rezoning 18 sites requires environmental reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Issues like traffic congestion, water availability, and wildfire risks are significant concerns, though they cannot legally exempt the city from RHNA obligations. Mitigation measures, such as improved evacuation routes and infrastructure upgrades, are critical.

4. Affordable Housing Perceptions: Misconceptions about affordable housing, often associated with Section 8 or low-quality developments, have fueled opposition. The city has worked to educate residents, pointing to successful projects like Oakcrest Terrace and Oakcrest Heights, which provide 121 affordable units in Savi Ranch with LEED certifications and community amenities.

5. Regional Disparities: Yorba Linda, along with other Orange County cities, has criticized SCAG’s RHNA methodology, arguing it disproportionately burdens wealthier communities. Despite legal challenges through the Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG), these efforts have been unsuccessful, leaving the city to navigate high housing targets.

Opportunities for Sustainable Growth

Yorba Linda’s housing future is not just about meeting state mandates; it’s an opportunity to enhance the city’s livability and economic vitality. Several promising avenues are emerging:

• Revitalizing Savi Ranch: The focus on Savi Ranch as a mixed-use hub offers a chance to create a vibrant, walkable downtown-like area. Projects like the Yorba Canyon Community aim to blend housing with retail and dining, attracting millennials and reducing reliance on out-of-town commuting. This aligns with Yorba Linda’s reputation as a desirable destination for young professionals.

• Leveraging Existing Successes: The Oakcrest developments demonstrate that well-designed affordable housing can integrate seamlessly into the community. Expanding similar projects, with architectural styles like Craftsman or American farmhouse, can address housing needs while maintaining Yorba Linda’s aesthetic.

• Promoting ADUs: Streamlining ADU approvals can provide a low-impact solution for housing growth, appealing to families seeking multigenerational living options or rental income. This approach minimizes disruption to single-family neighborhoods.

• Enhancing Community Trust: The success of Measure JJ shows that transparent engagement can overcome resistance. Continued education about the benefits of balanced housing—such as reduced traffic and support for local workers—will be key to future initiatives.

• Sustainable Design: Incorporating green building standards, like those in the LEED-certified Oakcrest projects, can address environmental concerns while meeting housing goals. Energy-efficient designs and water conservation measures will be critical in a region prone to drought and wildfires.

The Broader Context: Yorba Linda in California’s Housing Landscape

Yorba Linda’s housing challenges reflect broader trends in California, where the tension between state mandates and local control is intensifying. Cities like Huntington Beach and Beverly Hills have faced legal action or Builder’s Remedy proposals for non-compliance, underscoring the stakes of failing to adopt a certified Housing Element. Yorba Linda’s proactive approach—achieving state approval and securing voter support—positions it as a model for other communities navigating similar pressures.

However, the city’s experience also highlights the limitations of the RHNA process. Critics argue that SCAG’s methodology fails to account for local constraints, such as limited undeveloped land or infrastructure capacity. Yorba Linda’s efforts to challenge RHNA allocations through OCCOG reflect a desire for a more equitable framework, though systemic change remains elusive.

Looking Ahead: A Balanced Future

The future of Yorba Linda’s housing development lies in striking a balance between growth and preservation. The city’s revised Housing Element, backed by Measure JJ, provides a roadmap for zoning 1,929 new units while protecting open spaces and single-family neighborhoods. Projects like Yorba Canyon and the expansion of affordable housing in Savi Ranch signal a shift toward mixed-use, community-oriented development that aligns with Yorba Linda’s values.

To sustain this momentum, Yorba Linda must continue to prioritize:

• Transparent Communication: Regular updates through platforms like YLLocalControl.com and public workshops will maintain trust and engagement.

• Innovative Planning: Exploring creative solutions, such as congregational land development or ADU incentives, can meet housing needs without compromising character.

• Advocacy for Reform: Collaborating with other cities to push for fairer RHNA methodologies could ease future burdens.

• Environmental Stewardship: Integrating sustainable practices into new developments will address ecological concerns and enhance long-term resilience.

Yorba Linda stands at a crossroads, with the opportunity to shape a future that honors its heritage while embracing responsible growth. By leveraging community input, innovative design, and strategic planning, the city can meet its housing obligations while preserving the qualities that make it one of America’s “100 Best Places to Live.” The success of Measure JJ is a testament to what’s possible when residents, leaders, and planners work together to build a brighter, more inclusive future.