BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Officials with the City of California City said they are actively working toward compliance with state housing laws and plan to adopt its housing element by May 2026, despite being among cities warned by Governor Newsom for violating state housing laws.
On March 25, Governor Newsom issued a final warning to 15 communities for violating state housing laws.
The warnings were given to 15 cities, including two in Kern County, California City and Ridgecrest.
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According to California state housing law, every community must adopt a “housing element”, that demonstrates how they plan on addressing housing needs for residents of all income levels. The plan is then submitted to Housing and Community Development for review. The Governor’s Office said the 15 communities that received notice are more than two years behind schedule and do not have plans to become compliant within 60 days.
Governor Newsom said the list of 15, along with other communities in the process of becoming compliant, will receive a Notice of Violation and could face a lawsuit if they fail to complete the necessary steps within the next 60 days.
The City of California City responded. In a release, it said, “The City submitted its initial Housing Element draft in 2025 and has taken a proactive approach by engaging a professional consultant to work closely with staff and HCD throughout the review process. Together, City staff and the consultant team have been actively addressing HCD’s comments, making substantial updates and revisions to ensure the Housing Element meets state requirements and reflects the community’s needs.”
The City said on October 27, 2025, HCD issued a letter finding that the draft Housing Element was substantially compliant upon adoption.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on January 6, 2026, and recommended that the City Council adopt the 2023-2031 Housing Element. On February 10, 2026, the City Council held a public hearing and considered the Housing Element.
The release said that after public input, the City Council directed staff to address several specific items and to bring the Housing Element back for future adoption.
The Housing Element, as updated at the City Council’s direction, was posted for public review on March 17, 2026.
According to the release, “The Housing Element is scheduled to be considered by the Planning Commission in April and, if recommended by the Commission, subsequently adopted by the City Council on May 12, 2026. California City remains committed to adopting a comprehensive Housing Element.”
A draft for the California City Housing Element can be found here.