SEAL BEACH : Construction Stalled Until Plan Updated

Thirteen planned homes and 30 remodeling projects in Seal Beach are in limbo, city officials say, because a court commissioner ruled earlier this month that no residential building permits can be issued until the city updates its state-required plan for future housing.

“This is a terrible inconvenience,” said Bruce Stark, a local attorney who is waiting for a permit to remodel a duplex in the city. “I’ve got a loan I’m paying interest on and I’ve already moved my renters out so the place is just sitting there not earning any income.” Stark estimates he’s losing over $1,000 every week his project is put off.

The March 6 court order took away the city’s power to approve projects until the city has updated the state-required housing element of its General Plan for commercial and residential development.

State officials say Seal Beach is one 16 cities in Orange County with plans that are outdated or otherwise not in compliance with state regulations. City leaders expect to adopt an updated plan by late April.

According to Director of Development Lee Whittenberg, city officials are hoping Orange County Superior Court Commissioner Ronald L. Bauer will amend his decision so the permit ban will apply only to new construction. But, until that happens, all remodeling or construction projects which require residential building permits will be put on hold, he said. Projects requiring electrical and plumbing permits are still being approved.

Stark said he believes that residents who have lost income because of the city’s failure to keep the housing element compliant with state law can sue the city.