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Half Moon Bay, CA — March 30, 2026 — The City of Half Moon Bay is responding to a recent notice from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) regarding the City’s Housing Element and required zoning updates related to state housing law.
The City acknowledges the importance of completing these remaining steps and is actively advancing the rezonings needed to support compliance with its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). In February 2026, HCD indicated that the City’s Housing Element meets statutory requirements, subject to the completion of required rezonings.
The City has completed an internal draft of the required zoning changes and is coordinating with HCD to review and refine the approach. Following that coordination, the City intends to bring the rezonings forward for public review and consideration in accordance with applicable legal processes. “Half Moon Bay is committed to working collaboratively with state partners to meet housing requirements and expand housing opportunities for residents at all income levels,” said City of Half Moon Bay Mayor, Debbie Ruddock. “We are continuing to advance the steps needed to move toward compliance.”
As a Coastal community entirely within the California Coastal Zone, Half Moon Bay must complete additional processes to amend its Local Coastal Program (LCP), including review and certification by the California Coastal Commission. The City is coordinating with both HCD and Coastal Commission staff to navigate these requirements and advance the process as efficiently as practicable. Staff remain committed to completing these rezonings within a mutually agreeable, legally feasible timeframe, and taking all necessary steps to achieve compliance with state law.
Certification of the City’s Housing Element was delayed for approximately a year, from November 2024 to November 2025, as the City coordinated with HCD and the Coastal Commission to align on housing regulations that were already included in the City’s certified LCP. This period ensured that all processes and regulations were fully reconciled before moving forward.
One of the policies discussed with HCD and the Coastal Commission is Measure D, a voter-initiated growth management ordinance, that directs development to downtown areas, where feasible, and limits annual growth up to 1.5%. A central issue was how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are counted within that limit. This was resolved through the Housing Element, which requires the City to address the issue by amending its zoning code and Local Coastal Program to ensure consistency with state housing law.
The City has made progress toward its housing goals. Between 2023 and 2025, Half Moon Bay added 144 new housing units, including developments that serve a range of income levels. With additional projects in the development pipeline and sites identified in the Housing Element, these efforts position the City to work toward meeting its RHNA goal of 480 units by 2031.
Building on that commitment, the City is continuing efforts to expand housing opportunities that support the local workforce, including: farmworkers, service workers, and families, and that contribute to broader regional housing affordability goals.
The City will continue advancing the steps needed to align with state requirements while carrying out its local planning responsibilities consistent with state law. Updates will be provided as the rezoning process progresses.
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