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ANAHEIM, Calif. (Oct. 3, 2022) — Anaheim has responded to a lawsuit by the state of California over a proposed group transitional home in a neighborhood in the city:
“Anaheim’s track record and commitment to transitional and supportive housing is clear and unmatched in Orange County, as seen with our longstanding partnership with Grandma’s House of Hope,” city spokesman Mike Lyster said on behalf of Anaheim.
“At the same time, we must also look at concentration and proximity, not just for those already living in a neighborhood but for those in need of healthy, recovery housing in a neighborhood setting. While that is a delicate, challenging balancing act that falls to local governments such as ours, we look forward to a resolution and moving forward.”
State Attorney General Rob Bonta on Monday filed a lawsuit on behalf of the California Department of Housing and Community Development over the city’s 2021 denial of a permit for a Grandma’s House of Hope transitional living home for women overcoming mental health challenges or homelessness.
You can see a release about the state legal action here.
Anaheim is proud of its work with nonprofit Grandma’s House of Hope, which has 10 approved transitional homes in the city.
Anaheim’s Planning Commission denied a permit for a home for up to 16 women in a neighborhood in west downtown on Aug. 30, 2021.
An appeal of the planning commission’s decision was filed Sept. 9, 2021.
Anaheim’s City Council heard the appeal and denied a permit on Oct. 26, 2021.
The Council’s action came after considering an existing 12 group homes for transitional housing, elderly care, adult special needs and others within 2,000 feet of the proposed women’s home.
While the Council heard from many homeowners in the area, consideration was given to upholding the area’s neighborhood setting for those already living in group homes in the area.
Grandma’s House of Hope is operating the home with six or fewer residents, which is allowed by law.
In December 2021, Anaheim received what was deemed to be a notice of violation from the state Housing and Community Development Department over the permit requirement.
In February 2022, Grandma’s House of Hope filed a lawsuit against the city of Anaheim challenging the denial and asking for the home to house up to 21 women.
