Housing

Landsea Homes Avelina Affordable Housing Opportunity 

Landsea homes is completing construction of Petra Avelina, a 132-unit residential development approved by the City of San Juan Capistrano in 2020. As a part of the approval, 14 of the units in the Avelina portion of the development (attached single family homes) will be made available and affordable to “Moderate Income” households who make less than 120% of the Orange County area median income. Landsea has put information together on their website at https://landseahomes.com/southern-california/orange-county/san-juan-capistrano/avelina/plan-one-affordable-housing-program/ which provides details on this valuable opportunity to our lower income residents.

Affordable Housing Units in San Juan Capistrano

View listings and contact information

Little Hollywood Program

City-owned units rented to lower-income households. Little Hollywood Program Application (PDF)

Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Loan Program

0% interest loans for lower-income households to make necessary home improvements. Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Loan Program Application (PDF)

Mobile Home Park Space Rent Increases

Although not specifically affordable housing, the City's Rent Control does limit the annual space rent increases to the prior year's CPI-U. The CPI-U for 2021 was 3.8% to be applied to space rent increases from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023.

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing

California fair housing laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, source of income, sexual orientation, marital status, age, arbitrary characteristics, gender identity, and gender expression. Affirmatively furthering fair housing means that the City of San Juan Capistrano is taking meaningful actions, in addition to combating discrimination, that overcome patterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity based on protected characteristics. Policies and programs regarding the City’s actions to affirmatively further fair housing are listed in the City’s Housing Element available online. Additionally, City residents can be assisted through Fair Housing nonprofit organizations, including the Orange County Fair Housing Council at 714-569-0823, or the Fair Housing Foundation at 1-800-446-3247

First-Time Home Buyers Program

Several groups/jurisdictions offer first-time home buyer assistance. Feel free to review the list of programs here (PDF).

County of Orange Section 8 Program

Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) is a Division within Orange County Community Services that administers federally funded programs to provide monthly rental assistance to qualified tenants in privately owned rental housing. The largest such program is referred to as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as the "Section 8".

Section 8 Voucher assistance allows very low-income families, seniors, disabled persons, or individuals to pay approximately 30% of their monthly income toward rent. The remaining rental amount is paid by OCHA directly to the property owner or manager. Applicants must earn below 50% of the County's median income. OCHA serves most Orange County cities including San Juan Capistrano.

For additional details about the County's Section 8 housing voucher program, please contact OCHA offices at 714-480-2740.

State Housing Requirements

California Law identifies housing for all Californians as a priority and states that local and state governments have a responsibility to facilitate the development of housing for all economic segments of the community. Government Code Sections 65580 to 65589.8 provides specific guidelines to fulfill the California Law. Local government's Housing Elements are prepared to display compliance with this state legislation. The Housing Elements are reviewed regularly by state officials to ensure local government compliance.

In the event a City does not comply with State Law the Attorney General would have jurisdiction to take the City to court and seek a court order for compliance. A court may require a local jurisdiction that fails to update its housing element to do one or more, but not limited to, the following:

  1. Suspend the issuance of building permits; or,
  2. Suspend authority to grant zoning changes or variances; or,
  3. Suspend authority to approve subdivision maps; or,
  4. Mandate approval of certain housing developments, i.e. affordable housing until compliance is achieved; and,
  5. Mandates compliance within state law within 120 days.

For information on the City's housing programs, please contact Laura Stokes, Housing Coordinator, at 949-443-6313.