The Community Associations of Rancho (CAR) is an organization comprised of the seven master homeowners associations in Rancho Santa Margarita. CAR’s mission is to create a synergy that will build and strengthen the Rancho Santa Margarita community from within. CAR meets on a regular basis to discuss matters that could impact the community and homeowners associations.

City Required to Increase Housing including the Low-Income Housing

The Community Associations of Rancho (CAR) met on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 to hear a presentation from the City of Rancho Santa Margarita regarding the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) and Housing Element Update. The State requires Cities to update their Housing Element every eight years, and Rancho Santa Margarita’s is due in October 2021. The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) distributes the regional housing need provided by the State. Under the Regional Housing Needs Allocation, Rancho Santa Margarita is required to plan for 680 new housing units. Of the 680 required units, 454 must be low to moderate-income housing. The City of Rancho Santa Margarita appealed this allocation; however, SCAG did not grant the appeal.

The City is conducting a Public Outreach program from January – March, seeking input from the community. Homeowners can obtain additional information and learn how they can be part of the process by visiting the City’s website at http://www.cityofrsm.org/622/Housing-Element-Update-2021.