The Huntington Beach City Council has voted to approve a state-mandated housing plan, a move described by city leaders as “forced compliance” to avoid severe financial penalties.

For years, the city has legally challenged California’s housing element law and Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements, losing every case, including appeals to the state and U.S. Supreme Courts.

A judge was set to consider increasing the city’s current $50,000 monthly fines to $150,000 for noncompliance.

The city attorney advised that adopting the plan was the best defense against further penalties.

While most council members expressed disapproval, they voted in favor to protect the city from the fines, with only one dissenting vote.

The city’s long-standing defiance has been a significant test case for state versus local control over land use.