Background

Elan is a 271-unit mixed-use community in Huntington Beach, designed to bring new housing and retail to one of Orange County’s most sought-after coastal markets. From the outset, the project faced strong opposition from neighborhood groups intent on delaying or blocking approvals.

Execution

Anticipating NIMBY appeals, SRS structured a unique entitlement strategy. Immediately following Planning Commission approval, an appeal was filed on behalf of the project, moving the decision directly to City Council. This maneuver secured timely approval before a citywide fee increase of $12,000 per unit took effect, protecting the project’s economics. The strategy worked: the project was approved, built, and is now fully occupied.