HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 REVISION TO THE DRAFT HOUSING ELEMENTDocuSign Envelope ID: F2494AF3-FB2B-434F-8DE1-77BBE27CEC67
MEETING DATE
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
SUMMARY
Agenda Item 5
DSed: �
�AGENDA REPORT CitRevyManager
Finance Director N/A
SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
MATTHEW S. WEST, CITY MANAGER
JUSTINA L. WILLKOM, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
REVISION TO THE DRAFT HOUSING ELEMENT
The proposed draft has been amended based upon the Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) review of the Draft Housing Element related to preservation of at -risk units
and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The proposed revision further facilitates the equitable
dispersion of housing units of various income levels throughout the City.
Specifically, the revision redistributes 582 units (517 Preservation of At -risk units and 65
ADUs) to the Tustin Market Place and the Enderle Center. No increase in the number of units
at Tustin Legacy is proposed. The revision also includes adjustments to the distribution of
units at various income levels (based on RHNA percentages) evenly and proportionately
throughout the sites.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Housing Element Update is a City -initiated project. There are no direct fiscal impacts
anticipated as a result of adopting the Housing Element Update. However, the implementation of
the policies within the Housing Element may result in fiscal impacts to the City.
CORRELATION TO THE STRATEGIC PLAN
The proposal supports the implementation of Goal A within the City's Strategic Plan:
Goal A: Economic and Neighborhood Development: Enable business opportunities and job
development and to enhance the vibrancy and quality of life in all neighborhoods and areas of the
community.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council receive and file this report.
BACKGROUND
The California Government Code requires that each City adopt a Housing Element as a
mandatory part of its General Plan. Of the mandated General Plan Elements, the Housing
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City Council Report
September 7, 2021
Revision to the Draft Housing Element
Page 2
Element is the only one that is required to be updated on a specific schedule. State Planning
Law mandates that jurisdictions within the Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG) region adopt revisions to their Housing Elements by October 15, 2021.
For the 2021-2029 Housing Element Planning Period, the City was assigned a Regional
Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation of 6,782 housing units, see Table 1. As
shown below, approximately half of the RHNA units are market rate, or above market rate.
Very Low
Low
Moderate
TABLE 1
% of AMI 2021-
31-50% 1,724
51-80% 1,046
25%
15%
81-120% 1,132 17%
Above Moderate 120% 2,880 42%
Total 6,782 100%
The Housing Element is also subject to review by the State Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD). On July 1, 2021, the City submitted a Draft Housing
Element to HCD for their review and on August 27, 2021. HCD provided the City with its
findings letter (Attachment A).
DISCUSSION
The City had previously identified potential 100 ADU units in the Site Inventory based
upon recent trend (2108 to 2021 data). However, in the findings letter, HCD only allows
the City to utilize data from 2018 through 2020 (not to include recent 2021 data). As a
result, the City needs to reduce the ADUs projection from 100 units to 35 units.
The City had also previously identified the preservation of 517 lower-income units expiring
in 2028 as part of its Site Inventory to meet RHNA allocation. These units are located in
Westchester Park, formerly Orange Gardens, with 149 Low Income units; Flanders Pointe
with 32 Very -Low, 16 Low, and 9 Moderate -income units; Chatam Village with 212 Low
Income units; and Tustin Gardens with 99 Very -Low Income units (age restricted to 62+
or disabled).
In the findings letter, HCD identified that pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.1,
Subdivision (c), in order for the City to include Preservation of At -Risk Units within its Site
Inventory, the Housing Element must include a program that commits the City to provide
committed assistance through a legally enforceable agreement by the end of the third
year of the housing -element planning period. The dollar amount or related in-kind services
of the committed assistance must be substantial enough to make the targeted units
available for occupancy within two (2) years of the execution date of the agreement. In
addition, the program must commit to report the status of the committed assistance
program in the annual progress report no later than the fourth year of the planning period.
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City Council Report
September 7, 2021
Revision to the Draft Housing Element
Page 3
If the City does not enter into an enforceable agreement of committed assistance for all
the units initially identified by the end of the third year of the planning period, the local
government must adopt an amendment to its housing element, no later than the end of
the fourth year of the planning period, identifying additional adequate sites sufficient to
accommodate the number of units for which committed assistance was not provided.
Due to this strict provisions and timeline, staff is recommending that the units be
redistributed to other areas in the City, particularly the Market Place and Enderle sites.
Based upon the findings included in the HCD's letter, staff is recommending the following
revised Site Inventory Summary (Table 2). Specifically, the revision redistributes 582 units
(517 Preservation of At -risk units and 65 ADUs) to the Tustin Market Place and the Enderle
Center. No increase in the number of units at Tustin Legacy is proposed. The revision also
includes adjustments to the distribution of units at various income levels (based on RHNA
percentages) evenly and proportionately throughout the sites.
TABLE 2
Tustin Legacy
Neighborhood D North
430
4,055
105
66
72
187
Neighborhood D South
1,296
100
314
218
244
620
Neighborhood G
2,029
200
526
352
383
968
Enderle Center
413
413
102
67
69
175
Tustin Market Place
900
900
225
141
150
384
Red Hill Ave
500
500
124
79
83
214
Downtown Comm. Core
747
747
187
117
125
318
ADUs/JADUs
35
35
9
6
6
14
Transitional Housing
132
132
132
0
0
0
TOTAL
4,704
2,078
6,782
1,724
1,046
1,132
2,880
NEXT STEPS
• Initial Study /Negative Declaration public review — August 24 to September 23, 2021
• Consider Recommendation to Adopt Housing Element: Planning Commission —
September 14, 2021 (tentative)
• Consider Housing Element Adoption: City Council — October 5, 2021 (tentative)
DocuSigned by,
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ED45DA2623854A5...
Justina L. Willkom
Community Development Director
Attachment A: Department of Housing and Community Development Findings Letter dated
August 27, 2021.
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - BUSINESS, CONSUMER SERVICES AND HOUSING AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIVISION OF HOUSING POLICY DEVELOPMENT
2020 W. EI Camino Avenue, Suite 500 ° ° •,� �„
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 263-2911 / FAX (916) 263-7453
www.hcd.ca.gov
August 27, 2021
Justina L. Willkom, Community Development Director
Community Development Department
City of Tustin
300 Centennial Way
Tustin, CA 92780
Dear Justina L. Willkom:
RE: Review of the City of Tustin's 6t" Cycle (2021-2029) Draft Housing Element
Thank you for submitting the City of Tustin's (City) draft housing element received for review
on July 1, 2021. Pursuant to Government Code section 65585, subdivision (b), the California
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is reporting the results of its
review. Our review was facilitated by a telephone conversation on August 12, 2021 with you
and Senior Planner Erica Demkowicz. In addition, HCD considered comments from the
Tustin Planning Partnership and YIMBY Law pursuant to Government Code section 65585,
subdivision (c).
The draft element addresses many statutory requirements; however, revisions will be
necessary to comply with State Housing Element Law (Article 10.6 of the Gov. Code). In
particular, the site inventory must demonstrate realistic capacity with further analysis, the
constraints section must adequately address a variety of governmental constraints to housing
development, and many programs require further information or stronger language and
timeframes. The enclosed Appendix describes these and other revisions needed to comply
with State Housing Element Law.
To remain on an eight-year planning cycle, the City must adopt its housing element within
120 calendar days from the statutory due date of October 15, 2021 for Southern California
Association of Governments (SCAG) localities. If adopted after this date, Government Code
section 65588, subdivision (e)(4), requires the housing element be revised every four years
until adopting at least two consecutive revisions by the statutory deadline. For more
information on housing element adoption requirements, please visit HCD's website at:
http://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/housing-element/housing-element-
memos/docs/sb375 fina1100413.pdf.
For your information, some general plan element updates are triggered by housing
element adoption. HCD reminds the City to consider timing provisions and welcomes
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Justina L. Willkom, Community Development Director
Page 2
the opportunity to provide assistance. For information, please see the Technical
Advisories issued by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research at:
http://opr.ca.gov/docs/OPR Appendix C final.pdf and
http://opr.ca.gov/docs/Final 6.26.15. pdf.
Pursuant to Government Code section 65583.3, subdivision (b), the City must utilize
standards, forms, and definitions adopted by HCD when preparing the sites inventory. Please
see HCD's housing element webpage at https://www. hcd.ca.gov/community-
development/housing-element/index.shtml#element for a copy of the form and instructions.
The City can reach out to HCD at sitesinventorv(a)hcd.ca.gov for technical assistance. Please
note, upon adoption of the housing element, the City must submit an electronic version of the
sites inventory with its adopted housing element to sitesinventory(c�hcd.ca.gov.
Public participation in the development, adoption and implementation of the housing
element is essential to effective housing planning. Throughout the housing element process,
the City should continue to engage the community, including organizations that represent
lower-income and special needs households, by making information regularly available and
considering and incorporating comments where appropriate.
Several federal, state, and regional funding programs consider housing element
compliance as an eligibility or ranking criteria. For example, the CalTrans Senate Bill
(SB) 1 Sustainable Communities grant; the Strategic Growth Council and HCD's
Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities programs; and HCD's Permanent
Local Housing Allocation consider housing element compliance and/or annual reporting
requirements pursuant to Government Code section 65400.
HCD is committed to assisting the City in addressing all statutory requirements of State
Housing Element Law. If you have any questions or need additional technical assistance,
please contact Colin Cross, of our staff, at (916) 820-1275 or colin.cross(a)hcd.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Shannan West
Land Use & Planning Unit Chief
Enclosure
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APPENDIX
CITY OF TUSTIN
The following changes are necessary to bring the City's housing element into compliance with
Article 10.6 of the Government Code. Accompanying each recommended change, we cite the
supporting section of the Government Code.
Housing element technical assistance information is available on HCD's website at
http://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/housing-element/housing-element-memos.shtml.
Among other resources, the housing element section contains HCD's latest technical assistance
tool, Building Blocks for Effective Housing Elements (Building Blocks), available at
http://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/building-blocks/index.shtml and includes the
Government Code addressing State Housing Element Law and other resources.
A. Housing Needs, Resources, and Constraints
1. Affirmatively furtherfing] fair housing (AFFH) in accordance with Chapter 15
(commencing with Section 8899.50) of Division 1 of Title 2 ... shall include an
assessment of fair housing in the jurisdiction (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(10)(A))
The element includes an Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) that addresses most of
the statutory requirements. However, additional information and analysis is needed to
address the AFFH requirements in full, including a complete analysis of the element's
site inventory and specific, meaningful program actions to address the identified fair
housing issues.
Fair Housing Enforcement and Outreach: The element describes the City's capacity for
fair housing enforcement and outreach at a local level but must also provide
information and analysis regarding enforcement and outreach capacity and trends at a
regional level.
Site Inventory: The element contains an analysis of the site inventory that addresses
some AFFH requirements. However, the analysis does not fully account for how the
sites are identified to improve or exacerbate conditions or whether the sites are
isolated by income group. For example, a large portion of the lower-income regional
housing needs allocation (RHNA) is concentrated on a few large sites in the Tustin
Legacy Specific Plan. The analysis should address whether this concentration meets
the obligation for the sites inventory to affirmatively further fair housing.
Goals, Priorities, Metrics, and Milestones: Goals and actions must significantly seek to
overcome contributing factors to fair housing issues. Most of the goals contained in the
element (pp. D-86 — D-88), especially those that are specific to the City, do not appear
to facilitate meaningful change or address AFFH requirements. Currently, the element
identifies goals drawn from the 2020 Orange County Analysis of Impediments but
provides limited information about the City's own goals (p. D-88). Goals and actions
included in the AFH should be drawn directly from the analysis and contributing factors.
For example, the element identifies lack of supply of affordable housing in high -
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opportunity areas as one contributing factor (p. D-86) but includes no program actions
that seek to address this.
Goals and actions should include the commitment of other programs in the element,
complete with timeframes, responsible parties, and objectives. These should also
replace unclear language (e.g., "explore", "review", "consider") with specific,
meaningful, and measurable actions. The element must include metrics and milestones
for evaluating progress on programs, actions, and fair housing results.
2. An inventory of land suitable and available for residential development, including
vacant sites and sites having realistic and demonstrated potential for redevelopment
during the planning period to meet the locality's housing need for a designated income
level, and an analysis of the relationship of zoning and public facilities and services to
these sites. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (a)(3).)
The City has a RHNA of 6,782 housing units, of which 2,770 are for lower-income
households. To address this need, the element relies on vacant and nonvacant sites,
including sites in various specific plan areas. To demonstrate the adequacy of these
sites and strategies to accommodate the City's RHNA, the element must include
complete analyses:
Progress in Meeting the RHNA: The element indicates (p. B-2) that 125 units
affordable to extremely low-income households in the Village of Hope project are
approved. However, on page A-3, the element describes this project as an emergency
and transitional housing project with capacity up to 387 beds (i.e. not units). Please be
aware, to count towards progress in meeting the RHNA, the additional approved
capacity must meet the Census definition of a unit. The element must clarify whether
this additional capacity is for beds or units. In addition, the element must describe the
City's methodology for assigning these units to the extremely low-income groups based
on actual or projected sales price or rent level of the units or other mechanisms
establishing affordability and demonstrate their availability in the planning period.
Sites Inventory: The element must include an estimate of the number of units that can
be accommodated on each site in the inventory. Currently, the element provides these
estimates by grouping the sites into their respective specific plan areas and estimating
the number of units to be accommodated in each specific plan area. These estimates
should instead be made by income category for each individual site.
Zoning for Lower: Pursuant to Government Code section 65583.2, subdividion (c)(3)(A)
and (B), the element must identify sites with zoning and densities appropriate to
encourage and facilitate the development of housing for lower-income households
based on factors such as market demand, financial feasibility and development
experience within zones. For communities with densities that meet specific standards
(at least 30 units per acre for Tustin), this analysis is not required (Gov. Code, §
65583.2, subd. (c)(3)(B).). The element states that while some sites to accommodate
the lower-income RHNA have a maximum density of 25 units per acre based on the
general plan, higher densities including 30 units per acre are allowed as long as the
maximum units allocated in the specific plan has not been reached. However, on page
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B-13 the element states that no minimum nor maximum densities are specified in the
general plan and specific plan areas. The element must clarify what densities are
allowed on these sites and what approvals are required to reach at least 30 units per
acre. In addition, the element should specify what the remaining housing unit
allotments are in these specific plans and whether the capacity and zoning appropriate
to accommodate the lower income can be achieved within the remaining allotment and
describe requirements such as phasing or timing requirements that impact
development in the planning period. In particular, it is unclear what mechanism would
allow a development to exceed the stated maximum general plan density of 25 units
per acre. Please note that if the base allowable density does not allow for 30 units per
acre, then the element will need to analyze the zoning for appropriateness to
accommodate the lower-income RHNA per the above.
Realistic Capacity: The element provides various density assumptions for the sites in
the inventory, including several high assumptions that exceed 40 dwelling units per
acre. The element must provide support for these conclusions by demonstrating how
the City arrived at these assumptions for realistic capacity. This should be based on
and adjusted for land -use controls and site improvements; typical densities of existing
or approved residential developments at a similar affordability level in the City; and on
the current or planned availability and accessibility of sufficient water, sewer, and dry
utilities; among other factors. This analysis should describe in detail the zoning and
development standards applicable for each of the specific plan areas being utilized and
the underlying zoning, and how those inform the realistic capacity assumptions.
For sites zoned for nonresidential uses (e.g., commercial and mixed-use zones), the
element must describe how the estimated number of residential units for each site was
determined. This analysis must adjust for the likelihood of nonresidential development
in any zones that allow a mix of uses. For example, the element could describe the
underlying zoning for sites in the relevant specific plan areas, whether 100%
nonresidential development is allowed in these zones, and any relevant programs or
policies the City is undertaking to facilitate residential development in nonresidential
zones.
Suitability of Nonvacant Sites: The element must include an analysis demonstrating
the potential for redevelopment of nonvacant sites. To address this requirement, the
element describes in general the existing use of each nonvacant site. This alone is
not adequate to demonstrate the potential for redevelopment in the planning period.
The description of existing uses should be sufficiently detailed to facilitate an analysis
demonstrating the potential for additional development in the planning period.
The analysis shall consider factors including the extent to which existing uses may
constitute an impediment to additional residential development, the City's past
experience with converting existing uses to higher density residential development, the
current market demand for the existing use, an analysis of any existing leases or other
contracts that would perpetuate the existing use or prevent redevelopment of the site
for additional residential development, development trends, market conditions, and
regulatory or other incentives or standards to encourage additional residential
development on these sites. For example, the element could consider indicators such
as age and condition of the existing structure, presence of expiring leases, expressed
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developer interest, low improvement to land value ratio, and other factors. The element
should describe and support (through development trends) the thresholds used to
identify sites for redevelopment.
In addition, a portion of Site 15 includes a 0.77 -acre parcel owned by Caltrans. This
site does not appear to be on the State's listing for excess properties. The element
must demonstrate that Caltrans has identified this property as surplus or otherwise
made it available for the development of housing within the planning period.
Large and Small Sites: Several sites consist of large parcels, including Site 1 (39.87
acres), Site 2 (50 acres), Site 10 (16.47 acres). Sites larger than 10 acres in size are
deemed inadequate to accommodate housing for lower-income households unless it is
demonstrated that sites of equivalent size were successfully developed during the prior
planning period for an equivalent number of lower-income housing units as projected
for the site or unless the housing element describes other evidence to HCD that the
site is adequate to accommodate lower-income housing (Gov. Code, § 65583.2, subd.
(c)(2)(A).). Please note, because the inventory has not yet estimated the number of
units by income category for each site, it is unclear whether Site 10 is intended to
accommodate the lower-income RHNA. This analysis could describe the
implementation of the various specific plans relied on in the inventory or provide
information on subdivision or other methods that will be used to facilitate housing
development on these sites.
Additionally, many sites (including 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15) consist of
aggregated small parcels. For parcels anticipated to be consolidated, the element must
demonstrate the potential for lot consolidation. For example, the analysis could
describe the City's role or track record in facilitating small -lot consolidation, policies or
incentives offered or proposed to encourage and facilitate lot consolidation, conditions
rendering parcels suitable and ready for redevelopment, recent trends of lot
consolidation, and/or information on the owners of each aggregated site. For parcels
anticipated to develop individually, the element must describe existing and proposed
policies or incentives the City will offer to facilitate development of small sites. Please
note sites smaller than a half -acre in size are deemed inadequate to accommodate
housing for lower-income housing unless it is demonstrated that sites of equivalent size
were successfully developed during the prior planning period for an equivalent number
of lower-income housing units as projected for the site or unless the housing element
describes other evidence to HCD that the site is adequate to accommodate lower-
income housing (Gov. Code, § 65583.2, subd. (c)(2)(A).).
Adequate Sites Alternatives: The City appears to be relying on preservation of 517
units to accommodate a portion of the City's RHNA (p. B-3). The City may substitute up
to 25 percent of its adequate sites requirement by income group by counting existing
units preserved through the provision of "committed assistance" to that income
category's households at affordable housing costs or affordable rents. (Gov. Code, §
65583.1, subd. (c).) However, the housing element must demonstrate compliance with
all the statutory requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, identification of the
specific funding sources that will provide committed assistance to the units whose
affordability the City seeks to preserve. Please note, preservation of moderate -income
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units cannot be counted towards the RHNA obligation. Please review and complete the
Adequate Sites Alternative Checklist at https://www. hcd.ca.gov/community-
development/building-blocks/site-inventory-analysis/adequate-sites-
alternatives/docs/adequate site alt checklist.pdf.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU): The element assumes 100 ADUs will be constructed
during the planning period but does not demonstrate how the City calculated that
assumption. The element's analysis and programs do not support the assumption that
100 ADUs will be constructed during the planning period. Specifically, in addition to
other methods, HCD accepts the use of trends in ADU construction since January 2018
to estimate new production. Based on past production between 2018 to 2020, the City is
averaging about 6 ADUs per year. To support assumptions for ADUs in the planning
period, the element could reduce the number of ADUs assumed per year or reconcile
trends with HCD records, including additional information such as more recent permitted
units and inquiries, resources and incentives, other relevant factors and modify policies
and programs as appropriate. Further, programs should commit to additional incentives
and strategies, frequent monitoring (every other year) and specific commitment to adopt
alternative measures such as rezoning or amending the element within a specific time
(e.g., 6 months) if ADU assumptions for the number of units and affordability are not
met. Additionally, the element credits 12 ADUs permitted in 2021 towards the RHNA but
does not clarify the income level or timeframe of those ADUs. These units must be
permitted since the beginning of the RHNA projection period (June 30, 2021) in order to
be credited towards the RHNA for the 6th Cycle.
Suitability and Availability of Infrastructure: The element must demonstrate sufficient
existing or planned water, sewer, and other dry utilities supply capacity, including the
availability and access to distribution facilities to accommodate the City's regional
housing need for the planning period. To address this requirement, the element
provides a table (p. B-12) listing the availability of infrastructure for sites in the
inventory, where sites from the Tustin Legacy Specific Plan are labeled as having
"some [infrastructure] planned as part of Master Planned Community". This alone is not
adequate information to demonstrate the suitability and availability of infrastructure.
The element should provide more information regarding the planned infrastructure for
the Tustin Legacy Specific Plan. Further, the element should confirm that the
infrastructure available for all sites in the inventory includes water, sewer, and dry
utilities.
For your information, water and sewer service providers must establish specific
procedures to grant priority water and sewer service to developments with units
affordable to lower-income households. (Gov. Code, § 65589.7.) Local governments
are required to immediately deliver the housing element to water and sewer service
providers. HCD recommends including a cover memo describing the City's housing
element, including the City's housing needs and regional housing need. For additional
information and sample cover memo, see the Building Blocks at
http://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/building-blocks/other-
reguirements/priority-for-water-sewer.shtm1.
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Environmental Constraints: Per comments from third party stakeholders, HCD
understands that some of the sites within the Tustin Legacy Specific Plan may have
contamination or need for environmental hazard mitigation. The element must describe
and analyze environmental constraints that may impede the development of housing
within the planning period on these sites.
Sites with Zoning for a Variety of Housing Types:
Emergency Shelters: The element does not identify a zone in which emergency
shelters are a permitted use. The element must identify a zone(s) where emergency
shelters are permitted without a conditional use permit (CUP) or other discretionary
action and with sufficient capacity to accommodate the identified need for shelters.
(Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (a)(4).) If the element cannot demonstrate compliance
with the statutory requirements, a program to amend the zoning ordinance to meet
the statutory requirements must be completed within one year of the adoption of the
housing element. See Finding C1 below for more information regarding a program
for compliance.
Transitional & Supportive Housing: The element does not adequately address
requirements for transitional housing and supportive housing. Pursuant to Senate
Bill 2 (Chapter 633, Statutes of 2007), transitional and supportive housing must
be permitted as a residential use in all zones and only subject to those
restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same
zone. The element must demonstrate consistency with these statutory
requirements and include a program as appropriate.
Housing for Farmworkers: The element must identify sufficient sites to
accommodate the need for farmworker housing and include an analysis of potential
and actual governmental constraints upon the maintenance, improvement, or
development of housing for agricultural employees, permanent and seasonal. For
example, the analysis could describe zoning available to accommodate various
housing types, such as manufactured homes, apartments, boarding houses, or
single -room occupancy units, to address the needs of farmworkers. In addition, the
element must demonstrate the City's zoning is consistent with the Employee
Housing Act (Health and Safety Code, § 17000 et seq.), specifically, sections
17021.5 and 17021.6. Section 17021.5 requires employee housing for six or fewer
employees to be treated as a single-family structure and permitted in the same
manner as other dwellings of the same type in the same zone. Section 17021.6
requires employee housing consisting of no more than 12 units or 36 beds to be
permitted in the same manner as other agricultural uses in the same zone.
Manufactured Housing: The element must address how and where manufactured
housing is allowed, including whether a CUP or other discretionary action is
req u i red.
3. An analysis of potential and actual governmental constraints upon the maintenance,
improvement, or development of housing for all income levels, including the types of
housing identified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c), and for persons with disabilities
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as identified in the analysis pursuant to paragraph (7), including land use controls,
building codes and their enforcement, site improvements, fees and other exactions
required of developers, and local processing and permit procedures. The analysis shall
also demonstrate local efforts to remove governmental constraints that hinder the
locality from meeting its share of the regional housing need in accordance with
Government Code section 65584 and from meeting the need for housing for persons
with disabilities, supportive housing, transitional housing, and emergency shelters
identified pursuant to paragraph (7). Transitional housing and supportive housing shall
be considered a residential use of property and shall be subject only to those
restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.
(Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (a)(5).)
Land -Use Controls: The element must identify and analyze all relevant land -use
controls impacts as potential constraints on a variety of housing types (e.g., multifamily
rental housing, mobilehomes, transitional housing). The analysis must also evaluate
the cumulative impacts of land -use controls on the cost and supply of housing,
including the ability to achieve maximum densities. In particular, the element should list
allowable densities in each zone, in addition to the development standards already
provided (p. II -24). The element should also analyze the requirement for two covered
spaces in all residential zones, particularly the multi -family zones, as a potential
constraint. The analysis should describe past or current efforts to remove identified
governmental constraints, and the element should include programs to address or
remove the identified constraints.
Fees and Exaction: The element must describe all required fees for single family and
multifamily housing development and analyze their impact as potential constraints on
housing supply and affordability. The element currently identifies impact fees but does
not provide information about planning fees and does not analyze either. The analysis
should identify the total amount of fees and their proportion to the development costs
for both single family and multifamily housing.
Local Processing and Permit Procedures: The element must describe and analyze the
City's permit processing and approval procedures by zone and housing type (e.g.,
multifamily rental housing, mobilehomes, housing for agricultural employees,
supportive housing). The analysis must evaluate the processing and permit
procedures' impacts as potential constraints on housing supply and affordability. For
example, the analysis should consider processing and approval procedures and time
for typical single- and multifamily developments, including type of permit, level of
review, approval findings and any discretionary approval procedures. In particular, the
element should clarify how and where multifamily development is allowed and what the
process and timing look like for a typical multi -family development, among other
details.
Design Review: The element must describe and analyze the City's design review
guidelines and process, including approval procedures and decision-making criteria, for
their impact as potential constraints on housing supply and affordability. For example,
the analysis could describe required findings and discuss whether objective standards
and guidelines improve development certainty and mitigate cost impacts. The element
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must demonstrate this process is not a constraint or it must include a program to
address this permitting requirement, as appropriate.
Constraints on Housing for Persons with Disabilities: The element must demonstrate
that the City has a reasonable accommodation procedure for providing exception in
zoning and land use. While the element makes reference to reasonable
accommodation for persons with disabilities, it does not provide any information on the
City's reasonable accommodation procedure. The element should describe the City's
reasonable accommodation procedure, including how requests are made and
processed, and any approval findings.
In addition, the element details that residential care facilities serving six or fewer
persons are permitted in all residential zones. However, residential care facilities
serving seven or more persons require a CUP. The element should analyze the
process as a potential constraint on housing for persons with disabilities and add or
modify programs as appropriate to ensure zoning permits group homes objectively with
approval certainty.
Local Ordinances: The element must specifically analyze any locally adopted
ordinances such as inclusionary ordinances or short-term rental ordinances that
directly impact the cost and supply of residential development. The analysis should
demonstrate local efforts to remove governmental constraints that hinder the locality
from meeting its share of the regional housing need and from meeting the need for
housing for persons with disabilities, supportive housing, transitional housing, and
emergency shelters. If the City does not have such ordinances, the element should
confirm this.
4. An analysis of potential and actual nongovernmental constraints upon the
maintenance, improvement, or development of housing for all income levels, including
the availability of financing, the price of land, the cost of construction, the requests to
develop housing at densities below those anticipated in the analysis required by
subdivision (c) of Government Code section 65583.2, and the length of time between
receiving approval for a housing development and submittal of an application for
building permits for that housing development that hinder the construction of a locality's
share of the regional housing need in accordance with Government Code section
65584. The analysis shall also demonstrate local efforts to remove nongovernmental
constraints that create a gap between the locality's planning for the development of
housing for all income levels and the construction of that housing. (Gov. Code, §
65583, subd. (a)(6).)
The element must address requests to develop housing at densities below those
anticipated in the sites inventory and the length of time between receiving approval for
housing development and submittal of application for building permits. This analysis
must address any related constraints on housing development and programs should be
added as appropriate. Additionally, the element must identify any local efforts to
address nongovernmental constraints that create a gap in the jurisdiction's ability to
meet the RHNA by income category.
5. Analyze any special housing needs such as elderly; persons with disabilities, including
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a developmental disability; large families, farmworkers; families with female heads of
households, and families and persons in need of emergency shelter. (Gov. Code, §
65583, subd. (a)(7).)
While the element quantifies the number of some special need populations, it must
also quantify the number of persons with disabilities, large households, and female -
headed households. In addition, the element must analyze the special housing needs
of these populations. For a complete analysis of each population group, the element
should discuss challenges faced by the population, the existing resources to meet
those needs (e.g., availability senior housing units, number of large units, number of
deed restricted units, etc.), an assessment of any gaps in resources, and proposed
policies, programs, and funding to help address those gaps.
6. Analyze existing assisted housing developments that are eligible to change to non -low-
income housing uses during the next 10 years due to termination of subsidy contracts,
mortgage prepayment, or expiration of use restrictions. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd.
(a) (9) through 65583(x) (9) (D).)
The element identifies four properties at risk of conversion to market rate. While the
element addresses some of these requirements, it does not estimate the costs of
replacement versus preservation, identify entities with the capacity to oversee
preservation, or identify specific funding sources that could be used to preserve the
affordability. The element must provide this analysis for the at -risk units identified.
C. Housing Programs
Include a program which sets forth a schedule of actions during the planning period,
each with a timeline for implementation, which may recognize that certain programs
are ongoing, such that there will be beneficial impacts of the programs within the
planning period, that the local government is undertaking or intends to undertake to
implement the policies and achieve the goals and objectives of the housing element
through the administration of land use and development controls, the provision of
regulatory concessions and incentives, and the utilization of appropriate federal and
state financing and subsidy programs when available. The program shall include an
identification of the agencies and officials responsible for the implementation of the
various actions. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c).)
To address the program requirements of Government Code section 65583, subdivision
(c)(1-6), and to facilitate implementation, programs should include: (1) a description of
the City's specific role in implementation; (2) definitive implementation timelines; (3)
objectives, quantified where appropriate; and (4) identification of responsible agencies
and officials. Several programs contained in the element lack one or more of these
components. Programs to be revised include the following:
1.2a (Objective Design Standards): Modify timeframe to reflect completion date for
objective design standards.
2.1c (Emergency, Transitional, and Supportive Housing): Specify timeframe for
expansion by 125 beds.
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2.3a (Senior Housing): Modify to include further details regarding how senior units
will be preserved.
2.4a (Housing for Persons with Disabilities): Add timeframe for implementation of
outreach program and completion of related educational materials.
2.4b (Housing for Persons with Disabilities): Accelerate timeframe to ensure
beneficial impact within the planning period.
Additionally, all programs should be evaluated to ensure meaningful and specific
actions and objectives. Programs containing unclear language (e.g., "Evaluate";
"Consider"; "Encourage"; etc.) should be amended to include more specific and
measurable actions. These include Programs 1.1 b (Residential Development —
Available Sites), 1.5 (Zoning Code Streamlining Program), 1.6 (Mobile Home
Programs), 1.9 (Partnerships with Non-profit Organizations), 1.14 (Adaptive Reuse of
Historic Resources to Facilitate Affordable Housing Production), 1.19 (Fees, Exactions
and Permit Procedures), 2.1 b (Emergency, Transitional, and Supportive Housing),
2.1c, 2.1d, 2.4b (Housing for Persons with Disabilities), 3.2b (Home Ownership
Assistance), and 3.8a (Membership of CaICHA).
2. Identify actions that will be taken to make sites available during the planning period
with appropriate zoning and development standards and with services and facilities to
accommodate that portion of the city's or county's share of the regional housing need
for each income level that could not be accommodated on sites identified in the
inventory completed pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) without rezoning, and
to comply with the requirements of Government Code section 65584.09. Sites shall be
identified as needed to facilitate and encourage the development of a variety of types
of housing for all income levels, including multifamily rental housing, factory -built
housing, mobilehomes, housing for agricultural employees, supportive housing, single -
room occupancy units, emergency shelters, and transitional housing.
(Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(1).)
As noted in Finding A2, the element does not include a complete site analysis;
therefore, the adequacy of sites and zoning were not established. Based on the results
of a complete sites inventory and analysis, the City may need to add or revise
programs to address a shortfall of sites or zoning available to encourage a variety of
housing types. In addition, the element should be revised as follows:
Program 1.1a (Tustin Legacy Specific Plan Implementation): The program commits to
rezoning sites to accommodate the City's RHNA but does not include the by -right
provisions found in statute (Gov. Code 65583.2(c), subd. (h) & (i).) The program must
commit to:
permit owner -occupied and rental multifamily uses by -right for developments in which
20 percent or more of the units are affordable to lower-income households. By -right
means local government review must not require a CUP, planned unit development
permit, or other discretionary review or approval.
accommodate a minimum of 16 units per site;
require a minimum density of 20 units per acre; and
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at least 50 percent of the lower-income need must be accommodated on sites
designated for residential use only or on sites zoned for mixed uses that accommodate
all of the very low and low-income housing need, if those sites:
o allow 100 percent residential use, and
o require residential use occupy 50 percent of the total floor area of a mixed-use
project.
Program 3.7 (Preservation of Assisted Housing): As stated above, the element appears to
rely on the preservation of four housing projects to accommodate a portion of the RHNA
for lower-income households pursuant to Government Code section 65583.1, subdivision
(c). The element must include a program that commits the City to provide committed
assistance through a legally enforceable agreement by the end of the third year of the
housing -element planning period. The dollar amount or related in-kind services of the
committed assistance must be substantial enough to make the targeted units available for
occupancy within two years of the execution date of the agreement. In addition, the
program must commit to report the status of the committed assistance program in the
annual progress report no later than the fourth year of the planning period. If the City does
not enter into an enforceable agreement of committed assistance for all the units initially
identified by the end of the third year of the planning period, the local government must
adopt an amendment to its housing element, no later than the end of the fourth year of the
planning period, identifying additional adequate sites sufficient to accommodate the
number of units for which committed assistance was not provided.
Program 2.1 a (Emergency. Transitional and Supportive Housing): Specify the
changes being made to comply with Assembly Bill 2162 (Chapter 753, Statues of
2018) and all other statutory provisions regarding emergency shelters, supportive
housing, and transitional housing, including the requirements under Senate Bill 2
(Chapter 633, Statutes of 2007). Please be aware, actions to adopt zoning that
accommodates emergency shelters without discretionary action must be completed
within one year of adoption of the element. In addition, actions to amend the zoning
ordinance to comply with State law should also take place within one year of adoption.
3. The housing element shall contain programs which assist in the development of
adequate housing to meet the needs of extremely low-, very low-, low- and moderate -
income households. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(2).)
While the programs describe various actions to assist in the development of housing,
the element must include a program specifically to meet the needs of extremely low-
income households.
4. Address and, where appropriate and legally possible, remove governmental and
nongovernmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of
housing, including housing for all income levels and housing for persons with
disabilities. The program shall remove constraints to, and provide reasonable
accommodations for housing designed for, intended for occupancy by, or with
supportive services for, persons with disabilities. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(3).)
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As noted in Findings A3 and A4, the element requires a complete analysis of potential
governmental and nongovernmental constraints. Depending upon the results of that
analysis, the City may need to revise or add programs and address and remove or
mitigate any identified constraints.
3. Promote and affirmatively further fair housing opportunities and promote housing
throughout the community or communities for all persons regardless of race, religion,
sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, color, familial status, or disability, and
other characteristics protected by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act
(Part 2.8 (commencing with Section 12900) of Division 3 of Title 2), Section 65008, and
any other state and federal fair housing and planning law. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd.
(c) (5).)
As noted in Finding Al, the element does not contain programs that satisfy the AFFH
requirements for specific and meaningful actions to overcome fair housing issues.
Based on a complete analysis, the element must add or revise programs.
D. Quantified Objectives
Establish the number of housing units, by income level, that can be constructed,
rehabilitated, and conserved over a five-year time frame. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (b)(1
& 2).)
Include quantified objectives estimating the number of housing units by income category
that can be constructed, rehabilitated, and conserved over a five-year time period. This
requirement could be addressed by utilizing a matrix like the one illustrated below:
Income
New
Construction
Rehabilitation
Conservation/
Preservation
Extreme) Low -
Ver Low-
Low-
Moderate -
Above
Moderate -
TOTAL
While the element demonstrates progress towards these objectives from the previous
housing element cycle (p. A-7), it must also provide quantified objectives for the 6th cycle.
E. Public Participation
Local governments shall make a diligent effort to achieve public participation of all economic
segments of the community in the development of the housing element, and the element
shall describe this effort. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c) (8).)
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While the element includes a general summary of the public participation process (Appendix
E), it must also summarize the public comments and describe how they were considered
and incorporated into the element.
In addition, HCD understands the City made the element available to the public concurrent
with its submittal to HCD. By not providing an opportunity for the public to review and
comment on a draft of the element in advance of submission, the City has not yet complied
with statutory mandates to make a diligent effort to encourage the public participation in the
development of the element and it reduces HCD's ability to consider public comments in the
course of its review. The availability of the document to the public and opportunity for public
comment prior to submittal to HCD is essential to the public process and HCD's review. The
City must proactively make future revisions available to the public, including any
commenters, prior to submitting any revisions to HCD and diligently consider and address
comments, including making revisions to the document where appropriate. HCD's future
review will consider the extent to which the revised element documents how the City
solicited, considered, and addressed public comments in the element. The City's
consideration of public comments must not be limited by HCD's findings in this review letter.
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