HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 ORD 1320 - DENSITY BONUS 11-06-06
AGENDA REPORT
Agenda Item 1
Reviewed:
City Manager
Finance Director N/A
MEETING DATE: NOVEMBER 6,2006
TO: WilLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE NO. 1320 -INCENTIVES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
SUMMARY:
Senate Bill 1818 and 435 were enacted in 2004 and 2005, respectively, providing
amendments to the State's Density Bonus law. Proposed Ordinance No. 1320 would
update the City's current Incentives for the Development of Affordable Housing
Ordinance to comply with the State's latest amendment to Government Code Section
65915. On October 23, 2006, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 4042
recommending that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 1320.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council introduce and have first reading of Ordinance No. 1320 and set for
second reading at the Council's next scheduled meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are no direct fiscal impacts to the City.
BACKGROUNDIDISCUSSION:
The City adopted the initial Incentives for the Development of Affordable Housing
Ordinance, also known as, Density Bonus Ordinance (Ordinance No. 1222) on
November 15, 1999. On September 15,2003, the City Council adopted Ordinance No.
1279 amending Ordinance No. 1222 to comply with the State legislature's 2002
amendment by adding a condominium units provision and extending the term of
affordability to 45 years for "for sale" products and 55 years for "for rent" products.
Senate Bill 1818 and 435 were enacted in 2004 and 2005, respectively, providing
further amendments to the State's Density Bonus law. Proposed Ordinance No. 1320
would update the City's current Incentives for the Development of Affordable Housing
Ordinance to comply with the State's latest amendment to Government Code Section
65915. On October 23, 2006, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 4042
recommending that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 1320.
Ordinance 1320
November 6, 2006
Page 2
DISCUSSION
Under existing law, cities and counties are required to grant a density bonus and at
least one other specified incentive or concession, or other housing incentives of
equivalent value, to a developer who agrees to construct an affordable housing
development of five (5) or more units, unless the local government makes a finding that
the bonus and incentives are not needed to achieve affordability. To qualify for the
benefits, a proposed housing development must contain at least:
. 10 percent of units for very low income households;
. 20 percent of units for low income households;
. 20 percent of units in condominium developments for moderate income
households; or
. 50 percent of units in a senior housing development.
In addition, cities and counties are required to provide an incentive or concession such
as a reduction in development standards, approval of mixed use zoning, etc. to a
developer proposing a qualified housing development as described above.
Senate Bill 1818
Senate Bill (SB) 1818 enacted in 2004 and effective on January 1, 2005, made
significant modifications to the initial density bonus ordinance. The modifications were
as follows:
. Lowered the' number of required affordable units needed to qualify for
density bonus as follows:
. From 10 percent to 5 percent of units for very low income
households;
. From 20 percent to 10 percent of units for low income households;
. From 20 percent to 10 percent of units in condominium
development for moderate income households; or
. Created sliding scales to determine the percentage of density bonus;
. Increased the number of incentives required to be given to a developer;
. Expanded qualified moderate income housing to include planned unit
development and modified City's rights and obligations with respect
thereto;
. Created a special density bonus provision for donation of land suitable for
very low income housing;
. Limited parking standards cities may impose on an affordable housing
project;
Ordinance No. 1320
November 6, 2006
Page 3 of 3
. Expanded the definition of "Housing Development" to include a
subdivision, planned unit development, or condominium;
. Required incentives and concessions to be quantified; and
. Clarified cities' rights to independently grant density bonuses.
Senate Bill 435
SB 435 enacted in 2005 and effective January 1, 2006, made further modifications to
the State's density bonus law as follows:
. Made senior citizen housing developments density bonus applicable to
senior mobile home parks;
. Expanded the density bonus for moderate income units to all common
interest developments, as opposed to just condominiums or planned
developments;
. Clarified that a project is entitled to only one density bonus when the
project meets affordability thresholds for more than one income category;
. Clarified the appreciation recapture provisions applicable to the resale of
moderate income units;
. Replaced the statute's complicated language to describe a sliding scale
density bonus with easy-to-read tables.
Proposed Ordinance No. 1320
Proposed Ordinance No. 1320 incorporates SB 1818 and SB 435 and would amend
Tustin City Code Article 9, Chapter 1 to comply with the California Legislature's
amendment to Government Code Section 65915. The proposed amendment is exempt
from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as found in
California Code of Regulations Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3).
Elizabeth A. Binsack
Community Development Director
Attachments: A. Ordinance No. 1320
B. Senate Bill 1818
C. Senate Bill 435
S:\CddlCCREPORT\Ordinance No. 1320.doc
ATTACHMENT A
Ordinance No. 1320
PART I
9111
9112
PART 2
9121
9122
9123
9124
9125
PART 3
9131
PART 4
9141
9142
ORDINANCE NO. 1320
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ARTICLE 9,
CHAPTER I, GOVERNING INCENTIVES FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
The City Council of the City of Tustin hereby ordains as follows:
SECTION 1. PURPOSE.
The Purpose of this ordinance is to amend the City's Affordable Housing
Development Incentive provisions: (1) to comply with the California Legislature's
2005 Amendment of Government Code Section 65915 governing incentives for
lower income housing units; and (2) to comply with other changes in state law
applicable to affordable housing.
SECTION 2.
Chapter 1 of Article 9 of the Tustin Municipal Code. . Title 9, Chapter 1, of the
Tustin Municipal Code entitled, Incentives for the Development of Affordable
Housing, is hereby amended in its entirety as set forth below:
CHAPTER I
INCENTIVES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
CHAPTER INDEX
GENERAL
PURPOSE AND INTENT
DEFINITIONS
IMPLEMENTATION AND INCENTIVES
IMPLEMENTATION
DENSITY BONUS
INCENTIVES OR CONCESSIONS
WAIVER
OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE
DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
STANDARD REQUIREMENTS
APPLICATION AND REVIEW
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND REVIEW
HOUSING INCENTIVE AGREEMENT
Page 1
Ordinance No. 1320
CHAPTER I
INCENTIVES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
PART I
GENERAL
9111 PURPOSE AND INTENT
The purpose of this Chapter is to provide incentives for the production of housing
for very low-, low-, moderate-income, or senior citizens in accordance with California
Law pertaining to density bonuses. The intent of this Chapter is to facilitate the
development of affordable housing and to implement the goals, objectives, and policies
of the City's Housing Element.
The regulations and procedures set forth in this Chapter shall apply throughout
the City with the exception of area identified as the "MCAS Tustin Specific Plan."
Sections of the California Government Code referenced in this Chapter and application
forms for complying with this Chapter, shall be made available to the public.
9112 DEFINITIONS
Whenever the following terms are used in this Chapter, they shall have the
meaning established by this section:
''Affordable Housing Cosf', means as defined in Health and Safety Code Section
50052.5. The term applies to for-sale units. In the Housing Incentive Agreement, in its
sole discretion, the City or Agency, as applicable, shall exercise the options specified in
Section 50052.5(b)(3) and/or (4), and if the Department of Housing and Community
Development adopts regulations pursuant to Section 50052.5(c), the City or Agency, as
applicable, shall consider the regulations for purposes of determining Affordable
Housing Cost.
''Affordable Rent" means as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 50053.
The term applies to rental units.
''Agency'' means the Tustin Community Redevelopment Agency.
''Applicant'' means a developer or owner who desires to construct five or more
dwelling units.
"Child Care Facility" means a child day care facility other than a family day care
home, including, but not limited to, infant centers, preschools, extended day care
facilities, and school age child care centers.
2
Ordinance No. 1320
"Common Interest Development" means a community apartment project, a
condominium project, a planned development, or a stock cooperative as defined in
Section 1351 of the Civil Code.
"Concession or Incentive" means the concession(s) and incentive(s) as specified
in California Government Code Section 65915(1) and Section 9123.
"Density Bonus" means a density increase over the otherwise Maximum
Allowable Residential Density, (unless the Applicant elects to develop a lower
percentage) for a Housing Development meeting the criteria of Section 9121.
"Density Bonus Units" means those residential units granted pursuant to the
provisions of this Chapter which exceed the otherwise Maximum Allowable Residential
Density for the development site. When calculating the number of permitted Density
Bonus units, any fractions of units shall be rounded to the next whole number.
"Development Standards" means site or construction conditions that apply to a
residential development pursuant to any ordinance, general plan element, specific plan,
or other local condition, law, policy, resolution, or regulation.
"Director' means the City's Director of Community Development or designee.
"Housing Developmenf' means construction projects consisting of five (5) or
more residential units, including single family and multi- family units for sale or for rent.
"Housing Development" also includes a subdivision or Common Interest Development,
approved by the City and consists of residential units or unimproved residential lots and
either a project to substantially rehabilitate and convert an existing commercial building
to residential use or the substantial rehabilitation of an existing multifamily dwelling, as
defined in subdivision (d) of Section 65863.4 of the Government Code, where the result
of the rehabilitation would be a net increase of at least five (5) or more residential units.
"Housing Incentive Agreemenf' means a legally binding agreement between an
Applicant and the City andlor the Agency to ensure that the requirements of this
Chapter are satisfied. The agreement among other things shall establish the number of
Target Units, size, location, terms and conditions of affordability, production schedule,
and may be part of a larger Disposition and Development or Regulatory Agreement.
"Low Income Household" means households whose income does not exceed the
lower income limits applicable to Orange County, as published and periodically updated
by the State Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Section
50079.5 of the State California Health and Safety Code.
"Maximum Allowable Residential Density' means the maximum number of
residential units permitted by the Land Use Element of the City's General Plan and
Zoning Ordinance, with the exception of the MCAS Tustin Specific Plan, excluding the
Density Bonus allowed by this Chapter.
3
Ordinance No. 1320
"Non-Restricted Unit' means all units within a Housing Development excluding
the Target Units.
"Persons and Families of Moderate Income" means persons and families of low
or moderate income whose income exceeds the income limit for lower income
households and as defined in Health and Safety Code section 50093.
"Persons and families of Low or Moderate Income" means persons and families
whose income does not exceed 120 percent of area median income adjusted for family
size by the State Department of Housing and Community Development in accordance
with adjustment factors adopted and amended from time to time by the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to Section 8 of the United
States Housing Act of 1937.
"Senior Citizen" means, a person 62 years of age or older, or 55 years of age
living in a Senior Citizen Housing Development.
"Senior Citizen Housing Development" means, as more fully defined in Civil Code
Section 51.3 and 51.12, a residential development developed, substantially
rehabilitated, or substantially renovated for Senior Citizens that has at least 35 dwelling
units.
'Target Unit(s)" means a dwelling unit(s) within a Housing Development which
will be reserved for sale or rent to, and is made available at an Affordable Rent or
Affordable Housing Cost to very low, low, or moderate households, or is(ar~) units in a
senior Housing Development.
"Very Low Income Households" means households whose income does not
exceed the very low income limits applicable to Orange County, as published and
periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development
pursuant to Section 50105 of the California Health and Safety Code.
PART 2
IMPLEMENTATION AND INCENTIVES
9121 IMPLEMENTATION
A Housing Development meeting the requirements of this section is eligible for a
Density Bonus. The granting of a Density Bonus shall not be interpreted, in and of itself,
to require a general plan amendment, zoning change, or other discretionary approval.
(a) The City shall grant one Density Bonus, the amount of which shall be as
specified in Section 9122, and a Concession(s) or Incentive(s), as
described in Section 9123, when an Applicant seeks and agrees to
construct a Housing Development, excluding any units permitted by the
4
Ordinance No. 1320
Density Bonus awarded pursuant to this Chapter, that will contain at least
anyone of the following:
(1) Ten (10) percent of the total units of the Housing Development as
Target Units affordable to Low Income Households; or
(2) Five (5) percent of the total units of the Housing Development as
Target Units affordable to Very Low Income Households; or
(3) Senior Citizen Housing Development or mobile home park that
limits residency based on age requirements for housing for older
persons pursuant to Section 798.76 or 799.5 of the Civil Code; or
(4) Ten (10) percent of the total units in a Common Interest
Development for Persons and Families of Moderate Income,
provided that all units in the development are offered to the public
for purchase.
(5) For purposes of calculating the amount of the Density Bonus
pursuant to Section 9121, the Applicant who requests the Density
Bonus pursuant to this subsection shall elect whether the bonus
shall be awarded on the basis of subparagraph (1), (2), (3), or (4) of
this subsection.
(b) When an applicant for a tentative subdivision map, parcel map, or other
residential development approval donates land to the City as provided for
in this subsection, the City shall grant a Density Bonus, the amount of
which shall be as specified in Section 9122. This increase shall be in
addition to any increase in density mandated by subsection (a), to a
maximum combined density of 35 percent if an applicant seeks both the
increase required pursuant to this subsection and subsection (a). Nothing
in this subsection shall be construed to enlarge or diminish the authority of
the City to require a developer to donate land as a condition of
development. An applicant shall be eligible for the increased Density
Bonus described in this subsection if all of the following conditions are
met:
(1) The applicant donates and transfers the land no later than the date
of approval of the final subdivision map, parcel map, or residential
development application.
(2) The development acreage and zoning classification of the land
being transferred are sufficient to permit construction of units
affordable to Very Low Income Households in an amount not less
than ten (10) percent of the number of residential units of the
proposed development.
5
Ordinance No. 1320
(3) The transferred land is at least one (1) acre in size or of sufficient
size to permit development of at least 40 units, has the appropriate
general plan designation, is appropriately zoned for development of
affordable housing, and is or will be served by adequate public
facilities and infrastructure. The land shall have appropriate zoning
and Development Standards to make the development of
affordable units feasible. No later than the date of approval of the
final subdivision map, parcel map, or of the residential
development, the transferred land shall have all of the permits and
approvals, other than building permits, necessary for the
development of the very low income housing units on the
transferred land, except that the local government may subject the
proposed development to subsequent design review to the extent
authorized by subdivision (i) of Government Code Section 65583.2
if the design is not reviewed by the City prior to the time of transfer.
(4) The transferred land and the affordable units shall be subject to a
deed restriction ensuring continued affordability of the units
consistent with Section 9131(d) and (e) which shall be recorded on
the property at the time of dedication.
(5) The land is transferred to the City or to a housing developer
approved by the City. The City may require the applicant to identify
and transfer the land to the developer.
(6) The transferred land shall be within the boundary of the proposed
development or, if the City agrees, within one-quarter mile of the
boundary of the proposed development.
(c) When an Applicant agrees to construct a Housing Development that
conforms to the requirements of Section 9121 (a) and includes a Child
Care Facility that will be located on the premises of, as part of, or adjacent
to, the project, the following shall apply:
(1) The City shall grant either of the following, unless it finds, based
upon substantial evidence, that the community has adequate child
care facilities:
(i) An additional density bonus that is an amount of square feet
of residential space that is equal to or greater than the
amount of square feet in the Child Care Facility.
(ii) An additional Concession or Incentive that contributes
significantly to the economic feasibility of the construction of
the Child Care Facility.
6
Ordinance No. 1320
(2) The City shall require, as a condition of approving the Housing
Development, that the following occur:
(i) The Child Care Facility shall remain in operation for a period
of time that is as long as or longer than the period of time
during which the Target Units are required to remain
affordable pursuant to Section 9131(d) and (e).
(ii) Of the children who attend the Child Care Facility, the
children of Very Low Income Households, Low Income
Households, or families of moderate income shall equal a
percentage that is equal to or greater than the percentage of
dwelling units that are required for Very Low Income
Households, Low Income Households, or families of
moderate income pursuant to Section 9121(a).
9122 DENSITY BONUS
(1) The amount of Density Bonus to which the Applicant is entitled shall vary
according to the amount by which the percentage of affordable housing
units exceeds the percentage established in Section 9121(a) as follows:
Percentage of
Target Units Additional Target Additional
Target Group (excluding Density Bonus Units Density Bonus
Density Bonus
units)
Each 1 percent 1.5 percent,
Low-Income' 10 percent 20 percent maximum 35
increase percent
Very Low Income2 Each 1 percent 2.5 percent,
5 percent 20 percent maximum 35
increase percent
Moderate Income3 Each 1 percent 1.0 percent,
10 percent 5 percent maximum 35
increase percent
Senior Citizen 20 percent N/A N/A
Housino'
Very Low Income Each 1 percent 1.0 percent,
under Land 10 percent 15 percent increase maximum 35
Donation5 percent
, For housing development meeting the criteria of Section 9121(a)(1)
2 For housing development meeting the criteria of Section 9121(a)(2)
3 For housing development meeting the criteria of Section 9121 (a)(4)
· For housing development meeting the criteria of Section 9121 (a)(3)
5 For housing development meeting the criteria of Section 9121(b)
7
Ordinance No. 1320
9123 INCENTIVES OR CONCESSIONS
(a) An Applicant may submit to the City a proposal for the specific
Concession(s) or Incentive(s) that the Applicant requests pursuant to this
Section, and the Applicant may request a meeting with the City. The City
must grant the Concession(s) or Incentive(s) requested by the Applicant
unless the City makes a written finding, based upon substantial evidence,
of either of the following:
(1) The Concession(s) or Incentive(s) is not required in order to provide
for Affordable Housing Costs or for Affordable Housing Rent for the
Target Units.
(2) The Concession(s) or Incentive(s) would have a specific adverse
impact, as defined in Government Code section 65589.5,
subdivision (d), paragraph (2), upon public health and safety or the
physical environment or on any real property that is listed in the
California Register of Historical Resources and for which there is no
feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific
adverse impact without rendering the development unaffordable to
low- and moderate- income households.
(b) The Applicant shall be entitled to receive the following number of
Concessions or Incentives:
Target Group Target Units Maximum Incentives
Very Low Income 5 percent 1
10 percent 2
15 percent 3
Low Income 10 percent 1
20 percent 2
30 percent 3
Moderate Income 1 0 percent 1
(Condominium only)
20 percent 2
30 percent 3
(c) Incentives or concessions may include the following:
1. A reduction of site Development Standards or a modification of
zoning code requirements or architectural design requirements that
exceed the minimum building standards approved by the State
8
Ordinance No. 1320
Building Standards Commission as provided in Part 2.5
(commencing with Section 18901) of Division 13 of the Health and
Safety Code, which result in identifiable, financially sufficient, and
actual costs reductions, including but not limited to:
a) Reduced minimum lot size.
b) Reduced minimum setbacks.
c) Reduced minimum street standards such as reduced minimum
street width.
d) Increased maximum lot coverage.
e) Increased building height.
2. Approval of mixed use zoning in conjunction with the housing
project if commercial, office, industrial, or other land uses will
reduce the cost of the Housing Development and if the commercial,
office, industrial, or other land uses are compatible with the housing
project and the existing or planned development in the area,
including the City's General Plan, where the proposed housing
project will be located; or
3. Other regulatory incentives or concessions proposed by the
Applicant or the City that result in identifiable, financially sufficient,
and actual cost reductions.
9124 WAIVERS OR REDUCTIONS
(a) An Applicant may submit to the City a proposal for the waiver or reduction
of Development Standards and may request a meeting with the City. The
Applicant shall show that the waiver or modification is necessary to make
the housing units economically feasible.
(b) The waiver or reduction shall be granted unless the City Council adopts a
written finding, based on substantial evidence, of either the following:
1. The waiver or reduction of Development Standards would have a
specific adverse impact, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision
(d) of Government Code Section 65589.5, upon health, safety, or
the physical environment, and for which there is no feasible method
to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific adverse impact.
2. The waiver or reduction of Development Standards would have an
adverse impact on any real property that is listed in the California
Register of Historical Resources.
9
Ordinance No. 1320
9125 OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE
The City may approve additional assistance to facilitate the inclusion of more
Target Units than are required by this Chapter. The City Council may approve
any of the following in its sole discretion, including, but not limited to:
(a) A density bonus greater than that required in Section 9121 of this Chapter.
(b) A proportionately lower density bonus than what is required by this
Chapter when the Housing Development does not meet the requirements
of this Chapter.
(c) Waived, reduced, or deferred planning, plan check, building permit and/or
development impact fees.
(d) Direct financial aid (e.g., redevelopment housing set-aside funds,
Community Development Block Grant funds) in the form of a loan or a grant to
subsidize or provide low interest financing for on or off site improvements,
contribution to land, or construction costs.
PART 3
DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
9131 STANDARD REQUIREMENTS
(a) Target Units shall be built on-site, and be integrated within the Housing
Development except those units built in conjunction with the donation and
transfer of land pursuant to Section 9121(b).
(b) Target Units shall be constructed concurrently with Non-Restricted Units
unless both the City and the Applicant agree in the Housing Incentive
Agreement described in Section 9142 to an alternative schedule for
development.
(c) Except for a Senior Citizen Housing Development, the number of
bedrooms of the Target Units shall be generally equivalent to the bedroom
mix of the Non-Restricted Units of the Housing Development, as
determined by the Director and embodied in a Housing Incentive
Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Applicant may include a
higher proportion of Target Units with more bedrooms than the Non-
Restricted Units.
(d) An Applicant shall agree to, and the City shall ensure, continued
affordability of all low- and very low income units that qualified the
Applicant for the award of the Density Bonus for at least 30 years or a
longer period of time if required by the construction or mortgage financing
assistance program, mortgage insurance program, rental subsidy
10
Ordinance No. 1320
program, or in accordance with the Community Redevelopment Law
(Health and Safety Code Section 33000 et. seq.). Rents for the Target
Units shall be set at an Affordable Rent. Owner-occupied units shall be
available at an Affordable Housing Cost.
(e) An Applicant shall agree to, and the City shall ensure that, the initial
occupant of the moderate-income units that are directly related to the
receipt of the Density Bonus in the Common Interest Development are
Persons and Families of Moderate Income and that the units are offered at
an Affordable Housing Cost. The City shall enforce an equity-sharing
agreement, unless it is in conflict with the requirements of another public
funding source or law. The following apply to the equity-sharing
agreement:
(1) Upon resale, the seller of the unit shall retain the value of any
improvements, the down payment, and the seller's proportionate
share of appreciation. The local government shall recapture any
initial subsidy and its proportionate share of appreciation, which
shall then be used within three years for any of the purposes
described in subdivision (e) of Section 33334.2 of the Health and
Safety Code that promote homeownership.
(2) For purposes of this subsection, the local government's initial
subsidy shall be equal to the fair market value of the home at the
time of initial sale minus the initial sale price to the moderate-
income household, plus the amount of any down payment
assistance or mortgage assistance. If upon resale the market value
is lower than the initial market value, then the value at the time of
the resale shall be used as the initial market value.
(3) For purposes of this subdivision, the City's proportionate share of
appreciation shall be equal to the ratio of the initial subsidy to the
fair market value of the home at the time of initial sale.
(f) The design and appearance of the Target Units shall be consistent with
the design of the total Housing Development. Housing Developments
shall comply with all Development Standards applicable to housing in the
City, except those which may be modified as provided by this Chapter.
(g) A Housing Incentive Agreement shall be entered into between the
Applicant and City and/or the Agency to memorialize among other things,
the Applicant's commitment to provide Target Units in accordance with this
Chapter and other applicable provisions of State Law. The agreement
shall be made a condition of the development permits (e.g., tract maps,
parcel maps, site plans, planned development, conditional use permits,
etc.) for all Housing Developments pursuant to this Chapter.
11
Ordinance No. 1320
(h) (1) Upon the request of the developer, the vehicular parking ratio,
inclusive of disable access and guest parking, of a development meeting the
criteria of subdivision 9121 (a), shall not exceed the following ratios:
Number of Bedrooms Parking Ratio
0-1 1 space
2-3 2 spaces
4 or more 2.5 spaces
(2) If the total number of parking spaces required for a development is
other than a whole number, the number shall be rounded up to the
next whole number. For purposes of this section, a development
may provide "on-site parking" through tandem parking or uncovered
parking, but not through on-street parking.
PART 4
APPLICATION AND HOUSING INCENTIVES AGREEMENT
9141 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND REVIEW
(a) An Applicant proposing a Housing Development pursuant to this Chapter,
may submit a preliminary application prior to the submittal of any formal request for
approval of a permit for a Housing Development. Applicants are encouraged to
schedule a pre-application conference with the Director to discuss and identify potential
application issues. No charge will be required for the pre-application conference. A
preliminary application shall include the following information:
(1) A request for Density Bonus by specifying the code section of
which the Density Bonus shall be awarded.
(2) A description of the proposed Housing Development including the
total number of units, Target Units by income category, and Density
Bonus Units bedroom mix.
(3) The zoning and general plan designations and assessors parcel
number(s) of the project site.
(4) The location of the Target Units within the Housing Development.
(5) The number of additional housing units requested as the Density
Bonus for the Housing Development.
(6) A vicinity map and preliminary site, floor, and elevation plans,
drawn to scale, including building footprints, driveway, and parking
layout.
12
Ordinance No. 1320
(7) A description of any requested concession(s) or incentive(s), waiver,
and/or modified parking standards. If a Density Bonus is requested
for a land donation, the application shall show the location of the
land to be dedicated and provide evidence that each of the
conditions included in subsection 9121(b) can be met. If an
additional Density Bonus or Concession or Incentive is requested
for a Child Care Facility, the application shall show the location and
square footage of the Child Care Facility and provide evidence that
each of the conditions in subsection 9121(c) can be met.
(8) A description of any Development Standards requested to be
waived or reduced and an explanation of why they are needed. In
requesting a waiver or reduction of Development Standards, the
Applicant shall provide substantial facts in the form of a
development pro-forma that the waiver or modification is necessary
to make the Target Units and other units in the Housing
Development economically feasible. At a minimum, the
development pro-forma shall include information identifying capital
costs, equity investment, debt service, discount rate, revenues,
vacancy allowance, operating expenses, net income or net
operating income, pre-tax cash flow, after-tax cash flow, and return
on investment.
(9) The Applicant shall acknowledge in writing that a Housing Incentive
Agreement is required.
(b) An application for a Density Bonus and/or Concession or Incentive
pursuant to this Chapter shall be processed concurrently with any other
permit application(s) required for the Housing Development. At a
minimum, the application shall contain all the information described in
Section 9141(a) plus all other required information. Final approval or
disapproval of an application shall be made by the City Council and (i) in
the case of Housing Developments within redevelopment project areas,
also by the Agency; (ii) upon recommendation of the Planning
Commission for those Housing Developments which require Planning
Commission entitlements; except that no approval shall be effective until
the City or Agency (as applicable) and Applicant have executed a Housing
Incentive Agreement.
(c) Within sixty (60) days of receipt of the preliminary application, the City
shall provide the Applicant with a letter which identifies project issues of
concern and the proposed Concession or Incentive that the Director would
recommend to the Planning Commission and City Council and the
procedures for compliance with this Chapter.
13
Ordinance No. 1320
(d) Where the Applicant proposes that the City provide optional additional
assistance as described in Section 9125 herein, the proposal shall be
considered by the Planning Commission for recommendation to the City
Council, or Agency where Agency funds are requested, for their
prelfminary approval unless such Housing Development does not require
Planning Commission entitlements in which case, the City Councilor
Agency, as applicable, can authorize such assistance. A preliminary
approval shall indicate the City Council's approval of the proposal for
processing, but no optional additional assistance shall be deemed
approved until embodied in the Housing Incentive Agreement.
9142 HOUSING INCENTIVE AGREEMENT
(a) Once an application for a Density Bonus and/or Concession or Incentive is
approved pursuant to Section 9141(b), a Housing Incentive Agreement
shall be prepared consistent with any conditions of approval related
thereto subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney.
The City (or Agency) approval and execution responsibilities for such
agreement shall be as identified in the approval of the Housing
Development application pursuant to Section 9141(b). Where such
identification is not made by the City Council, such agreement shall be
subject to approval by the City Council.
(b) The final approval of any documents as required by the agreement shall
take place prior to or concurrent with final map approval, or, where a map
is not being processed, prior to issuance of building permits for any
parcels in the Housing Incentive Agreement. The agreement shall be
binding to all future owners and successors in interest.
(c) The agreement shall include at least the following:
(1) The total number of units approved for the Housing Development
including the number of Target Units.
(2) A description of the household income group to be accommodated
by the Housing Development, and the standards for determining
the corresponding Affordable Rent or Affordable Housing Cost.
(3) The location, unit sizes (square feet), and number of bedrooms of
Target Units.
(4) Affordability restrictions for low and very low income Target Units
for at least 30 years or a longer period of time if required by the
construction or mortgage financing assistance program, mortgage
insurance program, rental subsidy program, or in accordance with
14
Ordinance No. 1320
the Community Redevelopment Law (Health and Safety Code
Section 33000 et. seq.).
(5) A schedule for completion and occupancy of the Target Units.
(6) A description of the Concessions or Incentive(s), or optional
additional assistance being provided by the City or Agency.
(7) A description of remedies for breach of the agreement by either
party (the City may identity tenants or qualified purchasers as third
party beneficiaries under the agreement).
(8) Other provisions to ensure implementation and compliance with this
Chapter and State Law.
(d) In the case of for-sale Housing Developments, the agreement shall
provide for the following regarding the initial sale and use of Target Units
during the applicable use restriction period and for the respective
affordability period:
(1) Target Units shall, upon initial sale, be sold to eligible Very Low
Income Households, Low Income Households or Persons and
Families of Moderate Income consistent with this Chapter or as
approved by the City Council at an Affordable Housing Cost or be
made available to qualified residents in a Senior Citizen Housing
Development.
(2) Target Units shall be initially owner-occupied by eligible very low,
low income, or moderate income households, or by Senior Citizens
in the case of a Senior Citizen Housing Development or Mobile
Home Park that limits residency based on age requirements for
housing for older persons.
(3) The agreement shall provide for the continued afford ability of the
low income and very low income Target Units for the applicable
affordability period.
(4) The agreement shall provide for the recapture by the City of its
proportionate share of appreciation upon resale of moderate
income Target Units in accordance with this Chapter.
(e) In the case of rental Housing Developments, the agreement shall provide
for the following conditions governing the use of Target Units during the
affordability period:
15
Ordinance No. 1320
(1) The rules and procedures for qualifying tenants, establishing
Affordable Rent, filling vacancies, and maintaining Target Units for
qualified tenants;
(2) Provisions requiring the owner to verify tenant incomes and
maintain books and records to demonstrate compliance with this
Chapter and State Law.
SECTION 3. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of
this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of
any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council of the City of Tustin hereby
declares that it would have adopted this ordinance and each section, subsection,
sentence, clause, phrase or portion thereof irrespective of the fact that anyone or more
sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions be declared invalid or
unconstitutional.
PASSED AND ADOPTED, at a regular meeting of the City Council for the City of
Tustin on this day of , 2006.
DOUG DA VERT
Mayor
PAMELA STOKER
City Clerk
16
Ordinance No. 1320
ORDINANCE CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA)
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss.
CITY OF TUSTIN )
ORDINANCE NO.
PAMELA STOKER, City Clerk and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of the City
of Tustin, California, does hereby certify that the whole number of the members of the
City Council of the City of Tustin is five; that the above and foregoing Ordinance No.
was duly and regularly introduced and read at the regular meeting of the City
Council held on the _ day of , 200_, and was given its
second reading, passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on
the day of , 200_, by the following vote:
COUNCILPERSONS AYES:
COUNCILPERSONS NOES:
COUNCILPERSONS ABSTAINED:
COUNCILPERSONS ABSENT:
PAMELA STOKER, City Clerk
Published:
17
-
ATTACHMENT B
Senate Bill 1818
Senate Bill No. 1818
CHAPTER 928
An act to amend Section 65915 of the Government Code, relating to
housing.
[Approved by Governor September 29, 2004. Filed
with Secretary of State September 30, 2004.]
LEGlSLlJIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 1818, Hollingsworth. Density bonuses.
The Planning and Zoning Law requires, when a developer of housing
proposeS a housing development within the jurisdiction of the local
government, that the city, county, or city and county provide the
developer with a density bonus or other incentives or concessions for the
production of lower income housing units within the development if the
developer meets certain requirements, including a requirement that the
applicant agree or propose to construct a specified percentage of the total
units for specified income households or qualifying residents. Existing
law also requires an additional density bonus or additional concession
or incentive to be granted to a developer of housing that meets those
requirements and includes a child care facility, as defmed, subject to
specified conditions. Existing law prohibits the legislative body from
establishing fees to support the work of the planning agency that exceed
the reasonable cost of providing the service for which the fee is charged.
This bill would revise the above-described provision to, among other
things, require, when a developer seeks a density bonus for a housing
development within, or for the donation of land within, the jurisdiction
of the local government, that the local government provide a density
bonus or other incentives or concessions for the production of housing
units and child care facilities, as specified. By increasing the duties of
local officials, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local
agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state.
Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that
reimbursement
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act
for a specified reason.
90
I
Ch. 928
-2-
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 65915 of the Government Code is amended to
read:
65915. (a) When an applicant seeks a density bonus for a housing
development within, or for the donation of land for housing within, the
jurisdiction of a city, county, or city and county, that local government
shall provide the applicant incentives or concessions for the production
of housing units and child care facilities as prescribed in this section. All
cities, counties, or cities and counties shall adopt an ordinance that
specifies how compliance with this section will be implemented.
(b) A city, county, or city and county shall grant a density bonus and
incentives or concessions described in subdivision (d) when the
applicant for the housing development seeks and agrees to construct at
least anyone of the following:
(I) Ten percent of the total units of a housing development for lower
income households, as defined in Section 50079.5 of the Health and
Safety Code.
(2) Five percent of the total units of a housing development for very
low income households, as defmed in Section 50105 of the Health and
Safety Code.
(3) A senior citizen housing development as defined in Sections 51.3
and 51.12 of the Civil Code.
(4) Ten percent of the total dwelling units in a condominium project
as dermed in subdivision (t) of, or in a planned development as defined
in subdivision (k) of, Section 1351 of the Civil Code, for persons and
families of moderate income, as defmed in Section 50093 of the Health
and Safety Code.
(c) (1) An applicant shall agree to, and the city, county, or city and
county shall ensure, continued atIordability of all lower income density
bonus units for 30 years or a longer period of time if reqnired by the
construction or mortgage financing assistance program, mortgage
insurance program, or rental subsidy program. Those units targeted for
lower income households, as defined in Section 50079.5 of the Health
and Safety Code, shall be atIordable at a rent that does not exceed 30
percent of 60 percent of area median income. Those units targeted for
very low income households, as defined in Section 50105 of the Health
and Safety Code, shall be atIordable at a rent that does not exceed 30
percent of 50 percent of area median income.
(2) An applicant shall agree to; and the city, county, or city and county
shall ensure that, the initial occupant of the moderate-income units that
are directly related to the receipt of the density bonus in the
condominium project as defined in subdivision (t) of, or in the planned
90
I
-3-
Ch. 928
unit development as defmed in subdivision (k) of, Section 1351 of the
Civil Code, are persons and families of moderate income, as defined in
Section 50093 of the Health and Safety Code. Upon resale, the seller of
the unit shall retain the value of any improvements, the downpayment,
and the seller's proportionate share of appreciation. The local
government shall recapture its proportionate share of appreciation,
which shall then be used within three years for any of the purposes
described in subdivision (e) of Section 33334.2 of the Health and Safety
Code that promote homeownership. For purposes of this subdivision,
the local government's proportionate share of appreciation shall be equal
to the percentage by which the initial sale price to the moderate-income
household was less than the fair market value of the home at the time of
initial sale.
(d) (1) An applicant may submit to a city, county, or city and county
a proposal for the specific incentives or concessions that the applicant
requests pursuant to this section, aod may request a meeting with the city,
county, or city and county. The city, county, or city and county sha11 grant
the concession or incentive requested by the applicant unless the city,
county, or city aod county makes a written finding, based upon
substantial evidence, of either of the following:
(A) The concession or incentive is not required in order to provide for
affordable housing costs, as defined in Section 50052.5 of the Health aod
Safety Code, or for rents for the targeted units to be set as specified in
subdivision (c).
(B) The concession or incentive would have a specific adverse
impact, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section
65589.5, upon public health and safety or the physical environment or
on any real property that is listed in the California Register of Historical
Resources and for which there is no feasible method to satisfactorily
mitigate or avoid the specific adverse impact without rendering the
development unaffordable to low- and moderate-income households.
(2) The applicant shall receive the following number of incentives or
concessions:
(A) One incentive or concession for projects that include at least 10
percent of the total units for lower income households, at least 5 percent
for very low income households, or at least 10 percent for persons and
families of moderate income in a condominium or planned
development
(8) Two incentives or concessions for projects that include at least 20
percent of the total units for lower income households, at least 10 percent
for very low income households, or at least 20 percent for persons and
families of moderate income in a condominium or planned
development.
90
I
Ch. 928
-4-
(C) Three incentives or concessions for projects that include at least
30 percent of the total.units for lower income households, at least 15
percent for very low income households, or at least 30 percent for
persons and families of moderate income in a condominium or planned
development.
(3) The applicant may initiate judicial proceedings if the city, county,
or city and county refuses to grant a requested density bonus, incentive,
or concession. If a court fmds that the refusal to grant a requested density
bonus, incentive, or concession is in violation of this section, the court
shall award the plaintiff reasonable attorney's fees and costs of suit.
Nothing in this subdivision shall be interpreted to require a local
government to grant an incentive or concession that has a specific,
adverse impact, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section
65589.5, upon health, safety, or the physical envimnment, and for which
there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific
adverse impact. Nothing in this subdivision shall be interpreted to
require a local government to grant an incentive or concession that
would have an adverse impact on any n:al property that is listed in the
Califomia Register of Historical Resources. The city, county, or city and
county shall establish procedures for carrying out this section, that shall
include legislative body approval of the means of compliance with this
section. The city, county, or city and county shall also establish
procedures for waiving or moditYing development and zoning standards
that would otherwise inhibit the utilization of the density bonus on
specific sites. These procedures shall include, but not be limited to, such
items as minimum lot size, side yard setbacks, and pIacement of public
works improvements.
(e) In no case may a city, county, or city and county apply any
development standard that will have the effect of precluding the
- construction of a development meeting the criteria of subdivision (b) at
the densities or with the concessions or incentives permitted by this
section. An applicant may submit to a city, county, or city and county a
proposal for the waiver or reduction of development standards and may
request a meeting with the city, county, or city and county. If a court finds
that the refusal to grant a waiver or reduction of development standards
is in violation of this section, the court shall award the plaintiff
reasonable attorney's fees and costs of suit. Nothing in this subdivision
shall be interpreted to require a local government to waive or reduce
development standards if the waiver or reduction would have a specific,
adverse impact, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section
65589.5, upon health, safety, or the physical environment, and for which
there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific
adverse impact. Nothing in this subdivision shall be interpreted to
90
I
-5-
Ch. 928
require a local govenunent to waive or reduce development standards
that would have an adverse impact on any real property that is listed in
the California Register of Historical Resources.
(f) The applicant shall show that the waiver or modification is
necessary to make the housing units economically feasible.
(g) (I) For the purposes of this chapter, except as provided in
paragraph (2), "density bonus" means a density increase of at least 20
percent, unless a lesser percentage is elected by the applicant, over the
otherwise maxiinum allowable residential density under the applicable
zoning ordinance and land use element of the general plan as of the date
of application by the applicant to the city, county, or city and county. The
amount of density bonus to which the applicant is entitled shall vary
according to the amount by which the percentage of affordable housing
units exceeds the percentage established in subdivision (b). For each I
percent increase above 10 percent in the percentage of units affordable
to lower income households, the density bonus shall be increased by I.S
percent up to a maximum of 3S percent For each I percent increase
above S percent in the percentage of units affordable to very low income
households, the density bonus shall be increased by 2.5 percent up to a
maximum of35 percent All density calculations resulting in fractional
units shall be rounded up to the next whole number. The granting of a
density bonus shall not be interpreted, in and of itselt; to require a general
plan amendment, local coastal plan amendment, zoning change, or other
discretionary approvaL The density bonus shall not be included when
determining the number of housing units that is equal to 5 or 10 percent
of the total. The density bonus shall apply to housing developments
consisting of five or more dwelling units.
(2) For the purposes of this chapter, if a development does not meet
the requirements of paragraph (I), (2), or (3) of subdivision (b), but the
applicant agrees or proposes to construct a condominium project as
dermed in subdivision (f) ot; or a planned development as defined in
subdivision (k) of, Section 1351 of the Civil Code, in which at least 10
percent of the total dwelling units are reserved for persons and families
of moderate income, as defined in Section 50093 of the Health and
Safety Code, a "density bonus" ofat least 5 percent shall be granted,
unless a lesser percentage is elected by the applicant, over the otherwise
maximum allowable residential density under the applicable zoning
ordinance and land use element of the general plan as of the date of
application by the applicant to the city, county, or city and county. For
each I percent increase above 10 percent of the percentage of units
affordable to moderate-income households, the density bonus shall be
increased by 1 percent up to a maximum of 35 percent. All density
calculations resulting in fractional units shall be rounded up to the next
90
I
Ch. 928
-6-
-
whole number. The granting of a density bonus shall not be interpreted,
in and of itself, to require a general plan amendment, local coastal plan
amendment, zoning change, or other discretionary approval. The density
bonus shall not be included when determining the number of housing
units that is equal to 10 percent of the total The density bonus shall apply
to housing developments consisting of five or more dwelling units.
(h) When an applicant for a tentative subdivision map, parcel map, or
other residential development approval donates land to a city, county, or
city and county as provided for in this subdivision, the applicant shall
be entitled to a IS percent increase above the otherwise maximum
allowable residential density under the applicable zoning ordinance and
land use element of the general plan for the entire development For each
I percent increase above the minimum 10 percent land donation
described in paragraph (2) of this subdivision, the density bonus shall be
increased by I percent, up to a maximum of 35 percent This increase
shall be in addition to any increase in density mandated by subdivision
(b), up to a maximum combined mandated density increase of35 percent
if an applicant seeks both the increase required pursuant to this
subdivision and subdivision (b). All density calculations resulting in
fractional units shall be rounded up to the next whole number. Nothing
in this subdivision shall be construed to enlarge or dimini.h the authority
of a city, county, or city and county to require a developer to donate land
as a condition of development. An applicant shall be eligible for the
increased density bonus described in this subdivision if all of the
following conditions are met:
(I) The applicant donates and transfers the land no later than the date
of approval of the fmal subdivision map, parcel map, or residential
development application.
(2) The developable acreage and zoning classification of the land
being transferred are sufficient to permit construction of units affordable
to very low income households in an amount not leas than I o percent of
the number of residential units of the proposed development
(3) The transferred land is at least one acre in size or of sufficient size
to permit development of at least 40 units, has the appropriate general
plan designation, is appropriately zoned for development as affordable
housing, and is or will be served by adequate public facilities and
infrastructure. The land shall have approprialj: zoning and development
standards to maIce the development of the affordable units feasible. No
later than the date of approval of the final subdivision map, parcel map,
or of the residential development, the transferred land shall have all of
the permits and approvals, other than building permits, necessary for the
development of the very low income housing units on the transferred
land, except that the local government may subject the proposed
90
I
-7-
Ch. 928
development to subsequent design review to the extent authorized by
subdivision (i) of Section 65583.2 if the design is not reviewed by the
local government prior to the time of transfer.
(4) The transferred larid and the affordable units shall be subject to a
deed restriction ensuring continued affordability of the units consistent
with paragraphs (I) and (2) of subdivision (c), which shall be recorded
on the property at the time of dedication.
(5) The land is transferred to the local agency or to a housing
developer approved by the local agency. The local agency may require
the applicant to identify and transfer the land to the developer.
(6) The transferred land shall be within the boundary of the proposed
development or, if the local agency agrees, within one-quarter mile of the
boundary of the proposed development.
(i) (I) When an applicant proposes to construct a housing
development that conforms to the requirements of subdivision (b) and
includes a child care facility that will be located on the premises of, as
part of, or adjacent to, the project, the city, county, or city and county
shall grant either of the following:
(A) An additional density bonus that is an amount of square feet of
residential space that is equal to or greater than the amount of square feet
in the child care facility.
(B) An additional concession or incentive that contributes
significantly to the economic feasibility of the construction of the child
care facility.
(2) The city, county, or city and county shall require, as a condition
of approving the housing development, that the following occur:
(A) The child care facility shall remain in operation for a period of
time that is as long as -or longer than the period of time during which the
density bonus units are required to remain affordable pursuant to
subdivision (c).
(B) Of the children who attend the child care facility, the children of
very low income households, lower income households, or families of
moderate income shall equal a percentage that is equal to or greater than
the percentage of dwelling units that are required for very low income
households, lower income households, or families of moderate income
pursuant to subdivision (b).
(3) Notwithstanding any requirement of this subdivision, a city,
county, or a city and county shall not be required to provide a density
bonus or concession for a child care facility if it finds, based upon
substantial evidence, that the community has adequate child care
facilities.
(4) "Child care facility," as used in this section, means a child day
care facility other than a family day care home, including, but not limited
90
I
Ch. 928
-8-
to, infant centers, preschools, extended day care facilities, and schoolage
child care centers.
(j) "Housing development," as used in this section, means one or
more groups of projects for residential units constructed in the planned
development of a city, county, or city and county. For the purposes of this
section, "housing development" also includes a subdivision or a
planned unit development or condominium pJ;Oject, as defined in
Section 1351 of the Civil Code, approved by a city, county, or city and
county and consists of residential units or unimproved residential lots
and either a project to substantially rehabilitate and convert an existing
commercial building to residential use or the substantial rehabilitation
of an existing multifamily dwelling, as defined in subdivision (d) of
Section 65863.4, where the result of the rehabilitation would be a net
increase in available residential units. For the purpose of calculating a
density bonus, the residential units do not have to be based upon
individual subdivision maps or parcels. The density bonus shall be
permitted in geographic areas of the housing development other than the
areas where the units for the lower income households are located.
(k) The granting of a concession or incentive shall not be interpreted,
in and of itself, to require a general plan amendment, local coastal plan
amendment, zoning .change, or other discretionary approval. This
provision is declaratory of existing law.
(I) For the purposes of this chapter, concession or incentive means
any of the following:
(I) A reduction in site development standarda or a modification of
zoning code requirements or architectural design requirements that
exceed the minimum building standards approved by the California
Building Standards Commission as provided in Part 2.5 (commencing
with Section 18901) of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code,
__ including, but not limited to, a reduction in sethack and square footage
requirements and in the ratio of vehicular parking spaces that would
otherwise be required that results in identifiable, financially sufficient,
and actual cost reductions.
(2) Approval of mixed use zoning in conjunction with the housing
project if commercial, office, industrial, or other land uses will reduce
the cost of the housing development and if the commercial, office,
industrial, or other land uses are compatible with the housing project and
the existing or planned development in the area where the proposed
housing project will be located.
(3) Other regulatory incentives or concessions proposed by the
developer or the city, county, or city and county that result in identifiable,
financially sufficient, and actual cost reductions.
90
I
-9-
Ch. 928
This subdivision does not limit or require the provision of direct
financial incentives for the housing development, including the
provision of publicly owned land, by the city, county, or city and county,
or the waiver of fees or dedication requirements.
(m) Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede or in any
way alter or lessen the effect or application of the California Coastal Act
(Division 20 (commencing with Section 3??oo) of the Public Resources
Code).
(n) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a city,
county, or city and county from granting a density bonus greater than
what is described in this section for a development that meets the
requirements of this section or from granting a proportionately lower
density bonus than what is required by this section for developments that
do not meet the requirements of this section.
(0) For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) "Development standard" includes site or construction conditions
that apply to a residential development pursuant to any ordinance,
general plan element, specific plan, charter amendment, or other local
condition, law, policy, resolution, or regulation.
(2) "Maximum allowable residential density" means the density
allowed under the zoning ordinance, or if a range of density is permitted,
means the maximum allowable density for the specific zoning range
applicable to the project
(P) (I) Upon the request of the developer, no city, county, or city and
county shall require a vehicular parking ratio, inclusive of handicapped
and guest parking, of a development meeting the criteria of subdivision
(b), that exceeds the following ratios:
(A) Zero to one bedrooms: one onsite parking space.
(B) Two to three bedrooms: two onsite parking spaces.
(C) Four and more bedrooms: two and one-half parking spaces.
(2) If the total number of parking spaces required for a development
is other than a whole number, the number shall be rounded up to the next
whole number. For purposes of this subdivision, a development may
provide "onsite parking" through tandem parking or uncovered
parking, but not through onstreet parking.
(3) This subdivision shall apply to a development that meets the
requirements of subdivision (b) but only at the request of the applicant
An applicant may request additional parking incentives or concessions
beyond those provided in this section, subject to subdivision (d).
SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this aet pursuant to
Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because a local
agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees,
or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service
90
I
Ch. 928
-10-
mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the
Government Code.
o
90
I
ATTACHMENT C
Senate Bill 435
Senate Bill No. 435
CHAPTER 496
An act to amend Section 65915 of the Government Code, relating to
housing.
[Approved by Governor October 4. 200S. Filed with
Secretary of 5_ OclOber4. 200S.]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 435, Hollingsworth. Housing: density honuses.
The Planning and Zoning Law requires, when a developer of housing
proposes a housing development within the jurisdiction of the local
government, that the city, county, or city and county provide the developer
with a density honus and other incentives or concessions for the
production of lower income housing units or the donation of land within
the development if the developer meets certain requirements, including a
requirement that the developer agrees to construct a specified percentage
of the total units for specified income households or qualifying residents.
This bill would include within those eligibility requirements the
construction of a mobilehome park. that limits residency based on age
requirements for housing for older persons and the construction, for
persons and families of moderate income, of a community apartment
project and a stock cooperative.
The local administrative requirements imposed by the bill would impose
a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local
agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state.
Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for
a specified reason.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. It is the intent of the Legislature that local governments
encourage, to the maximum extent practicable, the location of housing
developed pursuant to Section 65915 of the Government Code in urban
areas with adequate infrastructure to serve the housing.
SEC. 2. Section 65915 of the Government Code is amended to read:
65915. <a> When an applicant seeks a density bonus for a housing
development within, or for the donation of land for housing within, the
jurisdiction of a city, county, or city and county, that local government
shall provide the applicant incentives or concessions for the production of
housing units and child care facilities as prescribed in this section. All
93
Ch.496
-2-
cities, counties, or cities and counties shall adopt an ordinance that
specifies how compliance with this section will be implemented.
(b) (I) A city, county, or city and county shall grant one density bonus,
the amount of which shall be as specified in subdivision (g), and incentives
or concessions, as described in subdivision (d), when an applicant for a
housing development seeks and agrees to construct a housing
development, excluding any units permitted by the density bonus awarded
pursuant to this section, that will contain at least anyone of the following:
(A) Ten percent of the total units of a housing development for lower
income households, as defined in Section 50079.5 of the Health and Safety
Code.
(B) Five percent of the total units of a housing development for very
low income households, as dermed in Section 50105 of the Health and
Safety Code.
(C) A senior citizen housing development as dermed in Sections 51.3
and 51.12 of the Civil Code, or mobilehome park that limits residency
based on age requirements for housing for older persons pursuant to
Section 798.76 or 799.5 of the Civil Code.
(D) Ten percent of the total dwelling units in a common interest
development as defined in Section 1351 of the Civil Code for persons and
families of moderate income, as defined in Section 50093 of the Health
and Safety Code, provided that all units in the development are offered to
the public for purchase.
(2) For purposes of calculating the amount of the density bonus
pursuant to subdivision (I), the applicant who requests a density bonus
pursuant to this subdivision shall elect whether the bonus shall be awarded
on the basis of subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph (I).
(c) (I) An applicant shall agree to, and the city, county, or city and
county shall ensure, continued affordability of all low-and very low
income units that qualified the applicant for the award of the density bonus
for 30 years or a longer period of time if required by the construction <lr
mortgage financing assistance program, mortgage insurance program, or
rental subsidy program. Rents for the lower income density bonus units
shall be set at an affordable rent as defined in Section 50053 of the Health
and Safety Code. Owner-occupied units shall be available at an affordable
housing cost as defined in Section 50052.5 of the Health and Safety Code.
(2) An applicant shall agree to, and the city, county, or city and county
shall ensure that, the initial occupant of the moderate-income units that are
directly related to the receipt of the density bonus in the common interest
development, as defined in Section 1351 of the Civil Code, are persons
and families of moderate income, as dermed in Section 50093 of the
Health and Safety Code, and that the units are offered at an affordable
housing cost, as that cost is defined in Section 50052.5 of the Health and
Safety Code. The local government shall enforce an equity-sharing
agreement, unless it is in conflict with the requirements of another public
funding source or law. The following apply to the equity-sharing
agreement:
93
-3-
Ch.496
-
(A) Upon resale, the seller of the unit shall retain the value of any
improvements, the downpayment, and the seller's proportionate share of
appreciation. The local government shall recapture any initial subsidy and
its proportionate share of appreciation, which shall then be used within
three years for any of the purposes described in subdivision (e) of Section
33334.2 of the Health and Safety Code that promote homeownership.
(B) For purposes of this subdivision, the local government's initial
subsidy shall be equal to the fair market value of the home at the time of
initial sale minus the initial sale price to the moderate-income household,
plus the amount of any downpayment assistance or mortgage assistance. If
upon resale the market value is lower than the initial market value, then
the value at the time of the resale shall be used as the initial market value.
(C) For purposes of this subdivision, the local government's
proportionate share' of appreciation shall be equal to the ratio of the initial
subsidy to the fair market value of the home at the time of initial sale.
(d) (I) An applicant for a density bonus pursuant to subdivision (h)
may submit to a city, county, or city and county a propoaaI for the specific
incentives or concessions that the applicant requests pursuant to this
section, and may request a meeting with the city, county, or city and
county. The city, county, or city and county shall grant the concession or
incentive requested by the applicant unless the city, county, or city and
county makes a written finding, based upon substantial evidence, of either
of the following:
(A) The concession or incentive is not required in order to provide for
affordable housing costs, as dermed in Section 50052.5 of the Health and
Safety Code, or for rents for the targeted units to be set as specified in
subdivision (c).
(B) The concession or incentive would have a specific adverse impact,
as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 65589.5, upon
public health and safety or the physical environment or on any real
property that is listed in the California Register of Historical Resources
and for which there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or
avoid the specific adverse impact without rendering the development
unaffordable to low- and moderate-income households.
(2) The applicant shall receive the following number of incentives or
concessions:
(A) One incentive or concession for projects that include at least 10
percent of the total units for lower income households, at least 5 percent
for very low income households, or at least 10 percent for persons and
families of moderate income in a cornmon interest development
(B) Two incentives or concessions for projects that include at least 20
percent of the total units for lower income households, at least 10 percent
for very low income households, or at least 20 percent for persons and
families of moderate income in a cornmon interest development
(C) Three incentives or concessions for projects that include at least 30
percent of the total units for lower income households, at least 15 percent
93
Ch.496
-4-
for very low income households, or at least 30 percent for persons and
families of moderate income in a common interest development.
(3) The applicant may initiate judicial proceedings if the city, county, or
city and county refuses to grant a requested density bonus, incentive, or
concession. If a court frods that the refusal to grant a requested density
bonus, incentive, or concession is in violation of this section, the court
shall award the plaintiff reasonable attorney's fees and costs of suit.
Nothing in this subdivision shall be interpreted to require a local
government to grant an incentive or concession that has a specific. adverse
impact, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 65589.5,
upon health, safety, or the physical environment, and for which there is no
feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific adverse
impact. Nothing in this subdivision shall be interpreted to require a local
government to grant an incentive or concession that would have an adverse
impact on any real property that is listed in the California Register of
Historical Resources. The city, county, or city and county shall establish
procedures for carrying out this section, that shall include legislative body
approval of the means of comp1iance with this section. The city, county, or
city and county shall also establish procedures for waiving or modifying
development and zoning standards that would otherwise inhibit the
utilization of the density bonus on specific sites. These procedures shall
include, but not be limited to, such items as minimum lot size, side yard
setbacks, and placement of public works improvements.
( e) In no case may a city, county, or city and county apply any
development standard that will have the effect of precluding the
construction of a development meeting the criteria of subdivision (b) at the
densities or with the concessions or incentives permitted by this section.
An applicant may submit to a city, county, or city and county a proposal
for the waiver or reduction of development standards and may request a
meeting with the city, county, or city and county. If a court finds that the
refusal to grant a waiver or reduction of development standards is in
violation of this section, the court shall award the plaintiff reasonable
attorney's fees and costs of suit Nothing in this subdivision shall be
interpreted to require a local government to waive or reduce development
standards if the waiver or reduction would have a specific, adverse impact,
as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 65589.5, upon
health, safety, or the physical environment, and for which there is no
feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific adverse
impact, Nothing in this subdivision shall be interpreted to require a local
government to waive or reduce development standards that would have an
adverse impact on any real property that is listed in the California Register
of Historical Resources.
(t) The applicant shall show that the waiver or modification is
necessary to make the housing units economically feasible.
(g) For the purposes of this chapter. "density bonus" means a density
increase over the otherwise maximum allowable residential density under
the applicable zoning ordinance and land use element of the general plan
93
-5-
Ch.496
as of the date of application by the applicant to the city, county, or city and
county. The applicant may elect to accept a lesser percentage of density
bonus. The amount of density bonus to which the applicant is entitled shall
vary according to the amount by which the percentage of affordable
housing units exceeds the percentage established in subdivision (b).
(I) For housing developments meeting the criteria of subparagraph (A)
of paragraph (I) of subdivision (b), the density bonus shall be calculated as
follows:
Percentage Low-[ncome Units
10
11
12
13
14
15
17
18
19
20
Percentage Density Bonus
20
21.5
23
24.5
26
27.5
30.5
32
33.5
35
(2) For housing developments meeting the criteria of subparagraph (B)
of paragraph (I) of subdivision (b), the density bonus shall be calculated as
follows:
-
Percentage Very Low Income Units
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Percentage Density Bonus
20
22.5
25
27.5
30
32.5
35
(3) For housing developments meeting the criteria of subparagraph (C)
of paragraph (I) of subdivision (b), the density bonus shall be 20 percent
(4) For housing developments meeting the criteria of subparagraph (D)
of paragraph (I) of subdivision (b), the density bonus shall be calculated as
follows:
Percentage Moderate-Income Units
10
11
12
13
[4
15
Percentage Density Bonus
5
6
7
8
9
10
93
Cb.496
Percentage ModeIllte-Income Units
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
-6-
Percentage Density Bonus
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
(5) All density calculations resulting in fractional units shall be rounded
up to the next whole number. The granting of a density bonus shall not be
interpreted, in and of itself, to require a general plan amendment, local
coastal plan amendment, zoning change, or other discretionary approval.
As used in subdivision (b), "total units" or "total dwelling units" does not
include units permitted by a density bonus awarded pursuant to this section
or any local law granting a greater density bonus. The density bonus
provided by this section shall apply to housing developments consisting of
five or more dwelling units.
(h) (I) Wben an applicant for a tentative subdivision map, parcel map,
or other residential development appmval donatea land to a city, county, or
city and county as provided for in this subdivision, the applicant shall be
entitled to a IS-percent increase above the otherwise maximum allowable
residential density under the applicable zoning ordinance and land use
element of the general plan for the entire development, as follows:
Percentage Very Low Income
10
11
12
Percentage Density Bonus
15
16
17
93
Percentage Very Low Income
\3
14
IS
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
-7-
Ch.496
Percentage Density Bonus
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
(2) This increase shall be in addition to any increase in density
mandated by subdivision (b), up to a maximum combined mandated
density increase of 35 percent if an applicant seeks both the increase
required pursuant to this subdivision and subdivision (b). All density
calculations resulting in ftactionaJ units shall be rounded up to the next
whole number. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to enlarge or
diminish the authority of a city, county, or city and county to require a
developer to donate land as a condition of development. An applicant shall
be eligible for the increased density bonus described in this subdivision if
all of the following conditions are met:
_ (A) The applicant donates and transfers the land no later than the date
of approval of the fina1 subdivision map, parcel map, or residential
development application.
(B) The developable acreage and zoning classification of the land being
transferred are sufficient to permit construction of units affordable to very
low income households in an amount not less than 10 percent of the
number of residential units of the proposed development.
(C) The transferted land is at least one acre in size or of sufficient size
to permit development of at least 40 units, has the appropriate general plan
designation, is appropriately zoned for development as affordable housing,
and is or will be served by adequate public facilities and infrastructure.
The land shall have appropriate zoning and development standards to
make the development of the affordable units feasible. No later than the
date of approval of the fmal subdivision map, parcel ID!'P, or of the
residential development, the transferred land shall have all of the permits
and approvals, other than building permits, necessary for the development
of the very low income housing units on the transferred land, except that
93
Cb.496
-8-
the local government may subject the proposed development to subsequent
design review to the extent authorized by subdivision (i) of Section
65583.2 if the design is not reviewed by the local government prior to the
time of transfer.
(0) The transferred land and the affordable units shall be subject to a
deed restriction ensuring continued affordability of the units consistent
with paragraphs (I) and (2) of subdivision (c), which shall be recorded on
the property at the time of dedication.
(E) The land is transferred to the local agency or to a housing developer
approved by the local agency. The local agency may require the applicant
to identifY and transfer the land to the developer.
(F) The transferred land shall be within the boundary of the proposed
development or, if the local agency agrees, within one-quarter mile of the
boundary of the proposed development
(i) (I) When an applicant proposes to construct a housing development
that conforms to the requirements of subdivision (b) and includes a child
care facility that will be located on the premises of, as.part of, or adjacent
to, the project, the city, county, or city and county shall grant either of the
following:
(A) An additional density bonus that is an amount of square feet of
residential space that is equal to or greater than the amount of square feet
in the child care facility.
(B) An additional concession or incentive that contributes significantly
to the economic feasibility of the construction of the child care facility.
(2) The city, county, or city and county shall require, as a condition of
approving the housing development, that the following occur:
(A) The child care facility shall remain in operation for a period of time
that is as long as or longer than the period oftime during which the density
bonus units are required to remain affordable pursuant to subdivision (c).
(B) Of the children who attend the child care facility, the children of
very low income households, lower income households, or families of
moderate income shall equal a percentage that is equal to or greater than
the percentage of dwelling units that are required for very low income
households, lower income households, or families of moderate income
pursuant to subdivision (b).
(3) Notwithstanding any requirement of this subdivision, a city, county,
or a city and county shall not be required to provide a density bonus or
concession for a child care facility if it fmds, based upon substantial
evidence, that the community has adequate child care facilities.
(4) "Child care facility," as used in this section, means a child day care
facility other than a family day care home, including, but not limited to,
infant centers, preschools, extended day care facilities, and schoolage child
care centers.
0) "Housing development," as used in this section, means one or more
groups of projects for residential units constructed in the planned
development ofa city, county, or city and county. For the purposes of this
section, "housing development" also includes a subdivision or common
93
-9-
Cb. 496
interest development, as defined in Section 1351 of the Civil Code,
approved by a city, county, or city and county and consists of residential
units or unimproved residential lots and either a project to substantially
rebabilitate and convert an existing commercial building to residential use
or the substantial rehabilitation of an existing multifamily dwelling, as
defined in subdivision (d) of Section 65863.4, where the result of the
rehabilitation would be a net increase in available residential units. For the
purpose of calculating a density bonus, the residential units do not have to
be based upon individual subdivision maps or parcels. The density bonus
shall be permitted in geographic areas of the housing development other
than the areas where the units for the lower income households are located.
(k) The granting of a concession or incentive shall not be interpreted, in
and of itself, to require a general plan amendment, local coastal plan
amendment, zoning change, or other discretionary approval. This
provision is declaratory of existing law.
(l) For the purposes of this chapter, concession or incentive means any
of the following:
(I) A reduction in site development standards or a modification of
zoning code requirements or architectural design requirements that exceed
the minimum building standards approved by the California Building
Standards Commission as provided in Part 2.5 (commencing with Section
18901) of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code, including, but not
limited to, a reduction in setback and square footage requirements and in
the mtio of vehicular parking spaces that would otherwise be required that
results in identifiable, financially sufficient, and actual cost reductions.
(2) Approval of mixed use zoning in conjunction with the housing
project if commercial, office, industrial, or other land uses will reduce the
cost of the housing development and if the commercial, office, indusl1ia1,
or other land uses are compatible with the housing project and the existing
or planned development in the area where the proposed housing project
will be located.
(3) Other regulatory incentives or concessions proposed by the
developer or the city, county, or city and county that result in identifiable,
financially sufficient, and actual cost reductions.
This subdivision does not limit or require the provision of direct
financial incentives for the housing development, including the provision
of publicly owned land, by the city, county, or city and county, or the
waiver of fees or dedication requirements.
(m) Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede or in any
way alter or lessen the effect or application of the California Coastal Act
(Division 20 (commencing with Section 3??oo) of the Public Resources
Code.
(n) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a city, county,
or city and county from granting a density bonus greater than what is
described in this section for a development that meets the requirements of
this section or from granting a proportionately lower density bonus than
93
Cb. 496
-10-
what is required by this section for developments that do not meet the
requirements of this section.
(0) For purposes of this section, the following definitions sha1l apply:
(1) "Development standard" includes site or construction conditions
that apply to a residential development pursuant to any ordinance, general
plan element, specific plan, charter amendment, or other local condition,
law, policy, resolution, or regulation.
(2) "Maximum allowable residential density" means the density
allowed under the zoning ordinance, or if a range of density is permitted,
means the maximum allowable density for the specific zoning range
applicable to the project.
(p) (I) Upon the request of the developer, no city, county, or city and
county shall require a vehicular parking ratio, inclusive of handicapped
and guest parking, of a development meeting the criteria of subdivision
(h), that exceeds the following ratios:
(A) Zero to one bedrooms: one onsite parking space.
(lJ) Two to three bedrooma: two onsite parking spaces.
(C) Four and more bedrooma: two and one-half parking spaces.
(2) If the total number of parking spaces required for a development is
other than a whole number, the number sha1l be rounded up to the next
whole number. For purposes of this subdivision, a development may
provide "onsite parking" through tandem parking or uncovered parking,
but not through onstreel parking.
(3) This subdivision shall apply to a development that meets the
requirements of subdivision (h) but only at the request of the applicant. An
applicant may request additional parking incentives or concessions beyond
those provided in this section, subject to subdivision (d).
SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section
6 of Article XlII B of the California Constitution because a local agency or
school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or
assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated
by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
o
93