City Council Report #2015-20
March 17, 20151
March 17, 2015
TO:BELINDA B. ESPINOSA, CITY MANAGER
FROM:WINSTON RHODES, PLANNING MANAGER
SUBJECT:RECEIVE THE 2014ANNUAL GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT AS REQUIRED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Recommendation
Receive the 2014Annual General Plan Housing Element Progress Report asrequired by the State of California.
BACKGROUND
Section 65400 of the State of California Government Code requires cities to provide an annual report to their legislative body (City Council), the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and the State Department of Housing and Community Development on the status of the General Plan Housing Element and progress in its implementation. The General Plan Housing Element Annual Report includes information about the City’s progresson meeting identified housing needs and efforts to encourage the maintenance, improvement, and development of new housing opportunities.
The updated Housing Element was adopted in July 2010 and subsequently certified by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The Housing Element covers a seven year period from 2007 through 2014. The Element focuses on the City’s ability to provide quality, safe, and affordable housing; as well as aims to achieve a balance between maintaining the existing character of Pinole and providing housing for low- and moderate-income households and those with special needs.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
The City of Pinole Annual General Plan Housing Element Progress Report for 2014is included as Attachment A.The report includes statistics about annual building activity for affordable housing projects, annual building activity for rehabilitated housing units, updated information about the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) progress, and implementation status of the programs included in the adopted Housing Element.
During 2014, the City saw two building permit applications for new housing units. One new dwelling unit application was received and obtained design review approval at 1504 San Pablo Avenue. The second approved building permit application was for one new studio unit at 801 Alvarez Avenue. The City also reviewed and conditionally approved a design review request for a new single family residence at 2750 Silverado Drive. This residence is expected to submit building construction plans in the first half of 2015. In 2014, fiveresidential additions were completed and the rehabilitation of the existing 52-unit Pinole Vista Apartment complex continued at 801 Alvarez Avenue.
While residential land values within Pinole in 2014 have continued to rise, property values have not fully recovered and job growth in the region has not spurred demand for substantial new housing construction in Pinole on remaining housing opportunity sites. Less than 1/3 of the 7-year RHNA has been built over the past seven years and the elimination of the City’s former Redevelopment Agency,and the lack of dedicated local funds for housing, has impaired the City’s ability to make further progress in addressing many housing needs.
However, there was substantial effort by residential property owners to complete ongoing residential repair and upgrades. Approximately 376 residential building permit projects were completed in 2014 for various housing repairs and upgrades. For example, 73 roof replacement projects were completed and 63 new residential solar energy projects were completed in 2014. There were 38 window replacement projects completed, 35 water heaterswere replaced and 20 bathroom remodeling projects were completed. These privately initiated residential improvement projects helped to improve the quality and efficiency of the existing housing stock and implement the Housing Element Goal H.5 and Policy H.5.1 below.
Goal H.5 Energy-Efficiency, Conservation, and Sustainable Residential Development.
Support energy-efficient design and building practices in order to reduce housing utility expenses, minimize adverse environmental impacts, and provide for sustainability.
Policy H.5.1
- Reduce Energy Consumption. Reduce energy and water consumption in residential buildings by balancing energy-efficient design and water conservation features with cost-effective construction.
Concurrently with the Council’s receipt of this report, Staff will forward the report to the State Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the State Department of Housing and Community (HCD)in order to meet the April 1, 2015 deadline, as required by State Law.
FISCAL IMPACT
No funding is required at this time. Individual programs and projects designed to implement the Housing Element goals and objectives are funded through individual program and project accounts in the City’s budget and Capital Improvement Plan.
ATTACHMENTS
A.Annual General Plan Housing Element Progress Report for 2014