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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/12/11 Item 26 General PlanChula Vista 2020 Vision November 28, 2012 General Plan DRAFT 2013 -2020 December 11, 2012 City of Chula Vista Housing Element HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN December 11, 2012 City Council Planning Commission Mayor Cheryl Cox Lisa Moctezuma, Chair Steve Castneda Yolanda Calvo, Vice Chair Rudy Ramirez Michael Spethman Pamela Benssousan Scott Vinson Patricia Aguilar Mark Liuag Mary Salas Pedro Anaya City Manager James D. Sandoval Assistant City Manager Gary Halbert City Attorney Glen R. Googins Prepared Through City of Chula Vista Development Services Department Housing Division 276 Fourth Avenue Chula Vista CA 91910 www.chulavistaca.g v City of Chula Vista Housing Element December 11, 2012 CITY OF CHULA VISTA PROJECT STAFF Staff members throughout the entire City Of Chula Vista organization assisted in the preparation of the General Plan Housing Element Update. Listed below are some of the core staff members who were most directly involved. Eric Crockett, Assistant Director of Development Services Department Amanda Mills, Housing Manager Mary Ladiana, Development Planning Manager Edgar Batchelder, Advance Planning Manager Marilyn Ponseggi, Principal Planner Leilani Hines, Principal Project Coordinator Michael Walker, Senior Planner Stacey Kurz, Senior Project Coordinator JR Provencher, Senior Code Enforcement Officer Patricia Laughlin, Senior Administrative Secretary Carlos Fernandez, Planning Technician Dai Hoang, Planning Technician Nicole Piano, DSD Intern Simon Silva, Deputy City Attorney III Adopted on April xx, 2013 by City Council Resolution No. 2013-xxx HOUSING ELEMENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Page H-i EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City of Chula Vista General Plan Housing Element details the City’s seven-year strategy for the enhancement and preservation of the community’s character, identifies strategies for expanding housing opportunities for the City’s various economic segments and provides the official policy guidance for local decision-making related to housing. The Housing Element of the General Plan provides the implementation mechanisms for effectively addressing housing needs in Chula Vista throughout the 2013-2020 planning period. The Housing Element provides in-depth analysis of the City’s population, economic and housing stock characteristics as required by State law. The Element also provides a comprehensive evaluation of existing programs and policies of the 2005-2010 Housing Element to determined necessary revisions to meet current needs. Through this analysis, the City has identified goals, objectives, policies and program actions the directly address the the current needs of Chula Vista’s population. The Housing Element is organized into four policy components, including: • Introduction – Explains the purpose, process and content of the Housing Element: • Part I: Issues & Opportunities – Describes the key issues and opportunities identified from needs assessments and the public participation process upon which the update to the Housing Element should focus. • Part II: Policy & Implementation Plan – Details specific policies and programs the City of Chula Vista will carry out over the five-year period to address the City’s housing goals. • Part III: Quantified Objectives – Specifies the number of households assisted and housing units constructed, rehabilitated, conserved and preserved through the adoption of policies and programs. Additionally, a number of Appendices are included to supplement the development of the Housing Element’s Policy and Implementation Plan. 1.0 HOUSING ELEMENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Page H-ii City of Chula Vista General Plan A particular emphasis of this Housing Element is addressing the City’s diverse housing inventory and population and providing a balance of housing opportunities within each of the four planning areas, Northwest, Southwest, Bayfront and the Eastern Area. The Policy and Implementation Plan provides focused attention to needs, challenges and opportunities particularly for those economically disadvantaged populations, given the recessionary economy and the limited financial resources available to the City as a result of the elimination of Redevelopment statewide and its Low and Moderate Income Housing funds, the majority of the resources previously available to the City’s Redevelopment Agency. The Plan focuses on leveraging resources HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-1 COMMUNITY CONTEXT Who We Are Once the largest lemon growing center in the world, Chula Vista has rapidly grown, developed, and expanded to become one of the nation’s fastest growing cities. Of cities with a population over 100,000, Chula Vista had the eight fastest growth percentage rate nationally since the 2000 U.S. Census. Initially incorporated in 1911, much of the City’s historical growth and development traces back to World War II and the relocation of Rohr Aircraft Corporation to Chula Vista in early 1941. The presence of Rohr along the City’s Bayfront and the post-WWII boom brought to Chula Vista extraordinary population growth and demands for housing, roads, schools, public services, and retail services (e.g., shops, restaurants, markets, banks, etc.) to the City’s historic core, east of the Bayfront and west of First Avenue. Over the next several decades, California’s continued rate of population growth and housing production, coupled with Chula Vista’s regional and waterfront location between the Mexican border and downtown San Diego, spurred the City’s outward expansion and development to the east (east of Interstate-805). In 1985, residents of the unincorporated Montgomery area voted to become part of the Chula Vista, adding approximately 23,000 new residents. During the late 1980’s and 1990’s, Rancho del Rey, Eastlake and other master planned communities began to develop in the East. In 1992, the City annexed 14 square miles of Otay Ranch for future development. Now home to nearly a quarter-million residents, Chula Vista is the second largest city in San Diego County. The City encompasses approximately 52 square miles of land area from the San Diego Bay eastward to Otay Lakes and includes most of the land between the Sweetwater River to the north and the Otay River to the south. The bayfront, rivers, hills define the City’s planning area. Located minutes from downtown San Diego and the U.S.-Mexican border Chula Vista has convenient access to the region’s cultural, recreational, educational and business opportunities. 1.0 HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-2 City of Chula Vista General Plan Chula Vista will continue to play a significant role in the region’s growth and is emerging as the hub of civic and cultural activity in South San Diego County. As one of the fastest growing cities in the nation with its picturesque backdrops and inviting climate, Chula Vista is a city whose growth is ripe with opportunities for both growing businesses and growing families. HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-3 Figure Intro-1 HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-4 City of Chula Vista General Plan PURPOSE AND NATURE OF THE HOUSING ELEMENT What is a Housing Element and why do we need one? The City of Chula Vista’s Housing Element is a major component of the City’s General Plan that addresses adequate housing opportunities for present and future Chula Vista residents through 2020. It serves as the primary policy document guiding local decision-making related to housing. The Housing Element of the General Plan is the only General Plan Element that requires review and certification by the State of California. The Housing Element provides a detailed analysis of Chula Vista’s demographic, economic and housing characteristics as required by State Law. The Element also provides a comprehensive evaluation of the City’s progress in implementing the eight-year’s policy and action programs related to housing production, preservation and conservation. Based upon the community’s housing needs, available resources, constraints and opportunities for housing production and preservation, and its past performance, the Housing Element establishes a eight-year strategy of priority goals, objectives and action programs that directly address the housing needs of present and future Chula Vista residents. 2.0 Create a balanced, sustainable community that offers a variety of housing choices throughout Chula Vista for all residents, present and future, through strategic policies and programs. HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-5 Legislative Authority A Housing Element is based on legal requirements The California State Legislature has identified the attainment of a decent home and suitable living environment for every Californian as the State’s main housing goal. Recognizing the important part that local planning programs play in pursuit of this goal, the Legislature has mandated that all cities and counties prepare a Housing Element as part of their comprehensive General Plans (California Government Code Section 65580 et al.). The City of Chula Vista adopted the previous housing element for 2005-2010 in October 2006. State law requires each jurisdiction’s Housing Element be updated at least every five years to reflect a community’s changing housing needs. Senate Bill 575 adjusted the deadline for adoption of local jurisdiction housing elements in the San Diego region. The adjusted deadline occurs eighteen (18) months following the adoption of the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan, which occurred on October 28, 2011. Therefore, housing elements in the San Diego region are required to be completed, with a finding of compliance by HCD, by April 27, 2013. This document represents the 2013-2020 update required for jurisdictions within the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) region and responds to the issues that currently face the City. HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-6 City of Chula Vista General Plan CITY’S VISION AND THEMES Chula Vista will be a vibrant, varied City. The vision for Chula Vista in year 2030 is a community that preserves and enhances the unique features that shape its identity. Eight major themes support Chula Vista’s vision for the future and provide a foundation for the policies and action programs of The General Plan’s Elements. These themes, representing the City’s core values, are developed in the Housing Element and throughout the various chapters of the General Plan and include: Theme 1: Strong Community Character and Image Theme 2: Healthy and Sustainable Economy Theme 3: Strong and Safe Neighborhoods Theme 4: Improved Mobility Theme 5: Healthy and Sustainable Environment Theme 6: High Quality Community Services Theme 7: Effective Growth Management & Plan Implementation Theme 8: Shaping the Future Through the Present and Past The City’s vision and themes give focus to the General Plan A standardized format is used through the General Plan. Each of the General Plan’s Elements contain introductory text describing how it implements the vision for Chula Vista and the core values or Themes that support the vision and provide a foundation for the policies and action programs within the Element and how it relates to other elements, plans, and policies. Overall goal(s) are stated and topic areas are identified. Each topic is discussed followed by objectives, policies and implementing programs to be undertaken with this planning period (see Figure Intro-2). 3.0 “The vision for Chula Vista in the year 2030 is a community that preserves and enhances the unique features that shape its identity.” HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-7 Figure Intro-2 3.1 Implementing the Vision and Themes Chula Vista’s Vision and Themes reflect the desire of the City to preserve and enhance the unique features that give Chula Vista its identity, while at the same time improving our community and meeting the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Our envisioned future City offers opportunities to live in a safe, attractive, balanced and sustainable community that offers a variety of housing choices for residents -present and future. The Housing Element establishes policy direction for new housing development, housing preservation, housing maintenance and enhancement of HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-8 City of Chula Vista General Plan existing housing and neighborhoods. The policy program provides the necessary guidance to realize the City’s vision. A full discussion of Chula Vista’s Vision and eight Themes is found in Chapter 4 of the City’s General Plan. The Housing Element focuses on and develops four (4) Vision and Theme components: Theme 1: Strong Community Character and Image Chula Vista continues to develop as a city with distinct identify that its citizens are proud to call home. Theme 2: Healthy and Sustainable Economy Chula Vista continues to expand its local economy by providing a broad range of business, employment, and housing opportunities that support an excellent standard of living, and improve the ability for residents to live and work locally. Theme 3: Strong and Safe Neighborhoods Chula Vista is a diverse yet integrated community that celebrates its neighborhoods as the building blocks that make it a great place to live. Theme 4: Shaping the Future Through the Present and Past Chula Vista values its heritage and unique sense of place, and manages change in a way that complements the important qualities and features that shape its identity. HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-9 HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PROCESS Come and tell us what’s on your mind The City of Chula Vista has identified community participation as a priority in the planning process. The Housing Element is representative of the desires of the local residents and addresses the concerns most important to the community both now and in the future. Additionally, the State of California requires local governments make diligent efforts to involve all economic segments of the population in the development of the Housing Element. The public’s input and participation in the Housing Element Update process is key to ensuring a shared vision and strategy for the City. During the preparation of the Housing Element, community involvement included a presentation before the City’s Housing Advisory Commission, a housing stakeholder meeting, three community workshops, and implementation of a Housing Needs Survey. Meetings and presentations focused on (1) informing the community of past and existing efforts to address previously identified housing needs, identified housing needs based on current demographics and anticipated resources and (2) hearing from the community their top priorities in terms of housing needs by income group or targeted population and to identify/refine possible housing policies/programs to address the specific needs and any geographical/locational considerations. A Housing Needs Survey was made available in both English and Spanish to identify types of affordable housing needed, priorities for special needs groups, priority housing programs to address affordable housing needs in the community, location of emergency housing, and any perceived constraints to housing. Responses from the community guided the Needs Assessment portion of the Housing Element, as well as the Housing Policy and Implementation Plan (Part II of this Element). Opportunities for public participation throughout the Housing Element process include, or will include the following components: ?? Stakeholders meeting on March 8, 2012; ?? Housing Survey period (March-May 20122012); ?? Community meetings held on March 21, 28, and 29, 2012; ?? Housing Advisory Commission on January 25, 2012 and August 29, 2012; ?? City Council – Kick off of Public Review Period (December, 11 2012); ?? Public review of the Draft Housing Element (December 18– January 18, 2013); and, 4.0 HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-10 City of Chula Vista General Plan ?? Public hearing before the Planning Commission on November 28, 2012 and City Council on December 18, 2012). Copies of agendas and materials provided at the workshops and meetings are included in Appendix F. HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-11 STATE LAW AND LOCAL PLANS 5.1 Consistency with State Law The Housing Element is one of seven elements of the General Plan mandated by the State of California, as articulated in Sections 65580 to 65589.8 of the California Government Code. State Law requires that a jurisdiction’s Housing Element consist of “an identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs and a statement of goals, policies, quantified objectives, and scheduled program actions for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing.” The Housing Element is responsive to the need of providing housing for all segments of the population. Section 65583 of the Government Code sets forth specific requirements regarding the scope and content of each Housing Element. Table Intro-1 summarizes these requirements and identifies the applicable section in the 2013-2020 City of Chula Vista Housing Element where these requirements are addressed. Table Intro-1 STATE HOUSING ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS Required Housing Element Component Reference A. Public Participation (GC 65588(c)) 1. Diligent efforts to achieve public participation of all economic segments of the community in the development and adoption of the element. Intro, H-11 to 12; Appendix G 2. Description of how public input was or will be considered and incorporated in the element. Intro, H-11 to 12; Appendix G B. Review and Revision (GC 65588(a) & (b)) 1. Evaluation and revision of the previous element to address the effectiveness of the Element, progress in implementing, and the appropriateness of goals, policies and programs. Appendix D C. Housing Needs Assessment (GC 65583(a)) 1. Analysis and documentation of Chula Vista’s household characteristics, including: a. Number of existing households AA-12-13 b. Total households overpaying for housing AA-38 5.0 HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-12 City of Chula Vista General Plan Table Intro-1 STATE HOUSING ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS Required Housing Element Component Reference c. Lower income households overpaying AA-38 d. Total number of existing extremely low-income households AA-15 e. Total number of projected extremely low-income households 2. Analysis and documentation of Chula Vista’s housing characteristics, including: a. Level of housing cost compared to ability to pay AA-25-26 b. Overcrowding AA-39 c. Housing stock condition AA-28-33 d. Housing units by type AA-22-24 e. Vacancy rates AA-25 3. Analysis and documentation of special housing needs, including: 1. Persons with disabilities AA-45 2. Elderly AA-41-42 3. Large households AA-43 4. Homeless AA-45-49 4. Analysis of opportunities for energy conservation with respect to residential development AC-49-52 5. Analysis of existing assisted housing projects at-risk of converting to non-low income uses. AA-54-61 6. Projected housing need, including the locality’s share of the regional housing needs as determined by the COG or HCD. AA-40-41 D. Sites Inventory and Analysis and Zoning for a Variety of Housing Types (GC Sections 65583(a)(3), 65583(c)(1) and 65583.2) 1. An inventory of properties, including unique identifier, size, zoning and general plan designations, uses for non-vacant sites, and maps of sites. Appendix C, Appendix H 2. An analysis of suitability and availability of properties including nonvacant and underutilized sites and an analysis of the relationship of zoning, public facilities and services to these sites Appendix H, AC-24 -30 AC-4; AC-31-34 AB-31-32 AC-34 3. Zoning for a Variety of Housing Types a. Multifamily rental housing AB-2 to 6 b. Housing for agricultural employees (permanent and seasonal) AB-14 c. Emergency shelters AB-7 d. Transitional housing AB-12 to 16 e. Supportive housing AB-12 to 16 f. Single-room occupancy AB-14 HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-13 Table Intro-1 STATE HOUSING ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS Required Housing Element Component Reference g. Mobilehomes/Factory built housing AB-10 E. Constraints on Housing (GC Section 65583(a)(4) and (5)) 1. Analysis of government constraints upon the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing for all income levels a. Land-use controls AB-2 to 6 b. Codes and enforcement AB-17 c. On/Off-site improvements AB-7 d. Fees & exactions AB-17 to 18 e. Processing and permit procedures AB-19 to 22 f. To housing for persons with disabilities AB-12 to 14 2. Analysis of non-governmental and market constraints upon the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing for all income levels a. Availability of financing AB-30 to 33 b. Price of land AB-28 to 29 c. Cost of construction AB-29 to 30 F. Quantified Objectives (GC Section 65583(b)(1)) 1. Identification of Chula Vista’s goals, quantified objectives and policies relative to maintenance, improvement, and development of housing housing Part III G. Housing Programs (GC 65583(c)) 1. Identify adequate sites which will be made available through appropriate action with required public services and facilities from a variety of housing types for all income levels Appendix C, Appendix H 2. Programs to assist in the development of adequate housing to meet the needs of extremely low, very low, low and moderate-income households Part II, H-53 to H-62 3. Identify and, when appropriate and possible, remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing in Chula Vista Part II, H-63 to 70 4. Conserve and improve the condition of the existing and affordable housing stock in Chula Vista Part II, H-44 to H-53 5. Promote housing opportunities for all persons Part II, H-53 to H-62 6. Identify programs to address the potential conversion of assisted housing development to market rate housing. Part II, H-54 to H-55 HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-14 City of Chula Vista General Plan 5.2 Consistency with General Plan and Policies The Housing Element of the General Plan is one component of the City’s overall long-range planning strategy. The California Government Code requires that General Plan contain an integrated, consistent set of goals and policies. The Housing Element, is therefore, affected by policies contained in other elements of the General Plan. The Housing Element is most intricately related to the Land Use and Transportation (LUT) Element. The LUT Element sets the framework for development of housing by laying out the land designations for residential development and indicating the type and density permitted by the City. Working within this framework, the Housing Element identifies priority goals, objectives and program actions for the next eight years that directly address the housing needs of Chula Vista existing and future residents. The policies contained in other elements of the General Plan affect affect many aspects of life that residents enjoy – the amount and variety of open space, the preservation of natural, historic and cultural resources, the permitted noise levels in residential areas, and the safety of the residents in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. The Housing Element has been reviewed for consistency with the City’s other General Plan Elements and the policies and programs in this Element reflect the policy direction contained in other parts of the General Plan (See Appendix F). As portions of the General Plan are amended in the future, this Housing Element will be reviewed to ensure that internal consistency is maintained. 5.3 Relationship to Other City Plans and Policies The Housing Element identifies priority goals, objectives, policies and action programs for the next eight years that directly address the housing needs of Chula Vista. These are briefly described below and include the City’s Municipal Code, Specific Plans, General Development Plans, Sectional Planning Area Area Plans, Precise Plans, and Redevelopment Plans and the Local Coastal Program Plan. 5.3.1 Chula Vista Municipal Code The Chula Vista Municipal Code (CVMC) consists of all the regulatory and penal Ordinances and certain administrative Ordinances of the City, codified pursuant to the provisions of Sections 50022.1 through 50022.8 and 50022.10 of the Government Code. The CVMC includes the City’s Subdivision Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance, including the Growth Management Ordinance. HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-15 Subdivision Ordinance The Subdivision Ordinance regulates the design, development and implementation of land division. It applies when a parcel is split into two or more parcels; a parcel is consolidated with one or more parcels; or the boundaries of two or more parcels are adjusted to change the size and/or configuration of the parcels. Zoning Ordinance The Zoning Ordinance is the primary tool for implementing the General Plan, and is designed to protect and promote the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, prosperity and general welfare of the people. It includes a zoning map designating various districts that are described in the text of the document and outlines the permitted, conditionally permitted, and prohibited uses for each zone district. Finally, the Zoning Ordinance provides property development standards for each zone district and overall administrative and legislative procedures. 5.3.2 Specific Plans Specific Plans are customized regulatory documents that provide focused guidance and regulations for a particular area. They generally include a land use plan, circulation plan, infrastructure plan, zoning classifications, development standards, design guidelines, phasing plan, financing plan and implementation plan. Chula Vista has seven approved Specific Plans, which are listed below. ?? Bayfront Specific Plan ?? Gateway Specific Plan ?? Auto Park North Specific Plan ?? Bonita Glen Specific Plan ?? Bonita Gateway Specific Plan ?? Urban Core Specific Plan ?? Southwest Specific Plan (under preparation) 5.3.3 General Development Plans A General Development Plan (GDP) is a smaller scale version of a General Plan that typically addresses large, previously undeveloped areas of the City, such as those in eastern Chula Vista. It establishes general development parameters, including the distribution of land uses, vehicular circulation patterns, development densities, and an overall master planned community urban structure. A GDP is implemented by the adoption of of a Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Plan. The City has six GDPs, which are discussed further in the Land Use and Transportation Element Section 10.0, East Area Plan, of this Element. GDPs must be in conformance with the General Plan. HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-16 City of Chula Vista General Plan 5.3.4 Sectional Planning Area Plans A Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Plan is a comprehensive master plan that addresses a portion of a planned community area. It is intended to implement the goals, objectives, and development parameters prescribed in the GDP. A SPA and GDP must be adopted as a prerequisite to develop land in a Planned Community (PC) Zone. A SPA consists of integrated guidelines and development standards that provide detail on the land use mix, design criteria, pedestrian and vehicular circulation pattern, open space, recreation, infrastructure requirements, and other components for the entire or portion of an adopted GDP. It is based on City regulations, guidelines, and policies; but once adopted, a SPA supersedes these documents, except where incorporated by reference. 5.3.5 Precise Plans A Precise Plan is a zoning implementation tool that creates specific property development standards and design guidelines in combination with underlying zone standards to allow site design flexibility within areas zoned as a Precise Plan modifying district. Precise Plan development standards and guidelines, adopted by Ordinance, can be tailored for a particular area through rezoning action. The Precise Plan is adopted through a discretionary review process that establishes standards and guidelines affecting the property. 5.3.6 Local Coastal Program A Local Coastal Program (LCP) is the planning tool used to carry out the shared partnership between the California Coastal Commission’s (CCC) mandate to protect coastal resources, and local government’s regulation of land use through its General Plan. An LCP includes a land use plan with land use classifications, types and densities of allowable development, plus goals, objectives, and policies concerning development use of coastal resources. After an LCP is approved by the CCC, their permitting authority is delegated to the local government. It is not intended that the CCC and their permitting permitting authority usurp local government. Chula Vista’s Bayfront has an LCP, which contains the goal and objectives relating to coastal development. It is provided by the General Plan Land Use Diagram and the associated goals, objectives and policies that relate to coastal area. HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-17 HOUSING ELEMENT ORGANIZATION California Government Code Section 65583 requires a jurisdiction’s Housing Element to include the following components: ?? A review of the previous element’s goals, policies, programs, and objectives to ascertain the effectiveness of each of these components, as well as the overall effectiveness of the Housing Element; ?? An assessment of housing need and an inventory of resources and constraints related to meeting these needs; ?? An analysis of programs for the preservation of assisted housing developments; ?? A statement of community goals, quantified objectives and policies relative to the maintenance, preservation, improvement and development of housing; and, ?? A policy program that provides a schedule of actions that the City is undertaking, or intends to undertake, in implementing the policy set for in the Housing Element. The Chula Vista Housing Element is organized into four parts, including: Introduction Explains the purpose, process and contents of the Housing Element I. Issues & Opportunities Describes the key issues and opportunities identified from needs assessment and the public participation process upon which the update to the Housing Element should focus. II. Policy & Implementation Plan Details specific policies and programs the City of Chula Vista will carry out over the five-year period to address the City’s housing goals. III. Quantified Objectives Specifies the number of households assisted and housing units constructed, rehabilitated, conserved and preserved through the adopted policies and programs. 6.0 HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-18 City of Chula Vista General Plan Given the detailed and lengthy analysis in developing the Housing Element, supporting background material is included in the following appendices: Appendix A: Community Profile & Housing Needs Appendix B: Housing Constraints and Resources Appendix C: Residential Land Resources Appendix D: Review of Housing Element Performance to Date Appendix E: General Plan Consistency Analysis Appendix F: Community Outreach Appendix G: Glossary Appendix H: Infill/Intensification Capacity of Existing Zoning Districts HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-19 FOCUS OF 2013-2020 HOUSING ELEMENT As of 2012, the City of Chula Vista encompasses approximately 52 square miles within its boundaries. Over time, it has evolved into varying and distinct neighborhoods and communities. Chula Vista’s communities can be distinguished by the west and east areas of the City and more specifically into four distinct planning areas within the west and the east. Initially incorporated in 1911, much of the City’s historical growth and development centered around the historic City center also known as the urban core. Therefore, City’s older and more established neighborhoods are generally located west of Interstate-805. Over the next several decades, California’s continued rate of population growth and housing development spurred Chula Vista’s outward expansion and development to the east (east of Interstate-805), including the development of such master planned communities as Otay Ranch, Eastlake, Rancho del Rey, and Sunbow. The City’s communities can be further distinguished by geographic planning areas that follow the overall development patterns of the City. ?? Northwest – That area north of L Street and east of Interstate 5, also referred to as the City’s historic urban core; ?? Southwest – That area south of L Street, generally encompassing those neighborhoods included within the Montgomery annexation of 1985; ?? East – That area east of Interstate 805, generally encompassing master planned communities developed from the early 1990’s; and, ?? Bayfront – That area west of Interstate-5 and north of L Street, currently underdeveloped with some development and large vacant waterfront properties. Figure Intro-3 identifies the four designated geographic planning areas. For the purpose of this Element, the City of Chula Vista focuses on each of the four geographic planning areas to target appropriate programs and activities given their unique physical, economic, and cultural characteristics. By utilizing a geographic focus area approach, the City is is able to implement programs that better address the growing needs of the Chula Vista community. 7.0 HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-20 City of Chula Vista General Plan While the Bayfront is included within the four geographic planning areas, this area is currently underdeveloped with some development and a large amount of vacant waterfront properties. A master plan for the Bayfront was approved by the California Coastal Commission in August 2012. During this planning period it is expected that housing policies and programs will be initially limited to planning activities with new development opportunities occurring towards the later part of the planning period. HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-21 Figure Intro-3 HOUSING ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Page H-22 City of Chula Vista General Plan A significant focus of the previous Housing Element was ensuring a balance of housing opportunities city wide particularly in light of the market conditions at the time that anticipated significant growth city wide at higher price points than had previously been experienced. Under the prevailing market conditions at that time and the availability of vast undeveloped lands in the East, the private market was able to respond to the housing needs of moderate-and upper-income households. The City’s efforts were focused on production of housing for lower-income households through the implementation of the City’s Balanced Communities Affordable Housing Program requiring a minimum of 5% of the total new units constructed (for projects of 50 or more units) for Low-Income affordable housing, primarily in the East, and other incentive programs. Within the older neighborhoods of the Northwest and Southwest Planning Areas, policies and programs were focused on the preservation and maintenance of housing and neighborhoods and revitalization of these areas with newer development. Although eastern Chula Vista has developed significantly in the past decade and the supply of developable land is decreasing, most new development in Chula Vista during the 2013-2020 time period will continue to be in that area of the City. It continues to be one of the most important sources of vacant land for new housing inventory in San Diego County. The City’s General Plan Update and the adoption of the Urban Core Specific Plan give particular focus to increasing residential densities and capacities that could provide additional opportunities for future production and preservation of affordable housing in urbanized parts of the Northwest and Southwest planning areas. (Appendix C, Housing Resources, describes land availability for meeting future housing needs.) Chula Vista’s significant role in accommodating the region’s housing need and growth over the past five to six years is evidenced through the production of new housing. While possessing just over 1% of San Diego County’s land area and having a little more than 7% of the County’s population, Chula Vista has accommodated from approximately 18% to almost 25% of new housing development and population growth within San Diego County over the past several years. As indicated by SANDAG’s current 2050 forecast, Chula Vista will continue to play an important role in providing housing supply within the region. The City’s ability to continue to provide new affordable rental and for-sale housing opportunities will become more challenging under current economic conditions and with dwindling financial resources to provide needed assistance. Challenges to providing for affordable housing may include the tightening of capital for construction, availability of permanent financing, and the loss of Redevelopment Low and Moderate Income Housing Set-aside funds. Policies and programs of the 2013-2020 Housing Element were developed to primarily address the challenges associated with a lack of financial resources to address housing needs. A full discussion of the City’s five-year strategy for housing production, conservation, and preservation is presented in Part II of this Element. HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-23 OVERVIEW: KEY ISSUES & APPROACH Marking its 100th anniversary as a City in 2011, Chula Vista has expanded by ten times in area, and transitioned from an agricultural community to a rapidly changing, more urban place. It has become one of California’s 15 largest cities in population and among the most dynamic. During the housing boom of the early 2000’s, the City saw rapid change with tremendous growth experienced in the master planned communities east of I-805. The current economic recession has tempered housing growth and has seen a dwindling of financial resources available to residents and the City. The current economic conditions and their implications to the City’s housing policies are evident during this update of the Housing Element. More specifically, the Chula Vista community, City policymakers, and staff identified two key interrelated housing issues which the Housing Element update should focus given the recessionary economy, plagued by lack of financial resources, high unemployment rates and increasing foreclosures. These issues are: (1) A greater need exists to preserve and expand affordable housing opportunities for those existing extremely low-and very low-income households, particularly for those most vulnerable populations such as the homeless, seniors, and the disabled ; and (2) In addressing these needs, there are opportunities to revitalize, reuse, and enhance existing resources available and to look at new collaborations to leverage resources to benefit those in need of housing but also for the economic benefit of residents and the community. 1.0 “The past 5 years have seen a drastic decline in housing prices, mounting foreclosures and cautious lenders, making it harder for buyers to get loans.” HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-24 City of Chula Vista General Plan The Policy and Implementation Plan of this Housing Element, (see Part II), aims to provide the City and the residential development community with policy and program tools that address these issues. The City’s efforts will be concentrated in preserving and enhancing single family housing and neighborhoods, promoting balanced and diverse housing, and looking at City government’s role and processes to facilitate residential development. HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-25 COMMUNITY FACTORS In order to develop a comprehensive strategy to preserve and expand housing for very low-, low-, and moderate-income households and address development challenges, it is important to understand the needs of residents, the current real estate market and the existing housing stock. An overview of these factors follows and includes highlights of the City’s demographics and housing characteristics. A more detailed analysis of demographic characteristics and needs are provided in Appendix A of this Element. 2.1 The Growing Need Based upon population projections, it is expected that the region’s population will continue to expand; further impacting the demand on housing by both existing and future households. Currently home to an estimated 243,916 people (2010 U.S. Census), it is anticipated that Chula Vista’s population will grow to approximately 330,381 by 2050. More housing is needed to accommodate Chula Vista and the region’s future growth projections. 2.2 Higher Housing Costs and a Lack of Affordability As a result of the growing demand and lack of sufficient supply, the cost of owning and renting a home is beyond the ability of many households to pay. The San Diego region is routinely ranked as one of the top ten areas with the highest priced and least affordable homes in the nation by both the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Housing prices have been in a downward trend for the past few years, and the median sales price for a home in Chula Vista dropped about 8 percent from 2010 to 2011. Despite this trend, the median sales price for a home in Chula remains unaffordable for very-, and low-income households in Chula Vista. The lack of affordable homes within Chula Vista and the San Diego region is causing many, irregardless of income level, to seek housing far from their jobs with some even moving outside of the region to South Riverside County and the Tijuana border region. Others are forced to pay more than their incomes can afford and/or forced to move into overcrowded or unsafe/unsanitary housing conditions. 2.0 HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-26 City of Chula Vista General Plan 2.2.1 Homeownership In years past, Chula Vista’s housing market offered some of the more affordable housing prices as compared to other areas of San Diego County. Today, housing costs in Chula Vista are still beyond the affordability of a majority of San Diego households, with the median sales price in October 2011 at $308,000, representing a decrease of nearly 8 percent from 20101. To afford this median sales price, a worker would need to earn at least $88,000 a year or $46 an hour (based upon 3 ½ times their annual income). With the current median income for Chula Vista residents at $66,246 a year, most residents would be unable to “afford” the median priced home (see Figure I-1). California has traditionally been a higher cost area in the nation. The high cost of housing is evidenced by City’s homeownership rates. Reflective of the higher costs in California, in 2010, the City’s homeownership rate was 58 percent, compared to national average of 65 percent. On a regional basis and Statewide basis, the Citywide homeownership rate at 58 percent is comparable to the 54 percent for the San Diego County region and 56 percent for California. In Western Chula Vista, the homeownership rate falls significantly lower when compared to the City, regional and California homeownership rates. Only 42 percent of the housing is owner-occupied. Based upon current sales data, for-sale housing in Chula Vista is not affordable to most lowerincome households. Those households with incomes substantially above moderate-income (greater than 120 percent of County Median Income) can more readily afford current sales prices within Chula Vista. With such a large gap between what a household can “afford” to pay and current housing prices, for-sale housing does not provide a financially feasible alternative opportunity for very low-and low-income households with more limited incomes. 1 Data Quick News (2011) HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-27 Figure I-1 Ownership Patterns Western Chula Vista versus Citywide 2.2.2 Rental Housing Rental housing is also out of reach for many, particularly very low-income households. According to the Fall 2011 rental survey by the San Diego Apartment Association, the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Chula Vista was $1,222, a slight decrease from 2010 at $1,251. Although average rents have dropped, rental housing remains unaffordable to many of Chula Vista’s households. To afford the rent for an average two-bedroom apartment, a household with one or two children would need to earn about $43,992 a year or $23 an hour. In Chula Vista, approximately 39 percent of the households would be unable to afford this rent based upon earnings of less than $49,000 per year (see Figure I-2). Two minimum wage workers combined earn just $16.00 an hour or about $30,720 a year. Rental units in Chula Vista are only affordable to households at the very top of the income range for low-income households and moderate-income households. Despite these slightly high costs, rental housing presents the most financially feasible opportunity to provide affordable and suitable housing for very low-and low-income residents. HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-28 City of Chula Vista General Plan Figure I-2 Average Rent vs. Affordable Cost for Very Low Income Households The high demand for rental housing is evidenced by the City’s rental vacancy rates. The estimated vacancy rate for all housing units in the San Diego County region as 2010 was 7.9 percent2 , while the City of Chula Vista averaged 4.9 percent. The industry standard for a “healthy” vacancy rate is approximately 4 to 6 percent. Lower vacancy rates largely influence increases in rental rates. Chula Vista’s low vacancy rate suggests an unmet demand for housing and means that renters looking for housing may have difficulty finding it in Chula Vista or pay a higher rent. 2.2.3 Overpayment and Overcrowding Higher housing costs force households to pay more than they can afford (overpayment) or to double up in housing units (overcrowding) to make the housing more affordable. When households overpay for housing, less money is available for discretionary spending and necessities, such as food, childcare, healthcare, and maintenance of the home. Households may choose to live in inappropriately sized units that do not meet the needs of the household (i.e. overcrowding) to reduce their housing expenses. Overpayment is defined as households that pay more than 30 percent of their gross income on housing related expenses, with more significant overpayment at 50 percent of their income. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 25 percent of Chula Vista’s households paid more than 50 percent of their income towards housing costs. Overpayment was more prevalent in renter-occupied households (63 percent) than owner-occupied households (46 percent). 2 U.S. Census 2010, Summary File 1 HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-29 As a result of rising housing costs, lower-income households are often forced to double up households in one unit, which may result in overcrowding. Overcrowding is defined as households having an average of more than 1 person per room, with households considered to be severely overcrowded having more than 1.5 persons per room. Overcrowding puts a strain on public facilities and services, reduces the quality of the physical environment, and can eventually cause conditions that contribute to a more rapid deterioration of the housing stock. Eight percent of Chula Vista households were considered overcrowded in 2010. Of the overcrowded households, a majority were renter-occupied (83 percent) compared with owner-occupied households (17 percent). Overcrowding and overpayment are more prevalent in renter occupied households with very low-and low-income levels. With the continuing weak economy and California’s high jobless rate, it is anticipated that more households are overpaying overpaying for housing today and households are doubling up in order to afford current housing costs. Policies and programs aimed at maintaining and increasing the number of rent restricted housing will assist in decreasing the number of households overpaying for housing and reduce incidents of overcrowding. 2.3 Who Are Our Residents Chula Vista is the second largest city in San Diego County and continues to surpass the rate of growth in the County and the State. Chula Vista is a community with a growing and diverse population. By understanding our diversity and basic demographic characteristics, City policies and programs can be developed to better accommodate these various needs. 2.3.1 Racial Diversity Chula Vista’s population is ethnically diverse. Approximately, 60 percent of Chula Vista residents identified themselves to be of Hispanic or Latino origin, and fourteen percent of Asian origin. HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-30 City of Chula Vista General Plan 2.3.2 Age The estimated average age in Chula Vista is 34.3 years. According to the 2010 Census, a majority (59 percent) of the City’s population were between the ages of 21 to 64. Children and teens aged 0-20 years comprised 31 percent of the population, and seniors, 65 and over, represented 10 percent of the City’s population. A major shift in the age structure of the City’s population is forecasted over the next 20 years. By 2030, the forecasted average age is over 40 and the San Diego region is expecting a decline in the growth of age groups below 55, while all age groups above 55 will increase. Specifically, the western portion of Chula Vista is forecasted to experience a higher increase in the 55-74 year old age group as compared to the region. According the U.S. Census American Community Survey 1 year estimates, approximately 7 percent of householders over the age of 65 in Chula Vista were living below the poverty level in 2010. The provision of housing opportunities to serve this growing population group, including rental housing and home repair and modifications, will be needed in the future. 2.3.3 Special Needs–Persons with Disabilities In addition to the age of the population, another important characteristic of the population are those with special needs, including individuals with physical, emotional, or psychological disabilities. The U.S. Census reports that 6 percent of Chula Vista’s population has a disability. New housing opportunities should consider accessibility and adaptability to accommodate those with disabilities and mobility limitations. Rehabilitation and repair programs should encourage modifications of existing housing to enhance accessibility. HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-31 2.3.4 Household Size The City’s average household size is increasing. In 2010, Chula Vista’s average household size was 3.21 persons per household, increasing from 2.99 persons per household in 2000. In comparison, San Diego County had an estimated household size of 2.75 in 2010. With growing household sizes and overcrowding experienced by many Chula Vista residents, where feasible given the limited resources available, policies should encourage the maintenance and provision of large family housing (3 or more bedrooms). 2.3.5 Very Low–and Low-Income Households In 2010, about 43 percent of the households living in Chula Vista reported an annual income of at least $75,000 which falls into the low-income category (51-80 percent of the County median income. Of these households, 25 percent reported incomes of less than $34,999 a year, which falls into the very low-(less than 50 percent of County Median Income). With a significant number of Chula Vista residents characterized as very low-and low-income, preserving and increasing affordable housing is encouraged to meet the needs of many in the Chula Vista community. The disparity in income from the East to the West, a median income of $86,032 to $47,969, also suggests that greater efforts are needed to promote a balance of housing opportunities throughout the City to avoid enclaves or concentrations of lower income households. HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-32 City of Chula Vista General Plan 2.4 What Housing is Available To provide for adequate and suitable housing to meet the needs of existing and future Chula Vista households, it is important to understand what type of housing units are currently available in the City and evaluate current and future trends for the provision of a variety of housing types. 2.4.1 Housing Unit Type The U.S. Census reported a total of 79,416 housing units in the City of Chula Vista in 2010. Of Chula Vista’s housing units, 74 percent were single family (detached and attached) and 29 percent multifamily. In Western Chula Vista, 48 percent of the housing units were single family, 41 percent were multifamily, and 11 percent were mobile-homes. In the East, the housing market is predominated by single-family housing (83 percent). By encouraging more diverse and balanced housing through new construction opportunities in eastern Chula Vista and opportunities for intensification of existing properties in the the western built out area, the city is better able to provide opportunities for all income levels, household sizes and types throughout. Figure I-3 HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-33 2.4.2 Large Family Units Units with a large number of bedrooms (comprising of 3 or more bedrooms) are primarily found in single family owner-occupied units. Approximately 74 percent of owner-occupied units had 3 or more bedrooms compared to 38 percent of renter-occupied units with 3 or more bedrooms. The lack of units with a large number of bedrooms, especially for rental housing limits housing choices for large families and can contribute to overcrowding. 2.4.3 Age of Housing In Chula Vista, 15 percent of the City’s housing units were built prior to 1960, and approximately 47 percent of housing units were built prior to 1980. Due to the development patterns of the City, most housing built in Eastern Chula Vista was more recent (91 percent since 1980), while 68 percent of housing in the West was built before 1980. This statistic indicates that substantial rehabilitation or replacement of housing in the Western portion of the City may be needed in the next twenty-five (25) yea rs. HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-34 City of Chula Vista General Plan Blank HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-35 APPROACHES TO MEET IDENTIFIED NEEDS Chula Vista housing policy and development activity over the past decade has encouraged new residential development, which was focused in the newly developing communities of eastern Chula Vista, and housing preservation in western Chula Vista. Market rate housing makes up most of the housing produced. While federal and state programs have provided some subsidies for the development of affordable housing for very low-and low-income households, these resources have been insufficient in meeting the identified needs. Over the next few decades, the City’s housing policies must shift to address the challenges of a high cost market and increase the production of housing for all economic levels. Future growth projections for the San Diego region forecast a need for over 161,980 new housing units by 2020. Chula Vista’s share of the needed housing is approximately 11,315 new units, with 50 percent or 5,648 units needed for very low-and low-income households. The need for affordable housing is even greater when considering the lack of affordable housing choices for the current population. It is expected that market and development trends will continue in this planning period, and that much of the new residential development constructed in the East Planning Area by the private market will be affordable to the above-moderate income sector. The City’s efforts will focus increased attention on the housing needs of very-low-, low-and moderate-income households, which are not typically addressed by the private market. Policies and programs of this Housing Element focus on the strategic use of the City’s limited resources to encourage new housing choices and preserving existing housing to promote diversity and a balance of housing choice. 3.0 “The City’s housing policies must shift to deal with a high cost market and increasing the production of housing for all economic levels but more particularly for very low, low and moderate income households.” HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-36 City of Chula Vista General Plan 3.1 Available Financial Resources Providing affordable housing for lower and moderate income households requires the creative layering of multiple funding sources. In years past, the City’s main financial resource available to support housing activities was its Redevelopment Housing Set-Aside Funds, at least 20 percent of collected redevelopment funds were set aside and held in a low-and moderate-income housing fund. The City’s redevelopment project areas generated an annual contribution of approximately $3,000,000 for affordable housing. As of February 1, 2012, the Redevelopment Projects Areas were dissolved pursuant to AB1X26. This resource is no longer available to the City for implementing its affordable housing programs. The key funding sources available to the City of Chula Vista for affordable housing consist of its entitlement allocation from the federal Community Development Block Grant program, HOME Investment Partnership, and Emergency Shelter Grant. Implementation of the City’s affordable housing programs and funding of housing activities will rely on its annual allocation of HOME program funds anticipated to be $590,000 for direct housing opportunities (minus administrative expenses at 5 percent of the allocation). Table I-1 Available FY 2012-13 Financial Resources Funding Program Targeted Uses Grant Allocation CDGB • Section 108 Loan • Capital Improvements • Social Services, including services for the homeless • Minor Rehab $1,642,089 (10% decrease) HOME • New construction rental housing • Rental assistance • First time homebuyer assistance • Rehabilitation $590,387 (38% decrease) Emergency Shelter Grant • Emergency shelter • Supportive services • Homeless prevention $157,069 HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-37 3.2 Housing Policies & Programs The following is a partial list of these policies and programs, specified in greater detail in Part II of the Housing Element. Implementation of these programs will based upon the availability of funding and priorities established. Maintain and Enhance Housing & Neighborhoods The City will seek to provide assistance to maintain and enhance housing for low-and moderate-income households through the rehabilitation of existing single family and mobilehomes occupied by very low-and low-income households, as well as neighborhoods. A majority of the existing housing stock in the City will be 30 years or older (63 percent) by year 2010, primarily in western Chula Vista. Therefore, rehabilitation and repair will be required to maintain the value and quality of this aging housing stock and to preserve neighborhood quality. Preservation of “At-Risk” Affordable Housing The City will initiate efforts to preserve, to the greatest extent feasible, existing affordable rental housing that is deed restricted for occupancy by very low-and low-income housing and monitor and replace housing occupied by low-and moderate-income households within the Coastal Zone. The City’s existing affordable housing stock plays an important role in housing lower-income households. There are approximately 217 “at-risk” housing units that are restricted for continued occupancy and affordability by lower-income households due to expire by 2010. The loss of the affordability of these units as a result of conversions to market rate prices would impact the current residents of these communities and decrease the availability of affordable housing in the city. The preservation of these units, when financially feasible and practical, is needed to maintain an adequate supply of affordable housing opportunities. “Rehabilitation and repair will be needed to maintain the value and quality of this housing and to maintain the quality of neighborhoods.” “The existing affordable housing stock plays an important role in housing lower income households.” HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-38 City of Chula Vista General Plan New Rental Housing Opportunities The City will initiate efforts that expand rental housing opportunities for very low-and low-income households. Under the current real estate market, current and future residents with limited economic means are likely to need assistance to continue to live in Chula Vista. With approximately 44 percent of Chula Vista households considered very low-and low-income, the City’s efforts are focused on increasing rental housing opportunities for these income groups. The gap between housing costs and what a low-income household can afford is significant for owner-occupied housing. Rental housing represents the most effective and efficient method of housing very lowand low-income households based upon their limited financial resources. The lower the housing costs for very low-and low-income households, the more discretionary income is available to meet other necessary living expenses, such as food, transportation, healthcare and childcare. The disparities in household income and housing stock that currently exist between the East and West areas of the City suggest a need for greater diversity in housing opportunities, in terms of pricing and housing types within each of these geographic areas. More particularly, more rental housing, especially large family units (3 bedrooms or more), is needed in the eastern areas of the City to provide for greater diversity and housing opportunities for all households unable to afford homeownership in the East but wishing to reside within these communities. Additionally, the Bayfront masterplan should include opportunities for multifamily housing that would allow for the development of rental housing. “Rental housing represents the most effective and efficient method of housing very low and low income households based upon their more limited financial resources.” HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-39 Homeownership Opportunities The City will initiate efforts to promote homeownership opportunities in areas with significant rental housing to provide a diverse and balanced housing stock and encourage neighborhood stability. Homeownership is seen as a traditional starting point for American families to accumulate wealth and provides important social, as well as economic benefits. It is the cornerstone of a healthy community and the basis for positive community involvement. For most homeowners, their home is the largest investment they will make in their lifetimes. Homeownership creates an incentive to stay involved with and invest in the community. Less likely to move and with so much invested, homeowners contribute to neighborhood stability and are more likely to be advocates for quality of life issues, such as reducing crime, childhood education and neighborhood upkeep. Chula Vista’s overall homeownership rate of 58 percent is slightly higher than San Diego County (54.4 percent). However, in Western Chula Vista the rate is lower at 42 percent, than the citywide rate. Lastly, homeownership opportunities are now slipping out of reach of even moderate-income households. The City’s efforts to increase homeownership opportunities will focus primarily in the Northwest and Southwest Planning Areas of the City and promoting homeownership for moderate-income households. “Homeownership is the cornerstone of a healthy community and the basis for positive community involvement.” HOUSING ELEMENT PART I Page H-40 City of Chula Vista General Plan Special Needs Housing The City will initiate policies that encourage the development of housing, facilities, and services to meet the specialized needs of certain population groups. Special needs population groups constitute a significant portion of the demand for housing and require additional support services and amenities. These special needs groups include seniors, persons with disabilities, homeless or the near homeless, emancipated foster youth, single parents, students, and athletes at the Olympic Training Center. Many of these groups may overlap such as seniors who have disabilities. By increasing the amount of affordable housing, especially housing accompanied by access to services and transportation, these special needs groups can be assisted. Government’s Role The City must attempt to address development challenges, particularly in the West, through the provision of incentives and assistance for development, advocating for more flexible and appropriate development standards to facilitate housing development. There are many challenges to preserving and expanding housing opportunities, especially for very low-, low-and moderate-income households. Without involvement from the City, or a catalyst for development, it is unlikely that the private sector alone would be able to provide more housing. “Without involvement from the public sector or a catalyst for development, it is unlikely that the private sector alone would be able to provide for more housing.” “Special needs population groups constitute a significant portion of the demand for housing and require additional support services and amenities.” HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-41 OVERVIEW: POLICY & IMPLEMENTATION PLAN This section of the Housing Element describes the “Plan of Action” the City of Chula Vista will implement during the 2013-2020 planning period to implement its Vision and Themes, address the community’s present and future housing needs, and meet the specific requirements of State law. In developing the goals, objectives, policies, and programs described in this Plan, the City assessed its housing needs, evaluated the performance of existing programs, and received input from the community through participation in housing workshops and a housing needs survey. The Policy and Implementation Plan establishes three primary goals that guide the policy program toward providing housing opportunities for Chula Vista residents. These goals are: Goal 1: A Maintained and Enhanced Housing Stock and Neighborhoods; Goal 2: Housing Opportunities that Meet the City’s Diverse Needs; and, Goal 3: Maximized Funding and Implementation of Services Vital to Community Housing Needs. To realize these goals, the Policy and Implementation Plan details objectives, policies, and implementing programs according to three major policy focus areas: 1) Maintain and Enhance Housing and Residential Neighborhoods; 2) Balanced and Diverse Housing Opportunities; and, 3) Government Role and Process. While the plan covers a broad array of housing issues that are applicable Citywide, the emphasis of the 2013-2020 Policy and Implementation Plan is on actions enabling the City to maintain and increase housing opportunities affordable to very low-, low-, and moderate-income households. 1.0 HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-42 City of Chula Vista General Plan POLICY FOCUS AREAS The following three policy focus areas provide the foundation for implementing the City’s vision of providing housing opportunities for existing and future residents of Chula Vista and establishes a framework for decision-making to implement this vision. Policy Focus 2.1 Maintain & Enhance the Quality and Sustainability of Housing and Residential Neighborhoods in the City: Rehabilitation of the City’s housing stock and preserving the integrity of residential neighborhoods by preventing deterioration, leveraging housing programs with planned capital improvement activities and to encourage further private investment in neighborhoods. Utilize community-based rehabilitation programs such as CHIP and HUCD and other programs supported by local utilities and regional partners to encourage the maintenance and enhancement of residential quality and sustainability. The City’s activities will complement the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)’s Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS). Policy Focus 2.2 Support Housing Opportunities to Meet the City’s Diverse Needs: Utilizing available resources, seek to preserve and provide sufficient, suitable, and varied housing by small and large family size, type of unit, and cost, particularly permanent affordable housing that meets the diverse housing needs of existing and future residents of Chula Vista. Policy Focus 2.3 Fund and Implement Services that Provide Vital Community Resources for Lower Income Residents: Utilizing available tools and resources, fund and implement services and programs that improve residents’ ability to secure and maintain quality housing. 2.0 HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-43 POLICY FOCUS AREAS, OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND PROGRAMS The following three policy focus areas provide the foundation for implementing the City’s overall housing goals: 1) Maintain and Enhance Housing and Neighborhoods; 2) Balanced and Diverse Housing Opportunities; and, 3) Government Role and Process. These policy focus areas are further described below. Each policy focus area is accompanied by at least one objective, or focused goal, and each objective has at least one policy, describing how the City will meet the objective. Objectives and policies are general in nature and serve as the framework for decision-making and priority setting. They address specific needs and are followed by related implementing programs and actions. For each identified policy action, a level of priority has been assigned, lead Department identified, possible funding sources described, and an implementation timeline identified. The programs and policies in the Policy and Implementation Plan are categorized into two levels of priorities, due to significant contraction of resources. • Level 1 Priorities are those that the City is dedicating to address during the 2013-2020 planning period utilizing anticipated resources. • Level 2 Priorities are those that the City acknowledges as important to address and will supplement Level 1 Priorities, based upon available resources. Some of these policies and programs are currently being implemented, ongoing, and will continue through this planning period. However, many programs are newly proposed and will be implemented within this 2013-2020 planning period. 3.0 HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-44 City of Chula Vista General Plan 3.1 Maintain and Enhance the Quality and Sustainability of Housing and Residential Neighborhoods in the City The City’s existing housing stock plays an important role in a providing a decent, safe and sanitary living environment for lower income households and in maintaining the quality and sustainability of residential neighborhoods. With a majority of the existing housing citywide being 30 years or older (63 percent), there is a potential loss in value and quality as a result of deterioration. A significant number (22 percent) of the City’s housing stock is 50 years old and is likely to require major repairs. Within the West (area west of I-805), 33 percent of the housing stock is 50 years old. Programs to enforce building, health, and housing codes and the funding minor repairs, rehabilitation of housing will encourage the provision of decent, safe and sanitary housing and preserve neighborhood quality. The particular focus of the 2013-2020 Policy and Implementation Plan is repair, rehabilitation and improvement of housing and neighborhoods in the City’s Northwest and Southwest Planning Areas. To improve the sustainability of existing housing stock, programs to facilitate whole-house upgrades will be implemented, which maximize energy and water efficiency potential, reduce occupant utility costs, increase home value, and preserve neighborhood quality. These programs should be designed to help residents overcome common upgrade barriers such as acquiring upfront capital and simplifying the application processes to minimize time constraints. An emphasis will be on costeffective, efficiency retrofit measures -including building insulation and air sealing, high-efficiency HVAC units, turf lawn conversions, and other emerging initiatives -with comprehensive audits, installation services, and attractive financing. Complementary City policies will help ensure consistent enforcement of energy and water efficiency standards for remodels to existing homes. At a community planning scale, the City will actively implement General Plan policies that promote the integration of land use planning and transit. Specifically, the City shall pursue and provide incentives, if feasible, for mixed-use development that include housing, retail, and office space at transit nodes and other high-intensity locations. The City shall also collaborate with SANDAG to update the Smart Growth Concept Map to reflect the changes to Chula Vista’s land use plans contained in the 2050 Regional Growth Forecast and to the regional transportation network. HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-45 Objective – H1 Enforce maintenance of safe and decent housing, enhance the quality of existing housing, and maintain the integrity of residential neighborhoods. Policies & Programs H 1.1 Facilitate rehabilitation of the City’s existing housing stock to correct housing deficiencies and increase the useful life and sustainability of existing housing. 1.1.1 Rehabilitation of Owner Occupied Housing: Continue implementation of the City’s Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP), which provides favorable loans to low-income homeowners, and to include improvements for water conservation, energy efficiency, and lead based paint abatement. Assistance will be focused on a block by block basis to homeowners residing in the Northwest and Southwest Planning Areas with priority given to those singlefamily home owners of very low-income, special needs and/or senior households. The City will leverage its Home Upgrade, Carbon Downgrade (HUCD) program, which provides low interest loans to homeowners for energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, to better serve low-income and moderate-income residents. The City will also increase marketing and outreach efforts for the CHIP, especially in lower-income neighborhoods and mobile home parks, and integrate the HUCD program into the City’s First-Time Homebuyers Program as an optional financing tool. Priority Level: 1 Quantified Objective: 30 low-income units Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Sources: Existing CHIP Revolving Loan Fund, HUCD Revolving Loan Fund Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/As resources are available HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-46 City of Chula Vista General Plan 1.1.2 Encourage Climate Resilient Design Techniques: To respond to a changing climate and promote sustainability in the community, the City has adopted policies and programs to reduce the impacts of climate change through adaptation strategies. Many of these strategies, such as designing more energyefficient buildings, also help to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To support the City of Chula Vista’s Climate Action Plan and its related goals, the City supports the following design measures to improve climate change resilience: • Design natural ventilation and passive solar into residential buildings. • Limit internal heat by specifying high-efficiency lighting and equipment. • Modeling of energy performance with higher cooling design temperatures. • Avoid building in flood zones. • Elevate mechanical and electrical equipment to minimize damage and danger from flooding. • Specify Class A roofing to reduce risk of wildfire. • Design buildings to maintain livable conditions in the event of loss of power or heating fuel, or shortages of water. Priority Level: 2 Lead(s): Development Services Funding Source: Department Budget & Grants Implementation Timeline: 2013-14/Ongoing 1.1.3 Neighborhood Revitalization: Support a program focusing financial resources and efforts that improve the conditions and appearances of neighborhoods. This on-going program will target specific low-and moderate-income neighborhoods within Western Chula Vista that can be leveraged with other public and private investments. Priority Level: 2 Lead(s): Public Works and/or Development Services Department based upon funding Funding Source: Federal and state programs. Implementation Timeline: As resources are available HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-47 1.1.4 Rental Housing Rehabilitation: As part of a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy, the City seeks to provide financial assistance to private property owners of existing and deteriorating multifamily rental housing within Northwest and Southwest planning areas and requiring the property owner to set aside a number of housing units for lower income households at affordable rents. Efforts will be made to target properties in such areas where privately initiated improvements in other neighborhood developments may be generated. Priority Level: 1 Quantified Objective: 22 housing units Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: HOME Implementation Timeline: 2013-14; As opportunities and resources become available 1.1.4 Rental Housing Acquisition and Rehabilitation: As part of a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy, the City seeks to acquire and rehabilitate existing rental housing throughout the Northwest and Southwest planning areas of the City and set aside a number of the housing units for very low-income and/or special need households at affordable rents. Priority Level: 1 Quantified Objective: 15 housing units Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: NSP and HOME Implementation Timeline: 2013-14; As opportunities and resources become available 1.1.5 Funding for Housing Related Environmental Hazard Control: Support applications for available Federal or State funding to reduce housing related environmental hazards, including lead hazard control, building structural safety, electrical safety, and fire protection to address multiple childhood diseases and injuries in the home, such as the Healthy Homes Initiative. Priority Level: 2 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Federal and State grants Implementation Timeline: As resources are available HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-48 City of Chula Vista General Plan H 1.2 Eliminate, to the greatest extent feasible, overcrowded, unsafe, and unsanitary housing conditions through the enforcement of building, safety, and housing codes. 1.2.1 Multifamily Housing Inspection: Provide for the continuance of a multifamily inspection program that evaluates conditions of rental housing complexes of three or more units and reports violations to the City’s Code Enforcement Division regarding current health and safety codes. The City will follow up on all reports of violations to ensure the correction of any identified deficiencies. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Code Enforcement Division Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress 1.2.2 Mobilehome Inspection Program: Provide for the continued systematic inspection of mobilehome and trailer park communities for compliance with Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations to promote safe and sanitary housing and neighborhoods. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Code Enforcement Division Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress 1.2.3 Code Enforcement Activities: Continue Code Enforcement activities monitoring housing and neighborhood conditions for adherence to minimum standards of habitability and appearance by responding to service requests from concerned citizens. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Code Enforcement Division Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Ongoing HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-49 Objective – H2 Promote efficient use of water and energy through sustainable design, adopted standards, and incentives to conserve limited resources and reduce long-term operational costs of housing, consistent with the California Long-Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, the most recent Energy Code including City-specific amendments, Green Building Standards, and other related City ordinances. Policies & Programs H 2.1 Encourage the conservation, efficient use, and appropriate reuse of water by residents. 2.1.1 General Water Conservation Practices: Promote the inclusion of state-of-the art water conservation, efficiency, and reuse practices in existing and new development projects where proven to be effective, safe, and environmentallysound through targeted policies and incentives in partnership with the local utilities. These practices can include, but are not limited to, low-flow plumbing fixtures and EPA WaterSense-labeled appliances (as illustrated in Appendix C, Section 5.0). Priority Level: 1 Lead s: Development Services & Public Works (Conservation) Departments Funding Source: Department Budget & Grants Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-50 City of Chula Vista General Plan 2.1.2 Landscaping-Specific Water Conservation Strategies: Promote the use of low water demand (WaterSmart) landscaping, which incorporates high efficiency irrigation and drought-tolerant plant materials in existing and new development. When developing landscape designs, encourage the minimal use of turf areas and the implementation of the City’s Shade Tree Policy, which requires a certain percentage of shade coverage within parking lots and along streets excluding alleyways. Water reuse techniques, such as graywater systems, rain water harvesting, and recycled water, to meet outdoor landscaping water demand should be encouraged. Priority Level: 1 Lead: Development Services & Public Works (Conservation) Departments Funding Source: Department Budget & Grants Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress 2.1.3 New Development-Specific Water Conservation Requirements: Continue to develop, update, and enforce water-related building codes and development requirements such as the City’s Landscape Water Conservation Ordinance, Green Building Standard, Design Manual, and Water Conservation Plan Guidelines (or their equivalent) as part of the residential development review and approval process. Developers shall provide homebuyers with an “Outdoor WaterSmart Package” at occupancy, which also includes information about the City of Chula Vista NatureScape program. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress 2.1.4 Public Education for Water Conservation: Promote water conservation, efficiency, and reuse in the community by providing appropriately targeted public education and by offering free technical assistance in partnership with the local water districts. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Public Works (Conservation) Department Funding Source: Department Budget & Grants Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-51 H 2.2 Encourage efficient and renewable energy use of residents. 2.2.1 General Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Strategies: Maximize energy efficiency and integrate renewable energy into existing and new development projects through appropriate site and building design, energy efficient materials and appliances, onsite renewable energy systems, and home energy performance ratings by developing targeted policies consistent with the California Long-Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan and by offering incentives in coordination with San Diego Gas & Electric and other regional partners (as illustrated in Appendix C, Section 5.0). Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services & Public Works (Conservation) Department Funding Source: Department Budget & Grants Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress 2.2.2 New Development-Specific Energy Conservation Requirements: Continue to develop, update, and enforce energy-related building codes and development requirements. Applicable codes and development requirements include, but are not limited to, the City’s Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Green Building (includes Cool Roof standards), and Solar Ready ordinances (or their equivalent) as part of the residential development review and approval process. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress 2.2.3 Zero Net Energy Home Target: Facilitate progress towards the development of “Zero Net Energy” residential buildings, which have a net energy consumption of zero over a typical year as envisioned by the California Long-Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan. This progress will be accomplished by creating developer incentives (such as expedited permitting or reduced permit fees) and by leveraging state and federal housing funds administered by the City’s Housing Division. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-52 City of Chula Vista General Plan 2.2.3 Zero Net Energy Home Target: Facilitate progress towards the development of “Zero Net Energy” residential buildings, which have a net energy consumption of zero over a typical year as envisioned by the California Long-Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan. This progress will be accomplished by creating developer incentives (such as expedited permitting or reduced permit fees) and by leveraging state and federal housing funds administered by the City’s Housing Division. Funding Source: Department Budget & Grants Implementation Timeline: 2012-2013 2.2.4 Public Education for Energy Conservation: Promote energy efficiency and renewable energy in the community by providing appropriately targeted public education and by offering free technical assistance in partnership with San Diego Gas & Electric. Priority Level: 1 Lead (s): Public Works (Conservation) Department Funding Source: Department Budget & Grants Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress Objective – H 3 Encourage planning practices that create sustainable communities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan’s Sustainable Communities Strategy. Policies & Programs H 3.1 Encourage transit-oriented housing consistent with SANDAG’s Sustainable Communities Strategy (SB 375). 3.1.1 Integration of Land Use Planning and Transit: The City’s General Plan, including this 2013 – 2020 Housing Element, promote a land use pattern that is anticipated to reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and result in the region meeting or exceeding the targets established by the California Air Resources HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-53 Board (CARB). The key component of the 2013 – 2020 Housing Element will be to promote the integration of land use planning and transit, whereby: • The City shall provide incentives for mixed-use development, which includes housing, retail, and office space, at transit nodes and other highintensity locations as appropriate. • The City will support implementation of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)’s Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS), including the adopted Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Plan, which includes the following: o Increasing the housing supply and the mix of housing types, tenure, and affordability in an equitable manner o Promote infill development and socioeconomic equity, the protection of environmental and agricultural resources, and the encouragement of efficient development patterns. o Promote an improved intraregional relationship between jobs and housing. o Allocate a lower proportion of housing need to an income category when when there is a disproportionately high share of households in that income category, as compared with the most recent decennial United States census. • Work with SANDAG to update the Smart Growth Concept Map to reflect the changes to Chula Vista’s land use plans contained in the 2050 Regional Growth Forecast and to the regional transportation network. • Pursue joint development opportunities to promote the construction of sustainable housing and mixed-use projects at existing and planned transit stations. Priority Level: 1 Lead s: Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget & Grants Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-54 City of Chula Vista General Plan 3.2 Balanced and Diverse Housing Opportunities Chula Vista is a community with a diverse population and housing stock, particularly in the western area of the City. Housing should be preserved and created to maximize housing opportunities for larger households, a growing senior population, special needs groups, and very low-and low-income families. The disparities in household income, age and types of housing available between the eastern and western portions of the City demonstrates a need to promote greater diversity in housing choices related to pricing and housing type within each of these geographic areas. When areas of the City are predominated by one type of housing or tenure (owner versus renter occupied), it limits the housing choices of residents and perpetuates the established disparities and associated socials issues. The provision of a variety of housing types in terms of density, size, and more importantly tenure and providing these units in appropriate locations to minimize the creation of economic housing enclaves, will enable the City to accommodate the varied needs and desires of the community in order to achieve more balanced residential communities and to meet underserved housing needs of lower income households. The provision of new housing opportunities within mixed-use areas and at higher density levels, particularly in transit focus areas and identified town centers, is encouraged. Mixed use and compact developments can result in easier access to goods and services, and increased employment and business opportunities, and the creation of vibrant community places. Objective – H 4 As required by State law, preserve existing affordable housing opportunities, when feasible and practical, to maintain an adequate supply of affordable housing. Policies & Programs H 4.1 Preserve publicly assisted rental housing “at-risk” of converting to market rate rents. HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-55 4.1.1 Expiring Affordability Restrictions: Proactively work with property owner(s) of “atrisk” assisted housing developments whose affordability restrictions are due to expire by 2020, as identified within Appendix A of this Element, and affordable housing developers to evaluate the viability of continuing the affordability of such housing through owner participation, public subsidies or participation by affordable housing developers. The City will implement the following actions on an ongoing basis to conserve its affordable housing stock: ?? Annually monitor the status of identified “at-risk” assisted housing developments. ?? If an opportunity arises due to the pending sale of the property, establish contact with public and non-profit agencies interested in purchasing and/or managing units at risk. Where feasible, provide technical assistance to these organizations with respect to financing. ?? Should the property owner pursue conversion of the units to market rate, ensure that tenants are properly noticed and informed of their rights and that they are eligible to receive special Section 8 vouchers that would enable them to stay in their units. Provide tenants with information regarding Section 8 rent subsidies through the San Diego County Housing Authority, and other affordable housing opportunities in the City. Priority Level: 1 Quantified Objective: 184 low-income housing units Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: HOME Implementation Timeline: 2012-2016 H 4.2 Monitor housing located in the Coastal Zone occupied by low-and moderateincome households and mitigate the loss of housing in these areas. 4.2.1 Monitoring of Units Lost: Comply with State Law regarding the monitoring and reporting of housing units occupied by low-or moderate-income households demolished within the Coastal Zone. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Annually HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-56 City of Chula Vista General Plan 4.2.2 Replacement Housing: Where conversion or demolition of housing units in the Coastal Zone occupied by low-or moderate-income households is proposed, replacement of such housing will be completed in accordance with State Law and the City's adopted Local Coastal Plan. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: As required Objective – H 5 Encourage the provision of a wide range of housing choices and equitable distribution by location, type of unit, and price level, in particular the establishment of permanent affordable housing for low-and moderateincome households. Policies & Programs H 5.1 Balanced Communities-Affordable Housing: Require newly constructed residential developments to provide a portion of their development affordable to low-and moderate-income households. 5.1.1 Affordable Housing (“Inclusionary”) Policy: Continue to implement the Balanced Communities-Affordable Housing Policy first adopted by the City’s Housing Element in 1981 and any implementing guidelines as adopted and updated. For all new residential projects consisting of 50 or more dwelling units,10 percent of the residential units within the development (“on-site”) shall be affordable to low and moderate income households (5 percent low-income and 5 percent moderate-income). Priority Level: 1 Quantified Objective: 40 low-income units and 40 moderate-income units. Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-57 H 5.2 Support efforts to increase homeownership rates, particularly in the Northwest and Southwest Planning areas, meeting or exceeding the regional average as a means to build individual wealth and stabilize existing residential neighborhoods. 5.2.1 First Time Homebuyer Assistance: Continue assistance to low-income households currently residing in rent restricted affordable housing to purchase their first home through the City’s First Time Homebuyer Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program. Consider amendments, as necessary, to the Program to adequately reflect real estate market conditions. Priority Level: 1 Quantified Objective: 20 low-income households. Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: HOME Implementation Timeline: 2014; Continue as funds are available. 5.2.2 Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC): Continue to participate with the County of San Diego and other cities to issue and renew Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC) to qualified first-time low-and moderate-income homebuyers. First-time homebuyers are referred by the Development Services Department to the administrating agency. Priority level: 1 Quantified Objective: 25 households Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Federal Tax Credits; Department Budget for Administration Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-58 City of Chula Vista General Plan 5.2.3 Homebuyer Education & Counseling: Support and encourage developers, lenders and social service organizations to provide educational programs, loan counseling, and materials for homeowners and potential homeowners on home maintenance, improvement, and financial management. The purpose of these educational programs will be to help first-time homebuyers prepare for the purchase of a home and to understand the importance of maintenance, equity, appreciation, and personal budgeting to minimize foreclosure rates. Priority Level: 2 Lead Agency: Development Services Department Funding Source: Private Resources Implementation Timeline: As funds are available. 5.2.4 Support Private Financial Assistance Programs: Support and encourage lenders, Development Services organizations and others to use non-traditional financial approaches to assist low-and moderate-income first time homebuyers such as Individual Development Accounts and other emerging financial approaches. Priority Level: 2 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Private resources Implementation Timeline: As funds are available. H 5.3 Support mobilehome parks as an alternative housing opportunity. 5.3.1 Mobilehome Space Rent Review: Continue to enforce CVMC Chapter 9.50 to protect mobilehome residents’ investment in their home while at the same time providing a reasonable return to the park owner in order to preserve this housing alternative. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding: Department Budget; Mobilehome Administration Fee Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-59 5.3.2 Resident Ownership of Mobilehome Parks: Promote the purchase of those mobilehome parks with a Mobilehome Park (MHP) zone designation by park residents, when a park becomes available for sale in accordance with CVMC Chapter 9.60 (Sale of a Mobilehome Park). Accordingly, resident organizations shall have a right to purchase a park listed for sale if the organization is able to reach an acceptable price and terms and conditions with the mobilehome park owner. Financial assistance that may be provided by the State, or other funding sources may be limited to income eligible residents and require affordable housing costs. Priority Level: 2 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding: State MPROP Implementation Timeline: As opportunities and resources become available. 5.3.3 Mobilehome Park Conversion: Continue to enforce CVMC Chapter 9.40 to protect the rights of residents as mobilehome/trailer parks are closed or converted to other uses. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: As required Objective – H 6 Promote the development of a variety of housing choices, coupled with appropriate services, to meet the needs of special population groups, including the homeless, those “at-risk” of becoming homeless, persons with disabilities, and seniors. Policies & Programs H 6.1 Support the coordination of existing and new regional and local efforts to provide housing and services for the homeless through a continuum of care model. HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-60 City of Chula Vista General Plan 6.1.1 Homeless & “At-Risk” Homeless -Regional Planning: Continue to participate in regional planning efforts to address needs of the homeless, including the Regional Task Force for the Homeless and the South Bay Homeless Coalition. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress 6.1.2. Homeless & “At-Risk Homeless” – Regional Funding: Continue to support regional funding efforts to develop new housing facilities for the homeless and maintain existing facilities and services, including the Regional Continuum of Care Council for San Diego County and its application for funding through the Federal Supportive Housing Program, local FEMA Board, County of San Diego Hotel/Motel Voucher Program and temporary winter shelters. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: CDBG, ESG, FEMA, other federal programs, and private sector programs. Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress 6.1.3 Existing & New Emergency Shelters & Transitional Housing: Continue in-kind and financial assistance for existing and new emergency shelters and transitional housing facilities that serve the City by providing technical assistance, siting opportunities, grants, or low cost loans to operating agencies. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: CDBG, ESG, FEMA, other federal programs, and private sector programs. Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-61 6.1.4 Tenant Rental Assistance: Implement a homeless prevention program providing rent subsidies for those at-risk of becoming homeless. Priority Level: 1 Quantified Objective: 21 extremely low income households Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: ESG Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/As resources are available. 6.1.5 Information of Resources for Basic Needs: Distribute informational materials to provide contact information regarding basic needs, such as emergency food, shelter, and services for the homeless. Materials can be distributed on an as needed basis at public/civic center public counters and by City personal in regular contact with homeless or near homeless households. Priority Level: 2 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: CDBG and private sector programs Implementation Timeline: Ongoing; As resources are available H 6.2 Encourage the development of alternative housing types in locations with easy access to goods, services, transportation, recreation and other appropriate services to accommodate the special needs of seniors and persons with disabilities. 6.2.1 Second Dwelling Units: Continue to allow construction of new accessory secondary dwelling units in areas where the units do not compromise the neighborhood character, as defined in Section 19.58.022, Accessory Second Dwelling Units, of the Chula Vista Municipal Code. Monitor and revise the Ordinance as needed to facilitate and encourage development. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-62 City of Chula Vista General Plan 6.2.2 Shared Living: Support private programs for shared living that connect those with a home and are willing to share living accommodations with those that are seeking housing, particularly seniors, students, and single person households. The City can identify programs offered in the community and assist in program outreach efforts for shared living programs through advertisements in the City’s website and placement of program brochures in key community locations. Priority Level: 2 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: CDBG Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress 6.2.3 Co-Housing: Evaluate the viability of co-housing where residents share common facilities (e.g., cooking facilities) and amendments to Title 19 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code and other documents, where appropriate, to facilitate its development. Priority Level: 2 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department budget Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress 6.2.4 Accessible Housing Regulations: Continue to maintain and implement California Title 24 provisions for the review and approval of residential developments. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-63 3.3 Government Role & Process Local Government plays a significant role in fostering the development of affordable and special needs housing. Conversely, in its efforts to protect and enhance the overall community, local government can implement land use controls, building codes, development standards, permit and processing procedures, and fees and exactions, that constrain the operations of the private, nonprofit, and public sector when introducing new housing products to market. These constraints can result in limiting the supply of housing and increasing the costs of development (see Appendix B). Programs aimed at mitigating these constraints and evaluating the necessity of these requirements can assist in decreasing the overall cost of housing production while at the same time protecting the community and the environment. OBJECTIVE – H 7 Facilitate the creation, maintenance, preservation and conservation of affordable housing for lower and moderate-income households through comprehensive planning documents and processes, and the provision of financial assistance and other incentives. Policies & Programs H 7.1 Ensure Chula Vista’s plans and policies addressing housing, such as the Zoning Ordinance, Sectional Planning Area Plans, and Specific Plans, encourage a variety of housing product that responds to variations in income level, the changing livework patterns of residents and the needs of the City’s diverse population. HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-64 City of Chula Vista General Plan 7.1.1 Specific Plans: Develop and consider for adoption a Specific Plan for the Southwest Planning Areas in order to implement housing-related land use policy contained in the General Plan Update of 2005. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: 2013-14 (Adoption of a specific plan for the Palomar Gateway focus area with the Southwest area of the community) 7.1.2 Zoning: Update Title 19 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code, to implement housing-related land use policy contained in the General Plan Update of 2005. Priority level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Target Year(s): On going; As resources are available 7.1.3 Emergency Shelters: The City will amend its Zoning Ordinance within one year of adoption of the Housing Element to address emergency shelters, and permit this use by right, within identified zones, consistent with SB 2 (Housing Accoutability) enacted in 2007. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: 2013-2014 HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-65 7.1.4 Transitional and Supportive Housing: The Zoning Ordinance will be amended to specifically define transitional/supportive housing. Transitional housing, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 50675.2, and supportive housing, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 50675.14, will be permitted by right where housing is permitted, and subject to the same development standards as other housing development SB 2 (Housing Accoutability) enacted in 2007. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: 2013-2014 7.1.5 Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Units: The Chula Vista Zoning Ordinance does not contain specific provisions for SRO units. The City will amend the Zoning Ordinance to facilitate the provision of SROs, consistent with AB 2634 (Housing for Extremely Low Income Households) enacted in 2007. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: 2013-2014 H 7.2 Ensure the entitlement process and infrastructure levies do not affect the feasibility of affordable housing development. 7.2.1 Priority Processing: Continue to implement priority processing of the necessary entitlements and plan checks to expedite the development process for residential developments, which do not require extensive Engineering or environmental review, with at least 15 percent of the units as affordable for very low-and lowincome households. Update the expedite policy as may be necessary to encourage the development of affordable housing for lower income households. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s)s: Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-66 City of Chula Vista General Plan 7.2.2 Development Fees: Various fees and assessments are charged by the City to cover the costs of processing permits and providing services and facilities. Continue to consider subsidizing, waiving, or deferring fees for affordable units for very low-and low-income households on a case-by-case basis. Requests are evaluated based upon the development’s effectiveness and efficiency in achieving the City’s underserved housing needs, particularly extremely low and special needs households and as allowed by the City’s Municipal Code. Priority Level: 2 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: As requested/Annual review of progress H 7.3 Pursue opportunities to expand financial resources assisting housing development for lower and moderate-income households. 7.3.1 Pursue Affordable Housing Funding: Continue to utilize the eCivis software program to proactively pursue available Federal or State funding to increase, preserve, and enhance housing affordable to low-income households. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress H 7.4 Provide financial assistance and incentives for the preservation and creation of affordable housing to address the underserved financial needs of very low-and low-income households throughout the City. HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-67 7.4.1 Affordable Housing Incentives (aka Density Bonus): The City has adopted affordable housing incentives regulations to facilitate the development of affordable housing for very low, low and moderate income households and seniors. This policy provides for a density bonus, incentives and waivers of developments standards for housing providing the required number of units for income qualified households and seniors. Continue to provide incentives for the development of affordable housing and housing for seniors through implementation of the regulations. Market incentives to housing developers via the City’s website and the Development Services front counters. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Ongoing 7.4.2 Public Property: Evaluate the viability of providing affordable housing on City owned property that becomes available or is deemed surplus property. Priority level: 2 Lead(s): Development Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Ongoing 7.4.3 Affordable Housing in Public or Quasi-Public Zones: Evaluate the appropriateness of allowing affordable housing within public or quasi-public zoning designations, when appropriate. Priority Level: 2 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: As opportunities arise HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-68 City of Chula Vista General Plan Objective – H 8 Ensure the availability of housing opportunities to persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, disability, marital status, and familial status, source of income or sexual orientation. Policies & Programs H 8.1 Ensure equal housing opportunities to prevent housing discrimination in the local housing market. 8.1.1 Affirmative Marketing & Leasing: Require affordable housing developments for low-and moderate-income households to comply with the following policies: ?? In marketing and leasing efforts, require outreach to minority communities, including advertising in multi-lingual media; ?? Require the monitoring of lease and sales efforts for compliance with affirmative marketing; and, ?? Require periodic reporting to the Development Services Department on the composition of resident populations in units, income levels and affordability of the units. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-69 8.1.2 Fair Housing Education & Counseling: Continue contracting with a service provider for the implementation of programs for broad outreach and education on housing rights to ensure information and materials are available to the entire community through a variety of means, including availability on the City’s website and various City and civic buildings, fair housing counseling, and resolution of fair housing complaints. Where appropriate, refer to other agencies, including State and Federal enforcement agencies. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: CDBG Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress Objective – H 9 Promote and facilitate early, transparent public input and participation emphasizing community awareness of the City of Chula Vista’s goals, tools, available resources and programs for lower income households. Policies & Programs H 9.1 Encourage meaningful public participation by all segments of the community, including low-and moderate-income residents, the business sector, social service agencies, renters and homeowners, when reviewing and developing City housing policies and affordable housing projects. 9.1.1 Public Input & Participation: Continue to incorporate public input and participation in the design and development of City housing plans and policies. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s)s: Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Ongoing/Annual review of progress HOUSING ELEMENT PART II Page H-70 City of Chula Vista General Plan 9.1.2 Limited English Proficiency Policy: Development of a City-wide policy to provide services to persons with limited English proficiency with the goal of providing such persons with better access to verbal and written information provided by the City, specifically related to affordable housing resources and programs for low-and moderate-income households. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: 2013-14 9.1.3 Housing Resources Information: Develop and maintain outreach or other appropriate marketing materials identifying available housing resources and programs available in the City of Chula Vista, including affordable housing developments, to ensure existing and potential residents are aware of affordable housing opportunities. Information and materials are to be available via the City’s website and the Development Services front counters. Priority Level: 1 Lead(Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline; Ongoing/Annual review of progress 9.1.4 Annual Housing Report: Provide an annual report to the City Council on the City’s existing housing stock and policies in relation to progress in implementing the policies of the Housing Element. The annual report shall also be made available for review in public locations. Priority Level: 1 Lead(s): Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budget Implementation Timeline: Annually HOUSING ELEMENT PART III Page H-71 OVERVIEW: QUANTIFIED OBJECTIVES California Housing Element Law requires jurisdictions to estimate the number of affordable housing opportunities that will be created over the eight-year planning period. The City has two sets of numerical housing goals; the City’s share of the SANDAG Regional Housing Needs Assessment (regional share goals) and the Quantified Objectives for Affordable Housing Production. The total regional share goal is to provide adequate land resources to accommodate approximately 11,315 new housing units, 5,648 of which are for low-and very low-income households. To determine the adequacy of land for very low-and low-income households, the City must demonstrate the availability of land zoned for 30 dwelling units per acre or greater. The analysis of adequacy of available land resources is provided in Appendix C of the Housing Element. This total low-income housing need is far greater than the City has available resources to facilitate. Therefore, the City City establishes a quantified objective for the actual creation of affordable housing opportunities and the provision of other housing assistance. 1.0 HOUSING ELEMENT PART III Page H-72 City of Chula Vista General Plan Blank HOUSING ELEMENT PART III Page H-73 QUANTIFIED OBJECTIVES Part II of the Housing Element outlines policies and programs that range from the new construction of housing, rehabilitating housing, and other housing assistance programs such as rental assistance, homebuyer assistance, and homeless services. These programs and policies are categorized into two levels of priorities: • Level 1 Priorities are those that the City is dedicated to addressing within the planning period with the expected resources. • Level 2 Priorities are those that the City acknowledges as important to address should resources allow. Many programs and policies reduce barriers and create opportunities for a balanced community. These goals are essential to meeting the City’s housing needs, but are more qualitative in general. The quantified objectives adopted by the City of Chula Vista are based upon the Level 1 goals, policies and programs outlined within the City’s Plan of Action, as outlined in Part II. The City reasonably expects that a total of 694 households will be assisted, as summarized in Table III-1 below. Table III-1 Summary of Objectives 2013-2020 Activity Extremely-Low Very-Low Low Moderate TOTAL By Activity Affordable Units – New Construction Rental 40 40 80 Assistance Mortgage Credit Certificates 12 13 25 Rental Assistance/Homeless Prevention 6 15 21 Homeless Services (beds) 434 434 Rehabilitation Owner-Occupied 30 30 Renter-Occupied 22 22 Acquisition/Rehabilitation 5 10 15 2.0 HOUSING ELEMENT PART III Page H-74 City of Chula Vista General Plan Table III-1 Summary of Objectives 2013-2020 Activity Extremely-Low Very-Low Low Moderate TOTAL By Activity Rental Preservation “At-Risk” Units 184 67 Additionally, there are housing programs and services available to Chula Vista residents that the City does not administer. For example, approximately 2,500 Chula Vista residents receive Section 8 rental assistance through the County of San Diego. These households pay an affordable rental rate while residing in market rate rental housing. These types of programs and services were not included in the City’s Plan of Action or the quantified objectives, as the City does not directly provide support. HOUSING ELEMENT PART III Page H-75 PLANNING FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION Table III-2 shows the new construction goals for the City during the planning period from 2013-2020 based upon Chula Vista’s share of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). New construction is heavily dependant on market demands, Federal, State, and County programs, and private funding. Even with very aggressive policies and programs, given that areas in western Chula Vista are primarily mature and built-up and the remaining large tracts of vacant land in the east are already planned and ready for development, the previous years’ housing production record and limited public financing for affordable housing, these objectives are likely to be unachievable. Therefore, the City cannot guarantee these needs will be met. The availability of land suited to meet this goal is described in Appendix C. Previous housing production has demonstrated that new construction of housing for very low-and low-income households falls short of the projected need. The estimated gap between the costs of producing a unit and what a very low-or low-income household can financially support is enormous. Capital subsidies, primarily from federal, state, and local funding programs, are necessary for the production of housing for these income groups. With the limited availability of public subsidies, the City assumes a significant decrease from the last decade’s affordable housing production. The economic recession has had a devastating impact on the housing and mortgage industries, thereby resulting in a minimal new housing stock when compared to years prior. The City anticipates that much of the new construction will result from building out the newly developing master planned communities in the East Planning Area, Bayfront and mixed-use and infill development in the City’s Urban Core Specific Plan Area. However, setting the goals to be more “realistic” and achievable” does not accurately address the need. 3.0 HOUSING ELEMENT PART III Page H-76 City of Chula Vista General Plan Table III-2 NEW HOUSING CONSTRUCTION OBJECTIVES 2013-2020 Income Category RHNA Construction Need Extremely Low 1,590 Very Low 1,591 Low 3,122 Moderate 2,220 Above Moderate 3,602 Total 11,125 Pursuant to AB 2634, local jurisdictions are also required to project the housing needs of extremely low income households (0-30% AMI). In estimating the number of extremely low income households, a jurisdiction can use 50% of the very low income allocation or apportion the very low income figure based on Census data. As shown in Table HE-10, extremely low income households constitute 50% of the very low income group. Therefore, the City’s RHNA of 430 very low income units can be split equally between extremely low and very low income units. Chula Vista will use the RHNA new construction goals as a long-term target but will annually assess its housing priorities against the reality of available resources. Each year as resources are identified, or reasonably expected to become available, shortfalls in achieving goals and actions outlined within Part II and the quantified objectives specified within this Part can be assessed, program targets shifted appropriately and resources allocated effectively and efficiently.