1 CITY OF
BURBANK
GENERAL PLAN
Annual Implementation Progress Report
2021
Annual Implementation Progress
Report
2013-2017
Burbank, CA 91502
Prepared by:
Community Development Department
Planning Division
150 N. Third Street
Burbank, CA 91502
Draft Presented to City Council on April 12, 2022
ATTACHMENT 1
2 Table of Contents
I. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 3 A. BURBANK2035 GENERAL PLAN ........................................................................................................ 3 B. PURPOSE OF THE ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT .............................................................................. 3 II. STATUS OF BURBANK2035 GENERAL PLAN ............................................................................................ 4 A. GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION STATUS .................................................................................... 4 B. MUNICIPAL CODE UPDATES ............................................................................................................. 4 C. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS ........................................................................................................ 5 D. SPECIFIC PLAN ................................................................................................................................... 8 III. CITY OF BURBANK HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT ............................................... 11 A. UPDATES TO HOUSING PROGRAMS .............................................................................................. 11 B. HOUSING AND SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE TO BURBANK2035 GENERAL PLAN ........................... 15 IV. OTHER PLANNING ACTIVITIES .............................................................................................................. 16 A. MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ................................................................................................. 16 B. OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION PROJECTS ............................................................................... 18 C. MOBILITY PROJECTS ....................................................................................................................... 19 D. AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECT ............................................................................. 20 V. BURBANK GOALS & LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PLAN ............................................................................. 21 A. DEVELOP A SEISMIC RETROFIT OF PRIVATELY OWNED BUILDINGS ............................................. 21 B. DEVELOP A NOISE ORDINANCE ...................................................................................................... 22 C. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN 2018-2022 ............................................................ 22 D. ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN MAY 2020 ........................................................................................ 23 E. HOMELESSNESS PLAN 2018-2021 .................................................................................................. 23 F. AFFORDABLE HOUSING ANALYSIS AND STRATEGY....................................................................... 25 G. BURBANK FIRE DEPARTMENT STRATEGIC PLAN 2017-2022 ......................................................... 26 H. GOALS, POLICIES, OBJECTIVES, STANDARD OR OTHER PLAN PROPOSALS THAT NEED TO BE ADDED OR WERE DELETED, AMENDED OR OTHERWISE ADJUSTED. .................................................... 27 VI. COVID-19 RESPONSE………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..27 A. ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN………………………………………………………………………………………………………..27
3 I. INTRODUCTION
A. BURBANK2035 GENERAL PLAN
On February 19, 2013, the Burbank City Council adopted the Burbank2035 General Plan.
Subsequently, the City Council adopted the Burbank2035 Housing Element on January 7, 2014.
Burbank2035, including the Housing Element, enables the City to better define and ultimately achieve its physical, economic, and environmental goals. Included amongst these goals are:
allowing businesses to better compete in the local and regional marketplace; maintaining valued community characteristic s by ensuring responsible development and protecting residential neighborhoods; address local and regional transportation and environmental concerns; and building better neighborhoods for Burbank residents to live, work, and play.
The goals and policies within Burbank2035, affect a wide range of issues including housing, traffic circulation and mobility, parks and recreation, resource conservation, and public safety.
Burbank2035 anticipates and plans for change occurring in the community, and should be continually revised to be meaningful and relevant based on the current state of the community, with an eye toward the future. Burbank has experienced growth since the adoption of the General Plan in the past eight years.
B. PURPOSE OF THE ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
California Government Code Section 65400 mandates that cities submit an annual report on the status of the General Plan and progress in its implementation to their legislative bodies, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the Housing and Community Development (HCD) each year. Burbank’s Annual Progress Report is based on OPR and HCD guidance documents that are intended to assist local governments with the development of the General Plan Annual Progress Report. The Annual Progress Report is a tool use d by the State to help monitor the success of implementing the General Plan and determine if changes to the plan or its implementation programs are necessary to comply with State law.
This General Plan Annual Progress Report provides status updates for the reporting period of calendar year 2021. The California Government Code Section 65400 also mandates cities to prepare an annual Housing Element Annual Progress Report that includes cities’ progress in implementing the adopted Housing Element and in meeting the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). Both the General Plan Annual Progress Report and Housing Element Annual Progress Report will be presented to City Council on April 12, 2022. 4 II. STATUS OF BURBANK2035 GENERAL PLAN
A. GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION STATUS
The City has achieved a n umber of measures established in the Land Use, Open Space, Safety, and Mobility Elements since the adoption of Burbank2035. Below is a summary of notable projects in each element. More details about each project are listed in Section II to IV of this report.
• Air Quality and Climate Change Element
o Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan
o Updates to Communitywide Greenhouse Gas Inventory
o Reforestation Program
o Smoke Reduction from Retail Food Operations Program
• Land Use
o Specific Plan Updates
o Historic Preservation Plan Update
• Mobility Element
o Burbank Channel Bikeway
o Downtown Metrolink Parking Management Plan
• Noise Programs
• Open Space and Conservation Element
o George Izay Park Master Plan
There are two elements, the Noise and Housing Elements, that include performance measures.
These two elements are in progress. The City is continuing to work on goals listed in the Noise Element, and is anticipating on possible updates to the Noise Ordinance in 202 2 as a result of two long range planning effor ts, the development of the Golden State Specific Plan and the proposed update to the Burbank Center Plan, which are currently underway and are anticipated to be completed in 202 2, respectively. The most challenging goals are listed in the Housing Element, particularly in meeting its Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation . In 2017, t he City adopted an Affordable Housing Strategy Plan, which is helping to develop a strategy to increase the availability of housing and housing affordable to all seg ments of the community that live or work in Burbank. The City has been discussing the existing policy documents and current and future goals for the creation and availability of housing affordable to Burbank households at all income levels.
The attached spreadsheet to this report includes a table summary of the completed goals, policies, and implementation measures to date on the Burbank2035’s Plan Realization chapter.
B. MUNICIPAL CODE UPDATES
1. Updating Regulations for Supportive Housing, Transi tional Housing, and Emergency Shelters Consistent with State Laws (Ordinance No. 21-3, 957)
5 On June 22, 2021, the City Council adopted an ordinance to amend the Burbank Municipal Code, by updating definitions for supportive housing, transitional housing a nd target population, and incorporating supportive housing and transitional housing as permitted land uses within the single family and multifamily zones . Additionally , the Council updated permitted and conditionally permitted land uses in the commercial a nd mixed- use zones subject to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone, pursuant to State law. This ordinance also modifies the development standards for emergency shelters.
Department: Community Development, Planning Division
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal No. 5: Housing; and Housing Element Goal No. 3 - Alternative forms of housing
General Policy: Land Use Policy 5.3 Provide more diverse housing opportunities, increase home ownership opportunities, and support affordable housing by encouraging alternative and innovative forms of housing.
2. Extending the Local Commercial Eviction Moratorium (Ordinance No. 21, 959)
Due to the state of emergency declared in the state of California due to the worldwide COVID- 19 pandemic since the beginning of March 2020, and in order to promote stability amongst commercial tenancies to allow commercial establishments to decide whether and how to remain open based on public health concerns rather than economic pressures, the City Council adopted, amended, and extended the eviction moratorium for commercial and residential tenants. The order was extended through March 31, 2021 initially and then extended once more through September 30, 2021.
Department: Community Development, Planning Division
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal No. 6: Economic Vitality and Diversity No. 3 – Importance to the community
General Policy: Land Use Policy 6.4 Recognize that locally owned “mom and pop” businesses are important to the local economy and community character, and help these businesses maintain a long- term presence in the community.
C. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS
In the past year, staff has initiated the following changes to Burbank2035:
6 1. General Plan Amendment associated with the proposed Golden State Specific Plan – In Progress
In 2017, the City of Burbank, began a long-range planning effort to develop the Golden State Specific Plan (GSSP). The GSSP area is an approximately 600-acre area located south and east of the Hollywood-Burbank Airport, that includes land zoned for industrial, commercial, and residential uses. There are two existing Metrolink stations, a proposed future High Speed Rail Station, and the proposed new airport terminal within the GSSP study area. The GSSP includes a study of existing land uses around the current Metrolink stati ons. The area is traditionally seen as one of the City’s industrial hubs. However, in more recent years, this area has evolved and there are a variety of commercial and office uses, media related and technology-based businesses. A significant portion of the area could be classified as post - industrial.
It is anticipated that the creation of the GSSP will require the City Council’s future consideration of an amendment to the General Plan. The Project will require an amendment to the City’s General Plan to establish the GSSP land use designation. The anticipated General Plan amendment would facilitate the Specific Plan’s implementation and ensure consistency between the City’s land use and long -range planning documents. Burbank Municipal Code (BMC) Section 10 -1-104, requires that a pre -application to initiate an amendment to the General Plan be referred to the City Council for preliminary review.
The General Plan vision for the Golden State District incorporates community aspirations from a City Council Study Session and public engagement. The vision is for a vibrant economic center and transportation hub that facilitates the preservation of existing key industries while creating new opportunities for housing and jobs with an elevated sense of arrival from the Hollywood-Burbank Airport, Metrolink Stations and future High-Speed Rail station.
The City’s Community Development Department has divided the formulation of the Golden State Specific Plan into the following four (4) phases:
• Phase 1: Discovery and Analysis (Completed in 2017)
• Phase 2: Establishment of a Vision and Guiding Principles, and Land Use Alternatives (Completed)
• Phase 3: Establishment of a Preferred Land use Plan, Development of Specific Plan Goals, Policies and Standards, and Environmental Analysis (August 2020-September 2021)
• Phase 4: Plan Adoption and Implementation (ongoing)
Department: Community Development, Planning
7 General Plan Goal: Land Use Element: Goal No. 1-7: Quality of Life; Sustainability; Community Design and Character; Public Spaces and Complete Streets; Housing; Economic Vitality and Diversity; and Community Participation; and Goal No. 12. Golden State Commercial/Industrial Land Use
General Policy: Policy No. 12.1 Direct heavy industrial uses and other uses with potential adverse effects to locate in appropriate areas away from residential areas and other sensitive uses. Policy 6.3 Recognize and maintain the Media District as the heart of the media industry in the city. Facilitate continued expansion of the media industry into Downtown, the Golden State area, and other parts of the city.
Realization Plan—Program LU-3: Specific Plans. A specific plan is a planning tool authorized by California law that implements a general plan by establishing detailed development goals and policies for a specific geographic area. In Burbank, the term “specific plan” has been applied generally to any planning document that focuses on a particular area of the city. The City will complete the following actions related to Specific Plans to implement Burbank2035:
• Consider creating new specific plan areas to create a sense of place, foster neighborhood identity, and address issues that are specific to each area.
Prepare a specific plan for the Golden State Commercial/Industrial Area to provide a framework for future development in the area consistent with Goal 13 in the Land Use Element.
2. Burbank Center Plan Update - In Progress
The Burbank Center Plan (BCP) was adopted in 1997 as an economic revitalizatio n plan that addresses long range land use and transportation planning of the downtown area. The Plan also focuses on several major “opportunity sites” which are currently vacant or underutilized parcels that have the potential to recycle in the next few years. The opportunity sites are viewed as catalysts for future development within the Burbank Center Plan area based on their strategic location and the potential for recycling. The Plan also contains land use and development standards designed to encourage mixed-use projects that would minimize the volume of vehicular traffic by encouraging the development of a variety of compatible uses within close proximity, and the use of public transit, carpooling, and pedestrian traffic within the Plan area. This land use plan capitalizes on transportation opportunities.
While the plan was effective at the time of adoption, it is no longer effective to help the City address the housing and affordability crisis it is currently facing. The City applied for and was awarded grant funding from Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to update the Burbank Center Plan and the North San Fernando Boulevard Master Plan and combine both plans to create a new Downtown Burbank TOD Specific Plan. This planning effort creates an opportunity for the community to re -envision downtown and allow the City to engage the community and decision makers on developing a shared vision and guiding prin ciples as we 8 work collaboratively to create a plan that establishes objective standards and clear community expectations for future responsible development that builds a safe, beautiful, and thriving downtown.
On May 5, 2020, City Council authorized Staff to prepare the proposed amendment to the General Plan in conjunction with the Downtown Burbank Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Specific Plan review and approval process for future City Council consideration. City staff and the consultant team are currently working on a draft of the specific plan document as well as the associated EIR. It is anticipated that the Specific Plan and EIR will be available for public review by the Fall of 2022 and will go before the City Council for adoption by late Summer 2023.
D. SPECIFIC PLAN
1. Golden State Specific Plan – In Progress
The Golden State Zoning District occupies approximately 600 -acres to the immediate east and south of Hollywood Burbank Airport in the City of Burbank. It is generally bounded by San Fernando Boulevard and the 5-freeway to the north, Empire Avenue to the south, Buena Vista Street to the east, and Hollywood Burbank Airport to the west.
The General Plan vision for the Golden State District incorporates community aspirations from City Council Study Session and public engagement. The vision for a vibrant economic center and transportation hub that facilitates the preservation of existing key industries while creating new opportunities for housing and jobs with an elevated sense of arrival from the Hollywood-Burbank Airport, Metrolink Stations and future High-Speed Rail station will be implemented through the goals, policies, development standards, and programs built into the specific plan document.
The City’s Community Development Department has divided the formulation of the Golden State Specific Plan into the following four (4) phases:
• Phase 1: Discovery and Analysis (Completed)
• Phase 2: Establishment of a Vision and Guiding Principles, and Land Use Alternatives (Completed)
• Phase 3: Establishment of a Preferred Land use Plan, Development of Specific Plan Goals, Policies and Standards, and Environmental Analysis (Ongoing) • Phase 4: Plan Adoption and Implementation (2023)
Phase 1 was completed in 2017 with the coordination of several City Department and community outreach. On July 14, 2020, City Council provided policy direction and input on the GSSP Draft Vision and Guiding Principles, and Draft Land use Alternative, amended the existing professional services agreement with the consultant, AECOM, and approved Staff’s request to initiate an amendment to the General Plan in conjunction with GSSP. In August 9 2020, a virtual community workshop held by Staff and the consultant, AECOM, transitioned the GSSP into the third phase of the development.
In 2021, staff worked with a consultant to create an analysis of the highest and best uses for lots in the Specific Plan Area focusing on the potential for infill development and the commercial corridors as well as multi- family development zones. Additionally, staff has commenced work on the Environmental Impact Report that is being prepared for the Project and the development of a draft specific plan document that will be vetted through City Council, the public and districtwide stakeholders later this year. This process is underway and will be concluded before updating the development standards. Staff anticipates that the Project will go before the City Council for final consideration and adoption in the First Quarter of 2022.
Department: Community Development, Planning
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element
Goal No. 1-7. Quality of Life; Sustainability; Community Design and Character; Public Spaces and Complete Streets; Housing; Economic Vitality and Diversity; and Community Participation
Goal No. 12. Golden State Commercial/Industrial Land Use
General Policy: Policy No. 12.1 Direct heavy industrial uses and other uses with potential adverse effects to locate in appropriate areas away from residential areas and other sensitive uses.
2. Burbank Center Plan Update - In Progress
The Burbank Center Plan (BCP) was adopted in 1997 as an economic revitalization plan for Downtown Burbank and surrounding areas. Since its adoption in 1997, much of the development in Downtown has changed. The City’s General Plan Realization Land Use Program LU-3 encourages the City to “review the three existing specific plans through a public process to determine whether the vision, goals, and policies established by the plans remain applicable and appropriate. Revise the plans as necessary to ensure that they reflect current desires for each of the three areas.” In order to implement this General Plan program, staff applied for and was awarded $310,000 in funds from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) under the SB2 Planning Grant Program and $410,000 from Los Angeles Country Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) under the TOD Planning Grant Program. Collectively, these grant funds will facilitate a new Downtown Burbank specific plan that proposes to incorporate an update to the 1997 Burbank Center Specific Plan, 2012 North San Fernando Boulevard Master Plan, and surrounding areas of both plans into one comprehensive planning document.
As part of the project, the new specific plan will include an update to the General Plan elements and undertake the appropriate environmental assessment pursuant to the 10 California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The new “Specific Plan” is referred to as the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station TOD Specific Plan and General Plan Update. This planning effort creates an opportunity for the community to re-envision downtown and allow the City to engage the community and decision makers on developing a shared vision and guiding principles as we work collaboratively to create a plan that establishes objective standards and clear community expectations for future responsible development that builds a safe, beautiful, and thriving downtown.
The approximately 965-acre Specific Plan area encompasses two adopted planning areas (the Burbank Center Plan and the North San Fernando Boulevard Master Plan), which includes Downtown Burbank and the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station. The Specific Plan’s development will include analysis of existing and proposed land uses, infrastructure, transportation, pedestrian and bicycle amenities, opportunities for new housing and other in-fill development opportunities. The Specific Plan will also analyze vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian access to the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station and study ways to take advantage of economic development opportunities and job creation around the station.
City staff presented an overview of the project, identification of the challenges and opportunities within the project area, and an introduction of the draft vision and guiding principles to the City Council at a Study Session in October 2020, as well as to the community at a virtual community workshop in November 2020. A se cond virtual community workshop was held in January 2021 which presented a plan framework that reflects the vision statement and guiding principles that were confirmed with City Council and the Community in October and November 2020 and shared initial idea s for the future of several key areas within downtown. A second Study Session was held with both Planning Board and the City Council in May 2021 wherein staff provided an updated on the project and presented the development strategy for the plan. Presenta tions were made to various City boards and commissions between March and May 2021 introducing the plan and to solicit feedback on the project. A third virtual community workshop was held on May 26, 2021, which presented the development strategy and include d a scoping meeting for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
City staff and the consultant team are currently working on a draft of the specific plan document as well as the associated EIR. It is anticipated that the Specific Plan and EIR will be available for public review by the end of 2022 and will go before the City Council for adoption by late Summer 2023.
Department: Community Development, Planning Division
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goals No. 1 -7. Quality of Life; Sustainability; Community Design and Character; Public Spaces and Complete Streets; Housing; Economic Vitality and Diversity; Community Participation
11 General Policy: Policy No. 1.1 Accommodate a mix of residential and non- residential land uses in appropriate locations that support the diverse needs of Burbank residents, businesses, and visitors. Provide opportunities for living, commerce, employment, recreation, education, culture, entertainment, civic engagement, and socializing.
Pending. Anticipating Adoption Date: Late Summer 2023
III. CITY OF BURBANK HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
A. UPDATES TO HOUSING PROGRAMS
The table below describes progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing as identified in the City Housing Element.
Name of Program Objective Timeframe
in Housing
Element
Status of Program
Implementation
Focus Neighborhood
Stabilization
Acquire and rehabilitate
rental units.
Ongoing Acquisition/rehabilitation of rental
units continues to be an element
of Burbank's affordable housing
efforts. With the high cost of
housing, limited funding and
available properties, the program
is substantially limited. The
program will continue to be
ongoing for opportunities as they
arise within the funding
constraints.
Code Enforcement Conduct proactive code
enforcement in CDBG
target areas.
Ongoing Ongoing code enforcement occurs
citywide.
Preservation of
Assisted Housing
Preserve existing "at-
risk" affordable housing
stock.
Ongoing Continuing to monitor
approximately 1,600 affordable
units: maintain annual contact
with owners/management to
ensure long-term affordability
covenants are met; maintain and
update list of all assisted housing
developments; promote fair
housing opportunities through
owner/tenant workshops.
12 Housing Choice
Vouchers (Section 8
Rental Assistance)
Maintain current levels
of Section 8 funding;
apply for additional
funds as available.
Ongoing In 2021, the BHA received an
allocation of 67 Emergency
Housing Vouchers (EHVs) to assist
individuals and families who are
experiencing homelessness; at risk
of experiencing homelessness;
fleeing, or attempting to flee,
domestic violence, dating violence,
sexual assault, stalking, or human
trafficking; or were recently
homeless and for whom providing
rental assistance will prevent the
family’s homelessness or having
high risk of housing instability.
Condominium
Conversion Program
Consider amending the
Inclusionary Housing
Ordinance to include
condo conversion
projects.
By 2015 No requirements yet imposed for
condo conversions.
Land Use Element
and Zoning Code
Update
Facilitate/encourage
residential mixed-use
development and
possibly small-lot
development; provide a
range of housing types.
By 2015 In January 2020, the Zoning Code
was updated to incorporate new
ADU regulations in compliance
with State law. Beginning in 2016,
staff has also been working on
development standards for mixed-
use places; zoning map was
updated to reflect new planned
developments approved by City as
well as amendments resulting
from the 2013 General Plan.
Second Dwelling
Units/Accessory
Dwelling Units
Promote development of
second units and
monitor ADU
development trends
annually to evaluate if
modifications are
needed for City
requirements.
Ongoing In compliance with further
amendments made to State ADU
laws taking effect January 2020,
updated ADU and Junior ADU
development standards and
processing requirements were
adopted by the City Council on
February 11, 2020
Affordable Housing
Development
Assistance
Provide regulatory
assistance for affordable
housing
Ongoing Continue to provide regulatory
incentives and concessions to
private developers to increase the
supply of affordable housing. As
well as providing information and
conduct meetings with and
outreach to the development
community for the purpose of
disseminating information on sites
13 with potential for development,
inclusionary housing requirements,
density bonuses, and other
available incentives and
concessions.
Inclusionary Housing
Ordinance
Continue to implement
inclusionary housing
ordinance.
Ongoing In 2020, City staff continued work
on updating the City's existing
Inclusionary Housing regulations.
A Study Session with City Council
was held in November 2020 for
direction and feedback.
The City continues to apply its
existing inclusionary regulations
for applicable rental and
ownership projects.
Housing for Persons
with Disabilities
Support the construction
and rehab of housing
targeted for persons
with disabilities.
Ongoing In December 2021, the City Council
and Housing Authority Board
provided financing to the Burbank
Housing Corporation (BHC) for the
construction of four (4) accessory
dwelling units (ADUs). Two of
those units will be ADA compliant
for disabled members of the
community. As additional
opportunities, staff will continue
to promote and support these
types of developments.
Sustainability and
Green Building
Implement Sustainability
Action Plan and
Greenhouse Gas
Reduction Plan and
encourage green
building practices in new
construction and rehab
projects.
Ongoing CAL Green (Title 24) building code
standards adopted in 2019 and
continues to be implemented
through the Building Division. It is
the practice of BHC to include
“green construction materials” in
all their projects; therefore, they
will include the following: 1)
Energy Star appliances; 2) Energy
efficient light fixtures; 3) LEED-
rated, light colored roof material;
4) Drought tolerant landscaping; 5)
Low and no VOC paint; 6) LEED-
rated carpet tiles and vinyl
flooring; 7) Low-flow toilets and
other water conservation devices
in acquisition/rehab or new
construction projects.
14 Transitional and
Supportive Housing
Amend City residential
definitions to classify
Health and Safety Code-
compliant transitional
and supportive housing
as a standard residential
use, consistent with
State law.
2017 Residential definitions not
amended. City complies with
mandatory regulations pertaining
to Community Care Facilities and
similar group home facilities. Since
2019, a total 19 transitional
housing units have been created
for adults, youth, and families with
children.
Development
Standards and
Procedures
Encourage mixed use
developments through
implementation of
mixed use development
standards (SCAG grant
for mixed use standards
approved in 2015) and
revisions to the Zoning
Ordinance. Review the
City's development
review and approval
process for possible
revisions.
2015 Ongoing. After receiving funding
through SCAG, beginning in 2016,
staff commenced work on creating
development standards for mixed-
use places for three key study
areas in the City. On January 27,
2018, staff and consultant held a
second community workshop.
Review of community input
received to date and direction on
the implementation framework is
ongoing, however, the project is
on hold for the time-being due to
staffing limitations; the mixed-use
standard policies that resulted
from this work will be considered
as part of the proposed update to
the Burbank Center Plan and the
Golden State Specific Plan that will
be developed during 2020-2021
planning period.
Fair Housing Provide information on
fair housing to Burbank
residents and property
owners; promote fair
housing practices.
Ongoing;
Update
Analysis of
Impediments
(AI).
Ongoing program. During the
reporting year, direct services
were provided to Burbank
residents related to fair housing
assistance/counseling through the
Fair Housing Rights Center and
Landlord Tenant Commission. In
addition, two fair housing
presentations were given in the
community; one geared to
landlords and the other to tenants
with an emphasis on rent
protections, State eviction orders,
and reasonable accommodations.
Affordable Housing
Density Bonus
Implement state law. Ongoing The City continues to comply with requirements for projects utilizing
a request for State density bonus.
15 Landlord/Tenant
Mediation
Offer conflict mediation
services through
Landlord-Tenant
Commission.
Ongoing Ongoing program. The Landlord
Tenant Commission meets once a
month unless otherwise posted to
educate and mediate between
landlords and tenants. During
2021, the Commission held various
public information meetings on
the State eviction orders ’s AB
1482, AB 3088, Burbank’s Eviction
Moratorium and Commission
members attended the Housing
Right’s Workshop put on by the
Housing Rights Center.
Additionally, PIO continues to
promote the put together a
promotional outreach plan for the
Commission. Information on the
meetings can be found on via
Facebook, Instagram, Next-door
and Twitter.
Emergency Shelter
and Emergency
Services
Explore opportunities for
supportive services
programs and
partnerships to leverage
funds; provide funding
support to agencies
offering homeless
services to Burbank's
homeless and at-risk
population.
Ongoing In 2021, the City received the first
year of funding from the state via
the Permanent Local Housing
Allocation (PLHA) program. The
City Council approved a spending
plan to utilize the funds for rapid
rehousing for households at risk of
homelessness, and for transitional
housing and homeless programs.
Furthermore, the City will continue
to provide navigation services to
people experiencing homelessness
or at risk of becoming homeless at
the SAFE Center. In addition, the
City is exploring a tiny home village
on a City-owned parcel for interim
housing.
Accessible Housing
and Universal
Design
Explore incentives for
residential projects that
include universal design
features.
Ongoing Reasonable accommodation
process implemented in 2009 and
successfully utilized numerous
times.
Residential Lifeline
Program
Offers reduced rates for
electric utility to very
low income seniors and
permanently disabled
residents.
Ongoing Ongoing program.
16 B. HOUSING AND SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE TO BURBANK2035 GENERAL PLAN
The Housing Element is required to be updated every eight years and the City is currently working on obtaining State certification for its updated Housing Element for the 2021-2029 planning period. Housing Element goals, policies, and programs will be consistent with the City Council’s housing strategy and concurrent long-range planning efforts (GSSP and Burbank Center Plan Update) and will ensure the City’s continued compliance with State housing law.
The Housing Element update will include other updates to the General Plan to address requirements for climate change resiliency planning in the Safety Element, and Environmental Justice goals, policies and objectives to incorporate into several elements of the General Plan.
IV. OTHER PLANNING ACTIVITIES
A. MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
The City Council, the Planning Board and/or the Community Development Director have approved the following new development projects in 2021:
1. 2801 N. Hollywood Way. – Entitled February 11, 2021
On February 11, 2021, the Community Development Director approved a request for a Development Review application for a six-story hotel on a 69,696 square foot lot (known as the Cambria Hotel). The area of the proposed hotel is 80,183 square feet, and it will include 150 guest rooms, along with a ground level bar, fitness center, and me eting rooms. The project site is in Planned Development zone and has been subjected to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis as a part of a larger Planned Development Project No. 16 -0004646 (known as the Avion Burbank Project) . City Council approved the Environmental Impact Report for the Planned Development Project March 26, 2019. Planning Staff is in the process of working with the applicant for building permit review of the project.
Department: Community Development, Planning Division
Project No.: 20-0005929
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal 3: Community Design and Character and Goal 4: Public Spaces and Complete Streets
General Policy: Policy 3.5: Ensure that architecture and site design are high quality, creative, complementa ry to Burbank’s character, and compatible with surrounding development and public spaces; Policy 3.7: Ensure that lots and buildings appropriately interact with and address public streets; Policy 4.8: Locate parking lots and structures behind 17 buildings or underground. Do not design parking lots and structures to face streets or sidewalks at ground level. Use alternatives to surface parking lots to reduce the amount of land devoted to parking
2. 3401 W. Empire Ave – Entitled June 14, 2021
On June 14, 2021, the Planning Board approved a request for a Conditional Use Permit and Development Review application for a spherical geodesic dome, approximately 186 feet in diameter and 95 feet in height with approximately 28,664 square feet of floor area on an approximately 1.95-acre vacant site. The Project is a prototype facility for Madison Square Garden (MSG) Entertainment’s creative teams to develop and edit content prior to its ultimate use in Las Vegas productions. The Project also includes proposed improve ments to the public right-of-way adjacent to the site and onsite parking and landscaping . The Project qualifies for a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with Section 15332 of the State CEQA Guidelines for infill development within urbanized areas. Planning Staff is in the process of working with the applicant for building permit review of the project.
Department: Community Development, Planning Division
Project No.: 21-0001110
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal 1: Quality of Life, Goal 2: Sustainability, Goal 3: Community Design and Character and Goal 4: Public Spaces and Complete Streets
General Policy: Refer to Exhibit E for Planning Board Public Hearing, conducted on June 14, 2021 (available to view via link provided here)
3. 2311 N. Hollywood Way. – Entitled September 27, 2021
On September 27, 2021, the Planning Board approved a request for a Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessment (SCEA) , Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), a Conditional Use Permit, Development Review, Tentative Parcel Map, and State Density Bonus request for a mixed -use development with 862 multifamily residential units above ground floor commercial uses. As required under CEQA, City staff and its CEQA 18 consultant prepared a SCEA and associated technical studies that provides substantial evidence that the Project would not result in any potentially significant environmental impacts with implementation of the mitigation measures identified in the SCEA and MMRP.
Consistent with SB 375, these measures include feasible and applicable measures from prior Environmental Impact Reports (EIR). Pursuant to State law, the project qualified for a 42.5% increase in the allowable residential density in exchange for providing a percentage of deed- restricted affordable housing units. Out of the 862 dwelling units, the project will include 40 units reserved for households qualifying as Very Low Income – the affordable units in the project were established through a combination of State Density Bonus requirements and the City’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance for new rental projects. Planning Staff is in the process of working with the applicant for building permit review of the project.
Department: Community Development, Planning Division
Project No.: 20-0003289
General Plan Goal: Refer to Exhibit F for Planning Board Public Hearing, conducted on September 27th, 2021 (available to view via link provided here)
General Policy: Refer to Exhibit F for Planning Board Public Hearing, conducted on September 27th, 2021 (available to view via link provided here) B. OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION PROJECTS
The City of Burbank operates 27 parks, several recreation centers, and several cultural and art entertainment venues. As part of phase 1, staff initiated the first step of the George Izay Park Master Plan engagement efforts. The George Izay Park Master Plan results and report will be presented to the Parks and Recreation Board in June 2022.
On May 24, 2021, the City approved agreements with the Los Angeles Community Garden Council to manage community gardens at 1141 North Pass Avenue and 3705 West Clark Avenue.
In 2021, the Parks and Recreation Department submitted a grant application for P rop 68 funding which secured $243,440 for the development of the Dick Clark Dog Park. The Department continues to seek other similar grant opportunities. Also in 2021, the Parks and Recreation Department completed the following projects:
1. Indoor Courts were resurfaced;
2. Park Playground Equipment was replaced at Robert Lundigan, George Izay, and Miller Parks;
3. Irrigation controls were installed across 10 parks;
4. Ballfield bleachers were retrofitted; and
19 5. Lighting at Larry L Maxam Park was replaced.
Department: Parks and Recreation Department
General Plan Goal: Open Space and Conservation Element Goal No. 3: F Parks and Recreation Facilities Maintenance
General Policy: Policy No. 3.1 Improve and rehabilitate existing parks and recreation facilities.
C. MOBILITY PROJECTS
1. Burbank Channel Bikeway - Construction completed in January 2021 The Burbank Channel Bikeway is a one-mile Class 1 (off-street) bike and pedestrian path that runs along the Burbank-Western Flood Control Channel, a tributary of the Los Angeles River.
Phase I of the Project was completed in 2011 and extends from Victory Boulevard to Alameda Avenue.
The Project, which will greatly expand the City’s bicycle network and help to connect three regional bike paths. It will beautify the Channel while providing a safe off- street facility for bicycle riders and pedestrians. The Pr oject also builds better neighborhoods by providing a recreational amenity that encourages active living while improving the aesthetics of the Channel area. When coupled with future -planned improvements to the north and south, users will be able to seamlessly travel from the valley to Downtown Los Angeles in a separate and protected off- street facility. Construction was completed in January of 2021 and is currently open for public use.
Department: Community Development Department, Transportation Division General Plan Goal: Mobility Element Goal No. 5: Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility General Policy: Policy No. 5.1. Maximize pedestrian and bicycle safety, accessibility, connectivity, and education throughout Bu rbank to create neighborhoods where people choose to walk or ride between nearby destinations.
2. Downtown Metrolink Parking Management Plan - Project Underway in 2020.
On February 25, 2020, City Council approved the Parking Management Plan for the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station. The plan will implement the City’s Parking Management Principles, as well as achieve four important objectives for managing parking at the Metrolink Station that allow transit users the ability to access convenient parking, a llow nontransit users of nearby land uses the ability to park without affecting transit users, discourage long-term parking abuse, and identify if there is surplus parking at the station that could be put to a better economic or community use.
During the reporting period, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reduced the demand for transit and parking at the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station, and at the same time cost 20 proposals received would not generate the revenue to offset the costs to manage the parking.
Staff will be recommending that City Council direct staff to implement the City’s Parking Management Principles using a phased Parking Management Plan. This would allow the City to start small today, but scale up in the future to respond to increased parking demand once the pandemic subsides. Staff is monitoring demand for parking at the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station and will present parking management at the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station to the City Council when demand returns to a higher level.
Department: Community Development, Transportation Division
General Plan Goal: Mobility Element Goal No. 7: Parking
General Policy: Policy 7.2 Design commercial and residential parking standards to limit new vehicle trips, incentivize transit use, and promote non-motorized transportation.
D. AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECT
1. Update on the 2013 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan – Anticipated completed date is mid- 2022
Since City staff’s last GGRP status update to Planning Board and City Council in late 2019, City Council directed City staff to work on a proposed GGRP Update to incorporate recent legislation, new measures, and community input in the City’s efforts to reduce its fair share of emissio ns. This effort to update the GGRP also aligns with City Council’s goal regarding sustainability.
Staff has prepared a proposed GGRP Update. The proposed GGRP Update seeks to align with federal, state, and local guidelines and the main goals are to: 1) re duce GHG emissions to 49 percent below 2010 levels by 2030 (Senate Bill 32 target year); 2) reduce GHG emissions to 66 percent below 2010 levels by 2035 (General Plan horizon year), and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 (Executive Order B-55-18 target year).
The development of the document has been a Citywide effort that has included City staff City Council, Boards, Commissions, and the public. Public outreach has continued with two virtual community meetings held in November 2020 and March 2021. In addition, City staff hosted an outreach event at the Burbank Farmers Market in March 2021.
The following stakeholders, Boards, and Commissions were included in the outreach:
Planning Board, Sustainable Commission Ad Hoc, Sustainable Commission, Burbank Water and Power Board, Transportation Commission, Park, Recreation and Community Services Board, Residents Inspiring Service and Empowerment (RISE) Group, Youth Board, Burbank Transportation Management Organization (BTMO), Burbank Eco-Council, Board of Appeals for Building & Safety/Fire, and most recently, tribal consultation where City 21 staff met with California Tribal Historic and Cultural Preservation Department in January 2022. Staff has been attending additional public meetings with stakeholders, and will be presenting to City Council in May 2022 for adoption.
V. BURBANK GOALS & LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PLAN
A. DEVELOP A SEISMIC RETROFIT OF PRIVATELY OWNED BUILDINGS In October 2019, City Council directed staff to develop a “Soft-Story Seismic Retrofit Program” for Council review. Consistent with the City’s direction to build and protect neighborhoods, such a program will provide for a higher level of building-safety for Burbank residents and will allow greater preparedness for inevitable earthquakes.
The proposed pr ogram will have an immediate focus on soft -story structures. Such an initiation will be a major step in the City reaching the goal of seismic resiliency. Elements of a Soft-Story Seismic Retrofit Program can include:
• Re-Inventory of apartments that appea r on the City’s preliminary database of soft- story buildings;
• Initiate a Request for Proposal of structural engineering firms to assist in the identification and inventory of Soft-Story buildings;
• Discuss potential incentives among City Departments;
• Staff to conduct a public Study Session with City Council; • Present City Council with a “Soft- Story Seismic Retrofit Program” Staff Report and Ordinance that includes mandatory retrofit of Soft-Story structures; • Include elements such as noticing to building owners, compliance timeframes, compliance extensions, enforcement action, appeals, and protection for tenants; • Develop protocols and procedures for noticing of building owners; • Conduct community outreach meetings with building owners, apartment tenants; • Conduct a “Soft Story Seismic Retrofit Fair” to provide building owners resources of seismic retrofit design consultants, contractors, material devices, and agencies.
Currently, the project is ongoing.
Department: Community Development, Building & Safety Division
General Plan Goal: Safety Element Goal No.5: Seismic Safety
General Policy: Safety Policy 5.3 Enforce seismic design provisions of the current California Building Standards Code related to geologic, seismic, and slope hazards; and Safety Policy No. 5.4 Encourage and facilitate 22 retrofits of seismically high- risk buildings to reduce risks from seismic ground shaking.
B. DEVELOP A NOISE ORDINANCE
Amplification and noise continue to be a concern regarding Performers in Downtown Burbank. The Burbank Municipal Code (BMC) currently has restrictions regarding noise as it disturbs nearby residents in the area. However, there is nothing in place to regulate noise to protect individuals such as patrons or proprietors of businesses in Downtown from unreasonable noise created by sound amplifying equipment, television sets, or similar devices.
It is the City’s goal to amend the BMC to protect all individuals and neighborhoods that may be within the area of audibility of unreasonable noise. Staff from the City Attorney, Police Department and Community Development Department are working together on this update, which is being considered as part of City’s long term planning efforts to develop the Golden State Specific Plan and the upcoming Burbank Center Plan Update anticipated in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Department: Community Development, Planning Division and Police Department
General Plan Goal: Noise Element Goal No. 1: Noise Compatible Land Uses
General Policy: Policy No. 1.4. Maintain acceptable noise levels at existing noise - sensitive land uses.
Pending. Anticipating Adoption Date: By the fourth quarter of 2022
C. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN 2018-2022
On December 12, 2017, staff presented an Economic Development Study Session to City Council discussing the current and future focus of economic development and the overarching goal of building a better Burbank utilizing the core elements of attraction, retention, entrepreneurship, and tourism development. As a result, City Council adopted the Economic Development Strategic Plan 2018-2022 on August 14, 2018.
These core elements, goals and strategies in the Strategic Plan tie in with what City Council discussed as their preliminary goals during the Goals Setting Workshop on August 5, 2017.
Goals include enhancing tourism marketing, seeking to develop additional affordable housing, homelessness strategies, responsible growth, and protection of neighborhoods.
With the main goal of economic development to “Build a Better Burbank”, the Plan provides the framework for strategies and programs for attraction, retention, entrepreneurship and tourism to help us achieve our goal while also providing a guide for the future and Burbank’s ongoing success.
23 While the City’s economic indicators are strong and has been resilient during the recent economic downturn, the City will continue to grow and diversify the employment base and housing stock, create vibrant, walkable, and safe neighborhoods, and attract retail/restaurant options that can compete with ecommerce. This and more is necessary to sustain a thri ving, clean, safe, and flourishing Burbank.
D. ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN MAY 2020
The City Council adopted the Economic Recovery Plan in May 2020 to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and revive Burbank’s economy. The goal of the Recovery Plan was to revive Burbank’s robust economy by preventing homelessness and encouraging development and business recovery to occur along with financial stability for our residents, thereby building a safe, beautiful and thriving community. The plan achieves short- term and long- term goals in three phases: Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. Staff and City Council have been working diligently to implement many of the tasks listed in the original Plan. The continued evolution of the Economic Recovery Plan goals and polici es are essential to accelerate the local economic recovery that will support the well -being of businesses and residents.
Status update reports were provided to the Burbank City Council on October 13, 2020 and February 23, 2021.
Department: Community Development, Business and Economic Development
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal No. 6: Economic Vitality and Diversity General Policy: Policy No. 6.1. Recruit and attract new businesses. Use these businesses to act as catalyst to attract other businesses.
Continue to utilize public -private partnerships and other incentives to enhance economic vitality.
Policy No. 6.2. Recognize and maintain Downtown Burbank as the city’s central business distric t, providing a mix of commercial, civic, cultural, recreational, educational, entertainment, and residential uses.
Policy No. 6.3. Recognize and maintain the Media District as the heart of the media industry in the city. Facilitate continued expansion of t he media industry into Downtown, the Golden State area, and other parts of the city.
24 E. HOMELESSNESS PLAN 2018-2021
The City has worked diligently over the last three years under the existing Plan, to meet the needs of its unhoused residents and created an award- winning homeless outreach program. Significant investments were made to develop resources in outreach, housing, shelter, mental health, storage, prevention, and public health. Some of these successes include:
Engagement
1. Increasing our communication with the community through the launch of 3 -1-1, Our Burbank application (A City Manager Office, Public Information Office, and Information Technology collaboration).
2. Forming an action -oriented network of health and service providers whose primary purpose is to deliver care and referrals to people experiencing homelessness.
3. Completing two public educational videos on Burbank’s approach to addressing homelessness and challenges – “The Power of Connecting” and a Spectrum News Report on homelessness that was broadcasted to spectrum subscribers.
Shelter/Health First
1. Developing a health and housing first prioritization system for the unhoused while finding permanent solutions.
2. Continuing to provide shelter first strategies to people experiencing homelessness or people living in encampments. To date, 131 persons have been housed or reunited with their loved ones.
3. Hiring of a social worker co -located within the Central Library and Joslyn Adult Center in partnership with Library Services and the Parks and Recreation Department.
Special Programs
1. Establishing and expanding the use of the SAFE and HELP Center (homeless storage center) and creating a calendar of monthly events and services with the support of the Salvation Army and community partners.
2. Providing additional support to the street outreach program by adding a second Homeless Services Liaison to Streetplus city-wide services
Community Partners/Funding
1. Working together to implement the Homelessness Plan with our community partners, such as Home Again L.A. (formerly Family Promise of the Verdugos), Burbank Temporary Aid Center, Burbank Housing Corporation, Family Service Agency, Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, Salvation Army, Streetplus, housing property managers and landlords, and more.
25 2. Advocating for funding from local, state, and federal agencies for imple mentation of our homeless efforts.
F. AFFORDABLE HOUSING ANALYSIS AND STRATEGY
Only July 11, 2017, City Council adopted the Burbank Affordable Housing Analysis and Strategy. It described some of the causes of Burbank’s current affordability crisis and suggested some solutions to be considered by the City Council. Contained within the Analysis and Strategy is the Burbank Affordable Housing Action Plan. The Plan lays out a work plan for staff’s future efforts and policy considerations to be discussed with City Council in the future.
The seven policy proposals include:
1. Promote responsible development of new housing units within the Downtown/San Fernando, Media District, and Golden State specific planning areas while still protecting and preserving single-family residential neighborhoods.
2. Adopt standardized definitions for the different levels of affordability for Burbank. Note:
The monthly rent will change slightly each year as new median household income and average rent adjusts. For 2017, the following definitions would apply:
3. Focus on building affordable Burbank rental and “For Sale ” housing, supplemented by Subsidized and Market Rate Housing.
4. Champion the idea that future affordable housing does not have to adhere to the traditional notion of one family, one unit and can be a variety of housing design concepts.
5. Embrace the idea of s maller units and “micro units” along with increased densities that provide affordable housing.
6. Hold developers to high standards using Burbank’s definition of Responsible Development that includes private and public amenities that help build better neighborhoods for Burbank residents as a whole.
7. Continue to look at nontraditional ways of obtaining affordable housing that include those established through the First Street Village Mixed- use Project and other jurisdictions’ best practices.
The development of the Affordable Housing Analysis and Strategy assisted staff in their evaluation of housing and mixed-use projects that are currently being evaluated and are projected to be presented to City Council in the future.
Department: Community Development, Business and Economic Development
General Plan Goal: Housing Element Goal No. 2 and 3: Variety of Housing Sites
General Policy: Policy No. 2.2. Consistent with the Land Use Element, promote opportunities for a variety of housing types, including small lot development, live -work units and mixed- use development, to accommodate the City’s diverse housing needs.
26 Policy No. 2.3: Encourage and facilitate the adaptive re -use of underutilized commercial and industrial buildings in appropriate locations to augment the supply of housing in the community and to create additional opportunities for providing affordable housing.
G. BURBANK FIRE DEPARTMENT STRATEGIC PLAN 2017-2022
The City adopted Burbank Fire Department Strategic Plan 2017 -2022, which was written in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI)/Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) – Fire & Emergency Serv ice Self-Assessment Manual 9th edition. Strategic planning is a critical mechanism to ensure that fire departments, or any organization, make the best use of limited resources in order to meet the demands and challenges of the present as well as the future. The purpose of this Strategic Plan is to clearly define the mission, vision, values and goals of BFD while also developing a guide for our decisions and actions for the next five years.
BFD’s strategic planning process consisted of three distinct phases : (1) Project Organization, (2) Internal and External Department Assessments, and (3) Goal and Action Item Creation.
The following goals define BFD’s direction for the next five years:
Goal 1 – Provide Exceptional All-Hazards Service Delivery, and Evaluate Organizational and Process Improvements
Goal 2 – Maintain Highly Skilled, Accountable and Resilient Workforce Goal 3 – Promote Community Relations and Engagement
Goal 4 – Focus on Resource Management
Goal 5 – Capitalize on Technology
BFD publishes an annual Strategic Action Item Update document to provide status and other relevant information. This document is provided to the City Manager. Of the 42 Action Items, 21 are complete, 13 are in progress, and eight are delayed. BFD will soon be gin work on its new five-year strategic plan, to be published by the end of FY 22-23.
Department: Fire Department
General Plan Goal: Safety Element Goal No. 4: Fire Protection
General Policy: Policy No. 4.2. Provide adequate staffing, equipment, te chnology, and funding for the Burbank Fire Department to meet existing and projected service demands and response times.
Policy No. 4.3. Implement fire prevention and suppression programs in areas of high fire hazard risk, including both urban and wildland areas.
27 H. GOALS, POLICIES, OBJECTIVES, STANDARD OR OTHER PLAN PROPOSALS THAT NEED TO BE ADDED OR WERE DELETED, AMENDED OR OTHERWISE ADJUSTED.
Other than the General Plan Amendments described above, there are no changes to goals, policies, objectives, standards, or other plan proposals.
VI. COVID-19 RESPONSE
A. ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
The City Council adopted the Economic Recovery Plan in May 2020 to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and revive Burbank’s economy. The goal was to revive Burbank’s robust economy by preventing homelessness and encouraging development and business recovery to occur along with financial stability for the residents. The plan achieves short-term and long-term goals in three phases: Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. Staff and City Council have been working diligently to implement many of the tasks listed in the original Plan. The continued evolution of the Economic Recovery Plan goals and policies are essential to accelerate the local economic recovery that will support the well-being of businesses and residents. Status update reports were provided to the Burbank City Council on October 13, 2020 and February 23, 2021.
The seven adopted policies are continuously being implemented:
• Accessing and sharing information about recovery efforts and funding for residents, • business owners, and employees while collaborating with our governmental, nonprofit, and business partners;
• Promoting businesses within the City to residents, visitors, and other businesses; • Assisting the most vulnerable members of the community with financial support • through the use of Eviction Orders, grants, Federal funding, and partnership with service organizations;
• Implementing use of online tools for streamlined project review and permit processing;
• Updating regulations and policies to enable business success and home improvements in the most efficient and cost-effective manner; • Helping Burbank’s tourism industry recover by promoting and marketing our hotels, restaurants, the Hollywood Burbank Airport, and other local destinations; • Collaborating with our government representatives at the County, State and Federal • levels to promote economic recovery while directly supporting our businesses and residents.
Department: Community Development, Public Works, Fire, Police, and Management Services Department
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal No. No. 6: Economic Vitality and Diversity and No. 7: Community Participation
28 Policy No. 6.1. Recruit and attract new businesses. Use these businesses to act as catalysts to attract other businesses. Continue to utilize public-private partnerships and other incentives to enhance economic vitality; Policy No. 6.2. Recognize and maintain Downtown Burbank as the city’s central business district, providing a mix of commercial, civic, cultural, recreational, educational, entertainment, and residential uses; Policy No. 6.4. Recognize that locally owned “mom and pop” businesses are important to the local economy and community cha racter, and help these businesses maintain a long -term presence in the community; Policy No. 6.6.
Require new large commercial and office projects to provide services, proportionate to their size, that benefit employees, including child- care, fitness facilities, rail and bus transit facilities, and personal services; Policy No. 7.4. Hold community meetings, workshops, charrettes, etc., and provide other opportunities for input on different days and times and at various locations throughout the city to maxim ize opportunity for public input. The Plan highlights what was completed, ongoing, and/or in progress. Below are some notable highlights in the past year:
1. Small Business Assistance Forgivable Loan Program
City Council approved the Small Business Assistance Loan Program to provide funding to the self-employed and small business owners in Burbank that were negatively impacted by COVID-19. Funds would be distributed to those who qualify on a first-come, first served basis. Businesses were eligible for forgivable loans of up to $20,000 from the City of Burbank.
Department: Community Development, Business and Economic Development
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal No. 6: Economic Vitality and Diversity
General Policy: Policy No. 6.4. Recognize that locally owned “mom and pop” businesses are important to the local economy and community character, and help these businesses maintain a long- term presence in the community.
2. Hazard Pay Ordinance
On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, th e Burbank City Council adopted a Hazard Pay Uncodified Ordinance that temporarily requires grocery retail and drug retail employers to provide an additional $5.00 per hour hazard pay to certain employees working frontline positions, as compensation for the hazards they face during the COVID- 19 pandemic. The new ordinance will take effect June 18, 2021 and will last 60 days.
Employees working for Burbank grocery stores, drug stores, or large retailers that sell groceries and/or drug products, employ more than 10 people, is a publicly traded 29 company, and/or employs 300 or more workers nationwide, may be entitled to Hazard Pay under this ordinance.
Department: Community Development, Business and Economic Development
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal No. 6: Economic Vitality and Diversity
General Policy: Policy No. 6.6. Require new large commercial and office projects to provide services, proportionate to their size, that benefit employees, including child care, fitness facilities, rail and bus transit facilities, and personal services.
3. Economic Recovery Task Force
Councilmembers provided direction to staff to commenc e the Taskforce meetings and appointed Vice-Mayor Talamantes and Council Member Springer to the Taskforce to meet with individuals from a variety of industry sectors to discuss the impacts of the Plan and determine any additional resources and services the City could provide. Overall, the Taskforce meetings with the community members were positive, helpful, and well received. The City Council’s foresight in adopting the Plan early on during the Pandemic was beneficial for the community as it provided tangible strategies to keep Burbank on the path to recovery. While staff is still working on some of the goals and strategies in the Plan, the Taskforce meetings provided an opportunity to focus on the most pertinent needs of the community. This report provides an overview of the meetings with each industry. This information was provided to the public at the City Council meeting on October 25, 2021.
Department: Community Development, Business and Economic Development
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal No. 7: Community Participation
General Policy: Policy No. 7.4. Hold community meetings, workshops, charrettes, etc., and provide other opportunities for input on different days and times and at various locations throughout the city to maximize opportunity for public input.
4. City of Burbank Receives Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council
The City of Burbank received a Bronze Award for its City of Burbank Economic Recovery Plan, within the category of Resiliency, Recovery and Mitigation fro m the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) on XXXX date . IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year's most influential leaders. The City of 30 Burbank was recognized in one of the 25 award categories that honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Awards are judged by a diverse panel of economic and comm unity developers, following a nomination process held earlier this year. IEDC received over 500 submissions from 4 countries.
The City of Burbank Economic Recovery Plan has been successful in furthering economic recovery and building resiliency within the Burbank Community. The Plan aims to disseminate information, promote existing businesses, remove barriers to entry for new businesses, and help the vulnerable business and resident community.
Department: Community Development, Business and Economic Development
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal No. 6: Economic Vitality and Diversity
General Policy: Policy No. 6.1. Recruit and attract new businesses. Use these businesses to act as catalysts to attract other businesses. Continue to utilize public -private partnerships and other incentives to enhance economic vitality; 6.4. Recognize that locally owned “mom and pop” businesses are important to the local economy and community character, and help these businesses maintain a long- term presence in the community.
In July 2020 City Council approved a Resolution to allow outdoor dining parklets in Downtown Burbank to mitigate the negative impacts of the State and County mandates regarding in-door and outdoor dining restrictions. Concurrently, Council approved an Urgency Ordinance in July 2020 allowing for expanded outdoor dining citywide on private parking lots to accommodate for restaurants that didn’t have outdoor dining areas prior to the Pandemic. These measures proved to be successful in helping the restaurant industry maintain their operations during uncertain times. The Resolution and the Ordinance were in effect through December 31, 2022.
Chow Down Burbank Restaurant Marketing Campaign
The City invested $50,000 to develop a 90-day Chow Down Burbank marketing campaign to encourage locals and Los Angeles area visitors to patronize restaurants in Burbank in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce. The 90-day Campaign was developed as a recovery tool to further assist the restaurant community that was so negatively impacted as a result of the Pandemic. The Campaign was free for the restaurants and included a dedicated website, brand identity and marketing campaign.
To further assist businesses recovery from the Pandemic. In March 2021, the City Council approved an Urgency Ordinance to temporarily remove the Administrative Use Permit (AUP) process for new restaurants and establish a determination that incidental sales of 31 alcohol for off-site consumption in the Downtown Burbank is an ancillary use that does not require a conditional use permit (CUP). Temporarily removing the AUP requirement and allowing incidental alcohol sales for off -site consumption in restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and wineries helped reduce the planning and permitting process for these businesses by six to nine months. The ability for City Council to remove these barriers to entry for new tenants in Downtown with the removal of the AUP proces s has proven to be extremely beneficial in attracting new tenants to the area such as Unique Vintage, Dunkin Donuts, Boba Time and more. Additionally, with the loss of business that existing establishments have incurred during the Pandemic, it was important to allow flexibility for restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and wineries to add amenities for their customers such as incidental alcohol sales for off -site consumption. Temporarily removing the AUP and CUP requirements helps mitigate the negative impa cts of vacant storefronts caused by the Pandemic.