1 CITY OF
BURBANK
GENERAL PLAN
Annual Implementation Progress Report
2022
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 March 14, 2023
ATTACHMENT 1
ATTACHMENT 1 - 1
2 Contents
I. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 3 A. BURBANK2035 GENERAL PLAN ........................................................................................................ 3 B. PURPOSE OF THE ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT .............................................................................. 3 II. STATUS OF BURBANK2035 GENERAL PLAN ............................................................................................ 3 A. GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION STATUS .................................................................................... 3 B. MUNICIPAL CODE UPDATES ............................................................................................................. 4 C. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS........................................................................................................ 6 D. SPECIFIC PLANS ................................................................................................................................. 6 III. CITY OF BURBANK HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT ............................................... 10 A. UPDATES TO HOUSING PROGRAMS .............................................................................................. 10 B. HOUSING AND SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE TO BURBANK2035 GENERAL PLAN ........................... 15 IV. OTHER PLANNING ACTIVITIES .............................................................................................................. 15 A. MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ................................................................................................. 15 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. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN 2018-2022 ............................................................ 22 C. HOMELESSNESS PLAN 2022-2027 .................................................................................................. 23 D. AFFORDABLE HOUSING ANALYSIS AND STRATEGY ...................................................................... 24 E. BURBANK FIRE DEPARTMENT STRATEGIC PLAN 2017-2022 ......................................................... 25 F. GOALS, POLICIES, OBJECTIVES, STANDARD OR OTHER PLAN PROPOSALS THAT NEED TO BE ADDED OR WERE DELETED, AMENDED OR OTHERWISE ADJUSTED..................................................... 26 VI. COVID-19 RESPONSE
A. ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN…………………………………………………………………………….…………………………24 ATTACHMENT 1 - 2
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, econ omic, 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 California Department of 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 Progres s Report is a tool used 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 report ing period of calendar year 2022. 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 March 14, 2023.
II. STATUS OF BURBANK2035 GENERAL PLAN
A. GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION STATUS
The City has achieved a number 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. Mor e details about each project are listed in Section II to IV of this report.
ATTACHMENT 1 - 3
4 • Air Quality and Climate Change Element
o Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan
o Updates to Communitywide Greenhouse Gas Inventory
• Land Use Element
o Specific Plan Updates
o R-1 Update
• Mobility Element
o Development Impact Fees
• Open Space and Conservation Element
o George Izay Park Master Plan
In 2022, the City continued to make progress toward its Land Use Goals by adopting an update to the City’s R -1 Ordinance and approved an Urgency Ordi nance that incorporates State policy pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units. 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 Afforda ble Housing Strategy Plan, which is helping to develop a strategy to increase the availability of housing and housing affordable to all segments 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 Development Standards in R-1 and R-1-H Single Family Residential Zones (Ordinance No. 22-3, 970)
On March 15 , 2022 , the City Council adopted an ordinance to amend the Burbank Municipal Code, by updating standards and definitions pertaining to single -family residential zones and continuation of nonconforming structures. Specifically, the ordinance extended design relat ed standards to all additions, remodels, and construction of single -family dwellings, eliminated the single-family development permit discretionary review process, and removed inconsistencies from existing regulations related to R-1 and R-1-H zones. The result is a more streamlined review process for single-family developments in these zoning districts.
Department: Community Development, Planning Division
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal No. 3: Community Design and Character; General Policy: Land Use Policy 3.3 Maintain a healthy balance between Burbank’s urban setting and its suburban roots by avoiding urban -scale ATTACHMENT 1 - 4
5 residential densities and intensities in appropriate locations and recognizing advantages of denser development at appropriate locations.
2. Urgency Ordinance Establishing a Moratorium on New and Replacement Restaurants with Drive-Throughs and the Conversion of Businesses with Drive -Throughs into Drive -Through Restaurants Citywide (Ordinance No. 22-3, 979)
The City recognized that there may be a correlation between the shutdown of indoor dining during the COVID pandemic and the increase in the use of drive-throughs. The increase in the use of drive-throughs may lead to increased vehicular traffic, blocked driveways, trash, and unruly or disrespectful patrons. On October 4, 2022, City Council adopted an urgency ordinance establishing a moratorium on new and replacement restaurants with drive -throughs and a conversion of businesses with drive -throughs into drive -through restaurants citywide. The moratorium was extended on November 1, 2022. The moratorium will allow City staff to review existing drive-through standards and review development standards of other jurisdictions. In the upcoming months, Staff will draft a Zoning Text Amendment that will update the City’s current regulations that govern drive-through facilities.
Department: Community Development, Planning Division
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal No. 1: Quality of Life
General Policy: Land Use Policy 1.3 Maintain and protect Burbank’s residential neighborhoods by avoiding encroachment of incompatible land uses and public facilities.
3. Urgency Ordinance Establishing Development Standards for Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations Consistent with AB 2221 and SB 897 (Ordinance No. 22- 3, 987)
On December 13, 2022, the City Council adopted an Urgency Ordinance establishing interim modifications to ADU and JADU development standards to ensure consistency with changes to Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22 brought about by SB 897 and AB 2221 (ADU Laws). Pursuant to the ADU Laws, all cities were required to make modifications to local ADU and JADU development standards and controls to be consistent with state law by January 1, 2023 that included, but were not limited to: increasing the maximum height limit from 17 feet to 18 feet (or in certain instances, to 20 feet) for certain ADUs that are either located within a half-mile of a high-quality transit corridor or major transit stop, removing front yard setback requirements where construction of certain ADUs would otherwise be infeasible, and requiring that local ordinances only impose objective standards on ADUs. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65858 and BMC Section 10-1-1996, Ordinance No. 22-3,987 was extended for a period of ten (10) ATTACHMENT 1 - 5
6 months and fifteen (15) days from January 27, 2023 through December 12, 2023. Staff is currently in the process of developing a zone text amendment that will provide for development standards for all ADU/JADU for consideration by the Planning Commission and then the City Council prior to the expiration of the interim development standards.
Department: Community Development, Planning Division
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal No. 8: Preserve Residential Character ; Housing Element Goal No. 2 Adequate Housing Sites
General Policy: Land Use Policy 8.5 Ensure that second dwelling units, child day‐ care facilities, and group living facilities are allowed, as required by and consistent with state and federal laws. Housing Policy 2.2 and
2.5 Update land use regulations that facilitate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in all residential districts as a means of creating new opportunities for appropriated-scaled and affordable units throughout the community.
C. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS
Staff has not initiated any changes to Burbank2035 in the last year.
D. SPECIFIC PLANS
1. Golden State Specific Plan – In Progress
The Burbank2035 General Plan Realization Land Use Program LU -3 encourages the City to prepare a specific plan for the Golden State District (the District) and to provide a framework for future development that is consistent with the City’s goals and polici es. 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 640 -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 stations. 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 – as we ll as a more recent interest in the development of housing along existing commercial corridors (e.g. Empire Avenue and Hollywood Way). A significant portion of the area could be classified as post -industrial. As this jobs and transit rich area continues to evolve the GSSP presents an opportunity for the City ATTACHMENT 1 - 6
7 to plan in a manner that leverages resources in the District to meet the City’s short - and long- term planning efforts.
The vision statement for the Golden State District incorporates community aspirati ons from several community workshops, stakeholder engagement and City Council Study Sessions. The vision statement states that the Golden State District shall be: A vibrant economic center and transportation hub that facilitates the preservation of existin g 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)
• 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 – October 2023) • Phase 4: Plan Adoption and Implementation (November 2023 – February 2024)
As of 2022 Phase 1 and 2 have been completed in 2017 with the coordination of several City Department and community outreach. In 2022 Staff continued making progress on completion of Phase 3 of the Project. A preferred land use plan was established, and work begun on the Draft Specific Plan Document and Draft Environmental Impact Report. Amongst other items, work completed included multidiscipline coordination on utility/infrastructure planning to ensure that proper utility capacity exists for the envisioned developm ents. It is anticipated that a Draft Specific Plan Document and Draft Environmental Impact Report will be completed during the Third Quarter of 2023. Staff anticipates that the Project will go before the City Council for final consideration and adoption in the First Quarter of 2024.
Further, on September 27, 2022, the City Council approved the City’s Sixth Cycle Housing Element, which has also been certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Several properties in the Golden State District have been identified in the Housing Element as Housing Opportunity Sites. The GSSP will help the City make progress towards implementation of the Housing Element by rezoning these Housing Opportunity Sites to facilitate for the development of housing.
Department: Community Development, Planning
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element
ATTACHMENT 1 - 7
8 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 fr om residential areas and other sensitive uses.
2. Downtown Burbank Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Specific Plan (Consolidation of the Burbank Center Plan and North San Fernando Boulevard Master Plan) - 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 Progr am 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.”
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 TOD Specific Plan that proposes to incorporate an update to t he 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 California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The approximately 965 -acre Specific Plan area encompasses two adopted planning areas (the Burbank Center Plan and the North San Fer nando 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 second virtual community workshop was held in January 2021 ATTACHMENT 1 - 8
9 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 ideas for the future of several key areas within downtown.
A second Study Session was held with both Planning Commission and the Cit y Council in May 2021 wherein staff provided an update on the project and presented the development strategy for the plan. Presentations were made to various City boards and commissions between March and May 2021 introducing the plan and to solicit feedbac k on the project. A third virtual community workshop was held on May 26, 2021, which presented the development strategy and included 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. A third Study Session to the City Council will be held in Spring 2023 to present the revised development potential for the Specific Plan and what will be studied in the associated EIR. A revised Notice of Preparation for the EIR will be released soon thereafter to reflect the revisions to the development potential. It is anticipated that the Specific Plan and EIR will be available for public review by Fall 2023 and will go before the City Council for adoption by Spring 2024.
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; Housin g; Economic Vitality and Diversity; Community Participation
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 Spring 2024
3. Media District Specific Plan Update - In Progress
The Media District Specific Plan area is roughly bounded by Clybourne Avenue, Keystone Street, Oak Street, and the Los Angeles River. The MDSP area is located on the southwestern edge of the City of Burbank. The 0.85 -square mile area is a major employment center, with approximately 69,000 people on average coming daily into the Media District to work. The MDSP area is home to numerous media and entertainment companies, including The Walt Disney Company, Warner ATTACHMENT 1 - 9
10 Bros. Entertainmen t, and the Burbank Studios as well as a mix of commercial, office, and residential uses. Healthcare, recreation, and educational facilities can also be found within or immediately adjacent to the MDSP area.
The Media District Specific Plan (MDSP) was adopted in 1991 and regulates development in the Media District, with a strong emphasis on preserving the character of the predominantly single - family residential neighborhoods adjacent to the MDSP area. The MDSP achieves this by establishing appropriate lan d uses, minimizing development -related traffic impacts, providing sufficient development opportunity for media and medical uses at strategic locations within the MDSP area and ensuring adequate infrastructure to support new development. However, in the time since, the physical, economic, and regulatory context has changed significantly and the MDSP needs to be updated and refined to respond effectively to these changes, maintain or strengthen the existing neighborhood protections and to facilitate the devel opment of residential units that can make best use of, and coordination with, the rich transportation resources that serve the MDSP
The MDSP Update kicked off in April 2022 with the goal to present a complete policy recommendation to the City Council in the Summer of 2023. As part of the overall outreach efforts staff also met with, and has plans to meet with, key property and business owners, residents, and developers who have expressed interest in developing within the proposed Media District. These efforts included one -on-one meetings with interested residents or property owners, neighborhood group walkabouts, and ongoing correspondence with other interested members of the public.
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
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, cu lture, entertainment, civic engagement, and socializing.
Pending. Anticipating Adoption Date: 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.
ATTACHMENT 1 - 10
11 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.
Housing Choice
Vouchers (Section 8
Rental Assistance)
Maintain current levels
of Section 8 funding;
apply for additional
funds as available.
Ongoing In 2022, the BHA received an
additional 13 Housing Choice
Vouchers. In the fall of 2022, BHA
staff selected applicants from the
waiting list to fill those new
vouchers. Eligibility review of
applicants continues. As
additional opportunities arise, staff
will continue to seek out those
opportunities.
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
Ongoing In 2022, the City adopted an
update to the R-1 Single Family
Zone of the City’s Zoning
Ordinance. The update extended
ATTACHMENT 1 - 11
12 development; provide a
range of housing types.
design related standards to all
additions, remodels, and
construction of single-family
dwellings. The update also
removed inconsistencies from the
existing zoning regulations.
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 in 2023, the City
adopted an urgency ordinance that
incorporates updated ADU and
Junior ADU development
standards and processing
requirements
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
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 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 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 2021 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;
ATTACHMENT 1 - 12
13 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.
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.
Ongoing The City Council approved a Zone
Text Amendment in 2021 that
provided definitions for
Transitional and Supportive
Housing as well as allowing these
uses in the R-1, R-1-H, and the
Multifamily Residential Zones. The
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.
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 Downtown
Burbank TOD Specific Plan, the
Golden State Specific Plan, and the
Media District Specific Plan Update
that will be developed during
2022-2024 planning period.
ATTACHMENT 1 - 13
14 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.
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
2022, the Commission, in
conjunction with the Housing
Rights Center, held public
information meetings on the State
eviction orders, AB 1482, and
other local County of Los Angeles
orders. 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, Nextdoor
and Twitter.
ATTACHMENT 1 - 14
15 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 2022, the City applied for the
second 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.
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 through Burbank
Water and Power.
B. HOUSING AND SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE TO BURBANK2035 GENERAL PLAN The Housing Element is required to be updated every eight years and the City obtained State certification for its updated Housing Element for the 2021-2029 planning period in September 2022. Housing Element goals, policies, and programs are consistent with the City Council’s housing strategy and concurrent long-range planning efforts (GSSP, Downtown Burbank TOD, and Media District specific plans) and will ensure the City’s continued compliance with State housing law. The Housing Element update includes 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 Commission and/or the Community Development Director have approved the following new development projects in 2022:
ATTACHMENT 1 - 15
16 1. 3700 Riverside Drive – Entitled April 11, 2022
The Planning Commission approved a Project at 3700 Riverside Drive to develop a new six -story mixed-use residential building that includes a mezzanine level above the sixth story. The mixed-used building would consist of 49 residential for-sale dwelling units above approximately 2,000 square feet of commercial space and publicly accessible open space located on the ground floor. Additionally, the Project would provide ground level parking and one level of subterranean parking with a total of 90 parking spaces. This project site is approximately 0.61-acre site and is comprised of three existing lots located at 3700 Riverside Drive. Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 65915 – 65918, the Project includes a request for a State Density Bonus to allow for additiona l residential density, modified parking standards and waivers from certain development standards in exchange for making a percentage of the dwellings available at below market-rate – 4 of the proposed 49 residential units would be made available to very low-income households. The existing Lakeside Carwash and surface parking would be removed as part of the Project. However, the existing “Lakeside Carwash” pylon sign will be relocated on-site as part of the Project.
Department: Community Development, Planning Division
Project No.: 19-0001137
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal 5: Housing
General Policy: Policy 5.5 Provide options for more people to live near work and public transit by allowing higher residential densities in employment centers such as Downtown Burbank and the Media District.
2. 2814 Empire Avenue – Entitled November 21, 2022
On June 29, 2021, the Applicant, ABS Properties, Inc., submitted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to Submit a Streamlined Ministerial and Eligibility Checklist application. The applicant submitted a complete application for streamlined ministerial approval processing under SB 35 on April 25, 2022, after the NOI for the Project was deemed complete and the Project was considered eligible for a streamlined ministerial processing. The Community Development Director reviewed the application and related documents and determined the SB35 application for the Project to be consistent with the objective general plan and zoning standards as well as objective design review standards.
The Burbank City Council considered the Community Development Director’s Determination of the Project’s consistency with the objective general plan and zoning standards as well as objective design review standards on November 1, 2022. After discussion and deliberation on the Project, the City Council approved the Project subject to compliance with the City’ ATTACHMENT 1 - 16
17 objective general plan and zoning standards, objective design review standards, and Project specific Conditions of Approval.
The Project consists of the demolition of the existing restaurant building and surface parking lot to allow for the construction of a seven-story multi-family residential building with 148 rental units. The Project proposes 100% affordable housing with 83 units designated for extremely low and very-low-income households, and 62 units designated for low-income households. The dwelling units include one-, two-, and three-bedroom units ranging from 450 sq. ft. to 900 sq. ft. in size.
Department: Community Development, Planning Division
Project No.: 21-0003649
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal 5: Housing
General Policy: Policy 5.1 Provide for a variety of residential neighborhoods with varying densities and housing types.
3. 1001 W. Riverside Drive– Entitled October 25, 2022
On July 1, 2021, the Applicant, Pickwick Development, LLC, submitted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to submit a Streamlined Ministerial and Eligibility Checklist application . The applicant submitted a complete application for streamlined ministerial approval processing under SB 35 on October 5, 2022.
The Project is located on a 5.1 -acre lot and consists of 92 residential townhomes with 10 units reserved for low -income residents (80 percent of AMI). The dwelling units range from 1,200 square feet to 1,850 square feet in size. The Community Development Director reviewed the application and related documents and determined the SB35 application for the Project to be consistent wi th the objective general plan and zoning standards as well as objective design review standards.
The Burbank City Council considered the Community Development Director’s Determination of the Project’s consistency with the objective general plan and zoning standards as well as objective design review standards on October 25, 2022. After discussion and deliberation on the Project, the City Council approved the Project subject to compliance with the City’ objective general plan and zoning standards, objective design review standards, and Project specific Conditions of Approval.
Department: Community Development, Planning Division
ATTACHMENT 1 - 17
18 Project No.: 22-0000972
General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal 5: Housing
General Policy: Policy 5.1 Provide for a variety of residential neighborhoods with varying densities and housing types.
B. OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION PROJECTS
1. George Izay Park Master Plan – October 2022
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department strives to be the heart of the community by providing enriching opportunities through dedicated people, beautiful parks, and inspiring programs. The Department is responsible for operating and maintaining over forty - three (43) facilities and amenities including twenty-eight (28) parks; three (3) recreation centers; a community center; the Chandler Bike Path, cultural and art entertainment venues; two (2) public pools; two (2) adult centers; a nature center; a golf course with driving range; a tennis center public tenn is courts; outdoor basketball courts; open space; hiking trails; an animal shelter; and other recreational amenities such as a skate/BMX bike park, pickleball courts, bocce ball courts, and a roller hockey facility.
As part of the strategic plan to contin ue offering clean, valuable, and safe parks and facilities, the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department initiated a Master Plan to assess George Izay Park facilities and amenities. George Izay Park’s many facilities and amenities include the Burbank Walk of Fame, four (4) softball fields, a batting cage, a concessionaire space, two (2) handball courts, horseshoe pits, picnic tables, playground, outdoor restrooms, two (2) tennis courts, eight (8) pickleball courts, Joslyn Adult Center, Olive Recr eation Center, Burbank Little Theater, Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center, and the historical Lockheed F104 Starfighter Jet. Key Strategies were developed to represent goals for future George Izay Park improvements, and that includes:
1. New or enhanced recre ation facilities for the Olive Recreation Center, Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center, Burbank Little Theater, and Joslyn Adult Center.
2. Improve park amenities for safety, security, and pedestrian circulation (lighting, seating, walking paths, and wayfinding signage).
3. Preserve and enhance open space, trees, and natural landscapes, with a focus on sustainable practices.
4. Preserve and expand active sports recreation facilities.
5. Provide opportunities for passive recreation and exercise.
6. Preserve and expand availability of recreation programming at park facilities.
7. Provide a citywide Park Master Plan to guide future community strategies.
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19 8. Expand and enhance playground equipment to include play features for both ages 2-5 years and ages 5-12 years.
City Council adopted the George Izay Park Master Plan on October 11, 2022. The Master Plan was developed in close partnership with the community and stakeholders who provided valuable input at each critical stage of engagement. The Department is proud to h ave solicited the input of community members, park users, and City-recreation enthusiasts who expressed ideas and concerns through the workshops, online surveys, city-wide surveys, and stakeholder interviews. The George Izay Park Master Plan reflects the n eeds, values, priorities, and the community voice of the City.
Department: Parks and Recreation Department
General Plan Goal: Open Space and Conservation Element, Goals 1 to 7
General Policy: Examples include: Policy 3.1 Improve and rehabilitate existing parks and recreation facilities ; Policy 3.2 Improve existing athletic fields with lights, equipment, and seating ; Policy 3.5 Provide adequate lighting in parking areas to ensure user safety ; Policy 4.1 Provide a variety of arts, cultural, historical, fitness, and environmental education programs at parks and recreation facilities.
C. MOBILITY PROJECTS
1. Development Impact Fees Update – June 2022
On June 21, 2022, the City Council adopted an Ordinance amending the Burbank Municipal Code related to Community Facility Fees, known as Development Impact Fees (DIF). Burbank currently imposes DIFs on all new development to fund transportation projects and certain community facilities (including Parks and Recreation, Police, Library, and Fire) that are needed to offset impacts caused by new development. The City collects DIFs at the time building permits are issued. These funds are then held in a DIF fund to be used to construct the necessary improvements in the future.
The City hired the consulting team of Economic Planning Systems (EPS), with Fehr and Peers providing the transportation analysis component, to conduct a nexus study that identified the purpose of the fees, the use of the fees, the reasonable relationship between the fee and facility or project for which the fee is imposed, and to support new fees or updated fees within the City’s DIF program. Pursuant to the Mitigation Fee Act, the Nexus Study was designed to provide the City with the necessary analysis to support an update to the DIF program, including the associated fee calculations for the fees the City is legally entitled to that addresses the impacts to existing facilities.
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20 The changes to the DIF program outlined in the proposed Ordinance and proposed DIF increases are intended to update the program to continue to ensure that new development pays its fair share of the new facilities and infrastructure necessary to accommodate impacts resulting from that new development. In adopting the Ordinance, the City Council sets the appropriate level of DIFs that strike the balance between generating important revenue for needed infrastructure while at the same time supporting other City goals required to build and protect neighborhoods.
New updates to the DIF prog ram included adding a Technology Fee, a tiered fee for affordable residential housing units,
Department: Community Development Department, Information Technology Department, Parks and Recreation Department, Fire Department, Library Services Department, and Police Department.
Category: LU-8 Development Impact Fees and Art in Public Places
D. AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECT
1. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan – May 2022
As one of the top priorities in this collaborative community effort, the City adopted a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan (GGRP) on May 3, 2022, to address climate change and promote sustainability in the community. Burbank is aiming to reduce emissions beyond its fair share of emissions by 86,555 MT CO2e by 2030, 232,235 MT CO2e by 2035, and 531,203 MT CO2e by 2045.
Burbank’s GGRP represents a communitywide effort of activities that result in r educing greenhouse gas emissions and establishes strategies that help reduce those emissions in the future. Many of the strategies included in this planning document focus on building and protecting neighborhoods through responsible development, bike and p edestrian facility improvements, energy-efficient construction and retrofits, better air quality, lower energy and water bills through education and conservation, and reduced waste to extend the lifetime of Burbank’s landfill. The success of these strategies relies on the shared effort by the City staff and community to work together towards 12 key strategies:
1. Affordable Housing
2. Building Energy
3. Electricity Generation
4. Reduce Passenger Car Vehicle Miles Traveled
5. Transportation Demand Management
6. Zero-Emission Vehicles
7. Parking Management
8. Water-Energy Nexus
9. Organic Waste Diversion
10. Carbon Sequestration Strategy
ATTACHMENT 1 - 20
21 11. City Government
12. Adaptation to Climate Change
Burbank continues to be a full-service City with its own operations for power, water, and landfill; and that means developing a climate action plan is a priority to improve the community’s quality of life. The GGRP is a leading effort of the community which was developed in two years with the ongoing input and collaboration of city boards, commissio ns, and multiple City departments, including Burbank Water and Power, City Manager’s Office, Community Development Department, Fire Department, Information Technology, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works.
Department: Community Development Department, Burbank Water and Power, City Manager’s Office, Community Development Department, Fire Department, Information Technology, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works.
Category: Air Quality & Climate Change Element
Goal: No. 3 Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and No. 4 Climate
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 program 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 appear 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 t imeframes, compliance extensions, enforcement action, appeals, and protection for tenants; • Develop protocols and procedures for noticing of building owners; ATTACHMENT 1 - 21
22 • Conduct community outreach meetings with building owners, apartment tenants; • Conduct a “Soft Stor y Seismic Retrofit Fair” to provide building owners resources of seismic retrofit design consultants, contractors, material devices, and agencies.
City staff will be drafting a program for City Council to consider in 2024.
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 retrofits of seismically high‐risk buildings to reduce risks from seismic ground shaking.
B. 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 continued to support the goals of the City Council through December 31, 2022. Goals included seeking to develop additional affordable housing, homelessness strategies, responsible growth and development and Quality of Life.
In May 2020, the City Council adopted an Economic Recovery Plan (later updated in 2021) to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and revive Burbank’s economy. The goal of the Plan was to prevent homelessness, encourage development and business recovery assist the most vulnerable population of the City providing financial stability for our residents, and grants to the business community. The Plan serves as the current guiding document for Economic Development through 2023. Staff will be taking an Economic Development Update 2022 Report to City Council in April 2023. Thereafter, a ne w Economic Strategic Plan will be developed and presented to City Council in late 2023.
The City of Burbank has been strong and resilient even during the recent economic uncertainty brought on by the Pandemic. The future goals set forth in the Economic Strategic Plan will help the City 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 thriving, clean, safe, and flourishing Burbank.
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23 Department: Community Development, Economic Development Division
General Plan Goal: Land Use Goal No. 6: Economic Vitality and Diversity
General Policy: Economic Vitality and Diversity Policy 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.
C. HOMELESSNESS PLAN 2022-2027
The City of Burbank has developed a five-year (Fiscal Years 2022/23 through 2027/28) Homeless Plan that continues and expands the City’s Council adopted three-year (2018-2021) Homeless Plan.
Under the new five-year plan, the City will continue to collaborate with partners that support our efforts along with advancing new strategic actions and goals for the City to achieve during the planning period. To ensure local and regional support is provided to Burbank, the actions and goals outlined in the five-year Plan are strategically aligned with regional frameworks and evidenced-based practices. Listed within the five-year Plan are six action areas each including planned goals, responsible partner(s), funding, and annual deliverables. This area within the five- year Plan is the City’s Strategic Playbook providing a step-by-step scheme to deliver desired outcomes. Each year, staff will provide updates to City Council sharing the status of each planned action and deliverables along with making any pivotal adjustments along the way. Notably, the Strategic Playbook is aspirational due to its reliance on unbudgeted additional funding and staffing.
The action areas of the Strategic Playbook include:
1. Capacity Building
2. Advocacy
3. Access, Outreach, & Engagement
4. Shelter & Housing Accessibility
5. Health & Stabilization
6. Homelessness Prevention
The Burbank Strategic Playbook is a path forward designed to address the everyday experiences of homelessness. We believe that every person experiencing homelessness should have basic needs and dignity afforded to them and a safe and warm living environment. The five-year Plan will not resolve the systemic challenges of homelessness, but it will create a Burbank-centric homeless eco-system of partners and outside funding to deliver assistance to Burbank’s unhoused residents.
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24 Department: Community Development, Planning Division General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal 5: Housing
General Policy: Policy 5.1 Provide for a variety of residential neighborhoods with varying densities and housing types.
D. 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.
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 smaller units and “micro units” al ong 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 an d 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 ATTACHMENT 1 - 24
25 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 an d mixed‐use development, to accommodate the City’s diverse housing needs.
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.
E. BURBANK FIRE DEPARTMENT STRATEGIC PLAN 2017-2022
The City adopted Burbank Fire Department (BFD) Strategic Plan 2017 -2022, which was written in accordance with the guide lines set forth by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI)/Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) – Fire & Emergency Service Self -Assessment Manual 9th edition. Strategic planning is a critical mechanism to ensure that fire department s, 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 Creati on. 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 begin 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
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26 General Policy: Policy No. 4.2. Provide adequate staffing, equipment, technology, 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.
F. GOALS, POLICIES, OBJECTIVES, STANDARD OR OTHER PLAN PROPOSALS THAT NEED TO BE ADDED OR WERE DELETED, AMENDED OR OTHERWISE ADJUSTED.
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 recover 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. There were no status updates provided in 2022.
The implementation of the seven adopted policies continued through 2022:
• 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 finan cial 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 busines s 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.
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27 Departments: Community Development, Business and Economic 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
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 district, 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 the media industry into Downtown, the Golden State area, and other parts of the city.
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 main tain 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 import ant to the local economy and community character, 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;
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28 Policy No. 7.4. Hold community meetings, workshops, charrettes, etc., and provide other opportunities for input on different days and times and at va rious locations throughout the city to maximize opportunity for public input.
The Plan highlights what was completed, ongoing, and/or in progress. Below are some notable highlights since May 2020:
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. Economic Recovery Task Force
Councilmembers provided direction to staff to commence 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 im pacts 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 d uring 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.
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 ATTACHMENT 1 - 28
29 times and at various locations throughout the city to maximize opportunity for public input.
3. Outdoor Dining
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 f or expanded outdoor dining citywide on private parking lots to accommodate for restaurants that didn’t have outdoor dining areas prior to the Pandemic.
During the December 6, 2022 City Council meeting, the Burbank City Council unanimously voted to extend t wo outdoor dining programs through December 31, 2023. The Downtown Burbank Outdoor Dining Program, offers extended outdoor dining opportunities for Downtown Burbank businesses, and allows for outdoor dining on extended public sidewalks in front of the business and in-street parklet dining on San Fernando Boulevard in Downtown Burbank. The Citywide Private Parking Lot Dining Program allows restaurants the use of private parking lots to accommodate additional outdoor dining, temporarily suspending parking requirements. The extension of the Citywide Program to December 2023 allows the City an opportunity to conduct a study on the conversion of private parking lots to outdoor dining areas for consideration of a more permanent program. Both initiatives have supported business recovery and provided alternative dining solutions for community members.
These measures proved to be successful in helping the restaurant industry maintain their operations during uncertain times.
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 district, providing a mix of commercial, civic, cultural, recreational, educational, entertainment, and residential uses.
4. 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 ATTACHMENT 1 - 29
30 a result of the Pandemic. The Campaign was free for the restaurants and included a dedicated website, brand identity and marketing campaign.
Department: Community Development, Business and Economic Development General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal No. 6: Economic Vitality and Diversity General Policy: Policy No. 6.2. 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 character, and help these businesse s maintain a long‐term presence in the community.
5. AUP Process for New Restaurants
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 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 require ment 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 process has proven to be extremely beneficial in attracting new tenants to the area such as Dunkin Donuts, Ciderworks by Story Tavern, 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 impacts of vacant storefronts caused by the Pandemic.
Department: Community Development, Business and Economic Development General Plan Goal: Land Use Element Goal No. 6: Economic Vitality and Diversity General Policy: Policy No. 6.2. 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.
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