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Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 5.B
Meeting Date: June 28, 2023
From: Robert Rodriguez, Development Services Director
Title: Readoption of 2021-2029 Housing Element (General Plan Amendment No. 20-001)
City Council
RECOMMENDATION:
To approve a Resolution re-adopting the 2021-2029 Housing Element (General Plan Amendment No. 20-001).
BACKGROUND:
After the Housing Element’s adoption by the City Council on May 25, 2022, staff resubmitted the Housing Element to the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for final review. On August 15, 2022, HCD responded the Element was not consistent with State law. Contrary to their assurances prior to adoption, HCD determined there were additional items requiring modifications, particularly regarding adding metrics to Programs in the Element. City staff met with HCD and requested specific direction on the Programs requiring amendment and received a response in February 2023. Amendments were made and submitted to HCD for review in early March. On May 5, 2023, HCD determined the Element, as amended, will be complete when re-adopted by the City (Attachment 1).
The amendments are provided in Attachment 2, Exhibit A, and shown in track changes.
They consist primarily of:
•Numerical adjustments in the AFFH section and elsewhere in the document for clarity.
•Adjustments to Table 37 relating to density.
•Additions to multiple Programs to add numeric goals to the number of households, housing units or persons assisted in multiple programs. •Amendment of the North City Specific Plan to assure the units anticipated in that part of the City can be developed.
•Committing CIP funds annually to improvement projects in under-served neighborhoods.
•The addition of a Program (1.A.11) specifically targeting farmworkers.
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These changes and additions do not significantly alter the policy direction of the Element; they assure the City will have a certified Housing Element for the 6th Cycle, from 2021 to 2029.
On June 7, 2023, following a duly noticed public hearing, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended the City Council readopt the 2021-2029 Housing Element (General Plan Amendment No. 20-001).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guidelines, an Initial Study was prepared to evaluate the potential environmental effects associated with the City of Cathedral City 2021-2029 Housing Element Update.
The Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) was circulated for public comments on November 8, 2021. The public comment period ended on November 29, 2021. On May 25, 2022, after consideration of a Planning Commission recommendation and public comments, the City Council adopted and approved the Initial Study/Negative Declaration.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 15162(a), if changes to a project or its circumstances occur or new information becomes available after adoption of a negative declaration, the lead agency shall determine whether to prepare a subsequent negative declaration, an addendum, or no further documentation. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(1-3), the City as the lead agency has determined none of the proposed revisions to the Housing Element require subsequent environmental analysis.
Therefore, no further documentation is necessary.
FISCAL IMPACT:
On March 25, 2020, the City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Terra Nova Planning and Research, Inc. (Terra Nova) to prepare the required 6th Cycle Housing Element Update in accordance with State Law, and to prepare the associated environmental document at a cost of $65,895. At that time, this agreement was being funded by the General Fund.
Subsequently, the City was awarded a Local Early Action Plan (LEAP) grant from the State of California, Department of Housing and Community Development in the amount of $150,000 on December 13, 2020 for the Housing Element update to the General Plan.
This agreement with Terra Nova along with staff costs and any other associated costs are considered eligible (reimbursable) costs up to the remaining balance in the grant (Housing Fund).
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
GOAL F: EMBRACING, INCLUSIVE CITY
Cathedral City is valued and respected as a community that welcomes and embraces diversity, has an abundance of high quality and affordable housing options, and vibrant businesses. Our neighborhoods are attractive and well-maintained and issues Cathedral City Page 3 of 3 Printed on 6/22/2023
surrounding homelessness have been compassionately addressed with thoughtful, coordinated, and collaborative programs.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 : Letter from HCD 5.5.23
Attachment 2: Council Resolution
Exhibit A: Housing Element (5th Draft)
Attachment 3: Council Staff Report 5.25.22
Attachment 4: Council Resolution 2022-22
Attachment 5: Initial Study
Attachment 6: Public hearing Notice