Agenda packet — Coachella City Council, July 19, 2023 (part 1 of 2)

City Hall Council Chamber
1515 Sixth Street, Coachella, California
(760) 398-3502  www.coachella.org
AGENDA

OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE

CITY OF COACHELLA

PLANNING COMMISSION
July 19, 2023
6:00 PM
If you would like to attend the meeting via zoom, here is the link:
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Us: +16699006833,, 84544257915#,,,,* 380084# US
Or telephone:

Us: +1 669 900 6833
Webinar ID: 845 4425 7915
Passcode: 380084
Spanish: El idioma español está disponible en Zoom seleccionado la opción en la parte de abajo de la pantalla Public comments may be received via email, telephonically, or via zoom with a limit of 250 words, or three minutes:

In real time:

If participating in real time via zoom or phone, during the public comment period, use the “raise hand” function on your computer, or when using a phone, participants can raise their hand by pressing *9 on the keypad.

In writing:

Written comments may be submitted to the commission electronically via email to [email protected].

Transmittal prior to the start of the meeting is required. All written comments received will be forwarded to the commission and entered into the record.

IF YOU WISH, YOU MAY LEAVE A MESSAGE AT (760) 398-3102, EXTENSION 122, BEFORE 4:00 P.M. ON THE DAY OF THE MEETING.
1 CALL TO ORDER:

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

ROLL CALL:

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
“At this time the Commission may announce any items being pulled from the agenda or continued to another date or request the moving of an item on the agenda.”
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

1. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes July 5, 2023
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:

PUBLIC COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA ITEMS):
“The public may address the Commission on any item of interest to the public that is not on the agenda, but is within the subject matter jurisdiction thereof. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes.” REPORTS AND REQUESTS:

NON-HEARING ITEMS:

PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR (QUASI-JUDICIAL):

2. City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element General Plan Amendment No. 21-02 and Environmental Assessment No. 22-03 for consideration of the City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element for 2021-2029.

City-Initiated.

3. El Dorado Liquor – Alcohol Sales
Conditional Use Permit No. 367 to allow liquor sales (ABC Type 20, Off-Sale Beer & Wine) within a 1,378 SF convenience store located within the Coachella Shopping Center at 49647 Cesar Chavez Street. Applicant Jose Luis Cedano Zamudio

4. Sushi Mariscos Guamuchil – Alcohol Sales Conditional Use Permit No. 366 to allow an expansion of alcohol sales as part of a 2,463 sq. ft. square foot restaurant and (ABC Type 47, On-Sale Beer, Wine, and Distilled Spirits) in an existing commercial building located at 49405 Grapefruit Blvd in the C-G (General Commercial) zone. Mayra Bojorquez (Applicant)
INFORMATIONAL:

5. Director Development Updates
ADJOURNMENT:

Complete Agenda Packets are available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office at 53-462 Enterprise Way, Coachella, California, and on the City’s website www.coachella.org.
2 THIS MEETING IS ACCESSIBLE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 3 Council Chambers, Hearing Room
1515 6th Street, Coachella, California
(760) 398-3502  www.coachella.org
AGENDA
DE UNA REUNIÓN ESPECIAL DE
LA
COMISIÓN DE PLANIFICACIÓN

PLANNING COMMISSION
19 de Julio, 2023
6:00 PM
Si desea asistir a la reunión a través de zoom, aquí está el enlace:
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Us: +16699006833,, 84544257915#,,,,* 380084# US
O teléfono:

Us: +1 669 900 6833
ID del webinar: 845 4425 7915
Código de acceso: 380084
Español: El idioma español está disponible en Zoom seleccionado la opción en la parte de abajo de la pantalla Los comentarios públicos se pueden recibir por correo electrónico, por teléfono o por zoom con un límite de 250 palabras o tres minutos:

En vivo:

Si participa en vivo a través de zoom o teléfono, durante el período de comentarios públicos, use la función "levantar la mano" en su computadora, o cuando use un teléfono, los participantes pueden levantar la mano presionando *9 en el teclado.

Por escrito:

Los comentarios escritos pueden enviarse a la comisión electrónicamente por correo electrónico a [email protected]. Se requiere la transmisión antes del inicio de la reunión. Todos los comentarios escritos recibidos serán enviados a la comisión e ingresados en el registro.

SI LO DESEA, PUEDE DEJAR UN MENSAJE EN EL (760) 398-3102, EXTENSIÓN 122, ANTES DE LAS 4:00 P.M. DEL DÍA DE LA REUNIÓ
4 LLAMADO AL ORDEN:

JURAMENTO A LA BANDERA:

PASE DE LISTA:

ORDEN DEL DÍA ESPECIAL
APROBACIÓN DE LA AGENDA:
“En este momento, la Comisión puede anunciar cualquier punto que está siendo retirado de la agenda o continuado a otra fecha o solicitar el traslado de un punto de la agenda”.

APROBACION DE LAS ACTAS:

1. Borrador de las Actas de la Comisión de Planificación – 5 de Julio, 2023.

COMUNICACIONES ESCRITAS:

COMENTARIOS DEL PÚBLICO (PUNTOS QUE NO ESTÁN EN LA AGENDA):
“El público puede dirigirse a la Comisión sobre cualquier tema de interés para el público que no esté en la agenda, pero que esté dentro de la jurisdicción de la materia de la misma. Por favor limite sus comentarios a tres (3) minutos”.

INFORMES Y SOLICITUDES:

PUNTOS QUE NO SON DE AUDIENCIA:

CALENDARIO DE AUDIENCIAS PÚBLICAS (CUASI-JUDICIAL):

2. Elemento de Vivienda de 6º Ciclo - GPA Núm. 21-02, EA Núm. 22-03 Consideración por parte de la Comisión de Planificación de la Ciudad de Coachella del Elemento de Vivienda de 6º Ciclo y adopción de una Declaración Negativa.

3. Permiso de Uso Condicional Núm. 367 - El Dorado
Liquor para permitir la venta de licores (ABC Tipo 20, Venta para Consumo Externo General) dentro de una tienda de conveniencia de 1,378.25 pies cuadrados ubicada dentro del Coachella Shopping Center en 49647 Cesar Chavez Street. Solicitante José Luis Cedano Zamudio.

4. Permiso de Uso Condicional Núm. 366 - Sushi Mariscos Guamuchil Permitir una licencia de Control de Bebidas Alcohólicas Tipo 47 para "Vena de cerveza, vino y licores destilados para consumo en el local" para el restaurante existente Sushi Mariscos Guamuchil ubicado en 49405 Grapefruit Blvd (APN 603-480-050). Solicitante: Mayra Bojórquez.

INFORMATIVO:

Development Services Tentative Future Agenda
SE SUSPENDE LA SESIÓN: 5

ESTA REUNIÓN ES ACCESIBLE PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDAD

Los paquetes completos de la agenda están disponibles para inspección pública en el Departamento de Servicios de Desarrollo en 53-990 Enterprise Way, Coachella, California, y en el sitio web de la ciudad www.coachella.org.
6 7
Council Chambers, Hearing Room
1515 6th Street, Coachella, California
(760) 398-3502  www.coachella.org

MINUTES

OFA STUDY SESSION
OF THE

CITY OFCOACHELLA

PLANNING COMMISSION
July 05, 2023
6:00 PM
If you would like to attend the meeting via zoom, here is the link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84544257915?pwd=VTdHWitpYVdOUk1NQW8vZ1pqUm0zQT09 Or one tap mobile :

Us: +16699006833,, 84544257915#,,,,* 380084# US
Or telephone:

In real time:

In writing:

Written comments may be submitted to the commission electronically via email to [email protected]. Transmittal prior to the start of the meeting is required. All written comments received will be forwarded to the commission and entered into the record.

IF YOU WISH, YOU MAY LEAVE A MESSAGE AT (760) 398-3102, EXTENSION 122, BEFORE 4:00 P.M. ON THE DAY OF THE MEETING
8 Item 1.

CALL TO ORDER: 6:01 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Commissioner Murillo
ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Present: Commissioner Murillo, Commissioner Ramirez, Alternate Commissioner Fonseca, Vice Chair Hernandez.

Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Arvizu, Chair Gonzalez.

Staff Present: *Abraham Galvan Sanchez, Deputy City Attorney. *Gabriel Perez, Development Services Director.
*Anahi Fernandez, Management Analyst.
*Jesus Medina, Information Technology Tech.
*Jason Stevens, Information Technology Manager.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
“At this time the Commission may announce any items being pulled from the agenda or continued to another date or request the moving of an item on the agenda.”

IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MURILLO AND SECONDED BY ALTERNATE COMMISSIONER FONSECA TO APPROVE THE AGENDA.

Approved by the following roll call vote:

AYES: Commissioner Murillo, Commissioner Ramirez, Alternate Commissioner Fonseca, Vice Chair Hernandez.

NOES: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

ABSENT: Commissioner Arvizo, Chair Gonzalez.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

1. Draft Planning Commission Minutes – June 21, 2023.

IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER RAMIREZ AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MURILLO TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.

Approved by the following roll call vote:

AYES: Commissioner Murillo, Commissioner Ramirez, Alternate Commissioner Fonseca, Vice Chair Hernandez.

NOES: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

ABSENT: Commissioner Arvizo, Chair Gonzalez.

2. Planning Commission Study Session Minutes – June 21, 2023.

IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MURILLO AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAMIREZ TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. 9
Item 1.

Approved by the following roll call vote:

AYES: Commissioner Murillo, Commissioner Ramirez, Alternate Commissioner Fonseca, Vice Chair Hernandez.

NOES: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

ABSENT: Commissioner Arvizo, Chair Gonzalez.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:

None.

NON-HEARING ITEMS:

3. Citywide Wireless Telecommunication Facilities Compliance Update.

Anahi Fernandez, Management Analyst, narrated a power point presentation for the item. A copy of the presentation is on file in the Planning Division.

The Planning Commission directed staff to mail the wireless telecommunication providers a correspondence giving them an additional 30 days to meet compliance before proceeding with conditional use permit revocation procedures. Staff will continue to work with providers to ensure the wireless telecommunication facilities meet compliance. An update will be presented to the Planning Commission during the September 06, 2023 Planning Commission meeting.

PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR (QUASI-JUDICIAL):

4. General Plan Amendment No. 23-03 and Environmental Assessment No. 23-03 “General Plan Addendum Project” Establishment of General Plan land use designations for three areas that were evaluated as part of the City of Coachella General Plan Planning Area in the certified 2015 Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) but for which no General Plan land use designation was identified. The three areas include: (1) the area generally bounded by Dillon Road to the west, Fargo Canyon to the north, parcel boundaries to the east, and East Side Dike to the southeast (Northern Project Area); (2) the area generally bounded by Jackson Street on the west, approximately 0.25 mile north of 51st Avenue on the north, Calhoun Street on the east, and 52nd Avenue on the south (Western Project Area); and (3) the area generally bounded by State Route 86 (SR-86) to the west, Avenue 60 to the north, Lincoln Street to the east, and 62nd Avenue to the south (Southern Project Area). (Applicant: City-Initiated)
Gabriel Perez, Development Services Director, gave a brief presentation for the item. A copy of the presentation is on file in the Planning Division.

We received a communication from Judy Deertrack, who indicated she represents the Oswit Land Trust, with comments questioning the analysis in the CEQA addendum. 10 Item 1.

Director Perez and Attorney Sanchez indicated that they were comfortable with the analysis and that the Planning Commission could make a decision as the recommending body to the Council. They indicated that staff would further review the CEQA addendum to assess whether any further revision is required before consideration by the City Council.

IT WAS MOVED BY ALTERNATE COMMISSIONER FONSECA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAMIREZ RECOMMENDED ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. PC 2023-18 TO CITY COUNCIL.

Approved by the following roll call vote:

AYES: Commissioner Murillo, Alternate Commissioner Fonseca, Commissioner Ramirez, Vice Chair Hernandez.

NOES: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

ABSENT: Commissioner Arvizo, Chair Gonzalez.

IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MURILLO AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAMIREZ RECOMMENDED ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. PC 2023-17 RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF THE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 23-02 TO CITY COUNCIL.

Approved by the following roll call vote:

AYES: Commissioner Murillo, Alternate Commissioner Fonseca, Commissioner Ramirez, Vice Chair Hernandez.

NOES: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

ABSENT: Commissioner Arvizo, Chair Gonzalez.

INFORMATIONAL:

5. Director’s Development Update
 Planning Commission meetings are cancelled in the month of August.

ADJOURNMENT: 6:43 P.M.

THIS MEETING IS ACCESSIBLE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Complete Agenda Packets are available for public inspection in the Development Services Department at 53-990 Enterprise Way, Coachella, California, and on the City’s website www.coachella.org.
11 Item 1.
12 Item 1.

STAFF REPORT
7/26/2023
TO: Planning Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Gabriel Perez, Development Services Director
SUBJECT: City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element General Plan Amendment No. 21- 02 and Environmental Assessment No. 22-03 for consideration of the City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element for 2021-2029. City-Initiated.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the Planning Commission:

1. Adopt Resolution No. PC2023-21 recommending that the City Council adopt a negative declaration for adoption of the 2021-2029 Housing Element and approve General Plan Amendment No. 21-02 amending the City of Coachella 2035 General Plan for adoption of the 2021-2029 Housing Element.

BACKGROUND:

The City Council adopted the Coachella General Plan 2035 on April 22, 2015, that established the goals, policies, and implementation strategies that will implement the vision for the City of Coachella. The Housing Element is one of seven mandatory elements of a city’s General Plan.

The purpose of the Housing Element is to identify and analyze existing and projected housing needs in an effort to preserve, improve and develop housing for all economic segments of the community in accordance with state law. It is the only general plan element for which State certification is required. State law requires that Housing Elements be updated periodically, pursuant to legislative action, depending on the region. As a jurisdiction of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) region, the City of Coachella is required to adopt its updated Housing Element within 120 days of October 15, 2021 that covers the planning period October 2021 through October 2029 (by February 15, 2014). SCAG received a housing need of 1,341,827 units distributed to the 197 SCAG jurisdictions. Jurisdictions that do not have a compliant housing element by the October 15, 2021 deadline may be ineligible to apply for State grants.

The existing Housing Element was adopted by the City and certified by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in April 2014. The current draft Housing Element commenced in early 2021. Since that time, the City has engaged in a series of consultations, workshops, and meetings with housing advocates, developers, local service providers, neighborhood associations, and the community-at-large to solicit input regarding the Element and 13 Item 2.
issues related to its implementation. Staff has worked with HCD to prepare edits to the draft Housing Element to address the state's comments and questions.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:

The proposed Housing Element update outlines the City's housing policies, goals and objectives for the eight-year planning period from 2021 through 2029. A copy of the draft Housing Element is found as Exhibit B to this report. The updated Housing Element addresses the following topics as required by State law:
 Population growth and employment trends
 Household characteristics
 Housing costs and vacancy rates
 Inventory of available residentially zoned land
 Governmental and non-governmental constraints to housing production  Special housing needs (persons with disabilities, homeless, female heads of households and seniors)
 Energy conservation measures
 Existing affordable housing developments
 Review and evaluation of the previous Housing Element (2008 - 2013) Organization of Housing Element
Per California Government Code §65580-65589, a housing element must consist of the following components:
 Review of the Previous Housing Element: An evaluation of the results of the goals, policies, and programs adopted in the previous Housing Element that compares projected outcomes with actual achieved results. (See Appendix D).
 Housing Needs Assessment: An analysis of the existing and projected housing needs of the community. It provides a profile of sociodemographic information, such as population characteristics, household information, housing stock, tenure, and housing affordability. The assessment also considers local special housing needs, such as, seniors, farmworkers, homeless, large households, and female-headed households. (See Appendix A)  Inventory of Adequate Sites: An inventory listing adequate sites that are suitably zoned and available within the planning period to meet the City’s fair share of regional housing needs across all income levels. (See Appendix B).
 Housing Resources: An identification of resources to support the development, preservation, and rehabilitation of housing.
 Housing Constraints: An assessment of impediments to housing production across all income levels covering both governmental (e.g., zoning, fees, etc.) and nongovernmental (e.g., market, environmental, etc.). (See Appendix C).
 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing: This section provides an assessment of fair housing by identifying disparities in housing needs, unequal access to opportunity, and/or patterns of racial and ethnic segregation, a process referred to as affirmatively furthering fair housing (AFFH).
14 Item 2.
 Housing Plan: This section provides a statement of the community’s goals, quantified objectives, and policies to maintain, preserve, improve, and develop housing, as well as a schedule of implementable actions to be taken during the planning period to achieve the goals, objectives, and policies.

Review of Previous Housing Element for Reporting Period 2014-2021 For the period of 2014-2021, the City of Coachella had a RHNA of 6,771 units, 2,614 of which are for lower-income households. The City’s focus during the 5th cycle was to complete the 4th and 5 th Cycle shortfall rezonings to ensure adequate capacity for housing development. The City completed the 4th Cycle rezoning program in 2019, by adopting Ordinance No. 1143, which rezoned portions of “Zona Central” to RM-Urban and RM- General for capacity of 1,916 units for lower-income units. In 2021, the City completed two separate rezoning projects with realistic unit potential of 2,781 in new RM- Urban and RM- General zones.

In addition, the City has actively worked with for profit and non-profit developers to entitle a variety of market rate and affordable projects. Market rate products include single-family products at Valencia at Coachella, Escondida Pointe, Sevilla, and Mariposa Pointe. In 2020, the City approved Pueblo Viejo Villas of 108 affordable apartment units. Placita Dolores Huerta by Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC) was approved in 2020 and the affordable housing project includes 50 replacement units and 60 new units over two phases.

Housing Needs Allocation Site Inventory (2021-2029)
The City has an existing RHNA allocation of 7,886 units distributed among a variety of affordability, Table 1, for the period 2021-2029 that the City must create a regulatory environment in which the private market could build these housing units.

Table 1: 6th Cycle RHNA
Coachella Riverside County SCAG
Area/Income Number of
Units
Percent Number of
Units
Percent Number of
Units
Percent
Total 7,886 100% 167,351 100% 1,341,827 100%
Extremely Low 1 516
13% 41,995 25% 351,796 26%
Very Low (30-50% MFI) 517
Low (50-80% MFI) 999 13% 26,473 16% 206,807 15%
Moderate (80-120% MFI) 1,367 17% 29,167 17% 223,957 17% Above Moderate (>120% MFI) 4,487 57% 69,716 42% 559,267 42% 1 Assumes 50% of Very Low-income households are Extremely-Low income.

Coachella City Median Income 4-person household: $34,224, Riverside County Median Income 4-person household: $67,005 15 Item 2.

A housing site inventory was conducted to identify the ability of the City to meet the RHNA allocation. The site inventory explored to scenarios (Table 2): Scenario #1 - Existing Zoning Capacity and Scenario #2 - General Plan Potential Capacity. Under Scenario #1, the existing zoning districts the capacity for residential units would result in a shortfall in 1,759 low-income units and 441 above moderate income units and a surplus of 845 units for moderate income households. Under Scenario #1, a rezoning program would be necessary to accommodate the RHNA allocation.

Under Scenario #2, the residential capacity was analyzed using the distribution of land use under the general plan, which expands residential opportunities into new portions of the City and increases maximum allowed density. The Planning Commission recently approved a Zoning Consistency Update, which upon City Council approval on July 26, 2023 would allow the City to implement Scenario #2. Initial results for the site inventory under Scenario #2 identified several hundred parcels eligible for residential development with over 30,000 potential units possible. The sites were screened further to focus on the most eligible development sites. Under Scenario #2, 2,345 low-income units (586 unit surplus) and 1,468 moderate income units (101 unit surplus) and 6,190 above moderate income units (2,538 unit surplus) can be accommodated with a total surplus of 3,225 units. Figure 1 (below) identifies the site inventory map under Scenario #2.

Table 2: Residential Development Potential and RHNA

ExtremelyLow,
Very
Low, and
Low
Moderate Above
Moderate Total
RHNA 2,032 1,367 4,487 7,886
Entitled/Proposed Projects1 273 835 1,108
Remaining RHNA 1,759 1,367 3,652 6,778
Site Inventory Results
Scenario 1 – Existing Capacity (Zoning Code) 2,212 3,211 5,423 Remaining- Zoning Scenario 1,759 -8452 441
Scenario 2 – Potential Capacity (General Plan)3
2,345 1,468 6,190 10,003
Remaining- General Plan Scenario -5862-1012-2,5382-3,225 1 Considers net new units only.
2 Negative value indicates a surplus.
3 Requires rezoning, see Programs 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3.

Source: City of Coachella, LWC 2022
16 Item 2.

Figure 1: 6
th Cycle Housing Element Site Inventory Map by Income Category for General Plan Scenario Housing Plan
The Housing Plan of the Housing Element serves as the City’s strategy for addressing its housing needs and identifies goals, policies, and programs. Below are a list of the Housing Plan Goals as well as some notable policies and programs:
 Goal A: Facilitate the Development of a Variety of Housing Types to Provide Adequate Housing in the City to all Households
o Program 1.1 General Plan Implementation: .. the City will review the prior completed study that analyzed changes needed to the Zoning Code and revise as necessary to complete a comprehensive Zoning Code update.
 Goal B: Conserve and Improve the Condition of the Existing Housing Stock o Policy a) Rehabilitation Funds. Continue to use available state and federal funds for housing rehabilitation, in a manner that will benefit the largest number of lower-income households, including those with extremely and very low income.  Goal C: Encourage Energy Conservation to Reduce Housing Costs 17 Item 2.
o Program 23.3 Water Conservation. Assist in distributing information to the public regarding free home water consumption audits of the Coachella Water Authority and rebate programs offered by Imperial Irrigation District.  Goal D: Promote Fair Housing Opportunity for All Persons [regardless of race, religion, marital status, age, sex, gender, nationality, physical or developmental disability, family size, and level and source of income]
o Program 4.2 Reasonable Accommodation. Adopt a “Reasonable Accommodation” procedure, in accordance with SB 520, as part of the updated Zoning Code to allow for administrative processing of requests for features and accessibility for persons with disabilities and persons with developmental disabilities.  Goal E: Remove Constraints to the Maintenance, Improvement, and Development of Housing o Program 5.5 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Amend the Zoning Code to remove references to second units and regulate with the City’s ADU ordinance, which complies with state law regarding ADUs.
o Program 5.12 Objective Design Standards. Develop objective design standards and clear findings to evaluate projects for compliance with the Architectural Review and Conditional Use processes. This effort will evaluate existing subjective standards required for approval in both the Zoning Code and specific plans. The purpose of these standards is to expedite the development review process and support the City in meetings its housing goals.
 Goal F: Promote Affordable Housing to Meet the Needs of Lower- and Moderate Income Households
o Program 6.7 Streamlined Approvals. Develop a written policy or project review and approval guidelines as appropriate to specify the SB 35 (2017) streamlining approval process and standards for eligible projects, as set forth under California Government Code, Section 65913.4.
 Goal G: Preserve Existing Affordable Housing Opportunities for Lower Income Residents of the City
o Program 7.1 Housing Choice Vouchers. Actively support the Riverside County Housing Authority’s attempts to secure additional Section 8 Housing Choice rental assistance for extremely low-, very low-, and low-income households.

The City of Coachella is responsible for implementation of the Housing Plan Programs for the 2021-2029 period and will need to report progress towards these goals in the Annual Progress Report that the City prepares annually for the City Council for submission to the HCD.

Public Outreach
As part of the development of this Housing Element, the City’s public participation program included two focus group meetings, four steering committee meetings, one community-wide meeting, one public hearing with the Planning Commission, and one public hearing with the City Council.
o Focus Groups
18 Item 2.

Two focus groups were organized with eight participants representing developers and housing advocates. Invitations were sent to 51 individuals.
o Focus Group #1: Wednesday, April 21, 2021, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm o Focus Group #2: Friday, April 23, 2021, 1:30pm – 2:30pm o Steering Committee
The City formed a housing element steering committee consisting of 8 members (Alianza – Sahara Huazano, Housing Authority of the County of Riverside - Michael Walsh, Lift to Rise – Taylor Libolt Varner and Ian Gabriel, Our Lady of Soledad – Deacon Fernando Heredia, Strategic Land Partners - Jim Kozak, Ana Perez Real Estate – Ana Perez, Pulte Homes - Daniel Wozniak, Chelsea - Dave Davis. The committee meetings took place July 26, 2021, August 16, 2021 and August 27, 2021.
o Community Event
On October 14, 2021, the City of Coachella hosted a virtual public workshop for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update project.
o An Online Survey was made available for the community in the Fall of 2021 with a deadline of November 11, 2021.
o Joint Study Session of City Council and Planning Commission November 8, 2021. o Public Drafts of the Housing Element
Drafts of the Housing Element are required to be made available to the public for a 7-day period before submission to HCD at the Coachella Library and the City website. o 1
st Public Review draft available September 20 and sent to HCD on September 28, 2021.

The City received a HCD response letter November 24, 2021. o 2
nd Public review draft made available on September 30, 2021 and sent to HCD October 10, 2021
o 3
rd Public Review draft made available September 2022 and sent to HCD September 2021. o 4th Public Review draft made available June 5, 2023 in response HCD December 9, 2022 comment letter and sent to HCD June 14, 2023.

SB 18 Tribal Consultation
The City sent correspondence to tribal governments in compliance with Senate Bill 18 tribal consultation requirements beginning August 8, 2022 and ending November 6, 2022. No tribal governments requested consultation regarding the proposed Housing Element Update.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:

An Environmental Initial Study recommending the adoption of a Negative Declaration was prepared for the 6th Cycle Housing Element update. There were no potentially significant impacts identified and no mitigation measures recommended for any of the environmental factors analyzed. 19 Item 2.

The Housing Element is a policy document that is not tied to any specific development proposal, and as such does not create any direct physical changes to the environment.

A Notice of Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration was distributed to local agencies for 20-day review and comment period on October 20, 2022 and ended November 8, 2022. The notice of Intent was posted with the County Clerk on October 19, 2022. No written comments have been received as of the date that this staff report was written. The Planning Commission must find adequacy in the environmental documents as part of reviewing the initial draft Housing Element.

ALTERNATIVES:
1) Adopt Resolution No. PC2023-21 recommending that the City Council adopt a negative declaration (EA No. 22-03) for adoption of the 2021-2029 Housing Element and approve General Plan Amendment No. 21-02 amending the City of Coachella 2035 General Plan for adoption of the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
2) Adopt Resolution No. PC2023-21 recommending that the City Council adopt a negative declaration (EA No. 22-03) for adoption of the 2021-2029 Housing Element and approve General Plan Amendment No. 21-02 amending the City of Coachella 2035 General Plan for adoption of the 2021-2029 Housing Element.with amendments. 3) Recommend denial of Resolution No. PC2023-21.
4) Continue this item and provide staff with direction.

RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE(S):

Staff recommends Alternative #1 as noted above.

Attachment:

1. Resolution No. PC2023-21, EA No. 22-03 General Plan Amendment No. 21- 01 Exhibit A – Negative Declaration (EA No. 22-03) for the 6th Cycle Housing Element of the City of Coachella
Exhibit B – Draft 6th Cycle Housing Element of the City of Coachella

2. November 8, 2021 Joint Study Session of City Council and Planning Commission Presentation Slides
20 Item 2.

Resolution No. 2023-21

Page 3 ends

RESOLUTION NO. PC2023-21

A RESOLUTION OF THE COACHELLA PLANNING COMMISION

RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT A
NEGATIVE DECLARATION (ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO.
22-03) PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT AND APPROVE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO.
22-01 TO AMEND THE CITY OF COACHELLA GENERAL PLAN 2035

ADOPTING THE CITY OF COACHELLA SIXTH CYCLE HOUSING
ELEMENT (2021-2029). APPLICANT: CITY OF COACHELLA
WHEREAS, the City of Coachella initiated General Plan Amendment No. 22-01 for preparation of the 6th Cycle Housing Element of the City’s General Plan to analyze the City population and existing housing stock, evaluate efforts in the previous Housing Element, identify housing constraints, and consider the future needs for housing in the City, with a particular focus on affordable housing and housing for special needs households, including seniors, disabled persons, large families, single parent households, farmworkers and the homeless. It also provides the City’s decision makers with Goals, Policies and Programs intended to facilitate the development and preservation of adequate housing supply to meet these needs. This Update addresses the sixth cycle from 2021 to 2029.

WHEREAS, in 2015, the City of Coachella (“City”) adopted a General Plan Update to guide development and provide a basis for decision-making for the City through 2035; and WHEREAS, the City desires to encourage the maintenance, improvement, and rehabilitation of the City’s existing housing stock; and, WHEREAS, the City finds it beneficial to improve housing conditions in the community and encourage energy efficiency in both new and existing housing stock; and, WHEREAS, the City wishes to promote equal opportunity to secure safe, sanitary and affordable housing for all members of the community regardless of race, sex, or other arbitrary factors; and,
WHEREAS, City staff prepared for the Planning Commission consideration a draft housing element update, which was released and made first made available for public review on August 29, 2013; and,
WHEREAS, by way of preparation of Environmental Assessment/Initial Study (EA 22- 03), attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein, the City has evaluated the Project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act; and, WHEREAS, based on this Environmental Assessment/Initial Study the City has made a determination that the Project will not have a significant impact on the environment and has prepared a Negative Declaration for this Project; and,
21 Item 2.

Resolution No. 2023-21

Page 3 ends

WHEREAS, a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration was posted with the County Clerk and the proposed Mitigated Negative was made available for a 20-day public review period commencing on October 20, 2022 and ending on November 8, 2022; and, WHEREAS, interested and concerned individuals and public agencies had the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed Negative Declaration; and, WHEREAS, findings of the Initial Study indicated that the Proposed Project would not create any significant impacts to the environment; and, WHEREAS, the Proposed Project would not be detrimental to the general health, safety and welfare of the community.

WHEREAS, a Negative Declaration was prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, as amended.

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing on General Plan Amendment No. 21-02 and EA No. 22-03 on July 19, 2023 to consider staff recommendations and prior written and oral testimony regarding the project and recommended to the City Council adoption of a negative declaration and approval of General Plan Amendment No. 21-02; and,
WHEREAS, all other legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF COACHELLA DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein as findings of fact.

SECTION 2. Compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. The Planning Commission has reviewed and considered the information contained in the Negative Declaration (EA 22-03), comments received, and other documents contained in the administrative record for the Project. The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council find adequacy in the CEQA documents and finds that the Negative Declaration and administrative record contain a complete and accurate reporting of the environmental impacts associated with the Project and reflects the independent judgment and analysis of the City Council. The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council find that the Negative Declaration, as shown in “Exhibit A” attached and made a part hereto, has been completed in compliance with CEQA, the State CEQA Guidelines, and the City of Coachella’s Local CEQA Guidelines.

SECTION 3. Findings on Environmental Impacts. Based on the Negative Declaration, the administrative record, and all written and oral evidence presented to the Planning Commission, the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council find that all environmental impacts of the Project have been addressed within the Negative Declaration. The Planning Commission 22 Item 2.

Resolution No. 2023-21

Page 3 ends

recommends that the City Council find that no new or additional mitigation measures or alternatives are required. The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council find that the Negative Declaration contains a complete, objective, and accurate reporting of the environmental impacts associated with the Project and reflects the independent judgment and analysis of the City Council.

SECTION 4. Adoption of a Negative Declaration. The Planning Commission hereby recommends that the City Council adopt the Negative Declaration, Exhibit A, prepared for the Project and finds that the proposed 2021-2029 Housing Element update project has been analyzed in accordance with the statutes and guidelines of the California Environmental Quality Act.

SECTION 5. General Plan Consistency. The Planning Commission has considered the economic, environmental, and fiscal factors and community goals as set forth in the City’s General Plan, and pending comprehensive update to the General Plan. The City’s recent efforts in developing the General Plan Update has included extensive public participation in the areas of land use and community character, safety from natural hazards, open space and conservation, and community health and wellness.

The proposed General Plan Amendment 22-01 adopting the 2021-2029 Housing Element update is internally consistent with the overall City General Plan, including the pending General Plan Update document. The Housing Element Update is the City’s document for meeting future housing needs, including housing affordable to lower income households. The purpose of the Housing Element is to establish specific goals, policies, and objectives relative to the provision of housing, and to adopt an action plan toward this end. The 2021-2029 Housing Element update is a response to the State of California’s mandate of requiring a Housing Element within every General Plan, and periodic updates.

SECTION 5. Adoption of General Plan Amendment No. 22-01. The Planning Commission hereby recommend that the City Council adopt the 2021-2029 Housing Element update project as shown in “Exhibit B” attached and made a part hereto.

SECTION 6. Custodian of Records. The documents and materials that constitute the record of proceedings on which these findings are based are located at Coachella Civic Center. City Clerk is the custodian of the record of proceedings.

SECTION 7. Execution of Resolution. The Planning Commission Chair shall sign this Resolution and the Planning Commission Secretary shall attest and certify to the passage and adoption thereof.
23 Item 2.

Resolution No. 2023-21

Page 3 ends

APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the members of the City of Coachella Planning Commission on this 19th day of July, 2023.
__________________________
Ruben Gonzalez,
Planning Commission Chair

ATTEST:
________________________________________
Gabriel Perez, Planning Commission Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________________
Carlos Campos, City Attorney
24 Item 2.

Resolution No. 2023-21

Page 3 ends

I, Gabriel Perez, Planning Secretary, City of Coachella, California, certify that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the Planning Commission at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on the 19th day of July, 2023, and was adopted by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
_____________________________
Gabriel Perez
Planning Commission Secretary
25 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 1 Initial Study/Negative Declaration

INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Coachella Housing Element Update
Applicant:

City of Coachella
53990 Enterprise Way
Coachella, CA 92236
Lead Agency:

City of Coachella
53990 Enterprise Way
Coachella, CA 92236
26 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 2 Initial Study/Negative Declaration

CITY OF COACHELLA
CEQA Environmental Checklist & Environmental Assessment

INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Project Title: Coachella Housing Element Update
Case No. GPA 21-02
Assessor’s Parcel No. All
Lead Agency Name and
Address:

City of Coachella – Planning Division
53990 Enterprise Way
Coachella, CA 92236
Project Location: City-wide
Project Sponsor’s Name and
Address:

City of Coachella 53990 Enterprise Way
Coachella, CA 92236
General Plan Designation(s): All
Zoning: All
Contact Person: Gabriel Perez, Development Services Director City of Coachella
53990 Enterprise Way
Coachella, CA 92236
Phone Number: (760) 398-3502
Date Prepared October, 2022
27 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 3 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED:

The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.

Aesthetics Agriculture and
Forestry Resources Air Quality
Biological Resources Cultural Resources Energy
Geology /Soils Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
Hazards & Hazardous
Materials
Hydrology / Water
Quality
Land Use /
Planning Mineral Resources
Noise Population /
Housing Public Services
Recreation Transportation Tribal Cultural Resources
Utilities/Service
Systems Wildfire Mandatory Findings of Significance
28 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 4 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
DETERMINATION: (To be completed by the Lead Agency) On the basis of this initial evaluation:

X I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a “potentially significant impact” or “potentially significant unless mitigated” impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.

I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.

Gabriel Perez
City of Coachella
Date
Gabriel Perez
10-18-22
Digitally signed by Gabriel Perez
DN: C=US, [email protected], O=City of
Coachella, OU=Planning Division - Development
Services Dept, CN=Gabriel Perez
Date: 2022.10.18 11:38:19-07'00'
rn
29 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 5 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except “No Impact” answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A “No Impact” answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g., the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A “No Impact” answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g., the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis).
2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts.
3) Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. “Potentially Significant Impact” is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more “Potentially Significant Impact” entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required.
4) “Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated” applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from “Potentially Significant Impact” to a “Less Than Significant Impact.” The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level (mitigation measures from “Earlier Analyses,” as described in (5) below, may be cross referenced).
5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following:
a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures, which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site specific conditions for the project.
6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances).

Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated. 7) Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project’s environmental effects in whatever format is selected. 30 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 6 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
9) The explanation of each issue should identify:
a) The significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b) The mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impacts to less than significance.
31 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 7 Initial Study/Negative Declaration

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Housing Element is a mandatory Element of the City’s General Plan. It analyzes the City population and existing housing stock, evaluates efforts in the previous Housing Element, identifies housing constraints, and considers the future needs for housing in the City, with a particular focus on affordable housing and housing for special needs households, including seniors, disabled persons, large families, single parent households, farmworkers and the homeless. It also provides the City’s decision makers with Goals, Policies and Programs intended to facilitate the development and preservation of adequate housing supply to meet these needs. This Update addresses the sixth cycle from 2021 to 2029. During this timeframe, the City has been allocated the following housing units under the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) developed by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG):

Table 1
Regional Housing Needs Allocation, 2021 to 2029
Income Category Number Of Units
Extremely low income 516
Very low income 517
Low income 999
Moderate income 1,367
Above moderate income 4,487
Total 7,886
Note that the extremely low and very low income
categories are 50% each of the 1,033 units assigned
for the very low category.

Source: SCAG
This is a comprehensive Update that allocates sites available for the construction of housing for all income levels, provides Goals, Policies and Programs to assure that the City’s housing plan can be implemented, and provides direction for decision-makers and City staff in assuring that the City can facilitate the development of the units allocated in the RHNA. This Update added sites identified for future housing, based on criteria of being currently vacant, allowed for residential use under zoning and/or General Plan designations, not on tribal land, not zoned for agricultural or manufacturing use, and adjacent to existing infrastructure. In order to accommodate the RHNA, policies and programs are included that will require changes in the Zoning Map and Zoning text. The rezoning is necessary to assure consistency with the 2015 General Plan, and to prioritize lower income housing sites identified in the Element.

Other changes in policies and programs address changes in the requirements of law since the City last updated its Housing Element in 2013. These changes in law addressed various housingrelated issues. The most recent update to Housing Element law occurred in 2017, when a series of bills were passed into law to address the statewide housing crisis. For example, AB 686 was passed by California Legislature in 2018 requiring that all housing elements due on or after January 1, 2021 must contain an Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) consistent with the core elements of the analysis required by the federal Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Final Rule (2015). This Update includes an AFFH analysis that covers, and is built upon, several other required components of the Housing Element, including the Needs Assessment, Site Inventory, and Constraints Assessment. The Update analyzes patterns of segregation and equal access to opportunity within the City, consistent with AFFH Final Rule. 32 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 8 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Current Conditions
The current Housing Element of the City’s 2015 General Plan applies to the 2014-2021 planning period. The current Element facilitates housing development and preservation throughout the City consistent with residential land use designations in the Land Use and Community Character Element and Zoning Code, to meet the RHNA assigned to the City at the time.

Project Location and Limits
The City is in Township 5 South & Township 6 South, Range 7 East, Range 8 East & Range 9 East, San Bernardino Base & Meridian.

Surrounding Land Uses
Not applicable. The Housing Element applies to all lands throughout the City. 33 Item 2.
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Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 10 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
I. AESTHETICS
Except as provided in Public
Resources Code Section 21099,
would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Have a substantial adverse effect
on a scenic vista? X
b) Substantially damage scenic
resources, including, but not limited
to, trees, rock outcroppings, and
historic buildings within a state scenic
highway?
X
c) In non-urbanized areas,
substantially degrade the existing
visual character or quality of public
views of the site and its surroundings?
(Public views are those that are
experienced from publicly accessible
vantage point). If the project is in an
urbanized area, would the project
conflict with applicable zoning and
other regulations governing scenic
quality?
X
d) Create a new source of
substantial light or glare, which would
adversely affect day or nighttime
views in the area?
X
Setting
The City of Coachella is located in the eastern Coachella Valley, which is a low desert basin flanked by the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains to the southwest and west, and the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the north and northeast. Scenic resources in the City mainly consist of mountain views of the Santa Rosa Mountains (up to 8,715 feet at Toro Peak) and Little San Bernardino Mountains (up to 5,267 feet), as well as the open spaces at the base of Mecca Hills.

Views from the valley floor also include several rock outcroppings in the hillside areas to the east.

There are no state designated or eligible scenic highways in the City. Locally recognized scenic corridors include sections of Dillon Road (old Highway 99), Harrison Street (old Highway 86), and Grapefruit Boulevard (old Highway 111).

Discussion of Impacts
a-d) No Impact. The Housing Element Update is a policy document and will have no impact on aesthetics, scenic vistas or light and glare. As individual housing projects are proposed in the future, they will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for potential effects on scenic vistas and scenic resources.
35 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 11 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
The General Plan contains policies to limit development and their density/scale in the eastern City which is near scenic resources including open spaces and scenic roadways. Future projects will be required to adhere to applicable zoning and other regulations on scenic quality including building height limits, and this Update proposes no change to these regulations.

The Housing Element will have no impact on light and glare. The design of future projects consistent with the Element will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for consistency with City lighting standards. The City’s Zoning Code regulates lighting for all new development in Chapter

16.28.150(L) Improvements and Grading, Chapter 17.56.010(J)(2)(e) Signs, and Chapter

17.54.010 (K) Off-Street Parking and Loading. These regulations require shading of outdoor lighting and height limits for light poles. These are designed to limit illumination to only the site on which it occurs.

No impact is expected.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Sources: City of Coachella General Plan 2015; Coachella Zoning Code; California State Scenic Highway System Map, Caltrans.
36 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 12 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES
In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland.

In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state’s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board.

Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique
Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide
Importance (Farmland), as shown on
the maps prepared pursuant to the
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring
Program of the California Resources
Agency, to non-agricultural use?
X
b) Conflict with existing zoning for
agricultural use, or a Williamson Act
contract?
X
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or
cause rezoning of, forest land (as
defined in Public Resources Code
section 12220(g)), timberland (as
defined by Public Resources Code
section 4526), or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined
by Government Code section
51104(g))?
X
d) Result in the loss of forest land or
conversion of forest land to nonforest use?
X
e) Involve other changes in the
existing environment which, due to
their location or nature, could result
in conversion of Farmland, to nonagricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
X
Setting
Agriculture is integral to the City’s economy, and agricultural land accounts for approximately 29 percent of the General Plan Planning Area, though more than half of the agricultural land is in the Sphere of Influence (SOI). While the General Plan includes a comprehensive agricultural 37 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 13 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
conservation program with multiple avenues to protect agricultural resources and agricultural operations, buildout of the General Plan would still result in conversion of 5,662 acres of Prime Farmland, 587 acres of Unique Farmland, and 3,613 acres of Farmland of Local Importance to urban uses. The General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) determined that buildout of the General Plan would result in significant and unavoidable impacts on the loss and conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses.

The General Plan Planning Area contains approximately 994 acres of Williamson Act contracted lands, and an additional 1,480 acres under Williamson Act contracts that are set to expire. These expiring contracted lands are designated with urban uses in the General Plan, as part of the City’s strategy to manage the transition from agricultural to urban uses.

Discussion of Impacts
a-e) No Impact. All sites identified in the Site Inventory in this Housing Element Update are zoned for urban uses and designated for non-agricultural urban uses in the General Plan. All sites will be developed according to their General Plan designations.

According to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP) by the California Department of Conservation, the Site Inventory includes some sites classified as Prime Farmland or Farmland of Local Importance. However, the Site Inventory contains currently vacant sites only and none of the sites are zoned for agricultural use. Because they have not been in agricultural production nor designated for such uses, but rather have been zoned for urban uses for many years, the loss of those sites as Prime Farmland or Farmland of Local Importance is considered to have already occurred. The Housing Element Update will not result in any new or increased impact regarding conversion of farmland to non-agricultural use.

According to the General Plan EIR, lands designated with urban uses may have expiring Williamson Act contracts, which would apply to future housing sites in the Site Inventory.

However, the Housing Element Update does not change agriculturally designations for any site and will not result in any new impact regarding Williamson Act contracts. No impact will occur.

Under the General Plan, future urban development may result in indirect impacts to adjacent farmland in the central City. However, the General Plan sets forth goals and policies to address such impacts, including right to farm and buffer requirements between agriculture and urban uses. According to the General Plan EIR, these policies will reduce indirect impacts from other changes on the conversion of farmland to less than significant levels. Future development under the Housing Element Update will be subject to all General Plan guidelines, and no new impact would occur regarding conversion of farmland due to other changes.

There is no land zoned for forest land or timberland in the City. There is open space in the eastern City; however, native vegetation consists primarily of Creosote Bush Scrub and Saltbush Scrub.

The arid desert climate does not support forest growth beyond the native shrubs, and there is no forestland or timberland in the City. No impact would occur regarding loss of forest land or conversion to non-forest uses.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.
38 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 14 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Sources: City of Coachella General Plan 2015; City of Coachella General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report (CGPU EIR, SCH No. 2009021007), October 2014; California Important Farmland Finder, California Department of Conservation, https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/DLRP/CIFF/, accessed November 2021. 39 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 15 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
III. AIR QUALITY
Where available, the significance
criteria established by the
applicable air quality
management district or air
pollution control district may be
relied upon to make the following
determinations.

Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Conflict with or obstruct
implementation of the applicable air
quality plan?
X
b) Result in a cumulatively
considerable net increase of any
criteria pollutant for which the
project region is non-attainment
under an applicable federal or state
ambient air quality standard
X
c) Expose sensitive receptors to
substantial pollutant concentrations? X
d) Result in other emissions (such as
those leading to odors adversely
affecting a substantial number of
people?
X
Setting
The City of Coachella is in the Coachella Valley portion of the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB) and governed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). All development in the Coachella Valley portion of the SSAB is subject to the 2016 SCAQMD Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) and 2003 Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan (SIP).

The subject portion of SSAB is currently a non-attainment area for PM10 and ozone. The Coachella Valley is designated as a serious nonattainment area for PM10 and is subject to the 2003 SIP and local dust control regulations and guidelines.

The SCAQMD works directly with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), county transportation commissions, and local governments, and cooperates actively with all state and federal government agencies. At the time the 2016 AQMP was developed, its land use and transportation controls were based on the Growth Management chapter of the 2016- 2040 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (2016 RTP/SCS) adopted by SCAG to comply with metropolitan planning organization (MPO) requirements under the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act. Projects that are consistent with the projections of population forecasts are considered consistent with the AQMP.

In 2020, SCAG adopted the 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (2020 RTP/SCS) that will form the basis for land use and transportation controls of the 40 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 16 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
2022 AQMP, which has yet to be adopted. However, the 2016 RTP/SCS is consistent with the current 2016 AQMP and thus is the appropriate document to reference for air quality analysis at this time.

Discussion of Impacts
a-d) No Impact. The Housing Element Update will have no direct impact on air quality. The Update is a policy document and will not generate any construction or development. To meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 7,886 units in the next planning period by 2029, the Housing Element Site Inventory identified sites for future housing that will be developed according to their General Plan designations.

In 2021, the City’s population was 47,825, with an average 4.66 persons per household. SCAG projects the City’s population will grow to 129,300 in 2045. The addition of 7,886 units would increase the population by 36,749 to a total of 84,574, which is under the 2045 forecast.

Therefore, the Housing Element is consistent with the 2 RTP/SCS projections, and thus consistent with the growth assumptions in the 2016 AQMP. The Update will not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the AQMP.

When individual housing projects are proposed, the City will undertake CEQA review, and assess potential impacts for each project, including emissions of criteria pollutants, pollutant concentrations near sensitive receptors, and emissions of odors. All future projects will be required to adhere to SCAQMD rules and regulations and City requirements for construction related activities to ensure compliance with the 2016 AQMP and 2003 SIP. Typical measures include, but are not limited to, the implementation of fugitive dust control measures (SCAQMD Rule 403.1, Municipal Code Chapter 8.20 and Section 15.40.010) and the use of low VOC content coatings (SCAQMD Rule 1113).

The City’s General Plan Sustainability and Natural Environment Element Goal 11 and associated policies require a minimum distance of 500 feet between sensitive receptors and potential polluters, mitigation of potentially significant air quality impacts through the CEQA process, and health impact assessments for sensitive land uses in proximity to highways. The Housing Element Update will facilitate development and rehabilitation of residential units, which typically do not emit odors that would adversely affect a substantial number of people. Mitigation measures will be implemented, where necessary, in accordance with SCAQMD rules and City requirements to reduce potential impacts of specific projects to less than significant levels when the impacts of those projects can be quantified.

Overall, no impact associated with adoption of the Housing Element is expected.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Sources: SCAQMD AQMP, 2016; Coachella Valley PM10 SIP, 2003; South Coast Air Quality Management District CEQA Handbook, 1993; E-5 City/County Population and Housing Estimates, California Department of Finance, January 1, 2021; 2020 RTP/SCS, Demographics and Growth Forecast Technical Report, Southern California Association of Governments, adopted September 3, 2020; 2021-2045 RTP/SCS.
41 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 17 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Would the project:

Potentiall
y
Significan
t Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Have a substantial adverse effect,
either directly or through habitat
modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or
special status species in local or
regional plans, policies, or regulations,
or by the California Department of Fish
and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service?
X
b) Have a substantial adverse effect
on any riparian habitat or other
sensitive natural community identified
in local or regional plans, policies,
regulations or by the California
Department of Fish and Game or US
Fish and Wildlife Service?
X
c) Have a substantial adverse effect
on federally protected wetlands
(including, but not limited to, marsh,
vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through
direct removal, filling, hydrological
interruption, or other means?
X
d) Interfere substantially with the
movement of any native resident or
migratory fish or wildlife species or with
established native resident or
migratory wildlife corridors, or impede
the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
X
e) Conflict with any local policies or
ordinances protecting biological
resources, such as a tree preservation
policy or ordinance?
X
f) Conflict with the provisions of an
adopted Habitat Conservation Plan,
Natural Community Conservation Plan,
or other approved local, regional, or
state habitat conservation plan?
X
42 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 18 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Setting
The City of Coachella is in the eastern Coachella Valley in the Sonoran Desert subunit of the Colorado Desert. The valley floor experiences extreme heat and aridity, and hosts limited vegetation communities compared to the higher plant diversity and density in hillsides, alluvial fans, and mountainous areas. The City is bisected by the Whitewater River and Coachella Canal, both of which traverse generally northwest to southeast. The General Plan Planning Area consists of the urban core area in the City, agricultural land, and a few stands of undisturbed and disturbed Sonoran Creosote Bush Scrub and Colorado Saltbush Scrub.

Discussion of Impacts
a-f) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update, a policy document, will have no impact on biological resources. This Update does not expand new housing sites beyond what is currently allowed under the General Plan.

According to the General Plan EIR, there are limited areas of riparian habitat along the Whitewater River in the City. However, these habitats are too limited and dispersed to support any sensitive species. There are no other sensitive habitats in the City. The sites identified for housing in the Site Inventory do not contain wetlands or riparian habitats, nor will they encroach on the Whitewater River. The City will require sensitive species surveys if housing projects are proposed in certain areas of the City (generally west of and along the Whitewater River) and implementation of necessary mitigation measures if sensitive species are present. These measures would be prescribed by a qualified biologist in order to receive necessary City permits.

This standard requirement will ensure no significant impacts on sensitive species, their habitat and wildlife nursery sites will occur.

The General Plan EIR identified two migratory bird species that reside seasonally in the City, which migrate through undeveloped areas, grasslands and agricultural lands in the area. The parcels identified in the Sites Inventory do not occur on these lands. Rather, the General Plan concentrates development in urbanized areas, and the Housing Element proposes development within these areas for all types of housing. The General Plan will preserve a significant portion of open space for habitat protection and low impact recreation and promote land use efficiency within the developed areas, and no significant impact on wildlife migration would occur.

The City of Coachella is within the boundary of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). The City is required to assess development impact fees on new development to mitigate potential impacts to covered species. The Desert Tortoise and Linkage Conservation Area overlaps a small portion of the northeast City. This area is designated as Open Space under the General Plan. The sites identified for future housing are not located in or near the Conservation Area. Future housing projects will be required to pay the development fee imposed by the CVMSHCP, which will assure consistency with the Plan.

The City does not have a tree preservation or similar ordinance that protects trees or other biological resource. The General Plan has multiple policies that encourage preservation and use of native desert landscaping. With implementation of the CVMSHCP and other standard requirements, no new impact would occur as a result of this Update on biological resources. 43 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 19 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Sources: City of Coachella General Plan 2015; City of Coachella General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report (CGPU EIR, SCH No. 2009021007), October 2014; Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) and EIR/EIS, 2007. 44 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 20 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Cause a substantial adverse
change in the significance of a
historical resource pursuant to §
15064.5?
X
b) Cause a substantial adverse
change in the significance of an
archaeological resource pursuant to
§ 15064.5?
X
c) Disturb any human remains,
including those interred outside of
formal cemeteries?
X
Setting
In the City of Coachella, the only registered historical resource is the Coachella Valley Water District Building along Highway 111 and Grapefruit Boulevard, which is designated as a California Point of Historical Interest and a Riverside County Historical Landmark (General Plan EIR). Many other sites are considered eligible for formal designation. The City’s historic core is considered highly sensitive for historic resources, generally between Harrison Street and State Route 111 (EIR Figure 4.4-2).

Given the long history of Coachella as Native American land, the City contains significant archaeological resources, none of which are designated by any state or national register but may be considered eligible.

The Mecca Hills, Thermal Canyon, and washes north of Thermal Canyon host archaeologically significant trails, mining sites, and other artifacts from previous settlements. There are also possible sites along the west side of the Whitewater River, and in the downtown area.

Discussion of Impacts
a-c) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on cultural resources. The sites identified for future housing in the Site Inventory are vacant and do not contain historic structures.

Archaeological resources, located on the surface or below parcels identified in the Sites Inventory could occur. As individual projects are proposed in the future, the City will require sitespecific cultural resource surveys, and will consult with local interested tribes on potential cultural resources pursuant to AB 52 and/or SB 18. The results of these surveys will require proper preservation and mitigation of archaeological resources, if identified on a housing site. The consultation process for AB 52 and SB 18 is detailed in Section 18, Tribal Cultural Resources.

Should housing development be proposed on sites with archaeological resources in the future, any potential impact will be addressed in the project-level environmental review in compliance with standard requirements and General Plan policies.
45 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 21 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
According to the General Plan EIR, there is potential for human remains to occur on Tribal Lands, which are in the SOI. There are no known burial sites or cemeteries on sites designated for housing, which are all within the City limits. The City will require future projects to abide by California law, should human remains be identified on a site being prepared for housing development. The General Plan Sustainability and Natural Environment Element Policy 12.6 supports the requirement of law regarding discovery of human remains. California Public Resources Code Section 5097.98 requires that if remains are uncovered, all work in the vicinity of the site should be stopped and that there will be no deposition of the remains unless proper procedures are followed as required by the law. These requirements of law apply to any development in the City.

Overall, no impact is expected.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Sources: City of Coachella General Plan 2015; City of Coachella General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report (CGPU EIR, SCH No. 2009021007), October 2014. 46 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 22 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
VI. ENERGY
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Result in potentially significant
environmental impact due to
wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary
consumption of energy resources,
during project construction or
operation?
X
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or
local plan for renewable energy or
energy efficiency?
X
Setting
Primary energy sources include fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas), nuclear, and renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower. The City of Coachella is served by the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) for electricity. The Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) provides natural gas to the City. The City adopted its Climate Action Plan in April 2015, which provides additional measures on energy efficiency and conservation.

Discussion of Impacts
a-b) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update, a policy document, will have no impact on energy resources and energy efficiency. Construction and rehabilitation of housing are required to conform to the California Building Code, including the California Energy Code and California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), which serves to ensure the economical and wise use of energy resources during construction and operational phases.

Future housing development will be required to conform to the Building Code standards in effect when development occurs, which currently require solar panels for residential development, and are aiming for zero-net energy for the future. These requirements will assure that future housing projects are energy efficient and do not waste energy.

The City’s energy providers, IID and SoCalGas, have both committed to increasing efficiency and renewable energy generation and enforce relevant state energy standards. The Housing Element identifies energy conservation opportunities for City residents and future housing development, including government and utility programs for energy efficiency upgrades and solar photovoltaic systems. Goal 3 and its associated policies and programs are specifically aimed at energy efficiency.

Future housing developments would generate traffic and require the consumption of petroleum-based fuels for vehicular travel. Although future housing projects have the potential to result in a direct increase in City VMTs, the Update will not interfere with evolving fuel efficiency standards and will not result in wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of transportation energy resources.
47 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 23 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Implementation of the California Building Code and both voluntary and state-mandated energy efficiency and renewable energy programs will ensure that no wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources will occur. The Update promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy programs for future housing development and rehabilitation and will not conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for energy efficiency or renewable energy.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Sources: City of Coachella General Plan 2015; City of Coachella General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report (CGPU EIR, SCH No. 2009021007), October 2014. 48 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 24 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
VII. GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Directly or indirectly cause
potential substantial adverse effects,
including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake
fault, as delineated on the most
recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault
Zoning Map issued by the State
Geologist for the area or based on
other substantial evidence of a
known fault? Refer to Division of
Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.

X
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? X
iii) Seismic related ground failure,
including liquefaction? X
iv) Landslides? X
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or
the loss of topsoil? X
c) Be located on a geologic unit or
soil that is unstable, or that would
become unstable as a result of the
project, and potentially result in on-or
off-site landslide, lateral spreading,
subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
X
d) Be located on expansive soil, as
defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform
Building Code (1994), creating
substantial direct or indirect risks to
life or property?
X
e) Have soils incapable of
adequately supporting the use of
septic tanks or alternative waste
water disposal systems where sewers
are not available for the disposal of
waste water?
X
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a
unique paleontological resource or
site or unique geologic feature?
X
49 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 25 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Setting
The City of Coachella is located in the eastern Coachella Valley, which forms the northerly part of the Salton Trough, a structural and topographic depression related to complex interactions with the San Andreas Fault system. The San Andreas, San Jacinto, and Whittier-Elsinore fault zones are seismically active and can generate strong ground shaking up to magnitude 7.9 within the Coachella area. Three Alquist-Priolo Earthquake fault zones traverse in a northwest to southeast direction in the eastern City and SOI.

The Coachella Valley is underlain by a thick sequence of sedimentary deposits from erosion of surrounding mountains, including the Indio and Mecca hills along with deposition from the Gulf of California and Colorado River. Soils of different ages and compositions have developed on these sedimentary units, and on the younger alluvial units filling the valley floor. Mountains surrounding the valley include the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the northeast, the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains to the northwest, and the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains to the southwest.

Discussion of Impacts
a-f) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update, a policy document, will have no impact on geology. The sites identified for future housing in the Site Inventory are not located in or near an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake fault zone. According to the General Plan EIR, implementation of the Alquist-Priolo Act, California Building Code (CBC), and General Plan policies will ensure that future development not be sited within the vicinity of a fault trace and be constructed with appropriate seismic upgrades if likely subject to fault rupture threat. These standard requirements will ensure that no significant impact will occur.

The City can also sustain considerable damage in structures not designed to withstand strong ground shaking caused by nearby active faults. The General Plan provides policies on more stringent requirements than the CBC for new development to adhere to and mitigation to protect people in buildings identified as most susceptible to earthquake damage. During the review of individual applications, the City will evaluate proposed housing projects against General Plan policies for consistency based on project vulnerability to seismic ground shaking and grant approval only upon adequate consistency.

The most destructive types of ground failure due to seismic shaking include liquefaction and slope failure. The valley portion of Coachella, west of the Whitewater River/Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel, is underlain by soils that could liquefy during an earthquake, generally due to an elevated groundwater basin. The City requires a site-specific analysis through the development review process, to determine if structures are allowable and to assess building design against existing regulations and applicable codes, as well as implementation of the engineering recommendations, such as foundation designs, to offset liquefaction impacts.

Slope instability, including landslides, would pose a potential hazard as development encroaches into the hills in the northeastern City. Overall, the probability for landslide, rock fall and debris flow is considered low in the City. The sites identified for future housing are not in or adjacent to hillside areas, and would not be impacted by landslides. 50 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 26 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
The City will impose dust control/PM10 management and NPDES standards on all development in the future, which will mitigate for potential soil erosion from wind or flooding hazards, respectively. These standard requirements include the installation of wind fences and site watering to prevent wind erosion; and on- and off-site best management practices (BMPs) such as sand bags and bio-swales for water erosion.

Subsidence has been documented in other parts of the valley (Palm Desert, Indian Wells and La Quinta), but the potential for regional subsidence in the Coachella area is unclear. The General Plan includes policies to limit development in high-risk areas such as steep slopes and require site-specific studies to determine individual risk and develop appropriate design strategies. The General Plan also calls for groundwater resources protection to prevent overdrafting and regional subsidence due to excessive extraction. These General Plan policies assure that future projects for housing facilitated by the Housing Element will be applied to individual projects as they are proposed.

The valley portion of Coachella is underlain by unconsolidated, young alluvial deposits and artificial fill that are potentially compressible and/or collapsible. A small portion of the southeastern City is subject to potential expansive soil hazards in the vicinity of the airport and along the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks. Future housing development in the City will be subject to the California Building Code to ensure structures are sound and engineered to reduce impacts from expansive soils. The General Plan includes policies that require site-specific geotechnical investigations to determine if the development site is subject to expansive soils and other geological/soil hazards and recommend measures to reduce potential impacts, such as structural mitigation or excavation and foundation improvements.

The Housing Element Update Program 1.2 requires that all new residential developments are provided with adequate public and private facilities and services through environmental and other development review procedures. Future housing development on sites in the Site Inventory will connect to municipal sewer infrastructure in the site vicinity and will not require any septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal. No impact would occur.

According to the General Plan EIR, in general, the western and southern City have a low sensitivity, or probability, for having paleontological resources. The eastern City has high sensitivity for occurrence of paleontological resources, but much of this area is designated as Open Space under the General Plan, which limits or prevents development. State law prevents the removal or destruction of any resource without presenting the findings and restricting and preserving the resources, or determination of resources not being worthy of reporting (Public Resources Code Section 5097.5). The General Plan also requires reporting of any paleontological artifacts found within the City and subsequent procedures. None of the parcels on the Sites Inventory are located in an area of high sensitivity. Future development would be required to comply with the existing regulations and General Plan policies to obtain development permits. No new impact would occur under the Housing Element Update.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Sources: City of Coachella General Plan 2015; City of Coachella General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report (CGPU EIR, SCH No. 2009021007), October 2014. 51 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 27 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Generate greenhouse gas
emissions, either directly or indirectly,
that may have a significant impact on
the environment?
X
b) Conflict with an applicable plan,
policy or regulation adopted for the
purpose of reducing the emissions of
greenhouse gases?
X
Setting
Greenhouse gases (GHG), such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases (hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride), are released into the atmosphere through natural and anthropogenic processes. These gases are termed “greenhouse gases” due to their common ability of trapping heat, and they are believed to be responsible for the global average increase in surface temperatures of 0.7-1.5°F that were observed during the 20th century. The quantity of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has increased significantly over a relatively short period.

Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas that has raised the most concern of atmospheric scientists due to current and projected emission levels.

State law mandates that all cities decrease their GHG emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020.

Executive Order B-30-15 set an interim target goal of reducing GHG emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 to keep California on its trajectory toward meeting or exceeding the long-term goal of reducing GHG emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, as set forth in Executive Order S-3-05.

The City of Coachella completed its first Greenhouse Gas Inventory in conjunction with the Climate Action Plan in 2015. The plan guides City policies and planning to achieve energy efficiency and comply with state mandates on emission reduction.

GHG Thresholds
On December 5, 2008, the SCAQMD formally adopted a greenhouse gas significance threshold of 10,000 MTCO2e/yr that only applies to industrial uses’ stationary sources where SCAQMD is the Lead Agency (SCAQMD Resolution No. 08-35). This threshold was adopted based upon an October 2008 staff report and draft interim guidance document that also recommended a threshold for all projects using a tiered approach. It was recommended by SCAQMD staff that a project’s greenhouse gas emissions would be considered significant if it could not comply with at least one of the following “tiered” tests:
• Tier 1: Is there an applicable exemption?
• Tier 2: Is the project compliant with a greenhouse gas reduction plan that is, at a minimum, consistent with the goals of AB 32?
52 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 28 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
• Tier 3: Is the project below an absolute threshold (10,000 MTCO2e/ year for industrial projects; 3,000 MTCO2e/year for residential and commercial projects)? • Tier 4: Is the project below a (yet to be set) performance threshold? • Tier 5: Would the project achieve a screening level with off-site mitigation? The City currently uses this approach in considering project-specific greenhouse gas emissions under CEQA.

Discussion of Impacts
a-b) No Impact. The Housing Element Update is a policy document and will have no impact on greenhouse gas emissions. The Update will not generate any construction or development, but rather identifies sites for future housing development, many of which are centrally-located near transit, shopping and employment. The Housing Element also identifies opportunities for energy conservation including government and utility programs that will help reduce GHG emissions under Goal C and its associated policies and programs.

When individual housing projects are proposed, the City will undertake CEQA review, and assess potential impacts for each project on greenhouse gas emissions with regards to GHG thresholds set by SCAQMD.

The City adopted a Climate Action Plan (2015) that establish energy efficiency and GHG reduction policies and implementation measures for development projects that are generally more stringent than building codes. These measures will effectively reduce City-wide GHG emissions including at the individual project level.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Sources: City of Coachella General Plan 2015; SCAQMD AQMP, 2016; California Air Resource Board, website, http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccms/ccms.htm; Draft Guidance Document – Interim CEQA Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Significance Thresholds, South Coast Air Quality Management District, October 2008; City of Coachella Climate Action Plan, April 2015. 53 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 29 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS

MATERIALS
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment through
the routine transport, use, or disposal
of hazardous materials?
X
b) Create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment through
reasonably foreseeable upset and
accident conditions involving the
release of hazardous materials into
the environment?
X
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous
materials, substances, or waste within
one-quarter mile of an existing or
proposed school?
X
d) Be located on a site which is
included on a list of hazardous
materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5
and, as a result, would it create a
significant hazard to the public or the
environment?
X
e) For a project located within an
airport land use plan or, where such a
plan has not been adopted, within
two miles of a public airport or public
use airport, would the project result in
a safety hazard or excessive noise for
people residing or working in the
project area?
X
f) Impair implementation of or
physically interfere with an adopted
emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan?
X
g) Expose people or structures, either
directly or indirectly, to a significant
risk of loss, injury or death involving
wildland fires.

X
Setting
In the City of Coachella, the use, storage, disposal, and cleanup of hazardous waste is regulated by an extensive framework of state and federal laws, such as those implemented by the US and California EPA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and regional agencies 54 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 30 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
including the Colorado River Regional Water Quality Control Board. Coachella Fire Services, as part of the Riverside County Fire Department supports the Riverside County Health Department in maintaining a permit program that applies to anyone operating a hazardous occupancy or using, storing, or transporting substantial amounts of hazardous materials.

Discussion of Impacts
a-g) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update will not impact hazards or hazardous materials. Future housing development will be required to assess potential impacts as part of the CEQA process, but these impacts are likely to be negligible, since housing development does not generate significant use, storage or transport of hazardous materials.

There are many schools in the City, including adjacent to or near sites designated for housing.

However, as previously stated, housing development generates minimal hazardous materials which are governed by local and regional regulations.

The sites identified for housing in the Site Inventory do not occur on sites identified by the state as now having or previously having hazardous materials issues. There may be permitted underground storage tanks and other active cleanup sites in the vicinity, but such sites are under the jurisdiction of local agencies such as the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health and required to comply with requirements of law. No impact is expected regarding listed sites.

The Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport is located approximately one mile south of the City of Coachella. There are no private airstrips in and around the City. The airport is approximately 1.26 miles southeast of the closest housing site in the Site Inventory. Some of the housing sites in the southern City fall in the Compatibility Zone D/E on the airport compatibility map. None of the sites are located in or adjacent to the airport noise contours. The Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Policy Document outlines compatibility policies on residential densities in Zone D, which future housing projects will be required to comply with. The General Plan Land Use and Community Character Element contains policies that require new development to conform to the airport land use and safety plans, facilitates regional coordination and Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission review of planning documents and regulations. No impact will occur regarding airport-related hazards.

The Housing Element Update will not impair or interfere with the City Fire and Emergency Medical Services Master Plan (2007), City of Coachella Emergency Operations Plan (2007), and the City of Coachella Annex Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (2012). Housing projects will occur on the City’s existing street system, which is already developed. For each individual project, a construction traffic control plan may be required in coordination with the City’s Engineering Department to ensure traffic safety and preservation of emergency/secondary access during all development activities. The site plans and emergency access for each individual project will be subject to approval by the Fire and Police Departments to ensure adequate emergency access. No impact to emergency access or evacuation routes is anticipated.

According to the Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps by CALFire, the City of Coachella consists of primarily local responsibility area (LRA) and some federal responsibility area (FRA). There is no designated fire hazard zone in or near the City. No impact is anticipated on wildfire hazards. 55 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 31 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Sources: City of Coachella General Plan 2015; City of Coachella General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report (CGPU EIR, SCH No. 2009021007), October 2014; California Department of Toxic Substances Control “EnviroStor” Database, accessed November 2021; Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Policy Document (Amended September 2006); Fire and Resources Assessment Program (FRAP) maps, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
56 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 32 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER

QUALITY
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Violate any water quality standards
or waste discharge requirements or
otherwise substantially degrade
surface or ground water quality?
X
b) Substantially decrease groundwater
supplies or interfere substantially with
groundwater recharge such that the
project may impede sustainable
groundwater management of the
basin?
X
c) Substantially alter the existing
drainage pattern of the site or area,
including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river or through
the addition of impervious surfaces, in
a manner which would:
(i) result in substantial erosion or siltation
on- or off-site; X
(ii) substantially increase the rate or
amount of surface runoff in a manner
which would result in flooding on- or
off-site;
X
(iii) create or contribute runoff water
which would exceed the capacity of
existing or planned stormwater
drainage systems or provide substantial
additional sources of polluted runoff; or
X
(iv) impede or redirect flood flows? X
(d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche
zones, risk release of pollutants due to
project inundation?
X
(e) Conflict with or obstruct
implementation of a water quality
control plan or sustainable
groundwater management plan?
X
Setting
The dominant drainage feature in the Coachella Valley is the Whitewater River. The Whitewater River watershed is under the jurisdiction of the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). The Whitewater River has perennial flow in the mountains, but becomes 57 Item 2.

City of Coachella Coachella Housing Element Update
October, 2022 33 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
dry further downstream due to diversions and percolation into the groundwater basin. The Whitewater River is channelized downstream from La Quinta, and known as the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel (CVSC) and serves as drainage for irrigation return flows, treated community wastewater, and storm runoff.

Under the Clean Water Act, the Colorado River Basin RWQCB is responsible for regulating water quality and implementing the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program.

The City of Coachella operates under a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit, which requires implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to reduce pollutants in urban storm water discharge and monitoring of ambient water quality to determine effectiveness of BMPs.

The Lower Whitewater River Basin water is extracted by the Coachella Valley Water District and other water agencies including the City’s Coachella Water Agency (CWA). CWA is the water supplier for the entire City of Coachella. The Valley Sanitary District (VSD) and Coachella Sanitary District (CSD) manage wastewater treatment facilities that serve the City and implement regulations imposed by the Colorado River Basin RWQCB. CSD covers the majority of the City except a small area in the northwestern corner.

Discussion of Impacts
a-e) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on water resources. The Update is a policy document and does not involve the construction of any new housing units. The City, CWA, VSD and CSD implement all water quality standards and waste discharge requirements to prevent contamination of water sources during construction and operation.

According to the City of Coachella 2015 Sewer System Master Plan, the existing sewer infrastructure does not cover the entire City, and many properties currently rely on septic tanks, which are regulated by the RWQCB to ensure they do not pollute the groundwater basin. The Housing Element Update Program 1.2 requires that all new residential developments are provided with adequate public and private facilities and services through environmental and other development review procedures, including sanitary sewer service. As described in the Housing Element, all parcels in the Sites Inventory are served by water and sewer. Future housing developments will be reviewed under CEQA to assure that they meet the standard requirements and connect to existing facilities, in order to assure compliance with waste discharge requirements.

According to the 2020 Coachella Valley Regional Urban Water Management Plan, available water supplies are sufficient to meet the anticipated demand for 2025 through 2045 during normal, single dry, and multiple dry years. Housing sites identified in the Site Inventory are consistent with the General Plan, on which the CWA bases its demand and supply projections.

Future projects will be required to comply with Title 24 provisions on efficient use of water.

Because the sites identified in the Update will be developed according to their General Plan land use designations, CWA will have adequate water supplies to serve those sites.

Prior to the issuance of any grading or building permit, the City will require all qualifying new and redevelopment projects to submit a water quality management plan (WQMP) for approval by the City engineer. The WQMP must identify all BMPs that will be incorporated into the project to 58 Item 2.

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control stormwater and stormwater pollutants during and after construction and must be revised as necessary during the life of the project (Municipal Code Chapter 13.16). The General Plan Sustainability + Natural Environment and Infrastructure + Public Services Elements include policies to preserve natural land features and require drainage studies for new development to prevent on- or off-site flooding. Implementation of these standard requirements will prevent any significant impact on runoff and stormwater drainage.

Areas designated as a 100-year flood hazard zone in the City occur within the banks of the CVSC. Housing sites in the City are not located in the 100-year special flood hazard areas. The sites identified in the Site Inventory fall within Flood Hazard Zone X, which indicates areas of minimal flood hazard.

The City is located inland and would not be subject to tsunami. The City is located over 10 miles away from Salton Sea, the closest large water body, and is thus outside the area that could be affected by seiches. Minor seiches may occur within the City in smaller ponds or lakes, however the water level rise is unlikely to exceed 1.6 feet (General Plan EIR).

The City of Coachella Engineering Department manages levees, channels, and dikes within the City, including channelization and levees of the Whitewater River and the East Side Dike. The General Plan requires the City to carefully monitor and mitigate development in areas that are prone to flooding risks from possible infrastructure failure and create disaster response plans to protect users of critical facilities. Compliance with the standard requirements will minimize any potential impacts regarding hydrology and water quality, and no new impact would occur under the Housing Element Update.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Sources: City of Coachella General Plan 2015; City of Coachella General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report (CGPU EIR, SCH No. 2009021007), October 2014; 2020 Coachella Valley Regional Urban Water Management Plan, June 2021. 59 Item 2.

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XI. LAND USE AND PLANNING
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
w/ Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Physically divide an established
community? X
b) Cause a significant environmental
impact due to a conflict with any
land use plan, policy, or regulation
adopted for the purpose of avoiding
or mitigating an environmental
effect?
X
Setting
The City of Coachella and SOI consist of urban settlement (residential, industrial, and commercial land uses), agricultural land, open space, and undeveloped land. The 2015 General Plan envisioned that the City would transform from a small town to a mid-sized city at buildout (2035).

Most of the urban and residential development is within the western City, including Coachella’s downtown, civic buildings, commercial corridors, and major residential development. The eastern City and SOI consist mostly of open space, agriculture, and tribal land.

Discussion of Impacts
a-b) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on land use and planning. The sites identified for future housing in the Sites Inventory are designated for residential uses in the General Plan and will be developed under the applicable provisions. The City has not conducted a comprehensive Zoning Code update to be consistent with the 2015 General Plan. Under Program 1.1 of the Housing Element Update, the City will update the Zoning Code to be consistent with the 2015 General Plan and prioritize creating zones and rezoning lower-income sites identified in the Site Inventory. Program 1.2 requires priority re-zoning for land on the Sites Inventory, to assure that these parcels are available for affordable housing.

The identified sites are currently vacant, either surrounded by independently operated uses or individual parcels in a larger residential neighborhood. The sites within existing neighborhoods are planned for development to build out these communities, not divide them. Future housing projects will not divide an established community, nor conflict with any plans, policy, or regulation on land use and planning.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Sources: City of Coachella General Plan 2015; City of Coachella General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report (CGPU EIR, SCH No. 2009021007), October 2014. 60 Item 2.

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XII. MINERAL RESOURCES
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Result in the loss of availability of a
known mineral resource that would
be of value to the region and the
residents of the state?
X
b) Result in the loss of availability of a
locally important mineral resource
recovery site delineated on a local
general plan, specific plan or other
land use plan?
X
Setting
The California Mineral Land Classification System, developed by the State Geologist, identifies Mineral Resources Zones (MRZs) for mapping and reporting purposes under the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA). The western portion of the City is classified as MRZ-1, where available geological information indicates that little likelihood exists for presence of significant mineral resources. The northeastern portion of the City is classified as MRZ-3, which indicates the area has known mineral deposits that may qualify as mineral resources (MRZ-3a), or the area may have inferred deposits which may qualify as mineral resources (MRZ-3b). Two permitted mining operations occur in the MRZ-2 area in the SOI, but none occur in the City.

Discussion of Impacts
a-b) No Impact. The adoption and implementation of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on mineral resources. No active mining or extraction sites occur in the City, nor are any proposed. None of the sites identified for housing in the Site Inventory occur on lands designated for mineral resource extraction.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Sources: City of Coachella General Plan 2015; City of Coachella General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report (CGPU EIR, SCH No. 2009021007), October 2014. 61 Item 2.

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XIII. NOISE
Would the project result in:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Generation of substantial
temporary or permanent increase in
ambient noise levels in the vicinity of
the project in excess of standards
established in the local general plan
or noise ordinance, or applicable
standards of other agencies?
X
b) Generation of excessive
groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels?
X
c) For a project located within the
vicinity of a primate airstrip or an
airport land use plan or, where such
a plan has not been adopted, within
two miles of a public airport or public
use airport, would the project expose
people residing or working in the
project area to excessive noise
levels?
X
Setting
The predominant noise source in the City of Coachella is traffic. Other major noise sources in Coachella include the railway, manufacturing processing and distribution facilities. Other, less significant noise sources in Coachella include aircraft overflights, air conditioning units and other mechanical equipment on buildings, and landscaping equipment. Title 7 of the City’s Municipal Code governs noise control in the City. The sound level limits for fixed noise sources are 55 dBA from 6 AM to 10 PM, and 45 dBA from 10 PM to 6 AM for all residential zones.

Discussion of Impacts
a-c) No Impact. The Housing Element Update is a policy document and would not generate construction or development. As future housing projects are proposed, they will be required to analyze noise impacts during the CEQA review and building permit processes. Project-level noise studies may be required by the City to assess impacts from roadway and surrounding development, where necessary. The City may require noise analysis to verify noise standard compliance with standards set in Title 7 of the Municipal Code and Land Use/Noise Compatibility Matrix (General Plan Figure 10-1) during building plan check reviews. Should noise levels at future housing sites exceed City standards, mitigation would be required through architectural features, building design and construction, rather than site design features such as excessive setbacks, berms and sound walls (General Plan Policy 1.2). 62 Item 2.

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Construction of future housing development will create temporary noise and/or vibration sources. Construction noise is exempt from the noise standards set forth in Section 7.04.030 of the Municipal Code; however, it is restricted to certain days of the week and times of day that are considered less sensitive (Municipal Code Section 7.04.070). As noted, under CEQA review, individual projects will need to assess whether their construction will potentially impact surrounding uses and any sensitive receptors. In the long term, housing development will be required to comply with the noise levels established for fixed noise sources in the Municipal Code for residential zones, and are not expected to cause significant impacts on noise and vibration.

The nearest airport to the City is Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, located approximately one mile south of the City at its closest point. All sites identified for future housing development in the Housing Element are located well outside the noise contours of the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport. The Bermuda Dunes Airport is located at least four miles northwest of the City limits, and due to distance will not impact noise levels within the City.

No impact will occur regarding exposing people to excessive noise levels.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Sources: City of Coachella General Plan 2015; Coachella Municipal Code. 63 Item 2.

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XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Induce substantial unplanned
population growth in an area, either
directly (for example, by proposing
new homes and businesses) or
indirectly (for example, through
extension of roads or other
infrastructure)?
X
b) Displace substantial numbers of
existing people or housing,
necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?
X
Setting
The City of Coachella has a population of approximately 42,178 persons, which is expected to grow to 129,300 in 2045.1 Currently, the City is composed of a mix of single-family, multi-family, and mobile home development, but the majority (73.9%) of housing units are single-family homes.

Discussion of Impacts
a-b) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on population and housing. The Element provides goals, policies and programs to facilitate housing development and preserve the existing housing stock, but does not create any immediate need for housing. As population grows in the City, demand for housing will increase and the sites identified for future housing in the Site Inventory will be developed under the provisions of the General Plan, including the Housing Element, and the Zoning Code.

The Housing Element will not induce substantial unplanned growth, insofar as the identified sites are located on existing streets, and utilities and public facilities are available in the immediate area. Because the identified sites are vacant, future housing development would not displace any existing housing or require replacement housing elsewhere. No impact will occur.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Source: State of California, Department of Finance, E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State — January 1, 2021-2022. Sacramento, California, May 2022. 1 2020-2045 RTP/SCS Demographics and Growth Forecast by Southern California Association of Governments.
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XV. PUBLIC SERVICES
Would the project result in:

Would the project result in
substantial adverse physical
impacts associated with the
provision of new or physically
altered governmental facilities,
need for new or physically altered
governmental facilities, the
construction of which could
cause significant environmental
impacts, in order to maintain
acceptable service ratios,
response times or other
performance objectives for any of
the public services:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Fire protection? X
Police protection? X
Schools? X
Parks? X
Other public facilities? X
Setting
Fire Protection
Fire protection services are provided by the Riverside County Fire Department and CALFire via a cooperative agreement. The Riverside County Fire Department Station 79 is a full-service public safety department which has provided fire suppression and emergency medical services to Coachella residents, businesses and visitors since 1990 from its location at 1377 6th Street. The City may consider new stations to serve the growing entertainment district and northern area as well as the central area in the future as development occurs.

Police Protection
The City of Coachella contracts with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department to provide comprehensive law enforcement services. The City Police Department is comprised of the Investigations, Patrol, Traffic, and Forensics Divisions with overlapping personnel. The Department consists of 32 sworn officer positions, 19 of which are dedicated to the Patrol Division with the remaining officers dedicated to special assignments such as the Community Action Team (C.A.T.), School Resource Officers, along with Gang and Narcotics Enforcement.

Schools
There are two school districts providing public education to students in kindergarten through 12th grade in Coachella: Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) and Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD). The majority of the City occurs within CVUSD’s service area. Both 65 Item 2.

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districts receive funding from state funds and local property taxes. The districts are authorized to collect school facilities fees as provided for in Government Code Section 53080 et. seq. and 65995 et seq. on a per square foot basis for new residential development.

Parks
The City of Coachella currently operates ten parks and recreational facilities that support uses such as sports, community activities and playground. The City’s Municipal Code Section

16.36.060 provides for the dedication of land or the payment of fees in lieu thereof for park and recreational facilities as a condition of approval of a tentative map or parcel map. All residential developments subdivisions containing five or more parcels are required to dedicate land, pay a fee, or both. Section 16.36.060 set a minimum of three acres per 1,000 population in a subdivision for neighborhood and community park and recreational facilities.

Discussion of Impacts
No Impact. The Housing Element Update is a policy document and will not directly generate any development. The adoption of the Update will have no impact on public services. As future housing projects are proposed, they will be reviewed to determine potential impacts on public services during the CEQA review process. Sites identified for future housing in the Site Inventory are mainly urban infill sites. All inventory sites will be developed under the allowable densities in the General Plan and Zoning Code. The majority of the City is well served by public services, and thus new development on the inventory sites are least likely to have significant impacts on public services.

The sites identified for future housing are not located in or near a fire hazard zone. As future housing projects are proposed, they will be required to provide adequate emergency access and safety design following the Riverside County Fire Department’s design guidelines.

Future housing development will be required to pay development impact fees toward fire, police, library and general government facilities upon development approval and school developer fees in place at the time development occurs. Future housing projects will also be required to dedicate land and/or pay an in-lieu fee for provision of park and recreational facilities, if they involve subdivisions containing five or more parcels. These standard requirements, including fee payments, will offset impacts associated with public services and facilities generated by new residents.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Source: City of Coachella General Plan 2015.
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XVI. RECREATION
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Would the project increase the
use of existing neighborhood and
regional parks or other recreational
facilities such that substantial
physical deterioration of the facility
would occur or be accelerated?
X
b) Does the project include
recreational facilities or require the
construction or expansion of
recreational facilities which might
have an adverse physical effect on
the environment?
X
Setting
The City of Coachella provides a variety of recreation facilities and currently has eight parks that host various sports fields, a boxing club and swimming pools, as well as a tot lot and a community center, which total approximately 59.6 acres.

The Desert Recreation District (DRD) also provides recreational services throughout the Coachella Valley. DRD manages, maintains and assists in maintaining over 30 parks and recreation facilities in the valley. DRD also offers a variety of quality programs, services and classes on physical fitness, mental wellness and arts and crafts.

Discussion of Impacts
a, b) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update, a policy document, will not generate any new development or redevelopment directly. No impact on recreation will occur.

Future housing projects will be reviewed for their potential impacts on recreational resources during the CEQA review process. However, the City’s standards for private and common area open space will provide for on-site recreation options for most projects built in the future.

Applicable parkland dedication and/or in-lieu fees and development impact fees will be assessed on new housing development to cover the additional costs of providing recreational services to new residents. No impact will occur.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Source: City of Coachella General Plan 2015.
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XVII. TRANSPORTATION
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Conflict with a program plan,
ordinance or policy addressing the
circulation system, including transit,
roadway, bicycle and pedestrian
facilities?
X
b) Would the project conflict or be
inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines
section 15064.3, subdivision (b)?
X
c) Substantially increase hazards due
to a geometric design feature (e.g.,
sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses
(e.g., farm equipment)?
X
d) Result in inadequate emergency
access? X
Setting
The City of Coachella General Plan Mobility Element shows the City’s intended future roadway network and sets standards on various Street Typologies and the street network. The Mobility Element policies aim to achieve goals including complete streets, traffic calming, a pedestrian and bicycle trail network, and sustainable transportation. The General Plan Environmental Impact Report analyzed impacts on roadways and intersections using a threshold of Level of Service (LOS) D.

CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3 sets forth guidelines for implementing SB 743 (stats. 2013, ch. 386), which requires amendments to the CEQA Guidelines (pre-2019) to provide an alternative to LOS for evaluating transportation impacts. Changes to CEQA Guidelines were adopted in December 2018, which require all lead agencies to adopt vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as a replacement for automobile delay-based LOS as the new measure for identifying transportation impacts for land use projects. This statewide mandate went into effect July 1, 2020. The City of Coachella has not adopted its own VMT policy yet; land use projects are analyzed using the County of Riverside’s Transportation Analysis Guidelines for Level of Service & Vehicle Miles Traveled (December 2020).

Discussion of Impacts
a-d) No Impact. The Housing Element Update is a policy document that will not generate any development directly or propose any changes to transportation in the City. No impact will occur regarding transportation.
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As future housing projects are proposed, they will be required to analyze potential traffic impacts and prepare traffic impact studies that include VMT analysis, where necessary. As currently adopted, affordable housing projects are assumed to have a less than significant impact on VMTs in the County’s policy, and therefore would not generate significant impacts.

Other projects for above moderate income households would be analyzed individually, but given the location of sites identified in the Housing Element, the majority are urban areas where efficiencies including proximity to employment and services will reduce potential impacts and shorten vehicle trips.

The projects will also be required to meet City standards on roadway improvements, parking, and emergency access through conditions of approval. The project site plan will be subject to review by both the Fire Department and Police Department on safety measures and design to ensure adequate emergency access and proper geometric design.

The sites identified for future housing occur on the City’s developed street system, and will not interfere with the system. Most sites are relatively close to bus stops served by SunLine bus routes, existing and proposed bicycle facilities, as well as multi-use trails. No impact is anticipated on alternative transportation.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Sources: City of Coachella General Plan 2015; City of Coachella General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report (CGPU EIR, SCH No. 2009021007), October 2014. 69 Item 2.

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XVIII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
a) Would the project cause a
substantial adverse change in the
significance of a tribal cultural
resource, defined in Public
Resources Code section 21074 as
either a site, feature, place,
cultural landscape that is
geographically defined in terms
of the size and scope of the
landscape, sacred place, or
object with cultural value to a
California Native American tribe,
and that is:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
i) Listed or eligible for listing in the
California Register of Historical
Resources, or in a local register of
historical resources as defined in
Public Resources Code section
5020.1(k), or
X
ii) A resource determined by the lead
agency, in its discretion and
supported by substantial evidence,
to be significant pursuant to criteria
set forth in subdivision (c) of Public
Resources Code Section 5024.1. In
applying the criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resources
Code Section 5024.1, the lead
agency shall consider the
significance of the resource to a
California Native American tribe.

X
Setting
The Cahuilla Indians are the first known human inhabitants of the Coachella Valley. The Cahuilla were hunters and gatherers, generally divided into three groups based on their geographic setting: the Pass Cahuilla of the Beaumont/Banning area; the Mountain Cahuilla of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains; and the Desert Cahuilla from the Coachella Valley, as far south as the Salton Sea. Today, Native Americans of Pass or Desert Cahuilla heritage are mainly affiliated with the Indian tribes of the Coachella Valley, including the Cabazon, Augustine, Torres Martinez, Twentynine Palms, Agua Caliente, and Morongo. 70 Item 2.

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Discussion of Impacts
a) i, ii) No Impact. In the Coachella area, the Mecca Hills, Thermal Canyon, and washes north of Thermal Canyon host archaeologically significant trails, mining sites, and other artifacts from previous settlements. There are also possible sites along the west side of the Whitewater River, and in the downtown area. State regulations and General Plan policies protect against impacts to unique archaeological resources. The General Plan requires new development to implement strategies to protect or reduce impacts on archaeological resources.

The adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on tribal cultural resources.

The City conducted AB 52 and SB 18 consultation and sent out letters to 12 tribes. The City received 1 response, and no consultation was requested.

As individual projects are proposed in the future, the City will conduct government-togovernment consultations with local tribes pursuant to AB 52 and SB 18 regarding potential tribal cultural resources that could occur on individual project sites.

There are no historic resources on sites identified in the Site Inventory. Should future housing development be proposed on sites with historic resources or potential tribal cultural resources, any potential impact will be addressed in the project-level CEQA process in accordance with state law and General Plan policies.

Overall, no impact is expected.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Sources: City of Coachella General Plan 2015; City of Coachella General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report (CGPU EIR, SCH No. 2009021007), October 2014. 71 Item 2.

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October, 2022 47 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
XIX. UTILITIES AND SERVICE

SYSTEMS
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Require or result in the relocation
or construction of new or expanded
water, wastewater treatment or
storm water drainage, electric
power, natural gas, or
telecommunications facilities, the
construction or relocation of which
could cause significant
environmental effects?
X
b) Have sufficient water supplies
available to serve the project and
reasonably foreseeable future
development during normal, dry and
multiple dry years?
X
c) Result in a determination by the
wastewater treatment provider
which serves or may serve the
project that it has adequate
capacity to serve the project’s
projected demand in addition to the
provider’s existing commitments?
X
d) Generate solid waste in excess of
State or local standards, or in excess
of the capacity of local
infrastructure, or otherwise impair the
attainment of solid waste reduction
goals?
X
e) Comply with federal, state, and
local management and reduction
statutes and regulations related to
solid waste?
X
Setting
The City of Coachella is served by the following utility providers:

Utility Service Provider(s)
Electricity Imperial Irrigation District (IID)
Natural gas Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas)
Water Coachella Water Agency (CWA)
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Wastewater Coachella Sanitary District (CSD) (majority of the City), Valley Sanitary District (VSD)
Solid Waste Burrtec
Telecommunications Spectrum, Frontier
Discussion of Impacts
a-e) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on utilities and service systems because it will not generate construction or development directly. Lands identified in the Housing Element are served by water and sanitary sewer lines. As future housing projects are proposed, their potential impacts on utilities will be considered during the entitlement process and CEQA review.

CWA is responsible, under the California Water Code, for analyzing its current and future water supply, and assuring that sufficient supply is available to serve land uses within its service area, through the preparation of an Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP). CWA participated in the 2020 Coachella Valley Regional UWMP, which used the City’s General Plan land uses as a basis for planning. CWA has demonstrated sufficient water supplies to serve the City through 2045 during normal, single dry, and multiple dry years.

CSD conducts long-range planning for sewer services based on the General Plan land uses in its Sewer System Master Plan (SSMP, 2015). CSD has indicated sufficient capacities at the wastewater treatment plant and force mains, although certain pipes and pump stations are identified for necessary upgrades to accommodate growth under the General Plan. The City and CSD are responsible for programming projects recommended in the SSMP, which are expected to be funded under a combination of development impact fees and rate increases.

Burrtec provides solid waste services to the City on a contract basis, and will charge a per unit fee on future housing units. Regional landfills have sufficient capacity to accommodate future development in the City.

The energy and telecommunications service providers also plan their infrastructure according to local development and population growth to provide adequate services. All future housing projects will be required to analyze their demand for utility services at the individual project level.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

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October, 2022 49 Initial Study/Negative Declaration
XX. WILDFIRE – If located in or near
state responsibility areas or lands
classified as very high fire hazard
severity zones, would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Substantially impair an adopted
emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan?
X
b) Due to slope, prevailing winds,
and other factors, exacerbate
wildfire risks, and thereby expose
project occupants to, pollutant
concentrations from a wildfire or the
uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?
X
c) Require the installation or
maintenance of associated
infrastructure (such as roads, fuel
breaks, emergency water sources,
power lines or other utilities) that may
exacerbate fire risk or that may result
in temporary or ongoing impacts to
the environment?
X
d) Expose people or structures to
significant risks, including downslope
or downstream flooding or landslides,
as a result of runoff, post-fire slope
instability, or drainage changes?
X
Setting
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) ranks fire hazards of wildland areas in the state using four main criteria: fuels, weather, assets at risk, and level of service. There are no state responsibility areas (SRA) or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) in or near the City.

Discussion of Impacts
a-d) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on wildfire.

The City of Coachella consists of primarily local responsibility area (LRA) and some federal responsibility area (FRA). There are no SRA, VHFHSZ, or any other designated fire hazard zones in the City. There is no substantial vegetation within the City to generate a high wildfire risk, nor are any sites identified in the Element near wildlands or forested lands. No impact will occur regarding wildfires.

Mitigation Measures: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Source: Fire and Resources Assessment Program (FRAP) maps, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
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XXI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF

SIGNIFICANCE
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Does the project have the
potential to substantially degrade
the quality of the environment,
substantially reduce the habitat of a
fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or
wildlife population to drop below selfsustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community, substantially reduce the
number or restrict the range of a rare
or endangered plant or animal or
eliminate important examples of the
major periods of California history or
prehistory?
X
b) Does the project have impacts
that are individually limited, but
cumulatively considerable?
(“Cumulatively considerable” means
that the incremental effects of a
project are considerable when
viewed in connection with the
effects of past projects, the effects of
other current projects, and the
effects of probable future projects)?
X
c) Does the project have
environmental effects, which will
cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or
indirectly?
X
a-c) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update, a policy document, will not impact the environment. As discussed above, sites identified for future housing are not located within or near a CVMSHCP designated conservation area. The Update will not impact biological or cultural resources, nor human beings directly or indirectly.

The sites identified for future housing will be developed in accordance with General Plan designations and policies, and such development will not impact long term environmental goals. Cumulative impacts of future development have been addressed in the General Plan and its Environmental Impact Report where necessary, and will also be considered during CEQA review for individual projects as they are proposed under the Housing Element. 75 Item 2.
76 Item 2.
77 Item 2.
1 | City of Coachella 2021-2029 Housing Element
Contents
Contents........................................................................................................................................1 Section I Introduction............................................................................................................3 I.A Community Context...............................................................................................3 I.B Housing Element Purpose.....................................................................................3 I.C Organization of the Housing Element....................................................................4 I.D Data Sources and Methods...................................................................................6 I.E Summary of Public Participation............................................................................6 I.F Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing ..................................................................12 I.G Relationship to Other General Plan Elements.....................................................14 I.H Other Statutory Requirements.............................................................................14 Section II Projected Housing Need .....................................................................................15 II.A Introduction/Overview of SCAG Methodology.....................................................15 II.B Riverside County Income Limits..........................................................................15 II.C Regional Housing Needs Allocation ....................................................................16 Section III Housing Resources .............................................................................................16 III.A Introduction..........................................................................................................16 III.B Land Resources ..............................................................................................1617 III.C Financial and Administrative Resources .............................................................18 III.D Opportunities for Energy Conservation ...........................................................2122 Section IV Housing Plan .......................................................................................................23 Introduction ...........................................................................................................................23 Goal A: Facilitate the Development of a Variety of Housing Types to Provide Adequate Housing in the City to all Households..............................................................2324 Goal B: Conserve and Improve the Condition of the Existing Housing Stock...................2729 Goal C: Encourage Energy Conservation to Reduce Housing Costs ...............................3131 Goal D: Promote Fair Housing Opportunity for All Persons [regardless of race, religion, marital status, age, sex, gender, nationality, physical or developmental disability, family size, and level and source of income]...................................................3232 Goal E: Remove Constraints to the Maintenance, Improvement, and Development of Housing ...........................................................................................................3333 Goal F: Promote Affordable Housing to Meet the Needs of Lower- and Moderate-Income Households .....................................................................................................3636 78 Item 2.
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Goal G: Preserve Existing Affordable Housing Opportunities for Lower Income Residents of the City ............................................................................................................3838 Quantified Objectives........................................................................................................4139 Appendices
Appendix A: Housing Needs Assessment…………………………………………………….…..A-1 Appendix B: Sites Inventory and Methodology…………………………………………………...B-1 Appendix C: Housing Constraints………………………………………………………………….C-1 Appendix D: Existing Programs Review…………………………………………………………..D-1 Appendix E: Public Participation Summaries……………………………………………………..E-1 Appendix F: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing……………………………………………….F-1 79 Item 2.
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Section I Introduction
I.A Community Context
Founded in 1876 and incorporated in 1946, Coachella is a desert community located at the eastern end of the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, California. The city is located southeast of the San Gorgonio Pass, east of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains, and north of the Salton Sea. Interstate 10 runs the length of the Coachella Valley, connecting Coachella with nearby cities and the Southern California region.

Residential land accounts for 3% of the city, with the majority of its 47,000 residents concentrated west of State Route 111. The city’s two main retail and commercial corridors are Cesar Chavez Street (formerly U.S. Route 99) and Grapefruit Boulevard (State Route 111). Agricultural uses comprise about one-third of the city, while just over half of Coachella is undeveloped land. 98% of Coachella’s residents are Hispanic or Latino. The city is officially bilingual in both English and Spanish. Coachella celebrates a strong cultural identity and is a tightly knit community, one that played a key role in fostering parts of the farmworker revolution during the 1960s that shaped the agricultural industry in immeasurable ways. Coachella’s vision is to transform into a mediumsized, full-service city with a range of amenities and economic opportunities beyond its two main industries of agriculture and hospitality. The city is growing rapidly, but the community intends to maintain its social cohesion and sense of identity as the City expands.

I.B Housing Element Purpose
The State of California has stated that the availability of decent and suitable housing for every California family is “a priority of the highest order” (California Government Code §54220). This objective has become increasingly urgent in recent years as communities across the state, including Coachella, struggle to meet the housing needs of all their residents. State Housing Element Law, established in 1969, recognizes the vital role local governments play in the supply and affordability of housing and requires all cities and counties in California establish a long-range plan to meet their fair share of regional housing needs. Cities are charged with planning for the welfare of their citizens, including ensuring that the existing and projected demands for housing are adequately met.

High housing costs — and related housing instability issues — increase health care costs (for individuals and the state), decrease educational outcomes (affecting individuals, as well as the state’s productivity), and make it difficult for California businesses to attract and retain employees.
– State of California 2025 Statewide Housing Assessment 80 Item 2.
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The Housing Element is the primary tool used by the State to ensure local governments are appropriately planning for and accommodating enough housing across all income levels. This Housing Element covers the planning period 2021-2029. The Housing Element is a mandatory part of a jurisdiction’s General Plan but differs from other General Plan elements in two key aspects. The housing element must be updated every eight years for jurisdictions within a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) on a 4-year regional transportation plan (RTP) cycle, such as the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). The housing element must also be reviewed and approved (i.e., certified) by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

At the time of publication, the COVID-19 crisis has impacted Coachella in significant ways. This has made the issue of housing security even more acute as residents face job loss, housing cost pressures, and disparate health impacts from the pandemic. On a practical level, the housing element has had to respond to these conditions by transitioning the public outreach process to reflect the limitations brought on by COVID-19. These actions are detailed in this report. From a policy perspective, the impact on housing security has shown that many of Coachella’s residents have only tenuous access to housing and the need to secure more housing alternatives for all members of Coachella’s populations.

I.C Organization of the Housing Element
Per California Government Code §65580-65589, a housing element must consist of the following components:
• Review of the Previous Housing Element: An evaluation of the results of the goals, policies, and programs adopted in the previous Housing Element that compares projected outcomes with actual achieved results.

The results of this assessment are located in Appendix D. • Housing Needs Assessment: An analysis of the existing and projected housing needs of the community. It provides a profile of sociodemographic information, such as population characteristics, household information, housing stock, tenure, and housing affordability. The assessment also considers local special housing needs, such as, seniors, farmworkers, homeless, large households, and female-headed households. The analysis is provided in Appendix A.
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• Inventory of Adequate Sites: An inventory listing adequate sites that are suitably zoned and available within the planning period to meet the City’s fair share of regional housing needs across all income levels. The inventory is summarized in Section 3, with the detailed analysis in Appendix B.
• Housing Resources: An identification of resources to support the development, preservation, and rehabilitation of housing. Non-land resources are summarized in Section 3.
• Housing Constraints: An assessment of impediments to housing production across all income levels covering both governmental (e.g., zoning, fees, etc.) and nongovernmental (e.g., market, environmental, etc.). This analysis is provided in Appendix C.
• Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing: This section provides an assessment of fair housing by identifying disparities in housing needs, unequal access to opportunity, and/or patterns of racial and ethnic segregation, a process referred to as affirmatively furthering fair housing (AFFH). See Section 1.F, below, and Appendix F. This assessment meets AB 686 requirements for all housing elements due to be revised on or after January 1, 2021 • Housing Plan: This section provides a statement of the community’s goals, quantified objectives, and policies to maintain, preserve, improve, and develop housing, as well as a schedule of implementable actions to be taken during the planning period to achieve the goals, objectives, and policies. Quantified objectives for new construction, rehabilitation, and conserved units by income category (i.e., very low, low, moderate, and above moderate) are included to make sure that both the existing and the projected housing needs are met, consistent with the City’s share of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA).

Section II provides a summary of the projected housing need. Section III summarizes the adequacy of housing sites and identifies housing resources. Section IV contains the housing plan.

The comprehensive research and analysis supporting the development of Section IV, Housing Plan, are compiled in appendices to this Housing Element. These appendices contain the full set of information used to inform the City’s goals, policies, and programs:
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• Appendix A: Housing Needs Assessment
• Appendix B: Sites Inventory and Methodology
• Appendix C: Housing Constraints
• Appendix D: Existing Programs Review
• Appendix E: Public Participation Summaries
• Appendix F: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
I.D Data Sources and Methods
This Housing Element was updated in accordance with California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) guidelines for the 6th Housing Element Cycle, incorporating additional considerations required under new State housing-related legislation. Specific documents are referenced throughout the Housing Element, including but not limited to the Coachella 2015 General Plan, Zoning Code, and the Vista Del Agua and La Entrada Specific Plans. The analyses and findings in this document relied on data compiled from various sources, including:
• US Census Bureau (American Community Survey)
• California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) • California Department of Finance (DOF)
• US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
• Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) pre-certified data This document was also informed by information provided by residents, business groups, local institutions, City staff, and elected officials.

I.E Summary of Public Participation
Public participation is crucial in shaping Coachella’s housing strategy. Understanding the needs of the community enables the development of housing strategies that are most appropriate and effective. Public outreach also allows the City to identify concerns unique to certain stakeholders that may not have been initially apparent. As part of the development of this Housing Element, the City’s public participation program included two focus group meetings, four steering committee meetings, one community-wide meeting, one public hearing with the Planning Commission, and one public hearing with the City Council. For summaries of public outreach events including attendees, discussion topics, and meeting format, please see Appendix E. 83 Item 2.
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During the public outreach sessions, the City documented prominent comments and concerns.

These were taken into consideration when the goals and programs of the Housing Element were created. Concerns about resident displacement, inclusionary zoning, and climate change mitigation were expressed. These concerns were translated into action items seen in Program

7.1, Program 7.2, and Program 3.1.

Other concerns included workforce housing needs and efforts to streamline affordable housing development. Program 1.10 and Program 5.10 focus directly on workforce housing, specifically farmworkers. Developmental streamlines for affordable housing – in Program 6.2 and Program

6.7. The community outreach process also identified concerns regarding constraints that affect housing type and income diversity in the city. The community mentioned that sites should be chosen strategically to avoid creating income segregation, which prompted the City to reevaluate the site inventory and consider additional sites for housing. Affordable housing incentives and flexibility for developers were strategies to promote housing. In response, the City includes programs such as Program 1.8, Program 2.7, and Program 6.4. Website The Housing Element Update webpage (https://www.coachellahousingelement.com/) was used to provide an overview of the Housing Element update process and timeline, resources for Housing Element information (e.g., meeting notices, draft documents, etc.), and provide City contact information. Interested parties could sign up to receive information about upcoming meetings and documents. The website was available in English and Spanish (translated).

Focus Groups
The City conducted two focus group meetings in preparation of the Housing Element update:
• Focus Group #1: Wednesday, April 21, 2021, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm • Focus Group #2: Friday, April 23, 2021, 1:30pm – 2:30pm Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the focus groups were held over webinar. Invitations were distributed to 51 individuals representing multiple stakeholder groups (See Appendix E for list of contacted groups). Of the 11 individuals who RSVP’d, 8 participants attended. Follow up meetings were offered to individuals who RSVP’d and did not participate, although no stakeholder responded to this offer. Comments received are documented in Appendix E and summarized below.
• Underserved groups tend to be low-income individuals, older individuals, full time and seasonal agriculture workers, Native Americans, and families and households with mixed immigration status.
• There is a need and an interest in creating workforce housing, especially housing for farmworkers to remain near the farms.
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• There needs to be a better integration of various income level housing opportunities throughout the City.
• Development standards need to be reevaluated to increase flexibility in housing production. Participants have shown desire to reduce setbacks, up zone areas, and create more mixed-use opportunities in the City’s Downtown.
• Affordable housing developers have difficulty meeting state and federal funding requirements because of the City’s density restrictions and other limitations (parking, height limits, Floor Area Ratio restrictions, etc.) as well as the availability of suitable sites in proximity to other factors (e.g., proximity to transit and services). • The City works well with non-profit developers to streamline approvals, when possible.

City has helped utilized SB35 streamlining.

Steering Committee
The City formed a housing steering committee consisting of eight members representing a variety of interests and expertise.

Meeting #1 (July 2021)
On July 26, 2021, the City conducted the first steering committee meeting via Zoom.

The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the Housing Element update, outline the role of the steering committee, and facilitate a discussion regarding committee member concerns, observations, and goals for housing development in Coachella. Committee members are tasked with representing a variety of perspectives and interests; consensus housing goals, objectives, or constraints is not necessary. Initial comments included:
• Building denser, affordable housing is difficult given the higher cost of such development typologies
• Current market-rate rents are not high enough to absorb added costs without outside sources of funding
• Future projects would benefit from lowering development costs and increasing certainty for developers, e.g., shortening the entitlement timeline, streamlining the process, and allowing smaller lots by-right
Meeting #2 (August 2021)
On August 16, 2021, the City conducted the second steering committee meeting via Zoom. The City and Consultant team presented an overview of the technical requirements of the Housing Element and the draft goals and policies for the 6th Cycle Housing Element. The steering committee members were provided with memos with initial results from the needs assessment, governmental constraints assessment, draft sites inventory, and preliminary housing plan for review in advance of the meeting. The City and team facilitated discussions on the technical assessment findings and the draft implementation plan. Discussion included:
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• How to eliminate development constraints, such as minimum street widths and setback requirements
• Need for affordable housing incentives for both for-profit and non-profit developers (both developers should collaborate to access financing options) • Include a program or policy to reduce developer uncertainty through reducing/removing CEQA requirements, expediting the development review process, etc.
• The need for community amenities such as a senior center close to residential development
• What can the City do to be more competitive in federal funding for affordable housing projects (based on ranking criteria)?
• Meeting #3 (August 2021)
• On August 27, 2021, the City conducted the third steering committee meeting via Zoom.

The City facilitated a discussion with the committee and focused on Housing Element goals and policies and preparations for the upcoming workshop.

Community Events
The City conducted one community-wide event to solicit input on housing needs:
• Virtual Workshop, October 14, 2021
On October 14, 2021, the City of Coachella hosted a virtual public workshop for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update project. Gabriel Perez, Development Services Director, opened the meeting and explained the intent of the workshop is to provide information about the Housing Element Update process and answer questions. The presentation was available in English and live Spanish translation. Director Perez introduced additional City staff and the Consultant Team, Lisa Wise Consulting Inc. (LWC). The presentation addressed the following topics:

1. Housing Element Overview

2. Process and Public Outreach

3. Housing Needs and Conditions in Coachella

4. Public Review Draft Housing Element

5. Next Steps for the Coachella Housing Element Update

6. Questions and Discussion
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the community event was held as a webinar. Notifications of the community event were distributed in English and Spanish to the City’s email database.

Approximately 20 participants attended. Comments received are documented in Appendix E and summarized below.
• How can interested persons participate in the Housing Element Update process? There are many ways to participate in the Housing Element Update process. The steering committee meetings included non-profit and for-profit developers, faith-based groups, and the housing authority, among others.
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• What does “affordable housing” mean? “Affordable” is a technical term that refers to the amount of income spent on housing (no more than 30%) relative to income categories set by the State (e.g., Extremely Low, Very Low, Low, Moderate) based on a region’s Area Median Income (AMI), in this case, for Riverside County. • How is the City ensuring that Coachella residents won’t be displaced, including lowincome persons of color? The City should look at inclusionary zoning ordinances, rent control, land trusts, and types of anti-displacement strategies. The idea behind a housing element update is to ensure that cities have enough space available to produce housing attainable to persons at all income levels, including below market-rate housing.

Many of the sites identified by the City that will be used for complying with the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) are on vacant land, so they will not remove existing housing.
• How will the City prevent segregation of neighborhoods based on income levels and the concentration of poverty? The City is sensitive to this issue. Pursuant to state law, the City will conduct an analysis to “affirmatively further fair housing” and investigate areas that may be segregated by income, race, etc.
• The City should have its Code Enforcement Division help rehabilitate existing housing, such as small loans for residents to make repairs. The City does provide a Residential Rehabilitation Program to residents (as funding is available), and will continue to advertise this on its website, share information with service organizations, and post information in City Hall. Please also see Program 2.1 of the Housing Element Update. • Does the Housing Element Update consider climate goals and proximity to transit in its analyses? Yes, the Housing Element Update promotes housing near jobs and transit to reduce climate impacts that occur on account of commutes.

Public Hearings
The Housing Element was presented at three public hearings:

Planning Commission Study Session- November 2021
On November 8, 2021, the City hosted a hybrid in-person/virtual joint City Council/Planning Commission study session for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update project. Mayor Steven Hernandez opened the meeting and introduced Gabriel Perez, Development Services Director, who explained the intent of the study session was to review the draft Housing Element Update, as well as to receive comment and answer questions. The presentation was available in English and live Spanish translation. Director Perez introduced the Consultant Team, Lisa Wise Consulting Inc. (LWC). The presentation addressed the following topics:

1. Housing Element Overview

2. Process and Public Outreach

3. Housing Needs and Conditions in Coachella

4. Public Review Draft Housing Element

5. Public Workshop
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6. Next Steps for the Coachella Housing Element Update

7. Questions and Discussion
Due to COVID-19 conditions, the meeting was held virtually via Zoom with the option for in-person attendance at the Coachella City Hall Council Chambers. Public participants were able to access the meeting by computer or by phone in English or Spanish. Participants were encouraged to provide feedback on the presentation and Housing Element document verbally at the meeting or by Zoom comment box. Over 15 people attended the study session via Zoom.

Comments received are documented in Appendix E and summarized below. Three emails were also entered into the record.
• Does the fact that the median income in Riverside County is higher than the median income in Coachella present opportunities for Coachella? While grants and other funding for affordable housing are very competitive, the relative lower income of Coachella residents is a factor that could help proposed affordable housing projects in Coachella score higher for receiving funding or tax credits from programs through Riverside County or the State.
• The City should look at its last (5th cycle) housing element update to see how it has been recently promoting affordable housing. The City has 560 units in the pipeline; 106 currently under construction. Let’s promote our successes. The City does look at how it has performed over the last housing cycle through its current housing element update. The housing element update will highlight how many affordable units have been built since the start of the last housing cycle.
• Affordable housing units in the City should be high-quality. Coachella residents that live in affordable housing units should not feel inferior to other residents, especially because of the quality of their housing. We want residents to feel at home and not segregated. While capacity constraints such as lot coverage restrictions can negatively impact the profitability of housing projects, and therefore in part the type of materials used for construction of affordable housing units, the City can consider programs to require projects to provide the same type of fixtures and appliances for market rate and affordable units.
• The City needs to update its Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map to be consistent with its General Plan. The City currently is circulating a request for qualifications (RFQ) to this effect.
• The City should address senior housing needs, both in the short and long term.

Senior housing should be near amenities, as some senior may not have reliable transportation or may not be able to drive. The City should also streamline senior housing projects.
• The City should consider adopting an inclusionary zoning ordinance. 88 Item 2.
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• The City should encourage different types of housing (e.g., “missing middle” housing). This includes condominiums and fourplexes, etc. These types of housing should also be near amenities, such as access to medicine, jobs, churches, and counseling centers. We can look at the Zona Central between Avenue 50 and 52 to continue the grid. The housing element update promotes a diversified housing stock— everything from detached single-family housing to missing middle housing to federally subsidized, traditional affordable housing. The Housing Element acknowledges that access to amenities is an important factor in remaining competitive for subsidies and grant funds for affordable housing and will continue to work with developers to align sites for housing with high opportunity areas.
• Can the City require that first-time homebuyers have priority over others when submitting offers to purchase a home? The housing element team is not aware of any such programs in California. First-time homebuyer programs do exist where cities provide access to low interest rates or other types of funding, or education programs for first-time homebuyers. In some cities, first-time homebuyers experience difficulties in buying housing when they must compete with short-term rentals. The City does participate in a first-time homebuyer assistance program through Riverside County. • The City should streamline affordable housing projects (have a quick turnaround time for plan check and reviews).

Planning Commission Hearing- (TBD)
City Council Hearing- (TBD)
I.F Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
Assembly Bill (AB) 686, signed in 2018, establishes new requirements to Government Code Section 65583 requiring cities and counties to take deliberate actions to foster inclusive communities through fair and equal housing choice by establishing policies to address disparities in housing needs, access to opportunity, and patterns of racial and ethnic segregation, a process referred to as affirmatively furthering fair housing (AFFH).

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) released AFFH assessment guidelines on April 27, 2021. The AFFH analysis covers, and is built upon, several other required components of the Housing Element, including the Needs Assessment (Appendix A), Sites Inventory (Appendix B), and Constraints Assessment (Appendix C), and as such is provided for in a separate appendix, referencing other technical components as needed. The summary of findings is provided below, in Table 1-1. For the complete analysis, see Appendix F.

Appendix F was released for public review and posted to the project website in April 2022. Fair housing issues and topics were discussed at Focus group meetings and public workshops prior 89 Item 2.
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to the release of the draft Appendix. Input from the community on fair housing programs and policies in included in Section IV.

Table 1-1: AFFH Issues and Meaningful Actions
Contributing
Factor
AFFH
Strategy Housing Implementation Programs
Land use and
zoning laws
Modify land
use and zoning
laws to be less
restrictive

1.5 Lot Consolidation

1.7 Large Sites

1.13 General Plan Map Amendments

4.2 Reasonable Accommodation

5.1 Zoning Code Constraints

5.2 Development Fees

5.3 Parking Requirements

5.4 Eliminate Minimum Dwelling Unit Size Requirement

5.5 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

5.6 Transitional and Supportive Housing

5.7 Manufactured Housing

5.8 Group Homes

5.9 Single-Room Occupancy Housing

6.7 Streamlined Approvals
Displacement of
residents due to
economic
pressures
New Housing
Choices and
Affordability in
more areas of
the City

1.1 General Plan Implementation

1.2 Lower Income Site Rezoning

1.3 General Plan Text Amendment

1.4 Services and Facilities

1.14 AB2339 Code Amendments

5.11 Prioritize Sewer Hookups for Residential Development For Lowerincome

5.12 Objective Design Standards

6.1 Development Fee Deferral

6.2 Affordable Unit Financing

6.4 Density Bonus

6.6 Infrastructure Grants
Availability of
affordable units
in a range of
sizes
Provide Choice
of Different
Affordable
Housing Types

1.8 Variety of Housing Options for Special Needs Groups

1.9 Emergency Shelters

1.10 Farmworker Housing Support

5.5 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

5.6 Transitional and Supportive Housing

5.7 Manufactured Housing

5.8 Group Homes

5.9 Single-Room Occupancy Housing

5.10 Farmworker Housing Strategies
Access to
financial services
Provide
Information
Regarding

1.12 Accessory Dwelling Units Outreach

2.1 Rehabilitation Programs
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Table 1-1: AFFH Issues and Meaningful Actions
Contributing
Factor
AFFH
Strategy Housing Implementation Programs
housing and
funding options
to Educate
Community

2.7 Tenant Outreach

4.1 Fair Housing

6.5 Website Update

7.1 Housing Choice Vouchers

7.2 At-Risk Housing
I.G Relationship to Other General Plan Elements
The Housing Element is one of seven mandatory elements of the City’s General Plan, a longrange vision document that provides guidance for future development in Coachella. City Council adopted the Coachella General Plan Update in 2015. For the General Plan to provide effective guidance on land use issues, the goals, policies, and programs of each element must be internally consistent with other elements. This Housing Element builds upon the existing General Plan and is consistent with its goals and policies. In the event an element of the General Plan is amended, the City will consider the impacts of the amendment on the other elements to maintain consistency across all documents.

I.H Other Statutory Requirements
Water and Sewer Priority
Government Code §65589.7 requires each public agency or private entity providing water or sewer services to grant a priority for the provision of these services to proposed developments that include lower income housing units. In Coachella, sewer services are provided by the Coachella Sanitary District and water services are provided by the Coachella Water Authority.

The City has not denied, applied conditions, or reduced the amount of sewer service for a development that includes housing affordable to lower-income households consistent with State law. As part of this Housing Element, the City will adopt written policies and procedures that grant a priority for sewer hook-ups and service to developments that help meet Coachella’s share of the regional need for lower-income housing (see Program 5.11).

Government Code §65589.7 also requires adopted housing elements to be immediately delivered to all public agencies or private entities that provide water or sewer services for municipal and industrial uses, including residential. The City will provide the adopted Housing Element to the Coachella Sanitary District and Coachella Water Authority immediately upon adoption. 91 Item 2.
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Section II Projected Housing Need
II.A Introduction/Overview of SCAG Methodology
State Housing Element law (Government Code §65580 et. seq.) requires regional councils of governments to identify for each member jurisdiction its "fair share allocation" of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment provided by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). In turn, each city and county must demonstrate the capacity to accommodate their local share of regional housing needs in the community’s housing element.

Each jurisdiction’s responsibility for meeting the overall regional housing need is established as a Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA).

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the council of governments for the Coachella area, adopted its 6th Cycle RHNA allocation methodology in March 2020. SCAG considered several factors in preparing the methodology, which weighed both projected and existing need. Projected need was informed by household growth, future vacancy need, and replacement need, while existing need considered transit accessibility, job accessibility, residual need in disadvantaged communities. The distribution of the RHNA across the four income categories factored in a social equity adjustment, which allocated a lower proportion of lowerincome RHNA to jurisdictions that already had a high concentration of such households in comparison to the County, as well as the goal to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing (AFFH), which adjusted the distribution of RHNA in jurisdictions considered either very low or very high resource areas.

II.B Riverside County Income Limits
The projected housing needs are broken down by income category based on definitions in the California Health and Safety Code (§50079.5). HCD calculates “extremely low”, “very low”, “low”, “median”, “moderate”, and “above moderate” income limits, and publishes these limits at the county level. Riverside County’s 2021 income limits for households of one to four persons are shown in Table II-1.

Table II-1: Riverside County 2021 Income Limits
Number of Persons in Household 1 2 3 4
Extremely Low (<30% of AMI) $16,660 $19,000 $21,960 $26,500 Very Low (30-50% of AMI) $27,650 $31,600 $35,550 $39,500 Low (50-80% of AMI) $44,250 $50,600 $56,900 $63,200
Median $54,250 $62,000 $69,750 $77,500
Moderate (80-120% of AMI) $65,100 $74,400 $83,700 $93,000 92 Item 2.
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II.C Regional Housing Needs Allocation
The RHNA for Coachella is shown in Table II-2. The City has a total allocation of 7,886 units for the October 2021 to October 2029 planning period.

Table II-2: 6th Cycle RHNA
Coachella Riverside County SCAG
Area/Income Number of
Units
Percent Number of
Units
Percent Number of
Units
Percent
Total 7,886 100% 167,351 100% 1,341,827 100%
Extremely Low 1 516
13% 41,995 25% 351,796 26%
Very Low 517
Low 999 13% 26,473 16% 206,807 15%
Moderate 1,367 17% 29,167 17% 223,957 17%
Above Moderate 4,487 57% 69,716 42% 559,267 42%
1 Assumes 50% of Very Low-income households are Extremely-Low income.

The City of Coachella is not responsible for the actual construction of these units. Coachella is, however, responsible for creating a regulatory environment in which the private market could build unit types included in their State housing allocation. This includes the creation, adoption, and implementation of General Plan policies, zoning standards, and/or economic incentives to encourage the construction of various types of units.

Section III Housing Resources
III.A Introduction
There are a variety of resources available to support the City in implementation of its housing strategy, landowners and developers seeking to provide housing, and residents in need to housing assistance in Coachella. This section provides a summary of land available to accommodate future housing in the city. The full site inventory analysis is contained in Appendix B. This section also includes a list of local, regional, state, and federal programs that provide financial and related assistance to support the City in meeting its housing goals.

III.B Land Resources
A critical part of the Housing Element is the sites inventory, which identifies a list of sites that are suitable for future residential development. State law mandates that each jurisdiction ensure availability of an adequate number of sites that have appropriate zoning, development standards, and infrastructure capacity to meet its fair share of regional housing need (i.e., RHNA) at all 93 Item 2.
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income levels. The inventory is a tool that assists in determining if the jurisdiction has enough land to meet its RHNA given its current regulatory framework.

Identification of Sites Suitable for Housing
The sites identified in the site inventory (Appendix B) are comprised of parcels located in various areas and zones within the City. Each site has undergone an assessment to determine development potential and residential unit capacity given zoning standards and development trends. For detailed information, please see Appendix B.

Summary of Adequate Sites
Table III-1 summarizes the City’s methods for satisfying its RHNA. Based on entitled and proposed projects, and available 6th Cycle sites under the General Plan scenario (Scenario #2, assuming a rezoning Program 1.1 and General Plan Amendments Program 1.13), the City has excess capacity in all income categories. Assumptions and methodology for this determination and a detailed list of sites are included in Appendix B.

Table III-1: Residential Development Potential and RHNA ExtremelyLow, Very
Low, and
Low
Moderate
Above
Moderate
Total
RHNA 2,032 1,367 4,487 7,886
Entitled/Proposed Projects1 273 835 1,108
Remaining RHNA 1,759 1,367 3,652 6,778
Site Inventory Results
Scenario 1 – Existing Capacity (Zoning Code) 2,212 3,211 5,423 Remaining- Zoning Scenario 1,759 -8452 441
Scenario 2 – Potential Capacity (General
Plan)3 2,345 1,468 6,190 10,003
Remaining- General Plan Scenario -586
2 -1012-2,5382-3,225
1 Considers net new units only.
2 Negative value indicates a surplus.
3 Requires rezoning, see Programs 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3.

Source: City of Coachella, LWC 2022
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III.C Financial and Administrative Resources
There are a variety of resources available to support the City in implementation of its housing strategy, landowners and developers seeking to provide housing, and residents in need to housing assistance in Coachella. The following section contains a list of financial, administrative, and other resources to help the City address its housing needs. Availability of these resources is dependent on governmental priorities, legislation, and continued funding, which may be subject to change at any time.

City Resources
• Coachella First Time Homebuyer Program Down Payment Assistance Program: This program provides down payment assistance in the form of a deferred loan for low-income, first-time homebuyers.

Regional Resources
• Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC) Program
o Self Help Homeownership Program: This program consists of families helping other families achieve home ownership. Families form an informal association and agree to help each other build their homes with technical assistance provided by a competent construction supervisor. CVHC was recently awarded a $6 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in April 2021. • Riverside County Economic Development Agency Programs o First Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance (FTHB) Program: This program provides down payment assistance to lower income persons in the purchase of a home.
o Mortgage Credit Certification (MCC): This program allows home buyers to reduce the amount of their federal income tax liability by an amount equal to a portion of the interest paid on a home mortgage, qualifying them more easily for a loan by increasing the effective income of the buyer through a tax credit. • Housing Authority of the County of Riverside (HACR) Programs o Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program: This program assists families receiving rental assistance move to economic independence. This program includes workshops on financial assistance for higher education, credit repair/home ownership, self-esteem, resume writing, parenting, and stress management. o Homeownership (HOP) Program: This program assists with cleaning up credit problems for eligible residents and works closely with the FSS program to obtain the goal of homeownership while earning an escrow account.

State Resources
• Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program (AHSC): Administered by the Strategic Growth Council, this program provides grants and/or loans to fund landuse, housing, transportation, or land preservation projects that support infill and compact development that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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• CalHome: HCD provides grants to local public agencies and non-profit housing developers to assist first-time homebuyers with down payment assistance through deferred-payment loans, rehabilitation, homebuyer counseling, self-help mortgage assistance, or other technical assistance. $57 million available in State CalHome program. • California Emergency Solutions and Housing (CESH): This program provides funds for a variety of activities to assist persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness, such as housing relocation and stabilization services (including rental assistance), operating subsidies for permanent housing, flexible housing subsidies, emergency housing operating support, and homeless delivery systems.
• Homekey: This program provides funding to protect Californians experiencing homelessness who are impacted by COVID-19.
• Housing for a Healthy California (HHC) Program: This program creates supportive housing for recipients of or those eligible for health care provided through the California Department of Health Care Services’ Medi-Cal program.
• Housing Navigator’s Program: This grant program funds housing navigators to help young adults aged 18 to 21 years secure and maintain housing, with priority for individuals in the foster care system.
• Infill Infrastructure Grant Program (IIG): This program promotes infill housing development by providing grant funding, in the form of gap assistance, for infrastructure improvements required for qualifying multi-family or mixed-use residential development. • Joe Serna, Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant (FWHG) Program: This program provides deferred payment loans for both owner-occupied and rental housing for agricultural workers, with a priority for lower income households.
• Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) Program: This program provides matching funds to local or regional housing trust funds for the creation, preservation, and rehabilitation of affordable housing, transitional housing, or emergency shelters. • Mobilehome Park Rehabilitation and Resident Ownership Program (MPRROP): This program provides financing to support the preservation of affordable mobilehome parks through conversion of the park to an ownership model.
• Multifamily Housing Program (MHP): This program provides deferred payment loans for the construction, preservation, and rehabilitation of permanent and transitional rental housing for lower-income households.
• National Housing Trust Fund: This program provides deferred payment or forgivable loans for the construction of permanent housing for extremely low-income households.

The covenant is for 55 years.
• Predevelopment Loan Program (PDLP): This program provides financing to cover predevelopment costs to construct, preserve, or rehabilitate assisted housing. 96 Item 2.
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• Supportive Housing Multifamily Housing Program (SHMHP): This program provides low interest deferred loan payments to developers building affordable rental housing that contain supportive housing units.
• Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Housing Program: This program provides lowinterest loans as gap financing for higher density affordable rental housing near transit. • Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention Program (VHHP): This program supports the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable multifamily housing for veterans and their families. • Golden State Acquisition Fund: This $93 million fund provides low-cost financing aimed at supporting the creation and preservation of affordable housing across the state. • California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA): CalHFA offers a variety of low-cost loan programs to support the development of affordable multi-family rental housing, mixedincome housing, and special needs housing. • California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), Mortgage Credit Certificate Program:

The MCC program is a homebuyer assistance program designed to help lower‐income families afford home ownership. The program allows home buyers to claim a dollar‐for‐ dollar tax credit for a portion of mortgage interest paid per year, up to $2,000. The remaining mortgage interest paid may still be calculated as an itemized deduction. • Elderlink: A senior care referral service licensed by the Department of Public Health. This organization provides independent and free personalized senior care placement services to fully screened and approved nursing home, board and care, and assisted living facilities.

Federal Resources
• HOME Program: Participating jurisdictions may use HOME funds for a variety of housing activities, according to local housing needs. Eligible uses of funds include tenant-based rental assistance; housing rehabilitation; assistance to homebuyers; and new construction of housing. HOME funding may also be used for site acquisition, site improvements, demolition, relocation, and other necessary and reasonable activities related to the development of non-luxury housing. Funds may not be used for public housing development, public housing operating costs, or for Section 8 tenant-based assistance, nor may they be used to provide non-federal matching contributions for other federal programs, for operating subsidies for rental housing, or for activities under the Low-Income Housing Preservation Act.
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Federal funding for housing programs is available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Coachella participates in the CDBG program through the County of Riverside, which applies to HUD for funds on behalf of the City and other non-entitlement jurisdictions. The City offers housing rehabilitation loan and grant programs funded with CDBG funds. The City’s CDBG allocation for the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 is $363,223. • Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program: Allows CDBG entitlement jurisdictions to leverage their annual grant allocations to access low-cost financing for capital improvement projects. Eligible activities include housing, economic development, public 97 Item 2.
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facility, and infrastructure. This program is often used to catalyze private investment in underserved communities or as gap financing.
• Section 811 Project Rental Assistance: HUD offers long-term project-based rental assistance through a NOFA published by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).
• Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program: This program provides funding for cities, counties, and states to (1) engage homeless individuals and families living on the street; (2) improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families; (3) help operate these shelters; (4) provide essential services to shelter residents, (5) rapidly rehouse homeless individuals and families, and (6) prevent families/individuals from becoming homeless.
• Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program: HUD-VASH is a collaborative program between HUD and VA combines HUD housing vouchers with VA supportive services to help veterans who are homeless and their families find and sustain permanent housing.
• Low-Income Housing Preservation and Residential Home Ownership Act (LIHPRHA): This program requires all eligible HUD Section 236 and Section 221(d) projects at risk of conversion to market-rate rentals from mortgage pre-payments be subject to LIHPRHA incentives, which include subsidies to guarantee an eight percent annual return on equity.
• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit: Administered through the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC), the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) subsidizes the acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of affordable housing by providing a tax credit to construct or rehabilitate affordable rental housing for low-income households. • Continuum of Care (CoC) Program: The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program is designed to promote communitywide commitment towards ending homelessness. It provides funding to nonprofits, State, and local governments to provide shelter and services to people experiencing homelessness.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Housing Programs: This program provides homeownership opportunities for individuals and below market-rate loans/grants to public and non-profit organizations for new construction, preservation, or rehabilitation of farmworker/rural multi-family rental housing.

III.D Opportunities for Energy Conservation
The cost of energy can greatly impact housing affordability, as energy costs can constitute a significant portion of total housing costs. High energy costs also particularly impact low-income households that are less likely to have the ability to cover increased expenses.

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) provides electricity services for the City of Coachella. They assist low-income customers through several programs including:
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Imperial Irrigation District (IID)
• Residential Energy Assistance Program (REAP): This program reduces energy bills for eligible participants by about 20 percent. IID also offers a 30 percent REAP discount to qualifying customers age 62 or older.
• Emergency Energy Assistance Program (EEAP): This program assists customers who face disconnection for non-payment. EEAP payment assistance is available quarterly to residents who participate in the REAP program. Customers may qualify for up to $75 on their electric bill during the 1st and 4th quarter, and up to $125 during the 2nd and 3rd quarter. • Medical Equipment Assistance Program (MEEAP): This program reduces the electrical rate for a defined quantity of electricity used to operate medical equipment by a household that has a full-time resident who requires specifically medically necessary equipment to sustain life or prevent deterioration of a person’s medical condition.

Additionally, the City has an Energy Action Plan (EAP), which was adopted in 2012. The EAP is intended to assist in meeting State and regional goals of greenhouse gas reduction and long-term energy efficiency, and it includes a strategy to meet the City’s energy reduction goals.

Other conservation programs available at the local, regional, state, and federal level are described below.

Regional Energy Resources
• Community Action Partnership of Riverside County Programs o Weatherization Assistance Program: This program provides free home energy conservation services to low-income Riverside County homeowners and renters. o Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program: This program provides grants and one-time assistance payments to moderate-income families and individuals for electric bills in Riverside County.

State Energy Resources
• California Department of Community Services & Development Programs LowIncome Weatherization Program (LIWP): California’s Low-Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) provides low-income households with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy efficiency upgrades at no cost to residents. LIWP is the only program of its kind in California that focuses exclusively on serving low-income households with solar PV and energy efficiency upgrades at no cost. The program reduces greenhouse gas emissions and household energy costs by saving energy and generating clean renewable power. LIWP currently operates three program components: Multi-Family, Community Solar, and Farmworker Housing. According to CDS’s Nov. 2020 Low-Income Weatherization Program Impact Report, LIWP has received $212 million from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund since 2014. Note: The multi-family energy efficiency & renewables program component is estimated to end in June 2022. • California Public Utilities Commission Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA):

ESA provides no-cost weatherization services to low-income households who meet the CARE income guidelines. Services provided include attic insulation, energy efficient 99 Item 2.
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refrigerators, energy efficient furnaces, weatherstripping, caulking, low-flow showerheads, water heater blankets, and door and building envelope repairs which reduce air infiltration. • Federal Housing Administration Energy Efficient Mortgage Program (EEM): This program helps families save money on their utility bills by enabling them to finance energy efficient improvements with their FHA-insured mortgage. The EEM program recognizes that an energy-efficient home will have lower operating costs, making it more affordable for the homeowners. Cost-effective energy improvements can lower utility bills and make more income available for the mortgage payment.

Section IV Housing Plan
Introduction
The housing plan of the Housing Element serves as the City’s strategy for addressing its housing needs. This section describes the housing goals, policies, and programs of the Housing Element for the City of Coachella.

Goals are aspirational purpose statements that indicate the City’s direction on housing-related needs. Each goal encompasses several policies, which are statements that describe the City’s preferred course of action among a range of other options.

Each goal also includes programs, which are actionable steps taken to implement the policies and further the City’s progress towards its goals. Some programs contain quantified objectives, which refer to the number of units that are expected to be constructed, preserved, or rehabilitated through the program during the planning period. These quantified objectives represent measurable outcomes that can be used to benchmark the success of each program.

This Housing Element contains institutional changes intended to significantly increase the amount and type of housing for all income levels in Coachella. These efforts are expected to be initiated throughout the planning period, which is from October 15, 2021 to October 15, 2029. In accordance with State law, the City will also evaluate the progress and effectiveness of these programs on an annual basis. Together, these initiatives reflect the City’s commitment to increasing affordable housing and improve existing housing conditions.

Goal A: Facilitate the Development of a Variety of Housing Types to Provide Adequate Housing in the City to all Households
Policies
a) Land Use Controls. Use the Land Use Element of the General Plan and the Zoning Code to ensure the availability of adequate sites for a variety of housing types. b) Varying Densities. Employ a range of housing densities to provide housing for all economic segments of the community consistent with good planning practice. 100
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c) Infill and Contiguous Land. Maximize use of vacant land within the city and contiguous to existing development in order to reduce the cost of off-site improvements and create a compact city form.
d) Compatible Uses. Ensure the compatibility of residential areas with surrounding uses through the separation of potentially hazardous or damaging uses, construction of adequate buffers, and other planning and land use techniques. e) Housing Downtown. Promote higher-density and mixed-use redevelopment within the downtown area.
f) Services and Facilities. Require that adequate public and private services and facilities are or will be provided to all new residential developments as a prerequisite for their approval.
g) Adaptive Reuse. Investigate the adaptive reuse of vacant commercial structures in the downtown area for housing, possibly in a mixed-use fashion. h) Large Family Housing. Encourage developers to provide units with three or more bedrooms, suitable to house large households.
i) Emergency Shelters. Continue to actively support efforts of providers who establish short-term bed facilities for segments of the homeless population including specialized groups such as the mentally ill and the chronically disabled. j) Emergency Shelters Services. Assist and support local social service agencies in their applications for federal funds to provide emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families.
k) Special Needs Housing. Encourage the development of housing to meet the needs of special needs groups including the elderly, large families, farmworkers, homeless, and female-headed households, targeting locations in the City which have higher concentrations of special needs groups and are closest to City services and amenities. l) Unit Sizes. Promote the production of for sale and rental housing to meet the needs of families of all sizes.

Programs

1.1 General Plan Implementation. The City adopted the updated General Plan in 2015. To fully implement the policies outlined in the General Plan update, the City will review the prior completed study that analyzed changes needed to the Zoning Code and revise as necessary to complete a comprehensive Zoning Code update. The City will prioritize creating zones and rezoning lower-income sites identified in the Site Inventory, Scenario #2.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: Compatibility Study revised and updated (as needed) and lowerincome sites rezoned by October 2022; Zoning Code updated within 3 years of Housing Element adoption.
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1.2 Lower Income Site Rezoning. The City will prioritize rezoning sites to accommodate the lower-income RHNA (Appendix B). These sites will be rezoned according to their General Plan designation, along with the following requirements:
• Allow Multifamily uses by-right for developments in which 20 percent or more of the units are affordable to lower-income households;
• Sites must accommodate a minimum of 16 units per site; • Establish a minimum density of 20 units per acre; and • Require residential use occupancy 50 percent of the total floor area of any mixeduse project on these sites.

The lower income RHNA is accommodated on approximately 136 acres of sites throughout the City. The City will amend the zoning regulations of approximately 136 acres of land identified for the lower income RHNA in the sites inventory as described in this program with development standards suitable to facilitate achievement of maximum allowed density (up to 65 du/ac) comply with California State law and meet RHNA targets. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: Within 1 year of Housing Element adoption

1.3 General Plan Text Amendment. The City will amend the General Plan to allow 100% residential projects if the site is identified in the City’s Housing Element for lower-income development. This program applies to all designations, but specifically targets the NC, DC, and UE designations.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: Within 1 year of Housing Element adoption

1.4 Services and Facilities. Continue to utilize environmental and other development review procedures to ensure that all new residential developments are provided with adequate public and private facilities and services. Require documentation of the adequate services and facilities that are or will be provided as a condition of approval. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: Ongoing

1.5 Lot Consolidation. Evaluate opportunities for parcel assembly and the use of underutilized sites for high density and/or affordable housing. Discuss housing development potential with developers and property owners and consider relaxing development standards that constrain small lot development and prioritizing application processing to facilitate housing on these sites. Communicate with developers and owners regarding the variety of housing development options available for these sites. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: Ongoing. Identify sites and meet with landowners every 3 years.

1.6 Housing Data. Upon request, provide housing data, such as information on building permits, vacancy rates, and availability of funding sources, to interested parties. 102
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• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: Ongoing

1.7 Large Sites. Facilitate development on large sites designated for high-density housing by communicating with developers regarding housing opportunities for these sites, providing priority subdivision processing, and utilizing the Master Plan review process (as described in the General Plan Land Use Element) to facilitate affordable unit development. Work with landowners and developers to create sites ranging from one to 10 acres in size that are feasible and appropriate for the development of affordable housing. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: Ongoing. Identify sites and meet with landowners every 3 years.

1.8 Variety of Housing Options for Special Needs Groups. Identify incentives for development of needed housing typologies suitable for single-parent families with children (e.g., one or two-bedroom houses), households with family members requiring assistance (e.g., persons with disabilities), and multigenerational families (e.g. houses for large families or multiple units on one lot). Encourage, and where feasible, incentivize developers to construct new units that include a full bathroom and bedroom on the first floor (for seniors to age in place) and on-site second units that can be rented. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: December 2022

1.9 Emergency Shelters. Evaluate the adequacy of land that can accommodate emergency shelters in the city and, if needed, identify additional sites for rezoning to provide greater opportunity for these sheltersAmend the Zoning Code parking and separation regulations for emergency shelters to comply with Government Code Section 65583(a)(4)(A),. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: December 20222023

1.10Farmworker Housing Support. Leverage existing relationships in the local non-profit and private sector to identify specific policy levers (such as expedited permitting, fee waivers, etc.) that will have the greatest impact on easing and increasing the development of farmworker housing. Meetings to discuss these constraints will be pursued alongside ongoing assistance given to local farmworker advocacy groups and developers with site identification and technical assistance. The Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC) is the leading developer of farmworker housing in the City of Coachella and the City commits to meeting annually with CVHC and other potential affordable housing developers to identify development opportunities for farmworkers and provide concession, incentives, and assistance with funding for affordable housing opportunities in the City as appropriate. As constraints are identified, the City will modify the Zoning Code (beyond the changes in Program 5.10) or adopt ordinances to the greatest extent feasible while ensuring compliance with State law.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Departmental budgets and First Time Home Buyer Funds 103
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• Time Frame: Meet with stakeholders CVHC and Habitat for Humanity by December 2023annually. Amend Code or adopt ordinances, as needed, within three years of Housing Element adoption. Assist farmworker advocacy groups and developers as needed throughout the planning period.

1.11Sites Monitoring. Consistent with SB 166 (No Net Loss), the City will monitor housing sites to ensure adequate sites to accommodate the remaining unmet RHNA by each income category are maintained at all times. The City will also review densities proposed for new development under all the General Plan land use categories and assess how the new densities (and development standards) are or are not working to facilitate housing development, particularly affordable housing units.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: Annually

1.12Accessory Dwelling Units Outreach. Integrating accessory dwelling units (ADUs) into existing residential neighborhoods is a means for the City to accommodate additional affordable rental housing that supports multi-generational households and other special needs groups. Furthermore, new State laws have significantly eased ADU development standards and streamlined their approval process (see Program 5.5). To promote safe, legal ADU development, the City will create a dedicated page on its website informing residents of ADU regulations, the application process, and available funding for ADU construction, such as the CalHFA ADU Grant Program that provides up to $25,000 to reimburse homeowners for necessary predevelopment costs. The City will also work with owners of illegal and/or “unintended” accessory dwelling units to bring the unit into compliance with City standards. While promotion of materials and outreach will occur citywide, the City will enhance promotion efforts, either through additional outreach opportunities (e.g., in-person events, physical material posting or distribution, etc.) or more frequent outreach, in highest resource areas (see Appendix F). • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: Informational materials on City website by 2024, ongoing advertising of materials in print and digital media. Contact and coordinate with known unpermitted ADUs throughout the planning period.

1.13General Plan Map Amendments. The City has identified four City-owned sites adjacent to Downtown along Grapefruit Boulevard (Consolidated Site G: APNs 763400016 and 763400017; Consolidated Site I: APNs 763131018 and 763131017) for affordable housing.

To facilitate this development, the City will amend the General Plan to redesignate said properties from Industrial to Urban Employment, which allows up to 65 units per acre. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Timeframe: Within 1 year of Housing Element adoption

1.14AB 2339 Code Amendments. The City will amend the Zoning Code to allow emergency shelters by right within one or more zones which also allow residential development and comply with GC 65583(a)(4). The shelter will be subject to the same development standards as other uses in that zone, in addition to any specific requirements for emergency shelters as allowed by law (see Program 1.9). 104
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• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Timeframe: Within 1 year of Housing Element adoption
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Goal B: Conserve and Improve the Condition of the Existing Housing Stock Policies
a) Rehabilitation Funds. Continue to use available state and federal funds for housing rehabilitation, in a manner that will benefit the largest number of lower-income households, including those with extremely and very low income.
b) Overcrowding. Allow utilization of rehabilitation assistance funds to alleviate overcrowded conditions.
c) Unit Rehabilitation. Encourage the rehabilitation of substandard dwelling units instead of requiring their demolition, whenever possible, to preserve the existing affordable housing stock.
d) Neighborhood Enhancement. Utilize the neighborhood enhancement capabilities of the City to ensure that property owners renting unsanitary and unsafe housing units correct identified code violations.
e) Code Enforcement. Ensure that all new housing units constructed in the city are safe and livable through vigorous enforcement of the Uniform Building Code. f) Substandard Units. Pursue the removal and replacement of substandard units that cannot be rehabilitated.
g) Public Improvements. Prioritize public improvements (such as new streets and drainage, sidewalk parks, street trees, and other public amenities and infrastructure) to improve areas with the greatest need, including neighborhoods with high concentrations of poverty and limited existing resources and amenities.

Programs

2.1 Rehabilitation Program. Continue to implement the City’s Residential Rehabilitation Program, as funding is available. Allow funds to be used to reconcile code violations, alleviate overcrowding, make improvements to accommodate the special needs of elderly and disabled residents, including persons with developmental disabilities, and improve energy efficiency. The City will continue to advertise the program on the City’s website, share program information with service organizations, and post program information in City Hall. While promotion of materials and outreach will occur citywide, the City will enhance promotion efforts and prioritize program funding in Racial or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty (R/ECAPs) and older neighborhoods in the City which may be in need of more rehabilitation due to the age of the housing stock (see Appendix F). • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: CDBG and HOME
• Time Frame: Ongoing

2.2 Housing Condition Survey. Continue to monitor housing conditions throughout the city by reviewing code enforcement complaints and periodically conduct formal or informal housing condition surveys.
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• Funding: Department budgets (for housing condition surveys) and CDBG Planning/Technical Assistance Grants
• Time Frame: Ongoing. Conduct assessment of areas of concern every three years

2.3 Neighborhood Enhancement. Continue to implement the abandoned and vacant property ordinances and explore new methods of eliminating unsightly property conditions in residential areas.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: Ongoing

2.4 Mobile Home Park Maintenance. Continue to monitor health and safety issues related to substandard mobile home parks located within the city limits and those within the City’s sphere of influence. Where the State is the permitting agency, refer maintenance and enforcement complaints to the appropriate State contact. For City managed sites, explore funding opportunities for a loan or grant program to assist with mobile home unit and park repairs and improvements as well as mobile home ownership. • Responsible Agency: Coachella Community Services Department • Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: Explore funding opportunities by 2023, monitoring is ongoing

2.5 CVAG Representation. Continue to participate in housing-related discussions with CVAG. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department, City Council • Funding: General Fund
• Time Frame: Annually, or as meetings occur

2.6 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities (DUCs). To support disadvantaged unincorporated communities (DUCs) within the City’s sphere of influence (SOI), the City will:
• Work with Riverside County, Riverside County LAFCO, Coachella Valley Water District, the Coachella Valley Regional Water Management Group (CVWRMG), and local advocacy organizations to identify and address housing-related infrastructure needs in nearby DUCs
• Participate in outreach and information gathering events and strategy sessions • Contribute to efforts to identify and estimate the cost of potential infrastructure improvements including any preparation of the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (prepared by CVWRMG)
• Pursue funding sources to complete necessary upgrades. • Coordinate with agencies and community groups to explore annexation potential and timeframes.
• Consider requiring developers plan for and construct oversized facilities to create infrastructure connection opportunities for nearby disadvantaged communities as a condition of approval for development in new growth areas.

Riverside County LAFCO identified four “fringe” DUCs located in close proximity to Coachella, three of which are located within the City’s sphere of influence. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: General Fund
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• Time Frame: Ongoing, pursuing funding as available and engage in ongoing dialogue (meet at least annually) to determine annexation potential and timeframes

2.7 Tenant Outreach. Conduct education and outreach to tenants regarding the City’s Code Enforcement program and their rights as a tenant to decent, safe, and sanitary housing.

While promotion of materials and outreach will occur citywide, the City will enhance promotion efforts in downtown and in areas of the City which have the highest concentration of renters (see Appendix F).
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Departmental budget
• Time Frame: Ongoing, prepare flyers for distribution at City Hall within one year of Housing Element adoption.

2.8 Home Enhancement. Fund home rehabilitation improvements for low income households utilizing CDBG funding.
• Responsible Agency: Economic Development Department
• Funding: CDBG funds
• Time Frame: Secure and distribute funds through Dec 2024 Goal C: Encourage Energy Conservation to Reduce Housing Costs Policies
a) Conservation Techniques. Encourage the use of energy-conserving techniques in the siting and design of new housing.
b) State Requirements. Actively enforce state energy conservation requirements for new residential construction.
c) Resource Reduction Education. Make local residents aware of the free home surveys performed by the Coachella Water Authority as a means to reduce water consumption and the rebate programs offered by the Imperial Irrigation District and Southern California Gas Company.

Programs

3.1 Energy Conservation Standards. Develop a menu of energy conservation techniques and establish minimum requirements for energy conservation when approving siting and design of proposed residences to minimize energy consumption as well as housing costs. • Responsible Agencies: Planning and Building Divisions of the Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budgets
• Time Frame: December 2023

3.2 Building Standards. Continue to require that, at a minimum, all new residential development complies with the energy conservation requirements of Title 24 of the California Administrative Code.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
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• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: Ongoing, as project applications are reviewed

3.3 Water Conservation. Assist in distributing information to the public regarding free home water consumption audits of the Coachella Water Authority and rebate programs offered by Imperial Irrigation District.
• Responsible Agency: Imperial Irrigation District, Development Services Department
• Funding: N/A
• Time Frame: Ongoing. Send materials to residents once annually.

3.4 Energy Efficiency Programs. Assist in distributing information about energy efficiency retrofit rebates and financing opportunities available to the residents and property owners such as Energy Upgrade California, the New Solar Homes Partnership, and future CVAG programs, including energy partnerships with surrounding agencies such as West Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG).
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: N/A
• Time Frame: Ongoing. Send materials to residents once annually.

Goal D: Promote Fair Housing Opportunity for All Persons [regardless of race, religion, marital status, age, sex, gender, nationality, physical or developmental disability, family size, and level and source of income] Policies
a) Equal Opportunity. Advocate equal housing opportunity for all residents. b) Fair Housing. Utilize local fair housing agencies to investigate promptly and aggressively any complaints involving housing discrimination.
c) Tenant and Landlord Education. Promote greater awareness of tenant and landlord rights and target increased education in areas with the highest concentration of renters. d) Access. Promote reasonable accommodation in new housing developments and in existing housing.

Programs

4.1 Fair Housing. Continue to provide information on fair housing law on the City’s website, at City Hall, and at the local library. In addition, the City Clerk shall continue to include a statement in City utility bills which indicates that information on fair housing laws is available to the public without charge. Information will be provided in both English and Spanish. Complaints may be directed to the Development Services Department. • Responsible Agency: City Manager’s Office, Development Services Department, City Clerk
• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: Ongoing
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4.2 Reasonable Accommodation. Adopt a “Reasonable Accommodation” procedure, in accordance with SB 520, as part of the updated Zoning Code to allow for administrative processing of requests for features and accessibility for persons with disabilities and persons with developmental disabilities.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: City General Fund
• Time Frame: Within 3 years of Housing Element adoption Goal E: Remove Constraints to the Maintenance, Improvement, and Development of Housing
Policies
a) Building and Zoning Codes. Ensure local building and zoning codes do not overly constrain housing production or cause increases in construction or permitting costs without sacrificing basic health and safety considerations. b) Development Fees. Charge development fees that do not unreasonably contribute to the cost of housing.
c) Site Improvement Assistance. Continue to financially assist with land and/or off-site improvements costs for lower-income housing projects, as funds become available. d) Expedited Processing. Continue practice of expeditious processing of residential development proposals and permits by encouraging concurrent processing of entitlements, rather than requiring one process to be completed before beginning the next process. e) Objective Review. Encourage new high-quality rental and ownership housing through a clear and objective review process consistent with City adopted design standards.

Programs

5.1 Zoning Code Constraints. When undergoing the comprehensive Zoning Code update (Program 1.1), the City will ensure the Code update removes barriers to production of a variety of housing types and build on concepts outlined in the General Plan to incorporate the use of innovative land use techniques and construction methods such as clustering of units, density transfers, reduced setbacks/zero lot line development, reduced lot sizes, and others to minimize housing development costs and to maximize development opportunities.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: Within 3 years of Housing Element adoption

5.2 Development Fees. Periodically survey other cities in the Riverside County area to ensure that the City’s development fees are commensurate to other communities using a cost-recovery model and do not pose an unreasonable constraint to housing development. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget; possible CDBG Planning/Technical Assistance Grant
• Time Frame: Every five years
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5.3 Parking Requirements. Review revisions to the Zoning Code to evaluate implementation of reduced parking requirements (or no parking requirement) for residential projects serving special needs groups, including low-income households, or for projects located close to public transportation or commercial services.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Departments
• Funding: Department budgets
• Time Frame: Within 3 years of Housing Element adoption

5.4 Eliminate Minimum Dwelling Unit Size Standard. While the City’s minimum dwelling unit size standards have not proved to be a constraint on housing development based on market demand for larger units, they could potentially constrain housing development in the future depending on demographic and market trends for smaller units. The City will amend the Zoning Code to eliminate the requirement for minimum dwelling size by unit type.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budgets
• Time Frame: Within 3 years of Housing Element adoption

5.5 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Amend the Zoning Code to remove references to second units and regulate with the City’s ADU ordinance, which complies with state law regarding ADUs.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: Within 3 years of Housing Element adoption

5.6 Transitional and Supportive Housing. Amend the Zoning Code to define transitional and supportive housing in accordance with Government Code Section 65582, AB 101, and AB 2162 and clarify that these types of housing are treated as residential uses of property, including allowing transitional and supportive housing and low barrier navigation centers in areas that allow multi-family and mixed use residential, subject to the same restrictions/regulations as other types of housing in the same zoning district. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: City General Fund
• Time Frame: December 2022

5.7 Manufactured Housing. Amend the Zoning Code to include manufactured housing as an approved housing type, as per State of California requirements. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department, Planning Commission • Funding: City General Fund
• Time Frame: December 2022

5.8 Group Homes. Revise the Zoning Code to regulate group homes, foster homes, residential care facilities, and similar facilities as follows (referred to below simply as “group homes”):allow State-licensed and unlicensed group homes, foster homes, residential care facilities, and similar facilities by right with six or fewer persons in any residential zone; and to allow with administrative approval for licensed group homes with greater than six persons in all high-density residential and mixed-use zoning districts subject to objective criteria and clear, specific-to-use regulations. Additionally, recognizing 111
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that larger facilities provide necessary supportive environments for a variety of households, the City will amend the Zoning Code to allow unlicensed facilities of 6 or more persons in all zones which allow residential uses similar to other residential uses in the zone, subject to specific objective design standards and appropriate findings. o Permit by-right both licensed and unlicensed group homes (serving six or fewer residents) in all residential zones. The City will apply the same general zoning, building, fire, and other health and safety codes that apply to other uses of the same type that are allowed in that zone, subject only to the additional Health and Safety Code provisions specific to certain types of group homes (i.e., spacing requirements for licensed residential care facilities). o Permit by-right unlicensed group homes (serving greater than six residents) in all residential zones. The City will apply the same general zoning, building, fire, and other health and safety codes that apply to other uses of the same type. o Allow with a conditional use permit licensed group homes (serving greater than six residents) in all residential zones. The City will subject these only to specific, objective design and operational standards/findings and provide flexible and efficient reasonable accommodation in these permitting processes. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department, Planning Commission • Funding: Departmental budget
• Time Frame: December 2022 2023

5.9 Single-Room Occupancy Housing. Amend the Zoning Code to define single-room occupancy units (SROs) and identify zones in which SROs are allowed. Facilitate the development of SROs, or conversion of hotels, motels, or vacant apartment buildings into SROs, as appropriate housing type for persons with special needs and extremely low incomes.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department, Planning Commission • Funding: Departmental budgets
• Time Frame: Amend the Code within 3 years of Housing Element adoption.

Provide ongoing facilitation

5.10 Farmworker Housing Standards. Amend the Zoning Code to ensure that permit processing procedures for farmworker housing do not conflict with Health and Safety Code Sections 10721.5 and 17021.6. Additionally, the City will amend the Zoning Code to allow farmworker housing projects in residential areas (including areas formerly designated as agriculture prior to the 2015 General Plan update) that are currently used for agricultural production, or within close proximity to areas with active agricultural production, where farm worker housing is a desirable use. The City will also ensure that such procedures encourage and facilitate the development of housing for farmworkers. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department, Planning Commission • Funding: Departmental budgets
• Time Frame: December 2022

5.11 Prioritize Sewer Hookups for Residential Development for Lower-Income Housing. Adopt written policies that grant priority for water and service allocations to 112
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proposed developments that include housing units affordable to lower-income households into the General Plan. The City will provide the adopted Housing Element to both the Coachella Water Authority and Coachella Sanitary District immediately upon adoption to promote collaboration on this effort.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budgets
• Time Frame: Amend the General Plan within two years of Housing Element adoption. Collaborate with water and sewer providers throughout the planning period.

5.12 Objective Design Standards. Develop objective design standards and clear findings to evaluate projects for compliance with the Architectural Review and Conditional Use processes. This effort will evaluate existing subjective standards required for approval in both the Zoning Code and specific plans. The purpose of these standards is to expedite the development review process and support the City in meetings its housing goals. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budgets
• Time Frame: Within 3 years of Housing Element adoption.

Goal F: Promote Affordable Housing to Meet the Needs of Lower- and ModerateIncome Households Policies
a) State and Federal Funding. Investigate and pursue state and federal programs and funding sources, such as CDBG and HOME funds, designed to expand housing opportunities for lower-income and special needs households, including extremely lowincome households, farmworkers, the elderly, and persons with physical and developmental disabilities.
b) On-site Affordable Units. Encourage the inclusion of lower-income units, including extremely low-income and moderate-income units, in privately sponsored multi-family housing developments.
c) Affordable Unit Financing. Work with local lending institutions to maximize private financing for the construction of new lower-income housing, including extremely lowincome units, and moderate-income housing. 113
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d) Developer Marketing. Actively market Coachella to housing developers through appropriate advertisements in development publications and in metropolitan area newspapers.
e) New Assisted Units. Promote the construction of new assisted housing units in the city for lower-income households, including those with extremely and very low income.

Programs

6.1 Development Fee Deferral. When feasible, continue to defer development fees for housing units affordable to extremely low-, very low-, and low-income households. • Responsible Agencies: Development Services, Building, and Public Works Departments
• Financing: Department budgets
• Time Frame: Ongoing

6.2 Affordable Unit Financing. Continue to work with nonprofit and for-profit developers to apply for financing to fund the development of housing affordable to lower-income and special needs households, particularly housing that will serve persons with extremely low incomes, farmworkers, the elderly, and persons with disabilities and developmental disabilities. The City will be open to providing letters of support for funding applications; the City will also consider partnerships with nonprofits for utilization of City staff to help write and to review project applications. The City will take actions necessary to expedite processing and approvals for such projects prioritizing projects in Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty (R/ECAPs).
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: General Fund, HCD
• Time Frame: Assist with funding applications on an ongoing basis; annually review potential funding opportunities

6.3 CDBG and HOME Funds. Continue to pursue funding for the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing, including annual applications for HOME and CDBG funds. The City will work with nonprofit and for-profit housing developers and will take actions necessary to expedite processing and approvals for such projects. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: HCD
• Time Frame: Annually

6.4 Density Bonus. AB 2345, which took effect on January 1, 2021, revised the State density bonus law (Government Code §65915-65918). It increases the maximum density bonus to up to 50 percent. The City will update its local density bonus provisions to be consistent with State law. Additionally, the City will consider modifying its procedures to eliminate City Council approval for density bonus requests.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Department budget
• Time Frame: 2023
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6.5 Website Update. The City will include housing-related resources including information regarding the City’s housing rehabilitation program, first-time homebuyer loans, loans available through CalHFA, and other relevant links.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: CalHFA First-Time Homebuyer Program
• Time Frame: Annually review information

6.6 Infrastructure Grants. Infrastructure must be expanded to support future housing development opportunities for moderate and lower-income households. The City will pursue grant funding for infrastructure that facilitates development of moderate and lowerincome housing sites (e.g., Infill Infrastructure Grant, etc.) and increase the availability of developable land in highest resource areas (See Appendix F) and on sites designated in the General Plan for higher density multi-family or mixed-use development. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Grant funding
• Time Frame: Ongoing

6.7 Streamlined Approvals. Develop a written policy or project review and approval guidelines as appropriate to specify the SB 35 (2017) streamlining approval process and standards for eligible projects, as set forth under California Government Code, Section 65913.4.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Departmental Budget
• Time Frame: Within 12 months of Housing Element adoption

6.8 Place-Based Neighborhood Revitalization. The City will continue to carry out a variety of neighborhood improvement efforts to revitalize the Coachella community and promote fair housing and access to resources and opportunities in all parts of Coachella. The City will improve neighborhoods and places in Coachella in the most need of place-based planning and improvement strategies, as well as places with the greatest capacity for accommodating housing for lower income households. Efforts include, but are not limited to, the following:

Planning. The City will continue to implement the Downtown Specific Plan and other City specific plans which have targeted recommendations for infrastructure improvements and neighborhood revitalization. As needed, the City will modify adopted policies to continue to identify areas in need of improvement and additional resources.

Implementation. The City will continue to prioritize the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), annually, and seek additional funding and other resources toward community revitalization in targeted areas. Additionally, the City will continue to pursue concurrent efforts (Program 2.6 and Program 6.6) to improve infrastructure capacity in opportunity areas and in areas of need, including DUCs.

Partnerships. As part of ongoing and regular coordination with regional housing advocates, the City will seek new partnerships with agencies and grant funding opportunities to implement neighborhood improvements as part of new housing projects.
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• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: Departmental budget, grant funding (as available) • Time Frame: Identify priority specific plan programs for implementation by 2025, prioritize CIP funding annually.
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Goal G: Preserve Existing Affordable Housing Opportunities for Lower Income Residents of the City
Policies
a) Preservation Funding. Utilize federal, state, and local funding to preserve lower- income rental housing to the extent possible.
b) Preservation Cooperation. Work closely with nonprofit organizations and public agencies involved in the provision of affordable housing to preserve existing lower- income rental units in the city.
c) Displacement Prevention. Prevent the displacement of lower-income residents from assisted housing units that may convert to market-rate housing in the future targeting City efforts in areas subject to the greatest displacement risk (See Appendix F, Figure F-23:

Vulnerable Communities (2017).

Programs

7.1 Housing Choice Vouchers. Actively support the Riverside County Housing Authority’s attempts to secure additional Section 8 Housing Choice rental assistance for extremely low-, very low-, and low-income households.
• Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Financing: HUD Section 8 Certificate and Housing Voucher Programs • Time Frame: Ongoing

7.2 At-Risk Housing. Although there are not units at risk of converting to market rate during the 6th Cycle, the City will mMonitor and assist in the preservation of affordable units at risk of converting to market rate in the future as well as coordinate with local providers to maintain adequate conditions of existing affordable units to ensure they maintain available.. Actions will include:
• Monitor the Risk Assessment report published by the California Housing Partnership Corporation (CHPC).
• Maintain regular contact with the local HUD office regarding early warnings of possible opt-outs.
• Maintain contact with the owners and managers of existing affordable housing to determine if there are plans to opt out in the future and offer assistance in locating eligible buyers.
• Maintain the list of potential purchasers of at-risk units and act as a liaison between owners and eligible purchasers.
• Coordinate with CVHC to make necessary improvements to maintain and preserve existing affordable housing stock.
• Ensure that all owners and managers of affordable housing are provided with applicable state and federal laws regarding notice to tenants of the owner’s desire to opt-out or prepay. State law requires a 12-month notice. • Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
• Funding: HCD
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• Time Frame: Ongoing
Quantified Objectives
Table IV-1 presents the City’s quantified objectives for construction, preservation, and rehabilitation for the 2021 – 2029 planning period that will be achieved through the policies and programs described above.

Table IV-1: Quantified Objectives
Program Type/Affordability
Extremely
Low
Very Low Low Moderate
Above
Moderate
Total
New Construction 516 517 784 1,367 3,804 6,988
Rehabilitation 5070 5070
Conservation/Preservation 50 100 150 300
Total 516566 517617 8341004 1,367 3,804 7,038358
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Housing Needs Assessment City of Coachella | A-1
Appendix A:Housing Needs Assessment
Contents
Appendix A: Housing Needs Assessment............................................. A-1 Section A.1 Introduction and Summary ............................................................................... A-2 A.1.1 Introduction...................................................................................................... A-2 Section A.2 Population Characteristics ............................................................................... A-2 A.2.1 Population........................................................................................................ A-2 A.2.2 Age .................................................................................................................. A-3 A.2.3 Race/Ethnicity.................................................................................................. A-4 A.2.4 Employment..................................................................................................... A-4 Section A.3 Household Characteristics ............................................................................... A-6 A.3.1 Household Type............................................................................................... A-6 A.3.2 Household Size................................................................................................ A-6 A.3.3 Overcrowding................................................................................................... A-7 A.3.4 Household Income........................................................................................... A-8 A.3.5 Special Housing Needs.................................................................................. A-10 Section A.4 Housing Stock Characteristics ....................................................................... A-22 A.4.1 Housing Type and Vacancy ........................................................................... A-22 A.4.2 Housing Tenure ............................................................................................. A-23 A.4.3 Housing Units Permitted ................................................................................ A-25 A.4.4 Housing Age and Condition ........................................................................... A-26 Section A.5 Housing Costs and Affordability ..................................................................... A-27 A.5.1 Ownership Costs............................................................................................ A-27 A.5.2 Rental Costs .................................................................................................. A-28 A.5.3 Overpayment ................................................................................................. A-29 A.5.4 At-Risk Housing Assessment......................................................................... A-34 120
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A-2 | City of Coachella Housing Needs Assessment
Section A.1 Introduction and Summary
A.1.1 Introduction
This section forms the foundation for understanding Coachella’s housing needs. It analyzes a range of demographic, economic, and housing-related variables to determine the extent and context of the City’s housing-related need. Information gathered through this section provides a basis from which to build housing goals, policies, and programs to address those needs.

This section includes an analysis of the City’s population, special needs groups, employment, housing stock, and housing affordability.

The main source of data used to form the majority of this section is HCD pre-certified local housing data provided by SCAG, which relies primarily on the American Community Survey 2014-2018, California Department of Finance, HUD’s Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (“CHAS”) data, and California Department of Developmental Services.

Section A.2 Population Characteristics
A.2.1 Population
Coachella had a total population of 47,186 in 2020, according to the California Department of Finance. The chart below describes the population trend in Coachella over the past 20 years.

During this period, Coachella’s population grew by 108 percent while the SCAG region grew by 15 percent (or an annual growth rate of 3.7 percent compared to 0.7 percent for the region). 121
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Housing Needs Assessment City of Coachella | A-3
Figure A-1: Population Trend, 2000-2020
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (CA DOF E-5 Population and Housing Unit Estimates) A.2.2 Age
Age is an important factor that impacts a city’s housing needs, as needs and requirements change at different ages. In addition, different age groups will have different housing needs depending on a variety of factors, such as family status, household size, income level, and living preferences.

A city with a large population of children relative to the adult population will need more housing for larger households, while a city with a large population of young adults might require more affordable studio and one-bedroom units. Similarly, having a larger senior population may indicate the need for housing that is ADA accessible or smaller units for seniors who seek to down-size.

The share of Coachella’s population which is under 18 years of age is 26.1 percent, which is higher than the regional share of 23.4 percent. The seniors (age 65 and above) make up 7.3 percent of the population, which is lower than the regional share of 13 percent. The median age in Coachella is 33.5 years, lower than that of Riverside County (35.3 years). The population of Coachella is 48.2 percent male and 51.8 percent female.

Figure A-2: Current Population by Age and Sex
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates)

0.0 5.0

10.0 15.0

20.0 25.0

30.0 35.0

40.0 45.0

50.0 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Coachella 22,724 29,754 40,704 44,809 47,186
SCAG 16,516,703 17,541,873 18,051,534 18,731,901 19,021,787

15.0 15.5

16.0 16.5

17.0 17.5

18.0 18.5

19.0 19.5
Thousands
Millions
3,000
2,000
1,000
0 1,000
2,000
3,000
0-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85+ Male Female
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A-4 | City of Coachella Housing Needs Assessment
A.2.3 Race/Ethnicity
The largest racial group in Coachella is “Some Other Race”, representing 70 percent of the total population. Note that is a common occurrence in communities with large Hispanic populations, as the distinction between race and ethnicity is sometime unclear to census respondents. In Coachella, 98 percent of the population of is Hispanic or Latino (of any race), compared to 48 percent of the population of Riverside County.

Figure A-3: Race and Ethnicity
Note: “Hispanic or Latino” can be defined as a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race
Source: American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates, DP05 A.2.4 Employment
There are 21,210 workers living within Coachella who work across 13 major industrial sectors made up of groupings of two-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes.

The chart below provides more detailed employment information. The most prevalent industries are Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, which includes Food Service and Accommodations, with 3,642 employees (17.2 percent of total) and Retail trade with 3,318 employees (15.6 percent of total). Information is the least prevalent employment industry, employing approximately 1 percent of employees.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
White Black or
African
American
American
Indian and
Alaska
Native
Asian Native
Hawaiian
and Other
Pacific
Islander
Some
Other
Race
Two or
more races
Hispanic or
Latino (of
any race)
Not
Hispanic or
Latino
Coachella Riverside County
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Housing Needs Assessment City of Coachella | A-5
Figure A-4: Employment by Industry
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates using groupings of 2-digit NAICS codes)
In addition to understanding the industries in which the residents of Coachella work, it is also possible to analyze the types of jobs they hold. Of all job types, the most prevalent occupational category in Coachella is “Services”, in which 7,553 (35.6 percent of total) employees work. The second-most prevalent type of work is in Natural Resources (including agriculture), which employs 4,916 (23.2 percent of total) residents of Coachella.

Figure A-5: Employment by Occupation
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates using groupings of SOC codes)
2,046
2,205
936
393
3,318
558
185
639
2,853
2,621
3,642
1,179
635
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000
Agriculture
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Rrade
Retail Trade
Transportation
Information
Finance
Professional Services
Education & Social Services
Arts, Entertainment, Recreation
Other
Public Admininstration
2,210
7,553
3,873
4,916
2,658
2,616,827
1,500,551
1,743,617
675,894
1,118,977

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

35.0%

40.0%
Management Services Sales Natural Resources Production
Coachella 10.4% 35.6% 18.3% 23.2% 12.5%
SCAG 34.2% 19.6% 22.8% 8.8% 14.6%
Coachella SCAG
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Section A.3 Household Characteristics
A.3.1 Household Type
Of the 14,674 total households in Coachella, 5,789 (or 39 percent) consist of married-couple families, 2,845 (or 19 percent) consist of “Other” family, and 6,040 (or 41 percent) consist of nonfamily households. “Other” family represents households with one or more related persons with no spouse present. This can include single parent households or grandparents with children.

Figure A-6: Household Type
Source: ACS 5-year estimates (2018), S2501
A.3.2 Household Size
In Coachella, the largest share of households (39 percent) consists of a household with just one person, while the lowest share of households (12 percent) consists of three people. Coachella has a higher share of single-person households than the SCAG region overall (39 percent vs 23.4 percent). This is a considerably significant increase in single person households over the past 10 years. The average household size in 2018 was 4.65 persons. 39%
19%
41%
Married-couple family Other family Non-family household 125
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Housing Needs Assessment City of Coachella | A-7
Table A-1: Household Size
2010 2018
Total % Total %
1-person household 464 5% 5,718 39%
2-person household 1,007 11% 2,393 16%
3-person household 1,316 15% 1,775 12%
4- person household 2,017 22% 2,033 33%
5-or-more person household 4,194 47% 2,755 19%
Total occupied housing units 9,998 100% 14,674 100%
Source: ACS 5-year estimates (2018), S2501; US Census (2010) A.3.3 Overcrowding
Overcrowding is defined by the Census as a unit in which more than one person occupies a room (excluding bathrooms and kitchens), while units occupied by more than 1.5 people are considered severely overcrowded. These circumstances can occur due to a lack of adequate affordable housing and housing costs becoming greater relative to household income. Families, especially larger ones and those with lower incomes, may choose to double-up or rent rooms in order to alleviate the financial burden and allocate more income for other necessities. Overcrowding can result in poor living conditions and lead to more rapid deterioration of the property. Therefore, maintaining proper levels of occupancy by preventing overcrowding can improve overall quality of life for all residents.

In Coachella, renter-occupied households are more likely to be overcrowded than owner-occupied households. 9.8 percent of renter households are overcrowded, and 1.6 percent are severely overcrowded; while 6.3 percent of owner-occupied households are overcrowded, and 1.9 percent are severely overcrowded. Rates of overcrowding are lower in Coachella than the SCAG region across renter-occupied households, but higher across owner-occupied households. 126
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A-8 | City of Coachella Housing Needs Assessment
Figure A-7: Overcrowding by Extent and Tenure
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year) A.3.4 Household Income
Household income is a critical component of housing affordability. Income impacts the decision to rent versus own, the size of unit, and location of housing. Coachella’s median household income in 2018 was $33,870, which is 47 percent lower than the County’s median income of $63,948. The mean income in Coachella is 47 percent lower than in Riverside County.

Table A-2: Household Income
Coachella Riverside County
Median Income $33,870 $63,948
Mean Income $45,121 $84,391
Source: ACS 5-year estimates (2018), S1901
The RHNA addresses housing challenges for four income categories defined by their respective proportion of the county area median income (AMI). The below table defines these income categories.

Table A-3: Income Categories as a Percentage of AMI
% of AMI
Extremely Low 0-30%
Very Low 30-50%
Low 50-80%
Moderate 80-120%
Above Moderate > 120%
Source: Department of Housing and Community Development, 2020

6.3%

1.9%

9.8%

1.6%

4.9%

1.3%

15.6%

6.4%

0.0%

2.0%

4.0%

6.0%

8.0%

10.0%

12.0%

14.0%

16.0%

18.0%

1.0+/room 1.5+/room 1.0+/room 1.5+/room
Owner Owner Renter Renter
Percent of Total Households
Coachella SCAG
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Housing Needs Assessment City of Coachella | A-9
The following table shows the 2020 income limits for the four income categories in Riverside County. The above moderate category includes all households earning above the upper limit of the moderate-income category.

Table A-4: Riverside County 2020 Annual Income Limits by Household Size Number of Persons in Household: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Riverside County Area Median
Income: $75,300
Extremely
Low
15,850 18,100 21,720 26,200 30,680 35,160 39,640 44,120 Very Low 26,400 30,150 33,900 37,650 40,700 43,700 46,700 49,700 Low 42,200 48,200 54,250 60,250 65,100 69,900 74,750 79,550 Median
Income
52,700 60,250 67,750 75,300 81,300 87,350 93,350 99,400 Moderate 63,250 72,300 81,300 90,350 97,600 104,800 112,050 119,250 Source: Department of Housing and Community Development, 2020 Using data from the American Community Survey (ACS), HUD compiles a dataset called the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) that allows local governments to analyze their regional housing issues. The most recently available CHAS dataset indicated that nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of all households in Coachella earn less than 80 percent of AMI.

Figure A-8: Household Income Distribution
Source: HUD CHAS, 2012-2016
A.3.5 Extremely Low-Income
Because income is one of the main components of housing stability, ensuring adequate housing for households considered extremely low-income (below 30 percent of AMI) can be especially challenging. According to the CHAS data, approximately 19 percent of households in Coachella 2,145
2,405
2,810
4,020
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
Extremely Low (0-
30% AMI)
Very Low (30-50%
AMI)
Low (50-80% AMI) Moderate and
Above Moderate
(>80% AMI)
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are extremely low-income. The race/ethnicity with the highest share of extremely low-income households is Hispanic, as 97 percent of ELI households are Hispanic, and 19.1 percent of Hispanic households are ELI. In the SCAG region, the race/ethnicity with the highest share of extremely low-income households is Black, non-Hispanic (27.1 percent versus 17.7 percent of total households). Note that the total number of households in the table below differs slightly because the CHAS data uses ACS 2012-2016 data while the rest of this appendix uses ACS 2014-2018 data.

ELI households have increasingly difficult housing challenges compared to other income categories, often unattainable without subsidy. The City has recently approved several affordable housing projects in recent years; however, these are often not at depths of affordability for ELI.

To continue to support these households, the City proposes Program 1.7 to continue to seek Housing Choice Vouchers for ELI households. Additionally, single room occupancy units, or SROs, may be a more affordable option for ELI households. Current zoning does not allow SROs.

To promote SROs, the City proposes Program 5.9 to amend the zoning ordinance and facilitate development of SROs.

Table A-5: Extremely Low-Income Housing Needs
Total Households Households below 30% HAMFI Share below 30% HAMFI White, non-Hispanic 325 55 16.9%
Black, non-Hispanic 70 0 0.0%
Asian and other, non-Hispanic 58 0 0.0%
Hispanic 10,940 2,090 19.1%
TOTAL 11,393 2,145 18.8%
Renter-occupied 3,990 1,260 31.6%
Owner-occupied 7,390 880 11.9%
TOTAL 11,380 2,140 18.8%
Note: HAMFI refers to Housing Urban Development Area Median Family Income Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (HUD CHAS, 2012-2016) A.3.6 Special Housing Needs
Certain segments of the population encounter more difficulty in finding decent, affordable housing due to special circumstances. Special needs may be related to one’s employment type and income, family characteristics, medical condition or disability, or household characteristics. These households may require special accommodations, such as on-site supportive services, unique building design, or spatial accommodations. The special needs categories assessed in this section include large families, seniors, female-headed households, people with disabilities, farmworkers, and people experiencing homelessness.
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Large Families
Large families are family households that consist of five or more people. Larger households require larger dwelling, such as three-, four-, or five-bedroom units. Because this housing type is in shorter supply and costs more than smaller units, housing affordability can be a challenge.

Lower-income large families may also opt to live in smaller units to save money, putting them at risk of overcrowding.

The following chart illustrates the range of household sizes in Coachella by housing tenure. The most common household size consists of one person (39.0 percent) and the second-most common household consists of two people (16.3 percent). Coachella has a higher share of singleperson households than the SCAG region overall (39.0 percent vs. 23.4 percent) and a higher share of 7+ person households than the SCAG region overall (3.5 percent vs. 3.1 percent).

Figure A-9: Households by Household Size
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates) Per the chart above, 18.7 percent of all households in Coachella, or about 2,755 households, are considered large households (those that contain five or more members). As noted in Table A-1, this is a significant reduction in large family households than in 2010. Adequate housing for such households would consist of at least a 3-bedroom unit, assuming the unit has a living room and dining room. According to the table below, 79 percent of Coachella’s housing units are 3- bedrooms are more. Therefore, the housing mix in Coachella is considered adequate to accommodate larger household sizes, especially given the reduction in large families.

39.0%

16.3%

12.1% 13.9%

9.5%

5.7% 3.5%

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

35.0%

40.0%

45.0%
1 2 3 4 5 6 7+
Households (% by size category)
Number of People per Household
Renter Owner Total
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Table A-6: Housing Units by Number of Bedrooms
Housing Units Percent
No bedroom 200 1%
1 bedroom 613 4%
2 bedrooms 2,401 16%
3 bedrooms 6,343 41%
4 bedrooms 4,313 28%
5 or more bedrooms 1,535 10%
Total 15,405 -
Source: American Community Survey 2014-2018, 5-year estimates, Table DP04 Senior Households
Elderly households are defined as households consisting of at least two people who are either or both at least 62 years of age. Senior households are defined as households with one or more persons over the age of 65 years. These households have particular housing needs, such as housing affordability, as the elderly typically live on a fixed or limited income and incur higher healthcare costs. Seniors are also more likely to have a physical disability and require specific accommodations. Adequate housing for these households includes housing that is:
• Safe
• Accessible
• Able to accommodate live-in caretakers or provide on-site services • In close proximity to shopping, medical services, and transportation There are several different types of housing appropriate for seniors, including:
• Senior Apartment: Age-restricted housing for older adults who are able to live without assistance.
• Independent Living: Housing that provides assistance such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and transportation. These facilities typically provide residents with convenient access to medical care if needed.
• Assisted Living: A residential community that provides similar services as above, as well as assists residents with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Nursing Home: A licensed facility that provides 24-hour nursing care, room and board, and custodial care. Nursing homes typically provide the highest level of care outside of hospitals.
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• Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF): A nursing home that provides in-patient rehabilitation staffed by trained medical providers. Patients do not typically require long-term care.

Although there are a variety of housing options, many of the choices that provide higher levels of care can be out of reach for people living on limited means. Therefore, lower-income seniors are more likely to live in housing that does not adequately meet their needs.

In Coachella, multi-generational household configurations serve the elderly by offering a stable living situation, often with the support of family members in the same household. As shown in Table A-6, a majority of the housing stock in Coachella is 3 or more bedrooms, which can serve larger multigenerational households. The La Serenas project is a Senior housing project consisting of 6 single family dwellings on .43 acres on 7th Street (APN 778-093-013).

To continue to ensure housing remains available and accessible for seniors, the City proposes Program 1.6 to encourage one first floor bedroom and a second unit in new projects.

Over eight in 10 seniors in Coachella are considered low-income. Of Coachella's 934 elderly households, 83.4 percent earn less than 80 percent of AMI. 32.1 percent of the elderly population are considered extremely low-income and earn less than 30 percent of AMI (compared to 24.2 percent in the SCAG region), while 68.0 percent of these households earn less than 50 percent of AMI (compared to 30.9 percent in the SCAG region).

Table A-7: Elderly Households by Income and Tenure
Income category, relative to surrounding area Owner Renter Total Percent of Total Elderly Households:
< 30% HAMFI 135 165 300 32.1%
30-50% HAMFI 255 80 335 35.9%
50-80% HAMFI 120 24 144 15.4%
80-100% HAMFI 65 10 75 8.0%
> 100% HAMFI 80 0 80 8.6%
Total 655 279 934 -
Note: HAMFI refers to Housing Urban Development Area Median Family Income Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (HUD CHAS, 2012-2016) Female-headed Households
Female-headed households are households that do not have a male adult present. They can consist of both family and non-family households and may or may not have children. Femaleheaded households are considered special needs because they are more likely than the overall population to be in poverty. Because income is typically lower than a two-parent household with two income earners, single-parent households can experience more challenges finding affordable housing for their family. Consequently, high-quality childcare can be more difficult to secure when household income is already limited.
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Because single parent households often operate on a more limited income, promotion of more affordable housing options will benefit female-headed households. The City proposes Programs

1.2, 1.8, and 5.1 to increase supply of housing, including affordable housing.

Coachella has a lower share of female-headed households than the SCAG region overall. Of Coachella's 14,674 total households, 12.5 percent are female headed, compared to 14.3 percent in the SCAG region. 7.5 percent are female-headed and with children (compared to 6.6 percent in the SCAG region) and 1.0 percent are female-headed and with children under six years old (compared to 1.0 percent in the SCAG region).

As shown in Table A-6, a majority of housing units in Coachella consist of 3 or more bedrooms.

While this is suitable for large families, the number of large families in Coachella is in decline.

Smaller one or two-bedroom units may better serve single parent households, as smaller units may also be more affordable than larger houses. To promote smaller units the City proposes Program 1.6.

Figure A-10: Female Headed Householders (FHH)
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates) Persons with Disabilities
People are considered to have a disability if they have one of more of the following:
• Difficulty seeing or hearing, such as blindness or deafness • Difficulty performing basic physical activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and lifting • Difficulty learning, remembering, or concentrating
• Difficulty dressing, bathing, or getting around inside the home • Difficulty going outside the home alone to shop or visit a doctor’s office • Difficulty working at a job or business
People with disabilities can face many barriers to securing accessible and affordable housing, including living on fixed and limited incomes, limited housing choices offering accessibility 14674

12.5%; 1834

7.5%; 1100

1.0%; 153
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000 16000
Total Households
Total FHH
FHH w/children
FHH w/children under 6
Percent of total househods; Number of households
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Housing Needs Assessment City of Coachella | A-15
features, higher healthcare expenses, and potential discrimination. The need for adequate and accessible housing outstrips supply and availability. The majority of housing in most communities lack even basic mobility accessibility features such as ramps, extra-wide doors, raised toilets, and lowered counters.

Adequate housing for these households includes, but are not limited to, housing that is:
• Safe
• Accessible
• Able to accommodate live-in caretakers or provide on-site services • In close proximity to shopping, medical services, and transportation • Designed to facilitate mobility and independence
Disability data can provide valuable context for assessing current and future need for accessible housing units. Since some disability types are not recorded for children below a certain age, calculating disability as a percentage of total population may not be accurate. The most common types of disabilities in Coachella in 2018 were ambulatory disabilities followed by cognitive disabilities.

As noted above, housing design is an important factor in suitability of housing. Since the City does not have a reasonable accommodation ordinance to streamline housing modifications for persons with disabilities, including seniors, the City proposes Program 4.2 to develop a reasonable accommodation ordinance. When independent living is not the most appropriate choice, supportive living situations are an alternative housing choice. The City proposes Program 5.8 to clarify that residential care facilities are an allowed use, consistent with State law.

Figure A-11A: Disability by Type
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates) 622
541
1,212
2,524
990
1,173
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000
Hearing
Vision
Cognitive
Ambulatory
Self-care
Independent Living
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Of the total senior population in Coachella, the most common types of disabilities in 2018 were ambulatory disabilities (36.3 percent of the total senior population) and independent living disabilities (19.0 percent of the total senior population).

Figure A-11B: Disability by Type – Seniors (65 and over) Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates) Persons with Developmental Disabilities
According to Section 4512 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code, a "developmental disability" means a disability that originates before an individual attains age 18 years, continues, or can be expected to continue indefinitely, and constitutes a substantial disability for that individual, which includes cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism.

Many developmentally disabled persons can live and work independently within a conventional housing environment. More severely disabled individuals require a group living environment where supervision is provided. The most severely affected individuals may require an institutional environment where medical attention and physical therapy are provided. Because developmental disabilities exist before adulthood, the first issue in supportive housing for the developmentally disabled is the transition from the person’s living situation as a child to an appropriate level of independence as an adult.

The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) currently provides communitybased services to approximately 350,000 persons with developmental disabilities and their families through a statewide system of regional centers, developmental centers, and community-based facilities. DDS also provides data on developmental disabilities by age and type of residence. These data are collected at the ZIP-code level and were joined to the jurisdiction-level by SCAG. Totals may not match as counts below 11 individuals are unavailable and some entries were not matched to a ZIP code necessitating approximation. According to DDS, there are about 784 residents with a development disability in Coachella, most of whom

9.8%

4.8%

7.5%

36.3%

11.1%

19.0%

13.1%

6.6%

10.1%

22.9%

10.5%

17.5%

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

35.0%

40.0%
Hearing Vision Cognitive Ambulatory Self-care Independent Living
Percent of Senior Population
Coachella Percent SCAG Region Percent
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are able to live in their own home with their parent or guardian. The need for housing suitable for persons with developmental disabilities, especially those living at home, can be met.

Table A-8: Development Disabilities
Coachella
By
Residence:

Home of Parent/Family/Guardian 717
Independent/Supported Living 38
Community Care Facility 15
Intermediate Care Facility 0
Foster/Family Home 10
Other 5
By Age:
0 - 17 Years 402
18+ Years 382
Total 784
Note: This table has been modified to correct an error in the pre-certified data.

Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data
Understanding the employment status of people with disabilities may also be an important component in evaluating specialized housing needs. In Coachella, 35 percent of the population with a disability is employed, compared to 72 percent of the non-disabled population. Over half of people with disabilities (58 percent) are not in the labor force.

Table A-9: Disability by Employment Status
With a Disability Percent of Total No Disability Percent of Total Employed 644 35% 20,255 72%
Unemployed 126 7% 3,114 11%
Not in Labor Force 1,081 58% 4,628 17%
TOTAL 1,851 - 27,997 -
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates) Housing for People with Disabilities
The Inland Regional Center is one of 21 regional centers in California that provide point of entry to services for people with developmental disabilities in Riverside and San Bernadino Counties.

The center is a private, nonprofit community agency that contracts with local businesses to offer a wide range of services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Inland Regional Center designs programs according to age, specialization, and geographic location. Categories include Early Start/Prevention 0–3, School Age 3–15, Transition 16–22, Adult 23–59, and Senior 60+. These programs provide support for individuals, enabling them to live at 136
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home. To become eligible for services, applicants must reside in either Riverside County or San Bernardino County and be diagnosed with a developmental disability.

Residents Living Below the Poverty Level
For individuals living below the poverty level, housing stability can be precarious as their low incomes make them very high risk for homelessness. Poverty thresholds, as defined by the ACS, vary by household type and size. In 2018, a single individual under 65 was considered in poverty with an income below $13,064 per year while the threshold for a family consisting of two adults and two children was $25,465 per year. In Coachella, 12.2 percent of total households are experiencing poverty, compared to 7.9 percent of households in the SCAG region.

Figure A-12: Households by Poverty Status
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates) Farmworkers
Agriculture is an important component of the local and regional economy. Farmworkers are generally defined as persons whose primary incomes are earned through permanent or seasonal agricultural labor. Permanent farm laborers work in the fields, processing plants or support activities on a generally year-round basis. When workload increases during harvest periods, the labor force is supplemented by seasonal workers, often supplied by a labor contractor. For some crops, farms may hire migrant workers, defined as those whose travel prevents them from returning to their primary residence every evening.

Farmworkers are considered a special needs group because these workers traditionally earn lowpaying wages while frequently live in overcrowded and substandard housing conditions. While only a small share of SCAG region jurisdictions has farmworkers living in them, they are essential to the region's economy and food supply. Coachella, however, has an especially large share of farmworkers compared to other SCAG jurisdictions. While farmworkers inhabit many housing types, such as mobile homes, single-family homes, and apartments, a large portion of farmworkers live in spaces not intended for human habitation, such as shacks and illegal garages.

This indicates a gap in farmworker housing supply, and a need for additional farmworker focused

12.2%; 1,787

4.3%; 635

3.7%; 537

1.9%; 275
0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 2,000
Total households in poverty
Female-headed
Female-headed with children
Female-headed with 3 or more children
Percent of total households; Number of households
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Housing Needs Assessment City of Coachella | A-19
housing development. Because of their predominantly low incomes, housing affordability and safety are acute needs for farmworkers. In addition, many permanent farmworkers live with children under the age of 18 or with other family members, indicating a need for traditional housing such as single-family homes and apartments.

Farmworkers account for 9.12 percent of all workers in Coachella in 2018, while employees in the agricultural industry overall account for 9.65 percent of total Coachella workers. Farmworker households are among the existing households counted as part of the CHAS housing needs and estimates of existing and projected housing needs produced by SCAG. Consequently, resident low-income farmworker households would be included among all households. Resident farmworker housing needs would be counted as part of lower income households experiencing problems of overpaying, overcrowding, and substandard housing, and as such programs to increase supply of affordable housing would benefit farmworkers as well. Outside of the City limits there are farms and farmworker housing developments. It is important that farmworkers have housing opportunities within close proximity to agricultural operations. As agricultural land transitions to other uses, the City shall continue to allow farmworker housing although no longer mandated by State law (see Program 5.10). Because of the observed need for continued support and housing resources for local farmworkers, the City includes Program 1.10 to support local farmworker advocacy groups and developers in identifying sites for farmworker housing. Currently 5 sites have been identified for farmworker housing. The following sites are home to rehabilitated and newly constructed residences:
• 52664 Harrison Street, Coachella, CA 92236
• 1492 Orchard Avenue, Coachella, CA 92236
• 84800 Bagdad Avenue, Coachella, CA 92236
• 84851 Bagdad Avenue, Coachella, CA 92236
• 84900 Bagdad Avenue, Coachella, CA 92236
Financed by the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, these housing options are specifically tailored to farmworkers with families.

Table A-10A: Farmworkers by Occupation
Coachella Percent of total Coachella
workers
SCAG
Total
1,934 9.12% 57,741 Total jobs: Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations 1,066 7.18% 31,521 Full-time, year-round jobs: Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates using groupings of SOC codes)
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Table A-10B: Employment in the Agricultural Industry
Coachella Percent of total Coachella
workers:

SCAG
Total
2,046 9.65% 73,778 Total in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting 1,168 7.87% 44,979 Full-time, year-round in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates using groupings of NAICS codes)
Homeless Persons
People experiencing homelessness are one of the most vulnerable special needs groups assessed due to the diversity of causes and difficulty in providing sufficient and coordinated treatment. Homelessness can result from a wide range of factors, such as housing unaffordability, job loss, and lack of services and treatment for mental illness and/or substance abuse. Despite the variety of causes, the provision of affordable housing, especially subsidized units for single individuals, can greatly contribute to the long-term solution of addressing homelessness.

As part of a community-wide effort to address homelessness, Coachella is part the County of Riverside Continuum of Care (CoC), which is a regional planning body funded by HUD that coordinates housing and services funding across its partner jurisdictions. In order to estimate the number of people experiencing homelessness in a region, HUD requires each CoC to conduct an annual or biannual count of its sheltered and unsheltered population known as the Point-in-Time (PIT) count. Though one of the most important tools in combatting homelessness, the PIT count is likely to undercount the number of people experiencing homelessness as this effort is volunteer-driven and the count may miss people who are not visible at the time of the survey.

Because of the precariousness of people experiencing homelessness, the count of these individuals can vary over the course of the year and over extended periods of time. According to the PIT count, there were an estimated 74 persons experiencing homelessness in Coachella in 2023, 67 which were unsheltered.

Emergency Shelters/Transitional Housing
At this time, there are currently no emergency shelters in Coachella. There are two shelters in the neighboring community of Indio, The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission and Martha’s Village and Kitchen. These are region serving facilities. With no local resources, there is a need for emergency shelters, SROs, and other temporary housing options in the City. See Programs 1.9 and 5.6. The Governmental Constraints section describes how the City permits emergency shelters in certain zones and any constraints to emergency shelter development. 139
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Housing Needs Assessment City of Coachella | A-21
Resources for People Experiencing Homelessness
The County of Riverside Continuum of Care (CoC) is a network of private and public sector homeless service providers, designed to promote community-wide planning and the strategic use of resources to address homelessness. The CoC seeks to improve access to and effect utilization of mainstream programs by people who are experiencing or are at-risk of becoming homeless.

Additionally, the CoC seeks to improve and expand the collection of data countywide, develops performance measurements, and allows for each community to tailor its program to the particular strengths and challenges within that community.

Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
Disadvantaged unincorporated communities (DUCs) are inhabited areas of 10 or more dwellings located adjacent to or in close proximity to the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) in which the median household income is 80% or less than the statewide median income ($48,706 according to Riverside County in 2018). DUCs may be classified as “island,” “fringe” or “legacy,” defined as follows (per the State of California Office of Planning and Research and Government Code Section 65302.10):
• “Island community” means any inhabited and unincorporated territory that is surrounded by or substantially surrounded by one or more cities.
• “Fringe community” means any inhabited and unincorporated territory that is within a city’s sphere of influence.
• “Legacy community” means a geographically isolated community that is inhabited and has existed for at least 50 years.

Without the benefit of political representation in a local jurisdiction, DUCs often suffer from poor access to services and resources, limited or no infrastructure improvements, environmental hazards, and generally unsafe and unsanitary living conditions.

To comply with SB 244, which requires analysis and planning for DUCs, Riverside County LAFCO the City identified and analyzed the needs of four DUCs located in close proximity to Coachella.

This analysis is provided in the City’s General Plan, adopted 2015. These areas are described in Table A-11 and mapped in Figure A-14.

As described in Program 2.7, the City is committed to continuing to coordinate with Riverside County, Riverside County LAFCO, and other interested parties to identify and address housing issues in nearby DUCs.

Table A-11: Coachella DUCs Analysis
Neighborhood Water Sewer Stormwater Fire
Shady Lane Y Y Y N
Cocopah N N Y N
Thermal N N Y N
Fillmore N N Y N
Source: City of Coachella General Plan, 2015
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Figure A-13: Coachella Area DUCs
Source: Riverside County LAFCO, 2021
Section A.4 Housing Stock Characteristics
A.4.1 Housing Type and Vacancy
The chart below provides information on the housing stock in Coachella, which has a total of 10,631 housing units. The most common housing type in Coachella is single-family detached with 7,509 units. The share of all single-family units in Coachella is 73.7 percent, which is greater than the 61.7 percent share in the SCAG region. Of the total housing units in Coachella, 10,126 are occupied, which equates to a 4.8 percent total vacancy rate. The average household size (as expressed by the population to housing unit ratio) is 4.7. 141
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Housing Needs Assessment City of Coachella | A-23
Figure A-14: Housing Type
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (CA DOF E-5 Population and Housing Unit Estimates) Over the past two decades, there has been substantially more construction of single-family residential units than multi-family residential units in Coachella. From 2000 to 2020, single-family residential units increased by 129 percent (or 4,419 units), multi-family residential units increased by 88 percent (or 1,014 units), and mobile units increased by 38 percent (or 174 units).

Figure A-15: Housing Type Trend
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (CA DOF E-5 Population and Housing Unit Estimates) A.4.2 Housing Tenure
Housing security can depend heavily on housing tenure (i.e., whether homes are owned or rented).

In addition, lower-income rental households tend to experience a higher degree of housing problems as defined by the Census, such as overpaying, overcrowding, and substandard housing.

Communities with higher rental populations should therefore consider the unique needs of renters versus owners.
7,509
329 1,002 1,162 629
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Single-Family
Detached
Single-Family
Attached
Multifamily, 2-4
Units
Multifamily, 5+
Units Mobile Homes
Coachella (%) 70.6% 3.1% 9.4% 10.9% 5.9%
SCAG (%) 54.4% 7.2% 7.5% 27.3% 3.5%
Percent of Total Units
3,419
1,150
455
4,589
1,846
537
7,221
2,053
629
7,634
2,113
629
7,838
2,164
629
0 1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
Single-Family Residential (SFR) Multifamily Residential (MFR) Mobile Homes Housing Units
2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
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Of Coachella’s total housing stock, 68.7 percent are owner-occupied and 31.3 percent are renteroccupied. Coachella has a lower share of renters than the SCAG region overall, which is expected given the City’s higher share of single-family homes.

Figure A-16: Housing Tenure
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates) In many communities, housing tenure varies substantially based on the age of the occupants. In Coachella, owners outnumber renters in every age group. The age group in which owners most outnumber renters is 85+ (by 74.3 percent), and the least is 15-24 (2.6 percent).

Figure A-17: Housing Tenure by Age
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates) Across the SCAG region, the most common move-in period was 2010-2014 (31.9 percent) followed by 2000-2009 (26.1 percent). Similarly, in Coachella, the period during which most people started living in their current residence was 2010-2014 (36.6 percent) followed by 2000- 2009 (36.5 percent). As expected, the group with the most distant move-in period has the highest proportion of owners, who are less likely to move from home to home.

68.7%

52.5%

31.3%

47.5%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%
Coachella SCAG
Percent of Total Households
Owner (%) Renter (%)
0 500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-59 60-64 65-74 75-84 85+
Owner 159 1,758 2,137 2,676 1,359 609 1,005 289 88
Renter 151 883 1,422 1,296 270 263 223 73 13
Households
143
Item 2.

Housing Needs Assessment City of Coachella | A-25
Figure A-18: Housing Tenure by Year Moved to Current Residence Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates A.4.3 Housing Units Permitted
Housing Units Permitted
From 2000 to 2018, Coachella permitted a total of 2,381 units, the majority of which were single family units. Total permits issued decreased during the Great Recession and have not recovered to similar levels of permit activity since. Compared to the larger SCAG region, Coachella permitted more units per 1,000 residents prior to the Great Recession, but has since permitted fewer units per 1,000 residents than the SCAG region overall. In 2018, the SCAG region had four times the rate of permit activity per 1,000 residents compared to Coachella.

Figure A-19: Housing Units Permitted
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (Core Logic/Data Quick)

9.5%

36.6%

36.5%

9.3% 8.1%
0 1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
2015 or later 2010-2014 2000-2009 1990-1999 1989 or earlier Renter 753 2,604 1,010 163 64
Owner 637 2,773 4,346 1,204 1,120
Households (% of total)
Owner Renter

0.0 5.0

10.0 15.0

20.0 25.0

30.0 35.0
0 200
400
600
800
1000
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018
Units permitted per 1000
population
Units Permitted in Jurisdiction
All Units Single-Family Units
Multifamily Units Coachella, all units per 1000 Pop.

SCAG, Units per 1000 Pop.
144
Item 2.

A-26 | City of Coachella Housing Needs Assessment
A.4.4 Housing Age and Condition
The age of housing stock is a key indicator of the community’s overall housing condition. As homes get older, there is a greater need for maintenance, repair, and/or replacement of key infrastructure systems. If not properly addressed, an aging housing stock can represent poorer living standards, incur more expensive repair costs and, under certain conditions, lower overall property values.

Only 7.1 percent of all units in Coachella are older than 60 years old, compared to 32.1 percent of units in the SCAG region. The greatest share of Coachella's housing units was built between 2000 to 2009, while in the SCAG region more units were built between 1970 to 1979 than any other time. Therefore, Coachella’s housing stock is generally newer than that of the overall SCAG region.

Figure A-20: Housing Units by Year Structure Built
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates) The ACS includes surveys with three factors of what may be considered substandard housing.

Of all the housing units in Coachella, 0.82 percent (120 units) lack telephone service, 0.25 percent (36 units) lack plumbing facilities, and 0.24 percent (35 units) lack complete kitchen facilities.

In the past 5 years, Coachella has received approximately 201 code complaints based on housing conditions. The majority of the complaints (>90 percent) were related to illegal, nonconforming buildings rather than substandard housing conditions. Assuming some overlap between housing complaints, the City conservatively assumes approximately 10 housing units in need of rehabilitation, which is less than 0.1 percent of the total housing stock (10,631 units). Housing complaints were not localized in any one part of the City. 0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
2014 &
Later
2010-
2013
2000-
2009
1990-
1999
1980-
1989
1970-
1979
1960-
1969
1950-
1959
1940-
1949
1939 &
Earlier
Coachella (%) 0.9% 3.1% 46.1% 14.2% 13.4% 8.6% 6.5% 4.6% 1.6% 0.9% SCAG (%) 1.0% 1.5% 10.1% 9.5% 15.0% 16.3% 14.5% 15.9% 6.9% 9.3% Percent of Total Units Coachella (%) SCAG (%)
145
Item 2.

Housing Needs Assessment City of Coachella | A-27
Table A-12: Code Enforcement Cases Related to Housing Conditions Year
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Total
Illegal, Nonconforming Building or
Structure 63 58 36 30 1 188
Substandard Housing 4 1 6 2 0 13
Total 67 59 42 32 1 201
Figure A-21: Substandard Housing
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates) Section A.5 Housing Costs and Affordability
A.5.1 Ownership Costs
In 2018, Coachella’s median home sales price was $245,000. The highest home sale price between 2000 and 2018 was $353,000 in 2006. Between this time period, the median home sales price in Coachella increased 188 percent while median sales price in the SCAG region increased 151 percent. Compared to the SCAG region, prices in Coachella have ranged from a low of 38.1 percent of the region median in 2000 and a high of 64.3 percent in 2006, though prices have generally trended in the same direction.

0.82%

0.25% 0.24%

1.95%

0.39%

1.29%
0%
1%
1%
2%
2%
3%
No Telephone Service Available Lacking Plumbing Facilities Lacking Complete Kitchen Facilities Percent of Total Units
Coachella SCAG
146
Item 2.

A-28 | City of Coachella Housing Needs Assessment
Figure A-22: Median Homes Sales Prices for Existing Homes Note: SCAG median home sales price calculated as household-weighted average of county medians Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (SCAG Local Profiles, Core Logic/Data Quick) A.5.2 Rental Costs
Coachella rents are lower than rents in Riverside County. As shown below, the median rent paid in Coachella in 2019 was $879. These figures are supplied by the US Census and in some cases don’t capture current conditions. Over the past 10 years, rents in Coachella have increased 5.5 percent while rents in Riverside County have increased 23 percent.

Figure A-23: Median Rent
Source: ACS 5-year estimates, 2010-2019, DP04

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%
$-
$100,000
$200,000
$300,000
$400,000
$500,000
$600,000
Coachella SCAG Coachella Percentage of SCAG Price
$833
$879 $1,115
$1,375
$-
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Coachella Riverside County
147
Item 2.

Housing Needs Assessment City of Coachella | A-29
A.5.3 Overpayment
A standard measure of housing affordability can be determined by comparing the cost of market rate housing versus the price residents can afford to pay for housing based on their income levels.

State and federal standards specify that households spending more than 30 percent of gross annual income on housing are considered to have a housing cost burden. Severe overpaying occurs when households pay 50 percent or more of their gross income for housing. When a household is overpaying for housing costs, the household has less disposable income for other necessities, including health care, food, and clothing. In the event of unexpected circumstances, such as loss of employment and health problems, lower-income households with a burdensome housing cost are more likely to become homeless or be forced to double-up with other households.

Homeowners with a housing cost burden have the option of selling their homes and becoming renters. Renters, on the other hand, are vulnerable and subject to constant changes in the housing market.

Coachella residents experience a higher rate of housing overpayment than the overall SCAG region. Seven out of ten renters in Coachella are housing cost-burdened. Across Coachella's 4,594 renter households, 3,230 (70.3 percent) spend 30 percent or more of gross income on housing cost, compared to 55.3 percent in the SCAG region. Additionally, 1,735 renter households in Coachella (37.8 percent) are severely cost-burdened and spend 50 percent or more of gross income on housing cost, compared to 28.9 percent in the SCAG region.

Figure A-24: Spending on Rent
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data
Housing overpayment can affect households across all income levels. However, a lower-income household spending the same percentage of income on housing as a higher-income household will likely experience a more acute sense of cost burden. The below table indicates the number of households in Coachella by their income category and their share of income spent on housing.

As expected, lower-income households are more likely to be housing cost-burdened than higherincome households, and extremely low-income renters are more cost burdened than extremely low-income homeowners. However; due to the large number of households in Coachella who own 25 178
346 275
394
528
388
579
1,735
146
0 200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1,600
1,800
2,000
<10% 10-15% 15-20% 20-25% 25-30% 30-35% 35-40% 40-49% >50% Not Computed
Number of Households
Percent of Income Spent on Rent
148
Item 2.

A-30 | City of Coachella Housing Needs Assessment
their own home, there are more homeowners than renters that are cost burdened across all other income categories.

Table A-13: Cost Burden by Income
Households by Share of Income Spent on Housing Cost:

Income Bracket
>30% >50%
Renters Owners Renters Owners
< 30% HAMFI 1,145 615 840 535
30-50% HAMFI 900 950 315 655
50-80% HAMFI 405 1,245 135 445
80-100% HAMFI 80 385 0 90
> 100% HAMFI 30 420 0 60
Total 2,560 3,615 1,290 1,785
Note: HAMFI refers to Housing Urban Development Area Median Family Income.

Source: HUD CHAS, 2012-2016
The below chart provides an analysis of Coachella's renter households (for which income data is available) by spending on rent by income bracket. Similar to the above trends by income level, lower-income households spend a higher share of income on housing (e.g., over 50 percent) while high-income households are more likely to spend under 20 percent of income on housing.

Figure A-25: Spending on Rent by Income
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates) 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Less than
$20,000
$20,000 to
$34,999
$35,000 to
$49,999
$50,000 to
$74,999
$75,000 to
$99,999
$100,000 or
more
>50% 1,136 491 108 0 0 0
30-49% 367 903 188 37 0 0
20-29% 47 93 257 195 57 20
<20% 0 46 29 189 103 182
Number of Renter Households
Household Income
>50%
30-49%
20-29%
<20%
149
Item 2.

Housing Needs Assessment City of Coachella | A-31
Figure A-26: Household Income by Total Rent (Cash)
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates) While renter households receive much of the focus when it comes to housing cost analysis, owner households make up 68.7 percent of Coachella (compared to 52.5 percent in the SCAG region).

The most commonly occurring mortgage payment in Coachella is $1,500 to $2,000 per month (compared to $2,000 to $3,000 in the SCAG region).

Figure A-27: Monthly Owner Costs for Mortgage Holders
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data (American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year estimates) Mortgage-holding households in Coachella can be broken down by income and the percentage of income spent on mortgage costs. As expected, lower-income owner occupied households spend a higher share of income on housing costs, while high-income households spend a lower share of income on housing. The income category representing the largest share of mortgageholders is $75,000 or more (1,886 households) and the most prevalent share of income spent on mortgage costs is over 30 percent (4,514 households), which means that a large share of 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Less
than
$20,000
$20,000
to
$34,999
$35,000
to
$49,999
$50,000
to
$74,999
$75,000
to
$99,999
$100,00
0 or
more
>$2000/mo. 27 0 0 0 0 12
$1500-2000/mo. 36 162 151 18 25 107
$1000-1500/mo. 208 509 136 176 111 58
$500-1000/mo. 1052 804 295 227 24 25
<$500/mo. 358 58 0 0 0 0 Renter Households
Household Income
>$2000/mo.
$1500-2000/mo.
$1000-1500/mo.
$500-1000/mo.
<$500/mo.

0.6%

8.0%

36.6% 39.7%

13.2%

0.5% 0.7% 1.2%

5.1%

13.7%

19.6%

33.4%

15.4% 12.3%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
<$500 $500-$1000 $1000-$1500 $1500-$2000 $2000-$3000 $3000-$4000 >$4000 Pct. of mortgage-holders
Mortgage - Monthly Payment
Coachella SCAG
150
Item 2.

A-32 | City of Coachella Housing Needs Assessment
mortgage-holders are cost-burdened. This is consistent with the findings in Table A-12, showing the number of cost burdened owners, by income level.

Figure A-28: Costs for Mortgage Holders by Income
Source: SCAG 2020 Pre-Certified Local Housing Data
The table below outlines the affordable monthly payments (rental or owner) for households at all income levels. When comparing to the data above, it is clear lower income households have difficulty finding and securing housing at affordable prices. For example, a very low-income household of three earns less than $34,999 a year and can afford $848 a month on rent, and 90 percent of households in this income category are cost-burdened.

Table A-14: Coachella Ability to Pay for Housing for Extremely Low, Very Low-, Low-, and Moderate-Income Households and Fair Market Rents
Number of Persons in Households
1 2 3 4
Extremely Low
Annual Income Limit $15,850 $18,100 $21,720 $26,200
Monthly Income $1,321 $1,508 $1,810 $2,183
Max. Monthly Gross Rent $396 $453 $543 $655
Max. Purchase Price 5% down2 $69,750 $80,350 $97,250 $118,250 Max. Purchase Price 20% down3 $104,250 $104,250 $126,000 $153,250 Very Low
Annual Income Limit $26,400 $30,150 $33,900 $37,650
Monthly Income $2,200 $2,513 $2,825 $3,138
Max. Monthly Gross Rent $660 $754 $848 $941
Max. Purchase Price 5% down2 $119,000 $136,750 $154,250 $171,750 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Less than
$20,000
$20,000 to
$34,999
$35,000 to
$49,999
$50,000 to
$74,999 $75,000 or more
Over 30% 1035 1462 1152 685 180
20-29% 8 26 76 673 877
Under 20% 0 23 59 223 829
Mortgage-holding households
Household Income; Percent of income spent on mortgage costs 151
Item 2.

Housing Needs Assessment City of Coachella | A-33
Table A-14: Coachella Ability to Pay for Housing for Extremely Low, Very Low-, Low-, and Moderate-Income Households and Fair Market Rents
Number of Persons in Households
1 2 3 4
Max. Purchase Price 20% down3 $154,500 $177,250 $203,750 $227,750 Low
Annual Income Limit $42,200 $48,200 $54,250 $60,250
Monthly Income $3,517 $4,017 $4,521 $5,021
Max. Monthly Gross Rent $1,055 $1,205 $1,356 $1,506
Max. Purchase Price 5% down2 $195,500 $225,000 $254,500 $284,000 Max. Purchase Price 20% down3 $257,250 $296,000 $335,000 $373,750 Median
Annual Income Limit $52,700 $60,250 $67,550 $75,300
Monthly Income $4,392 $5,021 $5,629 $6,275
Max. Monthly Gross Rent $1,318 $1,506 $1,689 $1,883
Max. Purchase Price 5% down2 $247,000 $284,000 $320,000 $358,000 Max. Purchase Price 20% down3 $325,250 $373,750 $421,250 $471,250 Moderate
Annual Income Limit $63,250 $72,300 $81,300 $90,350
Monthly Income $5,271 $6,025 $6,775 $7,529
Max. Monthly Gross Rent $1,581 $1,808 $2,033 $2,259
Max. Purchase Price 5% down2 $298,750 $343,250 $387,500 $431,800 Max. Purchase Price 20% down3 $393,250 $452,000 $510,000 $568,500 Notes:
1 30% of income devoted to maximum monthly rent or mortgage payment, including utilities, taxes, and insurance 2 Assumes 95% loan (i.e., 5% down payment) @ 2.875% annual interest rate and 30-year term 3 Assumes 80% loan (i.e., 20% down payment) @ 2.875% annual interest rate and 30-year term Source: Zillow Mortgage Calculator
152
Item 2.

A-34 | City of Coachella Housing Needs Assessment
A.5.4 At-Risk Housing Assessment
“At-risk” assisted housing units are multi-family rental housing units that receive government assistance and are eligible to convert to market-rate units due to termination of a rent subsidy contract, mortgage prepayment, or other expiring use restrictions within 10 years of the beginning of the housing element planning period (2021–2031). According to California Housing Partnership (CHP), Coachella has 1,687 housing units assisted by public funds and none of the units are at risk of conversion to market rate housing during the 2021-2029 planning period and/or they are owned by an established non-profit, mission-driven developer and are considered low-risk for conversion. In June 2021, Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC), a non-profit affordable housing developer, was awarded $22.6 million of financing to construct the Coachella Valley Apartments, which will bring new affordable housing units to Coachella. The project will replace 20 existing units and add 36 new units on 2.97 acres at 84900 Bagdad Avenue in Coachella. The 56-unit project will include one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and will ensure the property is no longer at risk of being converted to market-rate apartments and remains affordable. Funding for the $35.3 million project comes from the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC), the Joe Serna Farmworker Grant, Riverside County HOME Funds, and the City of Coachella CFD loan and USDA Rural Development financing. 153
Item 2.

Sites Inventory and Methodology City of Coachella | B-1 Appendix B: Sites Inventory &
Methodology
Contents
Appendix B: Sites Inventory & Methodology ......................................... B-1 Section B.1 Introduction...................................................................................................... B-2 B.1.1 Overview and Purpose..................................................................................... B-2 B.1.2 Regional Housing Needs Allocation ................................................................. B-2 B.1.3 Data................................................................................................................. B-3 Section B.2 Future Residential Development Potential ....................................................... B-3 B.2.1 4
th and 5th Cycle Shortfall ................................................................................. B-3 B.2.2 Accessory Dwelling Units................................................................................. B-4 B.2.3 Entitled and Proposed Developments .............................................................. B-4 B.2.4 Assumptions .................................................................................................... B-6 B.2.5 Methodology .................................................................................................... B-8 B.2.6 Suitability of Nonvacant Sites......................................................................... B-11 Section B.3 Adequacy of Residential Sites in Meeting RHNA ........................................... B-15 B.3.1 Summary ....................................................................................................... B-15 B.3.2 Housing Sites Map......................................................................................... B-16 B.3.3 Housing Sites Table....................................................................................... B-19 154
Item 2.

B-2 | City of Coachella Sites Inventory and Methodology Section B.1 Introduction
B.1.1 Overview and Purpose
According to California Government Code §65580-65589, the housing element must include an inventory of adequate sites that are zoned and available within the planning period to meet the jurisdiction’s fair share of regional housing needs across all income levels. The sites inventory, in addition to entitled development projects, assists in determining if the City of Coachella has enough developable land to meet its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), given its current regulatory framework and market conditions. This Appendix details the sites inventory and supporting analysis methodology and assumptions.

B.1.2 Regional Housing Needs Allocation
Jurisdictions must provide sufficient land to accommodate enough housing for all economic segments of the community. Compliance is determined by the jurisdiction’s ability to provide adequate development capacity through appropriate development regulations and land use policies. The number of new units that must be accommodated is established through each jurisdiction’s share of the region’s projected housing needs for the planning period. This share for each jurisdiction is called the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA).

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), a regional planning agency, is responsible for distributing the RHNA to each jurisdiction within its six-county region (including Riverside County).1 The RHNA is distributed by income category. For the 2021-2029 Housing Element update, Coachella is allocated a RHNA of 7,886 units as follows:
• Extremely-Low and Very-Low Income: 1,033
• Low-Income: 999
• Moderate Income: 1,367
• Above Moderate Income: 4,487
1 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) covers a six-county region, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Imperial.
155
Item 2.

Sites Inventory and Methodology City of Coachella | B-3 B.1.3 Data
The sites inventory analysis used data provided by the City, such as GIS data and building permit/entitlement information. The following is an overview of the data used:
• Zoning information: Base Districts, Specific Plan Areas, and Overlays • General Plan Land Use Designations
• Citywide Parcels with Assessor Parcel Number (APN)
• Vacant Parcels
• 5th Cycle HEU Sites
• City Boundary
• Street Centerlines
• Water and Sewer Maps
Section B.2 Future Residential Development Potential
B.2.1 4
th and 5th Cycle Shortfall
HCD found that the City addressed the 4
th Cycle Housing Element shortfall of 1,916 units for
lower-income units by rezoning portions of “Zona Central” to RM-Urban and RM- General (ordinance no. 1143) and implementing the minimum density of 20 units per acre requirement in the RM – General and RM – Urban Neighborhood designations. The City received a letter from HCD dated April 7, 2020 indicating the City satisfied the requirements and met the 4th Cycle shortfall of 1,916 units. In addition, the City has also completed Program 1.3 from the 5th Cycle to rezone sufficient sites to accommodate the 5th cycle shortfall of housing need of 2,542 units for lower-income households. On June 23, 2021, the City adopted Ordinance No. 1183, rezoning

29.3 acres to RM-General and 22.6 acres to RM-Urban, for a unit potential of 1,314 (see Table B-1). On October 13, 2021, the City Council approved Ordinance No. 1187 for the Avenue 53 Rezone Project, which includes rezoning 50.6 acres to RM-Urban, with a unit potential of 1,467 (see Table B-2). As shown in Tables B-1 and B-2, the rezoning meets the State requirements as these sites allow for residential by-right, are established for primarily residential use, and accommodate at least 16 units per site at densities of 20 units per acre (or greater). There is no remaining shortfall to be accommodated in the 6th Cycle.
156
Item 2.

B-4 | City of Coachella Sites Inventory and Methodology Table B-1: Ordinance No. 1183 Rezone
Site Zoning Density Size (acres) Units
1 RM-General 20-25 du/ac 25.4 acres 571
2 RM-Urban 20-38 du/ac 22.6 acres 655
3 RM-General 20-25 du/ac 3.9 acres 88
Totals 51.9 1,314
Source: LWC, HCD
Table B-2: Ordinance No. 1187 Rezone
Site Zoning Density Size (acres) Units
1 RM-Urban 20-38 du/ac 4.8 acres 139
2 RM-Urban 20-38 du/ac 9.6 acres 278
3 RM-Urban 20-38 du/ac 31.5 acres 914
4 RM-Urban 20-38 du/ac 4.7 acres 136
Totals 50.6 1,467
Source: LWC
B.2.2 Accessory Dwelling Units
New State laws in effect since January 1, 2018 have significantly eased the development standards and streamlined the approval process for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This has made the development of ADU’s easier over the past few years. Although ADU projections can be counted towards RHNA, Coachella does not rely on ADU production to meet the RHNA and has not made any projection estimates at this time.

B.2.3 Entitled and Proposed Developments
The RHNA projection period for the 2021-2029 Housing Element begins on June 30, 2021, and housing developments that have already been proposed or received entitlement but are not expected to be issued a certificate of occupancy until July 1, 2021 or after can be credited toward the 6
th Cycle RHNA. Table B-3 lists the information for those projects that can be credited toward the 6th Cycle RHNA. It is assumed most of these projects provide housing affordable to above moderate-income households. Pueblo Viejo Villas, approved in 2020 is a mixed-use project with one and two-bedroom units restricted to households earning 30-60% AMI, and is affordable to low-income households. The project was funded through a variety of sources, including lowincome housing tax credit equity, California Affordable Housing and Sustainable Community (AHSC) program, HOME funds and vouchers, and Infill Infrastructure Grant from HCD. This is the first project in the Coachella valley to utilize cap-and-trade funding. The project was developed in the Downtown Center land use designation (with a max density of 65 du/ac). The Tripoli 157
Item 2.

Sites Inventory and Methodology City of Coachella | B-5 Apartment project was approved in the Spring of 2022, and will be the second housing development downtown resulting from the City of Coachella and Chelsea Investment Corporation.

The proposed project sites on 2.8 acres of vacant land designed Downtown Center in the General Plan and includes 108 residential units of a variety of sizes affordable to residents with low and very low income – less than 60% of area median income. Coachella Valley Apartments was approved in 2020. Proposed by nonprofit Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC) and funded through sources including Joe Serna Farmworker Grant program, Coachella CFD loan, the project includes 50 replacement units and 60 new one, two, and three-bedroom units over two phases. The project is located in the Neighborhood Center land use designation (max density of 40 du/ac).

Table B-3: Entitled and Proposed Developments
APN Address Units Density Income Level Notes
612230014,
612230015,
612230016.

South side of Ave
48, west of Van
Buren St,
Coachella Village
352 25 du/ac Above Moderate
Two phases.

Phase 2 includes
gated units.
765070035,
765070065
NE Corner of
Cesar Chavez
Street, and 6th,
Pueblo Viejo
Villas.
105 53 du/ac Low
Restricted to 30-
60% AMI
Units reserved for
developmental
disabilities
768210026
84900 Bagdad
Avenue.

Coachella Valley
Apartments
110 (net 60) 19 du/ac Low
Affordable project
by CHOC.

Phase 1- 56 units
on 2.97 acres (at
19 du/ac)
768413010 52878 Calle
Camacho 1 7 du/ac Above Moderate Single Unit
765361001 51-704 Cesar
Chavez St. 8 16 du/ac Above Moderate
Multi-family in
Neighborhood
Center
601390020 Ave 44, West of
Dillon 322 5 du/ac Above Moderate Subdivision
768400001
84824 Calle Verde
(SW Corner of
Calle Techa &
Calle Verde)
152 16 du/ac Above Moderate
Villa Verde Apts.,
General Plan –
Neighborhood
General
778081001,
778081003
51392 Cesar
Chavez Street 108 39 du/ac Low Tripoli housing development Net New Total 1,108
Source: Coachella Development Status Report, 2021
158
Item 2.

B-6 | City of Coachella Sites Inventory and Methodology B.2.4 Assumptions
Table B-4 summarizes maximum density standards for zones and General Plan land use designations that allow for residential.

Table B-4: Maximum Density for Zones and General Plan Designations that Allow Residential Existing Zone Code Maximum
Density General Plan Designation Maximum Density
Agricultural Reserve (A-R) 1/lot
Agricultural Rancho (AR)
1/lot
Agricultural Transition (A-T) 1/lot
Residential Estate (R-E) 1/lot Rural Rancho (RR) 1 du/ac Single-Family (R-S) 6 du/ac
Suburban Neighborhood
(SN)
8 du/ac, with 5 du/ac average for
new projects
Residential Overlay Zone (RM-4300) 10 du/ac
Residential Overlay Zone (RO-6000) 7 du/ac
Residential Mobile Home
Park (R-MH) 9 du/ac
Multiple-Family (R-M) 20 du/ac
General Neighborhood
(GN)
25 du/ac, with 12 du/ac average
for new projects
Urban Neighborhood
(UN)
38 du/ac with 30 du/ac average
for new projects
Neighborhood Commercial
(C-N) 8 du/ac
Neighborhood Center
(NC) 40 du/ac
Downtown Center (DC) 65 du/ac
Urban Employment
Center (UE) 65 du/ac
Source: City of Coachella Zoning Code; City of Coachella General Plan (2015) The Zoning Ordinance provides flexibility for development within the required standards, such as density (see Table B-4) and other standards (see Appendix C). Certain factors, such as market demand and developer preference, influences the types of projects that are proposed in Coachella. Table B-5 summarizes assumptions for realistic residential development capacity based on minimum density requirements, understanding of capacity potential given zoning requirements estimated at 20% reduction, General Plan estimated new development averages, and recent development trends from approved, entitled, and/or permitted projects within Coachella (Table B-3).
159
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Sites Inventory and Methodology City of Coachella | B-7 Although there are instances in which sites are developing above the realistic assumed densities (for example the Coachella Valley Apartments at 19 du/ac in the Neighborhood Center designation, and a recently approved subdivision in the Suburban Neighborhood at 5 du/ac), the analysis conservatively assumed no parcel would develop at greater than the capacity estimate.

When the Zoning Ordinance establishes minimum densities, the assumption is no project will be developed below the minimum. Other zones establish maximum densities for residential projects.

The Housing Element makes conservative assumptions on residential density, which accounts for the uncertainty of developer choice within the allowed range. Of the recently entitled projects (see Table B-3), no projects requested densities below the density assumptions for the site inventory (Table B-5). In addition, in zones that allow non-residential development, the City has only seen one 100 percent non-residential development in the past 10 years, as part of infill of an existing commercial shopping center property. The conditions of this development are dissimilar to the sites identified in the sites inventory, based on staff knowledge identified sites have a high likelihood of a residential component. Additionally, all recent projects have included a residential component. Further the city has a conservative assumption on density to account for the unlikely potential of 100 percent non-residential development For example, the 8-unit mixed-use project in the Downtown area is within the Neighborhood Center designation and proposed at 16 units per acre, which is greater than the assumed density of 15 units per acre. Additionally, as discussed above, the Pueblo Viejo Villas is an approved project in the Downtown Center designation, built at 53 units per acre, or 80 percent of the maximum density of 65 units per acre and the Tripoli Apartments are proposed at 38 units per acre, both over the 32 units per acre assumed in Table B-5, below. These projects demonstrate recent trends and the feasibility of affordable, residential development in mixed-use zones that allow 100 percent non-residential, and is built at densities in excess of the assumed density of 32 units per acre. Furthermore, as shown in Table B-5, the City is utilizing a conservative assumption ranging from only 25 to 50 percent of the maximum allowed density. Additionally, since more than 50 percent of the City’s lower income RHNA is accommodated on sites that allow mixed-use, the City proposes Program

1.2 to require residential use occupy 50 percent of the total floor area of a mixed-use project on mixed-use sites identified for lower income development in Table B-7. 160
Item 2.

B-8 | City of Coachella Sites Inventory and Methodology Table B-5: Realistic Residential Development Capacity Assumptions Scenario 1: Existing Capacity Scenario 2: General Plan Capacity Existing Zone Realistic Density General Plan designation Realistic Density Agricultural Reserve (A-R) 1/lot
Agricultural Rancho 1/lot
Agricultural Transition (A-T) 1/lot
Residential Estate (R-E) 1/lot Rural Rancho 1 du/ac
Single-Family (R-S) 80% of max 6 du/ac, but no
less than 1 per parcel
Suburban Neighborhood 80% of average 5 du/ac = 4 du/ac
Residential Overlay Zone
(R-M-4300) 80 % of max 10 du/ac
Residential Overlay Zone
(R-O-6000) 80% of max 7 du/ac
Residential Mobile Home
Park (R-MH) 80% of max 9 du/ac
Multiple-Family (R-M) 80% of max 20 du/ac
General Neighborhood 80% of average 12 du/ac = 10
du/ac
Urban Neighborhood Required minimum 20 du/ac
Neighborhood Commercial
(C-N) 6.4 du/ac N/A N/A

N/A N/A
Neighborhood Center Low end of density range = 15
du/ac
Downtown Center 50% max 65 du/ac = 32 du/ac
Urban Employment Center 25% max 65 du/ac = 16 du/ac
B.2.5 Methodology
To create the adequate sites inventory, the City developed a comprehensive methodology to screen parcels for near-term development. The methodology is comprised of the following steps described below. As the City has not completed a comprehensive rezone to implement the General Plan, the City anticipates a shortfall of sites under existing zoning regulations and has also analyzed the residential capacity using the distribution of land use under the General Plan, which expands residential opportunities into new portions of the City, and also increases maximum allowed density.

The inventory outlined in this Appendix does not represent all possible development opportunities and does not identify all vacant parcels in the City. Furthermore, the City has several adopted Specific Plans which have planned for new residential and mixed-use development. These Specific Plan areas offer additional capacity for housing development at all income levels. When 161
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Sites Inventory and Methodology City of Coachella | B-9 sites in the inventory were located within a Specific Plan Area, the buildout estimate from the Specific Plan was utilized as the realistic capacity. Some Specific Plan areas, such as La Entrada Specific Plan, require significant investment of new and extended infrastructure. While these areas are developable, the City focused accommodation of RHNA on sites that have current access to infrastructure and did not include this Specific Plan in the sites inventory.

Site Selection Criteria
Since Coachella has a large amount of vacant land, the City selected sites that met the following criteria:
• Currently vacant
• Residential use is allowed under zoning and/or General Plan regulations • Is not on tribal land
• Not zoned agriculture reserve or agricultural transition Income Categorization
Eligible parcels were assessed to determine which income levels they can accommodate. Each parcel was determined to be able to accommodate a specific income category given its maximum allowable density standards. The lower income category threshold is consistent with the default density for Coachella pursuant to Government Code §65583.2.

Table B-6: Income Levels by Density
Density Income Level
< 20 dwelling units/acre Above moderate
20 – 29 dwelling units/acre Moderate
30+ dwelling units/acre Lower
Source: LWC, HCD
Per HCD guidance, sites accommodating lower-income housing should be between 0.5 and 10 acres and accommodate at least 16 units on a site. All sites originally considered lower income but whose lot sizes are smaller than 0.5 or larger than 10 acres, or do not accommodate at least 16 units, were categorized for moderate or above moderate housing.

Capacity Scenarios
As discussed above, two-scenarios were performed for the sites inventory. For each scenario, maximum and realistic unit capacity was calculated for parcels that meet all criteria previously mentioned. Maximum unit capacity was calculated by multiplying the area of a parcel by maximum density in dwelling units per acre (DU/AC). Realistic capacity is calculated by multiplying the area of each parcel by the realistic density for each zone or General Plan designation, shown in Table B-5. The following two sections explains the results for each scenario in greater detail. 162
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B-10 | City of Coachella Sites Inventory and Methodology Scenario #1: Existing Zoning Capacity
Since the General Plan designations have not been fully implemented, there are only a select number of zones that have been rezoned to accommodate 30 or more units per acre (default density for lower income housing established by State law). Developable sites identified under the current zoning are only presumed to be feasible for moderate and above-moderate income housing.

Under existing zoning, a total of 175 parcels accommodates a total of 5,423 units for moderate and above moderate-income housing, resulting in a shortfall of 1,759 low-income units and 441 above moderate-income units and (taking into account pipeline projects) a surplus of 845 units for moderate-income households. See Table B-9 to see a summary of these results. Because this scenario was known to result in a shortfall of sites, and a rezoning program will be needed to accommodate the complete RHNA, further site-by-site analysis was not performed. The City will rely on Scenario #2, below.

Scenario #2: General Plan Potential Capacity
Coachella updated its General Plan in 2015, which established new place-based land use designations. The new land use designations significantly open more of the City to residential development at a variety of densities, up to 65 units per acre, increasing the city’s capacity for development. Since adoption, the City has not comprehensively updated the Zoning Code to ensure regulations are consistent with the General Plan, but the City has performed targeted zoning amendments to increase capacity.

To understand the potential capacity under the General Plan when rezoning is completed, a second site inventory was conducted using the General Plan land use and maximum and realistic density assumptions in Tables B-4 and B-5, respectively. Since the Zoning Code has not been updated, there are only a few examples of projects developed under the increased density allowances. To ensure a conservative unit estimate, the City assumes projects will generally build at minimum densities, or a reduced percentage of the average density. For areas targeted for mixed-use, such as the Downtown Center and Urban Employment Center, the City assumes residential comes in at 50 percent capacity, or in the Neighborhood Center at the low end of the density range at 15 units per acre. This is below the densities of recently approved affordable projects, including Pueblo Viejo Villas and Coachella Valley Apartments, two affordable projects described above. This scenario results in a shortfall of sites, without zoning regulations in place at the beginning of the planning period (October 15, 2021). As a result, the City proposes Programs 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 which commits the City to rezoning to implement this scenario, prioritize rezoning the lower income sites in accordance with Government Code Section 65583.2, specifically requirements of subdivisions (h) and (i), require residential use occupy 50 percent of the total floor area of a mixed-use project on mixed-use sites identified for lower income development, and to amend the General Plan to allow 100% residential in certain circumstances, respectively. Additionally, this scenario includes the addition of four City-owned sites adjacent to Downtown along Grapefruit Boulevard that are currently identified as Industrial in the General 163
Item 2.

Sites Inventory and Methodology City of Coachella | B-11 Plan. The City has submitted a TCC grant application to develop these sites for affordable housing, and has committed to amending the General Plan to designate these properties as Urban Employment, which allows up to 65 units per acre. (See Program 1.13 for the required General Plan map amendment)
Initial results identified several hundred parcels eligible for residential development, with over 30,000 potential units possible, far exceeding the RHNA at all income levels. Additional screening was performed to focus in on the most eligible and feasible development sites.

Site-by-Site Assessment
To ensure sites selected through the screening analysis are viable for development within the planning period, the City reviewed selected sites for existing conditions (e.g., environmental constraints, lack of infrastructure, ownership, built structures, etc.) that may preclude them from the site inventory. The City also compared the site inventory results to pipeline projects, 5th Cycle sites, and sites currently being rezoned. The analysis included a site-by-site assessment and refinement of sites depending on additional information from direct observation or firsthand experience from City staff. A select number of sites were removed, including those classified as vacant but contain built structures and large undeveloped sites to the north and east of the City not currently connected to city infrastructure. Sites that were originally screened out of the results because they were zoned for manufacturing or in agricultural operations were added back in if they are located adjacent to existing non-manufacturing development (e.g., near Downtown), or they are in process of being rezoned to a residential zone (such as the sites being rezoned to fulfill the 5th Cycle shortfall), or have the potential to redevelop in the planning period. Sites included in the 5th Cycle inventory were updated, as needed, to ensure the right zone assumption and site acreage were reflected in the 6th Cycle inventory. The final General Plan scenario results are provided in Table B-9.

B.2.6 Suitability of Nonvacant Sites
While the City of Coachella has large areas of vacant land that are planned for, and allow, residential development, most of the land east of State Highway 86 and much of the area north of 48th Avenue are not connected to water and sewer lines and are less likely to develop in the next 8 years without significant cost to extend infrastructure. The City has prioritized identification of sites that have existing infrastructure connections and are likely to develop or redevelop in the planning period. Therefore, the City’s Housing Element includes nonvacant sites. The City has adequate vacant sites for lower income housing and does not rely on nonvacant sites to accommodate any of the City’s lower income RHNA; however, the sites inventory identifies additional nonvacant sites for lower income to demonstrate the City’s excess capacity for housing development. The site inventory also identifies larger nonvacant sites to accommodate a portion of the City’s above moderate income RHNA. The City conducted an analysis to determine if substantial evidence exists to support the premise that housing can be accommodated on these 164
Item 2.

B-12 | City of Coachella Sites Inventory and Methodology sites and/or existing uses on these sites will be discontinued during the planning period (2021- 2029).

Nonvacant low income parcels include properties 1 to 8 acres in size with General Plan designations that promote residential mixed-use or multi-family residential development at densities up to 65 units per acre. These sites are mostly developed with commercial uses, with a couple sites used for agricultural production. The above moderate income sites are mostly used for a variety of agricultural operations and do not meet the density or site size thresholds to be considered suitable for lower income development. While agricultural production remains an important part of the Coachella Valley, and the City of Coachella, the City’s General Plan envisions these areas to transition to residential uses.

Screening nonvacant sites for potential inclusion in the site inventory included consideration of regional development trends recent and on-going City actions to rezone agricultural sites to residential zones with the support of the property owners, and utilized conservative assumptions in projecting units.

Table B-7 provides an overview of the 8 nonvacant sites that are included in the site inventory for lower income housing (Note: the City has adequate vacant land to fulfill the RHNA requirement for low income). As indicated in Table B-7, all of the sites are proposed to allow 25 to 65 dwelling units per acre.

The sites listed below have a wide variety of uses including agricultural land with accessory buildings, strip malls, a tire shop, a grocery store, a restaurant, and surface parking.

In addition to the sites identified or lower income housing, the City is also analyzing the suitability of redeveloping agricultural sites for above moderate income housing. The sites have been included because of the opportunity for housing development on sites near existing residential, public facility, and commercial uses and amenities, and that have access to water and sewer infrastructure.
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Sites Inventory and Methodology City of Coachella | B-13 Table B-7: Existing Uses on Lower Income Sites
APN Address Zone General
Plan
Density
(du/ac)
Site Size
(acres)
Existing Use
Lower
Income
Unit
Capacity
603281044 C-G NC 40 0.71 Commercial- strip mall and
surface parking 11
603281053 C-G NC 40 8.13 Commercial- strip mall and
surface parking 122
767140002 C-G GN 25 9.46 Agriculture – unimproved
land 95
767140002 R-M NC 40 9.64 Agriculture with accessory
warehouses 145
603310021 C-G DC 65 0.67
Retail/Commercialfreestanding restaurant and
surface parking
11 603310017 C-G DC 65 1.38 Retail/Commercial- surface
parking lot 22
603310024 C-G DC 65 2.66 Retail/Commercial- grocery
store and surface parking 43
603310026 C-G DC 65 0.74 Retail/Commercial- tire shop
and surface parking 12
Total 461
Source: City of Coachella, LWC
Development trends in the Coachella Valley and eastern Riverside and Imperial demonstrate the redevelopment of underutilized nonvacant commercial properties, agricultural land, and even vacant commercially zoned infill properties into multi-family and residential mixed-use projects.

For instance, in Palm Springs, the 64 @ the Riv housing development completed in 2022 (containing a vacant restaurant, tennis courts, and surface parking) produced 64 units on 5.22 acres for a density of 12 dwelling units per acre. In addition, a commercially zoned property in the Palm Springs Downtown Specific Plan previously approved for a 142-room hotel instead is being developed into an infill mixed-use building including 45 residential units on 0.84 acres for a density of 54 units per acre. In El Centro, to the south, 288 units are proposed on 12.9 acres for a density of 22 units per acre on vacant infill commercial land; per Table B-3, Coachella itself is experiencing affordable residential mixed-use infill development on vacant commercially zoned property in its downtown. Projects like these indicate demand in the Coachella Valley for denser infill multi-family and residential mixed-use development in existing downtowns and commercial corridors; not merely demand for development on vacant land along the peripheries of its communities. These projects also indicate that there may be communities in the Coachella Valley that have a surplus of commercial land that could be converted to meet this residential demand.

Of course, however, demand for the conversion of agricultural land to multi-family housing exists in the Coachella Valley as well. 10 miles south of Coachella, in the unincorporated Riverside 166
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B-14 | City of Coachella Sites Inventory and Methodology County community of Oasis, the County is processing a mixed-use affordable housing development to construct 160 units agricultural land on 26 acres for a density of 6 units per acre.

Table B-8 identifies four recently developed, planned, and/or proposed residential projects in the Coachella Valley. As stated above, one of these projects is being constructed on a large agricultural site surrounded by existing development, which is similar to conditions in Coachella.

The size of the sites ranges from 1 to 26 acres and the existing uses include agricultural and commercial. By-right densities range from about 25 to over 50 dwelling units per acre. Several of the projects in Table B-8 are within the range proposed by the City (see Table B-7, above).

Table B-8: Residential Development on Nonvacant or Commercially Zoned Sites in the Coachella Valley City/Community Address Site
Size (ac)
Previous
Use
Final
Unit
Count
Number of
Affordable
Units
By-Right
Density
(du/ac)
Density
Bonus?
Y/N
Year
Completed
/Status
Calculation
of Built
Density
(du/ac)
El Centro
Northeast
corner of
6 th Street
and Spear
Avenue

12.9 Vacant,
Commerci
ally Zoned
288 0 25 N
Under
review 22
Palm
Springs
2000 N.

Indian
Canyon
Drive

5.22 Restauran
t, tennis
courts,
and
parking
64 0 30 N
Building
permit
issued
2017;
recently
completed
12 Palm
Springs
Northeast
corner of
Belardo
Road and
Museum
Way

0.84 Vacant,
current
entitlemen
t for 142-
room
hotel
45 0 - N
Approved
2021; in
plan check
54 Oasis
(Unincorp
orated
communit
y in the
Coachella
Valley)
Southeast
corner of
66th
Avenue
and
Middleton
Street
26 Agricultur
e
160 160 - N
Under
review 6
167
Item 2.

Sites Inventory and Methodology City of Coachella | B-15 To encourage the redevelopment of nonvacant sites with higher-density residential uses, including housing affordable to lower incomes, the City has multiple programs to facilitate more intensive residential development. These include, but aren’t limited to:
• Program 1.1: General Plan Implementation
• Program 1.2: Lower Income Site Rezoning
• Program 1.3: General Plan Amendment
• Program 1.7: Large Sites
• Program 1.13: General Plan Amendment for Certain City-Owned Sites • Program 5.1: Zoning Code Constraints
• Program 5.3: Parking Requirements
• Program 6.4 Density Bonus
• Program 6.7: Streamlined Approvals
As described above, many of the nonvacant housing sites identified in the City have underperforming uses and/or excess capacity. Based on recent development trends and proactive efforts on the part of the City to encourage redevelopment of nonvacant sites, these sites are likely to provide much need housing in the City of Coachella.

Section B.3 Adequacy of Residential Sites in Meeting
RHNA
B.3.1 Summary
The following table summarizes the City’s methods for satisfying its RHNA (Table B-9). Taking into account projects in the pipeline, the City has a remaining RHNA of 6,778 units. Development capacity based on existing zoning is 5,423 units, with shortfalls in the lower income and above moderate-income categories. Capacity under General Plan designations is estimated at a realistic 10,003 units with a surplus of 3,225 units above the RHNA. The City commits to amending the Zoning Code and General Plan within three years to fully implement the updated General Plan designations, as outlined in Scenario #2. (see Program 1.1) 168
Item 2.

B-16 | City of Coachella Sites Inventory and Methodology Table B-9: Residential Development Potential and RHNA
Extremely-Low, Very Low
and Low
Moderate
Above
Moderate
Total
RHNA 2,032 1,367 4,487 7,886
Entitled/Proposed
Projects1 273 835 1,108
Remaining RHNA 1,759 1,367 3,652 6,778
Site Inventory Results
Scenario 1 – Existing
Capacity (Zoning Code) 2,212 3,211 5,423
Remaining RHNA- Zoning
Scenario 1,759 -8452 441
Scenario 2 – Potential
Capacity (General Plan)3 2,345 1,468 6,190 10,003
Remaining RHNAGeneral Plan Scenario -5862
-1012-2,5382-3,2252
1 Considers net new units only.
2 Negative value indicates a surplus of housing capacity. 3 Requires rezoning, see Programs 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3.

Source: City of Coachella, LWC 2021
B.3.2 Housing Sites Map
The following maps, Figures B-1 and B-2, show the inventory of adequate sites by income category for each scenario.
169
Item 2.

Sites Inventory and Methodology City of Coachella | B-17 Figure B-1: 6th Cycle Housing Element Site Inventory Map by Income Category for Zoning Scenario 170
Item 2.

B-18 | City of Coachella Sites Inventory and Methodology Figure B-2: 6th Cycle Housing Element Site Inventory Map by Income Category for the General Plan Scenario 171
Item 2.

Sites Inventory and Methodology City of Coachella | B-19 B.3.3 Housing Sites Table
The following tables list the parcels in the City’s housing sites inventory with unit capacity by income category. 172
Item 2.

Coachella- Site Inventory Table
Zoning scenario
In Previous
Cycle? APN Existing Land
Use Zoning Site Size
(Acres)
Max Density
(du/ac)
Max Capacity
(units)
Realistic Capacity
(units) Income Category
601390029 VACANT R-E 2.76 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
601390025 VACANT R-E 10.42 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
601390014 VACANT R-E 1.97 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
601390006 VACANT R-E 35.08 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
601400001 VACANT R-S 19.70 6 118 95 Above Moderate
601400002 VACANT R-E 18.61 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
603130001 VACANT C-N 2.07 8 17 13 Above Moderate
603130003 VACANT R-S 15.19 6 91 73 Above Moderate
603130005 VACANT A-T 0.11 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
603130006 VACANT A-T 3.31 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
603102010 VACANT R-S 47.28 6 284 227 Above Moderate
603102018 VACANT R-S 13.05 6 78 63 Above Moderate
603130015 VACANT A-T 0.55 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
603130009 VACANT R-S 10.00 6 60 48 Above Moderate
603110012 VACANT R-S 32.84 6 197 158 Above Moderate
603110012 VACANT R-S 21.35 6 128 102 Above Moderate
603110012 VACANT R-S 9.73 6 58 47 Above Moderate
603241005 VACANT R-S 1.34 6 8 6 Above Moderate
603250009 VACANT R-S 0.46 6 3 2 Above Moderate
603250010 VACANT R-S 0.46 6 3 2 Above Moderate
603350002 VACANT A-R 40.18 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
603350014 VACANT A-R 9.83 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
603350015 VACANT A-R 7.29 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
603350017 VACANT A-R 9.43 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
603455008 VACANT R-S 0.64 6 4 3 Above Moderate
603350003 VACANT A-R 38.08 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
603455024 VACANT R-S 0.53 6 3 3 Above Moderate
603330008 VACANT A-R 9.91 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
603330007 VACANT A-R 9.77 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
603330006 VACANT A-R 9.80 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
603330005 VACANT A-R 9.95 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
603490022 VACANT R-O-6000 0.24 7 2 1 Above Moderate
612280018 VACANT R-S 20.27 6 122 97 Above Moderate
763020005 VACANT A-R 4.53 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
763070013 VACANT R-S 66.87 6 401 321 Above Moderate
763070002 VACANT R-S 74.05 6 444 355 Above Moderate
763020020 VACANT A-R 2.84 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765450008 VACANT R-E 3.22 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
City of Coachella- 6th Cycle Housing Element Update
173
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Coachella- Site Inventory Table
Zoning scenario
In Previous
Cycle? APN Existing Land
Use Zoning Site Size
(Acres)
Max Density
(du/ac)
Max Capacity
(units)
Realistic Capacity
(units) Income Category
765450018 VACANT R-E 3.20 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765450017 VACANT R-E 3.19 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765230005 VACANT R-E 1.55 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
763090008 VACANT A-T 70.14 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765450007 VACANT R-E 2.39 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
763020028 VACANT A-R 4.82 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
763020007 VACANT A-R 10.29 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765450002 VACANT R-S 17.85 6 107 86 Above Moderate
765704001 VACANT R-O-6000 1.14 7 8 6 Above Moderate
763020008 VACANT A-R 10.52 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765251013 VACANT R-S 0.17 6 1 1 Above Moderate
763070006 VACANT R-S 41.04 6 246 197 Above Moderate
763020017 VACANT A-R 1.15 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
763020016 VACANT A-R 2.19 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765460001 VACANT R-S 10.07 6 60 48 Above Moderate
763020015 VACANT A-R 1.27 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765253007 VACANT R-S 0.14 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765253009 VACANT R-S 0.21 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765255013 VACANT R-S 0.16 6 1 1 Above Moderate
763020011 VACANT A-R 4.79 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765256007 VACANT R-S 0.10 6 1 1 Above Moderate
763020012 VACANT A-R 4.92 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765283013 VACANT R-S 0.15 6 1 1 Above Moderate
763020013 VACANT A-R 5.02 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
763100006 VACANT A-T 20.74 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
763100011 VACANT A-T 20.51 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765623019 VACANT R-S 0.14 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765623020 VACANT R-S 0.14 6 1 1 Above Moderate
763060040 VACANT A-R 27.38 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
763060008 VACANT R-S 34.78 6 209 167 Above Moderate
763080028 VACANT R-S 2.22 6 13 11 Above Moderate
763080003 VACANT R-S 59.70 6 358 287 Above Moderate
763100019 VACANT A-T 16.55 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
763080030 VACANT R-S 31.90 6 191 153 Above Moderate
763100018 VACANT A-T 3.48 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765070009 VACANT R-S 0.57 6 3 3 Above Moderate
765275006 VACANT R-S 0.18 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765275007 VACANT R-S 0.10 6 1 1 Above Moderate
City of Coachella- 6th Cycle Housing Element Update
174
Item 2.

Coachella- Site Inventory Table
Zoning scenario
In Previous
Cycle? APN Existing Land
Use Zoning Site Size
(Acres)
Max Density
(du/ac)
Max Capacity
(units)
Realistic Capacity
(units) Income Category
765276022 VACANT R-S 0.17 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765070010 VACANT R-S 0.65 6 4 3 Above Moderate
765070007 VACANT R-S 0.64 6 4 3 Above Moderate
765070004 VACANT R-S 0.66 6 4 3 Above Moderate
763080017 VACANT A-T 7.45 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765275011 VACANT R-S 0.09 6 1 1 Above Moderate
763080017 VACANT R-S 0.51 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765070005 VACANT R-S 0.67 6 4 3 Above Moderate
765070008 VACANT R-S 0.65 6 4 3 Above Moderate
765070011 VACANT R-S 0.66 6 4 3 Above Moderate
763080007 VACANT A-T 9.72 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765295002 VACANT R-S 0.16 6 1 1 Above Moderate
763080008 VACANT A-T 9.66 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
763422025 VACANT R-O-6000 0.16 7 1 1 Above Moderate
763100007 VACANT A-T 16.89 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
763100016 VACANT A-T 19.71 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
763080018 VACANT R-S 18.61 6 112 89 Above Moderate
763080009 VACANT A-T 4.91 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
763080016 VACANT A-T 7.49 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
763080012 VACANT A-T 3.19 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
763120002 VACANT A-T 6.30 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765084001 VACANT R-S 0.19 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765083010 VACANT R-S 0.21 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765083004 VACANT R-S 0.17 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765083005 VACANT R-S 0.20 6 1 1 Above Moderate
763412030 VACANT R-O-6000 0.15 7 1 1 Above Moderate
763080015 VACANT A-T 5.08 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765083003 VACANT R-S 0.17 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765083009 VACANT R-S 0.22 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765083006 VACANT R-S 0.22 6 1 1 Above Moderate
763080010 VACANT A-T 2.54 1/lot 1 1 Above Moderate
765083008 VACANT R-S 0.26 6 2 1 Above Moderate
765083007 VACANT R-S 0.25 6 2 1 Above Moderate
765361001 VACANT R-S 0.12 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765115001 VACANT R-S 0.27 6 2 1 Above Moderate
763421037 VACANT R-O-6000 0.14 7 1 1 Above Moderate
765111013 VACANT R-S 0.21 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765115003 VACANT R-S 0.27 6 2 1 Above Moderate
City of Coachella- 6th Cycle Housing Element Update
175
Item 2.

Coachella- Site Inventory Table
Zoning scenario
In Previous
Cycle? APN Existing Land
Use Zoning Site Size
(Acres)
Max Density
(du/ac)
Max Capacity
(units)
Realistic Capacity
(units) Income Category
763080014 VACANT R-S 4.35 6 26 21 Above Moderate
765115004 VACANT R-S 0.26 6 2 1 Above Moderate
765114004 VACANT R-S 1.74 6 10 8 Above Moderate
763412001 VACANT R-O-6000 1.31 7 9 7 Above Moderate
763411004 VACANT R-O-6000 0.25 7 2 1 Above Moderate
763412041 VACANT R-O-6000 0.35 7 2 2 Above Moderate
763413018 VACANT R-O-6000 0.24 7 2 1 Above Moderate
765111013 VACANT R-S 0.23 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765115005 VACANT R-S 0.49 6 3 2 Above Moderate
763080019 VACANT R-S 0.15 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765111006 VACANT R-S 0.46 6 3 2 Above Moderate
765151001 VACANT R-S 0.18 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765540025 VACANT R-S 0.13 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765540024 VACANT R-S 0.22 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765540023 VACANT R-S 0.22 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765164007 VACANT R-S 0.18 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765540021 VACANT R-S 0.22 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765540020 VACANT R-S 0.22 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765540019 VACANT R-S 0.22 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765521012 VACANT R-S 3.52 6 21 17 Above Moderate
765170002 VACANT R-S 4.99 6 30 24 Above Moderate
765420015 VACANT R-S 1.56 6 9 7 Above Moderate
765184013 VACANT R-S 0.15 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765184015 VACANT R-S 0.15 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765420006 VACANT R-S 2.77 6 17 13 Above Moderate
765182018 VACANT R-S 0.17 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765184020 VACANT R-S 0.14 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765184009 VACANT R-S 0.14 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765182009 VACANT R-S 0.21 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765200008 VACANT R-S 14.78 6 89 71 Above Moderate
765212054 VACANT R-S 0.24 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765200018 VACANT R-S 3.42 6 21 16 Above Moderate
765200012 VACANT R-S 3.03 6 18 15 Above Moderate
765212033 VACANT R-S 0.13 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765213005 VACANT R-S 0.11 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765212037 VACANT R-S 0.17 6 1 1 Above Moderate
765200023 VACANT R-S 7.95 6 48 38 Above Moderate
765440022 VACANT R-S 15.32 6 92 74 Above Moderate
City of Coachella- 6th Cycle Housing Element Update
176
Item 2.

Coachella- Site Inventory Table
General Plan Land Use Scenario
In Previous
Cycle? APN APN_1 Existing Land Use General Plan Zoning Site Size (Acres) Max
Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Capacity
(units) Income Category Infrastructure? Notes
603150006 Vacant UN C-G 29.43 38 20 589 Above Moderate Yes Yes 763060048 763060008 Vacant UN R-M 22.48 38 20 450 Above Moderate Yes Yes 612280018 612280018 Vacant NC R-S 20.27 40 15 304 Above Moderate Yes Yes 778170010 765450002 Vacant UE R-S 17.85 65 16 286 Above Moderate Y - Requires extension through the adjacent site
Yes 763060048 763060008 Vacant UN R-S 25.45 38 10 254 Above Moderate Yes 778390002 765440022 Vacant NC R-S 15.20 40 15 228 Above Moderate Yes Yes 778180003 765460001 Vacant UE R-S 10.07 65 16 161 Above Moderate Y - Requires extension through the adjacent site
768440008 765640005 Vacant SN R-S 14.85 8 4 59 Above Moderate Yes 768430017 765200008 Vacant SN R-S 12.80 8 4 51 Above Moderate Yes 768430010 765200023 Vacant SN R-S 7.94 8 4 32 Above Moderate Yes 768430002 765200018 Vacant SN R-S 3.42 8 4 14 Above Moderate Yes 768430001 765200012 Vacant SN R-S 3.03 8 4 12 Above Moderate Yes 778280011 765420006 Vacant SN R-S 2.77 8 4 11 Above Moderate Yes Yes 768254005 765115005 Vacant NC R-S 0.49 40 15 7 Above Moderate Yes 603130009 Vacant NC R-S 0.44 40 15 7 Above Moderate Yes 603150005 Vacant UN C-G 0.33 38 20 7 Above Moderate Yes 778101002 765272002 Vacant DC C-G 0.34 65 16 6 Above Moderate Yes 778060002 765261014 Vacant DC C-G 0.35 65 16 6 Above Moderate Yes 778113002 765314009 Vacant DC C-G 0.28 65 16 5 Above Moderate Yes 778071008 765302021 Vacant DC C-G 0.33 65 16 5 Above Moderate Yes 768232014 765093021 Vacant NC C-G 0.33 40 15 5 Above Moderate Yes 603150007 Vacant UN C-G 0.26 38 20 5 Above Moderate Yes 768254001 765115001 Vacant NC R-S 0.27 40 15 4 Above Moderate Yes 778100008 765271024 Vacant DC C-G 0.25 65 16 4 Above Moderate Yes Yes 768254004 765115004 Vacant NC R-S 0.26 40 15 4 Above Moderate Yes Yes 768254003 765115003 Vacant NC R-S 0.27 40 15 4 Above Moderate Yes 768393013 765164016 Vacant NC C-G 0.18 40 15 3 Above Moderate Yes 768393012 765164015 Vacant NC C-G 0.17 40 15 3 Above Moderate Yes 768383013 765154014 Vacant NC C-G 0.18 40 15 3 Above Moderate Yes 768383012 765154013 Vacant NC C-G 0.17 40 15 3 Above Moderate Yes 768440008 765640008 Vacant SN C-G 0.73 8 4 3 Above Moderate Yes 778060001 765261012 Vacant DC C-G 0.18 65 16 3 Above Moderate Yes 768383015 765154017 Vacant NC C-G 0.17 40 15 3 Above Moderate Yes 768402019 765522019 Vacant NC C-G 0.21 40 15 3 Above Moderate Yes 778242026 765383026 Vacant NC C-G 0.19 40 15 3 Above Moderate Yes 778101002 765272002 Vacant DC R-M 0.17 65 16 3 Above Moderate Yes 778061006 765262006 Vacant DC C-G 0.20 65 16 3 Above Moderate Yes 768440010 765640008 Vacant UN C-G 0.13 38 20 3 Above Moderate Yes 768402020 765522011 Vacant NC C-G 0.20 40 15 3 Above Moderate Yes Yes 778091005 765292005 Vacant DC R-M 0.18 65 16 3 Above Moderate Yes 768450022 765601022 Vacant NC C-G 0.10 40 15 2 Above Moderate Yes 778110001 765311001 Vacant DC C-G 0.14 65 16 2 Above Moderate Yes City of Coachella- 6th Cycle Housing Element Update 178 Item 2.

Coachella- Site Inventory Table
General Plan Land Use Scenario
In Previous
Cycle? APN APN_1 Existing Land Use General Plan Zoning Site Size (Acres) Max
Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Capacity
(units) Income Category Infrastructure? Notes
Yes 768413012 765184013 Vacant NC R-S 0.15 40 15 2 Above Moderate Yes 778093002 765294013 Vacant DC C-G 0.15 65 16 2 Above Moderate Yes 768450020 765601020 Vacant NC C-G 0.12 40 15 2 Above Moderate Yes 778100010 765271029 Vacant DC C-G 0.14 65 16 2 Above Moderate Yes 768383010 765154020 Vacant NC C-G 0.16 40 15 2 Above Moderate Yes 778280006 765420021 Vacant NC C-G 0.15 40 15 2 Above Moderate Yes 778100011 765271028 Vacant DC C-G 0.14 65 16 2 Above Moderate Yes Yes 768413014 765184015 Vacant NC R-S 0.15 40 15 2 Above Moderate Yes 778061004 765262004 Vacant DC C-G 0.14 65 16 2 Above Moderate Yes 768254011 765115011 Vacant NC C-G 0.14 40 15 2 Above Moderate Yes 778150001 765361001 Vacant NC R-S 0.12 40 15 2 Above Moderate Yes 768450001 765601001 Vacant NC C-G 0.11 40 15 2 Above Moderate Yes In progress rezone to RM General
768450019 765601019 Vacant NC C-G 0.11 40 15 2 Above Moderate Yes In progress rezone to RMurban 763080019 Vacant NC R-S 0.14 40 15 2 Above Moderate Yes 768450015 765601015 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768455004 765606012 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768455003 765606013 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768451005 765602003 Vacant NC C-G 0.08 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450002 765601002 Vacant NC C-G 0.10 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768222009 765083009 Vacant SN R-S 0.21 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768451006 765602010 Vacant NC C-G 0.06 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768452006 765603027 Vacant NC C-G 0.07 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768222006 765083006 Vacant SN R-S 0.22 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768460005 765200008 Vacant SN R-S 0.14 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768451002 765602006 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768393007 765164007 Vacant SN R-S 0.18 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768452002 765603014 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 763413018 763413018 Vacant SN R-O-6000 0.24 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768454002 765605014 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768222008 765083008 Vacant SN R-S 0.26 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768421005 765212037 Vacant SN R-S 0.17 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450007 765601007 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768455005 765606011 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450016 765601016 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768455002 765606014 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450009 765601009 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450013 765601013 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768411018 765182018 Vacant SN R-S 0.17 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768222003 765083003 Vacant SN R-S 0.17 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768451003 765602005 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768250003 765111013 Vacant SN R-S 0.21 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768250003 765111013 Vacant SN R-S 0.23 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes City of Coachella- 6th Cycle Housing Element Update 179 Item 2.

Coachella- Site Inventory Table
General Plan Land Use Scenario
In Previous
Cycle? APN APN_1 Existing Land Use General Plan Zoning Site Size (Acres) Max
Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Capacity
(units) Income Category Infrastructure? Notes
768450018 765601018 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768413008 765184009 Vacant SN R-S 0.14 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768453006 765604027 Vacant NC C-G 0.07 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768222005 765083005 Vacant SN R-S 0.20 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768460002 765200008 Vacant SN R-S 0.14 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450005 765601005 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768453004 765604012 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450021 765601021 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768460003 765200008 Vacant SN R-S 0.14 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 763411004 763411004 Vacant SN R-O-6000 0.25 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450017 765601017 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450008 765601008 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450003 765601003 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768152019 765623019 Vacant SN R-S 0.14 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768210036 765070009 Vacant SN R-S 0.24 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768454003 765605013 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768460001 765200008 Vacant SN R-S 0.17 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768451004 765602004 Vacant NC C-G 0.08 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768421001 765212033 Vacant SN R-S 0.13 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450010 765601010 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768453001 765604025 Vacant NC C-G 0.07 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768454004 765605012 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768413018 765184020 Vacant SN R-S 0.14 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450012 765601012 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768223001 765084001 Vacant SN R-S 0.19 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450006 765601006 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768453003 765604013 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768411009 765182009 Vacant SN R-S 0.21 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768451001 765602008 Vacant NC C-G 0.07 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768452001 765603025 Vacant NC C-G 0.07 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450011 765601011 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768454005 765605011 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768452004 765603012 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768222004 765083004 Vacant SN R-S 0.17 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768453002 765604014 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768222010 765083010 Vacant SN R-S 0.21 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768421022 765212054 Vacant SN R-S 0.24 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768454006 765605027 Vacant NC C-G 0.07 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768250006 765111006 Vacant SN R-S 0.32 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 763421037 763421037 Vacant SN R-O-6000 0.14 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450014 765601014 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 763422025 763422025 Vacant SN R-O-6000 0.15 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768454001 765605025 Vacant NC C-G 0.07 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes City of Coachella- 6th Cycle Housing Element Update 180 Item 2.

Coachella- Site Inventory Table
General Plan Land Use Scenario
In Previous
Cycle? APN APN_1 Existing Land Use General Plan Zoning Site Size (Acres) Max
Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Capacity
(units) Income Category Infrastructure? Notes
768380001 765151001 Vacant SN R-S 0.17 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768452003 765603013 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450023 765601034 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768455001 765606025 Vacant NC C-G 0.07 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768450004 765601004 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768222007 765083007 Vacant SN R-S 0.25 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768460004 765200008 Vacant SN R-S 0.14 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768453005 765604011 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768455006 765606027 Vacant NC C-G 0.07 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768210037 765070009 Vacant SN R-S 0.24 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 778320006 765440021 Vacant NC R-S 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 778320006 765440021 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 778341007 765440022 Vacant SN R-S 0.04 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 768452005 765603011 Vacant NC C-G 0.09 40 15 1 Above Moderate Yes 768152020 765623020 Vacant SN R-S 0.14 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes 763080017 Vacant SN R-S 0.13 8 4 1 Above Moderate Yes
768422005 765213005 Vacant SN R-S 0.11 8 4 0 Above Moderate Yes 768460006 765200008 Vacant SN R-S 0.10 8 4 0 Above Moderate Yes 768461036 765200008 Vacant SN R-S 0.05 8 4 0 Above Moderate Yes 778191002 778191002 Agriculture UE R-S / M-S 48.33 65 16 773.28 Above Moderate Yes 778180004 778180004 Agriculture UE R-S 40.77 65 16 652.32 Above Moderate Yes 603110008 Agriculture UN R-S 29.78 38 20 596 Above Moderate Yes 778170011 778170011 Agriculture UE R-S 32.57 65 16 521.12 Above Moderate Yes 767140006 767140006 Agriculture GN R-M 18.61 25 10 181 Above Moderate Yes 768070003 768070003 Agriculture GN R-S 14.93 25 10 149.3 Above Moderate Yes 768290003 768290003 Agriculture SN R-PUD 37.08 8 4 148.32 Above Moderate Yes 603260050 603260050 Agriculture GN R-PUD 12.06 25 10 120.6 Above Moderate Yes 768070002 768070002 Agriculture GN R-S 9.84 25 10 98.4 Above Moderate Yes 768070006 768070006 Agriculture GN R-S 8.37 25 10 83.7 Above Moderate Yes 768260003 768260003 Agriculture SN R-PUD 18.23 8 4 72.92 Above Moderate Yes 768070004 768070004 Agriculture GN R-S 5.09 25 10 50.9 Above Moderate Yes 778420004 778420004 Vacant SN R-M 5.05 8 4 20.2 Above Moderate Yes 768070005 768070005 Agriculture GN R-S 1.32 25 10 13.2 Above Moderate Yes In Vista Del Agua SP.

Capacity based on Specific
Plan buildout in PA10
603310025 603310025 Retail/Commercial DC C-G 0.48 65 16 8 Above Moderate Yes 603310005 603310005 Retail/Commercial DC C-G 0.44 65 16 7 Above Moderate Yes 603310022 603310022 Retail/Commercial DC C-G 0.36 65 16 6 Above Moderate Yes 603310012 603310012 Retail/Commercial DC C-G 0.39 65 16 6 Above Moderate Yes 603310004 603310004 Retail/Commercial DC C-G 0.09 65 16 1 Above Moderate Yes In Vista Del Agua SP.

Capacity based on Specific
Plan buildout in PA2
City of Coachella- 6th Cycle Housing Element Update 181 Item 2.

Capacity based on Specific
Plan buildout in PA8
778390003 765440003 Vacant UE M-S 4.40 65 20 88 Lower Yes 778081003 765322018 Vacant DC C-G 2.54 65 32 81 Lower Yes 778390004 765440004 Vacant UE M-S 4.75 65 16 76 Lower Yes 778010017 765240005 Vacant DC C-G 2.30 65 32 74 Lower Yes 768430012 765200021 Vacant NC C-G 4.30 40 15 64 Lower Yes 778170010 765450002 Vacant UE M-S 3.83 65 16 61 Lower Y - Requires extension through the adjacent site
778010017 765220026 Vacant DC C-G 1.81 65 32 58 Lower Yes Yes 763060048 763060008 Vacant NC R-M 8.09 40 10 39 Lower Yes 778010016 765220026 Vacant DC C-G 0.96 65 32 31 Lower Yes Yes 778010013 765240005 Vacant DC C-G 0.93 65 32 30 Lower Yes 778010014 765240005 Vacant DC C-G 0.84 65 32 27 Lower Yes 768253005 765114004 Vacant NC R-S 1.74 40 15 26 Lower Yes 778070002 765301003 Vacant DC C-G 0.78 65 32 25 Lower Yes Yes 778280009 765420015 Vacant NC R-S 1.56 40 15 23 Lower Yes 603310001 603310001 Vacant DC C-G 0.61 65 32 20 Lower Yes Yes 603241005 603241005 Vacant NC R-S 1.34 40 15 20 Lower Yes 778071005 765302010 Vacant DC C-G 0.59 65 32 19 Lower Yes Yes 778113001 765314008 Vacant DC C-G 0.58 65 32 18 Lower Yes 778320006 765430048 Vacant NC R-M 1.06 40 15 16 Lower Yes 778280001 765420018 Vacant NC C-G 0.99 40 15 15 Lower Yes 768210023 765070035 Vacant NC C-G 1.00 40 15 15 Lower Yes 778242022 765383023 Vacant NC C-G 0.98 40 15 15 Lower Yes in process to rezone to RM (urban)
778280003 765420020 Vacant NC C-G 0.90 40 15 14 Lower Yes 778242025 765383023 Vacant NC C-G 0.94 40 15 14 Lower Yes 778280002 765420019 Vacant NC C-G 0.90 40 15 14 Lower Yes 778242023 765383023 Vacant NC C-G 0.88 40 15 13 Lower Yes 778242026 765383023 Vacant NC C-G 0.87 40 15 13 Lower Yes in process to rezone to RM (urban)
778242024 765383023 Vacant NC C-G 0.90 40 15 13 Lower Yes 768440012 765640012 Vacant NC C-G 0.73 40 15 11 Lower Yes 767140002 767140002 Agriculture NC R-M 9.64 40 15 145 Lower Yes 603281053 603281053 Commercial NC C-G 8.13 40 15 121.95 Lower Yes 767140002 767140002 Agriculture GN C-G 9.46 25 10 95 Lower Yes City of Coachella- 6th Cycle Housing Element Update 182 Item 2.

Coachella- Site Inventory Table
General Plan Land Use Scenario
In Previous
Cycle? APN APN_1 Existing Land Use General Plan Zoning Site Size (Acres) Max
Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Capacity
(units) Income Category Infrastructure? Notes
763131018 763131018 Vacant Ind M-H 5.16 65 16 83 Lower Yes 763131017 763131017 Vacant Ind M-H 4.06 65 16 65 Lower Yes 763400016 763400016 Vacant Ind M-H 3.54 65 16 57 Lower Yes 763400017 763400017 Vacant Ind M-H 3.59 65 16 57 Lower Yes 778420016 778420016 Vacant UE R-S 2.89 65 16 46.24 Lower Yes 603310024 603310024 Retail/Commercial DC C-G 2.66 65 16 43 Lower Yes 603310017 603310017 Retail/Commercial DC C-G 1.38 65 16 22 Lower Yes 603310026 603310026 Retail/Commercial DC C-G 0.74 65 16 12 Lower Yes 603310021 603310021 Retail/Commercial DC C-G 0.67 65 16 11 Lower Yes 603281044 603281044 Commercial NC C-G 0.71 40 15 10.65 Lower Yes Subtotal Lower 2345
778390007 765440007 Vacant UE M-S 78.23 65 20 630 Moderate Yes 778180003 765460001 Vacant UE M-S 18.29 65 16 293 Moderate Yes 778390005 765440008 Vacant UE M-S 29.34 65 20 192 Moderate Yes 768350002 765170002 Vacant GN R-S 4.99 25 10 50 Moderate Yes 768400001 765521012 Vacant GN R-S 3.52 25 10 35 Moderate Yes Yes 778414040 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 1.17 25 10 12 Moderate Yes 763060032 763060032 Vacant GN R-M 1.07 25 10 11 Moderate Yes 603270017 603270017 Vacant GN R-M 0.56 25 10 6 Moderate Yes 778415007 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.51 25 10 5 Moderate Yes 778413023 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.53 25 10 5 Moderate Yes 778191002 765472004 Vacant UE M-S 0.14 65 32 5 Moderate Yes Yes 778414039 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.37 25 10 4 Moderate Yes Yes 778054004 765285005 Vacant GN C-G 0.32 25 10 3 Moderate Yes Yes 778040002 765251013 Vacant GN R-S 0.17 25 10 2 Moderate Yes Yes 778044013 765255013 Vacant GN R-S 0.16 25 10 2 Moderate Yes Yes 778105001 765276022 Vacant GN R-S 0.17 25 10 2 Moderate Yes 778414041 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.17 25 10 2 Moderate Yes Yes 778104010 765275006 Vacant GN R-S 0.18 25 10 2 Moderate Yes Yes 778105012 765276014 Vacant GN R-M 0.17 25 10 2 Moderate Yes 778042009 765253009 Vacant GN R-S 0.21 25 10 2 Moderate Yes Yes 778400030 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.17 25 10 2 Moderate Yes 778411027 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778415006 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes Yes 778414014 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778410007 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411014 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.10 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411024 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.06 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411023 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414007 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778090006 765291009 Vacant GN C-G 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778405010 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778405003 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes City of Coachella- 6th Cycle Housing Element Update 183 Item 2.

Coachella- Site Inventory Table
General Plan Land Use Scenario
In Previous
Cycle? APN APN_1 Existing Land Use General Plan Zoning Site Size (Acres) Max
Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Capacity
(units) Income Category Infrastructure? Notes
778414032 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778412001 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778403018 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778410008 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778407005 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778410014 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414026 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413004 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414017 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413006 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778415005 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778403029 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413007 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes in process to rezone to RM
(urban). Only 31.5 acres
though.
778405008 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411004 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778412008 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413011 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778403030 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414003 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413022 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778403032 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.10 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411003 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778405004 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778406010 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413019 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778404008 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778104007 765275011 Vacant GN R-S 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411010 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413014 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411005 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.06 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778412007 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778403019 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778403022 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778405012 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778407006 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411015 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.11 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778415008 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.07 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778415008 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.05 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414034 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778403031 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778406005 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes City of Coachella- 6th Cycle Housing Element Update 184 Item 2.

Coachella- Site Inventory Table
General Plan Land Use Scenario
In Previous
Cycle? APN APN_1 Existing Land Use General Plan Zoning Site Size (Acres) Max
Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Capacity
(units) Income Category Infrastructure? Notes
778406004 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413013 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411019 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413002 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778045007 765256007 Vacant GN R-S 0.10 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778405001 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.11 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778042007 765253007 Vacant GN R-S 0.14 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778403020 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes Yes 778410015 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413017 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes Yes 778413021 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778410003 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778406009 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778412006 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413005 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778405007 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778403024 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778403021 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778412009 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414022 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778405005 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778410013 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778412014 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411001 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413018 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.07 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778406002 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778412005 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414029 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.12 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778403043 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.14 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778406001 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.11 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778404004 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778404002 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes Yes 778411011 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413001 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778410009 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778412013 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414015 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411012 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778404009 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414011 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411016 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778415001 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778412012 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes City of Coachella- 6th Cycle Housing Element Update 185 Item 2.

Coachella- Site Inventory Table
General Plan Land Use Scenario
In Previous
Cycle? APN APN_1 Existing Land Use General Plan Zoning Site Size (Acres) Max
Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Capacity
(units) Income Category Infrastructure? Notes
778411002 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778410011 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414037 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778407002 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778410016 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778412002 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411026 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778403025 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778404005 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414013 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes in process to rezone to RM (urban). Only 9.6 ares
778414038 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414025 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413003 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778407001 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.11 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414020 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778405002 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778404014 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.10 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778415002 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411009 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778404006 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411028 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778410002 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411020 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414024 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413016 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414031 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414023 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778403026 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413012 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414012 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778410010 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411017 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414002 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411007 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413010 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414009 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778412004 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414010 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778404007 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411022 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778404011 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes City of Coachella- 6th Cycle Housing Element Update 186 Item 2.

Coachella- Site Inventory Table
General Plan Land Use Scenario
In Previous
Cycle? APN APN_1 Existing Land Use General Plan Zoning Site Size (Acres) Max
Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Density
(du/ac)
Realistic Capacity
(units) Income Category Infrastructure? Notes
778405013 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414005 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414035 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414036 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778415004 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778412011 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414006 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778403023 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778407004 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778104009 765275007 Vacant GN R-S 0.10 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778405009 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411025 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778092008 765293008 Vacant GN C-G 0.14 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778404010 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414008 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778410004 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414018 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414001 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778406008 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411008 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414019 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414028 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.12 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778406006 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414030 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778405011 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778404012 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778410001 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414027 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778404003 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778412003 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413015 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778403017 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778406003 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778406011 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414004 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.09 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778405006 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778410006 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778413008 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778405014 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.10 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778404013 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778407003 765440016 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778414021 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes 778411013 765440012 Vacant GN R-PUD 0.08 25 10 1 Moderate Yes City of Coachella- 6th Cycle Housing Element Update 187 Item 2.

Housing Constraints City of Coachella | C-1
Appendix C:Housing Constraints
Contents
Appendix C: Housing Constraints ......................................................... C-1 Section C.1 Introduction......................................................................................................C-2 Section C.2 Governmental Constraints ...............................................................................C-2 C.2.1 Introduction......................................................................................................C-2 C.2.2 Land Use Controls ...........................................................................................C-2 C.2.3 Building and Housing Codes and Enforcement ..............................................C-25 C.2.4 Permits and Procedures.................................................................................C-25 C.2.5 On and Off-site Improvements .......................................................................C-32 Section C.3 Non-Governmental Constraints......................................................................C-33 C.3.1 Housing Supply/Conditions ............................................................................C-33 C.3.2 Development Costs........................................................................................C-34 C.3.3 Availability of Financing..................................................................................C-35 C.3.4 Summary .......................................................................................................C-36 Section C.4 Environmental and Infrastructure Constraints ................................................C-37 C.4.1 Environmental Constraints .............................................................................C-37 C.4.2 Infrastructure Constraints...............................................................................C-37 190
Item 2.

C-2 | City of Coachella Housing Constraints
Section C.1 Introduction
The provision of decent, safe, and affordable housing is an important goal of the City of Coachella.

However, there are a variety of factors that encourage or constrain the development, maintenance, and improvement of the housing stock in the City. These include market mechanisms, government codes and regulations, and physical and environmental constraints. This section reviews and analyzes these potential constraints, in terms of a) governmental constraints, b) nongovernmental including market constraints, and c) environmental and infrastructural constraints.

Section C.2 Governmental Constraints
C.2.1 Introduction
Local policies and regulations can affect the quantity and type of residential development. Since governmental actions can constrain the development and the affordability of housing, State law requires the housing element to "address and, where appropriate and legally possible, remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing" (Government Code § 65583(c)(3)).

The City’s primary policies and regulations that affect residential development and housing affordability include: the Zoning Ordinance, the General Plan, development processing procedures and fees, on and off-site improvement requirements, and the California Building and Housing Codes. In addition to a review of these policies and regulations, an analysis of the governmental constraints on housing production for persons with disabilities is included in this Section.

C.2.2 Land Use Controls
This section provides an overview of the City’s land use controls and their relation to the City’s housing supply.

General Plan Land Use Designations
The City of Coachella adopted the General Plan Update in 2015. Chapter 4 of the General Plan is the Land Use and Community Character Element which directs the location and form of future development in the city. The 2015 General Plan has not yet been implemented through a comprehensive zoning ordinance update. The lack of an updated zoning ordinance reflecting the latest General Plan policies presents a significant constraint to the development of housing.

Government Code § 65583(c)(7) requires the identification of “means by which consistency will be achieved with other general plan elements and community goals”. The City’s General Plan and Zoning Ordinance are inconsistent with one another and the City must update the Zoning Ordinance to be consistent with the General Plan. (see Program 1.1) In the interim, the provisions 191
Item 2.

Housing Constraints City of Coachella | C-3
of Senate Bill 330 allow for the City to approve projects consistent with the General Plan policies, land use designations, and densities in advance of a zoning ordinance update.

The General Plan includes nine land use designations that allow a range of residential development types (see Table C-1), at a variety of densities.

Table C-1: City General Plan Residential Land Use Designations General Plan Designation Allowed Density Description
Agricultural Rancho 1 unit per parcel or 1 unit per
40 acres
The Agricultural Rancho designation provides
areas for productive agriculture uses in the City.

Agricultural areas provide for active uses such
as date farms, field crops or grapes. In some
cases, this designation also encompasses other
working lands that provide an open space
benefit or are in other ways a non-urban land
use, such as mining. These rural environments
– and the natural and agricultural systems that
define them – are intended to be preserved in
perpetuity and may not be converted for urban
use.

Rural Rancho 0.4 (1 unit per 2.5 acres) – 1
du/ac
The Rural Rancho designation accommodates
low intensity residential development within a
preserved rural landscape. These areas are
intended to serve as a buffer between
Agriculture and any of the urban designations of
this Plan or as the edge of the urbanized City.

Suburban Neighborhood 2 – 8, with 5 du/ac average
for new projects
Suburban Neighborhoods provide a lower
intensity, quieter, family-living environment but
are still well connected to surrounding
neighborhoods, retail areas as well as natural
and agricultural open spaces. Because
Suburban Neighborhoods are less compact
than General Neighborhoods, they are
inherently less walkable and amenities such as
parks, schools and convenience retail are
farther from most residences. Accordingly,
greater accommodation is provided to the
automobile in these Neighborhoods, and
greater attention must be paid to bike routes.

General Neighborhood 7 – 25 du/ac, with 12 du/ac
average for new projects
General Neighborhoods provide a diversity of
housing that meets the needs of Coachella’s
many household sizes, incomes, and lifestyle
preferences. General Neighborhoods integrate
a range of single- and multi-family housing
options within a green, walkable neighborhood
environment that offers parks and playgrounds
for their residents and access to schools and
basic shopping needs within a comfortable
walk, bike ride or short drive.

Urban Neighborhood 20 – 38 du/ac with 30 du/ac
average for new projects
Urban Neighborhoods create a high-intensity,
walkable, transit-ready neighborhood with a
variety of types of housing - predominantly
multi-family of various types. Urban
Neighborhoods should be located in close
proximity to high quantities of commercial, civic
and recreational uses. The value of the Urban
192
Item 2.

C-4 | City of Coachella Housing Constraints
Table C-1: City General Plan Residential Land Use Designations General Plan Designation Allowed Density Description
Neighborhood derives from its compactness,
and the degree to which it allows a larger
number of residents to live near one another,
within easy walking distance of parks, schools,
shops, transit and employment.

Neighborhood Center 15 – 40 du/ac
This designation creates a concentration of
commercial businesses and civic amenities—
often mixed with multi-family housing—within
convenient walking or biking distance of nearby
neighborhoods. Centers provide gathering
places for the residents of surrounding
neighborhoods and are ideal locations for highquality transit stops.

Downtown Center 20 – 65 du/ac
As Neighborhood Centers bring residents of
surrounding neighborhoods together by
providing a convenient and congenial
environment for everyday shopping and dining,
the Downtown brings the entire community
together in a one-of-a-kind Coachella center
that is the civic heart of the City.

Urban Employment Center 30 – 65 du/ac
This General Plan designation provides space
for a range of employment uses to help expand
and diversify the City’s economy and transform
Coachella from a small town to a full-service
city. The desired employment uses are office
and research and development rather than
industrial uses such as manufacturing,
distribution and warehouse. The employment
uses are supported by retail, service and similar
uses. Residential uses are allowed in
residential-only buildings or in a mixed-use
configuration with ground-floor retail. Also
allowed are higher education uses (such as a
college or university) designed in urban setting.

Regional Retail District 10 – 15 du/ac
This designation provides opportunities for a
wide range of shopping and entertainment in a
variety of urban and suburban formats. These
include regional shopping centers, mixed
destination centers or similar uses. The uses
allowed in this designation will cater to regional
clientele and provide a unique amenity to all
residents of the Coachella Valley and an
important revenue source for the City. The
primary purpose of the District is to provide for
commercial opportunities, with residential uses
supporting the retail environment.

Source: City of Coachella General Plan (2015)
193
Item 2.

Housing Constraints City of Coachella | C-5
Zoning Districts
Title 17 of the Coachella Code of Ordinances contains the Zoning Ordinance. This section analyzes the Zoning Ordinance and the zones which allow residential development.

There are a total of seven base zones and three overlay zones as well as ten zones within the La Entrada and Vista Del Agua Specific Plans that allow residential development with various densities and housing types. Table C-2 lists the zones that allow residential development with a description of each.

Table C-2: Residential Zones
Zone Description
Agricultural Reserve Zone
This zone is intended to preserve certain designated prime agricultural lands within the city and protect those lands, which are deemed to be agricultural preserves, from the intrusion of urban development incompatible with agricultural land uses. This zone designation is reserved for only those lands which are subject to recorded Williamson Act contracts pursuant to Government Code, §51200 et seq.

Agricultural Transition
Zone
This zone has the purpose of permitting the continued agricultural use of those lands suited to eventual development in other uses and zones, pending proper timing for the economical provisions of utilities, major streets, and other facilities, so that compact, orderly development will occur.

Residential Estate Zone
This zone is intended to provide for the establishment of residential areas which are to be developed at low density and with reasonable and adequate limitations, safeguards, and controls for the keeping and maintenance of horses in those areas of the city where noncommercial equestrian activities may be an integral part of the neighborhood amenities.

Single-Family Zone
This zone is intended to provide areas within the city where development is limited to lowdensity concentrations of single-family dwellings, and to stabilize and protect the residential character of such areas. It has the further purpose of the provision of community facilities needed to complement urban residential areas and for institutions which require a residential environment and to minimize traffic congestion and to avoid an overload of utilities designed to service only low-density residential uses. The provisions of this zone are intended to encourage a suitable environment for family life through the regulation of densities of development, yards, fencing, heights, and similar aspects of development.

Residential Overlay Zone
The R-O-6000 zone is intended to provide adequate housing for all persons regardless of age, race, ethnic background, national origin, religion, family size, marital status, handicap, or any other arbitrary factor so long as such use is consistent with sound standards of public health and safety. It has the further purpose of maintaining and promoting residential living environments compatible and in harmony with the previously established patterns of development of existing low- and moderate-income housing. As such, the objective of this zoning designation is to provide the City with a device needed to correct existing shortages and to meet projected growth needs within the city.

Multiple-Family Zone
This zone is intended to provide for the establishment and expansion of multiple-family residential development areas at various medium and high population densities and related community services, all located in conformance with the general plan.

Mobile Home Subdivision
Zone
It is the intent of this chapter to provide regulations for the placement of mobile homes on individual lots within an approved subdivision specifically designed and designated for the sale, not rental, of lots to accommodate mobile homes as the dwelling unit. The minimum site that may be zoned for this purpose shall be twenty (20) acres, including one-half but not to exceed thirty-three (33) feet of width of adjacent boundary streets dedicated to the public.
194
Item 2.

C-6 | City of Coachella Housing Constraints
Table C-2: Residential Zones
Zone Description
Neighborhood
Commercial Zone
This zone is intended to provide for every day, convenience shopping intended to serve residential neighborhoods, consistent with the environmental requirements of such neighborhoods. Convenience shopping facilities are those which provide space for retail and service businesses serving the immediate neighborhood. The provisions of this zone are intended to minimize or eliminate, insofar as possible, any conflicting aspects of commercial land use within residential neighborhoods, particularly as related to traffic, type of activity, and site requirements.

Senior Housing Overlay
Zone
The senior housing overlay district (SHO) is established to provide for the development of senior citizen housing pursuant to standards that reflect the unique needs and character of senior citizen housing in the city of Coachella. As such, it is the objective of this overlay district to encourage the development of senior citizen housing with appropriate amenities tailored to the needs of seniors to address the current shortage of affordable senior housing in the city as well as the projected growth needs of the senior citizen community.

The SHO District shall provide standard incentives for the development of a wide variety of specialized housing designed and restricted to residents aged fifty-five (55) years or older and qualified disabled residents.

Planned Unit
Developments
The purpose of this chapter is to provide for attractive, planned, residential districts in accordance with the general plan; to provide a means of achieving greater quality, variety and flexibility in residential development on relatively large areas of land; to encourage more imaginative and innovative design of projects; to promote more desirable living environments that would not be possible through the strict application of zoning standards; to assist in the development of old or blighted neighborhoods by providing incentives for higher quality multiple residential housing and project design; to require a more efficient use of open space, separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic and increased project amenities; to insure that such projects will be assets to their surrounding neighborhoods, and safeguards will be required through the conditional use procedure. The overall plan shall provide equivalent or higher standards of development, operation, light, air, safety, convenience, and aesthetics, than if developed under the underlying zone.

La Entrada Specific Plan
Very Low Density
Residential
The VLDR land use designation proposes up to approximately 133 residential dwelling units within two planning areas on approximately 66.4 acres of the site. As proposed, this land use designation will allow a range of 0.5-2.9 dwelling units per acre, located in the Hillside Village within the easternmost portion of the site. The lower density associated with this designation is meant to complement the surrounding open space areas located adjacent to these planning areas, and work with the existing landforms to create a neighborhood that blends with the existing slopes and uses landform grading to the extent possible.

Low Density Residential
The LDR land use designation proposes up to approximately 2,055 residential dwelling units within nine planning areas on approximately 448.7 acres. As proposed, this land use designation will allow a range of 3.0-5.9 dwelling units per acre, located predominantly within the northeastern portions of the Specific Plan area east of Street “A”. Many of these planning areas are located in areas of higher elevation adjacent to the open space areas along the northeastern edge of the Specific Plan. This low intensity land use provides a transition between the open space areas and the higher intensity development areas of the project.

Medium Density
Residential
The MDR land use designation proposes up to approximately 3,060 residential dwelling units within 19 planning areas on approximately 374.2acres of the site. As proposed this land use designation will allow a range of 6.0-12.9 dwelling units per acre, although densities could be lower, and will be located predominantly along the southwestern portion of the Specific Plan area, with a majority of them sited west of Street “A”. Many of these planning areas are located adjacent to the Village Paseo, park/recreation and open space areas of the Specific Plan and are associated with the community core areas of each village (which are comprised of mixed use and higher density residential uses). 195
Item 2.

Housing Constraints City of Coachella | C-7
Table C-2: Residential Zones
Zone Description
High Density Residential
The HDR land use designation proposes up to approximately 1,832 residential dwelling units within six planning areas on approximately 91.6 acres of the site. As proposed this land use designation will allow a range of 13.0-25 dwelling units per acre, although densities could be lower, and will be located in close proximity to Mixed Use areas proposed in the Specific Plan. The HDR planning areas are mainly located along the major collector/arterial roadways within the Specific Plan and adjacent to the freeway. In addition, HDR uses are anticipated within the Mixed Use areas of the plan (see discussion below).

Mixed Use Residential
The Mixed Use designation proposes development of commercial/retail/office and community uses, along with high density residential uses in strategic locations through the site, associated with three Community Core areas of the project. The primary and largest Mixed Use location is proposed at the intersection of Avenue 50 and Street “A” in the Gateway Village in the northwestern portion of the site. Avenue 50 within this area is proposed to connect to Interstate 10, which will provide this portion of the site freeway access. Two other less intense Mixed Use areas are proposed along the Street “A” corridor. The three Mixed Use areas are connected by the Village Paseo and the offstreet trail system on Avenue “A”, or a potential future Sunline Transit Agency bus route extension.

Totaling approximately 135 acres, the MU designation will allow up to 99 acres of retail commercial and office use and up to approximately 720 high density residential units within 8 planning areas. Commercial development potential associated with the Mixed Use designation is estimated at approximately 1,510,879 square feet of retail commercial and office use based on an average floor area ratio of 0.35. Maximum FAR is 0.45 as outlined in the Development Regulations of this Specific Plan.

Vista del Agua Specific Plan
SingleFamily
Residential
R-1 4,000
The range of housing types within the Vista Del Agua Specific Plan includes a variety of single-family dwelling types, R-1 4,000, R-1 5,000 and R-1 6,000 residential are incorporated into four planning areas. These single-family areas are composed of four thousand square foot (4,000 sf) lot minimums, five thousand square foot (5,000 sf) lot minimums and six thousand square foot (6,000 sf) minimum lots. These three (3) minimum lot sizes will allow for a variety of single family detached residences within the proposed community.

R-1 5,000
R-1 6,000
MultiFamily
Residential
Cluster
Development
The multi-family residential component to the Vista Del Agua Specific Plan consists of three planning areas.

Planning Areas 2 & 3 will contain seventeen point four acres (17.44 ac.). These planning areas are located within walking distance to major thoroughfares, employment centers and commercial services, and therefore will contain the highest density in the Vista Del Agua Specific Plan at twenty units per acre (20 DU/ac.) This multi-family attached designation is characterized by low-rise condominiums or apartment buildings. This development will provide buildings up to three stories in height with recreation and community facilities with common open space areas.

Planning Area 4 will contain twenty-two point zero five acres (22.05 ac.). This multi-family area will allow for row townhomes, auto-court townhomes, paired homes, condominiums, or duplex product types. This multi-family component will be developed at a maximum of 12 dwelling units per acre (12 DU/ac.) and will be located at the southwest corner of Street “A” and Avenue 47.

Multi-Family
Source: City of Coachella General Plan (2015); La Entrada Specific Plan, Vista del Agua Specific Plan 196
Item 2.

C-8 | City of Coachella Housing Constraints
Development Standards
Development standards can constrain new residential development if the standards make it economically unfeasible or physically impractical to develop a particular lot, or there are not suitable parcels which meet the development criteria for building form, massing, height, and density in a particular zone.

Through its Zoning Ordinance, the City enforces minimum development standards for new residential uses. Table C-3 summarizes the basic standards for the City’s zones that allow residential development.

Table C-3: Development Standards in Zones that Allow Residential Development Zone Zone
Min. Lot
Size
Density
(units/
acre)
Min. Setbacks (ft.) Max.

Height
Max. Lot
Coverage
Min.

Open
Space
Front Side Rear
Agricultural
Reserve Zone A-R 40 acres
1 du/40-
acre lot
max.

Center line of
street: 60
Street line: 20
20 25
2 stories or
35 ft.,
whichever
is less

N/A N/A
Agricultural
Transition
Zone
A-T 5 acres 1 du/5-acre
lot max.

Center line of
street: 60
Street line: 20
20 25
2 stories or
35 ft.,
whichever
is less

N/A N/A
Residential
Estate Zone R-E
20,000
sq.ft.
1 du/ac
max.

Center line of
street: 60
Street line: 20
20 25
2 stories or
35 ft.,
whichever
is less

N/A N/A
Single-Family
Zone R-S
Interior
lots: 7,200
sq.ft.

Corner
lots: 7,200
sq.ft.

Avg. for
subdiv.::
7,000
sq.ft.
6 du/ac
max.

Main Unit: 15
Front-loading
garages: 20
Side-loaded
garages: 12
5 + 10 (15
combined)
Street
side: 10
20 2 stories
(30 ft.) 40% N/A
Residential
Overlay Zone
R-0-
6000
6,000
sq.ft.
7 du/ac
max.

Main Unit: 20
Side entry
garage: 12
Interior
lots: 5
Street
side: 10
15 2 stories or
35 ft.,
whichever
is less
40% N/A
MultipleFamily Zone R-M
Singlefamily
detached:
5,000
sq.ft.

Singlefamily
attached:
4,500
21 du/ac
max.
15 Interior
and corner
lots: 5 20
3 stories or
45 ft.,
whichever
is less
N/A
25% of
req. lot
area per
DU
197
Item 2.

Housing Constraints City of Coachella | C-9
Table C-3: Development Standards in Zones that Allow Residential Development Zone Zone
Min. Lot
Size
Density
(units/
acre)
Min. Setbacks (ft.) Max.

Height
Max. Lot
Coverage
Min.

Open
Space
Front Side Rear
sq.ft.

Multifamily (5+
DU):
10,000
sq.ft.

Mobilehome
Subdivision
Zone
R-MH 4,500
sq.ft.
9 du/ac
max.
20 Min street
frontage: 35
5 5
Primary
use: 15 ft.

Accessory
use: 15 ft.

Conditional
use: 2
stories or
35 ft.,
whichever
is less

N/A N/A
Neighborhood
Commercial
Zone
C-N
5,000
sq.ft.
8 du/ac
max.

One or both
adjoining
zones are
res.: equal in
depth to the
avg. of req.
front yards of
adjoining
zones
Adjoining
street or
res. Zone:
10 Reversed
corner lot:
no less
than the
req. front
yard of
adjoining
key lot to
the rear
Adjoining
res. zone:
10 Adjoining
res. Use:
20 2 stories or
35 ft.,
whichever
is less
None N/A
Senior
Housing
Overlay Zone
SHO
Multifamily:
20,000
sq.ft.

Singlefamily:
2,500
sq.ft.

Dependent
upon base
zone
Detached
single-family:
20 Additional 1 ft.
of setback per
every foot in
height over 18
ft.

Detached
singlefamily:

Interior
side: 5
Exterior
side: 10
Detached
singlefamily: 10
Singlefamily
detached:
18 N/A N/A
La Entrada Specific Plan
Very Low
Density
Residential
VLDR 10,000
sq.ft

0.5-2.9
du/ac
Living space:
20 Interior: 10
(10% of lot
width)
Living
space: 15
Porch,
balcony,
or deck:
10 Primary
structure:
25 Accessory
structure:
15 60% N/A
198
Item 2.

C-10 | City of Coachella Housing Constraints
Table C-3: Development Standards in Zones that Allow Residential Development Zone Zone
Min. Lot
Size
Density
(units/
acre)
Min. Setbacks (ft.) Max.

Height
Max. Lot
Coverage
Min.

Open
Space
Front Side Rear
Low Density
Residential LDR 5,500 sq.ft.

3.0-5.9
du/ac
Living space:
10 Interior: 5
Street: 10
Living
space
adjacent
to street:
15 Living
space not
adjacent
to street:
10 Patio
cover,
balcony,
or deck: 5
Garage:
5-8 or 18+
Primary
structure:
30 Accessory
structure:
15 65% N/A
Medium
Density
Residential
(Detached)
MDR 1,925
sq.ft.

6.0-12.9
du/ac
Facing the
street
Living space:
10 Facing motor
court
Living space:
5 Facing paseo
Living space:
5 Interior,
alley, or
motor
court: 5
Street: 10
Living
space
adjacent
to street:
10 Living
space not
adjacent
to street:
8 Patio
cover,
balcony,
or deck: 5
Garage:
5-8 or 18+
Primary
structure:
36 (2
stories)
Accessory:
15 70%
Private:
80 sq.ft.
per unit
Common:
100 sq.ft.
per unit
Medium
Density
Residential
(Attached)
MDR N/A 6.0-12.9
du/ac
Facing the
street
Living space:
8 Facing motor
court
Living space:
5 Facing paseo
Living space:
5 Interior,
alley, or
motor
court: 5
Street: 10
Living
space
adjacent
to street:
12 Living
space not
adjacent
to street:
10 (5 on
motor
court)
Patio
cover,
balcony,
or deck: 5
(3 on
motor
court)
Primary
structure:
36 (2
stories)
Accessory:
15 70%
Private:
80 sq.ft.
per unit
Common:
100 sq.ft.
per unit
199
Item 2.

Housing Constraints City of Coachella | C-11
Table C-3: Development Standards in Zones that Allow Residential Development Zone Zone
Min. Lot
Size
Density
(units/
acre)
Min. Setbacks (ft.) Max.

Height
Max. Lot
Coverage
Min.

Open
Space
Front Side Rear
Garage:
3-8 or 18+
High Density
Residential
(Detached)
HDR 1,750
sq.ft.

13.0-25.0
du/ac
Facing the
street
Living space:
5 Facing motor
court
Living space:
5 Facing paseo
Living space:
3 Interior or
alley: 5
Street: 10
Living
space
adjacent
to street:
10 Living
space not
adjacent
to street:
5 Patio
cover,
balcony,
or deck: 3
Garage:
3-8 or 18+
Primary
structure:
45 (3
stories)
Accessory:
15 70%
Private:
80 sq.ft.
per unit 1
Common:
100 sq.ft.
per unit 1
High Density
Residential
(Attached)
HDR N/A 13.0-25.0
du/ac
Facing the
street
Living space:
5 Facing motor
court
Living space:
5 Facing paseo
Living space:
3 Interior,
alley, or
motor
court: 5
Street: 10
Living
space
adjacent
to street:
10 Living
space not
adjacent
to street:
5 Patio
cover,
balcony,
or deck: 3
Garage:
3-8 or 18+
Primary
structure:
45 (3
stories)
Accessory:
15 75%
Common:
80/48 2
sq.ft.

Private:
100/150 2
sq.ft.

Mixed Use
Residential MU N/A 13.0-25.0 du/ac
Facing the
street
Living space:
5 Facing motor
court
Living space:
5 Facing paseo
Interior,
alley, or
motor
court: 5
Street: 10
Living
space
adjacent
to street:
10 Living
space not
adjacent
to street:
5 Patio
cover,
balcony,
Primary
structure:
45 (3
stories)
Accessory:
15 75%
Common:
80/48 2
sq.ft.

Private:

N/A
200
Item 2.

C-12 | City of Coachella Housing Constraints
Table C-3: Development Standards in Zones that Allow Residential Development Zone Zone
Min. Lot
Size
Density
(units/
acre)
Min. Setbacks (ft.) Max.

Height
Max. Lot
Coverage
Min.

Open
Space
Front Side Rear
Living space:
5 or deck: 3
Garage:
3-8 or 18+
Vista del Agua Specific Plan
Single-Family
Residential
R-1
4,000
4,000
sq.ft. 7.0 du
Living area:
12 Porches: 8
Interior: 5
Street: 10
Turn in
garage: 3
Main
structure:
15 Garage: 5
Patio
cover: 5
Second
story
deck: 10
Accessory
structure:
3 Main
structure:
35 Accessory
structure:
14 55%
Common:
7% of
planning
area
R-1
5,000
5,000
sq.ft. 6.0 du
Living area:
15 Porches: 8
Interior: 5
Street: 10
Turn in
garage: 3
Main
structure:
15 Garage: 5
Patio
cover: 5
Second
story
deck: 10
Accessory
structure:
3 Main
structure:
35 Accessory
structure:
14 55%
Common:
7% of
planning
area
R-1
6,000
6,000
sq.ft. 5.0 du
Living area:
17 Porches: 8
Interior: 5
Street: 10
Turn in
garage: 3
Main
structure:
15 Garage: 5
Patio
cover: 5
Second
story
deck: 10
Accessory
structure:
3 Main
structure:
35 Accessory
structure:
14 55%
Common:
7% of
planning
area
Multi-Family
Residential
Cluster
Development
5,000
sq.ft. 12.0 du
Perimeter
building: 15
Interior
building: 10
Perimeter
building
street: 15
Perimeter
building
property
line: 10
Interior
Perimeter
building
street: 15
Perimeter
building
property
line: 15
40 60%
Common:
7% of
planning
area
201
Item 2.

Housing Constraints City of Coachella | C-13
Table C-3: Development Standards in Zones that Allow Residential Development Zone Zone
Min. Lot
Size
Density
(units/
acre)
Min. Setbacks (ft.) Max.

Height
Max. Lot
Coverage
Min.

Open
Space
Front Side Rear
building
street: 10
Interior
building
property
line: 0
Interior
building: 0
MultiFamily7,200
sq.ft. 20.0 du Building: 20Parking: 20
Interior: 5
Street: 10
Turn in
garage: 3
Building:
15 Parking:
20 55 60%
Common:
7% of
planning
area
Private
ground
level: 50
sq.ft.
(min: 7 ft.
horizontal,
8 ft.
vertical)
1 The standards only apply to detached motor court cluster product types. 2 150 sq.ft. of common outdoor open space and 48 sq.ft. of private outdoor open space shall be provided for multi-family flat product types.

Source: City of Coachella Zoning Ordinance; La Entrada Specific Plan, Vista del Agua Specific Plan Conclusion
The development standards in Table C-3 present a constraint to the development of housing.

Only one zone, R-M, allows multi-family housing as a primary use, at a maximum of three stories.

Density achievable under the R-M zone is limited to 20 units per acre, below the 30 units per acre threshold HCD determines feasible for affordable housing development. The C-N zone allows for multi-family dwelling units as well, but it is limited to the second story in a maximum two-story building. The density ranges for multi-family dwellings are complicated and vary depending on lot size and the number of units. The vast majority of base zoning districts only allow for single-family dwellings on moderate to large lots. The La Entrada Specific Plan allows for multi-family housing but limited to three story buildings. In addition, the requirement of an architectural review of all residential development with no objective criteria presents a constraint to the development of housing, as a subjective approval process can be unpredictable. Beyond the subjective criteria for mobilehomes in the A-R, A-T, and R-E zones, no design criteria is given for residential development. The City proposes Program 5.1 to update the Zoning code to facilitate production of a variety of housing types, at densities consistent with the General Plan. 202
Item 2.

C-14 | City of Coachella Housing Constraints
Parking Standards
Table C-4 displays the required parking rates for residential land uses, applicable to all zones.

Table C-4: Parking Rates for Residential Land Uses
Residential Use Required Number of Spaces
Single-Family, Detached
R-0-6000 overlay zone 1 enclosed space per unit
In all other zones 2 enclosed space per unit
Multi-Family, Attached Single-Family, Duplexes
1-bedroom or studio 1 covered space + 2/3 open space per unit 2 or more bedrooms 1 covered space + 1 and 1/3 open space per unit Boardinghouses, Fraternities and Group Living
Quarters 1 space per resident
Convalescent and Sanitariums, Nursing Homes,
Rest Homes, Retirement Homes and Similar
Establishments
1 space per each 3 licensed beds
Senior Housing Overlay Zone
Active Retirement Community
Single-Family Units 2 enclosed parking spaces per unit; 1 space per nonresidential employee on the largest shift.

Townhome/Condominium 2 enclosed parking spaces per unit; 1 space per nonresidential employee on the largest shift; 1 guest space per 5 units.

Apartment 1 space for per bedroom; 1 space per nonresidential employee on the largest shift; 1 guest space per 5 units.

Independent Living Units
1 covered or enclosed parking space per unit; 1 parking space per nonresident employee on the largest shift; one guest space per 5 units.

Congregate Housing
One-half covered or enclosed space per unit; 1 parking space per nonresident employee on the largest shift; 1 guest space per 5 units; 1 space per 2 nonresident employees on the largest shift.

La Entrada Specific Plan
Single-Family/Residential 2 spaces per du covered or within a garage Attached/Multi-Family
Studio/1-bed 1 space per du, covered or within a garage 2+ beds 1 space per du, covered or within a garage

1.33 spaces per unit of open parking
Vista del Agua Specific Plan
R-1 4,000/5,000/6,000 2 garage spaces
Cluster Planning Development Area
2 spaces per unit, plus 1 non-exclusive space per unit to be located within 150 ft. of the cluster as measured from curb line at the intersection of the public street or private access-way and the shared drive. Minimum of 3 total spaces per unit.

Multi-Family Planning Area Private:
203
Item 2.

Housing Constraints City of Coachella | C-15
Table C-4: Parking Rates for Residential Land Uses
Residential Use Required Number of Spaces
1-bed units - 1.75 spaces, including 1 space in a garage or carport
2-bed units - 2 spaces, including 1 space in a garage or carport 3-bed units - 2.5 spaces per unit, including 2 spaces in a garage or carport
Guest:
3 to 50 units - 1 space per 4 units
51 to 100 units - 1 space per 5 units
101+ units - 1 space per 6 units
Source: City of Coachella Zoning Ordinance; La Entrada Specific Plan, Vista del Agua Specific Plan Shared and Off-Site Parking: In addition to the standards in Table C-4, the Zoning Ordinance contains a section on shared and off-street parking, as a means of reducing the total number of required on-site parking spaces for different uses. Section 17.52.010.G (Shared and Off-Site Parking) dictates that shared or off-site parking can be allowed through a Conditional Use Permit approval, if the application complies with the following requirements:

1. A parking study addressing the potential peak parking demand and an actual parking survey of the parking facility under consideration shall be submitted.

2. Sufficient evidence shall be presented demonstrating that no substantial conflict in the principal hours or periods of peak demand for the structures or uses for which the joint use is proposed will exist.

3. Parties concerned in the use of shared or off-site parking facilities shall provide evidence of agreements for such use by a proper legal instrument, which shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder with two copies thereof filed with the planning division as a condition of any approval.

4. In no case shall the total parking reduction be allowed to exceed fifty (50) percent of the total parking for all uses combined.

5. Any off-site parking shall be located so that it will adequately serve the use for which it is intended, with safe and convenient access without unreasonable hazard to pedestrian, vehicular traffic, or traffic congestion, and shall not be detrimental to the use of any business, property or residential neighborhood in the vicinity.

Conclusion
Generally, the parking standards in Table C-4 present a constraint to the development of housing.

A point of clarity could be made regarding the fractional “open space per dwelling unit” applying to multi-family units. Multi-family units in other comparable jurisdictions tend to require an extra space or fraction dedicated for guest spaces or some other specified use. If the Zoning Ordinance is intentionally requiring 1.6 spaces per dwelling unit, without qualifying the open space for guests, 204
Item 2.

C-16 | City of Coachella Housing Constraints
this requirement is generally more than most jurisdictions require and constrains the development of dense multi-family development. In addition, requiring 1.6 spaces for a studio dwelling unit will constrain the development of dense multi-family development, or affordable housing typologies whereas much parking is not needed. While the Zoning Ordinance does offer potential relief from parking requirements through shared and off-site parking, these can only be achieved in certain circumstances and require a Conditional Use Permit, even if the use is allowed by right. The Zoning Ordinance could provide more alternative parking reduction solutions such as lowering the requirement when providing bicycle parking, for affordable projects, or for projects near transit (see Program 5.3 to modify parking regulations).

Provisions for a Variety of Housing
The City has adopted provisions in its Zoning Ordinance that facilitate a range of residential development types. Table C-5 identifies the different housing types and how they are permitted in the main zones that allow for residential uses.

Table C-5: Housing Types Permitted by Base Zone
Housing Type
Base Zones

A-R A-T R-E R-S
R-0-
6000

R-M R-MH C-N SHO
Single-Family A A P P P P -- -- --
Duplex -- -- -- -- -- P -- -- --
Multi-Family -- -- -- -- C P -- C1
--
Accessory Living Quarters for
Employees A A -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Active Retirement/Independent
Living Community and Congregate
Housing Community
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- P
Boarding, Rooming, and Lodging
Houses -- -- -- -- C A -- -- --
Convalescent homes, Rest
Homes, and Sanitaria -- -- -- -- -- A -- -- --
Emergency Shelter -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Farmworker Housing C C -- -- C -- -- -- --
Guest Houses, Accessory Living
Quarters, and Servants Quarters -- -- A -- -- -- -- -- -- Manufactured Homes -- -- -- -- C -- -- -- --
Mobile Home Parks -- -- -- -- -- N P -- --
Secondary Housing Units (ADUs) -- -- -- A C -- -- -- -- SRO Unit -- -- -- -- N -- -- -- --
Supportive Housing A A P P C P P C1 P
Transitional Housing A A P P C P P C1 P
205
Item 2.

Housing Constraints City of Coachella | C-17
Table C-5: Housing Types Permitted by Base Zone
Housing Type
Base Zones

A-R A-T R-E R-S
R-0-
6000

R-M R-MH C-N SHO
P = Permitted (Primary Use)
A = Permitted (Accessory Use)
C = Conditionally Permitted
N = Not Permitted
1 Limited to second story.

Source: City of Coachella Zoning Ordinance
Table C-6: Housing Types Permitted by Specific Plan Zone Vista Del Agua Specific Plan
La Entrada Specific Plan
Housing Type
Single-Family Multi-Family
R-1
4,000
R-1
5,000
R-1
6,000
Cluster MultiFamilyVLDR LDR MDR HDR MU
Single-Family P P P P -- P P P P P 1
Duplex -- -- -- -- -- -- -- P P P
Multi-Family -- -- -- P P -- -- -- P P
Live/Work -- -- -- -- -- -- -- C C --
Mobile Home Parks -- -- -- -- -- N N N N --
Secondary Housing Units
(ADUs) -- -- -- -- -- P P P -- --
Senior Housing Facilities -- -- -- -- P C C P P P
P = Permitted (Primary Use)
A = Permitted (Accessory Use)
C = Conditionally Permitted
N = Not Permitted
1 Townhomes only.

Source: Vista Del Agua Specific Plan, La Entrada Specific Plan Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): The City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit standards were last updated in 2019 to comply with California Government Code §65852.2 and §65852.22. The City does not comply with the most recent State requirements for ADUs. The City must comply with new regulations. See Program 5.5 to reflect the new State law.

Emergency Shelters: Emergency shelters are allowed in the M-S Manufacturing Service Zone byright, without discretionary review. Outside of any Specific Plans, emergency shelters are only permitted in the M-S zone. Emergency shelters must comply with the following criteria:
206
Item 2.

C-18 | City of Coachella Housing Constraints

1. Emergency shelters shall be operated by a responsible agency or organization, with experience in managing or providing social services;

2. The shelter shall provide at least one qualified on-site supervisor at all times, plus one attendant for each fifty (50) occupants;

3. A shelter shall not be approved when another homeless shelter is existing within three hundred (300) feet of the proposed site;

4. Emergency shelters shall provide a setback of thirty (30) feet from the shelter building to any residential zone;

5. Parking shall be supplied at a ratio of one vehicle space per ten (10) beds, and one secured bicycle parking area designed to accommodate up to one bicycle per ten (10) beds;

6. Each shelter shall be limited to a maximum occupancy of fifty (50) persons, including warming shelters and daytime facilities; and

7. A management plan shall be required to address how the immediate sheltering needs of individuals who may be turned away from the shelter will be handled. The management plan shall establish a maximum length of time for which clients may be accommodated.

The above development standards, with the exception of the parking and separation requirements, comply with Government Code Section 65583(a)(4)(A), which requires that emergency shelters may only be subject to those development and management standards that apply to residential or commercial development within the same zone and certain, objective standards. Though setback requirements are not among the approved objective standards, all uses in the M-S zone are subject to a 30-foot setback where they abut a residential zone. The number of required parking spaces does not reflect the parking necessary to only accommodate shelter staff.

Therefore, these requirements will be amended to be consistent with state law, which requires sufficient parking for emergency shelter staff, provided that it is not more parking than is required for other residential or commercial uses within the same zone (Government Code §65583(a)(4)(A)). Furthermore, state law only allows a separation requirement of up to 300 feet between emergency shelters. A program has been included to amend the number of parking spaces require and separation requirement to be consistent with the state law (e.g., limitation of a maximum separation requirement of 300 feet) (Program 1.9).

Parcels in the M-S Manufacturing Service Zone are predominantly located along Grapefruit Blvd./Highway 111, with others located to the north along Interstate 10, to the east adjacent/south of 52nd Ave., and to the south on land owned by the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians west of Harrison St. There are a total of 86 M-S zoned parcels in the City, with an average lot size of 6.6 acres.
207
Item 2.

Housing Constraints City of Coachella | C-19
Of these M-S parcels, 15 are vacant, with an average lot size of five acres, totaling 351.5 acres of vacant land in the M-S Zone. Four of these parcels are within a half-mile of transit, food, and medical service, including:
• APN 603-232-016 (3.8 acres) – Near City’s northern border along Avenue 48; features an existing occupiable building (29,180 sf) and for-sale as of May 2023 • APN 778-030-005 (14.5 acres) – Near Downtown, occupied by four industrial buildings leased to the Union Pacific Railroad
• APN 778-191-004 (7.92 acres) – Near Downtown, vacant
• APN 778-180-001 (2.57 acres) – Near Downtown, vacant
According to the 2023 Riverside County Homeless Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, there were an estimated 74 persons experiencing homelessness in Coachella, of which 67 were unsheltered (see Appendix A, Section A.3.5).The City conservatively assumes a rate of one bed per 600 square feet. Considering these assumptions, the 10.49 acres of vacant land near downtown could accommodate over 700 emergency shelter beds.

In addition, the City has hundreds of acres of vacant land in other zones that allow residential uses with access to amenities and services. Most specifically, there are 25.44 acres of land in the Downtown Center, which is applied in the core of the City, closest to the majority of City services and transit. Using a similarly conservative square footage estimate, the City has capacity on vacant parcels in the Downtown Core for over 1,800 beds. The table below outlines the vacant land capacity and corresponding General Plan designation. For more information on these sites, see Appendix B, Section B.3.3 (Housing Sites Table).

Table C-7: Vacant Land Area
Land Use Designation Vacant Land (Acres)
Downtown Center (DC) 25.44
General Neighborhood (GN) 343.79
Neighborhood Center (NC) 92.48
Suburban Neighborhood (SN) 57.49
Urban Employment Center (UE) 169.78
Urban Neighborhood (UN) 78.08
As indicated in Program 1.1 of the Housing Element, the City relies on the General Plan land use designations for the site inventory, as the General Plan land use designation is a more accurate and recent reflection of the land use policy across the City. AB 2339, among other things, requires cities to accommodate emergency shelters in zones which also allow residential development.

The City includes Program 1.14 to amend the Zoning Code to comply with AB 2339.

Farmworker Housing: The Zoning Ordinance does allow for farmworker housing, specifically designated as either “Farm labor camps” or “Facilities used for the purposes of providing shelter for migrant agricultural works” in the A-R, A-T, and R-O-6,000 zones by Conditional Use Permit. 208
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Neither of these uses are defined in Chapter 17.06 (Definitions) to help further distinguish their use. The Zoning Ordinance has not been amended to comply with Health and Safety Code §17021.5 and §17021.6 which requires employee housing for six or fewer persons to be treated as a single-family structure and residential use in a residential zone and employee housing consisting of no more than 36 beds in group quarters designed for use by a single family or household to be treated as an agricultural use in a zone that allows agricultural activities. No conditional use permits, zoning variances, or other zoning clearance are to be required. As shown in Table A-10, 9.2 percent of Coachella workers are employed in farming, fishing, and forestry occupations in Coachella. Given the proximity to farmland located just outside City limits, there is a high demand for this residential housing type. The City proposes Programs 1.10 and 5.10 to facilitate housing for farmworkers.

Manufactured Homes and Mobile Home Parks:

The City does not have standards or requirements for manufactured homes on permanent foundations. To ensure manufactured homes are explicitly allowed in residential areas, as required by state law, the City proposes Program 5.7.

Chapter 17.52 (Mobilehome parks) provides supplemental standards for the development of mobile home parks in Coachella. Mobile home parks are subject to the following development standards:

1. Lot Requirements:
a. Minimum lot size: 5 acres.
b. Density: One mobilehome for each 4,500 sq. ft. of gross lot area. c. Lot width and depth shall be determined by the Planning Commission or City Council when the Conditional Use Permit is considered.

2. Yard Requirements:
a. Front Yard: 25 feet minimum.
b. Side Yard: 15 feet minimum.
c. Rear Yard: 15 feet minimum.

3. Requirements for Individual Mobilehome Sites within a Mobilehome Park:
a. Minimum individual site size shall be 3,000 sq. ft.
b. Each site shall have a minimum width of 35 feet.
c. Each mobilehome shall be set back at least five feet from the edge of any interior site roadway.

4. Height Limits:
a. Height limits shall be those in the zone in which a mobilehome park is authorized. 209
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5. Distance Between Buildings and Mobilehomes:
a. There shall be a minimum average distance between mobilehomes of twenty (20) feet; except that where placed end to end, the distance may be reduced by ten (10) feet.
b. There shall be a minimum distance between mobilehomes and accessory buildings of fifteen (15) feet.
c. There shall be a minimum distance between accessory buildings of ten (10) feet.

6. Useable Open Space:
a. A common recreational-leisure area shall be provided for each mobilehome park.

Such recreational-leisure area shall be for the purpose of providing usable open space for the residents of the mobilehome park and shall not be for the use of the general public.
b. The size of such recreational-leisure area shall be equal to at least four hundred (400) square feet for each mobilehome site. Cabanas, swimming pools, decks, game areas, and similar uses may be included in such an area.

Supplemental development standards for mobilehome parks are common in the region and the standards above do not constrain the development of mobilehome parks.

Mobilehomes in the A-R, A-T, and R-E Zones are subject to Architectural Review and compliance with the following:

1. All mobilehomes subject to this review process shall be certified under the National Mobilehome Construction and Safety Act of 1974; and permanent foundations shall be approved by the building official; and roof material. Roof overhang and exterior finish materials shall be the same as typically used on conventional single-family structures.;

2. All mobilehomes shall be compatible with surrounding development;

3. All mobilehomes subject to the same development standards that apply to a conventional single-family dwelling; and

4. All mobilehomes shall be allowed to be placed upon any lot of record. (A-T and A-R only) Multi-Family: Section 17.20.030 (Property development standards) contains standards that apply only to multi-family housing developments in the R-M zone. The development standards include lot size requirements, yard requirements, height limit, distance between buildings, and useable open space. Additionally, the Section requires minimum dwelling unit sizes for the following unit types:

1. Efficiency: 600 square feet

2. One-bedroom: 750 square feet

3. Two-bedroom: 900 square feet
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4. Each additional bedroom: 150 square feet
The three-story maximum building heights in the R-M zone coupled with large minimum unit sizes for efficiency and one-bedroom units presents a constrain the maximum potential density for a multi-family residential development. To address this, the City proposes Program 5.4 to remove unit size limitations.

Single Room Occupancy (SROs): A Single Room Occupancy unit is considered a small, affordable housing unit that can serve as an entry point into the housing market for people who previously experienced homelessness. The R-O 6000 overlay zone allows for “boardinghouses, transient occupancy facilities, and other such facilities needed for emergency housing”, subject to Conditional Use Permit approval. The R-M zone allows for boarding and lodging houses as an accessory use. Neither zone provides criteria to specify how these uses must be developed or procedures to encourage their development. The City must update the Zoning Ordinance to provide a more specific use definition for SROs and provide development standards and procedures to allow for their development in specific zones. See Program 5.9.

Supportive and Transitional Housing: Chapter 633 of Senate Bill 2 requires that supportive and transitional housing be permitted as a residential use, subject only to restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone. The Zoning Ordinance does not mention Supportive and Transitional Housing as permitted uses in zones which allow residential dwellings. The lack of specific references to these required residential use types displays a deficiency in the Zoning Ordinance. The City must update the Zoning Ordinance to include Supportive and Transitional Housing as a residential use to avoid any potential impediments to their development. See Program 5.6.

Housing for Persons with Disabilities
The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (§5115 and §5116) of the California Welfare and Institutions Code declares that mentally and physically disabled persons are entitled to live in normal residential surroundings. This classification includes facilities that are licensed by the State of California to provide permanent living accommodations and 24 hour primarily nonmedical care and supervision for persons in need of personal services, supervision, protection, or assistance for sustaining the activities of daily living. It includes hospices, nursing homes, convalescent facilities, and group homes for minors, persons with disabilities, and people in recovery from alcohol or drug addictions. The use of property as a licensed residential care facility for the care of six or fewer persons is considered a residential use that is permitted in all residential zones. No local agency can impose stricter zoning or building and safety standards on these homes than otherwise required for homes in the same district.

Persons with disabilities normally have a number of housing needs that include accessibility of dwelling units. Persons with disabilities normally have a number of housing needs that include accessibility of dwelling units, access to transportation, employment, and commercial services; and alternative living arrangements that include on-site or nearby supportive services. Title 24 of 211
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the California Code of Regulations ensures that new housing developments comply with and federal requirements for accessibility.

The City ensures that new housing developments comply with California building standards (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)) and federal requirements for accessibility. The City defines a family as "a person or persons living together as a single housekeeping unit in a residential building" which is not based on relationship of the household or the number of persons. The City's definition does not unnecessarily constrain living configurations conducive to persons with disabilities.

The Zoning Ordinance does not provide a specific use for Residential Care Facilities with associated thresholds for the amount of people allowed to live on-site. The Zoning Ordinance contains uses such as Convalescent homes, rest homes, and sanitaria, Congregate Housing Community, and Continuum of Care. While only two base zones and one zone within the Vista del Agua Specific Plan allow these types of uses, four out of the five zones within the La Entrada Specific Plan allow assisted living-type uses either permitted by-right or by Conditional Use Permit with no thresholds for distinction. The Zoning Ordinance does not explicitly reference housing for persons with disabilities beyond senior homes with assisted living accommodations. To address this constraint the City proposes Program 5.8 to update their regulations to accommodate for persons with disabilities, distinguish residential care use types, and allow for any residential care facility with 6 or fewer persons to be allowed by-right.

Reasonable Accommodation
The Zoning Ordinance does not currently have a Reasonable Accommodation policy which establishes a formal procedure for individuals with disabilities seeking equal access to housing.

The federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in housing and require that jurisdictions take affirmative action to eliminate regulations and procedures that deny housing opportunities to individuals with disabilities. Local jurisdictions must provide flexibility for individuals with disabilities or developers of housing for individuals with disabilities in the application of local zoning and building regulations and procedures. The City must update the Zoning Ordinance to include a Reasonable Accommodation policy and associated procedures.

See Program 4.2.

Incentives for Affordable Housing
Chapter 17.88 (Density Bonus and Development Incentives) covers the City’s Density Bonus provisions and incentives for the production of housing for very low income, low income, moderate income, and senior households.

In addition to the eligible density bonus percentage, an applicant may request one or more incentives or concessions in connection with its application for a density bonus. Section

17.88.040 (Number and types of density bonus and development incentives) lists the following available incentives and concessions:
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1. A reduction in the site development standards or a modification of zoning code requirements or architectural design requirements that exceed the minimum building standards approved by the California Building Standards Commission as provided in Part

2.5 Section 18907 of Division 13 of Health and Safety Code, including, but not limited to, a reduction in setback and square footage requirements and in ratio of vehicle parking spaces that would otherwise be required and that results in identifiable, financially sufficient, and actual cost reductions;

2. Approval of mixed-use development in conjunction with the housing development if the nonresidential land uses will reduce the cost of the housing development and the nonresidential land uses are compatible with the housing development and surrounding development;

3. Other regulatory incentives or concessions proposed by the application or that the city determines will result in identifiable, financially sufficient, and actual cost reductions; and

4. Priority processing of a housing development that provides income-restricted units.

Additional incentives are offered for dedication of land, provision of childcare facilities, or preservation of affordable units in event of a condo conversion. These provisions for affordable housing bonuses and concessions were adopted during in 2013. There have been changes to State density bonus laws since 2013 (e.g., allowance for up to 50 percent density bonus). The City proposes Program 6.4 to update Chapter 17.88 to reflect current State law.

Replacement Policies
The City does not have a condominium conversion ordinance. Section 17.88.040.F (Condominium Conversion Incentives for Low-Income Housing Development) allows for additional 25 percent density bonus, If the developer of a conversion project agrees to:

1. Provide at least thirty-three (33) percent of the total units of the proposed condominium project to persons and families of low or moderate income; or

2. Provide at least fifteen (15) percent of the total units of the proposed condominium project to lower income households; and

3. Agree to pay for the reasonably necessary administrative costs incurred by the city.

Inclusionary Housing
The Zoning Ordinance does not currently have an inclusionary housing policy or ordinance.

Short-Term Rentals
The City does not have a short-term rental (STR) ordinance to control or regulate the use of residential properties for temporary rental. The City does prohibit the use of ADUs or JADUs from rental periods shorter than 30 days. The City has not observed a reduction in the availability or affordability of housing resulting from short-term rentals. 213
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C.2.3 Building and Housing Codes and Enforcement
City Building Code
The City of Coachella adopted the 2019 California Building Code (CBC), including Chapters 2 through 35, and Appendix C, G, H, I, and J as adopted by the State of California, based on the 2018 International Building Code as published by the International Code Council. In addition, the City amended portions of the CBC relating to automatic sprinkler systems, cement types, grading, soils, and drainage devices.

Code Enforcement
The City’s Code Enforcement Division enforces the City Code on a complaint basis and investigates violations of city ordinances regulating public health, buildings standards, and land use, among others. The Housing Element includes Policies B.d and B.e, as well as Programs 2.1,

2.2, and 2.4, to help maintain Code-compliant housing conditions.

C.2.4 Permits and Procedures
Permits and Procedures
The time required to process a project varies greatly from one entitlement to another and is directly related to the size and complexity of the proposal, as well as the number of actions or approvals needed to complete the process. Table C-8 identifies approvals and/or permits that could be required for planning entitlements along with their corresponding approval body.

Table C-8: Review Authority
Permit/Approval Approval Authority
Architectural Review Planning Director/ Planning
Commission/ City Council
Minor Modification Planning Director
Conditional Use Permit Planning Commission
General Plan Amendment City Council
Variance Planning Commission
Zone Change City Council
Zoning Text Amendment City Council
Specific Plan City Council
CEQA Negative Declaration Planning Commission or City
Council
Environmental Impact
Report
Planning Commission or City
Council
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The development review and permitting process is administered by the Development Services Department, including both the Planning Division and Building Division. A typical single-family development must submit a planning application, accompanied by a site plan and building plan sets, which is then reviewed and decision is made by the Planning Commission at a public hearing.

Affordable housing projects would be considered for administrative review. Multi-family development of more than three dwelling units is subject to architectural review, approved by the Planning Commission, which makes a decision after conducting a public hearing. Affordable projects consistent with the zoning code and General Plan would be processed administratively.

Developments of four or more dwelling units are subject to an additional pre-application review process. SB-35 eligible affordable projects are handled administratively at the City of Coachella and no hearings are required. Any residential development projects that involve a Tentative Tract Map, Change of Zone, and/or General Plan requires both Planning Commission and City Council.

Due to the Zoning Map and General Plan inconsistency many development projects require a Zone Change as well. Multi-family projects typically require two public hearings prior to approval, with additional hearings required for projects subject to a CUP or requesting a Variance. The inconsistency between the Zoning Code regulations and the General Plan vision contributes to a lengthier and more uncertain review process. The Housing Element includes programs to align the Code with the General Plan which will clarify the entitlement process and reduce the need for rezonings as part of project approval.

The time lapse between project approval and building permit issuance varies and depends on both staff review times as well as when the applicant submits the permit application following entitlement. Staff does not control the timing of application submittal relative to project entitlement.

In 2020, the City issued building permits for 158 new single family housing units, as part of the Valencia and Escondida Pointe projects. For those projects, the City has observed a lapse of approximately 10.5 months between project entitlement approval and building permit issuance, with some permits issued in as little as 4.5 months. These projects provide both market rate above moderate-income housing for ownership. Also issued building permits in 2020 was the 104-unit deed-restricted affordable project, Pueblo Viejo Villas. The project was entitled in 2017 and permits were issued three years later in 2020.Architecture Review: Chapter 17.72 (Architecture Review) establishes the intent, process, and requirements for the architectural review process.

The stated intent of the process is to determine whether a proposed development will properly comply with the architectural guidelines of the City and the provisions and development standards required by this chapter or as prescribed by the planning director, or other authorized agent. The submission of a site plan is required to conduct an architectural review. The chapter establishes thresholds for approval by the Planning Director or the Planning Commission. The Planning Director is the approving authority for developments of three units or less and projects that involve 500 square feet of new multifamily residential square footage. The Planning Commission is the approval authority for any residential project involving more than three dwelling units. 215
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Development in the A-R, A-T, R-E, R-M, C-N, and SHO zones are subject to the architectural review process as follows:

A-R Zone- Mobilehomes (subject to special criteria)
A-T Zone- Single Family and Mobilehomes (subject to special criteria) R-E Zone- All development (mobilehomes subject to special criteria) R-S Zone- >3 units Planning Commission approval 1-3 units Director approval R-M Zone- All development
Architectural review is required for all new development in the A-T, R-M, C-N, and SHO zones.

Mobilehomes require architectural review in the A-R, A-T, R-E zones, and must comply with specific criteria. No specific architectural design criteria are mentioned for the R-M, C-N, and SHO zones or for single-family developments in the A-T zone. Besides the architectural review process, development in the City is not subject to any other design review guidelines which may impact housing supply and affordability.

Conditional Uses: Chapter 17.74 (Conditional Uses) establishes the process and procedures for any uses that require a Conditional Use Permit for approval. The Planning Commission is the review and approval authority on all Conditional Use Permit applications, each determination is required to meet the following findings:

1. The proposed use will not be in conflict with, but will be in harmony with and in accordance with the objectives of the general plan;

2. The proposed use will be located, designed, constructed, operated and maintained so as to be compatible with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity and shall not change the essential character of the same area;

3. Consideration is to be given to harmony in scale, bulk, coverage and density, to the availability of public facilities and utilities, to harmful effect, if any, upon desirable neighborhood character, to the generation of traffic and the capacity of surrounding streets, and to any other relevant impact of the development;

4. Where the proposed use may be potentially hazardous or disturbing to existing or reasonably expected neighboring uses, it must be justified by the common public interest as a benefit to the community as a whole; and

5. The proposed use will include vehicular approaches to the property designed for reasonable minimal interference with traffic on surrounding public streets or roads.

The Planning Commission has the discretion to attach conditions of approval to an application.

Section 17.74.020.C lists 15 potential conditions that could be applied to an approval. The conditions listed below provide an example of the types of conditions that could be applied to a residential project:

1. Requirement of yards other than the minimum size required by this chapter; 216
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2. Modification of the exterior features or appearance of any structure where necessary to preserve property values;

3. Requirement of screening of parking, recreation or storage areas or other portions of the subject property from adjoining premises or from any street by walls, fences, planting or other devices;

4. Control of location, number, color, size, height, lighting and landscaping of signs and structures as related to creation of traffic hazards and appearance in harmony with surrounding development and community objectives; and

5. Requirement of off-street parking or other special features other than the minimum required by this chapter or applicable codes or regulations. (Note: Allows less than minimum as well as greater than.)
Minor Modifications: Section 17.70.120 (Minor modification) establishes the process which allows for relief from developments standards when the deviation does not create an adverse impact on the surrounding neighborhood. The Planning Director may allow for modifications of the follow standards:

1. Reduction of minimum lot area and/or dimensions, by not more than twelve (12) percent for up to twenty (20) percent of the lots in a subdivision. However, such modifications are not permitted for lot area in the R-O 6000 zone, and the dwelling unit on such a lot shall meet all setback and coverage requirements.

2. Reduction in front, side, or rear yard setback by not greater than ten percent of coderequired minimum.

3. Increase in fence height not greater than ten percent above code required maximum.

4. Reduction in required off-street parking, by not greater than five percent of code-required minimum.

5. Increase in building height not greater than five percent above code-required maximum

6. Modification of allowable sign area not greater than ten percent above code-required maximum.

7. Modification of allowable paving and hardscape in the front yard of residential zones not greater than ten percent above code-required maximum.

8. Modification of allowable side of accessory structure not greater than ten percent above code-required maximum and minimum distance between accessory structures and other buildings not greater than ten percent of code-required minimum, in the residential zones.

The planning director must render a decision within 60 days from receipt of a complete application.

The director has the discretion to deny, approve, or approve the minor modification with conditions to protect the surrounding area.
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Pre-Application Review: Chapter 17.77 provides the process for a pre-application review of a proposed development. The City Manager appoints a case manager for the project from a relevant department (e.g., Planning, Economic Development, Public Works etc.) which interfaces with the applicant and involved agencies. The Chapter explicitly states that the pre-application meeting and any information provided during the meeting is not a city recommendation for approval or disapproval of the application. A pre-application meeting is required for the following housing-related applications:

1. Projects involving a specific plan adoption, specific plan amendment, or planned development overlay;

2. Projects involving a general plan amendment, or change of zone;

3. Projects involving four or more dwelling units;

4. New construction of more than 500 square feet of building area within the boundaries of the Pueblo Viejo Master Plan;

5. New construction located within the boundaries of an adopted specific plan, if review is required by the director;

6. Subdivisions of land involving five or more lots.

The Planning Director reserves the right to require a pre-application review for any project involving multi-agency coordination and discretionary land use entitlements, where proposed land uses have the potential to cause adverse impacts upon surrounding property owners.

While the four specific procedures described above are clearly described within their respective chapters/sections, the Zoning Ordinance does not present objective criteria to evaluate a project for compliance with the Architecture Review and Conditional Use processes without clear findings.

An architectural review process with no objective criteria presents uncertainty for an applicant and likely leads to a protracted approval process which may result in delays in approval, added cost to the entitlement process, and uncertainty for prospective developers. Additionally, residential uses do not have specific criteria and conditions listed in the Conditional Use chapter. The list of potential conditions gives the Planning Commission wide-ranging discretion on how to condition certain projects for approval. The subjectivity throughout the approval processes presents a constraint to the development of housing. To reduce the potential constraint in the development review process, the Housing Element includes Program 5.12.

Permit and Development Fees
Table C-9 details the City’s processing fees for all planning entitlements. One or more of the entitlements would be required to process a residential project. 218
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Table C-9: Development Service Fees
Development Service Fee
General Plan Map Amendment $3,857 + $10/ac
General Plan Text Amendment $5,035 + cost of report
Specific Plan – Initial Draft – Processing only $5,976 + $10/ac Final Specific Plan – Submittal $3,857 + $5/ac + $5/unit Specific Plan Amendment $3,857.00
Zoning Map Amendments $5,976 + $10/ac
Zoning Text Amendments (Minor/Major) $2,679/$4,798 + cost of report Conditional Use Permit – Residential $3,857 + $10/ac + $5/unit Conditional Use Permit – Mobilehome Park $3,857 + $10/ac Conditional Use Permit – Recreational Vehicle Park $3,857 + $10/ac Conditional Use Permit – Planned Unit Development $3,857 + $10/ac + $5/unit Variance $2,679
Variance – Setbacks $1,714
Architectural Review – Single Family (1-4 units) $3,857 + $10/ac + $5/unit Architectural Review – Single Family (5+ units) $3,857 + $10/ac + $5/unit Architectural Review – Multi-Family (2-6 units) $3,857 + $10/ac + $5/unit Architectural Review – Multi-Family (7+ units) $3,857 + $10/ac + $5/unit Architectural Review – Second Unit on SF lot $2,305
Subdivision Ordinance Amendment $3,857
Tentative Maps – Single Family Tract $3,857 + $10/ac + $5/unit Tentative Maps – Multi-Family Condominium Tract
(Airspace)
$3,857 + $10/ac + $5/unit
Tentative Maps – Multi-Family Condominium Tract
(Townhomes type)
$3,857 + $10/ac + $5/unit
Tentative Parcel Map $3,857
Zoning Overlay District $3,857
Parcel Merger (2 to 4 lots) $2,679 + $100/lot + $25/ac
Development Agreement $9,998 Deposit (Actual Cost)
Modifications – Architecture Review $2,679
Modifications – Conditional Use Permit $2,679
Modifications – Specific Plan $2,679 + $5/ac + $5/unit
Modifications – Development Agreement $1,340 Deposit (Actual Cost) Time Extension – Architectural Review/CUP/Variance $1,125 Administrative Review & Approvals $250
Environmental Review – Categorical Exemption $541
Environmental Review – Initial Study
(Preparation/Review)
$4,780/$2,118
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Table C-9: Development Service Fees
Development Service Fee
Environmental Review – Negative Declaration $1,153
Environmental Review – Notice of Determination $1,153
Environmental Review – Environmental Impact Report
(Preparation/Review)
$10,000 Deposit (Actual Cost)/$5,000
Environmental Review – EIR Notice of Preparation $1,153 Environmental Review – MMP (Preparation/Plan Review) $2,500/$2,500 Environmental Review – MMP Notice of Preparation $1,153 Annexation/Detachment/SOI Amendments $6,213
Pre-Application Review $334
Appeal of Staff Decision to PC $1,880
Appeal of PC Decision to CC $2,539
Source: City of Coachella, Development Services – Fees, January 2014 Impact Fees
Table C-10 details the impact fees dependent on residential use type. The City’s impact fee schedule contains fees for single family and multi-family on a per-unit basis.

Table C-10: Impact Fees
Impact Fee Type Single-Family (per unit) Multi-Family (per unit) General Government $2,357.61 $1,980.39
Fire $1,750.03 $1,470.02
Police $306.52 $257.48
Park Improvements $6,480.35 $544.49
Park Land $1,377.00 $1,134.68
Library $577.88 $485.42
Streets and Transportation $2,685.98 $1,390.95
Art in Public Places1.25% x valuation .25% x valuation
TUMF1 $1,837.44 $1,276.80
Multi-Species $1,245.002 $518.002
Note:
1 Affordable Housing is exempted from TUMF and Art in Public Places fees. 2 0-8 Units per acre: $1,245.00; 8.1-14 units per acre: $518.00; More than 14 units per acre: $228.00.

Source: City of Coachella, Development Impact Fees 2017 The impact fees in Table C-10 display the cost of a single-family unit totaling $17,372.81 and a multi-family unit totaling $8,540.23, not including the Multi-Species and Art in Public Places impact 220
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fees. These totals show that the impact fees for multi-family units are approximately half the cost of a single-family unit. The impact fees do not present a constraint to the development of multifamily housing.

Streamlined Approvals
California Senate Bill 35 (“SB 35”), codified at Government Code Section 65913.41, became effective January 1, 2018.The intent of SB 35 is to expedite and facilitate construction of affordable housing. SB 35 requires cities and counties that have not made sufficient progress toward meeting their affordable housing goals for above-moderate and lower income levels to streamline the review and approval of certain qualifying affordable housing projects through a ministerial process. The City complies with state requirements of SB 35 as part of project review as projects are proposed. To ensure continued compliance facilitate this process the City proposes Program 6.7 to adopt local procedures consistent with SB 35.

Transparency
The City complies with all transparency laws and posts on the City website the zoning code, schedule of fees, exactions, and affordability requirements that would apply to a proposed housing development project.

C.2.5 On and Off-site Improvements
Chapter 16.28 (Improvements and Grading), within Title 16 - Subdivisions, specifies the required improvements for subdivisions. Required improvements include:

1. Grading, curbs, and gutter, paving and drainage structures necessary for the proper use and drainage of the development, streets, highways and/or public safety;

2. Site grading and drainage, taking into consideration the drainage pattern of adjacent improved or unimproved property and making drainage provisions adequate for total ultimate development of the natural tributary area.

3. Street name and traffic control signs;

4. Sidewalks and bicycle paths;

5. Fire hydrants and a water system with mains of sufficient size and capacity to provide future extensions to adjacent property;

6. Sanitary sewer facilities and connections for each lot;

7. Street trees as required by the director;

8. Provision shall be made for any and all railroad crossings necessary to provide access to or circulation within the proposed subdivision, including the preparation of all documents necessary for application to the state public utilities commission for the establishment and improvement of such crossings;
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9. Midblock pedestrian ways, where required;

10. Improvements on private access easements shall be required as determined by the city engineer;

11. Street lighting facilities shall be provided in accordance with the council's policy for the area of the city where the subdivision is located. Lighting shall be adequate to permit proper policing of the subdivision and shall be so screened or otherwise designed as not to interfere with views from the hillsides of the city;

12. All utility distribution lines including, but not limited to electric, communication, natural gas, and cable television lines installed in and for the purpose of supplying service to any subdivision shall be placed underground. Undergrounding shall include existing aboveground facilities located within the subdivision and extending to the first existing pole outside the subdivision;

13. Traffic signals in an amount proportionate to the benefits received according to rules and regulations as may be adopted from time to time by the council.

While improvements such as curbs, gutters, drainage, and street trees are typical of jurisdictions in the region, the requirement of traffic signals, bicycle paths, and undergrounding all utility lines may increase the cost associated with new residential subdivisions due to the added costs of these improvements. However; these improvements are intended to ensure new projects provide appropriate amenities for future residents and should not be removed.

Section C.3 Non-Governmental Constraints
Market factors over which a local government has only limited ability to control can influence the jurisdiction’s capacity to develop more housing. These market-related constraints include land cost, construction cost, and the availability of financing. An assessment of these nongovernmental constraints can inform the development of potential actions that can ameliorate its impact.

C.3.1 Housing Supply/Conditions
Market Overview: For-Sale
As shown in the Needs Assessment (Appendix A, Figure A-23), the financial crisis of 2007/2008 and the ensuing Great Recession caused home values in Coachella to drop 64 percent from 2006 to 2011. As of 2018, Coachella home values have not rebounded to their pre-Recession levels.

In 2018, the median sales value for a single-family home in Coachella was $245,000, compared to $200,000 in 2008 (23 percent increase). While Coachella median home sales price is 43% of the sales price in the SCAG region, the City and region price trends remain consistent over time. 222
Item 2.

C-34 | City of Coachella Housing Constraints
Since the beginning of the recovery from the Great Recession in 2013, interest rates have been maintained at low levels of 3.5 to 4.5 percent. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, national 30-year mortgage rates have dropped to historically low levels, declining to 2.7 percent in late 2020. When interest rates are low, capital investment and housing production generally increase, and more people are likely to take out a mortgage than when interest rates are higher. In addition, consumers are able to borrow more money for the same monthly payment. Extremely low interest rates are one of the factors that has led to overall increased home values in Coachella above what has been seen in the past several years. Coupled with the general desire during the pandemic to move from denser to more spacious neighborhoods, the housing market will likely continue to be competitive in the near future.

Market Overview: Rental
As shown in the Needs Assessment (Appendix A, Figure A-24), Coachella rents are about twothirds that of rents in Riverside County. The median rent paid in Coachella in 2019 was $879.

Over the past 10 years, rents in Coachella have increased six percent while rents in Riverside County have increased 23 percent.

Per the Needs Assessment (Appendix A, Figure A-27), the most common rent category across all Coachella renters is $500 to $1,000 per month, which represents 53 percent of renters. Rent categories range from less than $500 per month (9.1 percent of Coachella renters) to more than $2,000 per month (0.9 percent of Coachella renters). While lower-income households spend a larger proportion of their income on rent, they generally spend less on rent overall.

C.3.2 Development Costs
Land Costs
Land cost was estimated through a review of vacant land sale transactions within the past year (2020 and 2021). Land in Coachella is estimated to cost an average of $17 per square foot (PSF), or about $735,000 per acre. Individual lots ranged from $5 to $42 PSF, or about $214,000 to $1,830,000 per acre. These lots ranged in sizes from 5,000 to 38,000 square feet.

Land is not considered a constraint to development, as there is availability of vacant land for future housing construction.

Construction Costs
According to a March 2020 report published by the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley, construction costs for multifamily housing in California have climbed 25 percent between 2009 and 2018. This increase is in part due to the higher cost of building materials, such as wood, concrete, and steel, as well as prevailing wage requirements. According to RSMeans, construction costs (including materials and labor but excluding soft costs such as fees) for a small apartment complex in the Coachella area ranged between $144 to $169 per square foot in the first quarter of 2021. Construction costs can vary depending on the type of development, ranging 223
Item 2.

Housing Constraints City of Coachella | C-35
from more expensive steel-frame Type I construction to more affordable wood-frame Type V. Due to the smaller scale, single family homes tend to be more expensive to construct on a per square foot basis than multi-family. This cost can fluctuate depending on the type and quality of amenities to the property, such as expensive interior finishes, fireplace, swimming pool, etc.

Soft costs are the costs that are not directly incurred by the physical construction of the development. These costs include services for architectural, consultant, and legal services, as well as permitting requirements and impact fees. They generally range from 15 to 30 percent of total development costs but can fluctuate depending on local fees and exactions. Please refer to the Permit and Development Fees section, above, for a discussion of the City’s required permit and development fees.

C.3.3 Availability of Financing
The availability of financing can impact rates of homeownership. The ability to secure financing can be influenced by several factors, including creditworthiness, debt-to-income ratio, and the restrictiveness of mortgage lending standards. Reviewing data collected through the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) can reveal the role the lending market has had on local home sales. Home purchase loans in 2019 are summarized in the table below.

There was a total of about 340 loan applications for either government-backed or conventional loans in Coachella in 2019. The approval rate for both types of loans was about 70 percent.

However, driven by continued low mortgage interest rates, there were 449 applications for refinancing. These applications had a lower rate of approval at 49 percent.

In competitive housing environments when purchasing a new home may be out of reach for some, home renovations can be a desirable and more affordable way to add value to property. There were 65 home improvement applications in 2019. The approval rate for these types of applications was only 28 percent.

Table C-11: Total Home Loan Applications
Type Total Applications
Government-backed 188
Conventional 151
Refinancing 449
Home Improvement 65
5+ Units 2
Non-occupant 54
Source: HMDA, 2019
224
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C-36 | City of Coachella Housing Constraints
Figure C-1: Home Loan Application Disposition
Source: HMDA, 2019
C.3.4 Summary
Lower for-sale prices and rental rates have tempered large-scale market-rate housing production in Coachella. The city is still recovering from the housing shock of the 2008 Recession, though is currently experiencing a fair level of demand for single-family homes due to their relative affordability compared to the region, as well as the appeal of more open space during the COVID19 pandemic. Lower land costs have facilitated the development of affordable housing projects throughout the city, most of which are developed through partnerships with local non-profit housing providers. Most of the new construction is expected to be for lower-income households while market-rate housing projects are less common. Lower housing costs in Coachella have resulted in greater proportion of residents who own their own home rather than need to rent. The affordable development is crucial to the City, however, as those who do rent experience a much higher rate of housing cost-burden than the region overall.

While market conditions are not the main constraint to housing development in Coachella, market conditions may shift during the next eight years. In order to encourage housing development, the Housing Element includes programs to streamline approvals, as project delays can increase economic costs, as well as review fees to ensure they are not a constraint to development. 74% 70%
49%
28%
100%
65%
9% 10% 21%
62%
0%
18% 21% 15%
30%
11% 0%
20%
Government-backed Conventional Refinancings Home Improvement 5+ Units Non-occupant % Approved % Denied % Withdrawn or Incomplete
225
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Housing Constraints City of Coachella | C-37
Section C.4 Environmental and Infrastructure
Constraints
C.4.1 Environmental Constraints
The City of Coachella is a largely underdeveloped desert community located at the eastern end of the Coachella Valley. The Valley is flanked by the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains on the west and the Little San Bernardino Mountains on the east. The Coachella Valley generally slopes to the southeast towards the Salton Sea.

The City certified an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for a General Plan Update in February 2015 (EIR SCH No. 2009021007). The General Plan EIR analyzed the impacts of the General Plan policies and objectives. Per the EIR, there are no environmental constraints related to hazardous materials and soil that would impede the development of housing at the capacities identified in the sites inventory and analysis. Additional analysis will be required if there is future rezoning to development standards above those outlined in the General Plan Update.

C.4.2 Infrastructure Constraints
Drainage
The dominant drainage/surface water feature in the Coachella Valley is the Whitewater River. The Whitewater River watershed is primarily in Riverside County within the Coachella Valley Planning Area of the Colorado River Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). Regional drainage and flood control in the Planning Area are managed primarily by the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). The CVWD boundaries cover most of the Coachella Valley from the San Gorgonio Pass to the Salton Sea. The CVWD also maintains an extensive system of agricultural tile drains throughout the Coachella area. The tile drain system is designed with two primary functions. First, the tile drains return excess irrigation water to the Coachella Valley storm water channel, and second, they artificially lower Coachella’s otherwise high water table, protecting crops from inundations.

Channel and levee improvements have been made along most of the Whitewater River channel, limiting the 100-year flood zone primarily within the banks of the channel. The East Side Dike is designed to protect the Coachella branch of the All-American Canal, which passes through the northeastern part of the city. The Bureau of Reclamation provided funds for the East Side Dyke in the 1940’s, which was constructed with a series of detention basins to protect the canal from mountain runoff. The flow is directed into diversion channels which convey the runoff to the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel.
226
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C-38 | City of Coachella Housing Constraints
Water
The City of Coachella’s Coachella Water Authority (CWA) is the water supplier for the entire City service area. As a public water supplier in the Coachella Valley, the City maintains a close and cooperative relationship with Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). The CVWD is a multifaceted agency that delivers irrigation and domestic water (including drinking water), collects and recycles wastewater, provides regional storm water protection, replenishes the groundwater basin and promotes water conservation. The demands associated with the General Plan Update have mostly been accounted for as part of CVWD’s regional water supply planning efforts, which specifically include population projections within the City and its SOI through the year 2045.

In September 2009, CVWD and the City signed a Memorandum of Understanding (2009 MOU) to assist in ensuring a sufficient and reliable water supply for development projects within the City in a manner consistent with CVWD’s Water Management Plan as amended from time to time.

Under the terms of the 2009 MOU, various means are identified by which the City can provide for the supply of supplemental water to offset the demands associated with development projects approved by the City. For instance, under the 2009 MOU the City can participate in funding CVWD’s acquisition of supplemental water supplies to offset demands associated with newly approved projects within the City’s SOI. In February 2013, CVWD and the City signed a Memorandum of Understanding (2013 MOU) regarding implementation of the 2009 MOU. Among other things, the 2013 MOU further specifies the mechanism by which the City can finance and acquire supplemental water supplies from CVWD to meet the projected demands of new development projects, including the 6th Cycle RHNA, and establishes a process for preparing and adopting Water Supply Assessments and Written Verifications for such projects.

Sewer
The City’s wastewater treatment facilities are managed by the Coachella Sanitary District and are under the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRBRWQCB). In order for wastewater treatment facilities to be in operation, they must comply with all requirements of the CRBRWQCB with annual reporting to monitor treatment practices. This regulatory framework ensures that wastewater treatment facilities that will be used to service the development under the City’s General Plan Update, including total capacity to accommodate the RHNA, and will comply with wastewater treatment requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board. In addition to the regulatory system, policies proposed in the General Plan Update require that adequate wastewater treatment capacity exist or be online before new development can be completed. Ensuring this additional capacity is in place prior to the occupation of new development would prevent plant overdemand and overflows of untreated wastewater into local waterways, preventing the exceedance of any requirements for treatment of wastewater and the associated environmental impacts associated with such. In the event that a wastewater treatment facility exceeds applicable requirements, new development will have to ensure a wastewater treatment facility that can handle the growth from new development before construction, either through the upgrades of additional facilities or the construction of new facilities. Understanding 227
Item 2.

Housing Constraints City of Coachella | C-39
this constraint, the City proposes Program 2.6 to consider requiring developers to plan for and construct oversize infrastructure improvements to build capacity for new growth. This program will particularly address the needs of Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities (DUCs) in the City’s sphere of influence, which often experience poor access to services and resources and limited or no infrastructure improvements. However, the cost of infrastructure investment in undeveloped areas of the city in and of itself poses a constraint to future housing development. 228
Item 2.
229
Item 2.

Existing Programs Review City of Coachella | D-1
Appendix D:Existing Programs Review
Contents
Appendix D: Existing Programs Review................................................. D-1 Section D.1 Existing Housing Programs Review .................................................................. D-2 230
Item 2.

D- 2 | City of Coachella Existing Programs Review
Section D.1 Existing Housing Programs Review
This Appendix documents the implementation status of the current Housing Element programs. The main purpose is to evaluate which programs were successful and should be continued, and which programs were ineffective and should be eliminated or modified.

The City’s focus during the 5th cycle was to complete the 4th and 5th Cycle shortfall rezonings to ensure there was adequate capacity for housing development. The City completed the 4th Cycle rezoning program in 2019, by adopting ordinance no. 1143, which rezoned portions of “Zona Central” to RM-Urban and RM- General for capacity of 1,916 units for lower-income units. In 2021 the City completed two separate rezoning projects to with realistic unit potential of 2,781 in new RM- Urban and RM- General zones. In addition, the City has actively worked with for profit and non-profit developers to entitle a variety of market rate and affordable projects. Market rate products include three-bedroom single-family products at Valencia at Coachella, Escondida Pointe, Sevilla, and Coachella 155. In 2020, the City approved Pueblo Viejo Villas, a mixed-use project with one and two-bedroom units restricted to households earning 30-60% AMI, and is affordable to low-income households. The project was funded through a variety of sources, including low-income housing tax credit equity, California Affordable Housing and Sustainable Community (AHSC) program, HOME funds and vouchers, and Infill Infrastructure Grant from HCD. This is the first project in the Coachella valley to utilize cap-and-trade funding. Coachella Valley Apartments was approved in 2020. Proposed by nonprofit Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC) and funded through sources including Joe Serna Farmworker Grant program, Coachella CFD loan, the project includes 50 replacement units and 60 new one, two, and three-bedroom units over two phases.

Affordable housing production benefits lower-income household groups, as well as special needs populations (such as female-headed households and senior households) because these households are also typically more affected by affordability issues due to limited and/or fixed incomes. As noted below, the City has worked throughout the 5
th Cycle to coordinate with non-profit developers to secure funding for housing for other special needs groups. The City will continue these programs in the 6 th Cycle and has
proposed additional programs this Cycle to facilitate housing for farmworkers and persons experiencing homelessness.
231
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Existing Programs Review City of Coachella | D-3
Table D-1: Existing Housing Element Programs Review
Program
#
Program
Description
Responsible
Party; Timeline
Evaluation
Modify/Delete/
Continue
Goal 1: Adequate Housing. Adequate housing in the city by location, price, type, and tenure, especially for those of lower income and households with special needs.

1.1 The City will adopt the updated General Plan Land Use Element to provide for a wide range of housing opportunities, suitable for residents of all income levels. Following General Plan adoption, the City will conduct a study that analyzes changes needed to the Zoning Code to implement the new General Plan and will then complete a comprehensive Zoning Code update. Once the City's General Plan and Zoning Code are adopted, the City's standards will:
• Provide adequate, suitable sites for the construction of new housing, reflecting a variety of housing types and densities; • Explore and establish mechanisms such as incentives and funding to promote and preserve housing affordability in targeted growth areas;
• Meet the requirements of state housing law;
• Facilitate housing in a variety of neighborhood styles; • Allow mixed-use residential development; and
• Ensure the compatibility of residential areas with surrounding commercial and other nonresidential uses.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department (Note:

Community Development
Department (CDD) is now the
Development Services
Department (DSD). All
references to CDD shall be
implied to mean DSD)
Funding: Department budget
Time Frame: General Plan
update adopted in early
2014, Compatibility Study
completed by 2014, Zoning
Code updated by 2015,
Examine potential affordable
housing incentives annually
or as needed when projects
are proposed, establish
incentives in conjunction with
the Zoning Code update by
2015.

The City has adopted
the updated General
Plan and has
completed some
Code amendments
but has not fully
implemented the
General Plan (not
completed the Zoning
Code update).

Modify - Update this
program to include
the Zoning Code
update only.

1.2 Continue to utilize environmental and other development review procedures to ensure that all new residential developments are provided with adequate public and private facilities and services. Require documentation of the adequate services and facilities that are or will be provided as a condition of approval.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: Department budget
Time Frame: Ongoing,
2014–2021
The City ensures
projects are reviewed
by City departments
and external agencies
that provide public
and private facilities
and services for
comments and
conditions of
approval. The
provisions of
adequate services is
also requires as part
Continue.
232
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D-4 | City of Coachella Existing Programs Review
Program
#
Program
Description
Responsible
Party; Timeline
Evaluation
Modify/Delete/
Continue
of the environmental
checklist.

1.3 While the new General Plan standards will create ample opportunity for higher-density housing appropriate to meet the lower-income RHNA for the 2008–2014 and 2014 – 2022 planning periods, zoning standards are not yet in place to facilitate development at planned General Plan densities.

Thus, as part of the planned Zoning Code update, the City will ensure that the new zoning standards facilitate housing development at new General Plan densities to accommodate the remaining 2008–2014 RHNA of 1,916 units and the remaining 2014–2022 RHNA of 2,542 lower-income units.

Potential rezone sites are listed in Table B-49. It is anticipated that sites rezoned to meet this remaining RHNA will be those located in the Urban Neighborhood and Urban Employment land use areas, which have planned minimum densities of 20 and 30 units per acre, respectively.

The City will ensure that sites made available through zoning changes to meet the Coachella’s remaining 2008–2014 RHNA and remaining 2014– 2021 lower-income RHNA meet the following criteria:
• Require a minimum density of 20 units per acre
• Be of adequate size to accommodate at least 16 units per site • Allow multi-family residential development “by right” (without discretionary review)
• At least 50 percent of sites will allow residential uses only Responsible Agency:

Community Development and
Building Departments
Funding: Department
budgets
Time Frame: Sites will be
made available within one
year of Housing Element
adoption.

The City completed
the rezoning to
accommodate the 4th
Cycle shortfall of
1,916 sites in 2019,
and implemented
minimum densities for
the RM-Urban
Neighborhood and
RM-General
Neighborhood.

Rezoning to complete
the 5th Cycle shortfall
is in progress as of
June 2021.

Delete - Rezoning
anticipated to be
completed by the
start of the 6th Cycle
Planning period.

1.4 Evaluate opportunities for parcel assembly and the use of underutilized sites for affordable housing. Discuss housing development potential with developers and consider relaxing development standards and prioritizing application processing to facilitate housing on these sites. Communicate with developers regarding the variety of housing development options available for these sites under the new General Plan.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: Department budget
Time Frame: Ongoing,
2014–2021
The City has
encouraged parcel
assembly and use of
underutilized sites for
affordable housing
such as the Pueblo
Viejo Villas mixed use
project (Chelsea
Investments) which
required use of the
planning unit
development to
accommodate the
project height and
density.

Continue.
233
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Existing Programs Review City of Coachella | D-5
Program
#
Program
Description
Responsible
Party; Timeline
Evaluation
Modify/Delete/
Continue

1.5 Regularly post housing data, such as information on building permits, vacancy rates,and availability of funding sources, on the City’s website and provide the information ina hard copy, available upon request.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
DepartmentFunding:

Department budgetTime
Frame: 2014; updated every
6 months thereafter
Not Complete.

Modify - Continue
providing info upon
request only.

1.6 Encourage developers to provide units with three or more bedrooms, suitable to house large households. In addition, identify incentives for development of housing suitable for families with children, with family members requiring assistance, and multigenerational families. Encourage and where feasible incentivize developers to construct new units that include a full bathroom and bedroom on the first floor.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: Department budget
Time Frame: Offer incentives
and work with developers as
projects are processed
through the Community
Development Department.

New proposed single
family residential
development during
the 5th Cycle element
proposes a minimum
of 3 bedrooms
(Valencia at
Coachella, Pulte)
(Escondida Pointe,
DR Horton) (Sevilla,
Pulte) (Coachella
155, DR Horton)
Modify - Separate
policy from action.

1.7 Consider preparing a study to explore the benefits and impacts of an inclusionary housing ordinance. The study will:
• Determine an appropriate percentage of affordable units and potential level of affordability;
• Analyze potential program options including the provision of below market rates on and off-site as well as land
dedication and in-lieu fee options; and
• Examine administrative resources required to administer an inclusionary program.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: Department budget
Time Frame: 2014
The City does not
have an inclusionary
housing policy and a
study has not been
conducted.

Modify - Consider
exploring incentivesbased programs to
avoid unnecessarily
constraining housing
development.

1.8 Facilitate development on large sites designated for high-density housing by communicating with developers regarding housing opportunities for these sites, providing priority subdivision processing, and utilizing the new Master Plan review process (as described in the draft General Plan Land Use Element) to facilitate affordable unit development. Work with land owners and developers to create sites ranging from one to 10 acres in size that are feasible and appropriate for the development of affordable housing.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: Department budget
Time Frame: Adopt the
Master Plan process as part
of the new General Plan in
early 2014; engage in
ongoing dialogue with
developers; and offer priority
The City has
successfully made
progress on this
program through
various developments
/ conversations with
large-site property
owners, such as
Peter Rabbit Farms.

Continue.
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D-6 | City of Coachella Existing Programs Review
Program
#
Program
Description
Responsible
Party; Timeline
Evaluation
Modify/Delete/
Continue
subdivision processing as
applications are submitted.

Goal 2: Conservation and Improvement. A preserved and well-maintained existing affordable housing stock.

2.1 Continue to implement the City’s Residential Rehabilitation Program as funding is available. Allow funds to be used to alleviate overcrowding, make improvements to accommodate the special needs of elderly and disabled residents, including persons with developmental disabilities, and improve energy efficiency. The City will continue to advertise the program on the City’s website, share program information with service organizations, and post program information in City Hal Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: CDBG and HOME
Time Frame: Ongoing
Funding has not been
available for this
program but this City
is looking to make
funds available in the
next fiscal year with
CDBG funds.

Continue

2.2 Continue to monitor housing conditions throughout the city, and periodically conduct formal housing condition surveys.

Responsible Agencies:

Community Development and
Building Departments
Funding: Department
budgets and (for housing
condition surveys) CDBG
Planning/Technical
Assistance Grants
Time Frame: 2014 and as
funding is available through
2021
Code enforcement
monitors housing
conditions and
ensures compliance
of housing conditions
with City’s Municipal
Code. .

Modify - "…conduct
formal or informal
housing condition
surveys".

2.3 Continue to implement the abandoned and vacant property ordinances, enforce proactive neighborhood enhancement policies, and explore new methods of eliminating unsightly property conditions in residential areas.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: Department budget
Time Frame: Ongoing,
2014–2021
Code Enforcement
continues to monitor
vacant properties and
ensure that Municipal
Code compliance.

Continue.

2.4 Continue to monitor health and safety issues related to substandard mobile home parks located within the city limits and those within the City’s sphere of influence. Explore funding opportunities for a loan or grant program to assist with mobile home unit and park repairs and improvements as well as mobile home ownership.

Responsible Agency:

Coachella Community
Services Department
Funding: Department budget
Time Frame: Explore
program by 2015, monitoring
ongoing
No action
Modify- Clarify the
split responsibility
between City and
State for permitting
and compliance.
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Existing Programs Review City of Coachella | D-7
Program
#
Program
Description
Responsible
Party; Timeline
Evaluation
Modify/Delete/
Continue

2.5 Maintain a representative and an alternate to the CVAG Housing Committee to consistently represent the City in discussions regarding housing issues.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department, City Council
Funding: General Fund
Time Frame: Annually
There is no longer a
CVAG Housing
Committee.

Modify –. City to
continue to
participate in CVAG
housing-related
discussions.

2.6 Participate in the SAFE Cities Committee and in other groups and committees that bring together public safety, neighborhood enhancement, and regional representatives
Responsible Agency:

Economic Development
Department
Funding: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing
This does not exist Delete.

2.7 Work with Riverside County, Riverside County LAFCO, Coachella Valley Water District, the Coachella Valley Regional Water Management Group (CVWRMG), and local advocacy organizations to identify and address housing-related infrastructure needs in disadvantaged unincorporated communities within and adjacent to the City’s sphere of influence. The City will participate in outreach and information gathering events and strategy sessions, contribute to efforts to identify and estimate the cost of potential infrastructure improvements including the preparation of the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (prepared by CVWRMG), and pursue funding sources to complete
necessary upgrades.

As a condition of approval for development in new growth areas, require that developers plan for and construct oversized facilities to create infrastructure connection opportunities for nearby disadvantaged communities. Coordinate with agencies and
communities’ groups to explore annexation potential and timeframes.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: General Fund
Time Frame: Attend events
as available, engage in
ongoing communication with
Riverside County and other
organizations, assist with
funding applications as
NOFAs are released, require
infrastructure extensions as
development agreements are
prepared in new growth
areas, engage in ongoing
dialogue(meet at least
annually) to determine
annexation potential and
timeframes.

The City is part of the
Coachella Valley
Regional Water
Management Group.

Since its formation
the City has applied
and received grant
funding to prepare
infrastructure plans
that extend outside
the City’s limits and
into its sphere of
influence, the City has
also secured funding
for the construction of
some of the identified
projects and is
currently under
application review for
others
Modify – Due to high
infrastructure costs,
relax requirement
(i.e., "Consider
requiring") for
oversized facilities in
new growth areas;
organize the different
components of this
program under a
broader DUCs
program.

Goal 3: Reduced Energy Usage. Reduced residential energy usage within the city, resulting in reduced housing costs.

3.1 Continue to utilize the development review process to incorporate energy conservation techniques into the siting and design of proposed residences to minimize energy consumption as well as housing costs Responsible Agencies:

Community Development and
Building Departments
Funding: Department
budgets
Time Frame: Ongoing
City has not tracked
this. But City has
started to add this to
design review for new
projects since
conservation
techniques are
Modify - Develop
objective standards
for energy
conservation
techniques.
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D-8 | City of Coachella Existing Programs Review
Program
#
Program
Description
Responsible
Party; Timeline
Evaluation
Modify/Delete/
Continue
policies of the
General Plan.

3.2 Continue to require that, at a minimum, all new residential development complies with the energy conservation requirements of Title 24 of the California Administrative Code.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: Department budget
Time Frame: Ongoing
This is required by the
Building Division Continue.

3.3 Assist in distributing information to the public regarding free home water consumption audits of the Coachella Water Authority and rebate programs offered by Imperial Irrigation District.

Responsible Agency: IID,
Community Development
Department
Funding: N/A, materials
provided by IID
Time Frame: Ongoing
No request for
information. City has
not actively
distributed
information.

Continue.

3.4 Assist in distributing information about energy efficiency retrofit rebates and financing opportunities available to the residents and property owners such as Energy Upgrade California, the New Solar Homes Partnership, and the Western Riverside Council of
Governments HERO program.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: N/A, materials
provided by rebate/financing
programs
Time Frame: Ongoing
No request for
information. City has
not actively
distributed
information.

Modify- City is not
located within
WRCOG. Remain
open to parrtnerships
between CVAG and
WRCOG for energy
programs.

Goal 4: Equal Housing Opportunity. Equal housing opportunities for all residents of the city regardless of race, religion, marital status, age, sex, nationality, physical or developmental disability, family size, and level and source of income.

4.1 Continue to provide information on fair housing law on the City’s website, at City Hall, and at the local library. In addition, the City Clerk shall continue to include a statement to City utility bills which indicates that information on fair housing laws is available to the public without charge.

Information will be provided in both English and Spanish. Complaints may be directed to the Community Development Department.

Responsible Agency: City
Manager’s Office, Community
Development Department,
City Clerk
Funding: Department budget
Time Frame: Ongoing,
2014–2021
The City provides Fair
Housing brochures at
City Hall
Continue.

4.2 Adopt a “Reasonable Accommodation” procedure, in accordance with SB 520, as part of the updated Zoning Code to allow for administrative processing of requests for features and accessibility for persons with disabilities and persons with developmental disabilities.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: City General Fund
Time Frame: 2015, as part of
the comprehensive Zoning
Code update
Did not complete. Continue.
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Existing Programs Review City of Coachella | D-9
Program
#
Program
Description
Responsible
Party; Timeline
Evaluation
Modify/Delete/
Continue

4.3 Amend the Zoning Code to define transitional and supportive housing in accordance with the Health and Safety Code, Sections 50675.14 and 50675.2, and specify that both types of housing shall be treated as residential uses of property, subject to the same restrictions/regulations as other types of housing in the same zoning district.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development and
Building Departments
Funding: City General Fund
Time Frame: Within one year
of Housing Element adoption
The Zoning Code
does not explicitly
allow transitional and
supportive housing,
subject to the same
requirements of a
residential use in the
same zone.

Continue.

4.4 Continue to actively support efforts of providers who establish short-term bed facilities for segments of the homeless population including specialized groups such as the mentally ill and the chronically disabled.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing,
2014–2021
No action Modify – Reframe as
policy.

4.5 Amend the Zoning Code to include manufactured housing as an approved housing type, as per State of California requirements.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department, Planning
Commission
Funding: City General Fund
Time Frame: 2015,
amendment will be
completed as part of the
comprehensive Zoning Code
update
Not Complete.

Manufactured
housing is allowed as
a conditional use only
in the R-O-6000
Residential Overlay
Zone.

Continue.

4.6 Revise the Zoning Code to allow State-licensed and unlicensed group homes, foster homes, residential care facilities, and similar facilities; to allow, by right, group homes with six or fewer persons in any residential zone; and to allow with administrative approval group homes with greater than six persons in all high-density residential zoning districts.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: Departmental
budget
Time Frame: Within one year
of adoption of this Housing
Element
Not Complete. Group
homes are not listed
as an allowable use
in either R-S or R-M
zones.

Continue.

4.7 Amend the Zoning Code to ensure that permit processing procedures for farmworker housing do not conflict with Health and Safety Code Sections 10721.5 and 17021.6. The City will also ensure that such procedures encourage and facilitate the development of housing for farmworkers.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department, Planning
Commission
Funding: Departmental
budgets
Time Frame: Within one year
Not Complete. Code
(use tables) does not
discuss residential or
group farmworker
housing.

Continue.
238
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D-10 | City of Coachella Existing Programs Review
Program
#
Program
Description
Responsible
Party; Timeline
Evaluation
Modify/Delete/
Continue
of adoption of this Housing
Element

4.8 Amend the Zoning Code to define single-room occupancy units (SROs) and identify zones in which SROs are allowed. Facilitate the development of SROs as appropriate housing type for persons with special needs and extremely low incomes.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department, Planning
Commission
Funding: Departmental
budgets
Time Frame: Within one year
of adoption of this Housing
Element
Not Complete. Continue.

4.9 Amend the Zoning Code to broaden the definition of “family” in keeping with state and federal law and current best practices to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and nontraditional families.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department, Planning
Commission
Funding: Departmental
budgets
Time Frame: Within one year
of adoption of this Housing
Element
Complete. Delete.

4.10 Encourage the development of housing for farmworkers by assisting developers with site identification and providing technical assistance on funding applications. In addition, the City will develop an informational brochure illustrating the possible funding sources and other potential incentives for the development of farmworker housing and provide this brochure at the Community Development Department and on the City web site.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department, Planning
Commission
Funding: Departmental
budgets
Time Frame: Assist
farmworker housing
developers as needed,
prepare and make brochure
available within one year of
Housing Element adoption
City assists
developers on
request. An
informational
brochure has not
been developed.

Modify- Remove
brochure
Goal 5: Remove Constraints. Policies, standards and programs that facilitate the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing commensurate with local needs.

5.1 Upon adoption of the General Plan, the City will conduct a study that analyzes changes needed to the Zoning Code to implement the new General Plan and will then complete a comprehensive Zoning Code update. The updated Zoning Code will build on concepts outlined in the Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: Department budget
Not Complete.

Modify - Ensure that
the Code update
removes barriers to
production of a
239
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Existing Programs Review City of Coachella | D-11
Program
#
Program
Description
Responsible
Party; Timeline
Evaluation
Modify/Delete/
Continue
General Plan to incorporate the use of innovative land use techniques and construction methods such as clustering of units, density transfers, zero lot line development, and others to minimize housing development costs and to maximize development opportunities.

Time Frame: Every five
years
variety of housing
types.

5.2 Periodically (every five years) survey other cities in the Riverside County area to ensure that the City’s development fees are reasonable and do not pose an unreasonable constraint to housing development.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: Department
budget: possible CDBG
Planning/Technical
Assistance Grant
Time Frame: 2015 and 2020
Not complete
Modify- compare fees
to other jurisdictions
using a cost recovery
model

5.3 Encourage concurrent processing of entitlements to foster an environment conducive to business, allowing various analyses and staff reports to be done at the same time, rather than requiring one process to be completed before beginning the next process. Department staff will notify applicants early in development process of this policy and maintain public notice of the City’s policy on the website.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: Department budget
Time Frame: Ongoing,
2014–2021
The City allows
concurrent processing
of entitlements and
encourages this.

Modify - Reframe as
a policy.

5.4 Review revisions to the Zoning Code to evaluate implementation of reduced parking requirements for residential projects serving special needs groups or for projects located close to public transportation or commercial services.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development and
Building Departments
Funding: Department
budgets
Time Frame: 2015 as part of
the comprehensive Zoning
Code update
Not Complete.

Modify - Amend code
to reduce parking
requirements for
special needs
groups, including low
income households.

5.5 Amend the Zoning Code to allow second units with ministerial review (rather than a Conditional Use Permit) in the R-O-6000 zone. Review second unit requirements and identify zoning changes to facilitate second unit development as part of the comprehensive Zoning Code update.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: Department budget
Time Frame: 2015 as part of
the comprehensive Zoning
Code update
Not Complete.

However, City has an
ADU ordinance
consistent with GC
65852.

Modify - Remove
references to second
units in Code and rely
on the City's ADU
ordinance.

5.6 Monitor residential development under the new General Plan land use categories. Review densities proposed for new development, correspond with developers, and assess how the new densities are or are not working to facilitate housing development, particularly affordable housing units.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: Department budget
The city does not
regularly monitor
densities achieved
compared to densities
allowed under the
Modify - Meet SB 166
(No Net Loss) to
maintain site
inventory throughout
the planning period.
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D-12 | City of Coachella Existing Programs Review
Program
#
Program
Description
Responsible
Party; Timeline
Evaluation
Modify/Delete/
Continue
Time Frame: Review
annually
new general plan.

City Staff has not
observed interest in
developers to
maximize density
permitted in higher
density land uses
such as the General
or Urban
Neighborhood
designations.

Goal 6: Adequate Housing//Housing Affordability. Adequate housing to meet the needs of all economic segments of the community.

6.1 When feasible, continue to defer development fees for housing units affordable to extremely low-, very low-, and low-income households.

Responsible Agencies:

Community Development,
Building, and Public Works
Departments
Financing: Department
budgets
Time Frame: Ongoing, as
projects are processed
through the Community
Development Department
City has entered into
agreements to allow
deferred development
fees
Continue.

6.2 Continue to work with nonprofit and for-profit developers to apply for financing to fund the development of housing affordable to lower-income and special needs households, particularly housing that will serve persons with extremely low incomes, farmworkers, the elderly, and persons with disabilities and developmental disabilities. Funding sources may include, but are not limited to, the USDA Section 515 Rural Housing Program, MHP, Joe Serna Farmworker Housing Grant Program, CalHome, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and tax-exempt bonds. The City will be open to providing letters of support for funding applications; the City will also consider partnerships with nonprofits for utilization of City staff to help write and to review project applications. The City will take actions necessary to expedite processing and approvals for such projects.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: General Fund,
HCD
Time Frame: Assist with
funding applications as
needed, 2014–2021;
annually review potential
funding opportunities
The City has worked
with nonprofit
developers for
financing such as
Low income Housing
Tax Credits and IIG
funding.

Continue.

6.3 Continue to pursue funding for the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing, including annual applications for HOME and CDBG funds. The City will work with nonprofit and for-profit housing developers Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: HCD
The City continues to
support this and has
supported nonprofits
applications for IIG
Continue.
241
Item 2.

Existing Programs Review City of Coachella | D-13
Program
#
Program
Description
Responsible
Party; Timeline
Evaluation
Modify/Delete/
Continue
and will take actions necessary to expedite processing and approvals for such projects.

Time Frame: Apply for
funding annually, 2014–2021
funds and low income
housing tax credits.

The City has
expedited
development
processing pursuant
to State SB 35
requirements.

1. Submitted a
successful grant
application under the
AHSC program to
build Pueblo Viejo
Villas (105 units)

CHELSEA

2. Rehabilitated/Preserv
ed Coachella
Community Homes
Apartments (101
units) CVHC

3. Rehabilitated/Preserv
ed Pueblo Nuevo
Apartments (50 units)
CVHC

4. Applied for Joe
Serna Farmworker
Housing Funding to
Rehabilitate/Preserve
Las Casas II & III
Apartments (115
units) CVHC (not
approved)

5. Replacing/Constructin
g Coachella Valley
Apartments (replacing
20 units; building
242
Item 2.

D-14 | City of Coachella Existing Programs Review
Program
#
Program
Description
Responsible
Party; Timeline
Evaluation
Modify/Delete/
Continue
addtl. 36 new units =
56 units)

6.4 Continue to offer a density bonus in keeping with state law (Government Code Section 65915).

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: Department budget
Time Frame: Ongoing,
2014–2021
The City continues to
offer a density bonus
incentive in Chapter

17.88 of the Zoning
Code.

Modify - Update
Density Bonus
Ordinance per new
State law.

6.5 As part of the City’s website update, the City will include housing-related resources including information regarding the City’s housing rehabilitation program, first-time homebuyer loans, loans available through CalHFA, and other relevant links.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: CalHFA First-Time
Homebuyer Program
Time Frame: 2015, as part of
the City’s comprehensive
website update
Not Complete. Continue.

Goal 7: Housing Preservation. Preservation of existing affordable housing opportunities for lower income residents of the city.

7.1 Actively support the Riverside County Housing Authority’s attempts to secure additional Section 8 rental assistance for low-income households.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Financing: HUD Section 8
Certificate and Housing
Voucher Programs
Time Frame: Ongoing
The City continues to
support Riverside
County Housing
Authority's efforts to
provide rental
assistance in
Coachella.

Continue.

7.2 Monitor and assist in the preservation of affordable units at risk of converting to market rate. Actions will include:
• Monitor the Risk Assessment report published by the California Housing Partnership Corporation (CHPC).
• Maintain regular contact with the local HUD office regarding early warnings of possible opt-outs.
• Maintain contact with the owners and managers of existing affordable housing to determine if there are plans to opt out in the future and offer assistance in locating eligible buyers. • Maintain the list of potential purchasers of at-risk units and act as a liaison between owners and eligible purchasers.

Responsible Agency:

Community Development
Department
Funding: HCD
Time Frame: As needed and
ongoing, 2014–2021
The City has
monitored the status
of housing projects
with expiring
covenants. City works
with Community
Housing
Opportunities
Corporation to apply
for 9% tax credit
allocation, Joe Serna
Funds, and County
Housing Authority
Continue.
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Existing Programs Review City of Coachella | D-15
Program
#
Program
Description
Responsible
Party; Timeline
Evaluation
Modify/Delete/
Continue
• Ensure that all owners and managers of affordable housing are provided with applicable state and federal laws regarding notice to tenants of the owner’s desire to opt-out or prepay. State law requires a 12-month notice.
facilitated funding for
redeveloping an
existing affordable
housing site into 110
unit multifamily
residential
development (CV
Apartments).
244
Item 2.
245
Item 2.

Public Outreach Summaries City of Coachella | E-1
Appendix E: Public Outreach Summaries
246
Item 2.
247
Item 2.

Public Outreach Summaries City of Coachella | E-1
Appendix E: Public Outreach Summaries
E1. Focus Group Meetings
E2. Steering Committee Meetings
E3. Public Workshop
E4. Study Session
248
Item 2.
249
Item 2.
983 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 | (805) 595 1345 | lisawiseconsulting.com | 1 MEMO
To: Luis Lopez, J.D. | Development Services Director – City of Coachella From: Kathryn Slama | Senior Associate – Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc.

Date: May 6, 2021
Subject: Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element Update- Summary Focus Groups Focus Group Overview
The City of Coachella conducted two focus group meetings as part of the preparation of the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update. Led by the City’s consultant, Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. (LWC), the meetings were conducted virtually via Zoom, on Wednesday April 21, 2021 and Friday April 23, 2021 with 8 individuals with special knowledge and interest in housing issues in the City. The purpose of the meetings was to introduce the Housing Element update process and solicit feedback on housing related issues and opportunities which will inform and support the development of policies and programs for the City. The City conducted meetings with the following groups:

1. Community and Housing Advocates; and

2. Housing Developers
Each meeting began with a presentation by LWC on the Housing Element, including purpose, components of a Housing Element, and overview of State requirements. Following the presentation, LWC facilitated a discussion guided by open-ended questions about fair housing issues, market characteristics, development constraints, housing needs (including special needs groups), and unique housing conditions and opportunities in the city. Participants were encouraged to respond to the questions verbally, but the chat function was also available for use, if preferred. The presentation is included in Attachment A and the questions are provided in Attachment B of this memo.

The City identified and sent email invites to 51 individuals, with reminder notifications sent closer to the date. The participants were invited to join a meeting based on their industry and area of familiarity. Of the 51 invited individuals, 11 RSVP’d, and 8 individuals participated. LWC offered follow up meetings to three individuals who were unable to attend their scheduled meeting.

Below is a summary of the feedback received during the meetings.

E1. Focus Group Meetings
250
Item 2.
983 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 | (805) 595 1345 | lisawiseconsulting.com | 2 Summary of Feedback
The following is a summary of the input received from all participants, in aggregate format.

A. Coachella Housing Needs

1. Underserved groups tend to be low-income individuals, older individuals, full time and seasonal agriculture workers, mixed status families, and Native Americans.

2. There is a need and an interest in creating workforce housing, especially housing for farmworkers near the farms.

3. Accessory Dwelling Units are a growing in-demand housing option in Coachella which should be encouraged, but a diverse range of housing types are still needed to meet the demands of the City.

4. Mixed status families are afraid to apply for additional housing aid from state and federal resources even though they may need it and qualify.

5. There is an interest in preserving existing seasonal farmworker housing in unincorporated areas of the County.

6. Development within the City of Coachella tends to concentrate and segregate housing opportunities based off socioeconomic status. There needs to be a better integration of various income level housing opportunities throughout the City.

B. Housing and Development Constraints

1. Development standards need to be reevaluated to increase flexibility in housing production.

Participants have shown desire to reduce setbacks, up zone areas, and create more mixed-use opportunities in the City’s Downtown.

2. Developers may use Senate Bill 35 for future development so City staff should increase familiarity with the law and its implication for housing development to help expedite approval.

3. Affordable housing developers are building larger family units (1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments) and supportive housing. Larger family units require more amenities and infrastructure driving up costs and fees.

4. The type of affordable housing (e.g., attached apartments, row houses, etc.) is driven by the funding systems in place that pay for affordable housing development. Affordable housing developers are restricted to the type of housing that their funding sources pay for.

5. Affordable housing developers have difficulty meeting state and federal funding requirements because of the City’s density restrictions and other limitations (parking, height limits, Floor Area Ratio restrictions, etc.).

6. Affordable housing developers use scorecards to identify appropriate sites for development that are likely to be competitive for funding. For a site to be rated high on the scorecard, the site usually must be a certain size to meet a density threshold and must be located close in proximity to community amenities such as parks, transportation, and schools.

These sites are rare in Coachella and the greater Coachella Valley. 251
Item 2.
983 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 | (805) 595 1345 | lisawiseconsulting.com | 3

7. Coachella may identify sites that they would like to be developed for affordable housing.

However, if the site does not have access to community amenities or infrastructure in-place then it is infeasible for affordable housing to be developed by nature of the funding mechanisms in place. Cities will not invest in infrastructure/amenities if the population is not there. Affordable housing developers cannot develop if the infrastructure/amenities is not in place. This is a cycle that requires better coordination to ensure sites meet criteria for funding.

C. Policy/Program Recommendations

1. Develop a comprehensive short term rental policy. Short term rentals fragment the community and are very expensive/lucrative preventing more housing from being established and can be related to the gentrification and displacement of communities within the City.

2. Explore various programs and policies that encourage equal opportunity to housing such as permanent affordability and inclusionary zoning.

3. Consider developing an anti-displacement policy because development is occurring disproportionately (primarily in the west part of the City) and at varying scales for different neighborhoods. Vulnerable communities have been displaced and more neighbors are atrisk.

4. Explore first-time homebuyer programs and subsidy programs for low-income residents in order for this income group to mix with the larger Coachella population.

5. Provide additional financial relief to affordable housing developers. If capital is not available, then the City should reevaluate its existing resources and processes to reduce overall construction costs. Multiple affordable housing developers emphasized fee waivers as an appropriate financial relief option.

6. Streamline the permitting process to reduce cost of development and time spent on permitting process. An expensive development process will defeat any well-intentioned policy because projects time and money on the administrative process and approval procedures.

7. Research the financial feasibility of mixed-use homes with affordable housing above commercial uses.

8. Annex agricultural land outside City limits to preserve and develop more farmworker housing. Farmworkers are an often-displaced socioeconomic group since the cost of living within the City is too high. In order to accommodate the needs of farmworkers and prevent further displacement, the City should consider annexing the agricultural land outside the City where the cost of living is more affordable and where farmworkers are currently commuting to.
252
Item 2.

Coachella
Housing Element Update
April 2021
1 Appendix : Focus Group Presentation
253
Item 2.

City of Coachella, Housing Element Update
Agenda
• What is the Housing Element
• Update Process
• Discussion
2 254
Item 2.

City of Coachella, Housing Element Update
A Housing Element is required by State law
and compels Woodland to do their “fair share”
of planning for adequate housing
What is the Housing Element
Housing Element must:
• Assess community housing needs and conditions of
housing stock
• Establish a roadmap to accommodate projected
housing demands
• Set citywide housing-related goals, objectives,
policies, and programs
• Show how the City will meet demand for housing for
all income levels
Other Mandatory
General Plan Elements:
3 255
Item 2.

City of Coachella, Housing Element Update

1. Housing Element Review: A performance evaluation of policies and programs from previous housing elements.

2. Housing Needs Assessment: A review of the existing and projected housing needs, especially regarding special needs populations

3. Adequate Sites Inventory: A record of suitable land zoned to accommodate the City’s share of regional housing needs

4. Housing Resources Assessment: Identified opportunities to support the development, preservation, and rehabilitation of housing

5. Housing Constraints Assessment: Identified governmental and non-governmental (market, environmental, etc.) impediments to housing development

6. Implementation Plan: Goals, policies, and programs dedicated to meeting the City’s housing need
What is the Housing Element
Housing Element Components
4 256
Item 2.

City of Coachella, Housing Element Update
What is the Housing Element
Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA)
Regional Housing Needs
Assessment or RHNA:
• Projected number of new housing
units needed
• Each jurisdiction must show it can
accommodate its total RHNA
number, and its allocations by
income level.
• Mandated by State law
SCAG CVAG Coachella
6th Cycle
RHNA
6th Cycle
RHNA
6th Cycle RHNA
Share
Very Low
30-50% MFI 352,796 6,204 1,033
Low
50-80% MFI 206,807 4,664 999
Moderate
80-120% MFI 223,957 5,561 1,367
Above
Moderate
>120% MFI
559,267 15,190 4,487
Total 1,341,827 31,619 7,886
Coachella City Median income 4-person household: $34,224 5 Riverside County Median income 4-person household: $67,005257 Item 2.

City of Coachella, Housing Element Update
What is the Housing Element
How Does the Housing Element Help the City Meet its Goals? • Develop an inventory of sites sufficient to meet
the City’s RHNA allocation
• Establish policies and programs to incentivize
both market-rate and affordable housing
development
• Identify additional strategies to reduce constraints
and expand housing production
6 258
Item 2.

City of Coachella, Housing Element Update
Update Process

WE ARE HERE
7 259
Item 2.

City of Coachella, Housing Element Update
Focus Groups - Why We Are Here
• Purpose: Introduce the housing element update,
discuss opportunities and constraints to housing
development, and receive policy/program
recommendations
• Who/When: Three (3) focus group sessions for a
variety of stakeholders including
o Community and Housing Advocates
o Housing Developers
o Local Institutions and Businesses
Update Process
8 260
Item 2.

City of Coachella, Housing Element Update
• Group Norms
o Each participant will be treated with respect
o Please be mindful of time
o Allow other participants to finish speaking before beginning to speak • Format
o Open discussion with guided questions
o The chat function will be available if you would like to provide written comment, though the focus is will be on the dialogue.
• Recordation: Notes will be taken, and chats will be saved Focus Group Protocols
9 261
Item 2.

City of Coachella, Housing Element Update
Discussion
262
Item 2.
983 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 | (805) 595 1345 | lisawiseconsulting.com | 4 Appendix B: Focus Group Discussion Questions
Community and Housing Advocates

1. Who are the most underserved groups in the City?

2. What type of housing is most needed/in short in supply in Coachella?

3. Do you see any disparities or concerns in housing patterns or trends in Coachella?

4. Are you concerned about concentration or segregation in housing access and/or opportunity in Coachella?

5. What are the most critical gaps in housing services/options in Coachella?

6. What are the challenges or barriers to filling these gaps/providing adequate and sufficient housing?

7. What would be your top policy or program recommendations to the City? Housing Developers

1. What types of housing does your organization specialize in? What role does your organization play in helping provide housing in Coachella?

2. What are the unique challenges with building housing in Coachella?

3. Are there any specific constraints with residential development standards and/or approval procedures in Coachella?

4. What are the most in demand housing typologies in Coachella? o What can the City do to facilitate these types of housing developments?

5. Where (geographically) do you see opportunities for (affordable) housing in Coachella?

6. What would be your top policy or program recommendations to Coachella?

7. For affordable developers only:
o Tell us about your most successful project in Coachella or nearby communities? Why? • What are the key factors for that success?
o What are the unique challenges with building affordable housing in Coachella? 263
Item 2.

Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. | City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element Update | 1 6th Cycle Housing Element Update
City of Coachella
Steering Committee Meeting Notes
Date: July 26, 2021
Time: 5:00 PM
Attendees:

Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc.:
• Kathryn Slama
• David Bergman
• Lindsey Squirewell
City of Coachella:
• Gabriel Perez, Assistant Community Development Director Steering Committee:
• Ana Perez
• Taylor Varner
• Fernando Heredia
• Mike Walsh
• Jim Kosak
• Daniel Wozniak
• Absent
 Sahara Huazano – Alianza Coachella Valley
 Dave Davis- Chelsea Investments

1. Introductions

1. Taylor Varner - Lift to Rise
a. Lives in Indio
b. Regional Affordable Housing Planner at Lift to Rise
c. Wants to contribute as a community developer and provide input to the local government on constraints

2. Fernando Heredia - Our Lady of Soledad
a. Deacon at Our Lady of Soledad
b. Lives in La Quinta
c. Wants to help because effective housing creates productive citizenship E2.- Steering Committee Meetings
264
Item 2.

Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. | City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element Update | 2

3. Mike Walsh – Riverside County Housing Authority
a. Works for Riverside County Housing Authority, Workforce Housing b. Member of Our Lady of Soledad
c. Lives in Indio
d. Wants to help with solving housing challenges and creating effective partnerships with other organizations

4. Ana Perez – Real Estate Agent
a. Lives and works in Coachella for 12 years
b. Real estate professional
c. Opened her real-estate office in 2020
d. Wants to contribute housing market knowledge and service to the community

5. Jim Kosak – Strategic Land Partners
a. Works for Strategic Land Partners
b. Owner of 280-acre property
c. Developed hotels, mixed-use, and multi-family and single-family detached residential
d. Has 25 years of real-estate experience

6. Daniel Wozniak - Pulte Homes
a. Works as a developer for Pulte Homes (3rd largest builder in the U.S.) b. Four projects in Coachella, 50 – 200 lot projects
c. Lives in Coachella
d. Interested in what the City’s housing goals and interests are for the future

2. Steering Committee Overview
a. Discussed Role and Purpose of the Steering Committee b. Advisory Recommendations to City staff

3. Discussion
• No one is building 30 du/ac (HCD assumes affordable housing more likely on properties with densities allowed up to 30 du/ac). Cap and trade project (Pueblo villas) probably isn’t 30 ac/du. It is difficult to achieve the required density unless the units are studio or one bedroom, as its too expensive to build taller. The market cannot absorb the cost of affordable housing construction without outside sources. The current rents are not high enough to cover the costs of more expensive development typologies.
• Coachella needs more infrastructure investment, reduce funding and timing for future projects.

Suggests that policies should focus on high density and lower development costs to help fulfill the requirements (e.g. tiered fee structure). Opportunity to shorten entitlement timeline (takes years at times). Suggests City makes SB 35 streamlining more visible as an option. 265
Item 2.

Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. | City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element Update | 3 • Land brokers need incentives to increase density to bring down land costs and lower development costs if City wants to affordable housing units. Most owners entitle larger lots (7,200 sf) to set up for product types of key developers. Consider streamlining and allowing smaller lots w/o extra process.
• Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity will be helpful in the affordable housing construction and helping increase housing supply.
• Builders want certainty in development. Time to entitle land is a negative. Owners/developers will not ask for exceptions to requirements (even if allowed), if it would require any extra process or extend the review/entitlement period.
• Cost of land:
o Raw land always takes time to process, it is an expectation in the entitlement process o Cost of land depends on size, if it entitled, utility access, etc. o Some people buy land cheap, entitle and process CEQA then resell much higher (e.g. $10k/acre Agricultural land resell at $400k to $1M/acre if entitled and ready to go • City seeking “pro-housing’ designation. Recommend adding policies into the Housing Element to help identify incentives.
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Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. | City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element Update | 1 6th Cycle Housing Element Update
City of Coachella
Steering Committee Meeting Agenda
Date: August 16, 2021
Time: 5:00 PM
Attendees:

Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. (LWC):
• Kathryn Slama
• David Bergman
• Lindsey Squirewell
City of Coachella:
• Gabriel Perez, Assistant Community Development Director Steering Committee:
• Ana Perez– Real Estate Agent
• Taylor Varner - Lift to Rise
• Fernando Heredia- Our Lady of Soledad
• Mike Walsh – Riverside County Housing Authority
• Jim Kosak– Strategic Land Partners
• Daniel Wozniak - Pulte Homes
• Sahara Huazano (1st meeting) – Alianza Coachella Valley • Kenneth Rogers (1st meeting) – CVHC Sr project Manager in Indio

1. Technical Assessment Discussion
o Is Coachella considering an inclusionary housing requirement? o Is the 5th Cycle rezone program completed?
 City estimates completion in September 2021
o Is rezoning expected for the 6th cycle?
 City has capacity under General Plan land use. City will need to rezone to implement the General Plan
o Is City pursuing a “pro-housing” designation?
o Will the Housing Element address homelessness and farmworkers? o Constraints
 Development fees are higher for singer family development 267
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Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. | City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element Update | 2  City should compare to other cities in the desert
 Are other requirements a constraint (e.g. setbacks)
• For single family, setbacks are not a constraint. Reduced setbacks would allow larger building envelope (for single family), not necessarily help with affordability
• Relaxed setbacks can create more infill sites opportunities – all density options should be considered
 Street with smaller widths (that don’t meet City ROW requirements) are subject to HOA rules and not zoning rules. This is difficult at times • Some developments provide private small street with no sidewalks to decrease building costs
• City to allow smaller streets, can avoid HOA and reduce costs o Affordable Housing and Incentives
 What are the incentives for developer to provide affordable housing since the profit yields less than market rate housing? Needs to make up the difference and protect market rate owners investment
 Incentives are usually a requirement of affordable development, unless City implements inclusionary requirement
 Community Land Trust- maintain affordability when sold  Single family is being excluded from affordable housing assumptions because high density requirements for affordable housing
 Affordable housing is not affordable to build, just affordable to tenants. Need subsidy and tax credits
 Don’t limit development too much, otherwise other development types are not feasible (e.g. single family)
 Programs can include covenants for home loans (for certain professions (teachers, nurses) they can qualify for higher loans
 For profit companies and nonprofit companies should team up to qualify for the most financing options (and the nonprofit can help navigate requirements for subsidy and tax credits)
 Developers should have options to include affordable housing

2. Draft Implementation Plan
o How are we going to prioritize affordable housing?
o Are we going to expand residential zones?
o SB35
 General Plan/Zoning consistency is a challenge without an updated Code  Look into San Francisco as a reference for SB35 implementation procedures o Uncertainty is the biggest risk for developers
 Remove CEQA requirements, decrease building process & plan check time 268
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Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. | City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element Update | 3  Developers would pay extra for express/expedited processing  We should develop ways to lower development fees or give land to developers  Fee waivers to expedite process
o A city funded senior center funded would be a good amenity – provide residential development near by
o Amenities and neighborhood resources are important to consider to ensure equity in housing placement
 Create a subdivision of affordable housing next to market rate o No known areas of segregation or concentration
o No areas as high resources or opportunity by TCAC, this is a disadvantage when competing for funding
 What does Coachella need to have higher numbers of opportunity zones o Coachella has low income compared to region, but higher rate of home ownership  How to maintain ownership opportunities without USDA 502 loans 269
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6th Cycle Housing Element Update
City of Coachella
Steering Committee Meeting #3 Agenda
Date: August 27, 2021 Call-In Number: +1669 900 6833
Time: 5:00 PM Meeting ID: 825 3325 0937 Passcode: 888689 Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82533250937?pwd=a2FCLzZVRUJuZ1lpVzkrcVNIcmlaUT09

1. Welcome

2. Draft Housing Element Release
a. Goals and Policies/ Programs Discussion

4. Public Workshop Preparation – October 14th
a. Ideas for Workshop Format
b. Outreach

5. Next Steps
a. Joint Study Session of City Council and Planning Commission Nov 8 at 5 p.m. 270
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Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. | City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element Update | 1 City of Coachella
6th Cycle Housing Element Update
Public Workshop
Thursday, October 14, 2021, at 6:00 pm
Zoom Webinar
Introduction
On October 14, 2021, the City of Coachella (City) hosted a virtual public workshop for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update project. Gabriel Perez, Community Development Director, opened the meeting and explained the intent of the workshop is to provide information about the Housing Element Update process and answer questions. The presentation was available in English and live Spanish translation. Director Perez introduced additional City staff and the Consultant Team, Lisa Wise Consulting Inc. (LWC). Kathryn Slama, Senior Associate and project manager, and David Bergman, Director, presented on behalf of LWC. The presentation addressed the following topics:

1. Housing Element Overview

2. Process and Public Outreach

3. Housing Needs and Conditions in Coachella

4. Public Review Draft Housing Element

5. Next Steps for the Coachella Housing Element Update

6. Questions and Discussion
Format
The public workshop was facilitated by City staff, with a presentation from LWC. Due to COVID19 conditions, the meeting was held virtually via Zoom. Public participants were able to access the meeting by computer or by phone in English or Spanish. Participants were encouraged to provide feedback on the presentation and Housing Element document verbally at the meeting or by Zoom comment box. Over 20 people virtually attended the public workshop.

The City prepared a community workshop notice in English and Spanish that was published on the project website, Coachellahousingelement.com and distributed by the City. (see below).

E3.- Public Workshop
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Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. | City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element Update | 2 The City remains available to accept comments or answer questions via phone or email. 272
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Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. | City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element Update | 3 Summary of Comments
The following is a summary of questions and comments from members of the public and the subsequent discussion held during the public workshop:
• How can interested persons participate in the Housing Element Update process? There are many ways to participate in the Housing Element Update process. The steering committee meetings included non-profit and for-profit developers, faith-based groups, and the housing authority, among others. This workshop is another way to participate.

Additional opportunities for participation include the November 8, 2021, 5 p.m. City Council and Planning Commission study session and an upcoming online survey (expected the week of October 25, 2021)
• What does “affordable housing” mean? “Affordable” is a technical term that refers to the amount of income spent on housing (no more than 30%) relative to income categories set by the State (e.g., Extremely Low, Very Low, Low, Moderate) based on a region’s Area Median Income (AMI), in this case, for Riverside County. The AMI metric is often used on the scale of the household, instead of on the scale of individual persons. Affordable housing generally includes below market-rate housing and can come in a variety of all kinds of building types, including duplexes, courtyard housing, and apartments. • How is the City ensuring that Coachella residents won’t be displaced, including lowincome persons of color? The City should look at inclusionary zoning ordinances, rent control, land trusts, and types of anti-displacement strategies. The idea behind a housing element update is to ensure that cities have enough space available to produce housing attainable to persons at all income levels, including below market-rate housing.

Many of the sites identified by the City that will be used for complying with the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) are on vacant land, so they will not remove existing housing. In addition, the program recommendations (e.g. anti-displacement strategies) will be included for consideration at the upcoming City Council and Planning Commission study session scheduled for November 8, 2021. • How will the City prevent segregation of neighborhoods based on income levels and the concentration of poverty? The City is sensitive to this issue. Pursuant to state law, the City will conduct an analysis to “affirmatively further fair housing” and investigate areas that may be segregated by income, race, etc. Once that analysis is complete, the City will be able to identify any pockets of concentrated poverty and see whether any lowincome housing sites are identified there, and develop programs or policies as appropriate.
• The City should have its Code Enforcement Division help rehabilitate existing housing, such as small loans for residents to make repairs. The City does provide a Residential Rehabilitation Program to residents (as funding is available), and will continue to advertise this on its website, share information with service organizations, and post information in City Hall. Please also see Program 2.1 of the Housing Element Update. 273
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Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. | City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element Update | 4 • Does the Housing Element Update consider climate goals and proximity to transit in its analyses? Yes, the Housing Element Update promotes housing near jobs and transit to reduce climate impacts that occur on account of commutes. 274
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Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. | City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element Update | 1 City of Coachella
6th Cycle Housing Element Update
City Council/Planning Commission Joint Study Session
Monday, November 8, 2021, at 5:00 pm
Zoom Webinar and In-Person at the Coachella City Hall Council Chambers Introduction
On November 8, 2021, the City of Coachella (City) hosted an in-person/virtual joint City Council/Planning Commission study session for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update project.

Mayor Steven Hernandez opened the meeting and introduced Gabriel Perez, Community Development Director, who explained the intent of the study session was to review the draft Housing Element Update, as well as to receive comment and answer questions. The presentation was available in English and live Spanish translation. Director Perez introduced the Consultant Team, Lisa Wise Consulting Inc. (LWC). Kathryn Slama, Senior Associate and project manager, and David Bergman, Director, presented on behalf of LWC. The presentation addressed the following topics:

1. Housing Element Overview

2. Process and Public Outreach

3. Housing Needs and Conditions in Coachella

4. Public Review Draft Housing Element

5. Public Workshop

6. Next Steps for the Coachella Housing Element Update

7. Questions and Discussion
Format
The study session was facilitated by Mayor Hernandez, Planning Commission Chair Virgen, and Director Perez, with a presentation from LWC. Due to COVID-19 conditions, the meeting was held virtually via Zoom with the option for in-person attendance at the Coachella City Hall Council Chambers. Public participants were able to access the meeting by computer or by phone in English or Spanish. Participants were encouraged to provide feedback on the presentation and Housing Element document verbally at the meeting or by Zoom comment box. Over 15 people attended the study session via Zoom.

The City noticed the study session on the City’s website and according to standard public meeting procedures.

E4.- Study Session
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Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. | City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element Update | 2 The meeting was recorded and posted on the City’s webpage (https://coachellaca.swagit.com/play/11092021-715) so it may be viewed at any time. The City remains available to accept comments or answer questions via phone or email.

Summary of Comments
The following is a summary of questions and comments from both City Council and Planning Commission members, as well as questions and comments from members of the public. Three emails were also entered into the record.
• Elected and appointed officials want to receive Housing Element Update materials sufficiently in advance of meetings to be more prepared. • Does the fact that the median income in Riverside County is higher than the median income in Coachella present opportunities for Coachella? While grants and other funding for affordable housing are very competitive, the relative lower income of Coachella residents is a factor that could help proposed affordable housing projects in Coachella score higher for receiving funding or tax credits from programs through Riverside County or the State. Additionally, because the income limits are based on County-wide figures, a larger proportion of Coachella’s households will qualify for below market rate housing. • The City should look at its last (5th cycle) housing element update to see how it has been recently promoting affordable housing. The City has 560 units in the pipeline; 106 currently under construction. Let’s promote our successes. The City does look at how it has performed over the last housing cycle through its current housing element 276
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Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. | City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element Update | 3 update. The housing element update will highlight how many affordable units have been built since the start of the last housing cycle.
• Affordable housing units in the City should be high-quality. Coachella residents that live in affordable housing units should not feel inferior to other residents, especially because of the quality of their housing. We want residents to feel at home and not segregated. While capacity constraints such as lot coverage restrictions can negatively impact the profitability of housing projects, and therefore in part the type of materials used for construction of affordable housing units, the Housing Element Update team will work to ensure affordable housing is not distinct from market-rate housing. The City can consider programs to require projects to provide the same type of fixtures and appliances for market rate and affordable units.
• The City needs to update its Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map to be consistent with its General Plan. The City currently is circulating a request for qualifications (RFQ) to this effect.
• The City should address senior housing needs, both in the short and long term.

Senior housing should be near amenities, as some senior may not have reliable transportation or may not be able to drive. The City should also streamline senior housing projects.
• The City should ensure sufficient housing for veterans and needs to collaborate with developers to build affordable housing.
• Housing prices continue to increase, whereas household incomes are remaining stagnant in Coachella. What can be done to combat this? The housing element is a roadmap for the production of affordable housing units, or the supply side of housing.

While access to high paying employment is a challenge, the housing element does not address this directly. Moreover, the City is looking into how to reduce governmental constraints that artificially increase the cost of housing, such as particular minimum lot sizes.
• Although the City has high homeownership rates, most homeowners in Coachella are cost-burdened by the cost of their housing. This is a problem for families. • The City should consider adopting an inclusionary zoning ordinance. • The City should encourage different types of housing (e.g., “missing middle” housing). This includes condominiums and fourplexes, etc. These types of housing should also be near amenities, such as access to medicine, jobs, churches, and counseling centers. We can look at the Zona Central between Avenue 50 and 52 to continue the grid. The housing element update promotes a diversified housing stock— everything from detached single-family housing to missing middle housing to federally subsidized, traditional affordable housing. The Housing Element acknowledges that access to amenities is an important factor in remaining competitive for subsidies and grant 277
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Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. | City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element Update | 4 funds for affordable housing and will continue to work with developers to align sites for housing with high opportunity areas.
• Can the City require that first-time homebuyers have priority over others when submitting offers to purchase a home? The housing element team is not aware of any such programs in California. First-time homebuyer programs do exist where cities provide access to low interest rates or other types of funding, or education programs for first-time homebuyers. In some cities, first-time homebuyers experience difficulties in buying housing when they must compete with short-term rentals. The City does participate in a first-time homebuyer assistance program through Riverside County. • The City should consider a bond instrument, community revitalization investment authority, a transit occupancy tax, and/or inclusionary zoning geared towards housing. The City should also incentivize developers to build affordable housing, and increase fees for developers that don’t build it.
• The City should streamline affordable housing projects (have a quick turnaround time for plan check and reviews).

Screenshots
Screenshots from the Public Hearing are included below:
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Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. | City of Coachella 6th Cycle Housing Element Update | 5 279 Item 2.

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing City of Coachella | F-1 Appendix F: Affirmatively Furthering
Fair Housing (AFFH)
Contents
Appendix F: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH).......................F-1 Section F.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................F-2 F.1.1 Notes on Figures and Analysis...........................................................................F-2 Section F.2 Assessment of Fair Housing...............................................................................F-2 F.2.1 Fair Housing Outreach and Enforcement...........................................................F-2 F.2.2 Integration and Segregation ...............................................................................F-5 F.2.3 Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty ..................................F-1614 F.2.4 Access to Opportunity ..................................................................................F-2118 F.2.5 Disproportionate Housing Needs..................................................................F-3028 F.2.6 Other Relevant Factors ................................................................................F-3835 F.2.7 Summary of Fair Housing Issues .................................................................F-4137 Section F.3 Sites Inventory..............................................................................................F-4238 F.3.1 Potential Effects on Patterns of Segregation..................................................F-440 F.3.2 Potential Effects on Access to Opportunity ....................................................F-473 Section F.4 Contributing Factors and Meaningful Actions.................................................F-516 280
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F-2 | City of Coachella Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Section F.1 Introduction
Assembly Bill 686, signed in 2018, establishes a statewide framework to affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH) with the goal of achieving better economic and health outcomes for all Californians through equitable housing policies. AB 686 requires cities and counties to take deliberate actions to foster inclusive communities, advance fair and equal housing choice, and address racial and economic disparities through local policies and programs. Housing elements are now required to address the following five components:
• Inclusive and Equitable Outreach: A summary of fair housing outreach and capacity that includes all economic segments of the community.
• Assessment of Fair Housing: An assessment of fair housing issues, including integration and segregation patterns, racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty, disparities in access to opportunity, and disproportionate housing needs for all identified populations
• Analysis of Sites Inventory: An evaluation of whether the sites inventory of the Housing Element improves or exacerbates conditions for fair housing. • Identification of Contributing Factors: The identification and prioritization of contributing factors related to fair housing issues.
• Priorities, Goals, and Actions to AFFH: The identification of fair housing goals and actions that directly address the contributing factors outlined above. The housing element should include metrics and milestones for evaluating progress and fair housing results.

This section documents four of the five components of the AFFH components. The summary of AFFH-related outreach is included in Appendix E.

F.1.1 Notes on Figures and Analysis
This Appendix contains geospatial data downloaded from HCD’s AFFH Data and Mapping Resources Hub. Additional analysis is sourced from the Census American Community Survey (ACS) and HCD’s pre-certified data, where appropriate.

Section F.2 Assessment of Fair Housing
F.2.1 Fair Housing Outreach and Enforcement
Fair housing complaints can be an indicator of housing discrimination. Fair housing issues can arise through discrimination against an individual based on the protected classifications of disability, race, national origin, familial status, disability, religion, or sex when renting or selling a dwelling unit.
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Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing City of Coachella | F-3 The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) is the federal agency responsible for eliminating housing discrimination, promote economic opportunity, and achieve diverse, inclusive communities. FHEO services and activities include investigating fair housing complaints, conducting compliance reviews, ensuring civil rights in HUD programs, and managing fair housing grants.

The City refers residents to the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County and the Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board (IFHMB) to provide fair housing services for its residents. The Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board (IFHMB) provides fair housing services to urban and unincorporated areas of Riverside County including Coachella. IFHMB offers training workshops and presentations about fair housing laws and the services and resources available through the agency. Workshops and presentations are offered for housing providers, city staff, and the public throughout the year. Topics covered in these workshops include federal and state fair housing laws, examples of discriminatory activities, suggested actions to avoid discrimination complaints, and providing resources such as brochures and other literature. The city provides residents with an online form through their website that allows people to submit fair housing complaints for a quick response time.

The City will maintain this partnership and will provide information regarding available fair housing services on the City’s website. The fair housing services provided by both the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County and IFHMB include providing information, investigation, education, conciliation, and/or referrals of housing discrimination complaints free of charge to individuals. It also provides fair housing workshops that are offered year-round to educate housing providers, tenants, homeowners, and financial and lending institutions on the key aspects of fair housing law. Further, their mediation departments provide information to landlords, tenants, mobile home park owners, and mobile home residents regarding their rights and responsibilities under the California Landlord and Tenant Laws, and facilitates negotiations between parties in housingrelated disputes.

This section discusses the fair housing services available to residents in the City and the corresponding organizations that provide fair housing services to both providers and consumers of housing, as well as the nature and extent of fair housing complaints received by the fair housing provider. In general, fair housing services include investigating and resolving housing discrimination complaints; discrimination auditing and testing; and education and outreach, such as disseminating fair housing information through written materials, workshops, and seminars.

The City refers residents to the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County and the Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board (IFHMB) to provide fair housing services for its residents by disseminating educational information, performing investigations, local conciliation, and/or referrals of housing discrimination complaints free of charge to individuals. It also involves fair housing community workshops that are offered year-round to educate housing providers, tenants, homeowners, and financial and lending institutions on the key aspects of fair housing laws. From 2015 through 2017, the IFHMB provided fair housing services to 45 City residents. Of these individuals, 97 percent were lower-income earners. The largest race/ethnic group that was 282
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F-4 | City of Coachella Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing provided fair housing services were Hispanic people. Through these, the City is well able to effectively disseminate fair housing resources and educational material through community outreach and other fair housing services provided to the residents of the City.

According to the California Department of Employment and Fair Housing, from 2009 through 2013, there were 17 fair housing cases in the City. Within this period, the highest number of fair housing cases filed were on the basis of race/color, resulting in 9 cases, followed by familial status with seven cases. Sexual orientation and having a national origin from Mexico had zero housing cases filed within the same period. Further, data from the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD) AFFH data viewer tool shows that from 2013 to 2021 there were fewer than 0.5 fair housing equal opportunity inquiries per 1,000 people in the City, as reported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This includes 23 total inquiries within the 2013-2021 period of which one was on the basis of disability, one on the basis of race, two on the basis of familial status, one on the basis of sex, and the rest were uncategorized. The disposition count for these inquiries was zero, while most were categorized as a failure to respond or to not be a valid issue. Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) data indicate that six inquiries were made in the City from Jan. 2013 to March 2021 on account of familial status (1), national origin (2), and no reason listed (3). The city does not have any pending lawsuits, enforcement actions, judgements, settlements, or findings related to fair housing and civil rights. There are no known fair housing lawsuits in the City.

City enforces fair housing and complies with fair housing laws and regulations through a twofold process: review of local policies and codes for compliance with State law, and referral of fair housing complaints to appropriate agencies. The City complies with State and federal housing laws as follows:
• Fair Housing Act; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – the City complies by ensuring its actions related to housing are not discriminatory through City protocols, decisionmaking procedures, and adhering to non-discrimination requirements of federal funding programs.
• American Disabilities Act – the City complies with the ADA through building permit review and issuance and as described in Appendix C (Housing Constraints, Section C.2.2, Housing for Persons with Disabilities).
• California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and FEHA Regulations – the City complies with FEHA and its regulations through referrals to legal assistance organizations, such as Fair Housing Council of Riverside County and the Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board (IFHMB). The Housing Element includes policies and programs to continue to provide Fair Housing information in person and online, educate landlords and tenants regrading Fair Housing laws and tenant rights.
• Review Process (Government Code Section 65008) – The City Zoning Code is written to ensure that the City reviews affordable development projects in the same way as 283
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Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing City of Coachella | F-5 market-rate developments except in cases where affordable housing projects are eligible for preferential treatment. City’s actions regarding the development of housing for persons and families of very low, low, moderate, and middle incomes, or emergency shelters for the homeless, are not discriminatory. Programs are included in this Housing Element to facilitate housing for all households, including protected classes (e.g., programs regarding group homes, emergency shelters, and reasonable accommodation procedures). • Assembly Bill 686 (Government Code Section 8899.50) – Appendix F of this Housing Element documents compliance with Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing requirements. • Equal Access (Government Code Section 11135 et. seq.) – the City complies with antidiscrimination requirements by offering translation services for all public meetings and offers accessibility accommodations to ensure equal access to all regardless of membership or perceived membership in a protected class. • Density Bonus Law (Government Code Section 65915) – the City implements a density bonus program, as described in Appendix C (Housing Constraints) The Housing Element includes a program to ensure the City complies with recent updates to the Density Bonus Law.
• Senate Bill 35 (Government Code Section 65913.4). The Housing Element includes a program to comply with SB 35 by establishing a written policy or procedure, as well as other guidance as appropriate, to streamline the approval process and standards for eligible projects.
• Housing Accountability Act (Government Code Section 65589.5) – the City complies with the HAA by following established review periods and timelines. Housing Element includes programs to develop objective design standards to facilitate non-discretionary review of housing projects in compliance with the HAA.
• No-Net-Loss Law (Government Code Section 65863) – the City has documented compliance with sufficient capacity for RHNA, with a surplus capacity of over 3,000 units across all income categories. The City will ensure compliance with no-net-loss via required annual reporting to HCD.

F.2.2 Integration and Segregation
This section analyzes integration and segregation, including patterns and trends, related to populations with protected characteristics.

Race and Ethnicity
According to the United States Census, American Community Survey (ACS), approximately 72 percent of the Coachella population belonged to a racial minority group in 2019 (this is the most recent year that data is available). Coachella has more non-white racial and ethnic groups than Riverside County where this population comprises about 40 percent of the County’s total 284
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F-6 | City of Coachella Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing population. Coachella has fewer White residents at about 28 percent of the population than the county at about 60 percent. In Coachella, 98 percent of the population of is Hispanic or Latino (of any race), compared to 48 percent of the population of Riverside County (see Appendix A, Housing Needs Assessment, Section A.2.3).

Figure F-1 provides Coachella’s historic non-white population percentages by block group from 2010 census data. Two block groups had non-white populations at that time that were between 21 and 40 percent and two block groups had percentages between 61 and 80 percent. The rest of the city at that time was in the 41 to 60 percent range. Surrounding areas of the city had similar levels of non-white populations in the 2010 census data.

Figure F-2 shows the non-white population percentage by census block group for 2018. The majority of block groups in the city had non-white populations above 80 percent. One block group in the northern portion of the city had a non-white population percentage of about 35 percent, one block group in the west had a non-white population of about 55 percent, and one block group had a non-white population of about 64 percent to the east.

The city had higher percentages of non-white population overall in 2018 as compared to 2010 according to census data. The 2018 ACS data showed an increase in non-white population percentages in all block groups in the city over 2010 levels. Coachella contains a racial and ethnic composition that is different from the region with a higher proportion of non-white population than the county, but it has a similar racial and ethnic composition to the block groups adjacent to the city.
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Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing City of Coachella | F-7 Figure F-1: Non-White Population Percentage (2010)
Source: HCD AFFH Spatial Data
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F-8 | City of Coachella Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Figure F-2: Non-White Population Percentage (2018)
Source: HCD AFFH Spatial Data
Disability
People are considered to have a disability if they have one or more of the following: hearing difficulty, vision difficulty, cognitive difficulty, ambulatory difficulty, self-care difficulty, and independent living difficulty. Figure F-3 presents the census data for 2010 and 2014 for percentage of population with a disability and Figure F-4 shows the ACS 2015 to 2019 data for percentage of population with a disability.

According to the 2015 to 2019 ACS, approximately 8.0 percent of Coachella residents had a disability at that time, compared to 11.6 percent countywide (Table F-1). About half of Coachella’s census tracts had less than 10 percent of residents experiencing disability while the other half had between 10 and 20 percent during both five-year time periods. The distribution of this population is not appreciably different from the block groups adjacent to the city. 287
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Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing City of Coachella | F-9 Table F-1: Percentage of Population with a Disability (2019) Year Coachella Riverside County
Number Percentage Percentage
2019 3,635 8.0% 11.6%
Source: ACS 2019 5-Year Estimates, Table S1810
Figure F-3: Percentage of Population with a Disability (2010 - 2014) Source: HCD AFFH Spatial Data
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F-10 | City of Coachella Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Figure F-4: Percentage of Population with a Disability (2015 - 2019) Source: HCD AFFH Spatial Data
Familial Status
Familial status refers to the presence of at least one child under 18 years old. Examples of familial status discrimination include refusal to rent to families with children, eviction of families once a child joins, confinement of families to specific floors of a building, and overly restrictive rules regarding children’s use of common areas.

According to the 2015 to 2019 ACS, 31.0 percent of households in Coachella have one or more children under the age of 18. The city’s share of households with children present is lower than that of the county overall at 37.6 percent. It is higher than the surrounding neighboring jurisdictions of Indio (26.6 percent), La Quinta (23.9 percent), and Palm Desert (16.8 percent). Approximately

18.6 percent of married-couple households in Coachella have one or more children under the age of 18 versus 23.4 percent in the county overall (Table F-2).

Figure F-5 shows the approximate distribution of children in married couple households in Coachella. The estimated percentages of children residing within married couple households are 289
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Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing City of Coachella | F-11 highest in northern and western portions of the city at over 80 percent according to the most recent ACS data. This estimate ranges from about 53 percent to about 78 percent in other census tracts of the city.

Single parent households are also a fair housing protected class. Coachella has 5.3 percent of households comprised of male or female single-parent households with children. Female-headed households are of particular concern because they may experience greater housing affordability challenges due to typically lower household incomes compared to two-parent households. An estimated 4.8 percent of households in Coachella are single female-headed households with children (Table F-3).

As shown in Figure F-6, Coachella has some variability in the estimated percentages of children in single female-headed households. The number of children in female-headed households varies across the city from about 9 percent in the north to about 30 percent in the southern portion according to the ACS data.

Table F-2: Percentage of Married-Couple Households with Children Year Coachella Riverside County
2019 18.6% 23.4%
Source: ACS 2019 5-Year Estimates, Table DP02
Table F-3: Percentage of Female-Headed Households with Children, No Spouse/Partner Present Year Coachella Riverside County
2019 4.8% 5.1%
Source: ACS 2019 5-Year Estimates, Table DP02
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F-12 | City of Coachella Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Figure F-5: Children in Married-Couple Households (2015 - 2019) Source: HCD AFFH Spatial Data
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Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing City of Coachella | F-13 Figure F-6: Children in Female-Headed Households with No Partner Present (2015 - 2019) Source: HCD AFFH Spatial Data
Income
According to the 2015 to 2019 ACS, the median household income in Coachella is $34,224, which is about half of the Riverside County median of $67,005 over the same period. Median household incomes in Coachella and Riverside County for 2019 are presented in Table F-4.

Figure F-7 displays the distribution of median household income by census block group in Coachella. Variations in household income are observed in adjacent block groups in the city with five block groups exhibiting median household income levels below $30,000. Most of the city has incomes in the $30,000 to $55,000 range, below the 2020 state median income of $87,100. One overlapping census block in a western portion of the city contains the next highest median income range ($55,000 to $87,100).
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F-14 | City of Coachella Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Table F-4: Median Household Income
Year Coachella Riverside County
2019 $34,224 $67,005
Source: ACS 2019 5-Year Estimates, Table S1901
Figure F-7: Median Household Income (2015 - 2019)
Source: HCD AFFH Spatial Data
Low to Moderate Income Households
Figure F-8 displays income distribution across Coachella by showing the estimated percentage of low to moderate (LMI) income households by census tract. Most of the tracts in Coachella have more than 50% LMI households. The percentages within these tracts rage from 54 to 71 percent.

Two tracts that extend beyond city limits to the north and west contain approximately 22 percent and 17 percent of LMI households, respectively. Levels of LMI households are similar to Coachella to the north, east, and south of the city and generally lower to the west of the city. This 293
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Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing City of Coachella | F-15 pattern reflects the general trend within the Coachella Valley of the number of LMI households increasing from southwest to northeast.

Figure F-8: Low to Moderate Income Population (2011 – 2015) Source: HCD AFFH Spatial Data
Income is also disaggregated by race and ethnicity to further understand local patterns of segregation and integration. The poverty rates among racial and ethnic groups in Coachella and Riverside County are presented in Table F-5. Although the citywide poverty rate was 21.8 percent in 2019 compared to 13.7 percent for Riverside County, not all racial and ethnic groups in Coachella have the same likelihood of experiencing poverty.

The data presented in Table F-5 shows that city residents identifying as “Some Other Race” alone have the highest poverty rate of 24.3 percent as compared to 11.4 percent in the county (second lowest). Note that it is a common occurrence in communities with large Hispanic populations to select “Some Other Race”, as the distinction between race and ethnicity is sometimes unclear to census respondents. White residents have a poverty rate of 17.0 percent and make up 27.8 percent of the city population. These two groups combined account for approximately 98 percent 294
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F-16 | City of Coachella Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing of the city population. The poverty rate for Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race in Coachella is 22.0 percent and this group constitutes 97.3 percent of the city population.

Black, American Indian, and two or more race residents experience poverty at high rates relative to their share of the population. These groups each represent less than 1 percent of the population but they each have poverty rates of about 5 percent according to ACS data.

Table F-5: Poverty by Race/Ethnicity (2019)
Race/Ethnicity
Coachella Riverside County
Number in
Poverty Poverty Rate % of Total Population Poverty Rate Total population below poverty
level estimate 9,814 21.8% - 13.7%
White alone 2,130 17.0% 27.8% 12.0%
Black or African American alone 13 4.9% 0.6% 17.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
alone 21 5.4% 0.9% 20.8%
Asian alone 0 0.0% 0.3% 11.3%
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific
Islander alone 0 0.0% 0.0% 13.0%
Some Other Race alone 7,632 24.3% 69.7% 18.2%
Two or more races 18 5.5% 0.7% 11.4%
Hispanic or Latino origin (of any
race) 9,683 22.0% 97.3% 16.7%
Source: ACS 2019 5-Year Estimates, Table S1701
F.2.3 Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty (R/ECAP) are areas that exhibit both high racial/ethnic concentrations and high poverty rates. HUD defines R/ECAPs as census tracts with a majority non-white population (50 percent or more) and a poverty rate that exceeds 40 percent or is three times the average poverty rate for the county, whichever is lower.

Coachella City CouncilJuly 19, 2023

Coachella City Council
July 19, 2023