HD CityofDowney AGENDA MEMO
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APPROVED BY
HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CIIV COUNCIL CITY MANAGERTO :
FROM:OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER _ ILL
BY: IRMA HUITRON, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT U-
DATE :
SUBJECT:
MARCH 26, 2024
CITY OF DOWNEY 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
OVERVIEW
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will receive and file a report regarding the City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element Implementation Plan. The Implementation plan involves various components, including General Plan, Specific Plan, and Zoning Code Amendments, in addition to the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report. The Amendments are necessary to implement various programs identified in the adopted Housing Element, particularly those programs designed to facilitate additional residential development opportunities to accommodate the City’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment’s (RHNA) requirement of 6,525 housing units within the 2021-2029 planning period.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Receive and file the report outlining the 2021-2029 Housing Element Implementation Plan
BACKGROUND
The City Council adopted an updated Housing Element for the planning period of 2021- 2029 in August 2022, which was certified by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on October 14, 2022. In August 2023, the City Council awarded a contract to MIG Consulting Inc. (MIG), to assist City staff in carrying out the tasks necessary to remain compliant with the City’s certified Housing Element. Staff held an internal “kick-off’ meeting with MIG in September of 2023 and bi-weekly meetings between staff and the consultant team are held to guide the preparation and development of the various project components. It is anticipated that the implementation process will conclude by Winter 2024/2025. The following is a timeline of the project.
CITY OF DOWNEY 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN OVERVIEW MARCH 26, 2024
PAGE 2
Project Timeline
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The 2021-2029 certified Housing Element contains an “implementation” section that lists various programs to be implemented, particularly programs related to zoning, including zone changes and new development standards to accommodate Downey’s RHNA requirement of 6,525 housing units within the 2021-2029 planning period. Cities must accommodate the RHNA number through regulatory changes in land use, specific plans, and zoning, but it is not obligated to build the units
Notable implementation measures that will be covered during Staff’s presentation include:
•
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•
•
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•
Amendments to the General Plan and Zoning Code, which include but are not limited to rezoning identified housing sites located in various parts of the City to meet the City’s housing shortfall of 3,896 housing units; Amending the medium-density (R-3) zone to allow up to a maximum residential density of 40 units per acre;
Establish a new Corridor Residential Overlay Zone along key corridors and set a minimum residential density of 30 dwelling units per acre, subject to meeting development standards and Objective Design Standards, by-right; Increasing housing densities by amending various Specific Plans to allow housing at a density of at least 30 dwelling units per acre, per State minimum standards, on specific properties;
Creating a new mixed-use General Plan land use designation allowing development to include a combination of commercial and residential uses on one project site;
Identifying and codifying incentives to encourage development of residential uses in areas with Residential Overlay and Mixed-Use zones; Updating development standards for multi-family projects and removing the requirements for public hearings associated with Planning Commission or Site
CITY OF DOWNEY 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN OVERVIEW MARCH 26, 2024
PAGE 3
Plan Review for residential developments when meeting the City’s Objective Design Standards;
Establish incentives for projects that include lot consolidation as way of adding more residential units to a project;
Updating off-street parking requirements for multi-family projects by taking into account unit sizes and number of bedrooms;
Adoption of Objective Design Standards
o Must have clear and measurable criteria for how multi-family building designs should look.
o Are quantifiable and measurable, aiming to ensure consistency, quality, and compatibility with the surrounding environment.
o Create new zoning standards to regulate the non-discretionary design of multi-family and mixed-use residential development projects o Meet criteria required by State law
Environmental Justice Element – required Element of the General Plan; and Preparation of an environmental review in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which will include preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which will also have a public comment component.
e
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Community Outreach and Timeline
The implementation process also involves public outreach and participation, workshops, study sessions, followed by public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council. Community outreach method highlights include:
•
•
•
•
•
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Community Leader Interviews
Focus Group Meetings
Community Workshops
Environmental Justice Community Survey
Online Storymap
Flyers, Fact Sheets, and Newsletters
Social Media and Email Blasts
Dedicated project webpage
Tonight, MIG will be providing a brief presentation on the City’s Housing Element and the implementation process. The presentation slides are included as attachment A to this report
BOARD/COMMISSION/SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION:
The Planning Commission, at its regularly scheduled February 7, 2024 meeting, received a similar presentation outlining the Housing Element Implementation Plan.
CITY OF DOWNEY 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN OVERVIEW MARCH 26. 2024
PAGE 4
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Fiscal Responsibility
Efficiency & Adaptability
Quality of Life, Safety & Infrastructure
Public Engagement
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this project update.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: PowerPoint Presentation Slides
Downey Housing Element
Implementation
Attachment “ A“
AGE N DA
Agenda
Project Overview
Housing Element Context
Land Use Element and Map
Targeted Zoning Amendment and Zoning Map
Objective Design Standards
Environmental Justice Element
Community Engagement
City Council: Commentsa
PROJECT OVERVIEW Tf
Project Overview
Implement 2021-2029
Housing Element
Update Land Use
Element and Map to
reflect Housing
Element Sites
Amend Zoning Code
to address Housing
Element
tIdl
Update Zoning Map
to be consistent with
Housing and Land
Use Elements
DE91New Objective
Design Standards
New Environmental
Justice Element (EJ)
HOUSING ELEIVIENT
CONTEXT
What is the Housing Element?
The Housing Element is one of the eight required
elements of the General Plan.
GENERAL PLAN ELEIVIENTS
Housing Circulation Safety Noise Conserv,ti,n II ppen II EnviTonTentalJusticeSpace a
What is the Housing Element?
The Housing Element is the only
element required to be approved
(“certified”) by the State. The
California Department of Housing
and Community Development
(HCD) has the legal authority to
review and certify housing
elements
1 +
D
What is the Housing Element?
An effective housing element
provides the necessary conditions
for developing and preserving an
adequate supply of housing,
including housing affordable to
seniors, families, and workers
a
Housing Element Certified
The Downey 2021-2029 Housing
Element was:
Recommended for Adoption by the
Planning Commission on October 5,
2022
Adopted by the City Council on
October 11, 2022
a Certified by HCD on October 14, 2022
REGIONAL HOUSING A
Fl 1TX )JR L L Ic) c JRT I IE ) N 4 A
What is RHNA?
The Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA)
is the part of Housing Element Law used to
determine how many new homes, and the
affordability of those homes, cities must plan
for in its Housing Element. Cities must
accommodate the RHNA number through
land use, specific plans, and zoning, but it is
NOT obligated to build the units. Downey’s
RHNA is 6,525 housing units.a
What is RHNA?.!!Ahl
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Regional Housing Needs
Assessment :
Housing & Community
Development (HCD)
Department determines
RHNAs for regional area
RHN A for
SCAG* region RHN A for Downey
+H+1,341,827
housing units
6,525
housing units
* The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) region encompasses six counties (Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura) and 191 cities.
Downey RHNA by Income Range
Income Group
% of
AMI#Annual Income Range++Downey
2021-2029 RHNA % Of Units
Very Low 0-50%
51-80%
81-120%
120% +
$0 - $38,650
$38,651 - $61,840
$61,841 - $92,760
$92,760 +
2,079
946
915
2,585
32%
14%
14%
40%
Low
Moderate
Above Moderate
Total 6,525 100%
* Area Median Income (AMI)
**A range of household incomes that represents a percentage of the area median family income (MFI). The 2020 MFI for a family of four in Los Angeles County is $77,300. Source: SCAG, 2020; CA HCD 2020 Income Limits
Goals for accommodating new housing need through
comprehensive land use policies and planning (Zoning)
(not a construction obligation)
How will we Accommodate RHN A?
This Housing Element Implementation
project aims to meet the RHNA by
using a two-part strategy. It involves
making changes to land use, specific
plans, and zoning to increase housing
density and permit mixed-use
developments, aligning with the
RHNA's identified housing needs.
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RHN A Strategy Part 1
Approved/Proposed
Projects
Accessory Dwelling Unit
(ADU) estimates
Vacant/Underutilized
R-1 and R-2 sites
Sites with zoning currently
in place
Downtown Downey
Specific Plan
Rancho Los Amigos
South Campus Specific Plan
RH NA Strategy Part 2
Increase density in High Density
Residential areas
Create a zoning district for the
Mixed-Use General Plan designation
Add residential opport
new areas
Commercial Centers
Commercial Corridors
Sites Inventory Bel
Card •
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This map identifies
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where RHNA Sites will /
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be accommodated by
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Land Use, Zoning, and
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Specific Plan
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Approved Pnljxnd PruJnts (CredIts) SItes To f+ Rezoned
n Approved or Prnpaned Projects = MnR/R3 SItes in Re7r>no SItes Cwently in Pure = MIxed Use Srte3 to Re:one
VdtdItt and U11derutl11zed R1 = Curnrr.ertlal Speclnc Plan SItes to Relate Vacant and UndcrutIlkc.d a2 E= ResIdentIal Overlay SItes n Duwlauwn Downey SP SItu WHa RmldentIal OvettaY Zane
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LAND USE ELEIVIENT
What is the Land Use Element?
The Land Use Element provides framework for how
lands are to be developed and conserved.
GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS
Housing Circulation Safety Noise Conservation II Open II EnvironmentalJusticeSpace D
Land Use Element
CHAPTER 1
LAND USE
The element also
establishes policies for
land uses and defines
the physical areas
serving the needs of
the community.
VISION 2025
GENERAL PLAN
DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
4 a I
Land Use Map
= = = =
map typically illustrates
the intended future
land, including
residential, commercial,
industrial, and open
spaces.
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General Plan Land Use Map
Land Use Element Revisions
The Land Use Element
will be revised to
reflect changes in the
adopted 2021-2029
Housing Element.
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TARG ETED ZONING
AIVIENDIVI ENTS
Targeted Zoning Amendments
Zoning Text Revisions
Revise the Zoning Map
Add Objective Design Standards
D
Zoning Text Revisions
Adopt a residential overlay zone that will allow
high-density housing development by-right at a
minimum density of 30 units per acre subject to
specified development standard and Objective
Design Standards
Increase the allowable residential density in the
R-3 zone to allow up to 40 dwelling units per
acre
D
Zoning Text Revisions
(_',reate new zone and development standards for
mixed use that will allow residential
development at a minimum of 30 units per acre
Revise emergency shelter, supportive housing,
and group home requirements
Revise residential development standards that
may pose a constraint to housing developmenta I
Zoning Map
The Zoning Map
will be revised to
reflect the Land
Use and Housing
Elements
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Zoning Map
Ctxnmunity Development DeFiwtmont . Planning DivisIon
OBJECTIVE DESIGN
STANDARDS
Objective Design Standards
Objective design standards are clear and
measurable criteria for how multi-family building
design should look
Standards are quantifiable and measurable,
aiming to ensure consistency, quality, and
compatibility with the surrounding environment
a I
Objective Design Standards
Create new zoning standards to regulate the
non-discretionary design of multi-family and
mixed-use residential development projects
Meet criteria required by State law
Listen to and learn from the community
Confirm priorities to guide superior multi-family
residential designa
Objective Design Standards
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Two Detached
Houses on One
Lot (SB9)
Duplexes
+
Triplexes
Townhouses
Rowhouses
+
Mid-Rise and
High-Rise
Apartments +
Condominiums
Mixed-Use
Developments
with 2/3
Residential
Component
D
Objective Design Standards
• Site Design B. Architectural/Building Design
Building Design
1. MassIng and ArtIculatIon
All lrXllVIdudl re9dennal unIts shall appear d:
#pdrdte buIldIngs by using gt least two 12) at the
folk7wlr4 approac ha: {cHore 82)
• Architectural Style
and Materials
I MInImum of tty+e 1 3) teet bet\men
ddJanlIB unIt entr eOS
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Ctun8es in nIv from cdus wlrhln tIe
pdlette of the prolut
:hanBes in rnater181 frun the n+aerIals
WIthIn the palette of the project
Chdnges Ia entry +kmnn! cf eIther lnrch
paN) or entry doorway prolecawl
Sustainable Design
FTgure 8?' flamrqr mat31ng VIsual reIIef :hall be created through detaIl:
dssocuted WIth a doolway and/or roof eave WIth
a mInImum of eIghteen ( 18) luhes depth so that
!hey create shade and cast shadow
• Open Space and
Landscaping
Archltpctural projecllm3 from bUIldIng walls that
emphasIze WIndOWS and dooa shatl prolect a
mInImum of twelve ( 121 Inches. ( FIgure 83)
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ENVIRONIVIENTAL
JUSTICE ELEIVIENT
What is the Environmental Justice
Element?
The Environmental Justice Element is one of the
eight required elements of the General Plan.
GENERAL PLAN ELEIVIENTS
Conservation Open Environmental
Space Justice
a I
Environmental Justice (EJ)
Environmental justice (EJ) refers
to the fair treatment and
meaningful involvement of all
people, regardless of race,
ethnicity, or socioeconomic
status, in the development,
implementation, and
enforcement of environmental
policies.a
Environ lental Justice
It aims to ensure that
communities facing
environmental burdens have
equal access to resources,
protection from environmental
hazards, and the right to a
healthy living environment.
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\: :
Disadvantaged
Communities
Disadvantaged
Community .///IIAreas///
Downey
A Disadvantaged Community
refers to an area that faces
socioeconomic and
environmental challenges.
Factors contributing to a
disadvantage community can
include lower incomes and
higher exposure to pollution
hazards.Disadvantaged CDmmunity (DAC)
•ll• DAC Existing ResIdential Aleas
Existing Residential Areas
Environmental Justice Elements
Must Address:
Reduction of Pollution
Burdens
Access to Healthy Foods
Access to Physical Activity
Safe and Sanitary Homes
D
Environmental Justice Elements
ust Address:
Prioritize improvements and
programs that address the
needs of disadvantaged
communities
Promote civic engagement in
the public decision-making
process
HOUSING
IIVIPLEIVIENTATION
ENGAGEIVI ENT
Engagement Goals
Continue Housing Element Community
Engagement
Establish timeline to implement engagement
strategies
Inform communitv members about the
implementation phase of the Housing Element
Discuss purpose and need for Environmental
Justice Element
a Educate the community about land use and zoning
I
Engagement Activities
111 Community Leader
Interviews
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Focus Group
Meetings
Community
Workshops
Environmental
Justice Community
Survey
Flyers, Fact Sheets,
and Newsletters
Social Media and
Email Blasts
D
pI+Community Leaders Interviews
City Council
Planning Commission
Community
Development Staff
Other Community
Leaders
a
4M4' Focus Group
• •
leetings
Advocacy Groups
Downey Community and
Residents
Development Community
Property Owners and
Businesses
Environmental Justice Survey
A specific survey to focus
on Environmental Justice
Questions will gather input
on community needs and
identify pollution burdens
• Available in English and
Spanish
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Outreach Methods
• Social Media Blasts
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Fact Sheets
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PROJECT TIMELINE
Project Timeline
Public Engagement General Plan Update Zoning Amendment
Environmental Review &
Public Hearings
Spring 2024
• City Leaders Interviews
• Focus Group Meetings
• Community Survey
• Community Meetings
• City Council & Planning
Commission Study
Sessions
1 Spring 2024
• Land Use Element and
Map Update
• New Environmental
Justice Element
Summer 2024
• Zoning Code and Map
Amendments
• New Objective Design
Standards
Fall 2024
• Programmatic
Environmental Impact
Report
Winter 2024/2025
• Public Hearings
• Final Documents
CITY COUNCIL
COIVllVI ENTS
Downey Housing Element
Implementation
CITY COUNCIL
March 26, 2024