Hesperia City Council
May 2, 2023

Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Meeting Agenda
Closed Session - 5:30 PM

HESPERIA CITY COUNCIL

SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

HOUSING AUTHORITY

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

WATER DISTRICT

HESPERIA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT - SPECIAL MEETING
City Council Chambers
9700 Seventh Ave., Hesperia CA, 92345
City Clerk's Office: (760) 947-1007
City Council Members
Brigit Bennington, Mayor
Larry Bird, Mayor Pro Tem
Allison Lee, Council Member
Cameron Gregg, Council Member
Rebekah Swanson, Council Member
Nils Bentsen, City Manager
Pam K. Lee, City Attorney
See page (3) for details on public meeting guidelines during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic
NOTE: In compliance with the Americans with Disability Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (760) 947-1007 or (760) 947-1026. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility.

Brigit Bennington, Mayor 9700 Seventh Avenue Larry Bird, Mayor Pro Tem Hesperia, CA 92345 Cameron Gregg, Council Member
Allison Lee, Council Member 760-947-1000 Rebekah Swanson, Council Member TD 760-947-1119

Nils Bentsen, City Manager www.cityofhesperia.us Gateway to the High Desert
City of Hesperia

Public Access to City Council Meetings:

City Council meetings are now open to the public within the guidelines provided by the State which may include wearing masks and socially distancing from other attendees.

Public Comments can be made in -person at City Council Meetings and/or can be submitted via telephone recording that will be played during the meeting.

City Council meetings may be viewed live or after the event on the City’s website at www.cityofhesperia.us.

Remote Public Comment:

Public Comments Made By-Telephone Process
Public comments will be accepted in advance until 5:30 pm on the day of the scheduled meeting by calling and leaving a recorded message at (760) 947-1056. Comments received past 5:30 pm will not be included in the record. If you would like to comment remotely, please follow the protocols below:

• Call (760)947-10 56 to leave a detailed message of your public comment.

• Identify your name and the item you wish to comment on in your message.

• Contact information in your voicemail is optional, but will allow staff to easily follow up with you if necessary.

• Each public comment received by voicemail will be played by a staff member for up to three (3) minutes for Consent Calendar/New Business items and up to five (5) minutes for Public Hearing items.

Remote public comments received outside of the comment period outlined above will not be included in the record.

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May 2, 2023City Council Meeting Agenda

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

HESPERIA CITY COUNCIL

SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

HESPERIA HOUSING AUTHORITY

HESPERIA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

HESPERIA WATER DISTRICT

HESPERIA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT - SPECIAL MEETING
9700 7th Avenue, Council Chambers, Hesperia, CA 92345
As a courtesy, please silence your cell phones and other electronic devices while the meeting is in session. Thank you.

Prior to action of the Council, any member of the audience will have the opportunity to address the legislative body on any item listed on the agenda, including those on the Consent Calendar.

Individuals wishing to speak during General Public Comments or on a particular numbered item must submit a speaker slip to the City Clerk with the agenda item noted. Speaker slips should be turned in prior to the public comment portion of the agenda or before an agenda item is discussed. Comments will be limited to three minutes for General Public Comments, Consent Calendar items and New Business items. Comments are limited to five minutes for Public Hearing items.

In compliance with the Brown Act, the City Council may not discuss or take action on non-agenda items or engage in question and answer sessions with the public. The City Council may ask brief questions for clarification; provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information and direct staff to add an item to a subsequent meeting.

CLOSED SESSION - 5:30 PM
Roll Call
Mayor Brigit Bennington
Mayor Pro Tem Larry Bird
Council Member Allison Lee
Council Member Cameron Gregg
Council Member Rebekah Swanson
Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)1

1. County of San Bernardino v. City of Hesperia, San Bernardino Superior Court Case No. CIV SB 2209965
CALL TO ORDER - 6:30 PM
A. Invocation
B. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
C. Roll Call
Mayor Brigit Bennington
Mayor Pro Tem Larry Bird

May 2, 2023City Council Meeting Agenda
Council Member Allison Lee
Council Member Cameron Gregg
Council Member Rebekah Swanson
D. Agenda Revisions and Announcements by City Clerk
E. Closed Session Reports by City Attorney
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS (For items and matters not listed on the agenda) Individuals wishing to speak during General Public Comments or on a particular numbered item are requested to submit a speaker slip to the City Clerk with the agenda item noted. Speaker slips should be turned in prior to the public comment portion of the joint agenda or before an agenda item is discussed. Comments will be limited to three minutes for General Public Comments, Consent Calendar items and New Business items. Comments are limited to five minutes for Public Hearing items.

In compliance with the Brown Act, the City Council may not discuss or take action on non-agenda items or engage in question and answer sessions with the public. The City Council may ask brief questions for clarification; provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information and direct staff to add an item to a subsequent meeting.

JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR

1. Consideration of the Draft Minutes from the Regular Meeting held Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

Recommended Action:

It
is recommended that the City Council approve the Draft Minutes from the Regular Meeting held Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

Staff Person: Assistant City Clerk Erin Baum
Draft CC Min 2023-4-18Attachments:

2. Warrant Run Report (City - Successor Agency - Housing Authority - Community Development Commission - Water)
Recommended Action:

It is recommended that the Council/Board ratify the warrant run and payroll report for the City, Successor Agency to the Hesperia Community Redevelopment Agency, Hesperia Housing Authority, Community Development Commission, and Water District.

Staff Person: Director of Administrative Services Casey Brooksher SR Warrant Run 5-2-2023
Attachment 1 - Warrant Run
Attachments:

3. Amend Project Funding Agreement with San Bernardino County Transportation Authority for the Ranchero Road Widening Project
Recommended Action:

May 2, 2023City Council Meeting Agenda
It is recommended that the City Council approve Amendment No. 2 to the Project Funding Agreement (PFA) No. 17-1001692 between San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) and the City for construction of the Ranchero Road Widening Project and authorize the Mayor to execute the Amendment.

Staff Person: Assistant City Manager Rachel Molina
SR Project Funding for Ranchero Road Widening 5-2-2023
Attachment 1 - Amendment 2 for Project Funding Agreement Attachments:

4. Side Letter Agreement to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of
Hesperia and the Teamsters Local 1932 for the Period of February 1, 2022 through January 31, 2024
Recommended Action:

It is recommended that the City Council and the Board of Directors of the Hesperia Water District adopt Joint Resolution No. 2023-27 and HWD 2023-04, approving the side letter agreement to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Hesperia and the Teamsters Local 1932 for the Period of February 1, 2022 through January 31, 2024.

Staff Person: Assistant City Manager Rachel Molina, Director of Administrative Services Casey Brooksher and Deputy Human Resources/Risk Management Director Rita Perez
SR Side Letter Agreement 5-2-2023
Joint Resolution 2023-27 & Resolution HWD 2023-04
Attachment 2 - Side Letter of Agreement
Attachments:

5. Vehicle Procurement
Recommended Action:

It
is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to approve the procurement of one (1) new 2023 Ford Ranger for the Building & Safety Program and one (1) new 2023 Ford F-150 for the Code Enforcement Program for a total amount of $88,000 by entering into agreements with Sunrise Ford in the not-to-exceed amount of $38,000 and Fairview Ford in the not-to-exceed amount of $50,000 respectively.

Staff Person: Director of Public Works Jeremy McDonald
SR Vehicle Procurement 5-2-2023
Attachment 1- Bid comparison
Attachments:

CONSENT ORDINANCES

WAIVE READING OF ORDINANCES
Approve the reading by title of all ordinances and declare that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.

6. Specific Plan Amendment SPLA23-00001 and General Plan Amendment GPA23-00001; Applicant: Adam Ahmed; Address: 15051 State Highway 173; APNs: 0357-211-22, and 0357-221-34

May 2, 2023City Council Meeting Agenda
Recommended Action:

Place
on second reading and adopt by title waiving the text of Ordinance No. 2023-06 approving Specific Plan Amendment SPLA23-00001 and General Plan Amendment GPA23-00001 to change an approximately 0.93 gross acre site from Open Space (OS) to Rural Residential with a 20,000 square foot minimum lot size (RR-20,000).

Staff Person: Senior Planner Ryan Leonard
SR SPLA23-00001 and GPA 23-00001 4-18-2023
Ordinance 2023-06
Attachment 2 - Planning Commission Staff Reports with Attachments Attachments:

PUBLIC HEARING
Individuals wishing to comment on public hearing items must submit a speaker slip to the City Clerk with the numbered agenda item noted. Speaker slips should be turned in prior to an agenda item being taken up.

Comments will be limited to five minutes for Public Hearing items.

WAIVE READING OF ORDINANCES
Approve the reading by title of all ordinances and declare that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.

7. Housing Element Update for the 6th Cycle Planning Period 2021-2029 (GPA22-00001)
Recommended Action:

The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2023-25, adopting the Housing Element Update for the 6th Cycle Planning Period 2021-2029 in compliance with State law.

Staff Person: Senior Planner Ryan Leonard
SR Housing Element Update 5-2-2023
Attachment 1- Draft Housing Element Update 2021-2029
Resolution 2023-25
Attachment 3- Draft Addendum to the General Plan EIR
Attachment 4- March 24, 2023 Letter from HCD
Attachments:

NEW BUSINESS

8. FY 2023-24 Budget Workshop #1 - Operating Budget
Recommended Action:

It
is recommended that the City Council/Board receive and file this staff report, which provides information about the current status of the City of Hesperia’s proposed operating budget for FY 2023-24, and adopt Joint Resolution No. 2023-28, HHA 2023-03, HFPD 2023-01, and HWD 2023-05 amending the Financial Policies.

May 2, 2023City Council Meeting Agenda
Staff Person: Director of Administrative Services Casey Brooksher and Assistant City Manager Rachel Molina
SR Budget Workshop #1 - Operating Budget 5-2-2023
Attachment 1 - Joint Resolution 2023-28
Attachment 2 - Exhibit A Financial Policies clean and track changes Attachments:

COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS AND COMMENTS
The Council may report on their activities as appointed representatives of the City on various Boards and Committees and/or may make comments of general interest or report on their activities as a representative of the City.

CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/STAFF REPORTS
The City Manager, City Attorney or staff may make announcements or reports concerning items of interest to the Council and the public.

ADJOURNMENT
I, Erin Baum, Assistant City Clerk of the City of Hesperia, California do hereby certify that I caused to be posted the foregoing agenda on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. pursuant to California Government Code §54954.2.
_____________________________
Erin Baum,
Assistant City Clerk
Documents produced by the City and distributed less than 72 hours prior to the meeting regarding items on the agenda will be made available in the City Clerk's Office during normal business hours.

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City of Hesperia
City of Hesperia
Meeting Minutes - Draft
City Council
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 6:30 PM

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

HESPERIA CITY COUNCIL

SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

HESPERIA HOUSING AUTHORITY

HESPERIA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

HESPERIA WATER DISTRICT
CLOSED SESSION - 5:30 PM
Roll Call

Present: 5 - Mayor Pro Tem Bird, Council Member Swanson, Council Member Gregg, Mayor Ben
nington and Council Member Lee
Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)2

1. One (1) Item
Conference
with Labor Negotiator; Government Code Section 54957.6

1. Negotiations between the City of Hesperia and the Teamsters Local 1932 with the City's Negotiator. (Staff person: Rache
l Molina, Assistant City Manager)
CALL TO ORDER - 6:30 PM
A. Invocation
B. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
C. Roll Call

Present: 5 - Mayor Pro Tem Bird, Council Member Swanson, Council Member Gregg, Mayor Ben
nington and Council Member Lee
D. A genda Revisions and Announcements by City Clerk
City Council Chambers
9700 Seventh Ave.

Hesperia CA, 92345

City of Hesperia
E. Closed Session Reports by City Attorney

ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS

1. Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to the Hesperia Christian Patriots Football team for the CIF Southern Sect
ion 8-man Division 2 Championship by the City Council.

2. Presentatio
n of Certificates of Recognition to Animal Shelter Volunteers.

GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS (For items and matters not listed on the agenda) Bob Nelson commented on the former Tapestry project.

Daniel Krist commented on community issues.

Dao Nguyen, with Primaco, commented on a proposed project.

Joseph Nguyen, with Primaco, commented on a proposed project.

JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Bird, seconded by Gregg, that the Joint Consent Calendar be approved.

The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Bird, Swanson, Gregg Bennington and Lee
Nay: 0

1. Consideration of the Draft Minutes from the Special Meeting held Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

Recommended Action:

It is recommended that the City Council approve the Draft Minutes from the Special
Meeting held
Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

Sponsors: Assistant Cit
y Clerk Erin Baum

2. Warrant Run Report (City - Successor Agency - Housing Authority - Community Development Comm
ission - Water)
Recommended Action:

It is recommended that the Council/Board ratify the warrant run and payroll report for the City, Succes sor Agency to the Hesperia Co
mmunity Redevelopment Agency, Hesperia Housing Authority, Comm unity Developm
ent Commission, and Water District.

Sponsors: Director of Administrative Services Casey Brooksher

3. Treasurer’s Cash Report for the unaudited period ended February 28, 2023 Recommended Action:

It is recommended that the Council/Board accept the Treasurer’s Cash Report for the City, Succes sor
Agency to the Hesperia Co
mmunity Redevelopment Agency, Hesperia Housing Authority, Comm unity Developm
ent Commission, and Water District.

Sponsors: Director of Administrative Services Casey Brooksher

4. Award Professional Services Agreements for Project Management and Construction Management Services

City of Hesperia
Recommended Action:

It is recommended that the City Council and Board of Directors of the Hesperia Water District approve the award three (3) Profession
al Services Agreements (PSAs); one to Transtech Engineers, Inc. in the amount of $500,000 for a term of three (3) years, one to TKE Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $500,000 for a term of three (3) years, and one to Willdan Engineering in the amount of $500,000 for a term of three (3) years for project management and construction management services.

Sponsors: Deputy Development Services Director Dani Fox

PUBLIC HEARING

5. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan Recommended Action:

It is recommended that the City Council conduct a public hearing and upon accepting public testimony:
(1) Adopt Resolution No. 2
023-020 approving the 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan (AAP); (2) Authorize staff to m
odify the AAP based upon the City Council’s direction; (3) Provide City Staff with a m ethodology to distribute f
unds should the City’s 2023-2024 annual allocation increase or decrease; and (4) Authorize the City Manager and/or their designee to execute and transmit all necessary documents, including the adopted Comm
unity Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2023-2024 AAP and any amendments to the U.S. Departm
ent of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to assure the City’s timely receipt of CDBG funding.

Sponsors: Economic Dev
elopment Manager Victor Knight
A motion was made by Swanson, seconded by Gregg, that this item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Bird, Swanson, Gregg, Bennington and Lee
Nay: 0

6. Specific Plan Amendment SPLA23-00001 and General Plan Amendment GPA23-00001; Applic ant:

Adam Ahm
ed; Address: 15051 State Highway 173; APNs: 0357-211-22, and 0357-221-34 Recommended Action:

The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council introduce and place on first reading Ordinance No.
2023-06 approving Specific Plan Amendment SPLA23-00001 and General Plan Amendm
ent GPA23-00001 to change an approximately 0.93 gross acre site from Open Space (OS) to Rural Resident
ial with a 20,000 square foot minimum lot size (RR-20,000).

Sponsors: Senior Planner Ryan Leonard
A motion was made by Swanson, seconded by Bird, that this item be approved. The motion carried by th
e following vote:

Aye: 5 - Bird, Swanson, Gregg, Bennington and Lee
Nay: 0

NEW BUSINESS

7. City Council Advisory Committee

City of Hesperia
Recommended Action:

It is recommended that the City Council evaluate the status and objectives of the City Council Advisory Comm
ittee (CCAC), its effectiveness in fulfilling those objectives and provide direction to staff.

Sponsors: Director of Government Services/City Clerk Melinda Sayre A motion was made by Bird, seconded by Gregg, that the City Council Advisory Committee remains in its current form. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Bird, Swanson, Gregg, Bennington and Lee
Nay: 0

COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS AND COMMENTS
The Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Council Members reported from various events and Committees.

Mayor Bennington asked to represent the City at future SCAG meetings and requested an item be brought to a future agenda to discuss how Planning Commissioners are selected.

CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/STAFF REPORTS
None.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm in honor of Greg Dineen, the passing of a former Hesperia High School student, and the birthdays of Mayor Pro Tem Bird’s father and son, and his 33rd wedding anniversary. _____________________________
Erin Baum,
Assistant City Clerk

City of Hesperia

STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 2, 2023
TO: Mayor and Council Members
City Council, as Successor Agency to the Hesperia Community Redevelopment Agency
Chair and Commissioners, Hesperia Housing Authority
Chair and Commissioners, Community Development Commission Chair and Board Members, Hesperia Water District
FROM: Nils Bentsen, City Manager
BY: Casey Brooksher, Director of Administrative Services Anne Duke, Deputy Finance Director
Martha Cortes, Accountant
SUBJECT: Warrant Run Report (City – Successor Agency – Housing Authority – Community Development Commission – Water)

RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the Council/Board ratify the warrant run and payroll report for the City, Successor Agency to the Hesperia Community Redevelopment Agency, Hesperia Housing Authority, Community Development Commission, and Water District.

BACKGROUND
The Warrant Run totals represented below are for th e period March 18, 202 3 through March 31, 2023.

ATTACHMENT(S)

1. Warrant Runs
Agency/District Accounts Payable* Payroll Wires Totals
City of Hesperia $2,990,867.49 $290,955.12 $0.00 $3,281,822.61 Successor Agency 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Housing Authority 13,675.75 192.82 0.00 13,868.57
Community Development Commission 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Water 569,313.41 113,980.87 0.00 683,294.28
Totals $3,573,856.65 $405,128.81 $0.00 $3,978,985.46
* Includes debt service payments made via Automated Clearing House (ACH) electronic deposit of funds.

YEAR-TO PRIOR FY YTD

W/E W/E WARRANT DATE DATE
FUND # FUND NAME 3/24/2023 3/31/2023 TOTALS Wires TOTALS * TOTALS Accounts Payable
100 GENERAL 1,816,328.22$ 153,173.39$ 1,969,501.61$ -$ 22,949,346.10$ 21,073,146.78$ 200 HESPERIA FIRE DISTRICT -$ -$ -$ - $ -$ -$
204 MEASURE I - RENEWAL -$ -$ -$ -$ 251,376.72$ 252,892.08$ 207 LOCAL TRANSPORT-SB 325 367.90$ -$ 367.90$ -$ 286,759.13$ 28,666.16$ 209 GAS TAX-RMRA -$ -$ -$ -$ 805.00$ 68,083.24$
210 HFPD (PERS) -$ -$ -$ -$ 1,093,204.87$ 1,007,746.00$ 251 CDBG -$ 8,708.88$ 8,708.88$ -$ 785,414.13$ 555,546.09$ 254 AB2766 - TRANSIT -$ -$ -$ - $ -$ -$
256 ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS GRANT 1.50$ -$ 1.50$ -$ 22,821.81$ 31,562.04$ 257 NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROG -$ -$ -$ - $ -$ -$ 262 SB 1383 LOCAL ASSISTANCE GRANT -$ -$ -$ -$ 31,598.69$ -$ 263 STREETS MAINTENANCE 15,336.57$ 43,318.98$ 58,655.55$ -$ 1,490,241.72$ 1,289,721.91$ 300 DEV. IMPACT FEES - STREET 2,565.00$ -$ 2,565.00$ -$ 34,221.18$ 35,488.33$ 301 DEV. IMPACT FEES - STORM DRAIN -$ -$ -$ -$ 17, 460.50$ 39,869.50$ 302 DEV. IMPACT FEES - FIRE -$ -$ -$ - $ -$ -$
303 DEV. IMPACT FEES - POLICE -$ -$ -$ - $ -$ 23,330.00$ 304 DEV. IMPACT FEES - PUBLIC WKS. -$ -$ -$ - $ -$ -$ 306 DEV. IMPACT FEES - 2018-STREETS 8,031.25$ 73,599.37$ 81,630.62$ -$ 4,934,514.18$ 2,124,961.64$ 312 DIF 2018-POLICE FACILITIES -$ -$ -$ -$ 7,969.11$ 6,888.17$ 313 DIF A-04 DRAINAGE -$ -$ -$ -$ 6,270.00$ 963,699.00$ 396 DEVELOPMENT IMPACT -$ -$ -$ - $ -$ -$
399 FEMA-1203-DR (DISASTER) -$ -$ -$ - $ -$ -$
400 2004 STREETS -$ -$ -$ - $ -$ -$
401 CITY DEBT SERVICES -$ -$ -$ - $ -$ -$
402 WATER RIGHTS ACQUISITION -$ 338,028.78$ 338,028.78$ -$ 1,432,351.95$ 1,436,593.88$ 403 2013 REFUNDING LEASE REV BONDS -$ -$ -$ -$ 872,392.46$ 865,585.83$ 501 CFD 91-3 BELGATE -$ -$ -$ - $ -$ -$
504 CITY WIDE STREETS - CIP 168,437.65$ 152,923.64$ 321,361.29$ -$ 7, 764,177.71$ 1,443,414.06$ 509 CITY FACILITIES CIP -$ -$ -$ - $ -$ -$
800 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 193,189.90$ 10,121.79$ 203,311.69$ -$ 6,652,861.34$ 5,612,026.38$ 801 TRUST/AGENCY 5,524.37$ 3.80$ 5,528.17$ -$ 1,605,898.01$ 2,519,074.50$ 802 AD 91-1 AGENCY -$ -$ -$ - $ -$ -$
804 TRUST-INTEREST BEARING -$ 456.50$ 456.50$ -$ 153,181.50$ 58,550.00$ 807 CFD 2005-1 -$ 750.00$ 750.00$ -$ 1,296,651.27$ 1,278,246.21$ 808 HFPD (TRANSITION) -$ -$ -$ -$ 317,384.59$ 369,875.18$ 815 PLAN REVIEW TRUST - FRONTIER -$ -$ -$ -$ 6,584.08$ -$ CITY 2,209,782.36$ 781,085.13$ 2,990,867.49$ -$ 52,013,486.05$ 41,084,966.98$ 163 REDEVELOP OBLIG RETIREMENT-2018 -$ -$ -$ -$ 9,708,465.48$ 9,999,319.34$ SUCCESSOR AGENCY -$ -$ -$ -$ 9,708,465.48$ 9,999,319.34$ 370 HOUSING AUTHORITY -$ 13,675.75$ 13,675.75$ -$ 49,809.31$ 32,701.93$ HOUSING AUTHORITY -$ 13,675.75$ 13,675.75$ -$ 49,809.31$ 32,701.93$ 170 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION -$ -$ -$ - $ -$ -$ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION -$ -$ -$ - $ -$ -$ 700 WATER OPERATING 139,300.39$ 82,000.85$ 221,301.24$ -$ 6,305,537.56$ 6,585,354.73$ 701 WATER CAPITAL -$ -$ -$ -$ 37,598.00$ 88,561.90$ 710 SEWER OPERATING 686.44$ 340,031.19$ 340,717.63$ -$ 4,063,318.29$ 3,930,198.06$ 711 SEWER CAPITAL -$ 5,765.50$ 5,765.50$ -$ 267,047.76$ 157,291.59$ 713 SEWER CAPITAL REHAB AND REPLACE -$ -$ -$ - $ -$ -$ 720 RECLAIMED WATER OPERATIONS 719.60$ 809.44$ 1,529.04$ -$ 259,733.61$ 236,457.41$ WATER 140,706.43$ 428,606.98$ 569,313.41$ -$ 10,933,235.22$ 10,997,863.69$ ACCOUNTS PAYABLE TOTAL 2,350,488.79$ 1,223,367.86$ 3,573,856.65$ -$ 72,704,996.06$ 62,114,851.94$ REG. PAYROLL
City -$ 290,955.12$ 290,955.12$ -$ 5,535,606.28$ 4,475,186.28$ Housing Authority -$ 192.82$ 192.82$ -$ 3,640.54$ 973.15$ Water -$ 113,980.87$ 113,980.87$ -$ 2,258,097.83$ 1,954,759.85$ PAYROLL TOTAL -$ 405,128.81$ 405,128.81$ -$ 7,797,344.65$ 6,430,919.28$ City of Hesperia

WARRANT RUNS
03/18/2023-03/31/2023
*No payments were issued on July 1, 2023.

Attachment 1

City of Hesperia

STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 2, 2023
TO: Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Nils Bentsen, City Manager
BY: Rachel Molina, Assistant City Manager
Dani Fox, Deputy Development Services Director
Tina Souza, Senior Project Manager
SUBJECT: Amend Project Funding Agreement with San Bernardino County Transpor tation Authority for the Ranchero Road Widening Project

RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council approve Amendment No. 2 to the Project Funding Agreement (PFA) No. 17 -1001692 between San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) and the City for construction of the Ranchero Road Widening Project and authorize the Mayor to execute the Amendment.

BACKGROUND
The Ranchero Corridor Project consists of severa l improvements in three phases, I ) the undercrossing at the BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) railroad tracks (at the eastern terminus of the corridor project boundary) which was completed in June 2013, II) the interchange at Interstate 15 (I-15) (at the western terminus of the corridor project boundary) which was completed in March 2015, and III) improvements to widen the five-mile roadway segment of Ranchero Road from two lanes to five lanes between these two structures. The widening of the roadway includes replacing and widening the bridge over the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) aqueduct, as well as wideni ng the at -grade crossing of Union Pacific Railroad (UP RR) railroad tracks. The Ranchero Road Corridor project is currently under construction under C.O. Nos. 7094, 7131, 7139, 7146, and 7154.

On June 20, 2017, the City Council approved PFA No. 17-1001692 between SBCTA and the City for contribution of the public’s (SBCTA’s) share of the project utilizing Measure I, and/or other Major Local Highway Projects (MLHP) Program funds available for use by SBCTA for right-of- way acquisition and utility relocations. The PFA required amending to include the construction element of the Project.

On June 4, 2020, City Council approved Amendment No. 1 to the subject agreement incorporating Senate Bill 1 Local Partnership Program formulaic funds for SBCTA’s share, allocating additional MLHP funds to the project, and extending the termination date to June 30, 2023.

ISSUES/ANALYSIS
The City has partnered with San Bernardino County (County) on this Project with the City being the lead agency. The understanding between the City and the County are under a separate agreement. The Project is on the SBCTA’s Measure I 2010-2040 Victor Valley Subarea MLHP

Staff Report to the City Council
Amend Project Funding Agreement with San Bernardino County Transportation Authority for the Ranchero Road Widening Project
May 2, 2023
list and associated Measure I Ten Year Delivery Plan making the Project eligible for partial funding from SBCTA. In order to receive expenditure reimbursement of SBCTA’s share, a PFA must be in place. The PFA is SBCTA’s standard contract for funding shares. The PFA and subsequently approved Amendment No. 1 previously approved by the City Council in 2017 and 2020 respectively, expires on June 30, 2023.

The project is currently under construction . Once construction is complete, the project must go through a reconciliation and close -out process with SBCTA and Caltrans. Amendment No. 2 provides a contract extension to June 30, 2025, to allow for construction and the close -out process.

Some of the key elements for consideration related to executing the PFA amendment are as follows:
 The PFA and subsequent amendments are entered into in accordance with SBCTA’s rules and regulations.
 SBCTA has allocated $12,678,000 is Local Partnership Program (LPP) Formulaic funds and $11,507,821 in MLHP funds for a total of $24,185,821.  If cost overruns are anticipated to occur, the PFA may be amended prior to reaching the cost limit. Although, amendments to an PFA are generally not denied by SBCTA, there is no guarantee an amendment will be approved due to funding source limitations and obligations to other projects. If said circum stance arises, the City and County will be responsible for cost overruns within their own jurisdiction.  An active PFA is required to obtain reimbursements of LPP competitive and formulaic grant funds, as well as reimbursements from SBCTA. These are current funding sources for the project.

FISCAL IMPACT
There are no additional fiscal impacts associated with this action. Funding for the P roject is budgeted in Funds 204, 207, 300, 306 and 504 in the FY 20 22-2023 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget. The P roject will be budgeted in subsequent fiscal year s until project completion.

ALTERNATIVE(S)

1. Provide alternative direction to staff.

ATTACHMENT(S)

1. Attachment 1 - Amendment No. 2 for Project Funding Agreement No. 17-1001692

Attachment 1
17-1001692-02

AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO PROJECT FUNDING AGREEMENT 17-1001692 FOR

RANCHERO ROAD WIDENING PROJECT
(CITY OF HESPERIA)
THIS Amendment No. 2 to Project Funding Agreement 17-1001692 is made and entered into by and between the City of Hesperia ("CITY") and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority ("SBCTA"). SBCTA and CITY are each a “Party” and collectively “Parties”.

RECITALS
A. The Parties entered into Project Funding Agreement 17-1001692 (“Agreement”) on or about July 12, 2017, to fund the Right of Way Phase of the Ranchero Road Widening Project in the City of Hesperia (“Project”) with an approved allocation of $1,513,964; and B. On July 10, 2019, the SBCTA Board of Directors approved an allocation of $12,678,000 in Senate Bill 1 Local Partnership Program formulaic funds for the Construction Phase of the Project; and
C. Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement, dated June 4, 2020, increased the allocation of Measure I Victor Valley Subarea Major Local Highway Program (“MLHP”) funds to $11,507,821 to fund through the Construction Phase, and extended the termination date to June 30, 2023; and D. CITY has requested an extension of the termination date to June 30, 2025.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree to amend the Agreement as follows:

1. Section III, Paragraph 7 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
“7. This Agreement will be considered terminated upon rei mbursement of eligible costs by SBCTA or June 30, 2025, whichever is sooner, provided that the provisions of Paragraphs 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of Section II, and Paragraphs 5 , 6 and 6.A of Section III, shall survive the termination of this Agreement.”

2. Attachment A is replaced in its entirety to reflect a change in PROJECT milestones.

3. Except as amended by this Amendment No. 2, all other terms and conditions of the A greement, and amendments thereto, shall remain in full force and effect and are incorporated herein by this reference.

4. The Recitals set forth above are incorporated herein by this reference.

5. This Amendment No. 2 may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original.

Attachment 1
17-1001692-02

6. This Amendment No. 2 shall be effective on the date executed by SBCTA. -- SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE --

Attachment 1
17-1001692-02

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, SBCTA and CITY have executed this Amendment No. 2 below.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY CITY OF HESPERIA

TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
By: _________________________________ By: _______________________________ Raymond W. Wolfe, Ph.D. Brigit Bennington
Executive Director Mayor
Date: ________________________________ Date: ______________________________ APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED AS TO FORM:

By: __________________________________ By: _________________________________ Julianna K. Tillquist Pam Lee,
SBCTA General Counsel City Attorney
Date: _________________________________ Date: _______________________________

Attachment 1
17-1001692-02

Attachment A

RANCHERO ROAD WIDENING PROJECT
Description of Project and Milestones
Project Title
Ranchero Road Widening Project
Location, Project Limits, Description, Scope of Work, Legislative Description Widen Ranchero Road from .15 miles east of Mariposa Road to east of the completed Ranchero Road Undercrossing at 7th Avenue.

Project Milestone Proposed
Project Study Report Approved N/A
Begin Environmental (PA&ED) Phase 12/1/2007
Circulate Draft Environmental Document 6/1/2013
Draft Project Report N/A
End Environmental Phase (PA&ED Milestone) 7/1/2013
Begin Design (PS&E) Phase 3/1/2009
End Design Phase (Ready to List for Advertisement Milestone) 6/30/2021 Begin Right of Way Phase 11/1/2017
End Right of Way Phase (Right of Way Certification Milestone) 11/30/2020 Begin Construction Phase (Contract Award Milestone) 10/5/2021 End Construction Phase (Construction Contract Acceptance Milestone) 6/30/2024
Begin Closeout Phase 7/1/2024
End Closeout Phase (Closeout Report) 6/30/2025

City of Hesperia

STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 2, 2023
TO: Mayor and Council Members
Chair and Board Members, Hesperia Water District
FROM: Nils Bentsen, City Manager
BY: Rachel Molina, Assistant City Manager
Casey Brooksher, Director of Administrative Services
Rita Perez, Deputy Human Resources/Risk Management Director SUBJECT: Side Letter Agreement to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Hesperia and the Teamsters Local 1932 for the Period of February 1, 2022 through January 31, 2024

RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is reco mmended that the City Council and the Board of Directors of the Hesperia Water District adopt Joint Resolution No. 2023-27 and HWD 2023 -04, approving the side letter agreement to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Hesperia and the Teamsters Local 1932 for the Period of February 1, 2022 through January 31, 2024.

BACKGROUND
On May 17, 2022, the City Council adopted the following resolutions, Resolution No 2022 -035, and Resolution HWD 2022 -05, which established the Memorandum of Understandi ng (MOU) with the Teamsters Local 1932 (Teamsters Union) for the period of February 1, 2022 through January 31, 2024.

The MOU had the following language:

Article 13: Salary Ranges, Section G
Effective the first full pay period of Fiscal Year 2023-24, all salary ranges reflect in base salary a COLA increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) – All Urban Consumers (Area: Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario) measured by the annualized CPI from January 2022 to January 2023 no less than 2.0% and no more than 4.5%.

ISSUES/ANALYSIS
Council reviewed the CPI from January 2022 to January 2023 and requested a 1.5% increase to the maximum amount resulting in a 6% COLA for the Fiscal Year 2023 -24. The Teamsters Union accepted the City ’s proposal of increasing th e maximum COLA amount to 6% for FY 2023-24.

The side letter agreement (Attachment 2) will amend the MOU and be attached to the MOU until the terms can be incorporated into the MOU during the next negotiations.

Staff Report to the Mayor and the Board of Directors of the Hesperia Wat er District Side Letter Agreement to the Memorandum of Understanding betwe en the City of Hesperia and the Teamsters Local 1932 for the Period of February 1, 2022 through January 31, 2024 May 2, 2023

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact to approving the side letter agreement for FY 2022 -23 and the monetary implications will be included and adopted by the City Council with the FY 2023 -24 Operating Budget in June 2023.

ALTERNATIVE(S)

1. Provide alternative direction to staff.

ATTACHMENT(S)

1. Joint Resolution No. 2023-27, and HWD 2023-04

2. Side Letter of Agreement between the City of Hesperia and the Teamsters Local 1932

JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-27
RESOLUTION NO. HWD 2023-04

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

HESPERIA, AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE HESPERIA

WATER DISTRICT APPROVING THE SIDE LETTER OF AGREEMENT

BETWEEN THE CITY OF HESPERIA AND THE TEAMSTERS LOCAL
1932
WHEREAS, the City and the Teamsters Local 1932 (Teamsters Union ) have met and conferred and bargained in good faith and have reached agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding for the period of February 1, 2022 through January 31, 2024; and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the Memorandum of Understanding on May 17, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the Memorandum of Understanding prescribes the salaries, benefits, and other terms and conditions for employees of the City of Hesperia represented by the Teamsters Union; and
WHEREAS, the side letter adjusts the language to state the following: Effective the first full pay period of Fiscal Year 20 23-24, all salary ranges reflect in base salary a COLA increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) – All Urban Consumers (Area:

Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario) measured by the annualized CPI from January 2022 to January 2023 no less than 2.0% and no more than 6%; and WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed and approves of the provisions included in the side letter of agreement; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF HESPERIA CITY COUNCIL AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. That the recitals above are true and correct.

Section 2. That the City Council approves the Side Letter of Agreement to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Hesperia and the Teamsters Local 1932, for the period of February 1, 2022 through January 31, 2024.

Section 3. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 2nd day of May 2023.
______________________________
Brigit Bennington, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Erin Baum, Assistant City Clerk

City of Hesperia

STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 2, 2023
TO: Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Nils Bentsen, City Manager
BY: Jeremy McDonald, Director of Public Works
Robert Worby, Fleet / Warehouse Supervisor
SUBJECT: Vehicle Procurement

RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to approve the procurement of one (1) new 2023 Ford Ranger for the Building & Safety Program and one (1) new 2023 Ford F-150 for the Code Enforcement Program for a total amount of $88,000 by entering into agreements with Sunrise Ford in the not-to-exceed amount of $38,000 and Fairview Ford in the not-to-exceed amount of $50,000 respectively.

BACKGROUND
These vehicles are needed to replace existing units that have reached the end of their useful lives as annual costs attributed to maintaining the assets exceed salvage value. Additional benefits include improved occupant safety and lower fuel expenditures. Currently, it is extremely difficult to attain vehicles with the time between ordering and delivery often taking six to twelve months. These vehicles will be delivered before the end of Fiscal Year 2022-23.

ISSUES/ANALYSIS
Hesperia Public Works requested quotes on April 24, 2023 soliciting bids from vendors both locally and out of the area to maximize bid response. Six vehicle types were included to allow for the most options to choose from and the most cost effective vehicles were the 4 x 2 models. Sunrise Ford supplied the best value for the Ford Ranger. Fairview Ford submitted the lowest price for the F-150.

Staff recommends awarding the bid to both dealerships who they have deemed to be the lowest responsive/responsible vendors within each vehicle category.

FISCAL IMPACT
The purchase will be funded with the use of budgetary savings.

ALTERNATIVE(S)

1. Provide alternative direction to staff.

ATTACHMENT(S)

1. Bid comparison

Bid Comparison Type: Taxable
Bid Comparison Completed By: R. WORBY
Date:

Item
No. Qty Description Bidder Part # Unit Cost
Extended
Amount Bidder Part # Unit Cost
Extended
Amount
1 1 One Ford F-150 4 x 2 White Crew Cab N/A $45,994.00 $45,994.00 N/A $47,130.00 $47,130.00 1 1 One Ford F-150 4 x 4 White Crew Cab N/A $0.00 $0.00 N/A $0.00 $0.00 1 1 One Ford Ranger 4 x 2 White Crew Cab N/A $0.00 $0.00 N/A $35,105.00 $35,105.00 1 1 One Ford Ranger 4 x 2 White Super Cab N/A $0.00 $0.00 N/A $0.00 $0.00 1 1 One Ford Ranger 4 x 4 White Crew Cab N/A $0.00 $0.00 N/A $42,325.00 $42,325.00 1 1 One Ford Ranger 4 x 4 White Super Cab N/A $0.00 $0.00 N/A $0.00 $0.00 1 1 Document Fee (Taxable) N/A $85.00 $85.00 N/A $85.00 $85.00 1 1 License Fee (Non-Taxable) N/A $33.00 $33.00 N/A $33.00 $33.00 1 1 California Tire Fee (Non-Taxable) N/A $8.75 $8.75 N/A $8.75 $8.75 $46,120.75 $35,231.75
Sales Tax $3,571.12 Sales Tax $2,727.23
$49,691.87 Bid Amount (with tax) $37,958.98
4/25/2023
San Bernardino, CA
Total Bid Before Tax
Bid Am
ount (with tax)
Sunrise Ford
Redlands, CA
Fairview Ford
Total Bid Before Tax

City of Hesperia

STAFF REPORT
DATE: April 18, 2023
TO: Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Rachel Molina, Assistant City Manager SECOND READING AND ADOPTION BY: Ryan Leonard, Senior Planner
Shaveta Sharma, Contract Planner
SUBJECT: Specific Plan Amendment SPLA23-00001 and General Plan Amendment GPA23- 00001; Applicant: Adam Ahmed; Address: 15051 State Highway 173; APNs: 0357- 211-22, and 0357-221-34

RECOMMENDED ACTION
The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council introduce and place on first reading Ordinance No. 2023-06 approving Specific Plan Amendment SPLA2 3-00001 and General Plan Amendment GPA23-00001 to change an approximately 0.93 gro ss acre site from Open Space (OS) to Rural Residential with a 20,000 square foot minimum lot size (RR-20,000).

PROJECT SUMMARY
Proposal: Adam Ahmed submitted an application requesting a Specific Plan Amendment along with a General Plan Amendment to change a 0.93 gross acre site that is within the Tapestry Specific Plan from Open Space (OS) to Rural Residential Rural Residential with a 20,000 square foot minimum lot size (RR -20,000). The parcel is currently developed with a building that was previously used to house fire truck equipment for the Forestry Department. The existing building is a legal non-conforming structure that will be remain and will be allowed to be utilized if SPLA23- 00001 and GPA23-00001 are approved.

Location: 15051 State Highway 173 (APNs: 0357-211-22, and 0357-221-34).

Planning Commission Review: On March 9, 2023, staff presented SPLA23-00001 and General Plan Amendment GPA23 -00001 to the Planning Commission . The Planning Commission deliberated and discussed the project and forwarded it to the City Council with a 5-0 vote.

Conclusion: The proposed Rural Residential (RR) zoning designation is appropriate at this location and conforms to the polices of the City’s General Plan and standards of the Development Code and Specific Plan with adoption of the Specific Plan Amendment. Staff recommends approval of Specific Plan Amendment SPLA23 -00001 and General Plan Amendment GPA23 - 00001.

FISCAL IMPACT
None.

Staff Report to the City Council
SPLA23-00001 and GPA23-00001
April 18, 2023

ALTERNATIVE(S)
Provide alternative direction to staff.

ATTACHMENT(S)

1. Ordinance No. 2023-06

2. Planning Commission Staff Report with attachments.

ORDINANCE 2023-06

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HESPERIA,

CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO CHANGE AN APPROXIMATELY 0.93 GROSS ACRE

SITE WITHIN THE TAPESTRY SPECIFIC PLAN DESIGNATED AS OPEN SPACE (OS) TO RURAL RESIDENTIAL WITH A 20,000 ACRE MINIMUM LOT SIZE (RR-20,000) (SPLA23-00001 AND GPA23-00001)
WHEREAS, on September 7, 2010, the City Council of the City of Hesperia adopted the City’s General Plan Update, currently applicable in regards to development within the City; and WHEREAS, on January 5, 1998, the City Council of the City of Hesperia adopted Ordinance No. 250, thereby adopting the Hesperia Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, On January 26, 2016, the City Council of the City of Hesperia adopted Ordinance No., thereby adopting the Tapestry Specific Plan; and
WHEREAS, Adam Ahmed has initiated an application for SPLA23 -00001 and GPA23 -00001 described herein (hereinafter referred to as the “Application”) for assessor’s parcels 0357 -211- 22, and 0357-221-34; and
WHEREAS, the application proposes to change approximately 0.93 gross acre within the Tapestry Specific Plan from Open Space (OS) to Rural Residential with a 20,000 square foot minimum lot size (RR-20,000); and
WHEREAS, the site is currently zoned Open Space (OS) which does not allow for residential uses; and
WHEREAS, the properties to the north, south, and east are within the Tapestry Specific Plan (OS) zone and the properties to the west are within the General Agriculture (A2) zoning district; and WHEREAS, the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15061(b)(3), where it can be seen with certainty that there is no significant effect on the environment.

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2023, the Planning Commission of the City of Hesperia conducted a duly noticed public hearing pertaining to the proposed amendment and forwarded this item to the City council with a recommendation for approval; and
WHEREAS, on April 18, 2023 the City Council of the City of Hesperia conducted a duly noticed public hearing pertaining to the proposed amendment and concluded said hearing on that date; and
WHEREAS, all legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Ordinance have occurred.

WHEREAS, all legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred.

NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HESPERIA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The City Council hereby specifically finds that all of the facts set forth in this Resolution are true and correct.

Section 2. The subject parcels of the proposed Amendments are suitable for the land

uses allowed in the Rural Residential (RR) zoning classification, and adequate space exists which can meet the standards for setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking and circulation within the proposed Specific Plan designation.

Section 3. The proposed change in zone will not have a significant adverse impact on surrounding properties or the community in gener al, because the project is bounded by land that within the Tapestry Specific Plan (OS) zone to the north, south, and east. The properties to the west are within the General Agriculture (A2) zone and developed with residential uses.

Section 4. Based upon substantial evidence presented to the City Council, including written and oral staff reports, the Council specifically finds that the proposed Ordinance is consistent with the goals and objectives of the adopted General Plan. The subject parcels are capable of utilizing existing supporting infrastructure and municipal services, as directed by the City’s adopted General Plan.

Section 5. Based on the findings and conclusions set forth in this Resolution, this Council hereby recommends adoption of Specific Plan Amendment SPLA23-00001 and General Plan Amendment GPA23-00001 to change an approximately 0.93 gross acre site from Open Space (OS) to Rural Residential with a 20,000 square foot minimum lot size (RR-20,000).

Section 6. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days from the date of adoption.

Section 7. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be posted in three (3) public places within the City of Hesperia pursuant to the provisions of Resolution No. 2007-101

ADOPTED AND APPROVED on this 2nd day of May 2023.

Bridget Bennington, Mayor

ATTEST:

Erin Baum, Assistant City Clerk

City of Hesperia

STAFF REPORT
DATE: March 9, 2023
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Rachel Molina, Assistant City Manager
BY: Ryan Leonard, Senior Planner
Shaveta Sharma, Contract Planner
SUBJECT: Specific Plan Amendment SPLA23-00001 and General Plan Amendment GPA23- 00001; Applicant: Adam Ahmed; Address: 15051 State Highway 173; APNs: 0357- 211-22, and 0357-221-34

RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. PC -2023-09 recommending that the City Council introduce and place on first reading an ordinance approving Specific Plan Amendment SPLA23 -00001 and General Plan Amendment GPA23 -00001 to change an approximately 0.93 gross acre site from Open Space (OS) to Rural Residential with a 20,000 square foot minimum lot size (RR-20,000).

BACKGROUND
Proposal: Adam Ahmed submitted an application requesting a Specific Plan Amendment along with a General Plan Amendment to change a 0.93 gross acre site that is within the Tapestry Specific Plan from Open Space (OS) to Rural Residential Rural Residential with a 20,000 square foot minimum lot size (RR -20,000). The parcel is currently developed with a b uilding that was previously used to house fire truck equipment for the Forestry Department. The existing building is a legal non-conforming structure that will be remain and will be allowed to be utilized if SPLA23- 00001 and GPA23-00001 are approved.

Location: 15051 State Highway 173 (APNs: 0357-211-22, and 0357-221-34).

General Plan and Land Uses: The project consists of two parcels, one of which is developed with a single accessory structure. The subject parcel is currently zoned Open Space (OS) within the Tapestry Specific Plan. The surrounding land is designated as noted on Attachment 1. The properties on all sides are vacant (Attachment 2).

ISSUES/ANALYSIS
Land Use: The subject parcels are currently zoned Open Space (OS) which is intended to include wilderness areas, a small park, pastures, forested areas, agricultural groves, vineyards, golf courses, flood washes, etc. Residential uses are prohibited within the Open Space (OS) zone.

However, this specific site has been previously developed with a legal non-conforming accessory structure. The proposed Specific Plan Amendment and General Plan Amendment will allow for the property owner to maintain and further develop the site. Since the current accessory structure

Staff Report to the Planning Commission
SPLA23-00001 and GPA23-00001
March 9, 2023
does not have a primary use, the applicant will be required to develop a primary residence on the site in order to utilize the legal non-conforming structure.

The properties to the north on the opposite side of Highway 173 are within the Tapestry Specific Plan and are designated for Low Densi ty Residential Development with a minimum lot size of 7,200 square feet. The properties are part of the tenth phase of development for the overall Specific Plan (10/10 total phases). The properties to the south are designated as Open Space with a Conservation Easement Overlay and the property to the east is within Open Space zone of the Tapestry Specific Plan. The property to the west is outside of the limits of the Tapestry Specific Plan and is designated General Agriculture (A2) on the City’s General Plan Land Use Map (Attachment 3). The 0.93 acre parcel is too small to be appropriate for Agriculture use, as such Rural Residential is the best zoning to allow for the existing legal non-conforming structure to be utilized.

Environmental: The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15061(b)(3), where it can be seen with certainty that there is no significant effect on the environment.

Conclusion: The proposed Rural Residential (RR) zoning designa tion is appropriate at this location and conforms to the polices of the City’s General Plan and standards of the Development Code and Specific Plan with adoption of the Specific Plan Amendment.

FISCAL IMPACT
None.

ALTERNATIVE(S)
Provide alternative direction to staff.

ATTACHMENT(S)

1. General Plan Map

2. Aerial Photo

3. Tapestry Specific Plan Land Uses

4. Resolution No. PC-2023-09 with Exhibit "A”

ATTACHMENT 1
APPLICANT:

ADAM AHMED
FILE NO:

SPLA23-00001 and GPA23-
00001
LOCATION:
15051 STATE HIGHWAY 173 APNs: 0357-211-22, and
0357-221-34
PROPOSAL:

CHANGE APPROXIMATELY 0.93 GROSS ACRE WITHIN THE TAPESTRY SPECIFIC PLAN

FROM OPEN SPACE (OS) TO RURAL RESIDENTIAL (RR) N


GENERAL PLAN MAP

PROJECT SITE

ATTACHMENT 2
APPLICANT:

ADAM AHMED
FILE NO:

SPLA23-00001 and GPA23-
00001
LOCATION:
15051 STATE HIGHWAY 173 APNs: 0357-211-22, and
0357-221-34
PROPOSAL:

CHANGE APPROXIMATELY 0. 93 GROSS ACRE WITHIN THE TAPESTRY SPECIFIC PLAN

FROM OPEN SPACE (OS) TO RURAL RESIDENTIAL (RR) N


AERIAL PHOTO

ATTACHMENT 3

APPLICANT:

ADAM AHMED
FILE NO:

SPLA23-00001 and GPA23-
00001
LOCATION:
15051 STATE HIGHWAY 173 APNs: 0357-211-22, and
0357-221-34
PROPOSAL:

CHANGE APPROXIMATELY 0. 93 GROSS ACRE WITHIN THE TAPESTRY SPECIFIC PLAN

FROM OPEN SPACE (OS) TO RURAL RESIDENTIAL (RR) N


TAPESTRY SPECIFIC PLAN LAND USES
SITE

ATTACHMENT 4
RESOLUTION NO. PC-2023-09

A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF

HESPERIA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL

ADOPT A SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO CHANGE AN APPROXIMATELY 0.93 GROSS ACRE SITE FROM OPEN SPACE TO RURAL RESIDENTIAL (SPLA23-00001 AND GPA23-00001) WHEREAS, on May 15, 1991, the City Council of the City of Hesperia adopted the City’s General Plan, currently applicable in regards to development within the City; and WHEREAS, on January 5, 1998, the City Council of the City of Hesperia adopted Ordinance No. 250, thereby adopting the Hesperia Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, On January 26, 2016, the City Council of the City of Hesperia adopted Ordinance No., thereby adopting the Tapestry Specific Plan; and
WHEREAS, Adam Ahmed has initiated an application for SPLA23 -00001 and GPA23 -00001 described herein (hereinafter referred to as the “Application”) for assessor’s parcels 0357 -211- 22, and 0357-221-34; and
WHEREAS, the applicatio n proposes to change approximately 0.93 gross acre within the Tapestry Specific Plan from Open Space (OS) to Rural Residential with a 20,000 square foot minimum lot size (RR-20,000); and
WHEREAS, the site is currently zoned Open Space (OS) which does not allow for residential uses; and
WHEREAS, the properties to the north, south, and east are within the Tapestry Specific Plan (OS) zone and the properties to the west are within the General Agriculture (A2) zoning district; and WHEREAS, the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15061(b)(3), where it can be seen with certainty that there is no significant effect on the environment.

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2023, the Planning Commission of the City of Hesperia conducted a duly noticed public hearing pertaining to the proposed amendment and concluded said hearing on that date; and
WHEREAS, all legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF HESPERIA PLANNING COMMISSION AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The Planning Commission hereby specifically finds that all of the facts set forth in this Resolution are true and correct.

Section 2. The subject parcels of the proposed Amendments are suitable for the land

uses allowed in the Rural Residential (RR) zoning classification, and adequate space exists which can meet the standards for setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking and circulation within the proposed Specific Plan designation.

Section 3. The proposed change in zone will not have a significant adverse impact on surrounding properties or the community in general, because the project is bounded by land that within the Tapestry Specifi c Plan (OS) zone to the north, south, and east. The properties to the west are within the General Agriculture (A2) zone and developed with residential uses.

Section 4. Based upon substantial evidence presented to the Commission, including written and oral staff reports, the Commission specifically finds that the proposed Ordinance is consistent with the goals and objectives of the adopted General Plan. The subject parcels are capable of utilizing existing supporting infrastructure and municipal services, as directed by the City’s adopted General Plan.

Section 5. Based on the findings and conclusions set forth in this Resolution, this Commission hereby recommends adoption of Specific Plan Amendment SPLA23-00001 and General Plan Amendment GPA23-00001 to change an approximately 0.93 gross acre site from Open Space to Rural Residential as shown on Exhibit “A.”

Section 6. That the Secretary shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED on this 9th day of March 2023.

Roger Abreo, Chair, Planning Commission

ATTEST:

Maricruz Montes, Secretary, Planning Commission

Exhibit “A”

SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO
CHANGE A 0.93 GROSS ACRE SITE WITHIN THE TAPESTRY SPECIFIC PLAN

FROM OPEN SPACE TO RURAL RESIDENTIAL

City of Hesperia

STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 2, 2023
TO: Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Nils Bentsen, City Manager
BY: Rachel Molina, Assistant City Manager
Ryan Leonard, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Housing Element Update for the 6th Cycle Planning Period 2021-2029 (GPA22- 00001)

RECOMMENDED ACTION
The Planning Commission recommends that t he City Council adopt Resolution No. 20 23-25, adopting the Housing Element Update for the 6th Cycle Planning Period 2021-2029 in compliance with State law.
.

BACKGROUND
The City is mandated by California State Law to prepare a Housing Element update for State certification. Th is update covers the housing planning period between 202 1 and 202 9, often referred to as the 6th Cycle. The City ’s existing Housing Element (5th Cycle) was adopted on February 4, 2014, and expired in October 2021.

All cit ies in California are required by State law to produce, update and certify their Housing Elements every 8 years. The Housing Element is one of the se ven mandated elements of a General Plan and sets forth policies and programs to address the housing needs of al l households in the City. It is the only element of the General Plan that must be certified by a State agency. The State Department of Housing and Community Developme nt (H CD) is the certifying agency that evaluates each city ’s Hou sing El ement. In addition to meeting the requirements of state law, a certified housing element enables the City to obtain state and federal funding for various housing and transportation programs/ projects, which are essential to the City.

City staff kicked off the process of updating the Housing Element in early 2020. As a part of the process, on April 9 , 202 0, staff held a community mee ting in conjunction with a regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting to present the Housing Element update process, and to provide an update on new State legislation mandates. In addition, two public workshops were held and notices were sent to interested parties, community members, and housing advocates, requesting comments and input on the draft Housing Element. More than 20 organizations were invited to the meetings, including homeless services, fair housing advocacy groups, church organizations, chamber of commerce, etc. The Housing Element was also made available on the City’s website and written comments were accepted at any time.

The first draft was submitted to HCD November 18, 2021. Comments were received on January 21, 2022 , and staff made changes to compl y wi th these requ irements. The element was resubmitted on April 5, 2022 , and a second comment letter was received on June 3, 2022.

Staff Report to the City Council
2021-2029 Housing Element Update
May 2, 2023
Additional changes were made and the element was resubmitted on September 7, 2022. A third comment letter was received on Novem ber 4, 2022 . Staff addressed the comments received and resubmitted the ele ment on January 25, 2023. On March 2 4, 2023 HCD issued a letter stating that the revised draft Housing Element meets statutory requirements and will comply with State Housing Element Law after its adopted by the City Council (Attachment 4).

ANALYSIS
The 6th Cycle Housing Element retains many of the goals, policies, and relevant implementation programs previously included as part of the 5th Cycle Housing Element, which was adopted by the City in 2014. In general, the 6th Cycle Housing Element covers the planning period of October 15, 2021, through October 15, 2029, and identifies strategies and programs that focus on: 1) conserving and improving existing affordable housing; 2) providing adequate housing sites; 3) assisting in t he de velopment of affordable housing; 4) removing governmental and other constraints to housing developmen t; 5) prom oting equal housing opport unities; and 6) affirmatively furthering fair housing.

Overall, the Hesperia Housing Element consists of the following major components:
 Introduction: An overview of the purpose and contents of the Housing Element.  Housing Ne eds A ssessment: An analysi s of the demographic and housing characteristics and trends.
 Housing Constraints: A review of potential market, g overnmental, and environmental constraints to meeting the identified housing needs.
 Housing Resources: An evaluation of resources available to address housing goals.  Housing Plan: A statement of the Housing Plan to address the identified housing needs, including housing goals, policies, and programs.

Regional Housing Needs As sessment: The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), which is required by state law, is a method of allocating housing units to juris dictions throughout the State. Using State population data, HCD mandates that a certain amount of housing units be constructed within all regional plan ning areas throughout the State. The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) under which Hesperia is sub ject to is Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). SCAG, in collaboration with HCD, calculate the number of existing and projected housi ng units t hat must be constructed within the six counties and 191 cities in Southern California. During the fifth housing cycle, SCAG was responsible for allocating 412,000 units throughout the region. Hesperia was assigned to construct 1,715 housing units. During the sixth housing cycle, HCD has mandated SCAG to allocate 1,344,740 units throughout the region. During the sixth housing cycle, the City is required to provide 8,155 housing units. This represents a 475% increase over the previous cycle.

The RHNA allocation establishes the number of new units anticipated to be needed (by income category) to accommodate the expected population growth over the planning period. State law requires that cities incorporate this allocation into their Housing Element Update an d pla n accordingly. Most importantly, the Housing Element must demonstrate that a city can accommodate its RHNA over the next eight (8) year planning period. Table 1 below provides a summary of the City’s RHNA and its breakdown by income category:

Staff Report to the City Council
2021-2029 Housing Element Update
May 2, 2023

Table 1- RHNA Allocation Numbers
Income
Level
Very-low
income
(<50% of
AMI)

Low
income
(50-80% of
AMI)

Moderate
income (80-
120% of
AMI)

Above
moderate
income
(>120% of
AMI)
Total
No. of
Households
required

1,921

1,231

1,409

3,594

8,155

With regard to income categories, Hesperia’s median household inc ome in 2018 was $50,271, while the median income of San Bernardino County was $67,903 . Table 2 below shows the income limits for 1-5 person households in San Bernardino County.

Table 2- Income Limits
Income Limit
Category
1 person 2 person 3 person 4 person 5 person
Extremely Low
(0-30% AMI)
$16,600 $19,000 $21,960 $26,500 $31,040
Very Low $27,650 $31,600 $35,550 $39,500 $42,700
Low $44,250 $50,600 $56,900 $63,200 $68,300
AMI $54,250 $62,000 $69,750 $77,500 $83,700
Moderate $65,100 $74,400 $83,700 $93,000 $100,450

Additional Buffer: Recent changes to state law require cities to continually maintain adequate capacity in their sites inventories to meet their RHNA for all i ncome levels. In the event that a site is developed below the density projected in th e Housing Element, or at a different income than projected, the C ity m ust have adequate sites available to accommodate the remaining balance of the RHNA. If the City does not have a ny ad ditional capacity within the existing zoning, it must identify and rezone for new sites that can accommodate the remaining need. For these reasons, the City is including a buffer of 15 percent above the RHNA requirement in each income category. This is reflected in Table 3 below.

Table 3- No Net Loss Buffer
Extremely
Low, Very
Low, and Low

Moderate Above
Moderate

Total
RHNA
3,152

1,409

3,594

8,155

No Net Loss
(+15%)
462 207 531 1,200
Total Units 3,614 1,616 4,125 9,355

In order to accommodate the total RHNA and the appropriate buffer required, rezoning will have to occur. This will include increasing the minimum density in the Multi-Family (R3) zone from 15 du/ac to a maximum of 30 du/ac; to allow mixed use developments up to 30 units per acre in the

Staff Report to the City Council
2021-2029 Housing Element Update
May 2, 2023
Regional Commercial (RC) zone; and to allow mixed use developments up to 30 units per acre in the General Commercial (C2) zone . In accordance with Government Code Section 65583.2, subdivision (h), the C2 and RC zones will allow for 100 percent residential uses, and in the case of a mixed -use project, residential uses would be required to occupy at least 50 percent of a project’s floor area.

It should be noted that HCD sets the baseline minimum density requirements for the Low Income and Very -Low Income levels but allows each jurisdiction to set its own density assumptions for the Moderate and Above Moderate income levels. For th e jurisdictions within urbanized areas, which includes the City of Hesperia, the default minimum density s et by HCD for Low and Very-Low income levels is 30 du/ac. The City must use the State’s default minimum density of 30 dwelling units per acre for the Low and Very-Low income RHNA sites. As a result, the City is obligated to rezone certain areas in the City to meet the State’s minimum density requirements.

Site Inventory: State Law requires local governments to prepare a site inventory of land suitable for residential development, including vacant sites and sites having the potential for redevelopment. This inventory is then used to identify sites that can be developed for housing within the respective planning period.

To meet the RH NA the C ity has identified land available for residential development under existing and future zoning. As previously mentioned, the City is obligated to rezone land to provide up to 30 du/ac to accommodate lower income sites within the General Commercial (C2) zone located along the Bear Valley R oad, the Multi-Family (R3) zone located along Sequoia Street; and the Regional Comm ercial (RC ) zone lo cated along the freeway corridor. Other remaining RHNA sites are primarily dispersed throughout the central and western portion of the City. In general, the RHNA sites are dispersed throughout the C ity to avoid the over - concentration of housing in a pa rticular a rea, an d to ensure housing is di stributed in an equitable fashion when considering the availability and proximity of resources and services.

It’s important to point out that while the Housing Element identifies adequate sites to fulfill the RHNA requirements, construction of new housing units will depend upo n the private market, including a landowner’s desire to develop their land, private financing, developer interest, and overall market demand. The responsibility of the City is to encour age t he construction of affordable housing by identifying adequate sites suitable for residential development to meet RHNA obligations, prov iding policies, programs that promote the development of a variety of housing types, and assistance to dev elopers by facilitating the review and approval of development permits.

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing : Recent legislation now requires the i nclusion of an “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing” (AFFH) component to assure that the City analyzes patterns of segregation, concentrations of poverty, access to housing, and barriers to housing, and based on that analysis, establishes policies and pr ograms that assure that the City is affirmatively eliminating barriers and providing h ousing opportunities for all m embers of the community. This analysis has been completed, and policies and programs included in the element to assure that housing is avail able throughout the community for all residents, and that the City continues to encourage and facilitate housing choice and discourage discrimination.

Staff Report to the City Council
2021-2029 Housing Element Update
May 2, 2023
Enforcement and Penalties: The State adopted legislation that penalizes cities for not having a compli ant H ousing Element or adopting policies that bring the Housing Element out of compliance. The State has e xpanded it s enf orcement role. Cities with compliant housing elements get preference in applying for housing and infrastructure programs. Cities that d o not comply are ineligible for certain programs. The Attorney General, through court order or judgement, can direct cities to bring their Housing Elements into compliance. Courts can impose fines, and failure to pay fines, can result in State Controller i ntercepting any available state and local funds. If cities do not meet their RHNA, certain affordable hous ing developments must be streamlined and are subject to a ministerial approval process.

Environmental Review
An Addendum to the 2010 General Plan U pdate has been p repared for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update. The 2021 -2029 Housing Element will necessitate future amendments to the General Plan Land Use Map as well as the Safety Element. However, the amendments will occur in the future and are not included as part of the scope o f this project. Therefore, in accordance with Section 15164(a) of the CEQA Guidelines, none of the conditions described in Section 15162 calling for preparation of a subsequent EIR have occurred, and an addendum to the 2010 General Plan EIR has been prepared.

Conclusion
The Draft Housing Element was presented to the Planning Commission on September 22, 2022. The C ommission had questions and con cerns regarding the viability of mi xed use development along Bear Valley Road. During the public hearing one member fro m the public spoke and they had general questions regarding the rezoning process. The Commission voted 3-2 (Commissioner s Dunbar and Bartz voted no) to recommend approval of the Housing Element update.

The Housing El ement was submitted to HCD on four separate occasions and on March 24, 2023 HCD found that the draft Housing Element meets statutory requirements and will comply with State Housing Element Law after its adopted by the City Council.

The Housing Element, as drafted, continues to assure that sufficient land is available to provide housing for City residents of all income levels. It contains all o f the components necessary for “certification” from the State. A certified Housing Element is required per California Government Code and enables the City to qualify for a number of housing, parks and recreation, and transportation grants. Again, it is im portant to note that the Housing Element does not require the City to be responsible for the construction of any units, but only that it must meet the requirements of the law in terms of enabling the construction of these units by others.

ALTERNATIVE(S)
As the Housing Element is a required part of the General Plan, no al ternatives are recommended.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Draft Housing Element Update 2021-2029

Staff Report to the City Council
2021-2029 Housing Element Update
May 2, 2023

2. Resolution No. 2023-25 (Adoption of Housing Element)

3. CEQA Addendum

4. March 24, 2023 Letter from HCD

C
ity of Hesperia
2021-2029 Housing Element
Revised April 2023
Adopted May 2, 2023
C
ity of Hesperia
Planning Department
9700 Seventh Avenue
Hesperia, CA 92345

P
repared by the City of Hesperia Planning Department & Michael Baker International with support from the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and the Regional Early Action Planning grant.

City of Hesperia|2021-2029 Draft Housing Element
Revised April 2023, Adopted May 2, 2023 Page | i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Community Context ........................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Role of Housing Element .................................................................................................................... 2

1.3 Public Participation ............................................................................................................................ 3

1.4 Relationship to Other General Plan Elements ..................................................................................... 4

1.5 Data Sources ...................................................................................................................................... 5 2 COMMUNITY PROFILE ...................................................................................................... 6

2.1 Demographic Profile ........................................................................................................................... 6

2.2 Household Characteristics .................................................................................................................. 8

2.3 Employment Market ........................................................................................................................ 11

2.4 Housing Problems ............................................................................................................................ 13

2.5 Special Needs ................................................................................................................................... 15

2.6 Housing Stock Characteristics ........................................................................................................... 21 3 CONSTRAINTS ................................................................................................................ 29

3.1 Removal of Governmental and Nongovernmental Constraints......................................................... 29

3.2 Market Constraints ........................................................................................................................... 29

3.3 Governmental Constraints................................................................................................................ 32

3.4 Infrastructure and Environmental Constraints.................................................................................. 52 4 HOUSING RESOURCES .................................................................................................... 64

4.1 Residential Sites Inventory ............................................................................................................... 64

4.2 Housing Resources ........................................................................................................................... 68

4.3 Administrative Resources ................................................................................................................. 68

4.4 Opportunities for Energy Conservation ............................................................................................ 70 5 REVIEW OF PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS ............................................................................ 71 6 HOUSING PLAN .............................................................................................................. 74

6.1 Provision of Affordable Housing ....................................................................................................... 75

6.2 Conservation of Existing Housing Stock ............................................................................................ 80

6.3 Provision of Adequate Housing Sites ................................................................................................ 83

6.4 Removal of Governmental Constraints ............................................................................................. 86

6.5 Provide Equal Housing Opportunities ............................................................................................... 91

Appendix A: Community Outreach
Appendix B: Adequate Sites
Appendix C: Past Accomplishments
Appendix D: Sites Inventory
Appendix E: Fair Housing Assessment

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Estimated Median Household Income, 2018 .......................................................................... 9

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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Population Growth ................................................................................................................... 6 Table 2: Age Characteristics ................................................................................................................... 7 Table 3: Race/Ethnicity ........................................................................................................................... 8 Table 4: Household Characteristics ........................................................................................................ 8 Table 5: Household Income Profile by Household Type, 2012-2016 ................................................... 10 Table 6: Extremely Low-Income Households with Overcrowding or Cost Burden by Tenure, 2018 ... 11 Table 7: Major Employers in Hesperia ................................................................................................. 11 Table 8: Employment Profile of Residents ........................................................................................... 12 Table 9: Average Yearly Salary by Occupation Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, MSA 2018 ........... 12 Table 10: Overcrowding, 2010 and 2018 ............................................................................................. 13 Table 11: Overpayment (Cost Burden), 2016 ....................................................................................... 14 Table 12: Special Needs Households, 2019 ......................................................................................... 15 Table 13: Median Income of Elderly Population .................................................................................. 17 Table 14: Disability Status, 2019 .......................................................................................................... 18 Table 15: Large Households with Housing Problems and Cost Burden ............................................... 19 Table 16: Homeless Population by Jurisdiction, 2020 .......................................................................... 20 Table 17: Resources for Special Needs Groups .................................................................................... 20 Table 18: Housing Unit Type, 2010 and 2019....................................................................................... 21 Table 19: Housing Tenure and Vacancy ............................................................................................... 22 Table 20: Housing Age .......................................................................................................................... 23 Table 21: Median Home Sales Price, 2013-2019 .................................................................................. 23 Table 22: Rental Rates, December 2019 .............................................................................................. 24 Table 23: Maximum Household Income by Household Size, 2021 ...................................................... 24 Table 24: Housing Affordability by Income Level ................................................................................. 25 Table 25: Assisted Developments ........................................................................................................ 26 Table 26: Qualified Entities .................................................................................................................. 27 Table 27: Disposition of Home Purchase and Improvement Loan Applications, 2018 ........................ 30 Table 28: Residential Land Use Categories and Zoning Districts .......................................................... 32 T
able 29: Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan Residential Land Uses .............................. 34 Table 30: Tapestry Specific Plan Residential Land Uses ....................................................................... 35 Table 31: Residential Development Standards .................................................................................... 36 Table 32: Parking Requirements .......................................................................................................... 36 Table 33: Minimum Floor Area Requirements for Multi-family Units ................................................. 38 Table 34: Recently Approved Multi-Family Residential Projects ......................................................... 38 Table 35: Provisions for Various Housing Types ................................................................................... 39 Table 36: Development and Planning Fees .......................................................................................... 45 Table 37: Development Plan Reviews .................................................................................................. 47 Table 38: Typical Processing Procedures by Project Type .................................................................... 48 Table 39: Existing School Facilities Capacity and Student Enrollment ................................................. 53 Table 40: City of Hesperia 6th Cycle RHNA plus Buffer ......................................................................... 65 Table 41: Lower Income RHNA Residential Capacity ........................................................................... 67 Table 42: Moderate Income RHNA Residential Capacity ..................................................................... 67 Table 43: Above Moderate Income RHNA Residential Capacity .......................................................... 67 Table 44: Density of Affordable Housing Developments ..................................................................... 72 Table 45: Summary of Quantified Objectives ....................................................................................... 75

City of Hesperia|2021-2029 Draft Housing Element
Revised April 2023, Adopted May 2, 2023 Page | 1
1 Introduction
The Housing Element represents an awareness of the need within the City of Hesperia to ensure that housing is provided for all economic segments of the commun ity. The e lement is one of the seven required elements of a General Plan, per state law, and also satisfies the legal requirements that housing policy be a part of the General Plan. The goals and policies of the Housing Element promote the development of affordable housing and are consistent with all state laws. This Housing Element meets the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) and is in compliance with the 2021-2029 update cycle for jurisdictions in the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) region.

1.1 Community Context
Hesperia is located off Interstate 15 in the southwestern corner of San Bernardino County in an area known as the Mojave River Valley. The City contains approximately 74.77 square miles of land area.

Nearby communitie s include Adelanto, Apple Valley, and Victorville. Although Hesperia was not incorporated until 1988, the City has a rich history. It is believed to be the original tribal headquarters of the Mojave Indians. Because of Hesperia’s location at the headwaters of the Mojave River, the City served as a resting place for Spanish missionaries dating back to the 1700s. In 1885, upon completion of the area’s first railroad depot, the area was officially named Hesperia. A local businessman acquired the township and formed the Hesperia Land and Water Company in the same year. In the late nineteenth century, the area was known for its abundant grape crops ; in the twentieth century, Hesperia was again a major rest stop as it was the final stop before the dreaded Cajon Pass. In 1924 , Route 66 was realigned west of Hesperia and the City was no longer a major stopping point.

Hesperia’s population grew relatively slowly until the completion of several major highways, including Routes 66 , 91, 395, and Interstate 15 in the 1940s and 1960s. After completion of these roads, suburban growth transformed the small town of 5,000 people in 1970 to a moderate ly sized community of over 60,000 by 2000. Hesperia’s growing population prompted an increase in economic growth in the City. However, Hesperia remains a semi- rural community with a variety of housing opportunities, including custom-built villas, modern subdivisions with access to various amenities, and large-lot residential zoning.

In January 2019, the City population was estimated to be 94,203, an increase of about 57 percent in the 19 years since the 2000 Census. The California Department of Finance reported an increase in average household size from 3.12 persons per household in 2000 to 3.57 persons in 2019. This could mean a trend toward larger families, or a trend toward extended families sharing living quarters.

During this same period, the housing stock increased by 39.4 percent. Single -family homes make up about 83 percent of the housing stock, the multi-family share is about 12 percent, and mobile homes comprise the remaining 5 percent. The majority of the Hesperia housing stock is also relatively new, with only 11 percent of all housing units built before 1970. Over two-fifths of the housing stock is less than 20 years old (constructed since 2000). Most homes in the City are well maintained; however, some older units may be in need of nominal rehabilitation. Programs offered by the City to encourage rehabilitation will prevent deterioration.

Demographic shifts are occurring in the City. In 1990, 77 percent of the population was White. The Hispanic share of the population w as 19 percent, while about 2 percent of the City’s residents were Black. The 2010 Census documented an increase in Hispanic residents to 49 percent of the City population. The share of Black residents also increased to 5.8 percent. By 2019, the estimated demographics of the City were approximately 33 percent White, 4 percent Black, 2 percent Asian, and

City of Hesperia|2021-2029 Draft Housing Element
Revised April 2023, Adopted May 2, 2023 Page | 2
1 percent Native American/Alaskan Native, with 2 percent belonging to some other race or two or more races. Approximately 58 percent of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The median home price in Hesperia was $185,000 in 2008, which dropped further to $136,500 in February 2009 and to $110,000 in January 2012. Prices have since recovered, rising to $151,750 in July 2013 and $280,000 in December 2019. The overall average rent in the City was estimated at $1,470 as of December 2019. Although lower-income households are able to afford a majority of the rental units in the City, most are not able to afford homeownership. Hesperia has been actively addressing its housing issues by developing affordable housing, improving the existing housing, and providing assistance to households in need. As part of this Housing Element update, the City will assess its current housing issues and the cost-effectiveness of housing programs to ensure that an appropriate and effective housing strategy is developed for the 2021 -2029 planning period (from October 15, 2021, through October 15, 2029).

1.2 Role of Housing Element
The Housing Element is concerned with specifically identifying ways in which the housing needs of existing and future resident populations can be met. This Housing Element covers the planning period of October 15, 2021, through October 15, 2029, and identifies strategies and programs that focus on:
• Conserving and improving existing affordable housing; • Providing adequate housing sites;
• Assisting in the development of affordable housing;
• Removing governmental and other constraints to housing development; • Promoting equal housing opportunities; and
• Affirmatively furthering fair housing.

An important goal of this element is to preserve the character of existing single -family residential neighborhoods and continue to improve the higher -density neighborhoods. Diversity in the types of housing in the City is necessary to accommodate populations with varying socioeconomic needs. This Housing Element provides policies and programs to address these issues.

The Hesperia Housing Element consists of the following major components:
• Introduction: An overview of the purpose and contents of the Housing Element (Chapter 1). • Community Profile: An analysis of the demographic and housing characteristics and trends (Chapter 2).
• Housing Constraints: A review of potential market, governmental, and environmental constraints to meeting the identified housing needs (Chapter 3). • Housing Resources: An evaluation of resources available to address housing goals (Chapter 4).
• Past Accomplishments: A review of past accomplishments under the previous Housing Element (Chapter 5).
• Housing Plan: A statement of the Housing Plan to address the identified housing needs, including housing goals, policies and programs (Chapter 6).

City of Hesperia|2021-2029 Draft Housing Element
Revised April 2023, Adopted May 2, 2023 Page | 3

1.3 Public Participation
Public participation by all economic segments in preparation of the Housing Element is important and is required by state law. To meet this requirement, Hesperia residents had several opportunities to review and comment on the City’s Housing Element and to recommend strategies.

1.3.1 Community Housing Meeting
As a part of this Housing Element update, the City held workshop meetings dedicated specifically to housing issues. Community Housing meetings were held on Thursday, April 9, 2020, at 5:45 p.m. and June 10, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. The meetings were advertised in the Hesperia Daily Press and Hesperia Star and special invitations were sent out to agencies serving low- and moderate-income households, as well as persons with special needs. Agencies invited to the meeting are listed later in Section 1.3.3.

1.3.2 Planning Commission Public Hearing
A public hearing was conducted on Thursday, November 4, 2021, before the Planning Commission to review the draft Housing Element.

1.3.3 Consultation with Service Providers
To expand the efforts of community outreach, these service providers and agencies were solicited for input on housing needs. The following agencies were invited to the Community Housing meeting and the Planning Commission hearing:
• Behavioral Awareness
• Call for Life Pregnancy Center
• County of San Bernardino
• Feed My Sheep
• Hesperia Housing Authority
• Hesperia Police Department
• High Desert Communities Food Bank
• High Desert Domestic Violence
• High Desert Homeless Services
• Holy Family Food Bank
• Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board
• Kid 2 Kid Closet
• Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino (Legal Aid)
• Moses House Ministries
• Oak Hills Food Bank
• San Bernardino County Library Administration
• San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services

City of Hesperia|2021-2029 Draft Housing Element
Revised April 2023, Adopted May 2, 2023 Page | 4
• Victor Valley Community Services Council
• Victor Valley Domestic Violence
• Victor Valley Family Resource Center

1.3.4 Public Review of Draft Housing Element
The draft Hesperia Housing Element was available for public review at the following locations:
• City Hall—from April 3, 2020, through May 18, 2020
• City Library—from April 3, 2020, through May 18, 2020 • City Website—The Housing Element was made available on the City’s website beginning on March 18th, 2022. Written comments are accepted via this website at any time, however no .

Additionally, individuals who had previously commented on the Housing Element were directly notified via e-mail of the document’s availability.

1.3.5 Public Hearings
Public hearings were conducted before the Planning Commission on ____ and City Council on ____ prior to adoption of the final Housing Element.

1.4 Relationship to Other General Plan Elements
The Hesperia General Plan consists of seven elements: 1) Land Use; 2) Circulation; 3) Open Space; 4) Conservation; 5) Safety; 6) Noise; and 7) Housing. This Housing Element was prepared under the requirements of Senate Bill ( SB) 375, which established a new eight-year Housing Element cycle, beginning October 15, 2021.

The Housing Element complements other General Plan elements and is consistent with the policies and proposals set forth by the General Plan. For example, residential densities established in the Land Use Element are incorporated within the Housing Element and form the basis for establishing the residential capacity within the City. Environmental constraints identified in the Safety Element, such as areas of the City in which potential residential develo pment could be impacted by flood waters, are recognized in the Housing Element. As individual elements of the General Plan are updated/amended in the future, the City will review and revise the Housing Element as necessary to ensure that internal consistency is maintained.

1.4.1 Safety Element
Per Assembly Bill (AB) 162 (Government Code Section 65302.g.3), upon the next revision of the Housing Element on or after January 1, 2014, the Safety Element shall be reviewed and updated as necessary to address the risk of fire for land classified as Stat e Responsibility Areas, as defined in Section 4102 of the Public Resources Code, and land classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, as defined in Section 51177. SB 379 (Government Code Section 65302.g.4) requires that the Safety Element be reviewed and updated as necessary to address climate change adaptation and applicable resiliency strategies. SB 1035 (Government Code Section 65302.g.6) requires that the Safety Element be reviewed and updated as needed upon each revision of the Housing Element or local hazard mitigation plan, but not less than once every eight years. SB 99 (Government Code Section 65302.g.5) requires that on or after January 1, 2020, the Safety Element include information to identify residential developments in hazard areas that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes.

City of Hesperia|2021-2029 Draft Housing Element
Revised April 2023, Adopted May 2, 2023 Page | 5
Upon adoption of the Housing Element, the City will complete the required update to the Safety Element, as required by the Government Code.

1.4.2 Environmental Justice Element
Pursuant to SB 1000, jurisdictions that have “disadvantaged communities” must adopt a new Environmental Justice Element upon the revision of two or more elements of the General Plan.

Upon the adoption of two or more General Plan element updates, the City will be required to include an Environmental Justice Element to address the needs and health of “disadvantaged communities,” as defined in the state government code. Jurisdictions with census tract CalEnviroScreen (CES) scores in the top 25th percentile of the state are mandated to adopt Environmental Justice Elements.

Hesperia contains a single tract (Tract 6071010011) that meets the definition of a disadvantaged community and will thus be required to adopt amendments to the General Plan addressing the needs of north Hesperia. The City will begin drafting the Environmental Justice Element concurrently with the Safety Element.

1.5 Data Sources
In preparing the Housing Element, various sources of information were consulted. The 2010 Census, as well as the American Community Survey, provide the basis for population and household characteristics. In addition, the 2010 Census must be used in the Housing Element to ensure consistency with other regional, state, and federal housing plans. Several sources are used to provide reliable updates of the 2010 Census, including the following:
• Population and demographic data updated by the California Department of Finance • Housing market information, such as home sales and rents • Special needs populations information, including services available to them • Lending patterns for home purchase and home improvement loans In addition to the 2010 Census and American Community Survey, state and local sources, as well as real estate and title company reports, were consulted to provide the most recent picture of the City’s housing. In some cases, the 2010 Census has the most recent data available.

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Revised April 2023, Adopted May 2, 2023 Page | 6
2 Community Profile
Ensuring adequate housing for all Hesperia’s present and future residents is a primary housing goal for the City. To realize this goal, the City must effectively target its programs and resources toward those households with the greatest need. This chapter discusses the characteristics of the City population and housing stock in order to better define the nature and extent of unmet housing needs in Hesperia.

2.1 Demographic Profile
Population characteristics affect the amount and type of housing needed in a community. Factors such as population growth, age and income distribution, and employment trends influence needs such as the type of housing needed and the ability to afford housing.

2.1.1 Population Growth
Hesperia has experienced major population growth since its incorporation in 1988. From 1990 to 2019, Hesperia experienced a population increase of 91 percent. As of January 2019, Hesperia’s population was estimated to be 94,203. As shown in Table 1, Hesperia’s population growth from 2010 to 2019 was higher than that experienced by the neighboring Apple Valley, and Barstow, but lower than the nearby cities of Adelanto, Victorville, and the whole of San Bernardino County.

Table 1: Population Growth
City or County
Total
Population
2010
Total Population
2019
Total Population
2030 (Projected)
Percent
Change
2010-2019
Projected
Percent
Change
2019-2030
Hesperia 91,400 94,203 117,141 3.1% 24.3%
San Bernardino Co. 2,076,274 2,149,031 2,478,888 3.5% 15.3% Sources: Bureau of the Census, 2010; 2019 American Community Survey; SCAG Regional Transportation Plan Forecast, 2016- 2040.

Development activity has slowed considerably since 2006, but Hesperia is expected to undergo some additional growth in the next few years, with the population expected to increase by another 24.3 percent to 117,141 residents by 2030.

2.1.2 Age Trends
Demand for housing is often affected by the age of the residents. Different age groups may prefer certain types of housing that correspond to different circumstances and ability to afford housing.

Traditionally, young adults prefer affordable apartments, condominiums, and small single -family units. Older adults typically prefer large homes as they raise families with children. As circumstances change and children leave home, seniors often trade in larger homes for smaller, moderate -cost condominiums and single -family units that require less maintenance. As seniors continue to age, many require housing with supportive services to assist in activities of daily living.

The age composition of Hesperia residents has remained stable since 2010, even with growth in the overall population. Table 2 shows preschool age children (ages 0 -4 years) comprised 8.4 percent of the population in 2010 and 7. 7 percent in 2019. The proportion of school age children (5 -19 years)

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also decreased, going from approximately 27.4 percent to 25.8 percent of the population. The proportion of college age residents increased from 7.0 percent to 7.9 percent in 2019.

Table 2: Age Characteristics
Age Groups
2010 2019 Percent
Change in #
of Persons Persons Percent Persons Percent
Preschool (0-4 years) 7,604 8.4% 7,242 7.7% -5.0%
School Age (5-19 years) 24,749 27.4% 24,255 25.8% -2.0% College Age (20-24 years) 6,268 7.0% 7,400 7.9% 15.3%
Young Adults (25-44 years) 23,243 25.8% 23,868 25.3% 2.6% Adults (45-64 years) 20,157 22.3% 21,804 23.1% 7.6%
Seniors (65+ years) 8,152 9.0% 9,634 10.3% 15.4%
Total Population 90,173 100.0% 94,203 100.00% 4.3%
Median Age 30.5 31.2
Sources: Bureau of the Census, 2010; 2019 American Community Survey.

While young adults (ages 25 to 44) continued to comprise the largest share of Hesperia residents, their overall share in the community decreased from 25.8 percent in 2010 to 25.3 percent in 2019. In contrast, the proportion of older adults ages 45 to 64 increased from 22.3 percent in 2010 to about

23.1 percent in 2019. The median age increased from 30.5 to 31.2 years.

The number of senior residents (ages 65 and up) increased between 2010 and 2019 from 9 percent to 10.3 percent. The steady rate but increased number of seniors in Hesperia may indicate that seniors feel comfortable staying in the community as they age.

2.1.3 Race and Ethnicity
San Bernardino County, as well as California as a whole, has become increasingly diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, and culture. These changes can have implications on the nature and extent of housing needs since different racial and ethnic groups may have different household characteristics and cultural backgrounds that affect their preferences for housing.

According to the American Community Survey, Hispanic /Latino residents comprised of the largest racial/ethnic group in Hesperia, followed by non -Hispanic White residents ( Table 3). However, the proportion of non -Hispanic White residents declined from 41.1 percent in 2010 to 33.1 percent in 2019. The proportion of Hispanic residents , on the other hand, increased from 48.9 percent in 2010 to 58.1 percent in 2019. Asian and Black residents comprised only small proportions of the population both in 2010 and 201 9. However, the proportion of Black residents decreased from 5.4 percent in 2010 to 3.9 percent in 2019 and the Asian population increased to 2.2 percent.

Because of increasing marriage among members of different racial/ethnic groups, resulting in the growing number of multi-race children, the 2000 Census introduced a new category – “two or more races.” This marked the first time that respondents were allowed to select more than one race on the Census. This recent Census category has become more important, particularly in ethnically and racially diverse areas such as Southern California. According to the 2019 American Community Survey, 1. 5 percent of the Hesperia residents identified themselves as being of mixed racial/ethnic heritage.

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Table 3: Race/Ethnicity
Race/Ethnicity
2010 2019
Persons Percent Persons Percent
Non-Hispanic White 46,082 41.1% 31,175 33.1%
African American 5,226 5.4% 3,689 3.9%
Asian/Pacific Islander 2,154 1.9% 2,048 2.2%
Hispanic/Latino 44,091 48.9% 54,763 58.1%
Other Race1 781 0.9% 1,075 1.2%
Two or More Races 1,717 1.9% 1,453 1.5%
Total 90,173 100.0% 94,203 100.0%
Sources: Bureau of the Census, 2010; 2019 American Community Survey.

Notes:

1. The Census “Other Race” includes American Indian, Alaskan Native and individuals indicating an 'other' race.

2.2 Household Characteristics

2.2.1 Household Type
Household characteristics play an important role in defining housing needs. Household type, household income, and the presence of special needs populations are all factors that affect the housing needs of a community.

According to the 201 9 American Community Survey , there were 27, 185 households in Hesperia, representing a 2.9 percent increase from the 2010 Census. Table 4 shows that the vast majority ( 67 percent) of Hesperia households were families. In 2010, families made up 80 per cent of the total households in the community.

Among family households, the predominant type was married couples with children. The number of married couples with children experienced a decline from 2010 to 2019. Married couples without children experienced an increase in the proportion of family types.

The number of “other” non-family households in Hesperia has shown the most marked increase (213 percent). There was a 25 percent increase in the number of singles households. The number of elderly people living alone increased by 32 percent. Family households saw a 13.7 percent decrease from 2010 to 2019.

Table 4: Household Characteristics
Household Type
2010 2019 Percent Change in # of
Households Households Percent Households Percent
Households 26,431 100% 27,185 100% 2.9%
Family Households 21,146 80.0% 18,242 67.1% -13.7%
Married With Children 7,602 28.8% 6,898 25.4% -9.3%
Married No Children 7,195 24.2% 6,776 24.9% -5.8%
Other Families 6,349 24.0% 4,568 16.8% -28.1%
Non-Family Households 5,285 20.0% 8,943 32.9% 69.2%
Singles 4,036 15.2% 5,029 18.5% 24.6%
Elderly Living Alone 1,660 6.3% 2,191 8.1% 32.0%
What is a household?
A household is defined as all persons
occupying a housing unit. Families are a
subset of households, and include all
persons living together who are related
by blood, marriage, or adoption. Single
households include persons living alone
in housing units, but do not include
persons in group quarters such as
convalescent homes or dormitories.

Other households are unrelated people
living together, such as roommates.

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Household Type
2010 2019 Percent Change in # of
Households Households Percent Households Percent
Other Non-Families 1,249 4.7% 3,914 14.4% 213.4%
Average Household Size 3.41 3.52
Sources: Bureau of the Census, 2010; 2019 American Community Survey.

2.2.2 Household Income
Income is the most important factor affecting housing opportunities, determining the ability of households to balance housing costs with other basic necessities. While housing choices, such as tenure (owning versus renting) and location, are very much income-dependent, household size and type often affect the proportion of income that can be spent on housing.

The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the American Community Survey of communities with populations larger than 60,000 people every five years. The income data from the 201 8 American Community Survey is presented in Figure 1 below. Hesperia’s median household income in 201 8 was $50,271, while the median income of San Bernardino County was $67,903.

Figure 1: Estimated Median Household Income, 2018

Source: Bureau of the Census, 2018.

For planning and funding purposes, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) categorizes households into five income groups based on the County Area Median Income (AMI):
• Extremely Low Income – up to 30 percent of AMI
• Very Low Income – 31 to 50 percent of AMI
• Low Income – 51 to 80 percent of AMI
$40,018
$51,314
$39,585
$50,271
$60,391
$67,903
$0
$15,000
$30,000
$45,000
$60,000
$75,000
Adelanto Apple Valley Barstow Hesperia Victorville San Bernardino County

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• Moderate Income – 81 to 120 percent of AMI
• Above Moderate Income – greater than 120 percent of AMI Extremely low-, very low-, and low-income groups combined are referred to as lower-income groups.

Household income is adjusted for household size. A household’s eligibility for local, state, and federal funds is determined primarily by its income according to these categories.

California began requesting analysis of households defined as extremely low -income in the 4th cycle Housing Element. While a city is not obligated to include a separate category of sites designated for extremely low-income households in its suitable sites inventory, Government Code Section 65583(a) specifies that the housing element as a whole must analyze the obstacles and needs for this category and include proposed actions and programs to meet those needs.

While the RHNA does not include a separate extremely low-income category, Hesperia estimates that 50 percent (allowed per state methodology) of the projected housing need for very low- income households qualifies as extremely low-income households.

2.2.3 Income by Household Type and Tenure
Approximately 21 percent of small family households, 17 percent of large households, and 12 percent of all elderly households were lower income (earned less than 80 percent AMI). Specifically, about 7 percent of all elderly households, 13 percent of large households, and 12 percent of small family households earned very low income (less than 50 percent of the AMI). Although 48 percent of Hesperia earns more than 80 percent of the AMI , there is still a significant proportion of the community that earns below 80 percent.

Table 5: Household Income Profile by Household Type, 2012-2016 Households Total Households
Extremely Low
Income
Very Low
Income Low Income
Moderate/Upper
Income
(0-30%
AMI)
(31-50%
AMI)
(51-80%
AMI)
(81%+
AMI)
Number
Elderly 5,070 750 1,155 1,200 1,965
Small Families 12,390 1,810 1,280 2,530 6,770
Large Families 4,980 895 2,530 1,095 2,640
Others 3,150 1,175 6,770 1,315 1,315
Total 26,210 4,635 3,690 5,200 12,685
Percentage
Elderly 19.3% 2.9% 4.4% 4.6% 7.5%
Small Families 47.3% 6.9% 4.9% 9.7% 25.8%
Large Families 19.0% 3.4% 9.7% 4.2% 10.1%
Others 12.0% 4.5% 25.8% 5.0% 5.0%
Total 100.0% 17.7% 14.1% 19.8% 48.4%
Sources: HUD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy dataset, 2012-2016; SCAG Pre-certified Housing Data.

Extremely low- income households often experience substandard housing and disproporti onate housing needs at a higher rate than the average population. Table 6 shows the percentage of extremely low- income households that experience cost burden or overcrowding in the City of Hesperia, and in the region as a whole. In the extremely low-income populatio n in Hesperia , both

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renters and owners experience overcrowding and cost burden at a lower rate than the County.

Overcrowding is not a predominant issue in the City of Hesperia.

Table 6: Extremely Lo w-Income Households with Overcrow ding or Cost Burden by Tenure , 2018
Cost Burden Overcrowding
Hesperia Owner 66.0% 1.2%
Renter 74.8% 5.8%
San Bernardino County Owner 86.0% 5.0%
Renter 89.8% 16.0%
Source: HUD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy dataset, 2014-2018.

2.3 Employment Market
Highly correlating to household income, employment has an important impact on housing needs.

Higher-paying jobs provide broader housing opportunities for residents, while lower-paying jobs limit housing options. In addition, employment growth is a major factor affecting the demand for housing in a community.

Hesperia’s location in a rapidly growing part of California with access to the Interstate 15 transportation corridor makes it an attractive place for medium -sized firms now and larger firms in the future. Major employers in Hesperia include the Hesperia Unified School District, County of San Bernardino, Walmart, Target, and Stater Bros. Markets.

Table 7: Major Employers in Hesperia
Name of Employer Type of Service Number of Employees
Hesperia Unified School District Education 2,817
County of San Bernardino Government 648
Walmart Supercenter Retail 405
Super Target Retail 320
Stater Bros. Markets Groceries 320
City of Hesperia Government 261
Arizona Pipeline Company Utilities 213
In-N-Out Burger Food Service 143
Robar Ent/Hi Grade Material Construction 129
Double Eagle Transportation Transportation 126
Hesperia Recreation & Park District Government 106
Source: City of Hesperia, 2020.

Note: Only institutions that employ over 100 individuals are listed.

About 23 percent of Hesperia residents were employed in the management and professional field (Table 8). In comparison, 29 percent of the County residents were employed in these generally higher paying jobs. However, the City had a larger proportion of residents employed in the transportation, construction, and maintenance fields.

Legal and management occupations have the highest average salaries in the Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) while food preparation , care and service related, and farming occupations have the lowest. Sales and office occupations employ the greatest number of people in Hesperia ( 23.3 percent). Most industries that employ Hesperia residents have average salaries around the area median. Ho wever, management occupations and construction occupations pay above the median average salary (Table 8 and Table 9).

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Table 8: Employment Profile of Residents
Occupations of Residents1
Hesperia San Bernardino County
Persons Percent Persons Percent
Management, business, science,
and arts occupations 8,290 22.9% 269,769 29.5%
Service occupations 6,142 17.0% 170,014 18.6%
Sales and office occupations 8,435 23.3% 209,911 23.0%
Natural resources, construction,
and maintenance occupations 5,026 13.9% 93,112 10.2%
Production, transportation, and
material moving occupations 8,298 22.9% 171,708 18.8%
Total 36,191 100% 914,514 100.00%
Sources: 2019 American Community Survey; Bureau of the Census.

Note: Civilian population 16 years and over.

Table 9: Average Yearly Salary by Occupation Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, MSA 2018 Occupations Average Salary
Management $114,960
Legal $113,060
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical $93,430
Architecture and Engineering $85,030
Computer and Mathematical $82,770
Life, Physical and Social Science $79,000
Business and Financial $67,380
Education, Training and Library $65,660
Community and Social Service $55,860
Construction and Extraction $55,490
Protective Service $54,670
Art, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media $52,560
Installation, Maintenance and Repair $50,970
Office and Administrative Support $39,230
Sales $38,630
Production $37,730
Transportation and Material Moving $37,500
Median $36,610
Healthcare Support $36,040
Buildings and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance $32,840
Food Preparation and Serving Related $27,240
Personal Care and Service $27,210
Farming, Fishing and Forestry $26,560
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018.

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2.4 Housing Problems

2.4.1 Overcrowding
Overcrowding can result when there are not enough adequately sized units within a community, when high housing costs relative to income force too many individuals to share a housing unit than it can adequately accommodate, and/or when families reside in smaller units than they need to devote income to other necessities, such as food and health care.

In 2010, approximately 8 percent of Hesperia households lived in overcrowded conditions, inclusive of nearl y 2 percent in severely overcrowded living conditions ( Table 10). This was a lower rate than the San Bernardino County average of approximately 9 percen t. In 2019, about 7.2 percent of all households were overcrowded while 1.6 percent were severely overcrowded in Hesperia.

Table 10: Overcrowding, 2010 and 2018
Overcrowding
Owner Households Renter Households Total Households
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
2010
Total Overcrowded
(> 1.0 person/room) 1,169 6.6% 905 12.6% 2,091 8.4%
Severely
Overcrowded
(>1.5 persons/room)
195 1.1% 337 4.7% 548 2.2%
2018
Total Overcrowded
(> 1.0 person/room) 688 4.1% 1,265 13.1% 1,953 7.2%
Severely
Overcrowded
(>1.5 persons/room)
177 1.3% 245 2.5% 422 1.6%
Sources: 2010 and 2018 American Community Survey; SCAG Pre-certified housing data.

2.4.2 Overpayment
Overpayment for housing (also known as housing cost burden) is defined as a housing cost that exceeds 30 percent of a household’s gross income. Housing overpayment is problematic for low- and moderate-income households in that it leaves little resources to pay for other living expenses.

Because housing overpayment is also concentrated among the most vulnerable people, reducing the burden of housing cost is an important housing goal. In 2010, 18,217 households in Hesperia overpaid for housing; approximately 33 percent (6,090 households) of these households overpaying for housing were renter households and 65 percent (12,127 households) were owner households. In 2016, 10,377 households in Hesperia overpaid for housing; approximately 52 percent (5,354 households) of these households overpaying for housing are renter households and 48 percent (5,023 households) are owner households.

Housing overpayment varies by income, tenure, and household type. Housing overpayment occurs in various groups in Hesperia. Extremely low -income and very low -income renters generally overpaid for housing. Specifically, the overpayment issues for renters were more prevalent among households made up of elderly and small families.

What is overcrowding?
Overcrowding is defined as a
household with more than one
person per room (excluding
bathroom and kitchen). Severe
overcrowding is a household
with more than 1.5 persons per
room.

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In the extremely low- and very low-income groups, 36 percent of owners were overpaying for housing compared to 64 percent of renters. In the low-income group, 60 percent of owners were overpaying for housing compared to 40 percent of renters. The moderate-income group shows different trends as fewer renters were overpaying in all household types. N o renters or owners were overpaying for housing in the large families. This implies that rental and owner-occupied housing in Hesperia is generally affordable to moderate-income households.

Table 11: Overpayment (Cost Burden), 2016
Household by
Type, Income, &
Housing Problem
Renters
Total
Renters
Owners
Total
Owners
Total
Households Elderly 1 &
2 Member
Household
s
Small
Related (2
to 4)
Large
Related (5
or more)
Elderly 1 &
2 Member
Household
s
Small
Related (2
to 4)
Large
Related (5
or more)
Extremely Low
Income 195 1,235 695 2,925 555 575 360 1,710 4,635
Cost Burden
30%-50% 20 40 70 120 100 40 4 159 279
Cost
Burden>50% 120 900 430 1,975 265 430 105 1,030 3,005
Total Extremely Low Experiencing Cost Burden 2,095 - - - 1,189 3,284 Very Low
Income 395 1,105 300 2,045 760 500 350 1,645 3,690
Cost Burden
30%-50% 125 685 170 1,020 285 150 95 590 1,610
Cost
Burden>50% 145 460 80 795 120 175 120 430 1,225
Total Very Low Income Experiencing Cost Burden 1,815 - - - 1,020 2,835 Low Income 280 1,100 555 2,130 920 1,430 290 3,070 5,200 Cost Burden
30%-50% 95 580 200 940 320 515 260 1,140 2,080
Cost
Burden>50% 0 80 10 145 155 245 4 484 629
Total Low Income Experiencing Cost Burden 1,085 - - - 1,624 2,709 Moderate /
Above
Moderate
Income
360 1,405 620 2,965 1,605 5,365 300 9,720 12,685
Cost Burden
30%-50% 55 189 20 319 275 565 135 1,045 1,364

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Household by
Type, Income, &
Housing Problem
Renters
Total
Renters
Owners
Total
Owners
Total
Households Elderly 1 &
2 Member
Household
s
Small
Related (2
to 4)
Large
Related (5
or more)
Elderly 1 &
2 Member
Household
s
Small
Related (2
to 4)
Large
Related (5
or more)
Cost
Burden>50% 0 0 0 40 60 50 0 145 185
Total Moderate / Above Moderate Experiencing
Cost Burden 359 1,190 1,549
Total
Households 1,230 4,845 2,170 10,065 3,840 7,870 1,300 16,145 26,210 Cost Burden
30%-50% 295 1,494 460 2,399 980 1,270 494 2,934 5,333
Cost
Burden>50% 265 1,440 520 2,955 600 900 229 2,089 5,044
Total Households Experiencing Cost Burden 5,354 5,023 10,377 Sources: HUD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy, 2012-2016; SCAG Pre-certified housing data.

2.5 Special Needs
Certain groups have greater difficulty finding decent, affordable housing due to special circumstances.

Special circumstances may be related to one’s income, family characteristics, and/or disability status, among others. In Hesperia, persons and households with special needs include seniors, persons with disabilities, large households, female -headed households, homeless individuals, farmworkers, and students. Table 12 summarizes the special needs groups in the City. A list of resources available for these special needs groups can be found in Table 17 at the end of this section.

Table 12: Special Needs Households, 2019
Special Needs Group
# of Persons
or
Households
# (%) of
Owners
# (%) of
Renters
% of Total
Households
or Persons
Persons Aged 65+ 9,634 -- -- 10.2%
Households with Members Age 65+ 7,701 -- -- 28.3%
Elderly Headed Households 4,909 3,918 991 18.1%
Elderly Living Alone 2,191 1,087 478 2.3%
Disabled Persons 11,991 -- -- 12.7%
Large Households 6,704 3,942 2,762 24.7%
Single Parent Households 2,759 -- -- 10.2%
Female Headed Households 4,993 -- -- 18.4%
Female Headed Households with Children 2,064 -- -- 7.6% Farmworkers 35 -- -- 0.04%
Households in Poverty 3,533 -- -- 13.0%

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Special Needs Group
# of Persons
or
Households
# (%) of
Owners
# (%) of
Renters
% of Total
Households
or Persons
Homeless 32 -- -- 0.04%
Sources: Bureau of the Census, 2010 Census; 2015-2019 American Community Survey.

2.5.1 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
The City is a participant in planning efforts to reduce impediments to fair housing choice and to affirmatively further fair housing through education, testing, and enforcement activities. To affirmatively further fair housing in Hesperia, the City will work with regional partners to identify, address, and eliminate housing discrimination as identified in the 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments (AI) to Fair Housing Choice. This document identifies specific local actions that can be taken to expand fair housing choices for all. The current AI for FY 2020 -2024 outlines numerous actions for the City that apply locally. Some of the most significant actions follow:
• Promote the Housing Choice Voucher program to rental property owners, in collaboration with the various housing authorities in the region.
• Increase housing options for special needs populations, including persons with disabilities, senior households, families with children, farmworkers, homeless individuals, etc. • Conduct random fair housing testing on a regular basis to identify issues, trends, and problem properties. Expand testing to investigate emerging trends of suspected discriminatory practices.
• Diversify and expand the housing stock to accommodate the varied housing needs of different groups.
• Work collaboratively with local housing authorities and affordable housing providers to ensure that affirmative fair marketing plans and de-concentration policies are implemented.

In Hesperia, ‘affirmatively further fair housing’ means the elimination of discrimination in all aspects of housing, including home sales, rentals, housing policies , and financing. Furt hermore, the City of Hesperia’s residents are entitled to equal access to housing opportunities regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability/medical conditions, familial status, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identify, gender expression, source of income, or any other arbitrary reason.

The City will address local fair housing impediments in the AI and assess the funding and resources needed and available to conduct fair housing activities. The City will partner wit h other government and non-government agencies to advance fair housing protection and expand implementation and enforcement of fair housing laws and regulations.

The City of Hesperia receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds fro m the federal
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As a recipient of these funds, the City certifies that it will affirmatively further fair housing. The City currently contracts locally with the Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board ( IFHMB) to provide fair housing and landlord/tenant services to residents and landlords in Hesperia. Legal Aid will help mediate and will assist with filling fair housing complaints, and the City refers complaints to Legal Aid. Legal Aid also conducts free educational workshops for housing providers and tenants, as well as conducting fair housing testing to ascertain if fair housing issues are occurring in the City.

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The Economic Development Department ( EDD) develops, manages , and promotes programs and projects that improve the City's housing stock and provide affordable housing opportunities. The EDD provides initial ongoing subsidies to affordable rental housing projects within City limits. These affordable housing projects are targeted to very low-, low-, and moderate-income persons. The EDD also contemplates participation in developer- based proposals for affordable housing projects throughout the year.

The City of Hesperia's contracted fair housing service provider is the IFHMB, a nonprofit, public benefit corporation that has served San Bernardino County and parts of Riverside and Imperial Counties in Southern California since 1980. Funded by numerous grants and awards, the IFHMB serves as an intermediary to assist individuals in resolving issues related to housing discrimination, homeownership sustainability, rental complaints, and disputes in court through the provision of resource recommendations, education, and mediation. Located in the City of Ontario with satellite offices in San Bernardino, Victorville, Barstow, Indio, and El Centro, California, the IFHMB assists thousands of individuals each year through its numerous programs at no charge to the consumer.

2.5.2 Senior Households
According to the 2019 American Community Survey, 9,634 Hesperia residents were 65 years of age or older, representing 10.3 percent of the total population. A total of 7,701 households in the City had at least one member over the age of 65.

Many senior-occupied households have special needs due to their relatively low incomes, disabilities or limitations, and dependency needs. Specifically, people aged 65 years and older often have four main concerns:
• Housing: Many seniors live alone and may have difficulty maintaining their homes. • Income: People aged 65 and over are usually retired and living on a limited income. • Health care: Seniors are more likely to have high health care costs. • Transportation: Many of the elderly rely on public transportation , especially those with disabilities.

The High Desert area has several licensed care facilities that provide assisted living, nursing care, and general services to seniors. There are currently 13 licensed residential facilities for the elderly in the City of Hesperia with a total capacity of 190, according to the California Department of Social Services.

Programs are available via County funding to provide meal delivery for elderly residents, caregiver services, employment assistance, and more.

As shown in Table 13, the elderly population lives on a lower median income than the population as a whole. A common special need of the elderly population is attention to living on a fixed income.

Programs available include technology and interview training for low -income elderly residen ts to enter the job force after age 55.

Table 13: Median Income of Elderly Population
City of Hesperia Median Income San Bernardino County Median Income Total $50,271 $67,903
Age 65+ $40,159 $48,615
Source: American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Table B19049.

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2.5.3 Persons with Disabilities
(Including Developmental Disabilities)
Persons with disabilities have a wide range of different housing needs, which vary depending on the type and severity of the disability as well as personal preference and lifestyle. Physical, mental, and/or developmental disabilities may prevent a person from working, restrict one’s mobility, or make it difficult to care for oneself. “Barrier- free design” housing, accessibility modifications, proximity to services and transit, and group living opportunities represent some of the types of considerations and accommodations that are important in serving this group. Also, some residents suffer from disabilities that require living in a supportive or institutional setting.

In addition to accessible housing, the disabled population needs housing in accessible areas. The City of Hesperia utilized CDBG funding to improve city conditions by paving dirt roads, bringing manhole covers up to grade, and adding right-of-ways in the middle of roads, among other projects.

According to the American Community Survey, 9,830 persons with one or more disabilities resided in Hesperia in 201 9, representing 10.5 percent of the City’s population. Of the population with disabilities, 3,856 were seniors. At the end of June 2019, there were a total of 852 persons residing in Hesperia with developmental disabilities. Of these, 717 live d at home with a parent/guardian or family; 50 live d in independent/supportive living; 38 live d in community care facilities; 36 live d in foster/family homes, and 11 were classified as “other.” Of the 843 persons, 425 are under the age of 18, and 418 are 18 and older. According to the California Department of Social Services, 11 adult residential care facilities are located in Hesperia. These facilities provide a total capacity of 56 beds.

Table 14: Disability Status, 2019

Age under 18 Age 18 to 64 Age 65+
Total Population % Population % Population %
With a hearing difficulty 42 0.1 1,402 2.5 1,713 17.8 3,157 With a vision difficulty 106 0.4 1,021 1.8 1,075 11.2 2,202 With a cognitive difficulty 445 2.1 2,123 3.8 1,136 11.8 3,704 With an ambulatory difficulty 74 0.3 2,429 4.4 2,610 27.1 5,113 With a self-care difficulty 137 0.6 1,062 1.9 1,141 11.8 2,340 With an independent living difficulty - - 2,161 3.9 2,090 21.7 4,251 Source: 2015-2019 American Community Survey.

Notes:

Persons may have multiple disabilities.

2.5.4 Large Households
Large households are defined as those consisting of five or more members. These households are considered a special need s group because of the often limited supply of adequately sized and affordable housing units in a community. To save for other basic necessities such as food, clothing , and medical care, it is common for lower- income large households to reside in smaller units, which frequently results in overcrowding. In 2010, 6,812 Hesperia households had five or more members.

Approximately 61 percent of the City’s large households were living in owner-occupied homes and 39 percent were renters. As previously shown in Table 11, moderate -income, large-family renter households had no overpayment problems. First -time homebuyer assistance, rehabilitation assistance, and other affordable housing programs can help address housing needs of this special needs group.

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As shown in Table 15, large households experience cost burden at a higher rate than the population as a whole in the City of Hesperia. The County has emergency rental assistance for families approaching risk of homelessness.

Table 15: Large Households with Housing Problems and Cost Burden

HESPERIA SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Large All Large All
HOUSING PROBLEMS Owner-
Occupied

39.2% 32.5% 47.2% 35.4%
Renter-
Occupied

75.4% 62.2% 76.9% 61.2%
All
Households

54.3% 43.3% 60.0% 45.8%
COST BURDEN Owner-
Occupied

99.2% 29.1% 28.9% 31.2%
Renter-
Occupied

97.0% 55.0% 55.6% 54.7%
All
Households

98.4% 38.4% 40.1% 40.7%

2.5.5 Single-Parent Families
Single-parent families, particularly female -headed families with children, often require special consideration and assistance because of their greater need for affordable housing and accessible day care, health care, and other supportive services. Female-headed families with children are considered a vulnerable group because they must balance the needs of their children with work responsibilities, often while earning limited incomes. In 2017, there were 4,881 female-headed households in the City of Hesperia. About 57 percent of these female-headed households included children under the age of

18. Female-headed households with children in particular tend to have lower incomes, thus limiting housing choice for this group. Female -headed households need affordable housing in areas suitable for child-rearing and with access to transit networks, schools and parks, and daily services. Provision of affordable housing with easy access to public transportation, child care, and other recreational facilities can help address the housing needs of this group.

2.5.6 Farmworkers
Persons in the farming industry tend to earn lower income s compared to those employed in other industries. Based on the California Economic Development Department research, persons employed in farming, forestry, and fishing occupations in the Riverside/Ontario/San Bernardino MSA earned approximately $26,560 in 2018, well below the wages of most other occupations in the region.

The American Community Survey estimates 35 persons in the farming, forestry, and fishing occupations. The American Community Survey also estimates 78 persons in the farming, mining, and forestry industries. These occupations, particularly in urban areas, include gardeners, landscapers, and people who work in plant nurseries. Given the limited number of farmworkers in the City, general affordable housing programs in the City can address the needs of this group.

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2.5.7 Homeless Persons and Residents Living in Poverty
The 2019 Homeless Count and Survey indicated that Hesperia had 32 homeless persons (Table 16).

Among those, 19 were unsheltered. In addition to the homeless, the 2019 American Community Survey reported that 13.3 percent of Hesperia residents were living in poverty. Persons living in poverty are at risk of becoming homeless in the event of losing their incomes/employment or facing unexpected expenses.

Table 16: Homeless Population by Jurisdiction, 2020
Jurisdiction
Sheltered
Unsheltered Total Number of Homeless Shelter Transitional Housing Adelanto 0 13 11 24
Apple Valley 7 0 24 31
Barstow 3 27 78 108
Phelan 0 0 2 2
Victorville 132 21 298 451
Hesperia 7 6 19 32
San Bernardino County 537 198 2,390 3,125
Source: San Bernardino County Homeless Count and Survey, 2020.

The City of Hesperia has limited resources to address homeless needs. San Bernardino County’s leading authority on the region’s homeless population is the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership. The Partnership exists to develop a countywide system that nurtures and strengthens the emergency shelter network system for removing homeless persons from the streets and aims to build a program that provides opportunities for reintegration into the community. Shelters serving the High Desert area, including Hesperia, are included below in Table 17, along with resources for other special needs groups discussed.

Table 17: Resources for Special Needs Groups
Special
Needs Group Program Description
Elderly
S. B. County Senior
Information and Assistance Referrals for assistance and programs for senior citizens.

Inland Counties Legal
Services Free legal assistance to eligible seniors aged 60 and older.

The Alzheimer's Association
Nationwide system designed to help identify individuals who are memory impaired due to Alzheimer's disease or a
related disorder.

Senior Employment Program
S. B. County One Stop Center
Training program for income eligible participants aged 55 or older.

Victor Valley Community
Services Council
Provides senior visits, transit services and minor home repair.

Elderly and
Disabled
Persons
Inland Fair Housing
Mediation Board
Fair housing services and tenant/landlord mediation
services.

Victor Valley Transit Local curb-to-curb transportation service for the certified disabled and frail elderly.

Disabled
Persons
Mojave Deaf Services
Provides counseling, rent assistance, individual living skills classes, advocacy, and assistance with paperwork to the deaf and blind.

S.B. County Library Provides tutoring services to illiterate adults.

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Special
Needs Group Program Description
Single Parent
Households
After School Activities
Program
Provides students with sports activities, arts and crafts projects, enrichment programs and organized indoor and
outdoor games. Homework assistance, computer skills,
behavioral counseling, and guidance are also provided.

Kids Kamp
Summer program that includes organized indoor and
outdoor activities, sports, open swim, arts and crafts, and games.

Call For Life Pregnancy
Center
Provides free confidential pregnancy test, counseling,
information, referrals to doctors, and practical aid.

Behavioral Awareness Provides group therapy and life-skill classes for low-income youth and parents.

Youth
Services Kid-2-Kid Closet Provides donated or used clothes, school supplies and free haircuts.

Homeless
and Persons
in Poverty
Victor Valley Family Resource
Center Provides transitional housing and homeless assistance.

Legal Aid Society
Provides counseling advise and preparation of documents to facilitate resolutions in family law, guardianships,
conservatorships, and minor or individual rights.

High Desert Community Food
Bank Provides food to low-income and homeless persons and families. Holy Family Food Bank
Feed My Sheep

2.6 Housing Stock Characteristics
This section discusses various housing characteristics and trends that affect housing needs in Hesperia. Important characteristics include housing types, the tenure and vacancy rates, housing age and condition, housing cost and affordability, and housing problems.

2.6.1 Housing Types
In 2019, Hesperia had 29,893 housing units, a 3 percent increase from the housing stock of 29,004 units in 2010. Single -family homes made up the vast majority of Hesperia’s housing units at 83 percent. Many of these were detached single- family homes, with only 2 percent of all single -family homes being attached (planned unit developments, townhomes, et c.). The overall proportion of single-family homes has remained stable from 2000.

There were 3,550 multi-family units in Hesperia in 2019. Multi-family homes had a 7 percent increase in number of units from 2010. The proportion of multi- family units, however, has slightly increased since 2010. The number of mobile homes experienced a slight increase between 2010 and 2019.

Table 18: Housing Unit Type, 2010 and 2019
Housing Unit Type
2010 2019 Percent Change in # of
Units Units Percent Units Percent
Single-Family Homes 24,181 83.4% 24,822 83.0% 2.7%
Detached 23,476 80.9% 24,116 80.7% 2.7%
Attached 705 2.4% 706 2.4% 0.1%
Multi-Family Homes 3,320 11.4% 3,550 11.9% 6.9%
2-4 units 1,502 5.2% 1,636 5.5% 8.9%

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Housing Unit Type
2010 2019 Percent Change in # of
Units Units Percent Units Percent
5+ units 1,818 6.3% 1,914 6.4% 5.3%
Mobile Homes 1,503 5.2% 1,521 5.1% 1.2%
Total 29,004 100% 29,893 100.0% 3.1%
Sources: Bureau of the Census, 2010; California Department of Finance, 2019.

2.6.2 Housing Tenure and Vacancy
From 2010 to 2019 , the tenure distribution in Hesperia changed. There was a decrease in owner - occupied housing, from 66 percent to 57 percent, and a corresponding increase in renter- occupied units from 27 percent to 43 percent (Table 19).

A vacancy rate is often a good indicator of how effectively for -sale and rental units are meeting the current demand for housing in a community. Vacancy rates of 5–6 percent for rental housing and 2– 3 percent for ownership housing are generally considered optimum, where there is balance between the demand and supply for housing. A higher vacancy rate may indicate an excess supply of units and therefore price depreciation, while a low vacancy rate may indicate a shortage of units and resulting escalation of housing prices. The vacancy rate citywide has decreased from 7.7 percent to 6.7 percent overall (Table 19). In Hesperia, owner vacancy decreased from 3.3 percent to 2 percent while rental vacancy decreased from 6.3 percent to 1.5 percent.

Table 19: Housing Tenure and Vacancy
Tenure & Vacancy
2010 2019
Units Percent Units Percent
Total Housing Units 26,965 100.0% 29,136 100.0%
Occupied Units 24,889 92.3% 27,185 93.3%
Owner-Occupied 17,709 65.7% 15,476 56.9%
Renter-Occupied 7,180 26.6% 11,709 43.1%
Vacant Units1 2,076 7.7% 1,951 6.7%
Rental Vacancy 1,699 6.3% 445 1.5%
Owner Vacancy 890 3.3% 588 2.0%
Source: American Community Survey, 2010 and 2019.

Note:

1. Vacant units include units for sale, units for rent, boarded-up units, or units vacant for other reasons (e.g. second homes). Most vacant homes are due probably to foreclosures in the “shadow market.”

2.6.3 Housing Age and Condition
Housing age is frequently used as an indicator of housing condition. Most residential structures over 30 years of age will require minor repairs and modernization improvements, while units over 50 years of age are more likely to require major rehabilitation such as roofing, plumbing, and electrical system repairs. A unit is generally deemed to have exceeded its useful life after 70 years of age.

Approximately 40 percent of Hesperia’s housing stock was built prior to 1980 and therefore may require minor repairs and modernization improvement ( Table 20). Another 25.7 percent of the housing stock was constructed in the 1980s, reflective of the housing boom at the time. These units will either reach 40 years of age in a few years or have already reached this age.

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Table 20: Housing Age
Year Structure Built Number Percent of Total
Built 2014 or later 620 2.1%
Built 2010 to 2013 175 0.6%
Built 2000 to 2009 4,682 16.1%
Built 1990 to 1999 4,364 15.0%
Built 1980 to 1989 7,481 25.7%
Built 1970 to 1979 8,892 30.5%
Built 1960 to 1969 1,054 3.6%
Built 1950 to 1959 1,760 6.0%
Built 1940 to 1949 108 0.4%
Built 1939 or earlier 0 0.0%
Total 29,136 100.0%
Sources: Bureau of the Census; 2015-2019 American Community Survey.

According to the 2019 American Community Survey, 68 units in Hesperia had incomplete plumbing, 234 units were without heat, and 155 units were without a complete kitchen. These units with significant problems accounted for less t han 2 percent of the housing stock in Hesperia. Given the relatively young age of the housing stock, the number of units requiring substantial rehabilitation or replacement is limited. The City Community Development staff completed a survey of 454 homes in the City. Based on the percentage of units surveyed, staff estimated that 1,396 units in the City require some rehabilitation and 253 units are dilapidated and may require replacement.

2.6.4 Housing Costs and Affordability
The cost of housing is directly relat ed to the extent of housing problems in a community. If housing costs are relatively high compared to household income, housing cost burden and overcrowding occur. This section summarizes the cost and affordability of housing to Hesperia residents.

Homeownership Market
During the Great Recession, t he downturn in the housing market led to decreases in housing prices throughout the High Desert region. Median home sales price data are compiled by DataQuick for cities and counties throughout the state. Overall, in 2019, Hesperia’s median home sales price was reported at $280,000, representing an increase of 84.5 percent from 2013 (Table 21).

Table 21: Median Home Sales Price, 2013-2019
Jurisdiction
# of Homes
Sold
2013 Median
Price
2019 Median
Price
% Change (2013-
2019)
Adelanto 53 $128,000 $239,000 86.70%
Apple
Valley
213 $145,000 $272,000 87.60%
Hesperia 138 $151,750 $280,000 84.50%
Victorville 243 $153,000 $275,000 79.70%
Sources: Escrow Junction Inc. Market Condition Report, 2019; DataQuick Real Estate News, 2013.

Rental Market
Websites were searched in December 2019 and rental price information was collected for housing units for rent within the City (Table 22). In December 2019, rents for one-bedroom units ranged from $800 to $1,200 per month with an average rent of $1,015, while two-bedroom units rented for $995 to $1,752 with an average rent of $1,273. Larger units were more expensive. Rents for three-bedroom

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units ranged from $1,200 to $2,000, with an average rent of $1,545, while four-bedroom and five - bedroom units were offered at rents ranging from $1,600 to $2,700 per month, with average rents of $1,902 and $1,820, respectively. There were only two listings for a five-bedroom household.

Table 22: Rental Rates, December 2019
Unit Size Number of Listings Rent Range Average Rent
One-Bedroom 9 $800–$1,200 $1,015
Two-Bedroom 17 $995–$1,752 $1,273
Three-Bedroom 11 $1,200–$2,000 $1,545
Four-Bedroom 9 $1,600–$2,700 $1,902
Five-Bedroom 2 $1,745–$1,895 $1,820
Total 48 $800–$1,895 $1,511
Sources: www.move.com, accessed 12/03/19; www.forrent.com, accessed 12/03/19; w ww.Craigslist.com, accessed 12/03/19.

Housing Affordability by Household Income
Housing affordability can be inferred by comparing the cost of renting or owning a home in the City with the maximum affordable housing costs for households at different incom e levels. Taken together, this information can generally show who can afford what size and type of housing and indicate the type of households most likely to experience overcrowding and overpayment.

HUD conducts annual household income surveys nationwide to determine a household’s eligibility for federal housing assistance. Based on this survey, HCD develops income limits for state programs (Table 23).

Table 23: Maximum Household Income by Household Size, 2021 Income Category
Household Size
1 2 3 4 5
Extremely Low Income (0-30% AMI) $16,600 $19,000 $21,960 $26,500 $31,040 Very Low Income (31-50% AMI) $27,650 $31,600 $35,550 $39,500 $42,700 Low Income (51-80% AMI) $44,250 $50,600 $56,900 $63,200 $68,300 Median Income (81-100% AMI) $54,250 $62,000 $69,750 $77,500 $83,700 Moderate Income (81-120% AMI) $65,100 $74,400 $83,700 $93,000 $100,450 Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, 2021.

Using the state income limits and former California Redevelopment Law on maximum housing cost - to-income ratios, the maximum affordable home and rental prices for residents in San Bernardino County are estimated (Table 24). The market affordability of the City’s housing stock for each income group is discussed below.

Extremely Low-Income Households: Extremely low-income households are those making up to 30 percent of the area median income (AMI). These households can afford monthly rents of up to $663.

Most market-rate apartments in the City, however, rent for much higher and extremely low -income households would find it difficult to secure affordable rental housing in Hesperia. Based on median home prices in 2019, these households would also not be able to afford to purchase homes in the City.

Very Low-Income Households: Very low-income households are classified as those earning between 31 and 50 percent of the AMI. These households can afford monthly rents of up to $ 988 and homes

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up to $136,275 (Table 24). Very low-income households can afford some of the City’s smaller market- rate rental units, but these would likely be inadequate in size and lead to other problems, such as overcrowding. Homeownership is also not affordable to these households.

Low-Income Households: Low-income households earn up to 80 percent of the AMI. Low -income households can afford monthly rents of up to $1, 580 and homes up to $ 218,040 (Table 24). These households will have little trouble securing appropriately sized rental housing in the City; however, finding adequately sized affordable homes for purchase may still be difficult.

Median-Income Households: Median -income households make 100 percent of the AMI. These households can afford monthly rents of up to $1,938 and homes up to $267,375 (Table 24). Median- income households are able to afford nearly all of the rental housing opportunities in the City.

Households in this income group are also easily able to purchase adequately sized homes.

Moderate-Income Households: Moderate- income households earn up to 120 percent of the AMI.

Households in this income group can afford monthly rents of up to $2,325 and homes up to $320,850.

All housing opportunities within the City, both rental and ownership, are affordable to moderate - income households.

Table 24: Housing Affordability by Income Level

Income Level
Extremely Low Very Low Low Median Moderate
Annual Income $26,500 $39,500 $63,200 $77,500 $93,000 Monthly Income $2,208 $3,292 $5,267 $6,458 $7,750
Maximum Monthly Gross Rent $663 $988 $1,580 $1,938 $2,325 Maximum Purchase Price $91,425 $136,275 $218,040 $267,375 $320,850 Sources: California Department of Housing and Community Development 2019; www.realtor.com.

1. Affordable housing cost for renter-occupied households assumes 30% of gross household income, not including utility cost

2. Affordable housing sales prices are based on the following assumed variables: approximately 10% down payment, 30- year fixed rate mortgage at 3.798%

2.6.5 Affordable Housing
Tenant-Based Housing Choice Vouchers
The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino (HACSB) administers the tenant-based Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Hesperia. The most recent Voucher Management System report from HUD reports that HACSB actively manages 10,172 housing choice vouchers . Of those receiving vouchers, 81 percent of all households were female-headed (approximately 8,239).

Publicly Assisted Rental Housing
Housing that receives governmental assistance is often a significant source of affordable housing in most communities. Because of its significance, this section identifies publicly assisted rental housing in Hesperia, evaluates the potential of such housing to convert to market rate during a ten -year planning period (2019 to 2029), and analyzes the options and associated costs to preserving the at - risk units, i.e., affordable units whose government assistance/deed restriction are expiring and may convert to market-rate value. In general, it is more economical to maintain affordable housing than it is to replace it.

Table 25 provides the inventory of assisted rental housing units in Hesperia. Ten publicly assisted developments in Hesperia offer 718 affordable units to low- and moderate-income households. These

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projects are deed -restricted as long -term affordable housing. One project, the Three Palms Apartments at 9800 Seventh Avenue, #250, with 113 low-income senior units, is expected to lose its affordability covenants in 2030, but covenants would remain intact during the planning period of this 6th Cycle Housing Element . Program 13 requires the City to track, monitor, and conduct proper notification for affordable housing units.

Table 25: Assisted Developments

Source: City of Hesperia, 2019.

In Hesperia, the cost of conserving assisted units is estimated to be significantly less than that required to replace the units through new construction. The difference between extremely/very low- income and market-rate rents requires the most subsidy; preserving low - and moderate-income units does not require as much subsidy. Since land prices and land availability are generally the limiting factors to development of low- income housing, it is estimated that subsidizing rents to preserve as sisted housing is more feasible and economical than new construction. HACSB performs this work for jurisdictions throughout San Bernardino County, including Hesperia. Both HACSB and the City are responsible for the preservation and replacement of assisted housing units.

To maintain the existing affordable housing stock, HACSB works to preserve the existing assisted units or facilitate the development of new units. Depending on the circumstances of the at -risk projects, different options may be used to preserve or replace the units. Preservation options typically include:
1) transfer of units to nonprofit ownership; 2) provision of rental assistance to tenants using other funding sources; and 3) purchase of affordability covenants. In terms of replacement, the most direct option is the development of new assisted multi-family housing units.

Project Name Units
Target
Population Funding
Affordability
Expires Phase
Sunrise Terrace I 22 very low income
87 low income
Family Agency, HOME, Tax
Credits, Bonds
2061 Completed
Sunrise Terrace II 16 very low income
55 low income
Family Agency, HOME, Tax
Credits, Bonds
2061 Completed
Village at Hesperia
I
14 very low income
53 low income
Senior Agency, HOME, Tax
Credits, Bonds
2063 Completed
Village at Hesperia
III
17 very low income
4 low income
Senior Tax Credits 2061 Completed
Santa Fe
Apartments
89 low-income units Family Tax Credits Density
Bonus
2047 Completed
Three Palms
Apartments
113 low income Seniors Tax Credits and
Density Bonus
2030 Completed
San Remo I 50 very low income
14 low income
Family Agency and Tax
Credits
2064 Completed
The Villas at
Hesperia /
Crossings West
31 very low income Family Agency, Tax Credits,
Bonds
2064 Completed
San Remo II 39 very low income
19 low income
Family Agency, Tax Credits 2064 Completed
Villas Apartments
West
20 very low income
75 low income
Senior Bonds 2072 Completed
Total 718

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Transfer of Ownership
Transferring ownership of an at -risk project to a nonprofit housing provider is generally one of the least costly ways to ensure that the at-risk units remain affordable for the long term. By transferring property ownership to a nonprofit organization, low -income restrictions can be secured , and the project would become potentially eligible for a greater range of governmental assistance.

Construction of Replacement Units
Currently, programs that fill this role are managed by HACSB. The construction of new low -income housing units is a means of replacing the at-risk units should they be converted to market-rate units.

The cost of developing housing depends upon a variety of factors, including density, size of the units (i.e., square footage and number of bedrooms), location, land costs, and type of construction.

Presently, the cost of land can range from a low of approximately $12,000 per acre to approximately $290,000 per acre. The cost to develop new housing in western San Bernardino County ra nges from $118 to $176 per square foot depending on the type and quality of finishes. 1 There are three methods of assisting low- income tenants living in at-risk units: 1) providing monthly rental subsidies in the private market, 2) acquiring and preserving the presently subsidized units, and 3) constructing comparable replacement units.

Qualified Entities
HCD keeps a current list of all of the qualified entities across the state. A “qualified entity” is a nonprofit or for-profit organization or individual that agrees to maintain the long -term affordability of housing projects. The qualified entities that HCD lists for San Bernardino County are in Table 26.

Table 26: Qualified Entities
Organization City Phone Number
Innovative Housing Opportunities, Inc. Irvine (949) 863-9740 Abbey Road Inc. North Hills (818) 332-8008
ROEM Development Corporation Santa Clara (408) 984-5600 x17 CSI Support & Development Services Monrovia (626) 599-8464 Coalition for Economic Survival Los Angeles (213) 252-4411 Orange Housing Development Corporation Orange (714) 288-7600 Nexus for Affordable Housing Orange (714) 282-2520
The East Los Angeles Community Union (TELACU) Los Angeles (323) 838-8556 Southern California Presbyterian Homes Glendale (818) 247-0420 Housing Corporation of America Laguna Beach (323) 726-9672 Coachella Valley Housing Coalition Indio (760) 347-3157 BUILD Leadership Development Inc. Newport Beach (949) 720-7044 Century Housing Corporation Culver City (310) 642-2007
Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire, Inc. San Bernardino (909) 884-6891 Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, 2020.

1 https://home-builders.promatcher.com/cost/san-bernardino-ca-home-builders-costs-prices.aspx. Accessed 8/30/2021.

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However, given the fact that the owners of all of the housing units listed in Table 25 intend to continue to renew their financing programs with HUD, there is no need for qualified entities to acquire these properties.

2.6.6 Financing and Subsidy Resources
The Housing Element must identify all federal, state, and local financing and subsidy programs that are available as preservation resources. These resources are:
 Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
 CalCHA bonds
 California Housing Finance Agency
 CalHome
 SB2 Permanent Local Housing Allocation
 HOME Investment Partnership Program

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3 Constraints
This section describes various market, governmental, and environmental constraints on the development of housing that meets the needs of all economic segments of Hesperia’s population.

3.1 Removal of Governmental and Nongovernmental Constraints AB 879 requires cities to examine how locally adopted ordinances impact the cost and supply of housing development, as well as the impact of processing timelines. This section identifies market, governmental, infrastructure, and environmental constraints in compliance with this bill. The City has many ordinances that impact cost and supply of housing development. The ordinances applicable to multi-family developments permit developments by -right within the Multi -Family Residential (R3), Medium Density Residential (MDR), and High Density Residential (HDR) zones. These developments are not subject to a discretionary process or Planning Commission consideration. If developments meet objective standards, they are approved administratively. In addition, all by-right developments can receive approval within 4 to 6 weeks, assuming a complete application is received. Processing these projects by -right with an objective standard and in an expedited fashion reduces processing times and costs for developers. In the Regiona l Commercial zone, mixed -use developments may qualify for a 50 percent reduction in the parking space requirement. All multi -family developments are allowed to have carports, in lieu of enclosed garages, which also reduces costs.

Pursuant to AB 879, local agencies must analyze local efforts to remove nongovernmental constraints that result in a shortfall of an agency’s achievement of its RHNA requirements at all income levels. In the past, the City or Housing Authority (form erly the Redevelopment Agency) h as acquired land for the purpose of producing affordable and market -rate residential developments. In many cases, the City transfers and exchanges these lands to developers ; many have resulted in approvals and/or construction of multi-family developments of all income levels. In such cases, the City is able to sell the land at a reduced rate, making housing development feasible and cost-effective for developers.

To address identified constraints, the City is incorporating Program 18, to provide housing for the homeless and extremely low- income households ; Program 19, to better provide for farmworker housing; Program 20, to better provide housing for people with disabilities; Program 21, to provide permit streamlining; Program 22, to remove constraints on multi-family development; Program 23, to better develop affordable housing; and Program 24, to promote development on large sites.

3.2 Market Constraints
Market constraints significantly affect the cost of housing in Hesperia and can pose barriers to housing production and affordability.

Economic Factors
The effects of market forces on the construction industry may act as a barrier to affordable housing.

The forces of supply and demand can affect the timing and level of housing construction. Hesperia’s convenient and accessible location in the High Desert led to the City becoming one of the state’s most affordable places to live. High levels of new construction activity, coupled with low interest rates, caused the California housing market to peak in the summer of 2005. After that, however, a poorly performing economy and flawed lending practices led to an implosion of the housing market.

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The High Desert region of California has been hit hardest by the downturn in the housing market. The area experienced some of the largest declines in home prices statewide. Dramatically lower housing prices, however, greatly improved affordability in Hesperia and surrounding communities. The production of housing has resumed, but not at pre-recession rates.

Land and Construction Cost
Construction costs are the largest component of total costs for a single -family detached unit, accounting for 30 to 40 percent of the finished sale price. An indicator of construction costs is Building Valuation Data compiled by the International Code Council (ICC). The unit costs compiled by the ICC include structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work, in addition to interior finish and normal site preparation. The data is national and does not take into account regional differences, nor include the price of the land upon which the building is built. The national average for development costs per square foot for apartments and single-family homes in August 2019 are as follows:
• Type I or II, Multi-Family: $147.35 to $167.27 per square foot • Type V Wood Frame, Multi-Family: $112.76 to $117.40 per square foot • Type V Wood Frame, One and Two Family Dwelling: $121.24 to $128.74 per square foot The unit costs for residential care facilities generally range between $142.33 and $146.98 per square foot. These costs are exclusive of the costs of land and soft costs, such as entitlements, financing, etc.

At present, the cost of construction in the High Desert is approximately $163.51 per square foot.

3.2.1 Availability of Mortgage and Rehabilitation Financing The availability of financing affects a person’s ability to purchase or improve a home. Under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA), lending institutions are required to disclose information on the disposition of loan applications by the income, gende r, and race of the applicants. This applies to all loan applications for home purchases, improvements and refinancing, whether financed at market rate or with government assistance.

Table 27 summarizes the disposition of loan applications submitted to financial institutions in 2018 for home purchase, refinance, and home improvement loans in Hesperia. Included is information on loan applications that were approved and originated, approved but not accepted by the applicant, denied, or “other” (e.g., withdrawn by the applicant, or incomplete).

Table 27: Disposition of Home Purchase and Improvement Loan Applications, 2018 Loan Type
Total
Applications
Percent
Approved
Percent
Denied
Percent
Other
Government Backed Purchase
Loans
911 79.9% 6.8% 13.3%
Conventional Purchase Loans 1,035 74.1% 8.4% 17.5%
Refinance 2,460 49.3% 21.5% 29.2%
Home Improvement Loans 324 36.7% 51.5% 11.7%
Total 4,730 59.8% 17.8% 22.4%
Source: https://ffiec.cfpb.gov/ 2018.

Notes:

1. Percent Approved includes loans approved by the lenders whether or not accepted by the applicant.

2. Percent Other includes loan applications that were either withdrawn or closed for incompleteness.

3. This data includes Census Tract 100.17, which includes parts of Oak Hills and excludes Census Tract 100.09, which includes parts of Victorville.

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Home Purchase Loans
In 2018, a total of 1,035 households applied for conve ntional loans to purchase homes in Hesperia.

The overall loan approval rate was 74 percent and 8 percent of applications were denied. Another nearly 18 percent of applications were withdrawn by the applicant. A total of 911 applications were submitted for the purchase of homes in Hesperia through government -backed loans (e.g., F ederal Housing Administration , V eterans Affairs) in 2018; a mong these applications, 80 percent were approved and nearly 7 percent were denied. Approximately 13 percent of these applications for government-backed loans were withdrawn by the applicant.

Home Improvement Loans
Home improvement loans were more difficult for Hesperia residents to obtain than any other type of loan, most likely a result of the lowered home appraisals in the City. Just 37 percent of the applicants for home improvement loans were approved, while nearly 52 percent were denied by lending institutions in 2018. Almost 12 percent of these applications were withdrawn by the applicant. The large proportion of home improvement loan denials may be explained by the nature of these loans.

Home improvement loans are usually second loans and therefore many applicants may already have high loan-to-income ratios.

To address potential private market lending constraints and expand homeownership and home improvement opportunities, the City of Hesperia offers a variety of programs, including the First Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program and the Owner -Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program. Such programs assist lowe r- and moderate -income residents by increasing access to favorable loan terms to purchase or improve their homes.

Refinance Loans
Relatively low interest rates led Hesperia residents to file 2,460 applications for refinancing in 2018.

Almost half (49 percent) of these applications were approved, while nearly 22 percent were denied.

An additional 29 percent of applications for refinance loans were withdrawn by the applicant.

Foreclosures
With low interest rates, “creative” financing (e.g., zero down, interes t only, adjustable loans), and predatory lending practices (e.g. , aggressive marketing, hidden fees, negative amortization), many households nationwide purchased homes that were beyond their financial means between 2000 and 2005. Under the false assumptions that refinancing to lower interest rates would always be an option and home prices would continue to rise at double-digit rates, many households were unprepared for the hikes in interest rates, expiration of short-term fixed rates, and decline in sales prices that set off in 2006. Suddenly faced with significantly inflated mortgage payments, and mortgage loans that were larger than the worth of the homes, foreclosure was the only option available to many households.

Hesperia’s construction activity has increased slightly, and the number of properties in foreclosure has dropped dramatically since 2009, when 2,357 homes in Hesperia were listed as foreclosures. In the November-December edition of the Market Condition Report , published in January 2013, 95 homes were on the market in Hesperia. Of these, only 18 were bank -owned and 11 more were considered short sale. Of the 246 homes in escrow, only 41 were bank -owned and 102 as short sale.

In September-October 2019, 308 homes were on the market in Hesperia. Of the 138 homes in escrow, only 17 were bank-owned and one more was considered a short sale.

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3.3 Governmental Constraints
Local policies and regulations can impact the price and availability of housing and, in particular, the provision of affordable housing. L and use controls, site improvement requirements, fees and exactions, permit processing procedures, and other issues may constrain the maintenance, development, and improvement of housing. This section discusses potential governmental constraints in Hesperia.

3.3.1 Land Use Controls
General Plan Land Use Element
The Land Use Element sets forth City policies for guiding local land use development. These policies, together with existing zoning regulations, establish the amount and distribution of land allocated for different uses.

Hesperia’s land use controls are designed to maintain the predominantly low -profile residential nature of the community. In 2010, the City completed a General Plan update, the first comprehensive update since the original General Plan was adopted in 1991. The update covered the entire City and all seven elements of the General Plan. Of particular importance is the goal to convert the plan to a one-map system where all land uses will be designated on the General Plan map, eliminating the zoning map and any remaining inconsistencies. This now enables the public to easily determine the appropriate land uses for any parcel in the City and sphere of influence. The Land Use Element designates 49,960 acres (41 percent) of the City's total land inventory for residential uses. Higher- density residential uses, located in the central part of the City near service, commercial, and employment activity centers, are surrounded by lower -density residential uses. Current residential densities in Hesperia cover a wide spectrum and are summarized in Table 28 below. The 2021-2029 Housing Element does not include any changes to the City’s inventory of multi-family zoned land. The new RHNA requirement can now be met entirely within the City, includin g areas that are part of the Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan, as well as areas outside of specific plans.

The 6
th Cycle Housing Element relies on the C2, R3 , and RC zones to meet the lower -income RHNA requirements. At present, these zones do not provide development standards at densities that would allow for the feasible development of housing that would meet the lower-income RHNA requirement.

While the development standards of these zones are expected to change to accommodate densities of up to 30 dwelling per acre (du/acre) upon revision of the City’s Zoning Code in October 2022, the present development standards constitute a constraint on development.

Table 28: Residential Land Use Categories and Zoning Districts Land Use (Zoning)
Density
(du/acre) Character
General Agricultural (A2) 0.0-0.2 Characterized by large lot sizes, varying topography, and proximity to the Mojave River
Limited Agricultural 2½ (A1-2½) 0.21-0.4 Intended to protect rural lifestyles within the City
Limited Agricultural (A1) 0.41-1.0 Intended to continue the current rural lifestyle for residents living in agriculturally designated
areas

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Land Use (Zoning)
Density
(du/acre) Character
Rural Residential-Special Development
(RR-SD)

0.0-0.4* Includes areas with minimal or no infrastructure or public services, varying topography,
environmental sensitivity, or other development
constraints
Rural Residential-2½ (RR-2½) 0.0-0.4 Characterized by large lot sizes and sparse single family residential development, free from
environmental constraints, which have been
identified for protection of rural lifestyles
Rural Residential-1 (RR-1) 0.41-1.0 Characterized by rural residential uses on a minimum of 1 acre lot size and is intended to
protect large animal keeping
Rural Residential- 20,000 (RR-20000) 1.1-2.0 Intended for single-family residential uses with some large animal keeping
Single-Family Residence- 18,000 (R1-
18000)

2.1-2.4 Intended for single-family residences that do not keep large animals
Single-Family Residence (R1) 2.5-4.5 Intended for detached single-family residential uses characterized by a more suburban setting
Single-Family Residence- 4,500 (R1) 4.6-8.0 Intended for single-family residential uses with a variety of lot sizes, housing types, and public
amenities
Multiple Family Residential (R3) 8.1-15.0 Intended for multiple family uses in an urban setting
Source: General Plan Land Use Element, 2010.

Note:
* = With a Specific Plan maximum density becomes 2.0 du/acre. du/acre = dwelling units per acre.

Specific Plans
The City of Hesperia has adopted three specific plans —Summit Valley Ranch, Tapestry, and Main Street and Freeway Corridor.

Summit Valley Ranch Specific Plan: This plan was adopted in 1997. No construction activity has occurred within this plan, and it is set to expire in 2022. While technically valid (due to the existing development agreements), the age of the environmental documents will necessitate that this plan be updated and the plans be revised and reapproved. It is uncertain that this development wo uld materialize and thus create opportunities for affordable housing during the planning period to be discussed later, for this planning period. In any case, the City anticipates much of its future residential growth will occur within the Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan area, which, upon buildout, will add over 12,500 new housing units to the City.

Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan: The purpose of this Specific Plan is to establish a development framework for the City’s Main Street and Freeway corridors. The plan also sets forth a strategy for public investment and improvements along the corridor, including circulation, parking, parks and streetscape improvements. The Specific Plan area consists of two corridors, Interstate 15 and Main Street, approximately 18 miles in length and with a total area of over 16 square miles. The Main Street corridor extends from I Avenue on the east to about a mile west of the interchange at the Interstate 15 freeway. The Interstate 15 corridor extends between the northern and southern City limits. The Specific Plan area is almost 80 percent vacant or underdeveloped. The Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan was adopted in October 2008.

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The Specific Plan area contains three single -family residential land use designations : Low Density Residential, Very Low Density Residential, and Rural Residential. Two multi- family residential zones, Medium Density Residential and High Density Residential, are also included. A zone that permits mixed-use development in the area adjacent to the Civic Center has also been established to provide the opportunity for live/work uses in an environment that is otherwise typically residential in character. The development standards of each of these zones are detailed in Table 29 below.

Table 29: Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan Residential Land Uses Zones Min. Lot Area Max. Height Max. Density (Net) Max. Lot Cover.

Low Density 4,500 s.f 35 feet 2-8 du/acre 50%
Very Low Density 18,000 s.f. 35 feet 0.5-2 du/acre 35%
Rural 7,200 s.f. 35 feet 0-2 du/acre 40%
Medium Density 3,000 s.f/unit 35 feet 8-15 du/acre 60%
High Density 1,800 s.f/unit 35 feet 15-20 du/acre 60%
Mixed-Use 7,200 s.f. 35 feet 2-8 du/acre 60%
Regional Commercial 10 acres 45 feet 15-25 du/acre n/a
Source: Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan, 2008.

Note: s.f. = square feet; du/acre = dwelling per acre.

Within the Main Street/Interstate 15 District only, multi-family residential development (as a part of a mixed-use development) is allowed in the Regional Commercial zone. Mixed -use development is defined as an integration of residential uses with compatible commercial uses, vertically or horizontally, within the same building or structure. A mixed-use project may also constitute separate buildings or structures on the same property of land, so long as there is a pedestrian connection between buildings that integrates and unifies the project. In addition to the development standards summarized above in Table 29, vertical mixed -use buildings in the Regional Commercial zone are subject to the following standards:
• The minimum living area for residential units in a mixed-use project shall be 600 square feet for a studio unit, with 200 square feet for each additional bedroom. • A maximum of 30 percent of the residential units may be one bedroom or smaller. • The entrances to the residential uses shall be separate and distinct from commercial uses.

These entrances shall be secured.
• Residential parking shall be secured and separated from public parking. • Residential units shall have adequate sound insulation to protect occupants. • Mixed-use developments shall be designed so that odors emanating from businesses on the ground floor do not impact uses above.
• Refuse facilities shall be located and screened to minimize impacts from related odor and noise.
• Commercial loading facilities shall be located to minimize noise impacts and maintain access to residential areas.

These standards are intended to foster a safe and decent residential environment and provide a range of housing options, including housing suitable for families.

Tapestry Specific Plan: The purpose of the Tapestry Specific Plan is to set a framework that describes the master plan and provide a guide to the future development of the community. The Tapestry site

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is approximately 9,365.5 acres and is located at the southern end of the City of Hesperia. The Tapestry Specific Plan was adopted in January 2016 and was approved with a total of 15,633 dwelling units.

The project site currently consists primarily of agricultural (cattle grazing) lands and native habitat.

The varied topography includes rolling hills, steep bluffs, canyons, and low-lying pasture lands along the West Fork of the Mojave River. The project site is located approximately 8 miles east of Interstate 15 along Ranchero Road or State Route 138. State Route 173 generally serves as the southern and eastern boundary. The northerly boundary is Ranchero Road. Silverwood Lake, a recreational lake that is part of the State Water Project, is located approximately a quarter mile south of the southern project boundary.

The Specific Plan area contains three single-family residential land use designations: Very Low Density Residential, Low Density Residential, and Low Medium Residential. Two multi-family residential zones, Medium Density Residential and High Density Residential, are also included. A zone that permits mixed-use development has also been established to provide the opportunity for live/work uses in an environment that is otherwise typically residential in character. The development standards of each of these residential zones are detailed in Table 30 below.

Table 30: Tapestry Specific Plan Residential Land Uses
Zones Min. Lot Area Max. Height Max. Density (Net) Max. Lot Cover.

Very Low 18,000 s.f. 35 feet 1-2.5 du/acre 30%
Low 7,200 s.f. 35 feet 2-4.5 du/acre 50%
Low Medium 5,000 s.f. 35 feet 4-8 du/acre 60%
Medium 2,900 s.f 35 feet 7-15 du/acre 65%
High Condo/Flats 55 feet 14-25 du/acre None
Mixed Use Commercial Condo/Flats 55 feet 18-30 du/ac None Source: Tapestry Specific Plan, 2016.

Note: s.f. = square feet; du/acre = dwelling per acre.

A senior or active adult community is anticipated to be developed on the southwest side of the aqueduct. Although there is no specific land use designation for this land use, parcels are anticipated to be included in the senior community. This community is likely to be gated and include trails, parks, a clubhouse and recreation center with a focus on active uses for the 55 and older market.

Tapestry has applied for a grading permit and is expected to start construction in 2022. The first homes are expected to be sold in 2024. The first phase will include 2,100 +/- units, and is generally expected to be completed by the end of the 6 th Cycle. Approximately 500 units per year are expected to be constructed thereafter.

Cumulative Effects
Cumulatively, the City’s land use controls are designed to maintain the predomi nantly low-profile residential nature of the community. The City has adopted multiple specific plans to provide for future residential growth. Combined with the City’s anticipated rezoning of its R3 zone and its planned amendments to its Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan, the cumulative effects of the City’s land use controls are not anticipated to form a constraint on development.

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3.3.2 Residential Development Standards
The development standards of Hesperia’s six existing residential zoning districts are summarized in Table 31. Parking requirements for single -family and multi- family residential uses in Hesperia are summarized in Table 32 . The City’s parking requirements mandate enclosed garage spaces for both single-family dwellings and condominiums. Multi-family dwellings are not required to have enclosed garages, but a covered space is required.

The City has recently completed several affordable housing projects and is in the planning/approval stages for several additional affordable housing projects, indicating that the City’s existing development standards do not constrain affordable housing development.

Table 31: Residential Development Standards
Zoning
Min. Lot Area
(square feet)
Max.

Height
Minimum Lot (ft.) Setbacks (ft.) Max. Lot
Cover. Width Depth Front Side Rear
R1 (SLS)1 4,500
2 ½ stories
or 35 ft.
50 75 10-20 5 15 50%
R-1 7,200 60 100
15-552
5 15 40%
R-3 10 60%
RR 20,000 10
15 40%
A-1 43,560 100 n/a 10% lot width3
n/a A-2 217,800 300 6
Source: City of Hesperia Municipal Code, Title 16 Development Code, 2019.

Notes:

1. SLS = small lot subdivision

2. Depending on the type of street abutting the property

3. No less than 6 feet or more than 15 feet
Table 32: Parking Requirements
Housing Type Requirements
Single-Family Dwelling 1-4 bedrooms: 2 garage spaces
5+ bedrooms: 3 garage spaces
Multi-Family Dwelling 1 covered space per unit with 100 cubic feet of lockable storage space and

0.25 guest spaces per unit dispersed throughout development Studio: 1.25 spaces per unit
One Bedroom: 1.75 spaces per unit
Two+ Bedrooms: 2.25 spaces per unit
Condominium At Unit: 2 garage spaces
Guest Parking: 0.25 spaces per unit
Mobile Home Park At Unit: 2 spaces per unit, 1 of which must be covered Guest Parking: 1 space per 5 units
Source: City of Hesperia, Municipal Code, Title 16 Development Code.

Flexibility in Development Standards
The City encourages housing variety by developing flex ible residential development standards. The maximum height limit may be increased subject to the approval of a Minor Exception Permit. For projects qualifying for a density bonus, state parking standards will be used. The City has also outlined certain concessions for development standards in its Landscape Ordinance. Affordable housing developments are permitted to use 1-gallon shrubs and 5-gallon trees, instead of the otherwise required 5-gallon shrubs and 15-gallon trees.

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In order to promote a more efficient use of the land and create a more desirable and affordable living environment by providing greater design flexibility, the City has established a set of requirements, design standards, and conditions for planned development projects. The City’s Development Code defines planned residential developments as residential projects consisting of a maximum of 500 dwelling units. Planned residential developments are projects that are compatible with, and not a significant departure from, surrounding land uses. Residential densities for planned developments are determined by the General Plan ; however, increased densities may be granted through the City’s density bonus provisions. The Planning Commission may also alter adopted design standards, in instances where the altered standards would more adequately serve the intent and purposes of the planned development.

Density Bonus Program
The City of Hesperia has established a density bonus program to encourage the production of housing for lower- and moderate-income households by offering developers density increases beyond the maximum allowed under the applicable zoning district and General Plan Land Use Element in exchange for the construction of below-market rate units. In addition, other development incentives may be permitted.

Current state law requires jurisdictions to provide density bonuses and development incentives to all developers who propose to construct affordable housing on a sliding scale, where the amount of density bonus and number of incentives vary according to the amount of affordable housing units provided. In May 2011, the City’s Development Code was updated to reflect these new requirements.

Under AB 1763, housing projects where all units are affordable to low- and very low-income residents qualify for an 80 percent density bonus, except that up to 20 percent of the total units in the development may be for moderate-income households. AB 1763 provides for a fourth incentive and concession to 100 percent affordable projects. For housing projects that qualify as a special needs or supportive housing development, AB 1763 completely eliminates all local parking requirements. A development that is a special needs housing development shall have either paratransit service or unobstructed access, within one-half mile, to fixed bus route service that operates at least eight times per day. The development code was amended in 2020 to reflect the changes in Density Bonus Law.

Local Ordinances
At present, the City does not have a short -term rental ordinance in place. A review of the VRBO website in February 2022 showed three short-term rental properties currently present within the City limits, while a review of the Airbnb website showed five. Thus, while these types of ordinances have the potential to pose a governmental constraint on housing in cities, particularly cities with large tourist economies, current data indicates the effects of short -term rentals to be negligible when compared to the total housing stock of the City. Thus, it is not a constraint on development.

At present, the City also does not have an inclusionary housing ordinance. Thus, this is not a constraint on development.

Measure N
On November 3, 2020, Hesperia voters passed a ballot measure (Measure N) titled “ Hesperia Sustaining Affordable Water Supply & Ensuring Responsible Growth Measure.” Measure N establishes new regulations for residential density, apartment floor space, and the length of time for tract and parcel maps.

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State law currently limits the City’s ab ility to make land use changes that would reduce density for residential development. Under Government Code Section 65589.5 (Senate Bill 330 and SB 8), some of the changes would not take effect until allowed by State law, currently January 1, 20 30. Other changes would take effect immediately.

Residential Density Changes (would not take effect until allowed by State law, currently January 1, 2030):

Measure N reduces the maximum density for new single-family homes from 8 to 3 units per acre. The new minimum l ot size would be one -third acre. Measure N also reduces the maximum density for new multi-family dwellings from 25 to 8 units per acre. Measure N does not affect any lots that are contained within an existing final map, development agreement, or a tentative map that has not yet expired. This provision of Measure N is currently preempted by state law (SB 330 and SB 8). While this provision does not apply for the current RHNA cycle, upon the sunsetting of SB 8 on January 1, 2030, this provision would pose a constraint on the development of housing in the City. This would affect future Housing Element cycles.

Apartment Floor Space (wo
uld not take effect until allowed by State law, currently January 1, 2030):

Measure N also requires voter approval to reduce the current development standards regulating minimum square footage requirements for apartment floor space. Currently, the City requires 675 square feet of space per studio unit; 875 square feet for a one-bedroom unit; 1,075 square feet for a two-bedroom unit ; 1,275 square feet for a three -bedroom unit; and 1,475 for units with four bedrooms or more. These numbers are higher than what was previously required for multi -family dwellings. From October 4, 2016, to June 4, 2019, the minimum apartment size requireme nts were 550 square feet for a studio apartment; 650 square feet per one bedroom; 850 square feet per 2 bedroom/1 bath; 950 square feet per 2 bedroom/2 bath; and 1,075 square feet per three -bedroom unit. On June 4, 2019, the City returned the minimum apartment size standards to pre -2016 size requirements. Because the current apartment size standards are higher than the requirements that were in place during 2016–2019, and they can only be reduced via ballot measure, they represent a constraint on development.

Table 33: Minimum Floor Area Requirements for Multi-family Units Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom+
Market Rate Units 675 875 1,075 1,275 1,475
Source: City of Hesperia, 2020.

Table 34 illustrates the size and densities of approved multi -family dwellings in the City during the period (2016–2019) when minimum unit sizes were lowered to 650 square feet per one -bedroom unit, 850 square feet per two-bedroom unit, and 1,075 square feet per three-bedroom unit. The vast majority of such projects would not be allowed under the current minimum square footages established under Measure N, save for SPR 18-00008 and SPR 18-00009, for a total of 25 units out of the 254 approved multi-units with known square footages. Thus, these minimum square footages can be considered a constraint on development.

Table 34: Recently Approved Multi-Family Residential Projects Projects Units
Density
(du/ac) Bedrooms
Square
Feet Status
SPR17-00003 10 12.5 2 878 Permits pulled in 2018. No construction.

SPR17-00004 44 13.7 2 950 In Permit Process

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Projects Units
Density
(du/ac) Bedrooms
Square
Feet Status
SPR17-00005 44 14.2 2 856 Built
SPR17-00010 28 10.8 2 856 Built
SPR17-00014 10 10.0 2 990 Built
SPR17-00016 14 6.7 2 1,039 Includes zone change from Commercial to MDR SPR18-00006 56 11.0 2 1,039 Under Construction
SPR18-00008 16 11.3 2 1,104 In Permit Process
SPR18-00009 9 11.2 2 1,140 In Permit Process
SPR18-00013 23 9.6 2 891 Grading/Plan Check
SPR21-00006 34 15.5 - - Submitted
SPR21-00018 10 14.5 - - Submitted
SPR21-00019 8 16.3 - - Submitted
Source: City of Hesperia, 2021.

Time limits for tentative parcel and tract maps would not take effect until allowed by State law, currently January 1, 2030
Finally, Measure N reduces the maximum time limit for tentative tract and parcel map approvals for residential projects from 36 to 2 4 months, and would prohibit the City from authorizing any discretionary extensions. Currently, a developer would have 24 months to comp lete any conditions of approval and record a final map, or the tentative map will expire. This could potentially represent a constraint on development.

3.3.3 Provision for a Variety of Housing Types
Housing Element law specifies that jurisdictions must identify adequate sites to be made available through appropriate zoning and development standards to encourage the development o f a variety of types of housing for all income levels. Table 35 summarizes the City’s zoning provisions for various types of housing.

Table 35: Provisions for Various Housing Types
R1 R3 RR A1 A2
Single-Family1 P P P P P
Multiple-Family -- P -- -- --
Factory-Built Housing/Mobile Homes P P P P P
Second/Accessory Dwelling Unit P P P P P
Residential Care Facility (6 or fewer persons) P P P P P Residential Care Facility (> 6 persons) C C C C C
Source: City of Hesperia Development Code, 2019.

Note: C = Conditionally Permitted, P = Permitted

1. Single-family not permitted in the High Density Residential zone of the Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan.

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Single-Family
Single-family residences are permitted in all residential zones in the City, except the High Density Residential zone of the Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan, unless a project is inconsistent with the residential densities laid out in the General Plan. Single -family residential development requires land dedication, impact fees, or a combination of both for devel oping parks or recreational areas for residents.

Multiple-Family
Multiple-family housing is permitted in the City’s R3 zone. Multi-family development requires the same type of land dedication or payment of fees for parks and recreational use as single -family residential development. However, the City also require s these developments to construct recreational facilities on-site, making the developments into whole communities.

The City plans to utilize its C2 zone for housing with the adoption of t his Housing Element. Until the City adopts a revised Zoning Code and Development Code, the current permitted uses of the C2 zone would represent a constraint on development.

Factory-Built Housing/Mobile Homes
Manufactured housing and mobile homes can be a n affordable housing option for lower- and moderate-income households. A mobile home built after June 15, 1976, certified under the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Act of 1974, and built on a permanent foundation may be located in any residential zone where a conventional single-family detached dwelling is permitted.

Pursuant to state law, the City explicitly permits manufactured housing placed on a permanent foundation in all residential zones. Such housing is subject to the same development standards and design review as stick -built housing as set forth by the zoning district regulations. Hesperia’s Development Code includes mobile home parks and trailer courts in its definition of residential units.

Mobile home parks and the addition of mobile home spaces require a land use dedication or impact fee just as multi-family and single-family development.

Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is an additional detached or attached dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. The unit includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the primary unit is situated.

A junior ADU will typically be smaller than an ADU, constructed within the walls of an existing single- family residence, and requiring owner occupancy of the single -family residence where the unit is located.

In October 2019, SB 13, AB 68, and AB 881 were adopted into law with the intention of facilitating the construction of ADUs in California. One key component of the new ADU laws is that the City is now required to allow junior ADUs. In June 2020, the Development Code was amended to be consistent with state law. The following is a list of City regulations applicable to ADUs and junior ADUs:
• Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet, shall be fully self -contained (including sanitation), and do not share internal access with the primary dwelling unit. An attached ADU may be up to 50 percent of the area of the principal unit, up to a maximum of 1,000 square feet.

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• A junior ADUs may not exceed 500 square feet in size and must be contained entirely within a single-family residence. Junior ADUs must include an efficiency kitchen, can have an internal access to the primary dwelling unit, and can share sanitary facilities (such as a restroom) with the primary unit.
• Both provide independent living units with an exterior entrance into the unit. • ADUs are allowed on lots that are zoned for agricultural, single family, multi-family, or mixed use, and that contain an existing or proposed single-family or multi-family dwelling. • On properties zoned for single -family residential, one ADU and one junior ADU may be permitted.
• On properties zoned for multi -family, up to 1 unit may be converted from existing non - habitable space. In addition, up to two detached accessory dwelling units may be permitted. • Lots not connected to sewer shall be a minimum of 1 acre in size. Junior ADUs may be located on any size lot and are not considered a new unit for the purposes of calculating sewer requirements.
• A minimum 4-foot side yard and rear yard setback is allowed. The front yard and street side yard standards of the underlying zoning designation shall apply. • For single-family lots, owner occupancy requirement is suspended until January 1, 2025. For a junior ADU, owner occupancy is required.

AB 671 requires cities to include a plan that incentivizes and promotes the creation of ADUs that can be offered at affordable rent for very low -, low-, or moderate -income households in their housing elements. HCD is also to develop a list of existing state grants and financial incentives for operating, administrative, and other expenses in connection with the planning, construction, and operation of ADUs with affordable rent. The Development Code will be amended within one year following certification of the Housing Element to address the requirements of AB 671.

Since January 1, 2014, 14 second units have been constructed or are in development in the City.

Farmworker Housing
The City’s Development Code currently does not address farmworker housing. The City will amend its Development Code to comply with state laws with regard to farmworker housing. Specifically, pursuant to the state Employee Housing Act (Section 17000 of the Health and Safety Code), employee housing for agricultural workers consisting of no more than 36 beds in a group quarters or 12 units or spaces designed for use by a single family or house hold is permitted by -right in an agricultural land use designation. Therefore, for properties that permit agricultural uses by -right, a local jurisdiction may not treat employee housing that meets the above criteria any differently than an agricultural use.

Furthermore, any employee housing providing accommodations for six or fewer employees shall be deemed a single-family structure with a residential land use designation, according to the Employee Housing Act. Employee housing for six or fewer persons is permitted where a single-family residence is permitted. No conditional or special use permit or variance can be required.

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Emergency Shelters
Section 50801(e) of the California Health and Safety Code defines emergency shelters as housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to occupancy of six months or fewer by a homeless person. SB 2, enacted in October 2007, requires local governments to identify one or more zoning districts that allow emergency shelters without discretionary review. The statute permits the City to apply limited conditions to the approval of ministerial permits for emergency shelters. The identified zone must have sufficient capacity to accommodate at least one year- round shelter and accommodate the City’s unsheltered homeless population. Hesperia’s unsheltered homeless population is estimated at 21 individuals.

Hesperia’s current Development Code explicitly addresses emergency shelters. In 2014, the City amended the Development Code to permit homeless shelters by-right, without discretionary review, within the Medium Density Residential (MDR) and Mixed Use (MU) zones of the Main Street Corridor and Freeway Specific Plan, consistent with state law. The MDR and MU zones are located primarily along Main Street and near a variety of services. These zones include 373 parcels, totaling 463 vacant acres. This capacity is sufficient for accommodating at least one emergency shelter and Hesperia’s estimated unsheltered homeless population of 21 persons.

Transitional Housing
Under Housing Element Law, transitional housing is defined as buildings configured as rental housing developments but operated under program requirements that call for the termination of assistance and recirculation of the assisted unit to another eligible program recipient at some predetermined future point in time, which shall be no less than six months (California Health and Safety Code Section 50675.2).

This definition does not encompass all forms of transitional housing. Transitional housing is a type of housing used to facilitate the movement of homeless individuals and families to permanent housing.

Transitional housing can take several forms, including group quarters with beds, single-family homes, and multiple-family apartments and typically offers case management and support services to return people to independent living (usually between 6 and 24 months).

The H esperia Development Code does address transitional housing facilities. In 2014, the City amended the Development Code to address the provision of transitional housing. Transitional housing that is group housing for six or fewer persons is permitted by -right as a residential use where residential use is permitted. Transitional housing that is group housing for seven or more persons is conditionally permitted as residential care facilities in the R1, R3, and RR zones. Transitional housing not configured as group housing is permitted as a residential use and subject to the same permitting processes and requirements as other similar housing in the same zones. The City does not have a distance separation for group homes and residential care facilities.

Supportive Housing
Under Housing Element Law, supportive housing is defined as housing with no limit on length of stay that is occupied by a target population, and that is linked to on-site or off-site services that assist the supportive housing resident in retaining the housing, improving his or her health status, and maximizing his or her ability to live and, when possible, work in the community (California Health and Safety Code 50675.14 [b]).

The target population includes adults with low incomes having one or more disabilities, including mental illness, HIV or AIDS, substance abuse, or other chronic health conditions, or individuals eligible

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for services provided under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Division 4.5, commencing with Section 4500, of the Welfare and Institutions Code) and may, among other populations, include families with children, elderly persons, young adults aging out of the foster care system, individuals exiting from institutional settings, veterans, or homeless people (California Health and Safety Code 53260 [d]).

Similar to transitional housing, supportive housing can take several forms, including group quarters with beds, single-family homes, and multiple-family apartments. Supportive housing usually includes a service component either on- or off-site to assist the tenants in retaining the housing, improving his or her health status, and maximizing his or her ability to live and, when possible, work in the community.

The Hesperia Development Code does address the provision of supportive housing. As local land use and zoning powers give the jurisdiction the authority to regulate the use, but not the user, the Zoning Code was amended in 2014 to address the provision of supportive housing. Supportive housing that is group housing for six or fewer persons is permitted by -right as a residential use where residential use is permitted. Supportive housing that is group housing for seven or more persons is conditionally permitted as residential care facilities in the MDR and Mixed Use zones within the Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan. Supportive housing not configured as group housing is permitted as a residential use and subject to the same permitting processes and requirements as other similar housing in the same zones.

Single-Room Occupancy Units
Single-room occupancy (SRO) units are one-room units intended for occupancy by a single individual.

They are distinct from a studio or efficiency unit, in that a studio is a one-room unit that must contain a kitchen and bathroom. Although SRO units are not required to have a kitchen or bathroom, many SROs have one or the other. In 2014, the City amended the Development Code to facilitate the provision of SROs consistent with AB 2634 enacted in 2007. SROs are permitted with a conditional use permit (CUP) in all residential zones of the Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan area and all residential zones out of the Specific Plan. Findings will be the same as those required for all land uses requiring a CUP.

Housing for Persons with Disabilities
Land Use Controls: The Lanterman Development Disabilities Service Act (Sections 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. The use of property for the care of six or fewer persons with disabilities is a residential use for the purposes of zoning. A state-authorized or certified family care home, foster home, or group home serving six or fewer persons with disabilities or dependent and neglected children on a 24 -hour-a-day basis is considered a residential use that is permitted in all zones where residential uses are permitted. According to the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, 11 licensed adult residential facilities are located in Hesperia.

Pursuant to the Hesperia Development Code, small residential care facilities serving six or fewer clients are permitted in all residential zones. This provision is consistent with the Lanterman Act. Large residential care facilities serving seven or more clients are conditionally permitted in all residential zones.

Definition of a Family: Local governments may restrict access to housing for households failing to qualify as a “family” by the definition specified in the d evelopment code. Specifically, a restrictive

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definition of “family” that limits the number of and differentiates between related and unrelated individuals living together may illegally limit the development and siting of group homes for persons with disabilities, but not housing for families that are similarly sized or situated. The Hesperia Development Code defines a family as “a person or persons living together as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit.” This definition accommodates different household types including unrelated persons living together and therefore would not constrain the development and rehabilitation of housing for persons with disabilities.

Building Codes: The City enforces Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations , which regulates the access and adaptability of buildings to accommodate persons with disabilities. With few exceptions, all ground -floor dwelling units are to be on an accessible route, and must be accessible into and throughout the entire unit, incorporating certain adaptable features ( e.g., repositionable kitchen counters, bathtub grab bars). Furthermore, Government Code Section 12955.1 requires that 10 percent of the total dwelling units in townhouse -type multi -story apartments and condominiums without elevators consisting of three or more rental units or four or more condominium units are subject to the following building standards for persons with disabilities:
• The primary entry to the dwelling unit shall be on an accessible route unless exempted by site impracticality test.
• At least one powder room or bathroom shall be located on the primary entry level served by an accessible route.
• All rooms or spaces located on the primary entry level shall be served by an accessible route.

Rooms and spaces located on the primary entry level and subject to this chapter may include but are not limited to kitchens, powder rooms, bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways.
• Common use areas shall be accessible.
• If common tenant parking is provided, accessible parking is required.

The City has not adopted unique restrictions that would constrain the development of housing for persons with disabilities. Compliance with provisions of the Code of Regulations, California Building Standards Code (CBC), and federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is assessed by the Building and Safety Division of the Community Development Department as a part of the building permit submittal. Building and Safety has no statutory authority to enforce the ADA. Moreover, the ADA does not authorize state or local agencies to enforce its regulations.

Reasonable Accommodation Procedures: Both the federal Fair Housing Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act direct local gov ernments to make reasonable accommodations (i.e. modifications or exceptions) in their zoning laws and other land use regulations when such accommodations may be necessary to afford disabled persons an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. For example, it may be reasonable to accommodate requests from persons with disabilities to waive a setback requirement or other standard of the development code to ensure that homes are accessible for the mobility impaired. Whether a particular modification is reasonable depends on the circumstances.

The City currently has no established process in place and reasonable accommodations are granted on a case -by-case basis. The City will amend its Development Code to implement a reasonable accommodation procedure to address reasonable accommodation requests relating to zoning and land use regulations.

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Permits and Fees: As there is no established procedure in place, no specific permits or fees are required for reasonable accommodation requests.

3.3.4 Development and Planning Fees
The City charges various fees and assessments to cover the cost of processing permits and providing certain services and utilities. Table 36 s
umm arizes the City's planning fee requirements for residential development. Planning fees for a typical medium -sized multi -family project (of approximately 12 units) total approximately $5,000 per unit. For a typical single -family residential project, developers can expect planning fees to total approximately $3,000 per unit. In addition to City fees charged at the time building permits are issued, developers are required to pay a number of development impact fees. Developers can expect to pay approximately $12,352 in development impact fees per unit for a single-family residential project and $ 8,381 in development impact fees per unit for a multi -family project. Although these fees are necessary to offset the impact of development on City services and infrastructure, fee deferrals and other regulatory incentives or concessions that result in identifiable cost reductions may be available for projects eligible for a density bonus. The City may also provide assistance with development and planning fees based on a project’s individual economic situation.

This was offered in conjunction with a similar fee reduction by the Hesperia Recreation and Park District. In March 2016, a n ad hoc committee began meeting to evaluate the development impact fees and conducted a nexus study of applicable projects. The nexus study included capital projects identified as necessary to support growth in the City. In May 2018, the Development Impact Fee Study was adopted. There was a slight decrease in the development impact fees for single-family residential and a slight increase in development impact fees for multi-family residential.

In general, the overall cost of construction in the High Desert area is $163.51 per square foot. If building a single-family, 2,500-square-foot house, this would equate to approximately $ 409,000 in construction costs. When compared to the approximately $31,000 in development impact fees (see Table 36) this would indicate that the City’s requisite fees contribute approximately 7.5 percent to the total construction cost. This ratio is approximately 13 percent for a multi-family unit (total per unit construction costs approximating $143,000). This indicates that the City’s fees add a proportionally greater cost onto multi-family development when compared to single-family development. This may indicate a constraint on multi-family development.

Table 36: Development and Planning Fees
Development Process Related Fee
Planning and Zoning
Conditional Use Permit CRB with $2,128 min.

Document Review CRB with $68 min.

Variance $971
General Plan Amendment CRB with $695 min.

Specific Plan Amendment/Zone Change CRB with $695 min.

Subdivisions
Tentative Tract Map $CRB with $1,975 min., + $2 per lot, addressing fee Tentative Parcel Map (Residential) $466 + $2 per lot
Environmental Review
Initial Study with Negative Declaration $971
Environmental Impact Report Reimbursement Agreement
Development Impact Fees
Single Family Residential (per unit,
assuming 2,500 square feet)
Multi-Family Residential (per unit,
assuming 875 square feet)

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Development Process Related Fee
Fire Suppression $ 648.00 $ 491.00
Police Facilities $ 10.00 $ 8.00
Animal Control Facilities $ 223.00 $ 176.00
City Hall Facilities $ 530.00 $ 424.00
Records Storage Facilities $ 26.00 $ 20.00
Drainage $ 963.00 $ 367.00
Streets $ 9,952.00 $6,895.00
Subtotal $12,352.00 $8,381.00
Park Fee $5,486.50
School Fee $5.25/square foot + $25 admin fee
$13,150 $4,618.75
Total $30,988.5 $18,486.25
Source: City of Hesperia, March 20, 2021, Fee Schedule.

Note: CRB = Cost Reasonably Borne

3.3.5 On- and Off-Site Improvements
Requirements for on- and off-site improvements are required to various degrees depending on the size, nature, and location of the proposed development. While Hesperia has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, infrastructu re has not always been aligned with the amount of growth. The City is currently working to improve residential street paving and road construction in many areas.

Developers are responsible for all on-site improvements, including parking, landscaping, open space development, walkways, and utility connections. Bonds are required to ensure the completion of improvements to the level of code requirements.

Public street widths are specified in Hesperia’s Development Code. Standard streets are required to be a minimum of 60 feet right-of-way. Residential streets have a reduced width of 50 feet as long as they are in a gated community, a low -density residential district, or an attached condominium or townhouse development.

The City of Hesperia’s fee structure includes some on- and off-site improvements, which are described in the section above. Off-site improvement fees include park land fees and public facility fees, among others.

3.3.6 Building Codes and Enforcement
The City adopted and enforces the 2019 California Building Code, Volumes 1 and 2; 2019 California Plumbing Code; 2019 California Mechanical Code; 2019 California Fire Code; and 2019 California Electrical Code, which ensure that all housing units are built to specified standards. These codes are substantially determined by the International Conference of Building Officials and the State of California. The City adopted the codes with few administrative amendments pertaining to swimming pool barriers. These standards are necessary to ensure public health and s afety and do not significantly increase construction costs. Code enforcement is done on a complaint basis and most violations are resolved without citation or referral to the City Attorney. Code enforcement is also done proactively for issues affecting the whole City, such as signage, or chronic problems, like blighted apartments. t

3.3.7 Processing and Permit Procedures
Certainty and consistency in permit processing procedures and reasonable processing times are important to ensure that the process does not discourage developers of housing or add costs

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(including carrying costs on property) that would make the project economically infeasible. The City currently has a one -stop shop system in place for all available permits, fees, and processing procedures, demonst rating its commitment to maintaining comparatively short processing times.

Total processing times vary by project, but the following timelines can be used as a general guide:
• Non-hillside single-family project: 2 to 4 weeks
• Large single-family subdivisions: 8 to 12 weeks
• Multiple-family project: 4 to 6 weeks
• Multiple-family project with subdivision map: 8 to 12 weeks • Mixed use project: 4 to 6 weeks
Table 37 summarizes the varying levels of review and the minimum time frames required to process permits prior to scheduling before a hearing. Of particular note, for projects involving multiple requests, all applications are processed concurrently. Table 38 provides a detailed summary of the typical processing procedures and timelines of various types of projects in the City.

Table 37: Development Plan Reviews
Director
Zoning
Review
Board
Planning
Commission
City
Council Staff Processing Time
Minor Permits
(Minor CUP) X 4 to 6 weeks
Major Permits
(CUP, Variance) X 8 to 12 weeks
Tentative Tract Map X 8 to 12 weeks
General Plan
Amendment X 12 to 16 weeks
Zone Change &
Development
Agreements
X 12 to 16 weeks
Planned Development X 12 to 16 weeks
Source: City of Hesperia, Planning Department.

Time Frames
All new multi- family projects require approval of a site plan review by the Development Review Committee. Single family homes and ADUs are ministerial projects and are processed at a staff level.

The Development Review Committee, which is composed of other City divisions, such as Building and Safety, Fire and Engineering, and other governmental agencies, ensures that new development projects comply with all regulations, and that they have adequate infrastructure and services.

Before the Development Review Committee approves a project, notices are given to affected and in
terested parties. The notice is designed to ensure that all interested parties are aware of the pending decision and are given a chance to comment before the Development Review Committee renders its decision. Noticed public hearings are required by the City Council and Planning Commission, in which the City hears public testimony for and against the land use proposal, reviews evidence, and renders its decision.

The time frame for the approval of an entitlement application varies on how many times the project is considered incomplete and resubmitted to the City, the levels of approval it requires (Development

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Review Committee, Planning Commission, City Council) and California Environmental Quality Act designation. Approximately, an entitlement application with an administrative approval by the Development Review Committee could take 4 –6 weeks if there are no corrections to the initial application materials submitted for first review. If there are corrections, it ultimately depends on how long it takes for the applicant to revise the plans, but on average, customers are able to resubmit the plans and receive approval approximate ly 3– 4 months after the first submittal. An entitlement application that requires Planning Commission approval could take 3 –6 months. An entitlement application that requires City Council approval could take 4 –8 months. This estimation is subject to change based on the factors above.

Once a project is approved and has been submitted to the Building and Safety Division, it could take up to four weeks for each plan check review before permit issuance. This time frame will vary on how many times the project is considered incomplete and resubmitted to the City.

Table 38: Typical Processing Procedures by Project Type

Single-Family
(Non-Hillside)
Large Single-
Family (with
Subdivisions) Multiple-Family
Multiple-
Family (with
Subdivision) Mixed-Use
Approvals
Required
Administrative
Review by Building
Department
Planning
Commission
Development
Review
Committee
Planning
Commission
Development
Review
Committee
Estimated
Processing
Times
2 to 4 weeks 8 to 12 weeks 4 to 6 weeks 8 to 12 weeks 4 to 6 weeks Source: City of Hesperia, Planning Department.

Process
The City utilizes the administrative review process—the Development Review Committee—to review each major project for compliance with City codes and standards. The Development Review Committee utilizes objective criteria and performance standards to evaluate and approve the project or formulate its recommendation to the Planning Commission. The Development Review Committee assists in the review and approval process. Most projects not requiring a legislative act or a development/density bonus agreement need not be forwarded to the Planning Commission.

Hesperia’s processing procedures for new housing developments and the modification of existing re
sidential projects include the foll owing frequently used permits and actions: tentative maps, administrative permits and appeals, site plan reviews, variances , and planned developments. To reduce the risk that permit processing poses a constraint to the development of new housing in the City, the City plans to prioritize each new residential permit as they are submitted.

To further remove permit processing as a potential constraint , design review, development review , and site plan review have been combined into a single review.

Pre-Application Conference
The pre-application conference is a meeting to review a development proposal prior to acceptance of the application. The purpose of this conference is to acquaint the City with the intentions of the applicant; acquaint the applicant with any applicable policies and procedures; identify City ordinances and improvement standards applicable to the proposal ; and identify any significant development opportunities and/or constraints on the site. The conference is intended to make the applica tion process more efficient.

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In addition to the pre -application conference, the City’s Development Review Committee holds meetings twice a month. Potential developers are welcome to attend these meetings and get feedback on their proposed projects.

Development Review
Land use applications are reviewed and approved through four basic procedures:
• A noticed public hearing by the City Council and/or Planning Commission for the reviewing authority to hear public testimony;
• Administrative review with notice;
• Administrative review without notice, when the land use decision is based on existing City law standards; and
• Tenant improvement review, when the proposal is to be located within an existing facility.

An application must be deemed incomplete or complete and accepted within 30 days. Land use decisions are rendered in varying time periods depending on the regulations. The time limit ranges from 45 days to one year. If a negative declaration is prepared, the project decision shall be rendered in six months. If an environmental impact report is prepared , the decision shall be rendered in one year. In accordance with the Subdivision Map Act , the planning agency shall render a decision on a tentative map or minor subdivision plot plan or proposed subdivision within 50 days.

The City complies with requirements under the state’s Streamlining Review Act, and makes all attempts to expedite permit processing. The City attempts to complete the permitting process for residential projects within 180 days, providing a means for cutting development costs. Furthermore, it is the City’s practice to devote extra staff time to priority projects that provide housing for lower- income households. The amount of time involved in processing the application, however, depends on the applicant’s compliance with City ordinances and the completeness of the application.

The City does not have a separate design review board for residential development. Design review is accomplished simultaneously with the development plan review, thus avoiding multiple layers of local review procedures and/or standards.

Site Plan Review
The purpose of the site plan review process is to assist the property owner in obtaining the best utilization of his property in accordance with sound land use plannin g and design criteria, and to enable the planning agency to ensure that the proposed development is in conformance with the intent and provisions of all applicable City regulations and policies. Projects requiring only an administrative review of a site plan include:
• Residential developments of three dwelling units or more. • Additions to existing multiple residential structures that will result in an increase in total floor area of 25 percent or greater.
• Projects involving a change or intensification of land use.

Residential developments of three or more dwelling units require site plan approval by the Development Review Committee public hearing. The total processing time, including the site plan approval and public hearing, for a multiple-family project is approximately 4–6 weeks. If the multiple- family project includes a subdivision, total processing times are approximately 8–12 weeks. Site plan approval is based on the following criteria:

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• The site for the proposed use is adequate in size and shape to accomm odate all yards, open spaces, setbacks, walls and fences, parking areas, fire and building code considerations, and other features pertaining to the application.
• The proposed use will not have a substantial adverse effect on abutting property or the permitted use thereof, and will not generate excessive noise, vibration, traffic, or other disturbances, nuisances, or hazards.
• The proposed use is consistent with the goals, policies, standards , and maps of the Development Code, General Plan, and other applicable codes and ordinances adopted by the City.
• The site for the proposed use has adequate access, meaning that the site design incorporates street and highway limitations.

In approving site plans, the Development Review Committee may also place the following conditions on the proposed project:
• Dedications and/or easements for streets, alleys, drainage, public utilities, recreational trails, flood control, and such other rights-of-way.
• On- and off-site improvements, including grading, curbs and gutter s, water systems and fire protection equipment, sanitary sewer facilities, public utilities, street trees, street lighting, and landscaping.

Conditional Use Permit
The purpose of a CUP is to allow certain uses that contribute to the orderly growth and development of the City to be properly integrated into the surroundings in which they are to be located. The CUP process is intended to afford an opportunity for broad public review and evaluation of these requirements and characteristics ; provide adequate mit igation of any potentially adverse impacts ; and ensure that all site development regulations and performance standards are provided in accordance with the Development Code.

Approval of a CUP is based on the following minimum criteria:
• The site for the proposed use is adequate in size and shape to accommodate all yards, open spaces, setbacks, walls and fences, parking areas, fire and building code considerations, and other features pertaining to the application.
• The proposed use will not have a substantial adverse effect on abutting property or the permitted use thereof, and will not generate excessive noise, vibration, traffic or other disturbances, nuisances, or hazards.
• The proposed use is consistent with the goals, policies, standards , and maps of the Development Code, General Plan and other applicable codes and ordinances adopted by the City.
• The site for the proposed use has adequate access, meaning that the site design incorporates street and highway limitations.

The City’s criteria for CUP approval are objective and performance -based. These standards facilitate the staff review of the merits of the project and assist in the review and approval process. Given the substantial growth that occurred prior to the downturn of the housing market, the City’s development review process is not onerous or constraining to housing development.

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Development Agreements
Development agreements are granted to developers requesting a density bonus as part of the normal approval process for site plans, subdivisions, planned developments, or other land use applications in accordance with Chapter 16.12 and other adopted applicable ordinances, resolutions , or standards.

Any additional incentives, as specified in Section 16.20.24 0, and density bonus agreements shall be approved by the City Council. The agreement may include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:

A. The number of requested housing units above the amount allowed by the existing zoning and general plan designation, and the additional incentives requested; B. The number of BMR units by number of bedrooms and income group to be provided in the project;
C. The term of affordability for BMR units, as specified in Section 16.20.250; D. The standards for maximum qualifying income for BMR units; E. The standards for maximum rents or sales prices for the BMR units; F. The process to be used to certify tenant/homeowner incomes; G. The arrangements for monitoring of the BMR units;
H. How vacancies will be marketed and filled;
I. Restrictions and enforcement mechanisms binding on property upon sale or transfer; J. Penalties and enforcement mechanisms in event of failure to maintain affordability provisions;
K. The process and criteria for selection of a manager or management agency of multi- family projects which shall include provisions for review and approval by the City; L. Any other provisions deemed necessary by the city.

In approving an application for a land use decision, the City will establish reasonable conditions of approval necessary to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare. Conditions are set to be completed as the project progresses through the development process and all conditions should be completed before the project is finalized. The City does not impose any phasing requirements unless proposed by the applicant. If the project will be constructed in phases, conditions of approval will be set to make sure that the proper infrastructure is installed as the project is constructed.

Zoning and Fees Transparency
The City’s website includes GIS software (Public Viewer) that provides the ability to look up zoning by property address or APN number and provides direct access to the City’s zoning map, development code, and land use plans. In addition, development and building fees are posted on the City’s website.

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3.4 Infrastructure and Environmental Constraints
A number of environmental factors in Hesperia affect the character and density of development in the City. These include topography, natural resources, and hazards/safety concerns.

3.4.1 Natural Resources
The City of Hesperia has a Resource Conservation (RC) de signation in its Development Code that is intended to encourage limited rural development that maximizes preservation of open space, watershed, and wildlife habitat areas. This designation identifies areas where rural residences may be established on lands with limited grazing potential but which have significant open space values. In addition, the RC designation establishes areas where open space and non -agricultural activities are the primary use of the land, but where agriculture and compatible uses may coexist.

All RC -designated property is located outside of the City of Hesperia but within the Oak Hills Community Plan. All development within this designation is regulated by the Community Plan. The County is contemplating changing this designation to Resources/Land Management.

3.4.2 Water Supply
Hesperia’s water supply is provided by the Hesperia Water District. The Hesperia Water District operates 16 wells. According to the City of Hesperia’s 2015 Urban Water Management Plan, the City has adequate supplies to meet demands during average, single -dry, and multiple -dry years throughout the plan’s 25-year planning period (2010–2035). The water district is administered by the City’s Development Services Department and is a subsidiary of the City of Hesperia. The di strict maintains the closed conduits of the storm drain system and operates as a totally self-sustaining utility business enterprise, which means that virtually all of its income is generated from water and sewer service charges and facilities connection fees.

The water supply is obtained entirely from groundwater located in the Alto Sub -Basin of the Mojave River Watershed and groundwater aquifer. The City’s municipal water system extracts all of its water supply from the underground aquifers through 15 active groundwater wells and 1 stand-by well located throughout the City. Water is conveyed from the wells to the consumers via a distribution system with pipe sizes ranging between 4 and 24 inches in diameter. The ongoing waterline replacement program has removed most of the smaller waterlines and replaced them with 8-inch or larger lines. In 2019, the City maintained 14 storage reservoirs within the distribution system with a total capacity of 64.5 million gallons.

Comparisons of projected supplies and dem ands indicate that the City’s supply capacity will consistently meet the demand requirements for all of the planning years through 2035. For the year 2035, a total retail demand of approximately 19,297 acre-feet annually is projected, compared with a projected supply capability for that same year of 19,297 acre-feet annually. Adequate water supply is available to accommodate the City’s RHNA of 8,155 units for the current Housing Element cycle.

3.4.3 Stormwater Drainage
The City’s storm drain and flood control systems are administered by Hesperia’s Development Services Department. The San Bernardino County Department of Public Works Flood Control District is responsible for providing flood control and related services throughout the County, including the incorporated areas within cities. The San Bernardino Flood Control District has planned a system of facilities including dams, conservation basins, channels, and storm drains. The purpose of these facilities is to intercept and convey flood flows through and away fr om the developed areas of the

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County. The principal functions are flood protection on major streams, water conservation, and storm drain construction.

3.4.4 Wastewater Facilities
The City belongs to the Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority (VVWRA). This joint powers authority operates a regional treatment plant located north of Oro Grande. The VVRWA recently completed two sub-regional plants, one on Mojave and Tamarisk and the other in the Town of Apple Valley. Over the years, the VVWRA has completed tr eatment plant upgrades and several capacity increases. The regional treatment plant is currently capable of treating a portion of the flow to a tertiary level and the remaining flow to a secondary level for percolation. A majority of the highly treated wastewater is discharged into the Mojave River Basin and a small amount is currently used to irrigate landscaping at the treatment plant.

The Hesperia Regional Water Reclamation Plant will be able to supply 1.0 million gallons per day of recycled water, which can be used for irrigation purposes. In order to utilize this resource, the City must construct a distribution system to convey the recycled water to potential uses. The primary uses under Phase 1 of the project will be the Hesperia Golf Course, but many other users have been identified as well, including parks, schools, and the Hesperia Civic Center complex. The City installed purple pipe in the Civic Plaza and other areas to utilize this treated wastewater for irrigating landscaped areas. The City is also requiring larger developments to install purple pipe to facilitate the ultimate use of reclaimed water.

As a member agency of the VVWRA, the City collects a development impact fee for each fixture unit and passes it onto the VVWRA, which uses these funds to add capacity to its regional treatment plant.

Therefore, the City has the wastewater treatment and service capacity to accommodate the RHNA of 8,155 units for the current Housing Element cycle.

3.4.5 Solid Waste Facilities
Sanitation services are administere d by Advance Disposal, located at 17105 Mesa Street, Hesperia.

Advance Disposal is contracted to collect solid waste within the City. Advance Disposal also operates a Materials Recovery Facility which has a capacity of 1,500 tons per day. The company’s long-term plans are to continue to meet the needs of the City and its sphere of influence, which is the company’s ultimate service area. This expansion began construction in 2013 and became operational in mid - 2014. Hazardous waste can also be taken to the Hesperia Fire Station located at 17443 Lemon Avenue in Hesperia.

3.4.6 Schools
The Hesperia Unified School District serves the City of Hesperia as well as portions of the Oak Hills Community Plan area. In addition, the Snowline Joint Unified School District serves the west Oak Hills Community Plan area. Currently, Hesperia School District has fifteen elementary schoolt s, three middle schools, two sixth-grade academies, and five high schools. Several charter schools and other private schools also provide educational opportunities within the City. Public school enrollment information for the 2019-20 school year is identified in Table 39.

Table 39: Existing School Facilities Capacity and Student Enrollment School Level
2019-20
Facilities Capacity
2019-20
Student Enrollment Excess/ (Shortage) Capacity
Elementary Schools (Grades K-6) 14,555 11,440 3,115
Middle School (Grades 7 & 8) 5,280 3,440 1,840

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School Level
2019-20
Facilities Capacity
2019-20
Student Enrollment Excess/ (Shortage) Capacity
High School (Grades 9-12) 10,780 7,175 3,605
Total 30,615 22,055 8,560
Construction of additional schools will be necessary to meet the number of students currently enrolled in the district, as well as future increases in student population.

3.4.7 Parks
Parks and recreation facilities provide opportunities for people to exercise and enjoy outdoor activities. It is important that the City continues to preserve open space areas for park and recreation uses to keep up with the deman d of a growing population and also with the City expanding and encroaching into natural areas. The City of Hesperia and the Hesperia Recreation and Park District (HRPD) share responsibilities in providing open space recreation and activities to the residents of the City, with most public recreational facilities provided by the HRPD.

The HRPD is an independent special district within the County of San Bernardino. The HRPD encompasses approximately 100 square miles, including the City of Hesperia and portions of the unincorporated areas of Oak Hills, Summit Valley, and Phelan. The HRPD constructs and maintains parks, recreation facilities, landscape maintenance districts , and streetlights as well as providing services and programs to the community.

Hesperia Lake Park is the primary regional park in the City and within the Park District. This park has camping, equestrian camping, picnic sites, and fishing facilities. The park is utilized by residents as well as others from the High Desert region. The Hesperia Golf and Country Club also provides major recreational amenities serving both the City and the broader Victor Valley region.

Community parks are those facilities that are approximately 10 to 20 acres in size. Lime Street Park is identified in the Master Plan as a community park, along with the use of facilities at Hesperia High School and Hesperia Junior High School. Palm Street Park, Hesperia Community Park, and Malibu Park have also been designated in the Master Plan as community parks. In addition, Live O ak and Timberlane Parks are considered community parks, for a total of 114 acres of community parks.

The Park District’s Master Plan identifies neighborhood parks as approximately 2 to 5 acres in size.

These parks are intended to be located in areas of more intense development and to be within walking distance for residents of the neighborhood they serve. In 1988, there were two parks that were considered neighborhood parks: Timberlane and Live Oak Parks. Both parks have since been expanded or improved and are now considered community parks. Today, there are three neighborhood parks totaling 49 acres in Hesperia: Maple, Belmont, and Sapphire Parks.

In addition to those parks developed by the HRPD, the City has added an approximately 7-acre park site at the west side of the Civic Center, which includes the City Hall and library and is located on Seventh Avenue. The park includes an amphitheater, water features, and hardscape display areas that facilitate its use as a community gathering place.

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3.4.8 Police Services
The City of Hesperia contracts with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for police services. The Hesperia Police Department is at 15840 Smoketree Street. This station is adjacent to the City Hall and library, surrounding the Hesperia Civic Plaza Park.

3.4.9 Fire Protection
The City of Hesperia and its sphere of influence are served by the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (County Fire). Currently there are three fire stations in the City of Hesperia: Stations 302, 304, and Station 305, as well as a station outside of the City, Station 22. In 2018, the Hesperia Fire Protection District was annexed into County Fire.

3.4.10 Library Services
San Bernardino County provides library services for the City of Hesperia and its sphere of influence through the Hesperia Branch Library, located at the Civic Center Plaza, 9650 Seventh Avenue, Hesperia.

3.4.11 Seismic and Geologic Hazards
Hesperia lies across the boundary of two very distinct geomorphic provinces, each having a unique landscape that reflects the geologic, seismic, and climatic processes that have impacted this region in the last few million years. The very southern edge of the City encroaches into the Transverse Ranges Province, a region whose characteristic features are a series of east-west trending ranges that include the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains. The ranges are called “transverse” because they lie at an oblique angle to the prominent northwesterly grain of the Southern California landscape, a trend that is aligned with the San Andreas Fault. The Transverse Ranges are being intensely compressed by active tectonic forces; therefore, they are some of the fastest rising (and fastest eroding) mountains in the world. The rocks that form these mountains have been sheared and fractured under the strain of tectonic movement.

North of the mountains, the greater part of Hesperia lies within the Mojave Desert Province, an arid region of overlapping alluvial fans, desert plains, dry lakebeds, and scattered mountain ranges. Faults in the Mojave Desert Province have a predominant northwesterly trend; however, some faults aligned with the Transverse Ranges are also present. The east- west trending Garlock Fault defines the northern boundary of the province, whereas the northwest -trending San Andreas Fault roughly defines its western boundary. Hesperia is near the San Andreas Fault and several other seismically active earthquakes sources, including the North Frontal, Cleghorn, Cucamonga, Helendale, and San Jacinto Faults. All of these have the potential to generate moderate to large earthquakes that will shake Hesperia. The North Frontal fault, given its location relative to Hesperia, has the potential to cause the most severe shaking in the City; loss estimation modeling indicates that a maximum magnitude 7.2 earthquake on this fault would be a worst-case scenario for the City.

In addition to ground shaking, earthquakes may generate surface fault rupture, and secondary ground failure, either in the form or liquefaction or slope failure. Fault rupture refers to offset of the ground surface along a rupturing fault during an earthquake. Structures that straddle a rupturing fault generally do not perform well. Thus, the Alquist -Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act prohibits the construction of new habitable structures astride an active fault, and requires geologic studies that locate and evaluate whether the fault has moved in the Holocene to be conducted pr ior to development. The state geologist has identified (zoned) several faults in California for which these studies are required, but there are several other active faults that have not yet been zoned that should

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be evaluated in the same way. There are no faults zoned by the State of California within the Hesperia General Plan area. The closest zoned faults include the North Frontal approximately 2 miles east of Hesperia, and the San Andreas, located at its closest approximately 4 miles to the southwest.

However, some of the faults on the east side of Summit Valley, within and just south of the General Plan area, may be active.

Liquefaction is a secondary effect of seismic shaking that can cause various types of ground failure.

Soils that liquefy lose the ability to support structures; buildings may sink or tilt, with the potential for extensive structural damage. For liquefaction to occur, three conditions must be met: 1) loose, recently deposited sediments typically sandy in composition; 2) shallow groundwater, typically within 50 feet of the ground surface; and 3) seismic shaking with ground accelerations over 02g. 2 Geologically
young, loose, unconsolidated sediments occur throughout the Hesperia area, but shallow groundwater occurs only within the Mojave River floodplain, where water at depths of less than 30 feet has been recorded. Ground shaking of 0.2g and relatively long duration can be expected in the Hesperia area as a result of an earthquake on any of several faults in the region. Based on this information, the Mojave River floodplain has been identified as a liquefaction -susceptible area.

Liquefaction-related lateral spreads (landslides that form on gentle slopes) can occur adjacent to stream channels and deep washes that provide a free face along which the liquefied mass of soil fails.

Lateral spreads can cause extensive damage to pipelines, utilities, bridges, roads and other structures.

Seismic shaking can also cause loose, geologically young deposits to become more tightly packed, resulting in a reduction of the soil column, and differential settlement at the ground surface. Several areas in Hesperia are underlain by unconsolidated, young alluvial deposits and artificial fill that may be susceptible to settlement. Geotechnical studies prior to dev elopment should address this hazard on a site -specific basis. Seismically induced slope failure is a common secondary effect of seismic shaking. Although most of Hesperia is on relatively level to gently sloping terrain, there are a few natural slopes in the City that could be vulnerable to this hazard.

The hazards of sidehill fill deformation, ridgetop fissuring and shattering, and seiching may occur locally only in a few areas of Hesperia. Sidehill deformation could potentially occur along some of the approaches to the bridges that extend across Interstate 15 or the Mojave River, where minor settlement of the bridge embankment could result in a step -up of a few inches to the actual bridge.

Failure of sidehill fills could also occur locally in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, on lots where grading involved the placement of fill to make a level building pad. Ridgetop shattering may occur locally in the southern part of Hesperia, in the San Bernardino Mountains , and in the foothills at the base of the mountains, to the south and east of Summit Valley Road. Seiches due to seismic shaking could occur in Silverwood Lake, Hesperia Lake, and any recharge basin in the City, if filled with water at the time of the earthquake. In unlined lakes and basins, sloshing of water against the basin sides could result in erosion and even some surficial slope failures. Water in swimming pools is also known to slosh during earthquakes, although in most cases, the sloshing water does not cause any significant damage. Given its distance from the ocean, Hesperia does not have a tsunami hazard.

All sites identified in the Sites Inventory is composed of lands within the already -developed portions of the City on generally flat land. While the City itself, like most of the Southern California, is prone to earthquakes, the sites identified in the Sites Inventory are not especially prone to earthquake hazards.

2 g = acceleration of gravity. https://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/glossary/?term=G%20or%20g

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Those, geologic hazards are not expected to pose a constraint on development in the 6 th Cycle planning period.

3.4.12 Flooding Hazards
Similar to earthquakes, floods are natural and recurrent events that generally do not pose a hazard when they occur in an undeveloped area; it is only when floods interact with the built environment, typically in the form of structures built on the floodplain, where they obstruct floodwaters, that they become hazardous. Unfortunately, as development in floodplains has increased, the average annual losses due to flooding have steadily increased.

Like most of Southern California, Hesperia is subject to unpredictable seasonal rainfall. Every few years, the region is subjected to periods of intense and sustained precipitation. Most of the flooding occurs in the numerous washes, natural drainage courses, drainage easements, and floodways.

Construction of the Mojave Forks Dam in 1971 greatly reduced th e impact of flooding along the Mojave River, although a few parcels adjacent to the river are still at risk. Most of Hesperia is located on alluvial fans, relatively flat to sloping areas covered with sediment deposited by shallow, intermittent streams tha t spread out away from their source in the mountains to the south. The historical and geological records show that alluvial fan flooding is unpredictable, and floodwaters can travel at dangerously high speeds, be highly erosive, and can carry large amounts of sediment and other debris. These characteristics make it difficult to assess the flood risk and develop reliable mitigations for alluvial fans.

Hesperia has participated in the National Flood Insurance Program since 1989. The extent of flooding in the Mojave River, Antelope Wash, the Oro Grande Wash , and the Summit Valley area has been analyzed through Flood Insurance Studies, but the entire Hesperia area has not been studied, and the flood zones are incomplete. Inundation due to a 100 -year flood (a flo od that has a 1 percent probability of being equaled or exceeded in any given year) can occur along the Mojave River, Antelope Valley Wash, and Summit Valley. Several structures in the Antelope Valley Wash area are located within this zone. In the Summit Valley area, most homes are above the flood zone, but access to these homes can be cut off during severe flooding of the West Fork of the Mojave River. Highways 138 and 173 and several major roadways, including I Avenue, Rock Springs Road and Ranchero Road, extend across these 100 -year flood zones. Federally subsidized flood insurance is available to all Hesperia residents. Owners of all structures with the 100 -year flood zone are required to purchase and maintain flood insurance as a condition of receiving a federally related mortgage or home equity loan on that structure. Residents outside the 100- year flood zone but in areas of recurrent flooding should consider flood insurance also.

Development in the Hesperia area began gradually and in a piecemeal fashion, without the benefit of a planned drainage network. Development occurred with only minor alterations to the natural topography. As a result, natural drainage courses meander through developed areas, and most streets follow the natural contours of the land, often without culverts or bridges across drainage channels.

Underground pipelines, culverts, bridges, and basins are present, but are not common. This leads to localized flooding, road closures, erosion damage, and sedimentation during and following st rong storms, particularly if the ground is already saturated. More recent developments, since the City’s incorporation, include on -site retention basins and other engineered structures, as needed.

Furthermore, in the last decade, the City has constructed several drainage facilities. Asphalt berms along several roadways control surface flows, and a nearly 2-mile-long channel with levees affords some protection to the homes near the bottom of the Antelope Valley Wash.

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Flood losses in other parts of the City are caused by structures that obstruct runoff. The bermed or elevated rail lines, for example, pond water on the upstream side. The California Aqueduct has overchutes and drop inlets where it crosses the larger natural drainages, but these are sometimes inadequate, and the smaller drainages may be blocked altogether. The cumulative effect of obstructions in flood hazard areas can lead to increased flood heights and velocities. Maintenance of the numerous natural drainages is also challenging, since many chan nels meander through private properties.

Seismically induced inundation refers to flooding that results when water retention structures, such as dams, fail due to an earthquake. There are three dams near Hesperia that can inundate portions of the City should they fail catastrophically: Mojave Forks Dam, Cedar Springs Dam, and Lake Arrowhead Dam. Water released by the Mojave Forks Dam would be confined to the Mojave River bed, the mouth of Antelope Valley Wash channel, and several other smaller tributaries. Water released by the Cedar Springs Dam would flood a significant portion of eastern Summit Valley, an area for the most part presently undeveloped, except for Highway 173. Water from Lake Arrowhead Dam would most likely be contained within the Mojave For ks reservoir. Inundation in a smaller scale can also occur if an aboveground water storage tank suffers damage as a result of ground shaking, releasing the water stored therein. Flexible joints at the inlet/outlet connections, in addition to bracing and ba ffling, can help mitigate the damage resulting from water sloshing inside the tank. As of 2019, nine of the water tanks in the City meet the latest standards in water tank design; the remaining eight need to have their inlet connections retrofitted. Maintaining the structural integrity of these water tanks during an earthquake is important not only to provide water to residents, but also to fight any fires that may occur, especially those caused by earthquakes. This is especially important given that an earthquake could damage the California Aqueduct and the groundwater wells in the region.

All sites identified in the Sites Inventory have been screened to exclude areas prone to flooding. Thus, floods and flooding hazards are not expected to pose a constraint on development in the 6 th Cycle
planning period.

3.4.13 Fire Hazards
Wildfires are a necessary part of the natural ecosystem in Southern California, but they become a hazard when they extend out of control into developed areas, with a resultant loss of property, and sometimes, unfortunately, injuries or loss of life. The wildfire risk in the United States has increased in the last few decades with the increasing encroachment of residences and other structures into the wildland environment, and the increa singly larger number of people living and playing in wildland areas.

Hesperia is located in the lower Mojave section of the Southeastern Deserts Bioregion. The predominant vegetation assemblages in this area include desert shrub, creosote bush shrub , and succulent shrub. Other important vegetation types include Joshua Tree woodland, shad- scale scrub, blackbrush scrub, and desert scrub-steppe. About one-third of the desert floor in the Mojave section is devoid of vegetation, limiting the amount of surface fuel loads available to burn. Variations in the annual precipitation for the Mojave region have led to a significant variation in the frequency and extent of wildland fires in the area. Several historical wildland fires have occurred primarily in the southern part of Hesperia and its sphere of influence between 1930 and 2008.

Dozens of small vegetation fires, typically less than 1 acre in size, are reported in the Hesperia area annually. Experience and research have shown that vegetation management or fuel modification is an effective means of reducing the wildland fire hazard. Therefore, property owners are encouraged to follow maintenance guidelines aimed at reducing the amount and continuity of vegetation fuel

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available. If high weeds, plant material, and other prohibited items are present on a property, the Fire Marshal has authority to give the property owner of record a notice to abate the hazard. If the owner does not comply within 30 days of receiving the order, the City has authority to abate the hazard and charge the property owner for the cost. Vegetation treatments include the thinning or removal of vegetation within a given distance from habitable structures to create a defensible space. A fuel modification zone is a ribbon of land surrounding a de velopment that is designed to diminish the intensity of a wildfire as it approaches the structures. Fuel modification treatments are being developed for the Summit Valley area in Hesperia.

Building construction standards can also help reduce the fire hazard. Fire resistant and non- combustible roofing materials, finely screened attic ventilation openings, non -combustible exterior siding materials, multiple -pane windows , and tempered glass windows all can help a structure perform better in the event of a fire. Every proposed construction project in Hesperia is reviewed by County Fire for compliance with the most recent version of the California Fire Code adopted by the County.

California state law requires that if a property is located in a very high fire hazard severity zone or in a state responsibility area, it must be disclosed in real estate transactions. This is important because the relatively rapid turnover of residential ownership can create an information gap; as a result, uninformed homeowners in fire hazard areas may attempt landscaping or other modifications to their houses that could be a detriment to the fire-resistant qualities of the original structure, with potentially negative consequences. Fire hazard education of homeowners is critical.

A relatively small number of structure fires are reported annually in Hesperia, but depending on the size, age and occupancy of the structure, the economic and social losses can be substantial. Fire prevention and suppression services in Hesperia are provided by County Fire , which also provides ambulance service to the three local High Desert hospitals. Firefighting resources in and near Hesperia include four fire stations. Due to the rapid increase in population and associated rise in traffic in the last few years, emergency calls to the Fire Department have steadily risen about 3 %–5% each year.

Based on data provided by the City, average Fire Department response time in Hesperia in 2019 was approximately 7 minutes, 20 seconds. Response times are controlled by the distance between the responding fire station and the site; factors that may affect the response time include obstructions provided by the aqueduct and the railroad lines, multiple alarms, and traffic congestion. Based on a cumulative point system that weighs a community’s fire suppression delivery system, including fire dispatch, fire department representation (in the form of equipment, personnel, training, distribution of fire stations), and water supply adequacy and condition, the Insurance Services Of fice (ISO) ranks a community’s fire protection needs and services. Rating varies from Class 1 (best) to Class 10 (worst).

Hesperia currently has a Class 3 ISO rating in the developed portions of the City and a rating of Class 4 in the outlying areas.

If needed, fire stations from adjacent communities, such as Victorville and Apple Valley, may respond to emergency calls in Hesperia. All three cities are part of the San Bernardino County Operational Area. The jurisdictions that form an Operational Area have mutual aid agreements that allow the response of additional emergency resources, as needed, from non -affected members in the group.

Numerous other local, state, and federal agencies are available to assist County Fire as needed, depending on the type of incident. Emergency response in every jurisdiction in the State of California is handled in accordance with the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS). Since 2004, and in response to the 2001 terrorist attacks and the 2004-05 hurricane season, federal, state, tribal and local governments, in addition to non -governmental organizations and the private sector, are required to work together to “prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the

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effects of incidents, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity.” This is referred to as the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Cities are required to adopt NIMS as a condition of receiving federal preparedness assistance.

Earthquakes can cause multiple ignitions distributed over a broad geographic area. Fires can be ignited by a variety of sources, including downed electrical lines, sparks near ruptured gas pipelines, overturned electrical appliances, such as water heaters, and spills of reactive chemicals. If the earthquake has also impaired the water distribution system, limiting the water available to fight these fires, and fire department personnel are busy conducting search and rescue operations, earthquake- induced fires have the potential to be the worst case fire-suppression scenarios for a community.

All sites identified in the Sites Inventory have been screened to exclude areas prone to wildland fires.

The Sites Inventory is composed of lands within the developed portion of the City. Thus, wildfires are not expected to pose a constraint on development in the 6 th Cycle planning period.

3.4.14 Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are used every day in industrial, commercial, medical, and residential applications. The primary concern associated with a hazardous materials release is the short- and/or long-term effect to the public from exposure to these substances . Compared to other cities in Southern California, Hesperia has a relatively low number of sites that generate, use , or store hazardous materials. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are no Superfund sites in Hesperia, although there is one CERCLIS (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980) site that is not on the National Priority List. There are three facilities in Hesperia listed in the most recent Toxics Release Inventory , and one such facility within one-half mile of the City, in Victorville. There are approximately 42 registered small-quantity and 10 large-quantity generators of hazardous materials in Hesperia.

There are two registered transporters of hazardous waste in Hesperia. Several more are registered in Victorville and Apple Valley. Hazardous materials are transported through the City on Interstate 15, a prescribed route for all types of non-radioactive hazardous materials, radioactive materials, and toxic inhalation hazard materials, and on the Burlington-Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroad lines.

Vehicles transporting hazardous materials are required to have placards that indicate, at a glance, the chemicals being carried, and whether they are corrosive, flammable , and/or e xplosive. The conductors are required to carry detailed “material data sheets” for each of the substances on board.

These documents are designed to help emergency response personnel assess the situation immediately upon arrival at the scene of an accident, and take the appropriate precautionary and mitigation measures. The California Highway Patrol is in charge of spills that occur in or along freeways, with Caltrans and local sheriffs and fire departments responsible for providing additional enforcement and routing assistance.

High-pressure gas and hazardous liquid pipelines also extend across the City. Pipeline operators are responsible for the continuous maintenance and monitoring of their pipelines. All excavations or drilling to be conducted near pipelines should be conducted only after proper clearance by the appropriate utility agencies or companies. This is done locally by the Underground Services Alert of Southern California, or DigAlert.

All businesses that handle more than a specified amount of hazardous or extremely hazardous materials are required to submit a Hazardous Materials Business Plan to the local Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA). In Hesperia, the local CUPA is the County Fire’s Hazardous Materials Division.

These businesses are also required to prepare risk management plans, detailed engineering analyses

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that identify the potential accident factors present , and the mitigation measures that can be implemented to reduce this accident potential. The County of San Bernardino is designat ed as the Administering Agency for hazardous materials in the City of Hesperia.

Leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs) are the primary cause of groundwater contamination by gasoline compounds and solvents. There are several federal and state programs aimed at leak reporting, investigation regulations, and standards for cleanup and remediation. California now requires all fuel tanks to be double -walled, and prohibits the delivery of gasoline or diesel to non - compliant tanks. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is the lead regulatory agency in the development of regulations and policy for underground storage tanks. The SWRCB, in cooperation with the Office of Emergency Services, maintains an inventory of LUSTs in a statewide database called GeoTracker. As of November 2019, there were 12 reported LUST cases in Hesperia. All of these sites have been remediated; additional actions, in the form of monitoring, testing , and remediation, are not necessary. The GeoTracker list should be reviewed on a reg ular basis for new leaks, especially since there are at least 36 permitted underground storage tanks in the City.

The City’s water comes from a network of 15 active groundwater wells located throughout the City.

Since 1993, when data recording began, the H esperia Water District has had only one health -based violation, in February 2005, for the concentration of total coliform (bacteria) exceeding the maximum contaminant level (MCL). This is a particularly good record compared to all other water purveyors that provide data to the EPA. Perchlorates, substances that are persistent in the environment and which can pose a health hazard, especially to infants and women, have been detected in water from three of the City wells. Regular monitoring of these wells will help determine whether the perchlorate readings were anomalous, or whether the water in these wells is indeed impacted and requires remediation. According to the Consumer Confidence Reports issued by the water district in 2017 and 2018, drinking water in the community does not contain this contaminant.

B
ased on information contained in the d istrict’s Consumer Confidence Reports, from 2010 to 2014 , only two exceedances of drinking water MCL s occurred. These exceedances occurred in 2014 when the SWRCB reduced the MCL for chromium-6 to 10 parts per billion (ppb). In 2014, two of the district’s wells exceeded the newly reduced chromium-6 MCL. The two wells have currently been taken out of production; however, to address this issue in the future, it is planned that the water will be blended with other sources in order to meet the MCL. On average, district-w ide, chromium-6 is well below the
MCL (4.3 ppb in 2014), and all other constituents sampled are well below their respective MCLs. Due to the very good quality of source water within the district , water quality is not anticipated to be a constraint on the district’s water supplies.

Giv
en that hazardous materials are often used at home, and any surplus of these materials cannot be disposed in the regular trash, San Bernardino County and the City of Hesperia have adopted a Household Hazardous Waste and Oil-Recycling Program free to residents. The local drop-off facility is located at 17443 Lemon Street. The City also has a series of programs designed to reduce the amount of waste that is taken to the landfill. There are no active landfills in Hesperia; the Hesperia Sanitary Landfill closed in 2005.

The most serious concern regarding the significant hazardous materials sites in Hesperia is the potential for leaks and reactive chemical interactions to occur as a result of an earthquake compromising their storage containers. Past earthquakes have shown that hazardous materials spills can occur even when the building does not suffer significant damage.

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All sites identified in the Sites Inventory are vacant and have been screened to exclude areas that are known to contain hazardous materials. Thus, hazardous materials are not expected to pose a constraint on development in the 6th Cycle planning period.

3.4.15 Overlays
Hesperia has several overlays in the General Plan that are intended to identify parcels that may be affected by natural or man- made hazards and that require special attention prior to development.

There is an underlying base designation for all properties within an overlay. Developments consistent with the allowable uses and standards of the overlay and the designation are permitted. In the event the overlay district standards differ from those of the underlying designation, the more restrictive standards shall apply.

Open Space/Drainage (OS/D)
The Open Space/Drainage (OS/D) overlay designation identifies areas within the wash east of the Interstate 15 freeway that are intended to remain in a minimally developed or natural condition because of environmental constraints, special visual qualities, available natural resources, or the need for public open space. The OS/D designation is intended to protect, enhance, or maintain land for purposes of natural and cultural resource preservation, recreation, protection of sensitive environments, protection from natural hazard areas, or public uses. This designation is appropriate in areas which are unsuitable for development or which have been determined to have special value to the community in an undeveloped state.

The allowable uses within this designation include limited recreational uses such as trails and natural preserve areas. Typical permitted uses within the OS/D area would include recreati onal uses, horticulture, agriculture, communication facilities, and similar uses which would not involve substantial grading or construction. In addition, a portion of the OS/D area is needed for drainage purposes. Grading is strictly limited in this desig nation to preserve the existing natural state of the land and habitat.
100-Year Floodplain (FP)
The 100 -Year Floodplain (FP) overlay is consistent with the boundaries of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) 100-year floodplain boundaries. Properties within this overlay have an underlying designation that will govern the land uses permitted on site, but shall also comply with FEMA’s standards for building within the 100-year floodplain. The 100-year floodplain area is defined by FEMA by reviewing the long-term average period between floods of a certain size and identifying the size of a flood that has a 1 percent chance of occurring during any given year.

All structures built within the FP overlay are required to have raised pad elevations 1 foot or more above the base flood elevation identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map.

Wash Protection Overlay
The City adopted the Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan in 2008. This includes a wash protection overlay intended to preserve the City’s major washes for their drainage function, as well as their value as scenic open space. The washes serve multiple functions including natural habitat, natural drainage course, and recreation area. This plan establishes a Wash Protection Overlay that limits the construction of permanent structures within the washes’ right- of-way to maintain their function as natural drainage courses. The washes’ right-of-way mostly falls in private ownership. The ability to balance the multiple uses in these areas would provide flexibility to deal with site constraints and market demands while still ensuring that the overall goals of this plan are maintained.

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Dam Inundation (DI)
The Dam Inundation overlay is intended to identify the potential area of flooding caused by a seismically induced inundation. This refers to the flooding that results when water retention structures such as dams fail due to an earthquake. The dam inundation area is the land that may be flooded due to failure of the Mojave Forks Dam and the Cedar Springs Dam.

Section 8589.4 of the Government Code requires an owner selling property, or an agent for the owner selling property, that is within the dam inundatio n area to disclose this information to prospective buyers if one of the following conditions is met:

The owner, or the owner’s agent, has actual knowledge that the property is within an inundation area; or
The local jurisdiction has compiled a list, by parcel, of properties that are within the inundation area and a notice has been posted at the offices of the county recorder, county assessor, and county planning agency that identifies the location of the parcel list.

Airport Safety Zone (AS)
The Airport Safety (AS) zone consists of the “Primary Surface” and the “Runway Protection Zone.” The Primary Surface, which is immediately around the runway, is an object-free area ( no structures or vehicles). It is also recommended that no structures be allowed in the Runway Protection Zone.

However, very low density residential uses may be permitted as long as no portion of any structure encroaches within the airport’s Approach Surfaces. All developments must obtain a standard form of Avigation easement, as recommended by the Hesperia Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

Airport Approach and Transitional Zone (AAT)
Properties within the Airport Approach and Transitional Zone (AAT) are subject to additional height limitations resulting from the FAA Approach and Transitional Surfaces , as described in the Hesperia Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Structures that would project within the FAA Approach and Transitional Surfaces are not allowed.

Currently, existing subdivisions of one -half acre lots lie to the north, west , and east of the airport, within the AAT overlay zone. The Hesperia Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan recommends that development intensity in this area does not exceed the equivalent of Rural Residential 1 (with a minimum of 1-acre lot size) in the General Plan. All developments must obtain a standard form of Avigation easement.

Conclusion
Although future residential development is expected throughout the City, it is primarily to occur within the Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan and Tapestry Specific Plan areas. Tapestry is a large master planned community with an associated financing plan to bring infrastructure to the area. Residential development capacity in areas outside of the Tapestry Specific Plan area is supported by existing i nfrastructure (water, sewer, utilities , and paved roads) and commercial services are adjacent to these areas. Water, sewer, and dry utilities are available throughout the land identified in the City’s inventory. All areas are free of significant drainage, topography, and other natural hazards.

The land in the City’s inventory represents the locations where development may be most feasibly attained and the City’s General Plan and/or respective specific plans have already taken into consideration all constraining factors (if any) that may limit residential growth.

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4 Housing Resources
This section analyzes the resources available for the development, rehabilitation, and preservation of housing in Hesperia. This analysis includes an evaluation of the availability of land resources for future housing development, the City’s ability to satisfy its share of the region’s future housing needs, the financial resources available to support housing activities, and the administrative resources available to assist in implementing the City’s housing programs and policies.

4.1 Residential Sites Inventory

4.1.1 Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA)
State Housing Element law requires that a local jurisdiction accommodate a share of the region’s projected housing needs for the planning period. This share, called the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), is important because state law mandates that jurisdictions provide sufficient land to accommodate a variety of housing opportunities for all economic segments of the community.

Compliance with this requirement is measured by the jurisdiction’s ability in providing adequate land to accommodate the RHNA. The Southern California Association of Government (SCAG), as the regional planning agency, is responsible for allocating the RHNA to individual jurisdictions within the region.

SCAG allocates to each jurisdiction its “fair share” of the projected housing need, based on household income groupings over the eight -year planning period. The RHNA also identifies and quantifies the existing housing needs for each jurisdiction. The quantification in this Housing Element is for the 6th cycle RHNA allocation and is based on a RHNA cycle from January 1, 2022, to October 1, 2029. This RHNA time period addresses the Housing Element planning period from October 2021 to October 2029. SCAG drafted and adopted the 6th cycle RHNA allocation plan on March 4, 2021. It was then followed by HCD approval on March 22, 2021, which covers the planning period from October 2021 through October 2029.

The intent of the RHNA is to ensure that local jurisdictions not only address the needs of their immediate areas but also address their share of housing needs for the entire region. Additionally, a major goal of the RHNA is to ensure that every community provides an opportu nity for a mix of housing affordable to all economic segments of its population. The RHNA jurisdictional allocations are made to ensure that adequate sites and zoning are provided to address existing and anticipated housing demands during the planning peri od and that market forces are not inhibited in addressing the housing needs for all facets of a particular community.

The RHNA is distributed by income category. For the 2021-2029 Housing Element update, the City of Hesperia is allocated a RHNA of 8,155 units as follows: