Agenda packet — Needles City Council, September 13, 2022 (part 1 of 2)

091322ccnpuaag 1
ACT) – ACTION NEEDED
(INF) – INFORMATION ONLY
(DIS) – DISCRETIONARY

A G E N D A

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL

NEEDLES PUBLIC UTILITY AUTHORITY

CITY OF NEEDLES, CALIFORNIA
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION – 5:00 P.M.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 6:00 P.M.

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1111 BAILEY AVENUE, NEEDLES
AUTHORIZED BY AB 361

THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS MAY BE ATTENDING THIS MEETING VIA *** MICROSOFT TEAMS ***

THE PUBLIC MAY ALSO ATTEND VIA TEAMS AND MAY SUBMIT ANY COMMENTS IN WRITING PRIOR TO NOON ON THE DAY OF THE MEETING BY EMAILING [email protected] TO JOIN THE LIVE TEAMS MEETING log into the City of Needles website at www.cityofneedles.com to access the agenda and Click here to join the meeting If asked, enter the following: Meeting ID: 640 170 680# OR listen in and participate by calling Teams: 1-323-488-2227 - Meeting ID: 640 170 680# The meetings are being recorded. - MASKS ARE ENCOURAGED

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS (A three-minute time limit per person has been established.)

RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
a) Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) and/or (3)
b) Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation regarding significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2) and/or (3): one potential case related to claim received August 22, 2022 from attorney for John James Bresnahan Zeinaty related to alleged April 29, 2022 dog bite incident
c) Conference with real property negotiator pursuant to California Government Code §54956.8:

Property: San Bernardino Meridian, San Bernardino County, California T.9. N., R. 23E., Sec 29, Lots 5,6,7 (100 Marina Drive); Negotiating parties: City of Needles as lessor and Needles Marina leasehold interest from Ramirez Zuniga Family LLC to Castle Park Acquisitions 1, LLC as lessee.

Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment.
d) Conference with real property negotiator pursuant to California Government Code §54956.8- Negotiating Parties: City Manager Rick Daniels as city representative and Butler America Telecom, a representative of Vertical Bridge on behalf of T-Mobile; Subject 091322ccnpuaag 2
property is a portion of APN 0185-056-01-0000 located at the city well yard at Bush and N L Street; under discussion: Lease price and terms.
e) Conference with real property negotiators pursuant to California Government Code §54956.8- Agency negotiator City Manager Rick Daniels or his designee. Negotiating parties are the City of Needles as the potential seller and Majid Nayeri as the potential buyer of a 3.18-acre vacant parcel, generally located on the Southeast Corner of E. South Lake Drive and S. Riverfront Pkwy, Mohave Valley, AZ, APN 216-14-007. Under negotiations are the price and terms
EXECUTIVE SESSION – Report by City Attorney

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

INVOCATION

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

CORRESPONDENCE

INTRODUCTIONS
CITY ATTORNEY - Parliamentary procedures
As a courtesy to those in attendance, we would ask that cell phones be turned off or set in their silent mode. Thank you.

PUBLIC APPEARANCE – Persons wishing to address the NPUA / City Council on subjects other than those scheduled are requested to do so at this time. When called by the Mayor, please announce your name and address for the record. In order to conduct a timely meeting, a three-minute time limit per person has been established by Municipal Code Section 2-18. Amendments to the California Government Code Section 54950 prohibits the City Council from taking action on a specific item until it appears on the agenda.

PRESENTATIONS
(A ten-minute time limit per presentation has been established per Municipal Code Section 2-18.) 1) Proclamation recognizing September as National Hunger Action Month (INF) 2) Richie Sayavong, California Department of Insurance, will be presenting a PowerPoint regarding California Low-Cost Auto Insurance (INF)

PUBLIC HEARING
3) Public hearing noticed to consider all evidence and testimony for or against approval of adopting the City of Needles 6
th Cycle Housing Element Update
➢ Staff Report
➢ Council Questions of Staff
➢ Mayor to open the public hearing
➢ Public Comment
➢ Mayor to close the public hearing
➢ Council Discussion / Deliberation
➢ Resolution No. 2022-70 adopting the 6th Cycle update to the Housing Element of the City of Needles General Plan and an addendum to a negative declaration (ACT) 091322ccnpuaag 3
4) Public hearing noticed to consider all evidence and testimony for or against approval of a decrease of the prima facia speed limits on East Broadway Street (Cibola St to I-40 Overpass) and West Park Road (National Old Trails Road to Needles Highway) ➢ Staff Report
➢ Council Questions of Staff
➢ Mayor to open the public hearing
➢ Public Comment
➢ Mayor to close the public hearing
➢ Council Discussion / Deliberation
➢ Ordinance No. 653-AC amending Section 13-29, Article IV, Operations of Vehicles of the Needles Municipal Code to decrease the Prima Facie Speed Limits on two roadway segments (1st reading – post) (ACT)
5) Public hearing noticed to consider all evidence and testimony for or against approval of amending Chapter 15A Recreation Area Use renaming First and Second Beach to Bob Belt Beach Park
➢ Staff Report
➢ Council Questions of Staff
➢ Mayor to open the public hearing
➢ Public Comment
➢ Mayor to close the public hearing
➢ Council Discussion / Deliberation
➢ Ordinance No. 654-AC amending Chapter 15A Recreation Area Use (policy) of the Needles Municipal Code renaming First and Second Beach to Bob Belt Beach Park (1st reading – post) (ACT)

RECESS THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND CONVENE A JOINT COUNCIL / NPUA MEETING CALL TO ORDER (Roll Call previously taken)
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO THE NPUA / COUNCIL ITEMS (A three-minute time limit per person has been established.)
6) NPUA / COUNCIL: Approve and authorize the city manager to execute the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Agreement 87-BCA-10098, Exhibit A-1, Revision No. 10 relating to the Parker-Davis Project allocation rate of delivery (CROD) (ACT) 7) NPUA / COUNCIL: Approve a 5% cost-of-living (COLA) increase in water and wastewater basic service rates as of October 1, 2022 (ACT)
8) NPUA / COUNCIL: Approve a 5% cost-of-living (COLA) increase in electric rates as of October 1, 2022 and approve the methodology to calculate the annual electric base rate and the power cost adjustment rate based on the rate calculation spreadsheets (ACT)

ADJOURN THE JOINT NPUA / COUNCIL MEETING - RECONVENE THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING CONSENT CALENDAR: All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed. The Mayor or any member of the City Council may pull an item from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Prior to Council action, a member of the public may address the City Council on matters scheduled on the Consent Calendar. A three-minute time limit per person applies. Recommended Action: Approve Items 9 through 15 on the Consent Calendar by affirmative roll call vote. (ACT)
9) Approve the Warrants Register through September 13, 2022 10) Waive the reading and adopt Ordinance No. 652-AC amending the Needles Municipal Code Section 96.08 “Dwelling Unit” adding “Accessory Dwelling Unit” and Section 96.00 “Table of Permissible Uses” (2nd reading – adopt)
091322ccnpuaag 4
11) Waive the reading and adopt Resolution 2022-67 confirming and adopting an itemized statement of cost for abatement of property located at 2234 Casa Real Street, also known as APN 0185- 351-45-0000, and file said resolution with the County Recorder placing a lien on the property 12) Waive the reading and adopt Resolution 2022-68 confirming and adopting an itemized statement of cost for abatement of property located at 110 Market Street, also known as APN 0185-066-26- 0000, and file said resolution with the County Recorder placing a lien on the property 13) Waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 2022-66 proclaiming a local emergency, ratifying the proclamation of a State of Emergency by Executive Order N-09-21, and authorizing remote teleconference meetings of the legislative bodies of the City of Needles for the period of September 17, 2022 – October 16, 2022, pursuant to provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act 14) Waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 2022-65 approving a First Amendment to the Agreement for Dial-a-Ride and Dial-a-Ride Medical / Shopper Shuttle Pilot Program Services between the City of Needles and Parking Concepts, Inc. dba Transportation Concepts increasing DAR services by one additional hour per day as of October 1, 2022 15) Change telephone systems from Frontier to S-Net Communications Cloud Based Phones at a cost savings of $47,425.68 per year and authorize the city manager to execute the Master Customer Agreement (Information)
End of Consent
REGULAR ITEM - None

CITY ATTORNEYS REPORT

CITY MANAGERS REPORT

COUNCIL REQUESTS
Councilmember Campbell
Councilmember Evans
Councilmember Merritt
Vice Mayor Paget
Councilmember Belt
Councilmember Longacre
Mayor Williams

ADJOURNMENT

INTERNET ACCESS TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDAS AND STAFF REPORT MATERIAL

IS AVAILABLE PRIOR TO CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AT
http://www.cityofneedles.com
Posted September 9, 2022
SB 343-DOCUMENTS RELATED TO OPEN SESSION AGENDAS -- Any public record, relating to an open session agenda item, that is distributed within 72 hours prior to the meeting is available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office, 817 Third Street, Needles, CA 92363.

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (760) 326-2113 ext 145. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR 35.102-104 ADA Title II).

I hereby certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing Agenda was posted at the front entrance of City Hall not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting.

Dated this 9th day of September 2022
_________________________
Dale Jones, CMC, City Clerk

City of Needles
2021-2029 Housing Element
Lead Agency:

CITY OF NEEDLES
817 Third Street
Needles, CA 92363
Contact: Patrick Martinez,
Director of Development Services
760.326.2113
Prepared by:

MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL
3536 Concours St., Ste. 100
Ontario, CA 91764
September 2022
i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CITY OF NEEDLES............................................................................................................................... 1 MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL .................................................................................................. 1 PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................................. 1 Background .................................................................................................................................................... 1 California Law................................................................................................................................................. 1 General Plan Consistency............................................................................................................................... 3 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ............................................................................................................................ 4 Community Workshops.................................................................................................................................. 4 Public Participation-based Revisions to the Housing Element ...................................................................... 5 PREVIOUS HOUSING ELEMENT EVALUATION............................................................................................. 6 Effectiveness at Assisting Special Needs Population ...................................................................................14 Elderly....................................................................................................................................................14 Persons with Disabilities .......................................................................................................................15 Students................................................................................................................................................15 DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION............................................................................................................... 16 Population Characteristics...........................................................................................................................16 Historic and Current Population............................................................................................................16 Population by Age Group ......................................................................................................................16 Projected Population Growth ...............................................................................................................17 Household Characteristics ...........................................................................................................................17 Household Type and Size ......................................................................................................................17 Income and Earnings.............................................................................................................................17 Overcrowded Households.....................................................................................................................19 Overpayment ........................................................................................................................................19 Extremely Low-Income Households......................................................................................................20 Employment Trends.....................................................................................................................................21 Employment by Industry.......................................................................................................................21 Commute Trends...................................................................................................................................22 Housing Stock Characteristics......................................................................................................................23 Housing Type.........................................................................................................................................23 Vacancy Rates .......................................................................................................................................23 ii
Age of Housing Stock.............................................................................................................................23 Housing Problems .................................................................................................................................24 Housing Cost and Affordability ....................................................................................................................24 Rental Rates ..........................................................................................................................................24 Sales Prices............................................................................................................................................25 Housing Affordability ............................................................................................................................25 Special Needs Groups ..................................................................................................................................26 Persons with Disabilities .......................................................................................................................26 Persons with Developmental Disabilities..............................................................................................27 Homeless...............................................................................................................................................28 Farmworkers.........................................................................................................................................28 Seniors...................................................................................................................................................29 Large Families........................................................................................................................................30 Female Heads of Household .................................................................................................................30 Assisted Units at Risk of Conversion ............................................................................................................31 Existing Affordable Housing ..................................................................................................................31 Housing Opportunities and Resources..................................................................................................... 33 Regional Housing Need................................................................................................................................33 No Net Loss Buffer.......................................................................................................................................34 Realistic Capacity .........................................................................................................................................34 Available Sites..............................................................................................................................................34 Sites to Accommodate the Regional Housing Needs Allocation..................................................................35 Financial Resources......................................................................................................................................37 Housing Constraints............................................................................................................................... 39 Nongovernmental Constraints.....................................................................................................................39 Economic Constraints............................................................................................................................39 Land Costs.............................................................................................................................................40 Construction Costs................................................................................................................................40 Mortgage and Rehabilitation Financing................................................................................................41 Governmental Constraints...........................................................................................................................42 Land Use Controls .................................................................................................................................42 Provisions for a Variety of Housing .......................................................................................................44 Density Bonus........................................................................................................................................48 On- and Off-Site Improvements............................................................................................................48 Development Fees ................................................................................................................................48 Building Codes and Code Enforcement.................................................................................................51 Local Processing and Permit Procedures..............................................................................................51 iii
Housing for People with Disabilities......................................................................................................53 Energy Conservation Opportunities......................................................................................................54 CURRENT GOALS, OBJECTIVES, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS...................................................................... 57 Summary of Quantified Housing Unit Objectives........................................................................................57 Housing Preservation and Improvement.....................................................................................................57 Housing Development..................................................................................................................................58 Housing Assistance.......................................................................................................................................60 Equal Housing Opportunity..........................................................................................................................60 HOUSING PROGRAMS AND QUANTIFIED OBJECTIVES.............................................................................. 61 A . Housing Production ................................................................................................................................61 B . Constraint Removal.................................................................................................................................62 C . Housing Preservation and Improvement................................................................................................64 D . Housing Assistance .................................................................................................................................67 E . Special Housing Needs............................................................................................................................67 F . Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing .....................................................................................................69 G . Public Education .....................................................................................................................................70 Appendices
Appendix A: Fair Housing Assessment
Appendix B: Sites Inventory and Mapbook
Appendix C: RHNA Site Maps
Exhibits
Exhibit 1: Sites Inventory Map........................................................................................................ 2 Exhibit 2: Opportunity Sites Overview............................................................................................ 3 Exhibit 3: Opportunity Infrastructure ............................................................................................. 4 Exhibit 4: Flooding Constraints....................................................................................................... 5 2021-2029 Housing Element
1 City of Needles

PURPOSE
This section of the Housing Element presents the City of Needles’ goals, quantified objectives, and policies relative to the development, improvement, and maintenance of housing within the incorporated areas of the City, during the period of 2021 to 2029.

Needles’ housing goals are ideals that have been determined by the residents as desirable and deserving of community time and resources to obtain. Statements of objectives are more specific and shorter range. They provide the opportunity to evaluate the progress made toward the realization of the long-range goals. In conformance with state law, objectives have been quantified. Policy statements are more specific still and provide well-defined guidelines for decision making. Program actions are intended to carry out the goals, objectives, and policies.

The element’s goals, objectives, policies, and programs establish close coordination between the City, the County of San Bernardino, other local and regional organizations involved with providing housing and housing services, the State of California, and federal agencies, so that the City’s residents can be assured of a safe, adequate place to live. It is necessary to establish ties at all levels of government because of the interdependence of these agencies for programs, funding, and technical assistance.

Background
The Housing Element functions as an integral part of a comprehensive growth plan. While managing development, the City must balance the need to ensure adequate housing for all current and future members of the community against the need to provide and support existing and anticipated levels of public services and facilities. The Housing Element, therefore, directly relates to the amount and location of commercial and industrial development, the type and intensity of land uses, and the amount of housing development established through land use designations in the Land Use Element. In addition, the Housing Element relates to the availability of adequate roadways, pedestrian facilities, and transit routes established in the Circulation, Transportation and Scenic Highways Elements, and the protection of sensitive receptors established in the Hazards Element.

The Housing Element includes descriptions of existing housing types and the conditions of existing units, and discussions on overcrowding, overpayment, homelessness, special needs housing, and the demand for affordable housing in the City. The element also includes an analysis of the progress made since the drafting of the last Housing Element and projections of needs for the next eight years (2021-2029).

California Law
California Government Code requires that every city and county prepare a housing element as part of its general plan. In addition, state law contains specific requirements for the preparation and content of housing elements. In Government Code Section 65580, the legislature has found that:
2021-2029 Housing Element
2 City of Needles
a) The availability of housing is of vital statewide importance, and the early attainment of decent housing and a suitable living environment for every California family is a priority of the highest order. b) The early attainment of this goal requires the cooperative participation of government and the private sector in an effort to expand housing opportunities and accommodate the housing needs of Californians of all economic levels.
c) The provision of housing affordable to low-and moderate-income households requires the cooperation of all levels of government.
d) Local and state governments have a responsibility to use the powers vested in them to facilitate the improvement and development of housing to make adequate provision for the housing needs of all economic segments of the community.
e) The Legislature recognizes that in carrying out this responsibility, each local government also has the responsibility to consider economic, environmental, and fiscal factors and community goals set forth in the general plan and to cooperate with other local governments, and the state, in addressing regional housing needs.
f) Designating and maintaining a supply of land and adequate sites suitable, feasible, and available for the development of housing sufficient to meet the locality’s housing need for all income levels is essential to achieving the state’s housing goals and the purposes of this article.

Section 65581 of the Government Code states that the intent of the legislature in enacting these requirements is:
a) To assure that local governments recognize their responsibilities in contributing to the attainment of the state housing goal.
b) To assure that cities and counties prepare and implement housing elements which, along with federal and state programs, will move toward attainment of the state housing goal. c) To recognize that each locality is best capable of determining what efforts are required by it to contribute to the attainment of the state housing goal as well as regional housing needs. d) To ensure that each local government cooperates with other local governments to address regional housing needs.

Government Code Section 65583, as amended, outlines the required content of all housing elements, including identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs, and a statement of goals, policies, quantified objectives, and scheduled programs for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing. Specific requirements include:
(1) An assessment of housing needs and an inventory of resources and constraints relevant to the meeting of these needs. The analysis should include the following:
2021-2029 Housing Element
3 City of Needles
a. Population and employment trends and projections;
b. Existing and projected housing needs for all income levels, including the determined local share of the regional housing needs;
c. Analysis of household characteristics, such as cost compared to ability to pay, overcrowding and housing condition;
d. Inventory of land suitable for residential development, including vacant land and property suitable for redevelopment as well as the public services availability; e. Potential and actual governmental and nongovernmental constraints upon the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing for all income levels and for persons with special needs, including persons with disabilities. Such analysis should include current land use controls, building codes, enforcement, site improvement requirements and fees and other exactions required of developers, permit processing procedures and availability of financing, and any efforts by the local government to reduce such constraints;
f. An analysis of special housing needs including both presently existing and projected needs; g. An analysis of opportunities for energy conservation with respect to residential development; and h. An analysis of existing housing, if any, that is eligible to change from low income during the next ten years due to termination of subsidy contract or other factors. (2) A statement of the community’s goals, objectives, and policies relating to maintenance, preservation, improvement, and development of housing.
(3) A program that sets forth an eight-year schedule of actions the local government is undertaking or intends to undertake to implement the policies and achieve the goals and objectives of the housing element.

General Plan Consistency
California law requires that all elements of the General Plan, including the Housing Element, be internally consistent. The City periodically reviews both its Housing Element and other elements of the General Plan and proposes General Plan amendments, as allowed by law, when a change in one element could cause inconsistencies in others. This procedure will continue to be undertaken on a regular basis by the City.

In addition, the City has been awarded $160,000 in Senate Bill (SB) 2 grant funding through the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to update the Land Use Element and for the initiation of housingrelated zoning ordinance text amendments. The City has also been awarded $65,000 in Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) grant funds to update the Housing Element. All of this work is currently underway. 2021-2029 Housing Element
4 City of Needles

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The California Government Code Section 65583 states that “the local government shall make a diligent effort to achieve public participation of all economic segments of the community in the development of the housing element, and the program shall describe this effort.”
Community Workshops
The City held two community workshops, on July 21, 2021, and July 28, 2021, at 1111 Baily Avenue in the City of Needles. The purpose of the workshops was to engage the community and give residents the opportunity to provide input on the unmet housing needs in Needles. Both meetings were held in-person and via remote attendance via Zoom internet service. Information on the community workshops was placed in the local newspaper and on the City’s website, and posted at City Hall, at the City Council chamber facility, and other conspicuous locations throughout the City at least two weeks prior to the event. The events appeared in the newspaper twice, one week with an announcement and the next week with a full article about the purpose and details about the planned workshops. Invitations to the workshops were also emailed to key stakeholders, including members of the City’s boards and commissions, representatives from the local hospital, real estate agents, and school representatives. The meetings were also announced at a school event. Information was provided to the Needles Unified School District superintendent’s office with a “broadcast” to student households announcing the meeting.

Of the two meetings held, three residents attended the first workshop meeting in-person, followed by three residents remotely attending the second workshop meeting. No translation services were needed for anyone attending the workshops.

The following themes emerged from the discussion:
• The inability to purchase a home in the City.
• Substandard quality of homes within the City.
• Lack of access to nearby grocery stores.
• Not enough available housing, short in supply of housing and immediately sold when houses come on the market.
• Median prices for homes as shown on Zillow.com appear skewed too high in price. • Employment concerns. Difficulty in finding or hiring teachers at Needles schools due to unavailability of affordable, desirable housing within the City.
• Most people who have jobs in Needles are moving to Arizona (i.e., Bullhead City).

During the community workshop, discussion included the need for more public amenities and services, senior community development, and the desire to continue the renewable energy requirements. 2021-2029 Housing Element
5 City of Needles
Public Participation-based Revisions to the Housing Element To further expand and improve public amenities and services to go along with the increased housing capacity of the City, the Housing Element has been revised to include Program B-8, Utility Availability, Program D-2, Affordable Housing and Services Funds, Program D-3, Landlord – Tenant Mediation, Program F-1, Place-Based Community Improvements - Park Renovations, Program F-2, Analysis of Impediments Programs, and Program F-5, Transit Improvements Program. These programs are meant to focus investment of physical and service improvements in places where they are most needed, issuing funds to better serve the community while providing tenant mediation services and continuing to expand the reach of utility service to North Needles.

To improve the quality of senior housing in the City, the Housing Element has been revised to include Program A-3, Surplus Lands/Affordable Housing on City-Owned/Successor Agency Sites, Program B-4, Development Standards Review and Revision, and Program E-2, Housing for the Elderly and Persons of Disabilities Program.

These programs are designed to provide more housing for the elderly through reduced, revised, and flexible development standards, as well as prioritizing senior housing on surplus lands.

To increase renewable energy production and use in the City, the Housing Element has been revised to include Program C-1, Energy and Resource Conservation Program, to further the deployment of renewable energy in new residential construction.

As the Draft 6th Cycle Housing Element has been revised in response to HCD comment, the Housing Element has been publicly circulated by being posted on the City’s website for a minimum of seven days prior to resubmission. Notification of publication is provided to all parties who have either requested notification or who have previously commented on the housing element draft. The City has not received public comments on the draft housing since it concluded public outreach efforts identified above. 2021-2029 Housing Element
6 City of Needles

PREVIOUS HOUSING ELEMENT EVALUATION
The City last revised its Housing Element in 2019. The element was adopted by the City Council and subsequently certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The following section examines the goals of that element and the progress the City has made toward meeting those goals.

Table 1: Summary of Progress Toward 2013–2021 Housing Element Goals, Policies and Programs 2013–2021 Housing Element Goals, Policies and Programs Achievement Continue/
Amend/ Delete in
2021–2029
Housing Element
Goal 1.0 Allow every resident of the City of Needles the opportunity to have a decent home and satisfying environment regardless of age, sex, marital status, ethnic background, income, special needs or other arbitrary factor.

Policy 1.1 Continue to provide information and incentives for the private sector and public agencies capable of producing or assisting in the production of housing contiguous to current development, particularly low-and moderate-income housing for special needs households.

Program 1.1.1 Continue to disseminate brochures outlining the information and incentives and distribute them to
contractors, developers, and public and private agencies. The City has regular participation at community meetings, as well as meetings with developers, construction vendors, and
visitors, who receive information via flyers, pamphlets, and bound books on programs the City has implemented, or is in the process of developing, properties that have completed the code abatement process and are available for
receivership, rehabilitation, etc. City staff also participates in off-site meetings related to economic development activity in the City and provides written information to anyone
attending these events. The information is also made
available on the City’s website, as well as in the lobby of City Hall.

Target Date: Update brochures at least twice during the planning period and ongoing.

Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: General Fund
A variety of brochures are provided to
residents and non-residents interested
in low- to moderate- income housing
programs at the City. The Housing
Authority of the City of Needles is the
agency in the City that oversees the
majority of low- and moderate-income
housing units and markets them to
potential tenants.

Continue
Program 1.1.2 Contact local real estate and contractor’s boards and advise them of the opportunities for incentives to developing housing in the city.

Target Date: Make contact at least once annually
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: General Fund
The City continually reaches out to real
estate and homebuilders’ associations
regarding opportunities and incentives
for developing housing in the city.

Continue
Program 1.1.3 Continue to offer incentives aimed at
production of new housing within the City of Needles. Such incentives include offering vacant surplus sites for
construction at little or no cost to the developer if the project The City provides a variety of brochures
to anyone interested in low- to
moderate-income housing programs.

The City is constantly reaching out to
Continue
2021-2029 Housing Element
7 City of Needles
2013–2021 Housing Element Goals, Policies and Programs Achievement Continue/
Amend/ Delete in
2021–2029
Housing Element
is compatible with the needs of the community and this
element. Other incentives include fee reductions and waivers for infrastructure.

Target Date: Ongoing; once every two years consider other incentives that could be offered
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: General Fund
Quantified Objective: 40 units incentivized
homebuilders’ associations who can
provide low- to moderate-income
housing. Since 2013, building permits
have been issued for 38 units: 2 very
low-income, 20 moderate-income, and
16 above moderate-income units.

Policy 1.2 Improve and conserve existing residential neighborhoods.

Program 1.2.1 Continue code enforcement efforts aimed at rehabilitation and maintenance of properties.

Target Date: Ongoing
Responsible Agency: Code Enforcement/Development
Services Department
Funding Source: General Fund
The City has continued code
enforcement efforts. The City has
increased code enforcement staffing to
two individuals. In addition, a catalog of
uninhabited for-sale properties has
been created and is being distributed to
developers.

Continue through
Program C-6.

Program 1.2.2 Adopt the most recent version of the
International Building Code.

Target Date: June 30, 2020
Responsible Agency: City Council
Funding Source: General Fund
The City has adopted the most recent
version (2019) of the California Building
Standards Code.

Delete
Program 1.2.3 The City will work to reduce the potential conversion to market rate of the 234 assisted affordable housing units in Needles during the current planning period.

None of the assisted units are considered at risk. However, the City will implement the following actions if needed to comply with state law (AB 1521):
• Monitor the status of affordable projects in Needles.

Should the property owners indicate the desire to convert properties, consider providing technical and financial
assistance, when possible, to ensure long-term
affordability.
• If conversion of units is likely, work with local service providers as appropriate to seek funding to subsidize the at-risk units in a way that mirrors the HUD Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program. Funding sources may
include state or local funding sources.

Per state law, owners of deed-restricted affordable projects are required to provide notice of restrictions that are expiring after January 1, 2021, to all prospective tenants, existing tenants, and the City within three years, one year, and six months (three separate times) of the scheduled expiration of rental restrictions. Owners shall also refer tenants of at-risk units to educational resources regarding tenant rights and The City has not initiated zoning code
revisions or other actions to reduce the
potential conversion of low-income
rental units to market rate since there
are no at-risk units in the context of this
Housing Element update. The earliest
date at which existing low-income rental
units could potentially convert to
market rate is 2055, followed by 2067
and 2068. The City will revisit actions
that may need to be taken to preserve
the affordability of these units in
conjunction with future Housing
Element updates.

Delete
2021-2029 Housing Element
8 City of Needles
2013–2021 Housing Element Goals, Policies and Programs Achievement Continue/
Amend/ Delete in
2021–2029
Housing Element
conversion procedures and information regarding Section 8 rent subsidies and any other affordable housing
opportunities in the city.

If a development is offered for sale, HCD must certify persons or entities that are eligible to purchase the development and to receive notice of the pending sale. Placement on the eligibility list will be based on experience with affordable housing.

Target Date: Revision of Zoning Codes by December 2020 to require notification by owners consistent with state law; ongoing communication with owners, service providers, and eligible potential purchasers
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: General Fund
Program 1.2.4 Promote the expanded participation of local landlords in rental housing rehabilitation programs. The City will disseminate the City’s rehabilitation grant program brochures on the city website, at community meetings, at school sites, at city-sponsored Board meetings, Planning Commission meetings, developer meetings, at off-site
meetings promoting economic development within the City, and in the City Hall lobby area.

Target Date: 2020
Responsible Agency: Housing Authority
Funding Source: General Fund
The City has been unable to offer a
rental housing rehabilitation program.

The City has neither the staffing nor
financial resources to operate such a
program. Until it can secure such
resources, the operation of such a
program is unrealistic and should be
deleted. Going forward, all housing
rehabilitation activities will be
consolidated under a recently
established and funded Neighborhood
Beautification Program.

Delete, but reinitiate rental
housing
rehabilitation as a
component of an
expanded
Neighborhood
Preservation
Program when
funding permits
(see Program C7).

Policy 1.3 Assist in education for the reduction of residential energy use within the City to help decrease housing costs and conserve the resource.

Program 1.3.1 Continue advocating energy saving programs and keeping the residents advised of such programs through flyers included with their utility bills. This may include forming a program to assist homeowners to identify areas in their home or practices that waste energy.

Target Date: Distribute flyers annually and ongoing
Responsible Agency: Utility Department
Funding Source: General Fund
City residents regularly receive
information about the City’s energy
saving programs. The City recently won
the small utility company energy
efficiency award in the state of
California. The City participates in
numerous programs to provide Energy
Star appliances, solar screens, HVAC
systems, toilet replacement, windows
and doors.

Continue through
Program C-1.

Policy 1.4 Promote the provision or rehabilitation of an adequate number of rental units that are affordable to low and moderate-income households within the City.

Program 1.4.1 Reach out to local contractors and advise them of incentives for the creation of low- to moderateincome rental units.

Target Date: Reach out every two years
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
City staff has created a catalog of
uninhabited for-sale properties and
provides it to developers and parties
interested in rehabilitation of housing
inventory. The surplus City-owned
property is constantly marketed as for
Continue
2021-2029 Housing Element
9 City of Needles
2013–2021 Housing Element Goals, Policies and Programs Achievement Continue/
Amend/ Delete in
2021–2029
Housing Element
Funding Source: General Fund sale. The City has approximately 207 acres of land available for sale to
develop homes. An economic
development incentive program has
been initiated to pay for fees and offsite improvements for homebuilders.

Program 1.4.2 Work with the Housing Authority to develop guidelines for loan and grant assistance and to act as a conduit for housing funds so that they can be leveraged for the creation or rehabilitation of affordable housing.

Determine eligibility requirements and plans for types of loans and repayment plans. Consider establishing a program similar to the Palm Desert BEGIN Program where loans are offered to lower- and moderate-income first-time
homebuyers. Once the program is established, conduct
outreach to the public to make the community aware of the program.

Target Date: Establish program and conduct outreach by
2020
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: State and federal grants, San Bernardino County, General Fund (LMIHAF)
The City has elected to devote its limited
staffing and financial resources to the
establishment of a Neighborhood
Beautification Program rather than a
First-Time Homebuyer Program. This
new program will address a highly
prioritized need for the elimination of
substandard housing conditions through
the correction of code violations.

Delete, but carry
housing
rehabilitation
component
forward under
new
Neighborhood
Preservation
Program. (See
Program C-7.)
Program 1.4.3 Fund loans for rehabilitating homes in the City of Needles to preserve existing affordable housing.

Target Date: October 2021
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Grants and General Fund
Quantitative Objective: Rehabilitate at least five homes The City has established and funded a
Neighborhood Beautification Program
that offers financial assistance for the
rehabilitation of affordable housing. As a
new program initiated in April 2021, no
properties have been rehabilitated to
date.

Amend and refer
to as
Neighborhood
Preservation
Program going
forward. (See
Program C-7.)
Policy 1.5 Continue to uphold the requirements of the Fair Housing Act to ensure equal housing opportunities for all Needles residents regardless of age, sex, race, marital status, ethnic background, income, or other arbitrary factors.

Program 1.5.1 Continue to disseminate materials to inform the public of Fair Housing laws by displaying them with the materials at the Housing Authority, public library, and City Administrative offices. Materials will include all of the programs available through the city’s community
organizations, non-profits, as well as the County
organizations with offices in Needles. The content will include program contact persons, descriptions of the program
contents, hours of operation, and emergency contact
information. In the materials disseminated, include
information of the agency to contact if a violation of fair housing is contended - the Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board (IFHMB). The materials will be added to the City’s website, and disseminated at community events and
community meetings the City attends.

The City works with the Housing
Authority to distribute materials. The
materials are available at the library and
City Hall administrative offices.

Continue
2021-2029 Housing Element
10 City of Needles
2013–2021 Housing Element Goals, Policies and Programs Achievement Continue/
Amend/ Delete in
2021–2029
Housing Element
Target Date: Ongoing; update materials every two years if needed
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: General Fund
Program 1.5.2 Review the City regulations to analyze and determine whether there are potential constraints on the development, maintenance, and improvement of housing
intended for persons with disabilities (including
developmental disabilities), the elderly, large families, extremely low-income households, farmworkers, femaleheaded households, and homeless persons in need of emergency shelter. This analysis will include an evaluation of existing land use controls, permit and processing procedures, and building codes. If any constraints are found in these areas, the City will initiate actions to address these
constraints. In addition, the City will proactively encourage and facilitate the development of affordable housing for lower income households, including extremely low-income and special needs households through actions such as
providing regulatory incentives, reducing or waiving
development fees, and outreaching to nonprofits and
affordable housing developers to assist in the application for state and federal funding sources.

Target Date: Complete review of regulations by December 2020. Address any constraints by June 2021. Bi-annual review and outreach, apply or support an application at least
biannually thereafter for various types of grant funding as NOFAs are released.

Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: General Fund and HOME funds. In addition, the City will consult with HCD annually and refer to the NOFA calendar to determine other potential funding sources.

The City has initiated an SB 2 funded
review of its land use controls that will
result in various housing-related zoning
code amendments.

Continue through
various programs
in Program
Section E. Special
Housing Needs.

Program 1.5.3 The City shall review its zoning code to
determine whether updates to zoning are needed to comply with the state Employee Housing Act (Health and Safety Code Sections 17021.5 and 17021.6). The Act calls for the zoning ordinance to treat employee housing (including farm worker housing) that serves six or fewer persons as a single-family structure and permitted in the same manner as other singlefamily structures of the same type in the same zone (Section 17021.5). The zoning ordinance must also treat employee housing consisting of no more than 12 units or 36 beds as an agricultural use and permitted in the same manner as other agricultural uses in the same zone (Section 17021.6) in zones where agricultural uses are permitted.

Target Date: If determined to be necessary, revise zoning code by June 30, 2020
The City is working on completing this
program. This program is one of a
number of housing-related zoning code
amendments that are being undertaken
using SB 2 grant funds.

Continue through
Program E-3 with
amended target
date of within
two years of
Housing Element
adoption.
2021-2029 Housing Element
11 City of Needles
2013–2021 Housing Element Goals, Policies and Programs Achievement Continue/
Amend/ Delete in
2021–2029
Housing Element
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: General Fund
Program 1.5.4 Per state law, City staff will amend the zoning code to establish care facilities for seven or more persons as an allowed use in appropriate areas, in compliance with the General Plan, and with a review of the parking standards and other applicable standards. These facilities may be allowed with or without discretionary review.

Target Date: Revise zoning code by June 30, 2020
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: General Fund
The City is working on completing this
program. This program is one of a
number of housing-related zoning code
amendments that are being undertaken
using SB 2 grant funds.

Continue through
Program E-7 with
amended target
date of within
one year of
Housing Element
adoption.

Program 1.5.5 The City shall review its zoning code to ensure compliance with AB 2162 related to allowing supportive
housing. The zoning code will be reviewed to assess whether supportive housing is allowed without discretionary review in all zones that allow multifamily housing or mixed-use
development, including nonresidential zones as applicable. If it is determined that the allowed uses in the zoning code are not in compliance with AB 2162, the City will revise the allowed uses along with corresponding development
standards as detailed in AB 2162.

Target Date: Revise zoning code by December 31, 2020
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: General Fund
The City is working on completing this
program. This program is one of a
number of housing-related zoning code
amendments that are being undertaken
using SB 2 grant funds.

Continue through
Program E-6 with
amended target
date of within
one year of
Housing Element
adoption.

Program 1.5.6 The City shall amend its zoning code to allow transitional and supportive housing in the C-1 and C-2 zones in the same way the same type of residential uses are
allowed in those zones.

Continue through
Program E-6 with
amended target
date of within
one year of
Housing Element
adoption.

Program 1.5.7 The City shall review its zoning code to ensure compliance with Senate Bill 2 (2007) related to allowed operational standards regarding distance between
emergency shelters. State law allows local zoning to regulate distance between emergency shelters provided that
emergency shelters are not required to be more than 300 feet apart.

Continue through
Program E-4 with
amended target
date of within
one year of
Housing Element
adoption.
2021-2029 Housing Element
12 City of Needles
2013–2021 Housing Element Goals, Policies and Programs Achievement Continue/
Amend/ Delete in
2021–2029
Housing Element
Program 1.5.8 Per AB 101 (2019) the City will review its zoning ordinance and make revisions if necessary to allow low barrier navigation centers for the homeless per
Government Code 65660-65668.

Target Date: Review zoning by 2020. Make revisions by June 30, 2021.

Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: General Fund
The City is working on completing this
program. This program is one of a
number of housing-related zoning code
amendments that are being undertaken
using SB 2 grant funds.

Continue through
Program E-5 with
amended target
date of within
one year of
Housing Element
adoption.

Program 1.5.10 The City will establish a written policy or procedure and other guidance as appropriate to specify the SB 35 streamlining approval process and standards for
eligible projects, as set forth under GC Section 65913.4.

Target Date: June 30, 2022
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: General Fund
The City is working on completing this
program. This program is one of a
number of housing-related zoning code
amendments that are being undertaken
using SB 2 grant funds.

Continue through
Program B-1 with
amended target
date of within
two years of
Housing Element
adoption.

Goal 2.0 Encourage sound growth in the City by designating suitable sites for residential development.

Policy 2.1 Require that the current residentially zoned areas remain residential, and that the development within those zones be built to the density set forth for such zones.

Policy 2.2 Promote a mixture of housing and commercial land uses in downtown Needles to provide housing with access to commercial services for special needs households, particularly elderly households and small business owners.

Program 2.2.1 Rezone the downtown area to allow for mixed uses and taller buildings. Specifically require that the new construction in the downtown area supply shops for
commercial uses and/or office spaces on the ground floor with residential uses on the upper floors.

Target Date: June 2021
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: General Fund
The City is currently planning for mixeduse project in the downtown area. The anticipated project will have a height of
44 feet and office and commercial will
be on the ground floor with residential
above. The City is in the process of
amending the zoning code to provide
mixed-use housing in the downtown
area. The City is selling the piece of land
to a mixed-use developer for a
development in the downtown and is in
negotiations.

Continue through
Program A-4 with
amended target
date of within
four years of
Housing Element
adoption.

Program 2.2.2 Adopt an inclusionary zoning ordinance to require new development to participate in the provision of affordable housing.

Target Date: June 2021
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: General Fund
The City is working to initiate a new
program to adopt inclusionary zoning.

Continue through
Program A-6 with
amended target
date of within
three years of
Housing Element
adoption.
2021-2029 Housing Element
13 City of Needles
2013–2021 Housing Element Goals, Policies and Programs Achievement Continue/
Amend/ Delete in
2021–2029
Housing Element
Policy 2.3 Encourage development of residential areas to coincide with public services. Specifically require by ordinance that development be built only in areas with adequate public services.

Program 2.3.1 The City will work to extend water and
wastewater services to North Needles.

Target Date: June 30, 2021.

Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: General Fund
The City posted an RFP bid for design of
this work. Actual work should occur in
the year 2022. The City did a water and
sewer master plan in 2020 to guide this
work that will be adopted at an
appointed Council meeting (TBD).

Continue through
Program B-8 and
amend to extend
target completion
date to June 30,
2023.

Policy 2.4 Encourage the development of larger unit sizes in multifamily rental projects and accessory dwelling units on singlefamily lots in order to alleviate overcrowding.

Policy 2.5 Review all new subdivisions pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and require mitigation of any significant impacts.

Policy 2.6 Minimize housing construction in environmentally sensitive areas.

Policy 2.7 Encourage the construction of developments on sites that allow housing without discretionary review to meet the City’s RHNA for the different income categories.

Goal 3.0 Improve and conserve existing residential neighborhoods.

Policy 3.1 Provide information and incentives for the private sector and public agencies capable of producing or assisting in the production of housing contiguous to current development, particularly lower- and moderate-income housing for special needs households. Encourage development of those areas to coincide with public services.

Program 3.1.1 Assist with funding opportunities and
education as well as increasing economic development in general within the City.

Target Date: Seek funding opportunities at least once
annually
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department and Housing Authority
Funding Source: Grants and General Fund
The City is still working on completing
this program.

Continue through
various programs
including
Program C-8,
Program D-2, and
Program G-5.

Program 3.1.2 Continue programs to grant low-interest loans or other programs to encourage the repair of substandard residences.

Target Date: Apply for funding annually and ongoing
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Funding Source: CDBG, BEGIN
Qualified Objective: Assist 15 homeowners
The City has established and funded a
Neighborhood Beautification Program.

This new program addresses the
elimination of substandard housing
conditions through the correction of
code violations. As a new program
initiated in April 2021, no properties
have been rehabilitated to date.

Delete and
consolidate with
other housing
rehabilitation
activities under
the new
Preservation and
Rehabilitation
Program,
Program C-8.

Program 3.1.3 Disseminate information on loans and grants that are available through the County and the State.

Target Date: Ongoing; update materials annually as
applicable
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
The City works with the County using
Community Development Block Grants.

The City is working on a program to
disseminate information on other loans
and grants that are available through
the County and the State.

Continue through
Program C-8 and
initiate outreach
by December
2022.
2021-2029 Housing Element
14 City of Needles
2013–2021 Housing Element Goals, Policies and Programs Achievement Continue/
Amend/ Delete in
2021–2029
Housing Element
Funding Source: General Fund
Quantitative Objective: Process at least 15 loans and grants Goal 4.0 Continue efforts to make the City a nice place to work and live.

Policy 4.1 Work with local community action groups and volunteers to obtain assistance in cleaning up the community.

Policy 4.2 Continue efforts to amend the zoning code with an aim toward beautification, including, but not limited to historic preservation, signage, landscaping requirements, etc., without creating a substantial burden on the developer that would hinder the creation of housing.

Policy 4.3 Strengthen efforts to provide jobs, shopping, and recreation areas to make Needles more attractive to residents and therefore developers.

Policy 4.4 Encourage community involvement in projects to clean up the City.

Program 4.4.1 Continue Code Enforcement efforts with an aim toward repair over demolition whenever possible.

Target Date: Ongoing
Responsible Agency: Development Services Department and Code Enforcement
Funding Source: General Fund
The City has continued code
enforcement efforts. The City has
increased code enforcement staffing to
two individuals. In addition, a catalog of
uninhabited for-sale properties has
been created and is being distributed to
developers.

Continue through
Program C-6.

Goal 5.0 Create Programs to Conserve Energy to assist in the reduction of housing costs.

Policy 5.1 Make all City buildings energy efficient.

Program 5.1.1 All new City buildings shall be constructed to meet or exceed the energy conservation standards in force at the time of their construction. The City shall strive to make all City-owned buildings as energy efficient as possible.

Target Date: When new City buildings are constructed
Responsible Agency: Building Department, Utility
Department
Funding Source: General Fund
The City will implement this program
when new City buildings are
constructed.

Continue through
Program C-1.

Program 5.1.2 The City will actively pursue all viable new sources of energy.

Target Date: Ongoing
Responsible Agency: Utility Department
Funding Source: General Fund
In 2019, the City won the small utility
company energy efficiency award in the
state of California. The City participates
in numerous programs to provide
Energy Star appliances, solar screens,
HVAC systems, toilet replacement,
windows and doors.

Continue through
Program C-1.

Effectiveness at Assisting Special Needs Population
Community Development Block Grant
The City has utilized CDBG funds to facilitate community improvement and address the needs of special needs populations. Improvements included gutter and sidewalk improvements which can increase accessibility, and 2021-2029 Housing Element
15 City of Needles
the demolition and removal of excess debris from a residential site that was a public nuisance. Gutter, sidewalk, and curb improvements are located at two intersections: D Street and Third Street, and Washington Street and Bailey Avenue.

CDBG funds were also used to provide and increase accessible pathways on Third Street, including an automatic front door.

Elderly
The City provides transportation for senior citizens to medical facilities across the state border in Arizona. As Needles is connected to adjacent Arizona communities, this cross-state transportation provides Needles residents access to community resources.

There is also a senior and disabled person dial-a-ride program that can bring callers to their appointments, errands, or other destinations within the City.

The Senior Citizen’s Center provides a homecooked meal every day for seniors over the age of 60 through the noon meals program. The City’s dial-a-ride program offers a discount for seniors traveling to use this service.

Persons with Disabilities
The City provides a senior and disabled person dial-a-ride program that can bring callers to their appointments, errands, or other destinations within the City.

CDBG funds were used for gutter and sidewalk improvements, which increased accessibility. CDBG funds were also used to provide and increase accessible pathways on Third Street, including an automatic front door.

Students
Needles is a participant in the Safe Routes to School sidewalk program, which encourages students to walk, bike, or use transit to get to school. This program supports the health and safety of the student population by encouraging walking over driving and making the walk to school a group activity, and therefore safer. 2021-2029 Housing Element
16 City of Needles

DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
This section of the Housing Element update contains relevant demographic, household, and socioeconomic data. This information is primarily based on data provided in the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, 2005–2009 and 2014–2018. Other data sources include the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) data as well as the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) 2012–2016 data sets.

Population Characteristics
Historic and Current Population
The following table tracks the growth of the individual population in Needles between 2010 and 2021. Within the last eleven years, there has been an increase in population of approximately 10.5 percent.

Table 2: Population Growth, 2010–2021
Jurisdiction Total Population Growth
2010 2021 Total Percentage
Needles 4,844 5,353 509 10.5%
Source: California Department of Finance, E-5 City/County Population and Housing Estimates, January 1, 2021, and April 1, 2010.

Population by Age Group
In 2009, the American Community Survey found that the median age in the city was 42.2. The current median age is 42.3, as determined by the 2019 American Community Survey. Table 3 shows the age distribution in Needles as of 2019.

Table 3: Population by Age, 2019
Age Group 2019
Number Percentage
0–9 years 880 16.5%
10–19 years 688 12.8%
20–24 years 152 2.8%
25–34 years 485 9.1%
35–44 years 654 12.2%
45–54 years 672 12.6%
55–59 years 398 7.4%
60–64 years 312 5.8%
65–74 years 761 14.2%
75–84 years 273 5.1%
85+ years 73 1.4%
Median Age 42.3 N/A
Source: 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table S0101. 2021-2029 Housing Element
17 City of Needles
Projected Population Growth
Growth forecasts prepared by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) estimate that Needles’ population could surpass 6,000 people sometime between 2020 and 2035. At this rate, the population is expected to grow by less than 1 percent per year. Table 4 shows the projected population growth for the City.

Table 4: Projected Population Growth, 2012–2040
Jurisdiction 2012 2020 2035 2040 Average Annual Growth Rate Needles 4,900 5,600 6,800 7,000 0.81%
Source: Southern California Association of Governments, 2020–2045 Regional Transportation Plan, Data/Map Book for the City of Needles.

Household Characteristics
Household Type and Size
As of 2019, the average household size had increased slightly to 2.43 persons from 2.41 persons as of the 2005– 2009 American Community Survey. Table 5 shows the data on household characteristics in Needles.

Table 5: Household Characteristics, 2019
Jurisdiction Households Average
Household Size
Percentage of Households
Families Families with
Children Under 18 Non-family
Needles 2,188 2.43 36.7% 9.1% 54.2%
Source: 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table DP02.

As of 2019, there were 2,188 housing units in the City of Needles. There were similar numbers of owneroccupied and renter-occupied units in Needles, though there were slightly more owner-occupied units. Table 6 shows the data regarding household tenure in Needles.

Table 6: Household Tenure, 2019
Household Type Number Percentage
Owner-Occupied Units 1,150 52.6%
Renter-Occupied Units 1,038 47.4%
Total 2,188 100.0%
Source: 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table DP04.

Income and Earnings
Household Income
Each year, HCD establishes the income limits for each county in the state for use in assessing eligibility for assisted housing programs in that county. The 2021 income limits are listed in Table 7 for each income category according to household size in Needles. These income limits are based on a median income of $77,500 for a family of four in San Bernardino County.
2021-2029 Housing Element
18 City of Needles
• Extremely Low Income: Up to 30 percent of area median income (AMI) ($0–$26,500) • Very Low Income: 31–50 percent of AMI ($26,501–$39,500) • Low Income: 51–80 percent of AMI ($39,501–$63,200)
• Moderate Income: 81–120 percent of AMI ($63,201–$93,000) • Above Moderate Income: Above 120 percent of AMI ($93,001 or more) Table 7: Median Household Income by Size of Household, 2021 Income
Category
Persons per Household
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Extremely Low $16,600 $19,000 $21,960 $26,500 $31,040 $35,580 $40,120 $44,660 Very Low $27,650 $31,600 $35,550 $39,500 $42,700 $45,850 $49,000 $52,150 Low $44,250 $50,600 $56,900 $63,200 $68,300 $73,350 $78,400 $83,450 Median $54,250 $62,000 $69,750 $77,500 $83,700 $89,900 $96,100 $102,300 Moderate
Income $65,100 $74,400 $83,700 $93,000 $100,450 $107,900 $115,300 $122,750 Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, State Income Limits, April 26, 2021.

The following table tracks the growth of the median household incomes in Needles.

Table 8: Household Income Trends, 2009–2019
Income 2009 2019
Households Percent Households Percent
< $15,000 642 29.1% 491 22.4%
$15,000–$24,999 322 14.6% 363 16.6%
$25,000–$34,999 286 13.0% 273 12.5%
$35,000–$49,999 239 10.8% 263 12.0%
$50,000–$74,999 306 13.9% 390 17.8%
$75,000–$99,999 169 7.7% 127 5.8%
$100,000–$149,999 179 8.1% 186 8.5%
>$150,000 60 2.7% 95 4.3%
Total 2,203 100% 2,188 100%
Earning $24,999 or less 964 43.7% 854 39.0%
Source: 2009 and 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table S2503.

As of 2019, the largest income group was households earning $15,000 or less per year, followed by households earning between $50,000 to $74,999, then those earning between $15,000 to $24,999. Between 2009 and 2019, the number of households earning less than $25,000 declined by 11.4 percent, and the number of households earning between $35,000 to $49,999 increased by 10 percent.

Earnings
Most jobs in Needles do not pay high monthly earnings. Approximately 47 percent of all jobs in Needles pay employees between $1,251 to $3,333 per month ($15,000 to $39,996 annually). Nearly 25 percent of jobs in Needles pays employees an income of more than $3,333 per month (greater than $39,996 annually). Table 9 shows the City’s jobs by earnings.
2021-2029 Housing Element
19 City of Needles
Table 9: Jobs by Earnings, 2018
Income Count Share
$1,250 per month or less 426 28.4%
$1,251 to $3,333 per month 701 46.8%
More than $3,333 per month 372 24.8%
Source: US Census Bureau, Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics, OnTheMap application, 2018.

Overcrowded Households
Overcrowding occurs when there is more than one person per room (excluding bathrooms and kitchens).

Overcrowding is often a result of an inadequate supply of basic housing that is affordable. As of 2019, there were very few overcrowded households in Needles. Only 31 households out of the estimated 2,034 occupied housing units were overcrowded, or 1.5 percent of all Needles households. Severe overcrowding results when there are more than 1.51 persons per room. In Needles, there were 47 severely overcrowded households, or

2.3 percent of all households. Table 10 shows the level of overcrowding in Needles.

Table 10: Overcrowded Households, 2019
Persons per Room Number Percentage of Total Units
Owner-Occupied 1,080 53.1%

1.00 or less 1,027 50.0%

1.01 to 1.50 29 1.4%

1.51 or more 24 1.2%
Renter-Occupied 954 46.9%

1.00 or less 929 45.7%

1.01 to 1.50 2 0.1%

1.51 or more 23 1.1%
Total Occupied Housing Units 2,034 100.0%
Total owner overcrowded 29 1.4%
Total renter overcrowded 2 0.1%
Total Overcrowded 31 1.5%
Total owner severely overcrowded 24 1.2%
Total renter severely overcrowded 23 1.1%
Total Severely Overcrowded 47 2.3%
Source: 2014–2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table S2501.

Overpayment
Overpayment is narrowly defined as the number of lower-income households that spend more than 30 percent of their income for housing (either mortgage or rent), including cost of utilities, property insurance, and real estate taxes, as defined by the federal government. Table 11 shows the numbers of households overpaying for housing in Needles. As of 2017, 624 households were overpaying for housing, or 29.6 percent of all households in the City. Of these, 390 of the households (18.5 percent) were renters, and 234 (11.1 percent) were owners.

This is a relatively low rate of overpayment compared with many other areas of California. 2021-2029 Housing Element
20 City of Needles
Table 11: Housing Cost as a Percentage of Household Income by Tenure, 2017 Total Households Characteristics Number Percent of Total Households
Total Occupied Unit Households (HH) 2,110 100.0%
Total renter households 910 43.2%
Total owner households 1,200 57.0%
Total Lower Income (0-80% of HAMFI) Households 1,285 61.0% Lower income renters (0-80%) 700 33.3%
Lower income owners (0-80%) 585 27.8%
Extremely Low-income Renters (0-30%) 420 20.0%
Extremely Low-income Owners (0-30%) 150 7.1%
Income by Cost Burden (owners and renters) with Cost Burden Greater than 50% and with HH Income of less than 30% HAMFI 225 10.7%
Renter HH income of less than 30% HAMFI 180 8.6%
Owner HH income of less than 30% HAMFI 45 2.1%
Income by Cost Burden (owners and renters) with Cost Burden Greater than 30% and with HH Income of less than 30% HAMFI 355 16.9%
Renter HH income of less than 30% HAMFI 260 12.4%
Owner HH income of less than 30% HAMFI 95 4.5%
Owner and Renter HH with Cost Burden Greater than 50%
and with Income Between 30%-50% HAMFI 65 3.1%
Owner and Renter HH with Cost Burden Greater that 50%
and with Income Between 50%-80% HAMFI 0 0 %
Lower Income Households Paying More Than 30% 725 34.4%
Lower income renter HH overpaying 445 21.1%
Lower income owner HH overpaying 280 13.3%
Extremely Low-income (0-30%) 355 16.8%
Income between 30%-50% 160 7.6%
Income between 50%-80% 85 4.0%
Income by Cost Burden (owners and renters) with Cost Burden Greater than 30% 624 29.6% Total Renter Households 390 18.5%
Total Owner Households 234 11.1%
Total Households with Cost Burden Greater than 30% and between 30%-50% HAMFI 160 7.6% Total Households with Cost Burden Greater than 30% and greater than 50% HAMFI 109 5.2% Source: CHAS Data Sets, 2006–2017, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/cp.html#2006-2017_query.

Notes: HH = Household; ELI = Extremely Low Income; HAMFI = HUD Area Median Family Income.

Extremely Low-Income Households
According to the 2006–2017 CHAS data sets, there were 420 extremely low-income, renter-occupied households, approximately 20.0 percent of all households in Needles, and 150 extremely low-income, owneroccupied households, approximately 7.1 percent of all households in the City.

Extremely low-income households often experience substandard housing and disproportionate housing needs at a higher rate than the average population. Table 12 shows the percentage of extremely low-income households that experience cost burden or overcrowding in the City of Needles, and in the region as a whole.

In the extremely low-income population in Needles, both 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 Needles.

To provide resources for those experiencing cost burden, the City is including Program A-6 to add inclusionary housing requirements so that new developments must reserve up to 15 percent of units for lower- and moderate-income households.
2021-2029 Housing Element
21 City of Needles
Table 12: Percent of Extremely Low-Income Households with Overcrowding or Cost Burden by Tenure Cost Burden Overcrowding
Needles Owner 65.2% 0%
Renter 76.2% 0.8%
San Bernardino County Owner 86.0% 5.0%
Renter 89.8% 16.0%
Source: CHAS Data Sets, 2014–2018.

Employment Trends
Employment by Industry
As of 2019, there were 1,511 employees aged 16 or older in Needles. The largest employment sector, Educational services, and health care and social assistance, employed 323 people, or approximately 21 percent of the City’s workforce. Table 13 shows the number of employees in each employment sector and the percentage of the City’s workforce that each sector employs. Between 2009 and 2019, the job market in Needles changed substantially. All agricultural jobs that existed in 2009 were eliminated by 2017, and nearly all existing manufacturing and wholesale trade jobs in 2009 were similarly reduced by 2019. The only employment sector to experience significant gains since 2009 were public administration jobs, which grew by more than 94 percent in Needles over the same time frame. In addition, the City has noted that 485 jobs have been added in the cannabis industry in the City as of April 2021, which is not fully reported in the data in the table below.

Table 13: Employment by Industry, 2009–2019
Employment Sector Number of Jobs Percentage
Change Percentage of
Jobs, 2019 2009 2019 2009–2019
Civilian employed population 16 years and over 1,838 1,511 -18% 100.0% Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 12 0 -100% 0.0% Construction 96 45 -53% 3%
Manufacturing 144 20 -86% 1.3%
Wholesale trade 35 3 -91% 0.2%
Retail trade 153 137 -10% 9.1%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 281 274 -2% 18.1% Information 48 52 8% 3.4%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 70 64 -9% 4.2% Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services 150 79 -47% 5.2%
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 308 323 5% 21.4% Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services 404 251 -38% 16.6%
Other services, except public administration 60 114 90% 7.5% Public administration 77 149 94% 9.9%
Source: 2005–2009, 2013–2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table DP03.

There are no major employers in Needles listed in the Employment Development Department’s data for San Bernardino County. The nearest employer with at least 1,000 employees is St. Mary’s Medical Center in Apple Valley, approximately 150 miles to the west. All other major employers in the region are in the urban region of southwestern San Bernardino County. Some of the larger major employers employing between 5,000 to 9,999 2021-2029 Housing Element
22 City of Needles
people are the institutions of the Loma Linda University Medical Center and the Ontario International Airport.

Table 14 shows the major employers in San Bernardino County that employ 1,000 or more people.

Table 14: Major Employers near Needles and San Bernardino County, 2019 Employer Name Location Industry Number of
Employees
Loma Linda University Medical Center Loma Linda Schools-Universities & Colleges Academic 5,000-9,999 Loma Linda University Health Board Loma Linda University/College-Governing Body/Regent/Trustee 5,000-9,999
Ontario International Airport Ontario Airports 5,000-9,999 Amazon Fulfillment Center Redlands Mail Order Fulfillment Service 1,000-4,999 Amazon Fulfillment Center San Bernardino Mail Order Fulfillment Service 1,000-4,999 Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Colton Hospitals 1,000-4,999 Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse San Bernardino Department Stores 1,000-4,999 California State University, San Bernardino San Bernardino Schools-Universities & Colleges Academic 1,000-4,999 Environmental Systems Research Institute Redlands Geographic Information Systems 1,000-4,999 FedEx Bloomington Delivery Service 1,000-4,999
Inland Empire Health Plan Rancho
Cucamonga Health Services 1,000-4,999
Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical
Center Fontana Hospitals 1,000-4,999
National Orange Show Event Center San Bernardino Halls & Auditoriums 1,000-4,999 Ontario Montclair School District Ontario School Districts 1,000-4,999 Patton State Hospital Patton Hospitals 1,000-4,999
Redlands Community Hospital Redlands Hospitals 1,000-4,999 San Antonio Community Hospital Upland Hospitals 1,000-4,999 San Bernardino County School
Superintendent San Bernardino Schools & Educational Services NEC 1,000-4,999 San Bernardino County Sheriff San Bernardino County Government-General Offices 1,000-4,999 St Bernardine Medical Center San Bernardino Hospitals 1,000-4,999 St. Mary's Medical Center Apple Valley Hospitals 1,000-4,999 Transportation Department San Bernardino Government Offices-State 1,000-4,999 US Veterans Medical Center Loma Linda Hospitals 1,000-4,999 YRC Freight Bloomington Trucking-Motor Freight 1,000-4,999 Source: Employment Development Department, 2019 Major Employers in San Bernardino County.

Commute Trends
As of 2019, most Needles residents who are employed travel no more than half an hour to their place of work.

As shown in Table 15, less than 9 percent spend half an hour to an hour traveling to work, and less than 4 percent spend at least an hour getting to their work site. This data indicates that most employed Needles residents live and work in or near Needles.

Table 15: Travel Time to Work, 2019
Travel Time to Work Percentage
Less than 30 minutes 87.5%
30 to 59 minutes 8.7%
60 or more minutes 3.8%
Total 100%
Source: 2013–2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B0801. 2021-2029 Housing Element
23 City of Needles
Housing Stock Characteristics
Housing Type
In Needles, 1,929 housing units are single-family, detached homes, or 67 percent of all housing units in Needles.

There are 394 mobile homes, or approximately 14 percent of all housing units in Needles, making them the second most-common type of housing in the City. Attached single-family and multifamily units combined make up the remaining 19 percent of units in the City. Table 16 shows the numbers of housing units by type in Needles for 2021.

Table 16: 2019 Housing Units by Type, 2021
Housing Unit Type Number Percentage
Single-Family, Detached 1,929 67.2%
Single-Family, Attached 60 2.1%
Multifamily, 2–4 Units 266 9.3%
Multifamily, 5+ Units 218 7.6%
Mobile Homes or Other Type 394 13.7%
Total 2,867 100%
Source: California Department of Finance, E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State, January 1, 2021.

Vacancy Rates
In 2019, there was a vacancy rate of approximately 29 percent. This is similar to the vacancy rate almost 10 years prior in 2009, which was reported to be approximately 28 percent. Table 17 compares the vacancy rates from 2009 and 2019. The City’s high overall vacancy rate has to do with seasonal units, which are considered vacant, as well as the units that need maintenance and rehabilitation.

Table 17: Residential Vacancy Rate, 2009–2019
Type of Vacancy Rate 2009 2019
Ownership vacancy rate - 1.3%
Rental vacancy rate - 7.8%
Total Needles Vacancy Rate 27.8% 29.2%
Source: 2005–2009, 2013–2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Tables DP04.

Age of Housing Stock
Residents’ quality of life can be deeply affected by their housing conditions. Over time, housing ages and begins to deteriorate. If not properly maintained, structures can become dilapidated, which could discourage future community investment, depress neighborhood property values, and even pose a hazard to public health. The year a structure is built can be used to determine its general condition. Generally, any housing more than 30 years old likely needs some degree of rehabilitation, ranging from repairs to plumbing, roof replacements, or foundation work.

In Needles, 25.3 percent of housing is less than 30 years old, and nearly 75 percent is at least 30 years old. In other words, almost 8 in 10 homes in Needles most likely require some degree of repair. Table 18 shows the age of Needles’ housing stock.
2021-2029 Housing Element
24 City of Needles
Between January 2020 and May 2021, the City issued 139 citations for properties that violated the Needles Municipal Code. The City’s code enforcement department compiled a list of available residential housing units in the City, identifying 127 units. Of the 127 units, half can be categorized as dilapidated and out of compliance with the Needles Municipal Code.

Table 18: Age of Housing Stock, 2019
Year Built Number Percentage
2014 or later 5 0.2%
2010–2013 14 0.5%
2000–2009 322 11.2%
1990–1999 386 13.4%
1980–1989 491 17.1%
1970–1979 526 18.3%
1960–1969 290 10.1%
1950–1959 328 11.4%
1940–1949 115 4.0%
1939 or earlier 395 13.8%
Total 2,872 100%
Source: 2013–2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table DP04.

Housing Problems
HUD tracks the number of housing problems, including incomplete kitchens, incomplete plumbing, more than one person per room, or cost burdens greater than 30 percent of household income, for each community in the country. These problems are cross-referenced with the householder’s income to help determine if any householders with housing problems might need special assistance.

In Needles, there are significant numbers of householders with at least one housing problem earning an income 50 percent or less than the median family income ($77,500) for Needles. The majority of these are renter householders earning a household income 30 percent or less than the median family income. Table 19 shows the numbers and percentages of households with a housing problem in Needles and cross-references the householder’s income with the household tenure. A substantially larger percentage of renters (91.0 percent) in Needles have at least one housing problem.

Table 19: Housing Problems for All Households, 2017
Total Renters Total Owners Total Households
Household income < 30% MFI with any housing problem 310 100 410 Household income >30% to < 50% MFI with any housing problem 95 75 170 Percentage of households (< 50% MFI) with any housing problem 39 105 1,190 Source: CHAS 2013–2017 Data Sets, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/cp.html#2006-2017.

Housing Cost and Affordability
Rental Rates
Based on market trends for the City of Needles, which was based on a point-in-time survey conducted over several weeks in spring and summer 2019, the average rent per month was $718. Table 20 shows a point-in- 2021-2029 Housing Element
25 City of Needles
time analysis of the rental prices in Needles from 2019. Data was queried on several dates but did not yield a large number of available rental listings; thus no data is shown for some of the unit sizes.

Table 20: City of Needles Rental Prices, May 2019
Category Average Monthly Rent per Category Median Monthly Rent Rental Price Range Loft/studio no data no data no data to no data
1 bedroom $601.75 $492.50 $475.00 to $947.00
2 bedrooms $659.00 $587.50 $515.00 to $1,114.00
3 bedrooms $894.40 $800.00 $650.00 to $1,322.00
4+ bedrooms no data no data no data to no data
Sources: Realtor.com, May 22, 23, 28, 2019; direct calls to property owners, August 2019.

Sales Prices
Based on market trends for the City of Needles, the median price for all home sales is $168,000, and the average price was approximately $311,750. Home sales prices ranged from as low as $59,000 to as high as $639,000.

Table 21 shows the home sales prices from 2019.

Table 21: City of Needles Home Sales Prices, May 2019
Bedrooms Number on Market Median Price Average Price Home Sales Price Range 1 bedroom 2 $117,495 $117,495 $117,495 to $117,495
2 bedrooms 1 $59,000 $59,000 $59,000 to $59,000
3 bedrooms 4 $334,000 $356,500 $119,000 to $639,000
4 bedrooms 0 no data no data no data to no data
5+
bedrooms 0 no data no data no data to no data
Source: Zillow.com, May 22, 2021.

Housing Affordability
Each year, HCD establishes the income limits for each county in the state for use in assessing eligibility for assisted housing programs in that county. The 2021 income limits are listed in Table 22 for each income category according to household size in Needles.

Housing affordability depends upon a householder’s income and the cost of housing. According to the HCD state income limits for 2021, the AMI in San Bernardino County is $77,500 for a family of four. Based on this median income, the income limits for a four-person household are:
• Extremely Low Income: Up to 30 percent of AMI ($0–$26,500) • Very Low Income: 31–50 percent of AMI ($26,501–$39,500) • Low Income: 51–80 percent of AMI ($39,501–$63,200)
• Moderate Income: 81–120 percent of AMI ($63,201–$93,000) Assuming that the potential homebuyer in each income group has sufficient credit and down payment (10 percent) and maintains affordable housing expenses (i.e., spends no more than 30 percent of their income on 2021-2029 Housing Element
26 City of Needles
the mortgage, taxes, and insurance), the maximum affordable home prices can be determined. Table 22 shows the purchasing power of the income groups as defined by HCD.

Table 22: Housing Affordability
Extremely Low-Income (Households at 30% of Median Income) Household size 1 2 3 4
Annual income limit $16,600 $19,000 $21,960 $26,500
Monthly income $1,383.33 $1,583 $1,830 $2,208
Maximum purchase price1 $25,294 $37,331 $56,161 $79,169 Very Low-Income (Households between 31% and 50% of Median Income) Household size 1 2 3 4
Annual income limit $27,650 $31,600 $35,550 $39,500
Monthly income $2,304 $2,633 $2,962 $3,291
Maximum purchase price1 $81,236 $101,249 $121,259 $141,184 Low-Income (Households between 51% and 80% of Median Income) Household size 1 2 3 4
Annual income limit $44,250 $50,600 $56,900 $63,200
Monthly income $3,688 $4,217 $4,742 $5,267
Maximum purchase price1 $165,281 $197,398 $229,320 $261,187 Moderate-Income (Households between 81% and 120% of Median Income) Household size 1 2 3 4
Annual income limit $65,100 $74,400 $83,700 $93,000
Monthly income $5,425 $6,200 $6,975 $7,750
Maximum purchase price1 $270,177 $317,248 $364,274 $411,438 Sources: Zillow Affordability Calculator, 2019; California Department of Housing and Community Development, State Income Limits for 2021, April 26, 2021.

1. Calculations based on 30-year fixed loan with a 10% down payment at a 4.00% annual interest rate.

Special Needs Groups
This section presents the current special housing needs of marginalized groups in Needles. Part of this Housing Element’s objective is to assist the City in providing opportunities for affordable housing and to reduce barriers faced by those groups, whose needs are not generally fulfilled by the business-as-usual housing production market. Special needs households may find themselves in situations compounded by multiple problems, such as having a lower or fixed income or having only a sole income earner.

Persons with Disabilities
The City of Needles has a large population of persons who are disabled for various reasons. There are many categories of disabled, including sensory, mentally, physically, etc. Many disabled persons are not physically disabled, but may be unable to work due to mental or self-care disabilities. The City places no zoning constraints on housing for the disabled, and does require that all new construction comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The City will review its regulations and analyze the potential constraints on housing for persons with disabilities as one of the programs to complete (see Program E-2).

Table 23 and Table 24 show the numbers of people in Needles living with some sort of disability relative to the rest of the City’s population as of 2019. Currently, the majority of those with a disability are between the ages of 5 to 64. This is consistent with the proportions of people living with disabilities during the 2000 US Census, although the population with disabilities skews slightly older as of 2019. The overall number of people with 2021-2029 Housing Element
27 City of Needles
disabilities relative to the rest of the population, however, has dramatically decreased. In 2000, nearly half of the population was living with some form of disability, but the number of people living with a disability decreased to a little more than one in four (or 25.3 percent) of the overall population as of 2019.

The County of San Bernardino, through its office in the City of Needles, provides programs to support disabled people, including access to the public guardian/public guardian conservator program, the elderly nutrition program that provides food for disabled and elderly persons, and the In Home Supportive Services Program, as well as Adult Protective Services.

Disabled persons need housing assistance, including features such as wider doorways, ramps in place of stairs, and elevators for units with multiple stories. These modifications have the potential to be expensive and are not usually found in older dwelling units. Ongoing enforcement of the City's Building Code, which is in conformity with state law, ensures that new construction will be accessible to disabled persons, though all units may not have all the features needed by specific individuals.

Table 23: Persons with Disability, 2019
Number Percentage
Persons ages 5–64 with a disability 810 60%
Persons ages 65 + with a disability 544 40%
Total Persons with a Disability (Age 5+) 1,354 100%
Total Population 5,343 -
Source: 2013–2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Table S1810.

Table 24: Disabled Persons by Type of Disability, 2019
Number2 Percent
Hearing disability 241 4.5%
Vision disability 233 4.4%
Cognitive disability 435 8.6%
Self-care disability 156 3.1%
Ambulatory disability 887 17.6%
Independent living disability 495 12.7%
Total Persons with a Disability 1,354 25.3%1
Total Population 5,343 -
Source: 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table S1810.

Notes:

1. Percent of total persons with a disability.

2. Disability categories are not mutually exclusive since many persons are living with multiple disabilities.

Persons with Developmental Disabilities
SB 812 requires the City’s special housing needs analysis to include the needs of individuals with a developmental disability. A developmental disability is a disability that occurs before an individual reaches 18 years of age, is expected to continue indefinitely, and constitutes a substantial handicap. Developmental disabilities include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and disabling conditions closely related to mental retardation or requiring similar treatment.

A number of housing types are appropriate for people living with a developmental disability, including rentsubsidized homes and licensed single-family homes. The design of housing accessibility modifications, the proximity to services and transit, and the availability of group living opportunities represent some of the 2021-2029 Housing Element
28 City of Needles
considerations that are important in serving this group. Incorporating barrier-free designs in all new multifamily housing, as required by California and federal fair housing laws, along with affordability, is especially important in housing for disabled residents.

Table 25: Persons with Developmental Disabilities by Age and Zip Code, 2018, San Bernardino County Zip Code 0–17 years 18+ years Total
92363 9 17 26
Source: 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year, Disability Characteristics, Table S1810.

Homeless
Persons who are experiencing homelessness have the most immediate housing need of all special needs groups. This group’s needs are challenging to address as a result of the complex causes of homelessness and the other compounding problems that these individuals may be simultaneously experiencing. As required by California law, housing elements estimate the need for emergency shelter for persons experiencing homelessness. In 2020, the San Bernardino County Point-in-Time count identified 3,125 individuals without homes across the county. Twenty-nine of these people were living in Needles without any shelter.

The nearest homeless shelter that is not religion-based is about 150 miles away. Needles’ homeless population is fairly small and mostly migratory. All of the necessary state studies and reports and plans that must be done to make the City eligible for funding for emergency shelter have not been possible. The City previously had a religion-based recovery home for men run by Calvary Church, but it was disbanded around 2009–2010. In the City of Needles, several churches provide services to homeless individuals, including residential short-term housing and regular meals distributed at various locations. The City’s Women’s Club provides clothing needs to homeless individuals for the weather extremes, i.e., very hot or very cold, as well as various sundries for good hygiene. At this time, the City does not currently participate in homeless assistance. The County receives and administers the City's share of CDBG funds that may be available for this use. The County will provide emergency shelter for those that qualify in the City of Needles, if desired. However, most people do not desire to go, or cannot go, 150 miles away to obtain emergency shelter, and most do not have the transportation to do so. The City plans on investigating the availability of grants for such purpose, as soon as it can obtain certification of this Housing Element. The City approved an amendment to its zoning ordinance in July 2019 to allow emergency shelters without discretionary review in the Light Manufacturing (M-1) and General Manufacturing (M-2) zones and to allow transitional and supportive housing in all residential zones and the Commercial, Residential, Resort (CRR) zone.

The Inland Empire United Way runs a hotline for San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Those who are in danger of homelessness or already homeless can call 2-1-1 if they are in need of food, shelter, or assistance paying their rent and utilities. The 2-1-1 service also makes referrals for animal care, disaster resources, help for elderly veterans, clothing, disability programs, low-cost child and medical care, job training, and governmental programs.

Farmworkers
There is no need for farmworker housing in the City since there are neither agricultural jobs nor cultivated lands in Needles. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code 17021.5 and 17021.6, farmworker housing for fewer than six individuals should be treated as a single-family home and not require a discretionary approval. Agricultural 2021-2029 Housing Element
29 City of Needles
employee housing with no more than 36 beds in group quarters or 12 units designed for the use of a single household is permitted by right in agricultural land use designations. The City has included Program E-3 to review its zoning ordinance for compliance with the Employee Housing Act related to agricultural employee housing as well as housing for other types of employees. Table 26 shows the numbers of farms and farmworkers in San Bernardino County. As of 2017, there were approximately five farmworkers for every farm in the county.

Table 26: Number of Farmworkers, San Bernardino County, 2017 Hired Farm Labor
Farms 409
Farmworkers 2,246
Source: USDA Census of Agriculture, 2017.

Note: Numbers reflects farms that employ works for more than 150 days per year.

Table 27 shows the number of farms and farmworkers in San Bernardino County by the length of farmworker work period. Most farms in the county operate for 150 days or more, and most farms employ more than 10 farmworkers during a single period.

Table 27: Number of Farmworkers by Days Worked, San Bernardino County, 2017 150 Days or More
Farms 409
Workers 2,246
Farms with 10 or More Workers
Farms 60
Workers 1,256
Fewer Than 150 Days
Farms 253
Workers 667
Sources: HCD Data Packet; USDA Census of Agriculture, 2017.

Seniors
Many seniors have some type of special housing need due to a variety of factors, including having a disability, special health care needs, or living on a fixed income. Maintaining and repairing a home using a fixed retirement income can be especially challenging.

Within the City of Needles, the Needles Regional Senior Center serves as the primary resource for seniors. It primarily acts as a daily activity center for the senior population, offering lunches, dial-a-ride services, and activities such as games and exercise classes. There are no live-in facilities at the Regional Senior Center. Other private resources in the Needles area that offer assistance to seniors include Firehouse Ministries, the Catholic Church, and the Tri-State Medical Center.

Since 2009, the senior population of Needles has increased, though most of the increase has been among younger seniors. As of 2019, there were 1,033 seniors living in Needles, the majority of whom were younger seniors between the ages of 65 to 74. Older seniors make up a decreasingly smaller proportion of the total senior population. Table 28 shows the number of seniors living in Needles by age group. 2021-2029 Housing Element
30 City of Needles
Table 28: Senior Population, 2009–2019
Age Group 2009 2019
Ages 65–74 427 710
Ages 75–84 293 252
Ages 85+ 41 71
Total 761 1,033
Source: 2005–2009, 2013–2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Tables DP05, S0101.

Large Families
Large households are defined as having five or more persons. They are considered a special needs group because there is usually a limited supply of adequately sized housing to accommodate their needs. The more persons in a household, the more rooms required to accommodate that household. More specifically, a fiveperson household would require three or four bedrooms; a six-person household would require four bedrooms; and a seven-person household would require four to six bedrooms. In certain instances where the housing market does not meet the housing needs of large households, overcrowding may result. Overcrowding occurs when there are more than 1.01 persons per room.

In 2019, Needles was estimated to have 45 housing units with five or more bedrooms. As of 2019, Needles had 385 households consisting of families with four or more members. Of these, 228 households (59 percent) lived in owner-occupied households, and 157 households (approximately 41 percent) lived in renter-occupied households. The rate of overcrowding in Needles is approximately 1.5 percent and is not a significant issue in the City.

Female Heads of Household
Female-headed households tend to have special needs, ranging from affordability of housing to the presence and accessibility of services such as childcare, health care, and housing assistance. Female-headed households generally have lower incomes, which limits their choice in housing options.

The City of Needles attempts to assist female heads of household by providing extended recreational opportunities at the City Parks and Recreation Department to assist with day care needs. When and if sufficient commercial development takes place in the City, it will consider a plan to have commercial developers also assist with day care needs.

Women make up a substantial portion of the City’s heads of household—787, or 36 percent, of Needles’ heads of household are women. Less than a third of these, 227, live with their children. Less than half of the femaleheaded family households in Needles are living in poverty. Specifically, 19 percent of Needles households represent any type of family household living in poverty, and 13 percent of Needles households are femaleheaded households living in poverty. Table 29 presents the numbers of family and female-headed households in Needles.

Table 29: Female-Headed Households, 2019
Household Type 2019
Number Percentage
Total Householders 2,188 100.0%
Female-headed householders 787 36.0%
2021-2029 Housing Element
31 City of Needles
Female-headed households without children 560 25.6%
Female-headed households with own children 227 10.4%
Total Families 1,320 100.0 %
Total Families under the Poverty Level 257 19.5%
Female-headed householders under the poverty level 173 13.1% Source: 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table S1101 and Table S1702.

Assisted Units at Risk of Conversion
Existing Affordable Housing
In the City of Needles, four multifamily projects with 234 affordable units are currently being subsidized by either state or federal agencies for lower-income residents (see Table 30). Tenants wishing to lease affordable units have the ability to rent from those sources. None of the four projects’ subsidies are scheduled to expire within 10 years after the end of the current planning period, or 2021–2029, so none of the projects are considered at risk. The City will continue to work with property owners and monitor these developments throughout the planning period per Program C-3, Preservation of At-Risk Housing. In addition to these assisted housing developments, the City of Needles Housing Authority owns and manages 52 units of conventional public housing located at 908 Sycamore Drive. Collectively, these low-income rental units comprise 10 percent of the City’s total housing stock.

In general, every multifamily residential project that has been permitted and constructed in the City over the past 50 years has been an assisted housing development.

Table 30: Assisted Housing Developments, 2019
Name of
Development Address Funding Sources Total Assisted Units Year
Constructed
Expiration
of
Affordability
River Garden
Apartments
1970 Clary Drive, Needles, CA
92363 LIHTC 80 2000 2055
Riverview
Terrace
Apartments
1933 Erin Drive, Needles, CA
92363
LIHTC/USDA Sec
515 58 1979 2067
Mesa Grande 1600 Lillyhill Drive, Needles, CA
92363
LIHTC/USDA Sec
515 45 1984 2068
Lilly Hill
Apartments
1001 Lillyhill Drive, Needles, CA
92363
LIHTC/USDA Sec
515/HUD PBRA 51 1981 2068
Housing
Authority
908 Sycamore Drive, Needles, CA
92363 HUD 52 1952 2068
Total 286
Sources: California Housing Partnership Corporation, 2019; Needles Housing Authority, 2021.

Qualified Entities
HCD keeps a current list of all of the qualified entities across the state. A “qualified entity” is a nonprofit or forprofit 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 31. 2021-2029 Housing Element
32 City of Needles
Table 31: 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.

However, given the fact that the owners of all of the housing units listed in Table 30 intend to continue to renew their financing programs with HUD, there is no need for qualified entities to acquire these properties.

Construction of Replacement Units
Currently, programs that fill this role are managed by the Housing Authority of San Bernardino County. The construction of new low-income housing units is a means of replacing 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 to develop new housing near Needlesranges from $110 to $164 per square foot depending on the type and quality of finishes.1

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)
• California Community Housing Agency (CalCHA) bonds
• California Housing Finance Agency
• CalHome
• SB 2 Permanent Local Housing Allocation
• HOME Investment Partnership Program
1 https://home-builders.promatcher.com/cost/lake-havasu-city-az-home-builders-costs-prices.aspx. Accessed February 1, 2022. 2021-2029 Housing Element
33 City of Needles

HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES
This section provides an overview of the sites selection and the resources and opportunities that assist with the construction of new housing in Needles. These resources include vacant sites suitable for housing and financial resources for affordable housing development, rehabilitation, and preservation.

Regional Housing Need
The City’s future housing need is based on population and employment growth projections over the 2021– 2029 period. Based on these projections, HCD assigns each region in California a Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), which requires regions to address housing issues and needs (California Government Code Section 65584). Through HCD, the state of California establishes the total housing unit needs for each region.

The local council of governments determines the share of the regional housing need for each city and county within its jurisdiction, consistent with Government Code Section 65584(a) and with the advice of HCD.

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) developed the RHNA for the City of Needles. 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 opportunity 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 period and that market forces are not inhibited in addressing the housing needs for all facets of a particular community. Table 32 shows the RHNA target for the time period from 2021 to 2029 for each of the five household income groups for the City of Needles. The City has a total of 87 units for its RHNA.

Table 32: City of Needles 2021–2029 RHNA
Income Group Number of Units Percentage
Extremely Low* 5 5.7%
Very Low 5 5.7%
Low 11 12.7%
Moderate 16 18.4%
Above Moderate 50 57.5%
Total 87 100.0%
Source: Southern California Association of Governments, 6th Cycle Final RHNA Allocation Plan 2021. *The extremely low-income allocation is assumed to be 5 units based on the HCD-accepted methodology of assuming 50 percent of the very lowincome allocation (allocated at 10 units) for households of extremely low income. 2021-2029 Housing Element
34 City of Needles
No Net Loss Buffer
Recent changes to state law (SB 166 – 2017) required cities to continually maintain adequate capacity in their sites inventories to meet their RHNA for all income levels. In the event that a site is developed below the density projected in the Housing Element, or at a different income level than projected, the City must have adequate sites available to accommodate the remaining balance of the RHNA. If the City does not have any additional 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 an additional buffer of at least 20 percent above the RHNA in each category, as shown in Table 33.

Table 33: City of Needles 6th Cycle RHNA plus Buffer
Extremely Low1 Very Low Low Moderate Above Moderate Total RHNA 5 5 11 16 50 87
RHNA +20% Buffer 6 6 13 19 60 104
Source: City of Needles
Note:

1. The extremely low-income allocation is assumed to be 5 units based on the HCD-accepted methodology of assuming 50 percent of the very low-income allocation for households of extremely low income.

Realistic Capacity
Realistically, sites tend to be developed with fewer than the maximum number of allowable units due to setbacks, development standard requirements, and environmental and other constraints. For the purposes of this analysis, a realistic capacity is used, which is calculated as 80 percent of the maximum allowable densities of low- and moderate-income sites. This is consistent with a recently proposed mixed-use development in downtown Needles, which would feature 73 units of housing on an approximately 2-acre site. Affordability for this project has not been determined yet, but demonstrates that multifamily projects in Needles are capable of achieving densities of 30+ dwelling units per acre. As mentioned previously, all multifamily projects in Needles have historically featured 100 percent affordable units.

As shown in Exhibit 3, the proposed RHNA sites are all within 500 feet of sewer and potable water infrastructure (refer to Appendix C). The exception to this is a few approved single-family lots in the above moderate-income category that are already subdivided and graded. All of these lots are part of a recently approved subdivision including new roads and water and sewer infrastructure. No sites were identified in the northern portion of the City as there is currently no sewer service infrastructure available and limited water service is available only within close proximity of the Interstate 40 freeway.

The selected above moderate-income sites include 62 parcels that were recently subdivided into single-family building lots and graded in preparation for development. As such, the realistic capacity for these parcels is one unit per parcel, regardless of parcel size.

Available Sites
The City of Needles has ample vacant sites and zoned land to meet and well exceed the RHNA. Table 34 reflects vacant land available for residential use and the number of possible units in Needles from a 2019 inventory of 2021-2029 Housing Element
35 City of Needles
vacant land. The City has almost 3,000 vacant acres in the R-2 zone. The R-2 zone has a maximum of 17 units per acre. This yields a realistic capacity of 40,052 units. The City has over 1,000 acres in the R-3 zone, at a maximum 30 dwelling units per acre, indicating capacity for 25,106 low-income units at 80 percent of the maximum allowed density. The vacant land inventory includes a realistic capacity for 65,175 units across the City.

It is noted that the entire vacant land inventory does not have adequate access to infrastructure services. The vacant land inventory in 2019 estimated that approximately 41,177 of the calculated realistic capacity units have the ability to access services in the City.

Table 34: Potential of Vacant Residentially Zoned Land, 2019 Zone Number of
Parcels Acres Maximum Density (units/acre) Maximum Units Realistic Units (80% of Maximum Allowed) R-1 11 3.1 7 21 17
R-2 215 2,945 17 50,065 40,052
R-3 74 1,046.1 30 31,383 25,106
Total 300 3,994.2 N/A 81,469 65,175
Source: City of Needles, 2019.

In 2021, an inventory found that there were 25.55 vacant acres of residentially zoned land within 500 feet of existing sewer and water and with no flood risk, as shown in Table 35. These sites would allow a realistic potential at 80 percent of the maximum density of 392 dwelling units.

Table 35: Vacant Sites (Water & Sewer Access; No Flood Risk), 2021 Zone Number of
Parcels Acres Assumed Maximum Density
Maximum
Potential Units
Realistic Units
(80% of Maximum Allowed)
R-1 5 1.11 7 units/acre 8 7
R-2 81 19.45 17 units/acre 331 265
R-3 3 4.99 30 units/acre 150 120
Total 89 25.55 N/A 489 392
Source: Calculations performed by Michael Baker International and Houseal & Levine GIS Department, 2021.

There have been no vacant sites developed since adoption of the 2013–2021 Housing Element. There are no vacant sites included in the RHNA that were included in the last two consecutive previous Housing Element cycles.

Sites to Accommodate the Regional Housing Needs Allocation Table 36 shows the 66 sites selected to meet the RHNA. Additional information on each site is provided in Appendix B. All parcels included to meet the RHNA are currently vacant sites. The RHNA sites were selected based on their proximity to available existing infrastructure (sewer and potable water), absence of identified flood risk, and readiness to be developed. Additionally, all of the low- and moderate-income RHNA sites are in close proximity to resources such as the Needles Regional Senior Center, social services, and healthcare services.
2021-2029 Housing Element
36 City of Needles
The low- and moderate-income sites are adjacent to recently developed multifamily housing, demonstrating a demand for and viability of similar development.

The above moderate-income sites selected consist of 62 subdivided and graded building lots throughout Needles. These sites were selected based on their readiness to be developed. As the sites are already subdivided and graded, they are primed for single-family home development. They include some vacant lots in an already developed single-family neighborhood.

Table 36: RHNA Sites Summary
Zone # of
Parcels Acres Assumed Density
Maximum
Units
Sites Inventory Units
(80% of maximum)
RHNA
requirement
+ 20% Buffer
Excess
Capacity
Low-Income
R-2 1 1.53 30 units/acre 45 36 25 11
Moderate-Income
R-2 3 3.43 17 units/acre 57 44 19 25
Above Moderate-Income
R-2 62* 12.97 8 units/acre 62 62 60 2
TOTALS 66 164 142 104 38
Source: City of Needles, 2021.

Notes:*Above moderate-income sites are subdivided and graded building lots that allow 1 unit per parcel.

As shown in Exhibit 3, most of the sites identified have nearby access to water and sewer (within 500 feet), as well as the availability of electrical and internet service (refer to Appendix C). Exhibit 4 illustrates suitable sites for RHNA development in proximity to flooding constraints (refer to Appendix C). None of the proposed RHNA sites are situated in areas subject to flash flooding or both.

Based on an analysis of vacant land, the City has sufficient sites to meet its RHNA under the 6th cycle. There is more than sufficient land with City services available, some of which could be used to build additional affordable housing, senior housing projects, and multifamily housing if there is sufficient demand for these units.

Local governments can employ a variety of development strategies to meet their RHNA housing production goals, as established in Government Code Section 65583(c)(1)). Through a combination of sites for higherdensity multifamily development and the use of a variety of housing types, such as manufactured homes, accessory dwelling units, and mixed-use development, the City will be able to address all of the need for sites to support housing affordable to lower-income households. The most difficult challenge is facilitating the development of housing affordable to extremely low- and very low-income households. While the City has sufficient availability of appropriately zoned land with adequate infrastructure, the availability of subsidies and incentives to make the housing feasible for developers is lacking.

The Current Goals, Objectives, Policies, and Programs section of this document contains a variety of programs to facilitate the development of housing units affordable to lower-income households. These include expedited processing and technical assistance, as well as other incentives. 2021-2029 Housing Element
37 City of Needles
To comply with SB 1087, the City will immediately forward the 6th Cycle Housing Element (once adopted by the City Council) to its water and wastewater department so it can grant priority for service allocations to proposed developments that include units affordable to lower‐income households.

Financial Resources
Listed here are existing programs available for assistance in buying, building, or repairing a home. Some are grants, and some are low-interest loans. This list is based on information provided prior to any budget cuts resulting at the state level.
• The Senior Home Repair Program. Administered by the County of San Bernardino, Department of Economic and Community Development, this program provides repair grants to homeowners over 60 years of age or persons of any age who are permanently disabled, for leaking faucets, water heater replacement, construction of wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and other minor repairs. • The Home Improvement Loan Program. Administered by the San Bernardino County, Department of Economic and Community Development, this program provides rehabilitation loans to qualifying lowincome homeowners at or below market-interest rates. • Homeownership Assistance Program. Administered by the County of San Bernardino and funded by the HOME funds from the State of California, this program assists low-income persons to purchase a home by providing a deferred loan, secured by a second trust deed with 0 percent interest and no payments. This loan is repaid at the time of sale or refinance of the property. • American Dream Down Payment Initiative. This program is funded through the HOME funds from the State of California, administered through the County of San Bernardino. • Multifamily Rental Property Rehabilitation/Refinance Program. Funded through the HOME funds from the State of California, administered through the County of San Bernardino, this program provides loans to assist nonprofit owners of affordable multifamily rental housing with rehabilitation loans at very low interest.
• The California Housing Rehabilitation Program. HCD offers low-interest loans for the rehabilitation of rental housing, including residential hotels. Loan limits range from $15,000 for rehabilitation of residential hotel units to $35,000 for three or more bedroom units. These loans are given only to maintain or convert to assisted units.
• Energy Conservation. With temperatures ranging from the low 30s to above 115 in Needles, energy is in high demand for both heating and cooling, making conservation measures an important issue. The electric utility is City-owned and is aggressively pursuing alternate sources from which to purchase or generate power in order to control costs for City residents. In addition, the City has established a “Responsible Resource Home” program, which encourages the construction of energy-efficient homes. Homes built under this program surpass Title 24 standards by 10 percent. Persons who purchase or build such a home can expect to reduce electric bills by up to 15 percent. The program also focuses on water conservation methods and technologies. In 2019, Needles won the California Small Utility Company Energy Efficiency Award. The City participates in numerous programs to provide Energy Star appliances, solar screens, HVAC systems, toilet replacement, and windows and doors. 2021-2029 Housing Element
38 City of Needles
• Energy Audits. The City Utility office offers low-cost evaluation of homes to determine the major sources of energy loss.
• Multi-Family Mortgage Revenue Bond Program. This program is administered by the San Bernardino County, Department of Economic and Community Development, and funds are provided by the state.

The program provides below-market interest rate loans for development of new multifamily rental units with a minimum of 30 units. At least 40 percent of the units must be preserved for households with incomes at or below 60 percent of the county median, and 20 percent of the units must be reserved for households with incomes at or below 50 percent of the county median. Participants in this program can be individuals, partnerships, and profit and nonprofit corporations, and loans will be amortized over 30-year terms and due in 12 to 15 years. • Developer Incentives. In 2018, the City reduced its development impact feesfor both North and South Needles for residential housing development. Development impact fees as of mid-year 2021 currently remain unchanged and the City has not increased its entitlement fee. The City has initiated the sale of vacant surplus property to generate revenue. The City has also initiated an economic development incentive program that would pay for fees and off-site infrastructure for homebuilders. To date, the City has been successful in selling off its inventory of commercial parcels, resulting in the development of a new hotel (Hampton Inn) and a proposed 73-unit mixed-use development. The City is continuing to offer the sale of additional commercial parcels.
• State Housing Programs. HCD provides loans that are administered by the County of San Bernardino until such time as the City has “opted out” and formed its own programs. One of the City’s goals is to set up such a program and administer such funds under its own program, set by state guidelines. • County Housing Programs. These include first-time buyer programs, home improvement loan programs, senior home repair, etc.
• Outreach.
o The City is working with the media to make its residents aware of many programs available to assist with homeownership or rehabilitation, through various public and private agencies. o To anyone interested in low- to moderate-income housing programs and fair housing laws, a variety of brochures are provided at the library and City Hall administrative offices. The Housing Authority of the City of Needles is the agency in the City that oversees the majority of low- and moderate-income housing and markets it to potential tenants. o The City is constantly reaching out to homebuilders’ associations who can provide low- to moderate-income housing. City staff have created a catalog of uninhabited for-sale properties and provides it to developers and parties interested in rehabilitation of housing inventory. The City constantly marketsitssurplus City-owned property for sale. The City has 29.91 acres of land for sale to develop homes. An economic development incentive program has been initiated to pay for fees and off-site improvements for homebuilders. o Through community groups (Needles Downtown Business Association, Needles Chamber, Development Services Department), the City promotes the expanded participation of local landlords in rental housing rehabilitation programs.
2021-2029 Housing Element
39 City of Needles

HOUSING CONSTRAINTS
Nongovernmental Constraints
The City of Needles recognizes the need to ensure that there is adequate housing which is affordable to all income groups. There are a number of constraints in any jurisdiction that can impede achievement of this goal.

These potential constraints and whether they are an issue in Needles are discussed herein.

Environmental Constraints
The physical geography of the Mohave Valley has resulted in multiple drainage patterns that coexist with urban development in developed areas. Most of the washes, drainage courses, and some of their surrounding floodplains are still undeveloped and can be considered as existing open space and are utilized as water collection channels in a serious storm event. The general course of drainage within the Needles area runs from the west to the east, ultimately leading to the Colorado River. No portion of the City is near an active fault or within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone mapped by the State Geologist and the California Geological Survey, nor is it within an earthquake fault zone boundary or County-designated fault zone. No portion of the City is located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, which reduces the risk of wildfires.

Flooding is the most constraining environmental factor, as the City is bisected by multiple flood zones. Exhibit 4 illustrates suitable sites for RHNA development in proximity to flooding constraints (refer to Appendix C).

While none of the proposed RHNA sites are situated in areas subject to flash flooding, the City contains several sections of residentially zoned land within potential flood zones. This is a potential constraint on future development.

The San Bernardino County Department of Public Works, Flood Control District maintains an extensive regional system of facilities in the Needles area, including dams, conservation basins, channels, and storm drains, and is responsible for flood protection, water conservation efforts, and storm drain construction in the area. The Environmental Assessment of the City’s General Plan identifies flood hazards associated with the floodplain bordering the Colorado River. Future revisions to the Safety Element could include additional mitigation measures to address this constraint. Conformance with City regulations would also ensure that future housing would not result in increased rates or amounts of surface runoff, exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems, or impede or redirect flood flows.

The City’s RHNA inventory was developed with flood risk as a selection criterion. All sites in the City’s RHNA sites inventory are outside of a known flood zone, therefore the residential capacity and ability to build on the selected sites is not impacted by flood risk.

Economic Constraints
Extensive development of vacant land throughout Southern California in the past couple of decades has led to an increased demand for land, resulting in a rapid rise in land values and higher housing costs. Land values in 2021-2029 Housing Element
40 City of Needles
Needles, however, have remained relatively affordable in comparison to most other areas of Southern California.

Land Costs
The price of land was assessed by analyzing appraisals of four subject parcels in the City from 2016 to 2019.

These four subject parcels ranged in size from 1.52 acres to 28.21 acres of vacant or improved land. Recent purchases from similar, nearby sales were analyzed when considering appropriate sale prices. The price of vacant land ranged from $0.33 to $0.50 per square foot, and improved developed residential land ranged from $87.00 to $309.00 per square foot.
2 Land costs differ depending on the lot’s location within the City. Land costs are higher in North Needles and along the Colorado River as opposed to South Needles, with typical land prices of $70,000 for a 1.3-acre lot in North Needles and $81,000 for a 2.3-acre in South Needles. The cost difference is partially because North Needles is limited to 1-acre minimum lot sizes for homes, and South Needles parcels are less than half an acre, due to septic system and well constraints, as discussed further under the Zoning discussion in Governmental Constraints section, below. However, a 1-acre parcel in South Needles is approximately $14,880, which is still significantly less than North Needles land prices.

Although the City has little control over market demands and thus cannot determine the price of land, City land use policies, which regulate the allowable densities of residential uses, can influence the ultimate cost of the dwelling unit. The City’s zoning ordinance standards also influence the ultimate cost of constructing a home.

Land use policies and zoning ordinance standards are further discussed below under Governmental Constraints, subsections “General Plan” and “Zoning.”
Construction Costs
Labor and material are major costs other than land and have a direct impact on the cost of housing. Singlefamily dwelling construction costs can vary greatly depending on the size of the unit and whether it is a custom home or part of a larger subdivision. At the present time, the cost of labor and materials is not a hindrance to the production of relatively low-cost housing in the City. With building costs estimated at approximately $167,172 for a single-family home,
3 the cost of construction is relatively low in the City. Due to the hot climate, central heating and cooling systems were accounted for in the cost estimate, but all other amenities in the estimate were assumed to be basic. Combined with soft costs, including architecture and engineering costs, permits and utilities, insurance, final cleanup, and contractor markup, the total cost of housing construction is approximately $338,300 per unit. Significant increases in these costs, which the City has no direct control over, can directly affect the affordability of housing.
2 Developed residential home property values per square foot obtained from Zillow, accessed June 3, 2021; https://www.zillow.com/.
3 Total home building costs comprising purchase of land, building fees, utility fees, school fees, home construction ($90 per square foot) and closing costs.
2021-2029 Housing Element
41 City of Needles
Multifamily housing construction costs are estimated at about $95 to $100 per square foot, and with the cost of land remaining low, the estimated cost for a single-family dwelling is estimated at approximately $138 per square foot.

Mortgage and Rehabilitation Financing
Financing costs can impact the ability of potential homebuyers to make a purchase. As a result of more lenient lending practices during the early to mid-2000s, changing economic conditions in the late 2000s, and falling home prices, many homeowners faced difficulties in making their mortgage payments and have been unable to refinance their home loans or sell their homes to pay off their mortgages. In response, lenders tightened their loan standards, returning to practices that prevailed prior to 2000. This has led to an increase in loan denials as lenders more closely scrutinize household income, credit history, and the overall risk of the loan.

Thus, while interest rates have not climbed dramatically, access to home financing has reduced the pool of buyers able to purchase a home. Furthermore, the lack of credit not only affects homebuyers and homeowners but developers and property owners who want to improve their properties. In particular, financing for projects perceived as "higher risk" by financial institutions, including housing projects, has become harder to obtain since 2008.

In 2006, the average 30-year fixed mortgage was approximately 6.4 percent, before declining to historic lows due to the housing crisis in 2008 and subsequent economic recession. In 2013, the average rate for a 30-year fixed rate was 4 percent. Since 2013, interest rates have remained relatively low, with an average of 2.5 to 3.1 percent for a 30-year fixed mortgage in 2021.
4 However, tighter loan standards and the availability of financing continues to affect a potential homebuyer’s ability to purchase a home.

Home loan mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) have increased as a result of the shoring up of available credit and more stringent loan requirements. Currently, many lending institutions require a 20 percent down payment in addition to meeting income and credit history requirements. Lenders’ stricter adherence to mortgage qualifications has decreased the ability for people to take out loans on those terms, and FHA-backed loans have become a popular alternative. In fiscal year 2016–2017, the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) funded 7,259 loans, totaling $1.86 billion for the California Homebuyer’s Down Payment Assistance Program, marking the largest-ever number of loans and assistance in the program’s history. FHA-backed mortgages typically require a lower down payment and a good credit score is not essential.

However, the approval process for FHA-backed mortgages is longer, costlier, and more intensive than conventional home loans, causing most condominiums to bypass the process of gaining FHA approval.

Therefore, most condominiums do not qualify for FHA financing unless the complex or building is FHAapproved. With the City’s housing stock consisting largely of single-family homes (69.1 percent), this is a less prevalent concern for most buyers, since FHA financing is more accessible for single-family home purchases.

The North Needles area, zoned Commercial, Residential, Resort (CRR), averages two units per one acre on a parcel, because the minimum parcel size is one acre and allows for this type of density. For Needles’ residentially zoned areas located in the mid-section of the City and included on the sites inventory list, R-1 4 Mortgage News Daily, Daily Mortgage Rates, accessed May 28, 2021; http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/mortgage_rates/daily.aspx. 2021-2029 Housing Element
42 City of Needles
“Single family residential” zoned sites are typically smaller lots created for one single-family residential unit.

Throughout the central Needles area, there is the R-2 “Two-family residential” zone, having a built density of between 8 and 17 units per acre, and the R-3 “Multiple family residential” zone, having a built density of between 18 and 30 units per acre. The City’s policy on approval of entitlements and submittal of building plans allows both to occur in parallel with each other, to ensure that project timelines are reasonable and minimize lag time. When a builder waits for building permit submittal until after entitlements are approved, the developer typically submits within two weeks after receiving approval of entitlements.

Governmental Constraints
Land Use Controls
General Plan
The General Plan for the City of Needles establishes a basis for allowable uses and densities for each residential zone. There are more than 3,900 acres of land presently zoned for residential uses that have access to existing municipal services or could install septic, with a potential for 65,000 dwelling units using the lowest density range possible for each zone. There are currently three residential land designations and one resort-focused mixed-use designation in the City of Needles General Plan to accommodate a wide variety of housing types.

With densities of 1 to 30 units per acre, the General Plan land use designations are not a constraint to development, although in order to encourage infill, a general mixed-use designation must be adopted to accommodate mixed uses outside of resort-focused areas, which is recognized as necessary for healthy growth of the City (see Program A-4).

The General Plan encourages infill development prior to expansion of the City into nonurbanized lands and provides for economic incentives for such infill development. Other policies support ongoing rehabilitation and preservation of existing neighborhoods.

Since the City of Needles is presently in a "pro-growth" stage of development, all reasonable governmental restraints on development have been removed. The City does not have growth controls outside of zoning on residential development, which are minimal and do not impede the ability to achieve the maximum density within any given zoning district. Processing times are short to assist developers, and requirements have been kept minimal. However, the City will not accept developments that do not have paved streets, sewer, and other utilities; do not meet HUD requirements; or are not on a permanent foundation. At the present time, impact fees are applied to circulation system improvements, water sources, storage and distribution facilities, wastewater collection system facilities, and park and open space land acquisition and parkland development, and application fees are reasonably priced. Building permits are based upon 2019 California Building Code standards. The next revision for the City to adopt will be in 2022.

Zoning
As discussed above, the three residential zones in the City that directly parallel the City’s land use designations do not involve overly restrictive residential development standards, and provide substantial opportunities for the development of a full range of affordable housing. The densities range from 2 units per lot (accessory dwelling units) to up to 30 units per net acre in an R-3 zone. Greater density can be allowed with density bonuses. The City’s zoning ordinance also includes provisions for increases in density of 25 percent to 100 2021-2029 Housing Element
43 City of Needles
percent for affordable and senior projects, respectively. The City allows densities of 20 units per acre or more on a large number of sites, which is adequate to allow the development of affordable rental housing.

Additionally, much of the City’s vacant land is under the R-2 and R-3 zoning designations.

Nonconforming Lots
In the central part of town, which was the original town of Needles, many lots are now of insufficient size to meet the requirements for the building of a residential structure. The City does permit those older homes to be remodeled or refurbished and will encourage new structures to replace the existing structures for residential use in a mixed-use zone, provided the City’s parking standards can be met. Since the lots are mostly too small to allow desired parking and garages, until two lots are available side by side (for parcel merging), developers and homebuilders are generally not interested in new construction in this part of town.

Development Review
Site Plan Review
The City of Needles utilizes the site plan review process in the zoning ordinance to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of residents as well as implementing the policies of the General Plan. These site plan review guidelines regulate height, bulk, and area of buildings; colors and types of buildings and other structures; physical and architectural relations with existing and proposed structures; height, materials, and variations in boundary walls, fences, or screening planting; landscaping, lighting and open space requirements; and parking standards. The site plan review requirements are processed concurrently with subdivision or other permit requirements, do not add to the processing time for an application, and do not unreasonably restrict the construction of the homes to make them less affordable.

Architectural and Design Standards
Architectural and design standards in the City of Needles are minimal. No distinction is made that would require any greater responsibilities for manufactured housing or other forms of low-cost housing construction. In reality, if low-cost housing is being constructed that meets the state guidelines for affordable housing, higher densities may be granted to the developer through affordable housing bonuses. The development standards are reflected in the chart below.

Table 37: Basic Zoning Standards
R-1 Zone R-2 Zone R-3 Zone CRR Zone
Max. Density 1-7 U/Acre 8-17 U/Acre 18-30 U/Acre 1-30 U/Acre Min. Side Setbacks 5'-15' (corner lots) 5'-15' (corner lots) 5'-15' (corner lots) 5'-15' (corner lots) Min. Front Setbacks 20' 15’ 15’ 20'
Min. Rear Setbacks 20' 10'-15' (on alley) 10'-15' (on alley) 10'-15' (on alley) Lot Coverage 70% max 70% max 70% max 70% max
Min. Lot Size 7,500 sq ft 7,500 sq ft 7,500 sq ft 7,500 sq ft Parking 2 per Unit 2 per Unit 1 ½ Per Unit 1 ½ Per Unit Height Max. 35' 35' 35' firefighting limit 35' firefighting limit Source: City of Needles, 2021.
2021-2029 Housing Element
44 City of Needles
Parking Standards
The City’s parking requirements are based on unit type and size. As shown in Table 38, parking requirements are typically two spaces per single-family residential unit. Multifamily residential units have a reduced requirement based on the size of unit, but generally average two spaces per unit after accounting for guest parking. Reductions in the number of parking spaces are enacted for uses that serve tenants with low vehicleownership rates, rooming homes, residence clubs, and fraternity and sorority houses.

Table 38: Parking Standards
Residential Land Use Parking Required
Single-family dwellings, duplexes 2 stalls per unit; 1 of which shall be a covered carport or garage.

Accessory dwelling units1 1 on-site parking space shall be required for each bedroom of the proposed accessory dwelling unit.

Multifamily

1.5 stalls per dwelling unit or 2 stalls for each unit having 3 or more bedrooms, plus 1 stall for every 4 units for guests. 1 stall for each unit shall be covered with a garage or carport.

Rooming houses, residence clubs,
fraternity and sorority house 1 stall for every 2 occupants plus an additional 4 stalls.

Source: City of Needles, 2021.

Note:

1. All parking spaces for accessory dwelling units are required in addition to the parking spaces required for the primary residence.

Septic Ordinance in North Needles
The City’s Wastewater Department operates 19.25 miles of sewer line, 3.6 miles of force main, 4 lift stations, and 390 manholes in Needles. However, the system does not extend throughout the entire City; it runs from Victory Drive and Cherry Drive in South Needles up to Pashard Avenue in North Needles. Many residences in North Needles are required to use septic systems due to the lack of nearby sewer connections. Reliance upon septic systems limits potential North Needles development to smaller parcel sizes, and under Ordinance 542-AC, residential parcels in North Needles are limited to one acre with one septic system and well per acre.

The higher septic demand in North Needles increases the cost of development relative to the rest of Needles.

None of the sites in the land inventory in this Housing Element are subject to this ordinance.

Provisions for a Variety of Housing
Allowed Land Uses
Table 39 summarizes the housing types permitted in the community by zoning district. Each use is designated by a letter noting whether the use is permitted by right (Z), requires a special use permit (S) via Planning Commission approval, or is conditionally permitted (C) by City Council. Note that some uses required by state law are included in this table, despite the City’s zoning code providing no direction on the allowance. Programs are included in this element to address these uses not currently addressed by the City’s zoning code; see various programs in Program Section B, Constraint Removal.

Table 39: Housing Types Permitted by Zoning District
Housing Type Zone
R-1 R-2 R-3 CRR C-1 C-2 M-1 M-2
Single-Family Attached Z Z Z Z Z - - -
Single-Family Detached Z Z Z Z Z - - -
2021-2029 Housing Element
45 City of Needles
Duplexes - Z Z S - S - -
Multifamily (5+ units) - - Z C - S - -
Mobile Homes C C S - - -
Manufactured Homes Z Z Z Z Z - - -
Accessory Dwelling Units Z Z Z Z Z - - -
Emergency Shelters - - - - - - Z Z
Transitional Housing Z Z Z Z - - - -
Supportive Housing Z Z Z Z - - - -
Single-Room Occupancy Units C C C C C C - -
Residential Care Facilities
(6 or fewer people) C C S C C - -
Residential Care Facilities
(7 or more persons) - - - - - - - -
Employee Housing - - - - - - - -
Source: City of Needles, 2021.

Note: Z=Permitted, C=Conditionally Permitted; S=Specially Permitted.

Conventional Housing
Single-family homes are permitted by right in all three residential zones, the R-1 zone, R-2 zone, and R-3 zone.

Single-family homes are also permitted in some mixed-use and commercial zones, including by right in the CRR zone and the C-1 zone. Multifamily housing is permitted by right in the R-3 zone. Multifamily housing is allowed with a conditional use permit in the mixed-use CRR zone.

Manufactured Homes and Mobile Homes
Mobile and manufactured homes offer an affordable housing option to many low- and moderate-income households. A mobile home is defined in the zoning code as a transportable, factory-built home designed as a year-round residential dwelling and is permitted in all residential zoning districts in the City, according to the same development standards applied to site-built single-family homes. The City does not allow mobile homes built prior to enactment of the Federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974.

Pursuant to state law, manufactured housing placed on a permanent foundation is considered a single-family dwelling and is permitted in all zoning districts that allow single-family housing subject to architectural review.

Manufactured homes are permitted by right in all three residential zones and in some mixed-use and commercial zones, specifically the CRR and C-1 zones. Mobile homes are conditionally permitted in R-2 and R3 residential zones and specially permitted in the CRR zone.

Mixed-Use Development
The City allows mixed-use development via the CRR zone in several areas of Needles. As identified in the City of Needles zoning code, the intent of the CRR zone is to provide for a variety of uses along the Colorado River, including apartments, hotels, motels, restaurants, boat clubs, marinas, specialty and gift shops, convenience services, and goods and supplies for boat owners, water skiers, scuba divers, and the visiting public using marina and aquatic recreational facilities. Depending on the nature of the developments, this zone can support a full range of residential and commercial densities as appropriate per the zoning code. This zone allows sufficient diversity of land use types while avoiding the dangers of overcrowding and a haphazard mixing of land uses and providing new employment and housing opportunities for residents. Program A-4 is included to rezone the downtown for mixed-use development.
2021-2029 Housing Element
46 City of Needles
Single-Room Occupancy Units
Single-room occupancy facilities contain housing units that may have kitchen and/or bathroom facilities and are guest rooms or efficiency units as defined by the California Health and Safety Code. Each housing unit is occupied by no more than two persons and is offered on a monthly rental basis or longer. Single-room occupancy facilities are allowed with a conditional use permit in all three residential zones (R-1, R-2, and R-3) as well as the CRR zone, C-1 zone, and C-2 zone.

Residential Care Facilities
Residential care facilities are small private facilities, usually with 20 or fewer residents, with rooms being private or shared. Residents receive personal care and meals and have staff available around the clock. Nursing and medical care usually are not provided on-site. Residential care facilities with 6 or fewer residents are conditionally permitted in the R-1, R-2, CRR, and C-1 zones, and specially permitted in the R-3 zone. Residential care facilities with 7 or more residents are not permitted in any zone. This may represent a constraint on the development of residential care facilities.

Housing for Farmworkers
California law (Government Code Section 65583[c][1][C]) requires the adequate provision of sites to accommodate the housing needs of farmworkers. Housing elements should ensure that local zoning, development standards, and permitting processes comply with Health and Safety Code Sections 17021.5 and 17021.6. Section 17021.5 generally requires employee housing for six or fewer persons to be treated as a single-family structure and residential use. A jurisdiction cannot require any conditional use permit, zoning variance, or other zoning clearance for this type of employee housing that is not required of a family dwelling of the same type in the same zone. Section 17021.6 generally requires employee housing consisting of not more than 36 beds in group quarters or 12 units or less designed for use by a single family or household to be treated as an agricultural use. A jurisdiction cannot require a conditional use permit, zoning variance, or other zoning clearance for this type of employee housing that is not required of any other agricultural activity in the same zone. The City has provided a program that addresses the requirements of the Employee Housing Act (see Program E-3).
2021-2029 Housing Element
47 City of Needles
Emergency Shelters
California Health and Safety Code Section 50801 defines an emergency shelter as “housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to occupancy of six months or less by a homeless person. No individual or households may be denied emergency shelter because of an inability to pay.” Legislation (SB 2 [Cedillo, 2007]) requires jurisdictions to allow emergency shelters without a conditional use permit in at least one zone or sufficiently sized site in the city to meet the city’s homeless need. The City of Needles updated its zoning ordinance in July 2019 to allow emergency shelters in the M-1 and M-2 zones.

There are 1,552 acres of vacant land available in the two zones. These zones are centrally located with proximity to goods and services. The typical uses in the zones include commercial and industrial uses with no heavy industrial. Program E-4 is included to ensure compliance with Assembly Bill (AB) 139 to set parking requirements on the number of staff rather than the service capacity.

Supportive and Transitional Housing
Supportive housing is defined by Health and Safety Code Section 50675.14 as housing with linked on-site or off-site services with no limit on the length of stay and that is occupied by a target population as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 53260 (i.e., low-income persons with mental disabilities, AIDS, substance abuse or chronic health conditions, or persons whose disabilities originated before the age of 18). Services linked to supportive housing usually focus on retaining housing, living and working in the community, and/or health improvement.

Transitional housing is defined in Health and Safety Code Section 50675.2 as rental housing for stays of at least six months but where the units are recirculated to another program recipient after a set period. It may be designated for a homeless individual or family transitioning to permanent housing. This housing can take many structural forms, such as group housing and multifamily units, and may include supportive services to allow individuals to gain necessary life skills in support of independent living.

Pursuant to SB 2, transitional and supportive housing types are required to be treated as residential uses and subject only to those restrictions that apply to other residential uses of the same type in the same zone. In addition, pursuant to AB 2162, supportive housing is a use by right in zones where multifamily and mixed uses are permitted, including nonresidential zones permitting multifamily uses. To ensure consistency with state law, the City amended its zoning ordinance in July 2019 to allow transitional and supportive housing consistent with SB 2. Program E-6 has been included to address the new AB 2162 requirements.

Short-Term Rental Regulations
The City updated its short-term rental regulations in 2013. These regulations can be found in Chapter 12 of the Needles Municipal Code. The code provides regulations for owners renting more than three short-term rental units in the City. The regulations include limits on the number of occupants of a short-term rental, rules regarding noise and other nuisance issues, and a business license requirement. Short-term rentals are most frequently located nearthe Colorado River. This is different from the areas of the City where longer-term rental housing is sought. Short-term rentals in the City are not seen as a constraint to development of long-term rental housing.
2021-2029 Housing Element
48 City of Needles
Density Bonus
Density bonuses are permitted in the City of Needles when affordable or elderly housing is included. The density bonus percentage cannot exceed the percentage of affordable housing units in the development. For example, if the development includes 15 percent affordable housing units, then the density bonus cannot exceed a 15 percent increase. The bonus extends to allow up to a 25 percent increase in density and requires that the affordable units be constrained to affordability restrictions for at least 15 years. In elderly housing developments, the bonus allows up to a 100 percent increase in density. When the density bonus exceeds 25 percent for elderly housing developments, those additional units are required to remain available to elderly households for at least 15 years.

On- and Off-Site Improvements
Existing vacant residential parcels require sewage disposal, water, and access. Single-home builders are required to improve streets and put in curb, gutter, and sidewalks along property lines. Residential developments are required to complete on-site improvements that are necessary to extend the sewer, water, and power lines to the property lines if not already available to the site. In addition, there is a requirement to connect to sewer if the parcel is within 200 feet of City services.

Most sites have such services already available. Residential subdivisions must comply with City street and pedestrian standards for minimum street widths, setbacks, lighting, curbs and gutters, water and sewer connections, and pedestrian circulation, if appropriate. For instance, local residential streets typically have a 60-foot right-of-way and a 40-foot curb-to-curb width. Collectors have a 66-foot right-of-way with a curb-tocurb width of 44 feet. Although the City code allows the imposition of all of the above improvements, the staff will assess the particular property and determine the level of improvements that are necessary. For instance, depending upon the stormwater flow during a rain event, curbs may be required to be straight-back curbs, or if the runoff is less, rolled curbs may be allowed. These may impact the cost of housing but are necessary to set a minimum standard for improvements in Needles.

Development Fees
The City charges various fees and assessments to cover the costs of processing permits and providing services.

Impact fees are also charged to cover the cost of providing municipal services or mitigating project impacts, while general fees and exactions ensure that project proposals are reviewed and permitted in accordance with the zoning code. Total fees to develop projects are shown in Table 40.

Impact Fees
Development impact fees to fund public facilities and infrastructure are reasonably related to impacts on the City from residential development and other development, as more fully described in “Amendment to the 2006 Development Impact Fee Calculation and Nexus Report for the City of Needles, California,” dated August 2018, including the “Summary Amendment to the 2006 Development Impact Fee Nexus Report for the City of 2021-2029 Housing Element
49 City of Needles
Needles, California,” dated August 2018, and “Amendment to the 2006 Master Facilities Plan for the City of Needles, California,” dated August 2018. The reports justify the imposition of each development fee on new construction by analyzing the Master Facility Plans, assigning the costs on a fair share basis to the various types of new development, and assigning the resulting fee per dwelling unit and/or commercial/industrial square footage based on the anticipated burden of such new dwelling unit and/or commercial/industrial area on City facilities and infrastructure and the need created by such dwelling unit and/or commercial/industrial area for new and expanded facilities and infrastructure. Impact fees in the areas where vacant sites have been identified for this Housing Element include:
• Detached Dwellings
o Circulation: $106 per unit
o Water Source Storage and Distribution Facilities: $2,087 per unit o Wastewater Collection System: $1,208 per unit
o Parkland Acquisition and Facilities Development: $726 • Attached Dwellings
o Circulation: $71 per unit
o Water Source Storage and Distribution Facilities: $1,132 per unit o Wastewater Collection System: $629 per unit
o Parkland Acquisition and Facilities Development: $549 The current development impact fees for the Needles Unified School District are $3.48 per square foot for residential and $0.56 per square foot for commercial. Due to new interest in growth north of the Needles central district, a study is now underway to determine the cost of extending City services into areas that are not presently being served by City water and sewer systems.

Fees and Exactions
Fees in the City of Needles are relatively low and do not pose a constraint to residential development. The City Council has developed a grant program that assists applicants in off-setting fees for business development.

Table 40 displays the fee amounts in force as of 2021. The reason for the cost per square foot being greater for multifamily units is due to higher land cost. Land costs are greater for multifamily development because additional space is often needed to accommodate common areas, on-site parking, building separation, and amenities (i.e., office, clubhouse, pool/spa, laundry room). The multifamily example sites, as shown in Table 41 below, are on 1-acre sites that cost $15,000/acre. The single-family sites, also shown in Table 41, are smaller in size and have a typical cost of $6,017/acre.
2021-2029 Housing Element
50 City of Needles
Table 40: Fees and Exactions
Description Fee
Site Plan Development Review $1,033
Conditional Use Permit $791
Tentative Tract Map Application $1,719 (per application plus deposit for City engineer plus $40 per lot for each lot over 10 and any outside contractor’s charges)
CEQA Between $240 and $771 unless full EIR/EIS required EIR/EIS Review $1,948 (deposit plus actual amount of employee’s time at fully burdened hourly rate and any outside contractor’s charges)
Hotel conversion to SRO $2,292 (per application plus employee’s time at fully burdened hourly rate) Source: City of Needles, 2021.

Note: See Table 42 for permit processing timeline per entitlement.

Local developer records provided estimates of the total development costs charged on new housing projects.

As mentioned above, construction costs are polarized between North Needles and South Needles due to parcel constraints in North Needles. Therefore, the total fees for both single-family homes and multifamily projects are divided into individual estimates for these regions, as shown in Table 41. Fees range from approximately $16,100 to $32,500 per unit. Both single-family units and multifamily units in North Needles have significantly higher fees, approximately $10,000 more than their South Needles counterparts, due to the area’s large lot size requirements.

Table 41: Total Processing and Impact Fees
Description Total Fees Estimated Development Cost Estimated Proportion of Fees to Development Costs North Needles
Single Family Unit1 $26,549 $208.09 per square foot $53.09 per square foot Multifamily Unit2 $32,510 $211.30 per square foot $104.64 per square foot South Needles
Single Family Unit1 $16,119 $182.78 per square foot $27.78 per square foot Multifamily Unit2 $22,080 $205.48 per square foot $98.82 per square foot Source: City of Needles, 2021.
1 Based on a 2,150-square-foot home including garage and patio 2 Based on a one-bedroom, 600-square-foot apartment
On October 9, 2018, the City of Needles adopted Ordinance 607-AC, which amended Ordinance No 483-AC amending the development impact fee report and master facilities plan, and adopted the necessary findings for the establishment of development impact fees to finance public improvements and facilities. The City considered the specific projects to be funded by the development impact fees and the cost estimates contained in the Development Impact Fee Report, Summary Amendment, and Master Facilities Plan. The City Council approved deleting certain impact fees which were no longer necessary and/or projects that were already completed or would be funded by developers as part of the condition of development or other means, and determined that the remaining facilities were both necessary and reasonable to handle growth into the future.

The removal of development impact fees for animal control facilities, fire suppression facilities, storm drainage facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, electric generation and distribution system, public meeting facilities, and aquatic center facilities for North and South Needles reduced the City’s impact fees by half. Being on the border of Arizona, the City of Needles directly competes with cities in Arizona that do not have development impact fees. The City has found that development impact fees in general are a constraint to development but are necessary to finance public improvements and facilities for future growth. However, in the context of California development, the City’s multifamily development impact fees have not been a constraint to 2021-2029 Housing Element
51 City of Needles
multifamily development in Needles. Compared to other cities in California, the City’s development impact fees are competitive and do not create a constraint for the City’s growth.

Building Codes and Code Enforcement
The City of Needles relies on the 2012 International Building Code and 2019 California Building Code, enforced through the City’s Code Enforcement Officer. No local amendments have been made to the International Building Code. Code enforcement is complaint based. The code enforcement process is an area of regulation that has the potential to result in the loss of affordable units. Since much of the affordable housing, like much of the rest of the housing in Needles, is old and in poor repair, code enforcement is a necessary tool to keep housing habitable. Code enforcement officers bring nuisance abatement actions regularly and attempt to work with the property owners to rehabilitate older housing units. They refer owners to various sources to obtain financing to do the repairs. Unfortunately, many owners are absentee owners, who either would not qualify for any loans or do not have the necessary motivation to make the attempt. This leaves the City with the choice between removing the tenants and tearing down the home or leaving it as it is. The City has in the past chosen to demolish the units, and vacant lots now exist in the City. The City would like to begin a housing program to make low-interest loans for rehabilitating homes in disrepair to low- to moderate-income owners and/or owners who agree to rent only to qualified low- or moderate-income renters for a period of ten years (see Program C-8).

Local Processing and Permit Procedures
Table 42: Permit Processing Timeline
Permit Review Phase1 Planning Commission and/or City Council Review Site Plan2 1 week No
Tentative Map Review3 9 months Yes
Site Plan Review2 5 weeks No
Conditional Use Permit 3.5 months Yes
Specific Plan3 4 months Yes
Planned Residential Development3 4 months Yes
Zone Change3 4 months Yes
General Plan Amendment3 4 months Yes
Environmental Impact Report
certification3 4 months Yes
Source: City of Needles, 2019.

Notes: All time frames reflect City staff work periods only; applicant work periods or delays may lengthen these schedules. All time frames also reflect calendar days, not working days.

1. Time frame depends on complexity of project (e.g., degree of deviation from current development standards, potential environmental effects, degree of off-site improvements required).

2. Assumes Categorical Exemption.

3. May be subject to CEQA-mandated timelines, altering the typical review timeline.

The City does not have growth controls beyond zoning and those imposed by reducing density if sewer connections are not available. The permit process can have a significant impact on the timely and cost-effective production of new housing. Lengthy review periods and excessive development fees can discourage new construction. The time required to process residential development varies according to the scope of the proposal. The City’s review of building plans is expeditious and not unduly burdensome. Plans can be reviewed and permits issued in approximately one week for most single-family projects that are in a zone in which the use is permitted.
2021-2029 Housing Element
52 City of Needles
In the case of multifamily projects and larger subdivisions, which require further permitting and environmental documentation, the application processing will take from five weeks to nine months, depending on the extent of environmental analysis required. If the property is properly zoned and does not require a use permit, most multifamily or larger single-family developments require a site plan review, which takes approximately 20 days.

Multifamily projects with less than five units also require a site plan review, typically taking about five weeks total to process and review. Typically requiring the most review and processing, subdivisions require a tentative map review, including approval by the Planning Commission and City Council, and take approximately nine months to process.

In addition to conditional uses, the following actions must be approved by both the City Council and Planning Commission and may be subject to CEQA-mandated timelines, but can generally be completed within four months:
• Mobile Home Park Special Use Permits. As conditions of approval, these permits require that there be no substantial adverse impacts to surrounding property or property values and proof of adequate open space, trees and recreational areas, and parking. In addition, rules must be implemented to ensure the appearance of the mobile home park remains compatible with surrounding uses. • Specific Plans
• Planned Residential Developments
• Zone Changes
• General Plan Amendments
• Environmental Impact Report certification
Time Between Entitlement Approval and Building Permit Application Time between entitlement approval and building permit applications vary from project to project and any delays are often project specific. Applicants will typically apply for building permits as soon as they have obtained plan check approval, and in cases where plan checks are approved, applicants typically obtain the permit as soon as possible. On occasion, permits do not get pulled immediately for a variety of reasons. These reasons may include waiting for completion of land grubbing or demolition work, need to obtain project financing, need to pay school fees or obtain other agency approvals, the applicant has not selected a contractor, waiting for equipment to become available, order materials, etc. The City will accept building permit applications immediately after entitlement (next business day). Additionally, the City will accept at-risk building permit applications to help applicants accelerate the permit process. Ultimately, the time between project approval and building permit is up to the applicant. The City typically completes plan reviews within ten business days.

SB 35 Ministerial Approval Procedure
SB 35 (Wiener, 2017) requires a Streamlined Ministerial Approval Process for developments in jurisdictions that have not made sufficient progress toward their RHNA. 2021-2029 Housing Element
53 City of Needles
The City of Needles has yet to receive any SB 35 applications. Upon receiving an application, the City follows state procedure. The following permitting procedure that the City will follow is from the Streamlined Ministerial Approval Process guidelines outlined by HCD.5

1. After receiving a notice of intent to submit an application for a Streamlined Ministerial Approval Process, and prior to accepting an application for a Streamlined Ministerial Approval process, the City will complete the tribal consultation process outlined in Government Code section 65913.4(b).

2. The City will perform a determination of consistency with regard to objective zoning, subdivision, and design review standards.

3. The City will perform a determination of consistency with density requirements.

The City will complete the design review within the following timeline:

1. Within 60 calendar days of submittal of the application to the City if the development contains 150 or fewer housing units.

2. Within 90 calendar days of submittal of the application to the City if the development contains more than 150 housing units.

The City will determine whether the applicant for streamlined ministerial approval complies with requirements, and will approve or deny the application, within the following timeline:

1. Within 90 calendar days of submittal of the application to the City if the development contains 150 or fewer housing units.

2. Within 180 calendar days of submittal of the application to the City if the development contains more than 150 housing units.

While the City has yet to receive an SB 35 application, the City will facilitate the process and support any future applicants, as outlined in Program B-1.

Housing for People with Disabilities
California law requires jurisdictions to analyze potential and actual constraints on housing for persons with disabilities, demonstrate efforts to remove impediments, and include programs to accommodate housing designed for disabled persons. Review of the zoning ordinance, permitting procedures, development standards, and building codes revealed the following findings.

Land Uses and Housing
The City complies with the requirements of the ADA. This compliance allows for the creation of units for disabled residents. In looking over the requirements for residential units, it does not appear that any regulations increase the cost or delay the timing of the creation of residential units, with the exception of the 5 HCD Updated Streamlined Ministerial Approval Process: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy-research/docs/sb-35-guidelinesupdate-final.pdf 2021-2029 Housing Element
54 City of Needles
added cost necessary to ensure compliance with provisions of the ADA, such as wheelchair ramps and reinforcements for walls to accommodate grab bars.

Development Regulations
The Lanterman Development Disabilities Services Act declares that mentally and physically disabled persons are entitled to live in normal residential surroundings. A state-authorized, certified, or licensed family care home, foster home, or group home serving six or fewer disabled persons or dependent and neglected children on a 24-hour-a-day basis is considered a residential use that is permitted in all residential zones. No local agency can impose stricter zoning or building and safety standards or require variances on these homes than those required for homes in the same district. In addition to being permitted by right in the R1, R2, and R-3 zones, care facilities with six or fewer persons are also permitted by right in the CRR zone and C-1 zone. The City’s zoning doesn’t have any distance requirements between group homes. For group homes of seven or more, the City process the application consistent with occupancy standards. Program E-7 has been amended to formally address Large Group Homes. The City’s zoning code contains the following definition of family:
• Family. A "family" is one (1) or more persons living together as a single housekeeping unit.

Process for Reasonable Accommodation
To provide exceptions in zoning and land use for development for persons with disabilities, the City previously utilized either a variance or use permit process, if required, to accommodate requests such as special structures or appurtenances (e.g., access ramps or lifts) needed by persons with physical disabilities. The City adopted a reasonable accommodation procedure into its zoning ordinance in July 2019 to provide an exception in zoning and land use for housing for persons with disabilities. This procedure is a ministerial process, with minimal or no processing fees, and applies the following decision-making criteria:
• The request for reasonable accommodation will be used by an individual with a disability protected under fair housing laws.
• The requested accommodation is necessary to make housing available to an individual with a disability protected under fair housing laws.
• The requested accommodation would not impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the City.
• The requested accommodation would not require a fundamental alteration in the nature of the City’s land use and zoning program.

The City provides information to all interested parties regarding accommodations in zoning, permit processes, and application of building codes for housing for persons with disabilities.

Energy Conservation Opportunities
Introduction
Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities such as electricity production, motorized transportation, and livestock production are contributing to global climate change. The effects of global climate change are potentially drastic and may result in severe flooding, droughts, heat waves, and other weather-related effects 2021-2029 Housing Element
55 City of Needles
which may in turn cause property damage, negatively impact agriculture, and cause a loss of biodiversity. New housing development contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, but specific choices related to site design and location, building architecture, and materials specification can significantly reduce these emissions, in turn also reducing both housing costs and automobile dependence. Energy efficiency has direct application to affordable housing because if more money is spent on energy, less money is available for rent or mortgage payments.

High energy costs have particularly detrimental effects on low-income households that do not have enough income or cash reserves to absorb cost increases and must choose between basic needs such as shelter, food, and energy. State housing element law requires an analysis of the opportunities for energy conservation in residential development. This section describes opportunities for conserving energy in existing homes as well as in new residential construction; factors affecting energy use; conservation programs currently available in Needles; and examples of effective programs used by other jurisdictions.

Factors Affecting Energy Use
The factors that affect residential energy use must be understood in order to identify opportunities for conservation. One such factor is the size of the population. At any given time, the larger the population, the more electricity is consumed. But over time, new conservation mandates and technological advances decrease the per capita consumption of energy. This means that the total energy use increases at a slower rate than population. A greater density of development can offer the economies of scale that increase efficiencies in energy systems, as well as the need for water and sewer infrastructure. Land use planning and zoning practices can help to conserve energy. For example, if the general plan and zoning ordinance encourage residential subdivision in a relatively isolated area, far from commercial facilities such as grocery stores, residents must travel longer distances to take care of their daily shopping and service needs. Keeping housing and jobs in balance and near each other helps to reduce energy used for commuting. Longer trips usually necessitate using an automobile rather than walking or cycling. Therefore, changing the land use pattern can also change energy use patterns. In addition, the price of energy itself often plays a significant role in its consumption: the more expensive it becomes, the more incentive people have to conserve. Pricing energy at higher levels encourages alternative consumption patterns in the community. Residential water heating and heating/cooling are major sources of energy consumption. With the application of energy-efficient design and the use of solar power systems, home heating and cooling can be operated on a more efficient and sustainable level. Encouraging energy-efficient building design and green energy systems through incentives and other measures contributes to reduced energy consumption across the community at large.

The local climate has a large effect on residential energy use. In general, Needles has mild winters and hot, dry summers. The City experiences extreme heat during the summers, routinely reaching 120 degrees in late July and early August, and winters are comfortable and mild. Prolonged periods of hot weather cause increased energy use for space cooling. This situation is particularly true if homes are not well insulated. Landscaping can mitigate this effect. For example, deciduous trees near a home can shade it from sun in the summer and allow the sun’s rays to reach it in the winter. The City recently implemented a “Water Efficient Landscape” policy to ensure the use of water-efficient plants and trees for areas requiring landscaping, and provided a streamlined permitting process with reduced fees. The City is also known for moderate to locally severe thunderstorms during the monsoon season and humid conditions, but generally does not experience more than 23 days of measurable rainfall annually.
2021-2029 Housing Element
56 City of Needles
The efficiency of household appliances also affects energy use. Older appliances may not operate as efficiently as when they were new, and many older appliances were built when energy conservation was not considered important. Significant energy-efficient design advances have been made in refrigerators, stoves, and furnaces.

Existing Conservation Programs
The City of Needles Public Utilities Department services 2,478 residential customers, where the median household income is far lower than the statewide median and the housing stock dates back to the late 1940s.

Therefore, many Needles households have older and less efficient appliances, heating/cooling equipment, and structural issues within the home that allow for energy waste. The following energy conservation programs are implemented in Needles to conserve energy:
• The California Building Standards Code (Title 24) requires that all new residential development comply with several energy conservation standards. The standards require ceiling, wall, and concrete slab insulation, vapor barriers, weather-stripping on doors and windows, closeable doors on fireplaces, no continuous burning gas pilot lights, insulated heating and cooling ducts, water heater insulation blankets, swimming pool covers and timers, certified energy-efficient appliances, etc. All new construction in Needles must comply with Title 24. Updates to the standards are issued every three years.
• The City of Needles’ Energy Efficiency Low Income/Senior Program is designed to reduce extreme summer peak demands, increase the annual load factor, and provide energy affordability for lowincome customers. The program enables qualified customers of the Needles Public Utility Authority to apply for HVAC installation, solar screens, Energy Star appliances, replacement of old windows and doors with energy-efficient substitutes, and other services at no cost to the homeowners. This program received the “Best Energy Program – Small Utility” from the California Municipal Utilities Association in 2019.
2021-2029 Housing Element
57 City of Needles

CURRENT GOALS, OBJECTIVES, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS
The goals, policies, and quantified objectives for the Housing Element have been developed recognizing the community needs and resources. Where appropriate, these key housing guidelines have been developed consistently with other elements of the General Plan, as well as other planning and policy documents for the City.

Summary of Quantified Housing Unit Objectives
According to Government Code Section 65583 (b), local governments housing elements are required to establish quantified objectives for the maximum number of housing units which can be constructed, rehabilitated, and conserved over a five-year time frame. The objective for units to be conserved should include a subtotal for the number of at-risk units developed pursuant to Government Code Section 65583 (a)(9)(A).

Table 43 presents the Housing Element’s quantified housing objectives for the 2021–2029 projection period.

Table 43: Quantified Objectives, 2021–2029
Category Extremely
Low Income
Very Low
Income
Low
Income
Moderate
Income
Above-Moderate
Income
Total
Objective
New Construction 5 5 11 16 50 87
Rehabilitation 10 10 15 15 15 65
Preservation of Units at Risk1 - - - - - -
1 There are no units at risk of conversion within the City during the next 10 years.

Housing Preservation and Improvement
Preservation and improvement of the existing housing stock, particularly housing that is affordable to low- and moderate-income households, is an essential element of meeting the housing needs of the community. It is important to the health, safety, and welfare of the City’s residents that their dwellings be maintained. Proper maintenance helps preserve and protect the home while providing a decent and suitable living environment.

The following goals, policies, and quantified objectives shall guide the ongoing preservation and improvements of the City’s existing housing stock.

GOAL 1.1 PRESERVE AND IMPROVE THE EXISTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING STOCK GOAL 1.2 PRESERVE AND IMPROVE THE RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD ENVIRONMENTS

THAT PROVIDE A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL NEEDLES RESIDENTS Policy 1.1 Reduce the amount of substandard housing units through measures such as rehabilitation, code enforcement, and new construction.

Policy 1.2 Actively engage in identifying substandard and deteriorating housing and take appropriate actions to ensure correction of these deficiencies, such as initiating rehabilitation, maintenance, or replacement programs.
2021-2029 Housing Element
58 City of Needles
Policy 1.3 Protect viable housing and the continued maintenance and stabilization of healthy neighborhoods.

Policy 1.4 Encourage and/or stimulate conservation of existing residential areas and, where possible, minimize or prevent the intrusion of incompatible uses into the neighborhoods.

Policy 1.5 Promote rehabilitation that maximizes the utility of the existing housing stock.

Policy 1.6 Provide or assist in obtaining rehabilitation loans and grants, counseling, and other follow-up services.

Policy 1.7 Support revisions of income and property tax laws to encourage housing stock rehabilitation and to discourage the continuation of substandard housing.

Policy 1.8 Encourage private and, as appropriate, public investment in existing housing through home improvements that expand and enhance the functionality and beauty of the home as well as extend the life of the home.

Policy 1.9 Encourage a full range of public improvements and services to provide for the needs of all residential neighborhoods.

Policy 1.10 Maintain existing liberal regulations concerning nonconforming buildings and setbacks to encourage low-cost expansion of existing housing.

Policy 1.11 Maintain and refurbish the City's hardscape and landscape in order to preserve and enhance neighborhood ambiance and safety.

Policy 1.12 Maintain and ensure the continued existence of valuable amenities which provide beauty, identity, and form to the City and all neighborhoods within the community.

Housing Development
In adopting these goals, policies, and objectives, the City is communicating to both the community at large and the home building industry the guidelines in developing new housing within the City. The goals and policies for housing development have been refined and updated to reflect current resources and constraints. The adopted goals and policies for housing development reflect the community's desires for the City relative to the development of housing in numbers, type, density, and other qualities of importance.

GOAL 2.1 DEVELOP HOUSING TO MEET THE IDENTIFIED LOCAL HOUSING NEEDS OF THE

COMMUNITY WHILE MAINTAINING AND PROVIDING A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL NEEDLES RESIDENTS.

GOAL 2.2 DEVELOP THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF NEW HOUSING UNITS POSSIBLE TO MEET

NEEDLES' FAIR SHAREOF REGIONALHOUSINGNEEDS AS IDENTIFIED INTHE SCAG REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT.

GOAL 2.3 ACHIEVE COMPLIANCE WITH ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES TO BE INCLUDED IN NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS.
2021-2029 Housing Element
59 City of Needles
GOAL 2.4 PROVIDE SUITABLE SITES FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT Policy 2.1 Orient new housing construction to both the ownership and rental markets and strive toward meeting Needles' housing needs.

Policy 2.2 Promote new housing construction over a range of prices and rents in accordance with projected housing demand.

Policy 2.3 Encourage development under the provisions of the zoning regulations.

Policy 2.4 Encourage a variety of housing arrangements and densities, each appropriately located with reference to traffic circulation, community facilities, and aesthetic considerations.

Policy 2.5 Ensure that new housing development design and appearance is consistent with standards established by the City's development review process.

Policy 2.6 Encourage the remodeling of and additions to existing housing as a means of providing "new" housing in existing subdivisions.

Policy 2.7 Insist that all new housing units have those qualities and amenities that will continue to make them competitive on the private market and compatible with the community.

Policy 2.8 Encourage a balance of housing in a variety of types that provide a range of housing affordable to households at all economic levels. The balance of housing promoted would include townhouses, cluster developments, condominiums, apartments, and single-family dwellings.

Policy 2.9 Encourage and increase the variety and supply of housing available and at costs affordable to the various income levels of the population.

Policy 2.10 Promote continued and new investment in the established communities of Needles.

Policy 2.11 Encourage the assemblage and consolidation of existing small parcels in areas which permit higher density. Larger parcels can better accommodate increased density housing through a more efficient use of space, while allowing for aesthetic amenities and greater use of open space.

Policy 2.12 Encourage the consolidation of multiple land ownership by private or public means into single ownership. This will facilitate the use of contemporary planning techniques in providing multiple-family residences with greater amenities and enhance the quality of life for the residents of Needles.

Policy 2.13 Cooperate with private housing producers wherever justifiable to reduce the overall cost of housing units.

Policy 2.14 Support efforts to develop and implement cooperative ownership and other nonprofit mechanisms as a means of reducing construction, selling, and reselling housing costs.

Policy 2.15 Encourage the design and construction of new homes and rehabilitation of existing homes in accordance with energy saving criteria.
2021-2029 Housing Element
60 City of Needles
Housing Assistance
The inclusion of programs designed to provide housing assistance is an integral component of the Housing Element. The City of Needles recognizes that there are unmet housing assistance needs within the community and will continue to focus efforts in providing housing assistance to the City residents.

GOAL 3.1 MEET HOUSING ASSISTANCE NEEDS OF NEEDLES RESIDENTS Policy 3.1 Make provisions for low-income families to receive or be advised of special housing subsidies which are either currently or expected to be available in the future. Take maximum advantage of homeownership programs.

Policy 3.2 Urge private developers to include the maximum number of publicly assisted housing units determined to be economically and socially feasible within all future development programs.

Policy 3.3 Encourage the production of a sufficient number of assisted and market-rate large-size housing units to meet reasonable projections for large-size families.

Policy 3.4 Develop elderly housing throughout the City. Where both publicly assisted family and elderly housing may be developed, elderly housing should have priority, since site locations available for this kind of household are limited.

Policy 3.5 Meet resident housing needs to the maximum extent possible, with appropriate emphasis on the special needs of elderly, persons with disabilities, and disadvantaged population.

Policy 3.6 Encourage and enable others to provide assistance and necessary support services to residents and persons with special needs to successfully function as full members of the community.

Equal Housing Opportunity
Equal opportunity housing addresses fair housing issues and the ability of all people, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, or marital status, to obtain housing. The following goal and policies shall guide the City in the area of equal opportunity housing.

GOAL 4.1 PROMOTE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL PERSONS REGARDLESS OF RACE,

COLOR, ETHNICITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION, SEX, OR MARITAL STATUS Policy 4.1 Cooperate with the City’s Housing Authority’s efforts to provide a comprehensive community education program on fair housing issues and laws and counseling pertaining to fair housing and landlord-tenant issues.

Policy 4.2 Increase accessibility of planning documents and meetings by including materials and presentations in multiple languages, at multiple times, and in various areas of the City. 2021-2029 Housing Element
61 City of Needles

HOUSING PROGRAMS AND QUANTIFIED OBJECTIVES
A. Housing Production
Number Title Action Responsible Party Funding Source Timeline A-1 Incentives for
Production
Offer incentives aimed at production of new housing in the City of Needles, especially housing for extremely low-, very-low, and low-income households and those with special needs such as seniors and persons with disabilities. Such incentives include:
• Assisting developers with the costs associated with infrastructure improvements, fees, and housing development
• Target at least three developers annually to share opportunity sites and offer technical assistance.

Development
Services Department
Economic
Development
Fund
Incentives offered
on an ongoing
basis as funds are
available. Review
incentive
performance
annually.

A-2 No Net Loss
Monitoring
Develop a procedure to monitor compliance with SB 166 (No Net Loss), and track:
• Unit count and income/affordability assumed on parcels included in the sites inventory.
• Actual units constructed and income/affordability when parcels are developed.
• Net change in capacity and summary of remaining capacity in meeting remaining RHNA.

Development
Services Department General Fund
Within two years
of Housing
Element adoption.

A-3
Surplus Lands/
Affordable
Housing on CityOwned/Successor
Agency Sites
Assess City-owned properties for their potential redevelopment or development for residential uses, including housing for extremely low-, very-low, and low-income households and those with special needs such as seniors and persons with disabilities. Implement the Surplus Lands Act to annually review City-owned parcels and provide affordable housing developers the first right of refusal for designated surplus lands.

Development
Services Department General Fund
Annual review in
conjunction with
the review of
surplus lands.

A-4
Downtown
Mixed-Use
Development
Rezone the downtown area to allow for mixed uses and taller buildings.

Permit mixed uses both horizontally and vertically.

Development
Services Department General Fund
Within four years
of Housing
Element adoption.

A-5 Minimum Density
Amend the zoning ordinance to establish minimum densities to ensure that parcels are developed close to their maximum densities (at 75%) to prevent substantial net loss of any residential units and encourage higher density/more affordable building typologies.

Development
Services Department General Fund
Within two years
of Housing
Element adoption.
2021-2029 Housing Element
62 City of Needles
Number Title Action Responsible Party Funding Source Timeline A-6
Inclusionary
Housing
Ordinance
Conduct an inclusionary zoning feasibility study to identify appropriate inclusionary requirements that will not constrain housing production.

Develop and amend the zoning ordinance to establish inclusionary housing requirements so that new developments reserve up to 15 percent of the total units for lower- and moderate-income households.

Development
Services Department General Fund
Within three years
of Housing
Element adoption.

A-7 ADU Tracking and
Monitoring
Continuously track the City's progress for ADUs. Track and analyze the affordability of ADUs built in the City. Within the Housing Element period, assess whether additional strategies are necessary to increase ADU production.

Development
Services Department General Fund
Maintain tracker as
ADU permits are
submitted. Review
strategies annually
as part the Annual
Progress Report
process.

B. Constraint Removal
Number Title Action Responsible Party Funding Source Timeline B-1 Permit
Streamlining
Establish and implement expedited permit processing for affordable housing projects, including projects that qualify for density bonuses (in compliance with SB 35 and SB 330). Advertise the expedited permit process on the City’s website and circulate a notice with the Building Industry Association and Chamber of Commerce.

Development
Services Department General Fund
Within two years
of Housing
Element adoption.

B-2 Density Bonus
Updates
Amend the zoning ordinance to update density bonuses to meet current state requirements (AB 2345, SB 1763, SB 1227).

Development
Services Department General Fund
Within one year of
Housing Element
adoption.

B-3 Objective
Standards
Pursuant to SB 330, review and amend the zoning ordinance and Design Review Board handbooks to ensure development standards, design guidelines, and findings are objective and promote certainty in the planning and approval processes.

Development
Services Department General Fund
Within one year of
Housing Element
adoption.

B-4
Development
Standards Review
and Revision
Study and revise development standards in multifamily districts to facilitate the development of properties at their maximum densities. Specifically amend:

Minimum parking standards
Height limits
Lot coverage (elderly and disabled housing)
ADA unit location requirements (elderly and disabled housing) Development
Services Department General Fund
Within three years
of Housing
Element Adoption.

B-5
Efficiency Units
and Minimum
Unit Sizes
Amend the zoning ordinance to revise the minimum required unit area for multifamily units. Ensure that provisions for efficiency units are consistent with AB 352 (2017).

Development
Services Department General Fund
Within three years
of Housing
Element adoption.
2021-2029 Housing Element
63 City of Needles
Number Title Action Responsible Party Funding Source Timeline B-6
ADU Ordinance
Update to Meet
State Law
Amend the zoning ordinance to address multiple changes to state law regarding ADUs (including AB 587, AB 671, AB 68, and SB 13). Monitor state law on an annual basis and revise the zoning ordinance as appropriate.

Development
Services Department General Fund
Within one year of
Housing Element
adoption, and
annually
thereafter.

B-7 Preapproved ADU
Plans
Create and make available to the public a set of preapproved plans for ADUs to facilitate production and ADUs available to lower-income households by reducing costs to applicants.

Development
Services Department
General Fund
LEAP grant
Within three years
of Housing
Element adoption.

B-8 Utility Availability Continue to expand the reach of water and wastewater services to North Needles.

Public Works
Department
General Fund,
grant funding June 30, 2023.

B-9
Public Fees,
Standards, and
Plans Online
Pursuant to AB 1483, the City will compile all development standards, plans, fees, and nexus studies in an easily accessible online location. The City will update its zoning and general plan maps to provide a high-quality, parcel-specific reference.

Development
Services Department General Fund
Within three
months of Housing
Element adoption.

B-10 By-Right Projects
Encourage the construction of developments on sites that allow housing without discretionary review to meet the City’s RHNA for the different income categories. Advertise these sites to affordable housing developers at least once a year. Disseminate brochures outlining information about available incentives and distribute them to contractors, developers, real estate and contractors boards, and public and private agencies.

For vacant sites used in two previous housing element cycles, the City will allow ministerial review for a project that provides 20 percent lowerincome units.

Development
Services Department
General Fund Upon adoption of
the Housing
Element.

B-11
Roadway
Widening and
Dedication Relief
Identify which substandard streets and alleys contain fire hydrants, utility poles, catch basins and similar impediments, the relocation of which would otherwise cause a development to be economically infeasible, and prepare a code amendment providing relief from dedication requirements under those situations.

Development
Services Department General Fund
Within three years
of Housing
Element adoption.

B-12 Nongovernmental
Constraints
Provide information and maps of known environmental constraints at the planning and zoning counter to provide additional clarity and certainty and mitigate nongovernmental constraints for project applicants.

Development
Services Department General Fund
Upon adoption of
the Housing
Element.
2021-2029 Housing Element
64 City of Needles
Number Title Action Responsible Party Funding Source Timeline B-13
Diversity of Land
Use Designation
and Building Type
Maintain a mixture of residential land use designations and development regulations that accommodate various building types and styles, including but not limited to small-lot, single-family homes; tiny homes; detached condominiums; townhomes; duplex/triplex/multiplex; courtyard apartments; bungalow courts; live/work units; mixed-use projects; moveable tiny homes; 3D printed homes; and new prefab housing types that meet state and local building code standards. Continue to explore innovative building types and housing options that can be implemented through the City’s zoning ordinance by reviewing development designators (such as Permitted, Conditionally Permitted, etc.) and designations and amend as appropriate.

Development
Services Department General Fund
Within three years
of Housing
Element adoption.

C. Housing Preservation and Improvement
Number Title Action Responsible Party Funding Source Timeline C-1
Alternative Energy
and Resource
Conservation
Program
Work to establish the Owner-of-Home Alternative Energy and Resource Conservation Program, which shall:
• Encourage and provide homeowners with an incentive
reimbursement for the installation of photovoltaic (PV) solar paneling, solar water heating systems and appliances certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). • Provide pamphlet literature of this program, which shall be made available for new arrival and existing residents at the City Hall, the City’s website, the City of Needles library, and community-held events.
• Establish training program workshops that educate homeowners on the cost-efficient advantages of installing PV solar paneling and heating systems and LEED appliances, and how to install them. • All new City buildings shall be constructed to meet or exceed the energy conservation standards in force at the time of their construction.
• The City shall strive to make all City-owned buildings as energy efficient as possible.
• The City will actively pursue all viable new sources of energy.

Development
Services Department,
Public Works
Department
General Fund
Upon adoption of
the Housing
Element.

C-2 California Building
Code Adopt the most recent version of the California Building Code. Development Services Department General Fund June 30, 2023. 2021-2029 Housing Element
65 City of Needles
Number Title Action Responsible Party Funding Source Timeline / Building
Department
C-3 Preservation of
At-Risk Housing
Implement strategies to reduce the potential conversion to market rate of the 234 assisted affordable housing units in Needles during the current planning period. None of the assisted units are at risk.

However, the City will implement the following strategies to comply with state law (AB 1521):
• Monitor project status annually.
• Notify property owners annually about compliance with the extended noticing requirement (three year, one-year, and six-month Notice of Intent) under state law.
• Include preservation as an eligible use in Notices of Funding Availability.
• If below-market-rate units appear to be at risk of conversion, work with qualified operators, HCD, and the property owners to preserve the housing for lower-income households.
• Per state law, owners of deed-restricted affordable projects are required to provide notice of restrictions that are expiring after January 1, 2021, to all prospective tenants, existing tenants, and the City within three years, one year, and six months (three separate times) of the scheduled expiration of rental restrictions. Owners shall also refer tenants of at-risk units to educational resources regarding tenant rights and conversion procedures and information regarding Housing Choice Voucher rent subsidies and any other affordable housing opportunities in the City.
• If a development is offered for sale, HCD must certify persons or entities that are eligible to purchase the development and to receive notice of the pending sale. Placement on the eligibility list will be based on experience with affordable housing.

Development
Services Department,
Housing Authority
General Fund
Revision of zoning
code by June 2023
to require
notification by
owners consistent
with state law;
ongoing
communication
with owners,
service providers,
and eligible
potential
purchasers.

C-4 CDBG Allocations • When allocating CDGB funding, will use the funds for at-risk units. Development Services Department CDBG
Ongoing, annually
allocate CDBG
funding.

C-5
Displacement
Prevention
Ordinance
Pursuant to SB 330, ensure that when existing housing is demolished, at least an equivalent number of units at the same affordability are created as replacements.

Development
Services Department General Fund
Ongoing, review
annually for
compliance.

C-6 Enhanced Code
Enforcement
The City’s Code Enforcement officials will continue to investigate potential code violations, and work with property owners to resolve violations or unsafe conditions. As a part of the enhanced code Code Enforcement General Fund Ongoing, review
trends annually.
2021-2029 Housing Element
66 City of Needles
Number Title Action Responsible Party Funding Source Timeline enforcement program, community representatives will notify them of tenants’ rights, and provide assistance in resolving the code violation.

C-7
Neighborhood
Preservation
Program
Focus CDBG funding on deteriorating or dilapidated areas throughout the City to preserve and improve the City’s environmental quality. Target 5% of population city-wide, annually.

Development
Services Department CDBG Annually.

C-8
Preservation and
Rehabilitation of
Housing Stock
Comprehensive
Program
• Coordinate with the Housing Authority to develop guidelines for the funding of low-interest loans and grant assistance, and to act as a conduit for housing funds to leverage in the creation of new affordable housing.
• Continue to maintain the Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund (LMIHAF) for the preservation of existing affordable housing through established rehabilitation and landscaping protocol through the adopted Neighborhood Beautification Program.
• As a component of the Neighborhood Beautification Program, the City will promote the expanded participation of local landlords in rental housing rehabilitation programs.
• The City will disseminate the City’s rehabilitation grant program brochures on the City website; at community meetings, school sites, City-sponsored Board meetings, Planning Commission meetings, developer meetings, and off-site meetings promoting economic development within the City; and in the City Hall lobby area.

Development
Services Department,
Housing Authority
State and federal
grants (CDBG),
San Bernardino
County, General
Fund (LMIHAF)
Establish the
program and
initiate outreach
by December
2023.

Enroll 8 landlords
in the Housing
Rehabilitation
Program.

Rehabilitate at
least 5 homes in
the planning
period.
2021-2029 Housing Element
67 City of Needles
D. Housing Assistance
Number Title Action Responsible Party Funding Source Timeline D-1 Housing Choice
Vouchers
Continue to assist eligible, extremely low-,very low- and lowincome households in receiving Housing Choice Voucher assistance. Market housing vouchers and inform landlords that discrimination based on source of income (including vouchers) is prohibited. Outreach to at least 3 landlords annually.

In coordination with Program G-1, provide information on City website.

Development
Services
Department
LIHTC,
CalCHA bonds,
CHFA,
HOME
Provide information on City
website within one year of
Housing Element adoption;
continuous and ongoing.

D-2
Affordable
Housing and
Services Funds
Issue Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) in an equitable manner for affordable housing development, acquisition, rehabilitation, and/or supportive services.

Pursue funding sources for affordable housing through LIHTC, CalCHA bonds, CHFA, HOME Investment Partnership Program, etc. for affordable housing.

Development
Services
Department
LIHTC,
CalCHA bonds,
CHFA,
HOME
Continuous and ongoing, as
funding sources become
available.

D-3 Landlord - Tenant
Mediation
Continue to contract with a fair housing specialist to provide fair housing and landlord/tenant mediation services. Distribute information about these services to tenants through a variety of media and online outlets, namely the City website and paper materials at the Civic Center. In coordination with Program G-1, provide information on City website. Target 10% of population annually, city-wide.

Development
Services
Department
Fair Housing
Specialist
General Fund
Provide information on City
website within one year of
Housing Element adoption;
continuous and ongoing.

E. Special Housing Needs
Number Title Action Responsible Party Funding Source Timeline E-1
Fair Housing
Education and
Counseling
Provide education and literature on fair housing; dispute resolution; Health, Safety and Building referrals; and Housing Choice Voucher Assistance referrals. Distribute landlord/tenant guidebooks printed by the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Provide counseling and resolution of housing discrimination complaints.

Development
Services
Department, Fair
Housing service
provider
General Fund,
CDBG
Provide materials on an
ongoing basis. The literature
will be updated annually.
2021-2029 Housing Element
68 City of Needles
Number Title Action Responsible Party Funding Source Timeline E-2
Housing for the
Elderly and
Persons with
Disabilities
Program
Allow housing for the elderly, disabled, and developmentally disabled with reduced and flexible development standards. Amend the zoning ordinance to allow licensed adult care facilities by right.

Review CUP standards for residential care facilities to ensure that the standards are objective and focused on protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of these facilities.

Development
Services
Department
General Fund Within one year of Housing
Element adoption.

E-3 Farmworker
Housing
Review the City zoning code to determine whether updates are needed to comply with the state Employee Housing Act (Health and Safety Code Sections 17021.5 and 17021.6). The act calls for the zoning ordinance to treat employee housing (including farmworker housing) that serves six or fewer persons as a singlefamily structure and permitted in the same manner as other singlefamily structures of the same type in the same zone (Section 17021.5). The zoning ordinance must also treat employee housing consisting of no more than 12 units or 36 beds as an agricultural use and permitted in the same manner as other agricultural uses in the same zone (Section 17021.6) in zones where agricultural uses are permitted.

Development
Services
Department
General Fund Within two years of Housing
Element Adoption.

E-4 Emergency
Shelters
Amend the zoning ordinance to modify the parking requirements for emergency shelters to ensure that they are only based on the number of staff. Amend the emergency shelters code to ensure that shelters are not subject to standards that do not apply to other uses in the same zone, including but not limited to a 500- foot residential buffer.

Development
Services
Department
General Fund Within one year of Housing
Element adoption.

E-5
Low Barrier
Navigation
Centers
Pursuant to SB 48, amend the zoning ordinance to establish provisions for low-barrier navigation centers. Allow centers that meet specific objective requirements by-right in areas zoned for mixed uses.

Development
Services
Department
General Fund Within one year of Housing
Element adoption.

E-6
Transitional and
Supportive
Housing
Pursuant to AB 2162 and AB 2988, supportive housing meeting certain criteria must be permitted by-right where residential uses are permitted, including mixed-use and nonresidential zones.

Review AB 2162 and amend zoning ordinance to ensure
compliance.

Development
Services
Department
General Fund Within one year of Housing
Element adoption.
2021-2029 Housing Element
69 City of Needles
Number Title Action Responsible Party Funding Source Timeline E-7 Residential Care
Update zoning code to expressly permit the development of residential care facilities (6 or fewer residents) in residential zones.

Adopt objective standards for residential care homes with 7 or more individuals in residential zones consistent with occupancy standards. Initiate and complete a process in 2023 to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow group homes for seven or more in all residential zones.

Development
Services
Department
General Fund Within one year of Housing
Element adoption.

E-8
Priority Water
and Sewer
Service for
Affordable
Housing
Developments
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65589.7, work with public service providers to ensure prioritization of services to housing developments serving lower-income households.

Development
Services
Department, Public
Works
Department,
Utilities
General Plan Within one year of Housing
Element adoption.

F. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
Number Title Action Responsible
Party
Funding
Source Timeline
F-1
Place-Based
Community
Improvements -
Park Renovations
Develop programs and strategies to create place-based investments in areas of concentrated segregation and poverty, including investments in infrastructure, services, etc. that contribute to community revitalization, with a focus on affirmatively furthering fair housing. Focus investments and programs in South Needles to facilitate revitalization and healthy living conditions, and take no action that is materially inconsistent with affirmatively furthering fair housing.

Development
Services
Department
Public Works
Department
CDBG,
General
Fund,
CalOES
grants
Within six years of
Housing Element
adoption.

F-2
Analysis of
Impediments
Programs
Implement programs identified in the 2020–2024 County Analysis of Impediments, and take no action that is materially inconsistent with affirmatively furthering fair housing. Improve housing mobility by providing homeowner assistance, incentives for affordable housing development, and coordinating with local lenders to expand mortgage access. Provide fair housing services to tenants, and continually investigate potential violations of fair housing law. Track each assistance category throughout the year and annually evaluate the effectiveness and progress of programs.

Development
Services
Department
Fair Housing
Specialist
CDBG
General
Fund
Continuous and
ongoing with
annual reporting
on progress.

F-3
Environmental
Justice and
Expanded Access
to Opportunity
Adopt and implement a new Environmental Justice Element in the General Plan in a manner to affirmatively further fair housing. Through the Environmental Justice Element, address areas with disproportionate pollution and health impacts and facilitate healthy living conditions for Needles residents. In particular, use the Environmental Justice Element to create targeted investments and improve health in South Needles, and take no action that is materially inconsistent with affirmatively furthering fair housing.

Development
Services
Department
General
Fund,
LEAP funds
Within two years
of Housing
Element adoption.
2021-2029 Housing Element
70 City of Needles
Number Title Action Responsible
Party
Funding
Source Timeline
F-4
Fair Housing
Outreach and
Enforcement
Provide fair housing enforcement, landlord-tenant mediation, and fair housing information to residents and property owners. Post information for fair housing provider on City website (see Program G-1). Advertise the City’s fair housing specialist as a resource to resolve disputes and reports of discrimination. Increase outreach in east Needles, an area identified as having disproportionate housing needs.

Development
Services
Department
Fair Housing
Specialist
General
Fund
Post information
on website within
one year of
adoption.

Provide fair
housing support or
information for 10
households
throughout the
planning period.

F-5
Transit
Improvements
Program
Provide housing projections and other information so that Needles Area Transit continues to provide needed transportation services to Needles, especially with regard to affirmatively furthering fair housing.

Development
Services
Department
Public Works
Department
General
Fund
Continuous and
on-going; provide
information every
two years
throughout the
planning period.

G. Public Education
Number Title Action Responsible
Party Funding Source Timeline
G-1 Housing
Information
Continue to improve and expand the use of the various media to inform and promote the use of Needles’ housing programs to its residents and developers by creating a dedicated webpage on the City’s website. Target 10% of population annually, city-wide.

Development
Services
Department
General Fund
Establish webpage
within one year of
Housing Element
adoption; ongoing and
continuous publishing
of information in the
digital magazine.

G-2 ADU Education Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing program to advertise the ability of homeowners to create ADUs.

Development
Services
Department General Fund
Develop marketing plan
within one year of
Housing Element
adoption; implement
marketing program
within two years of
Housing Element
adoption.
2021-2029 Housing Element
71 City of Needles
Number Title Action Responsible
Party Funding Source Timeline
G-3
Source of
Income
Protection
Coordinate with the Housing Authority to conduct outreach to inform landlords and tenants of recent changes to state law that prevent source of income discrimination. Ensure that it is known that Housing Choice Vouchers are allowed to establish a renter’s financial eligibility. In coordination with Program G-1, provide information on City website.

Development
Services
Department
Housing
Authority
General Fund
Provide information on
City website within one
year of Housing
Element adoption;
continuous and ongoing
coordination with
Housing Authority.

G-4 Energy Cost
Savings
Develop a program to assist residents in identifying areas in their home, or practices, that waste energy.

Utility
Department General Fund Develop program by December 2023.

G-5 Incentives to
Build Housing
Disseminate brochures outlining information about available incentives and distribute them to contractors, developers, real estate and contractors boards, and public and private agencies. The City regularly participates at community meetings, as well as meetings with developers, construction vendors, and visitors, and distributes information via flyers, pamphlets, and bound books on programs that have been implemented or are in the process of being developed, properties that have completed the code abatement process and are available for receivership, rehabilitation, etc.

City staff also participates in off-site meetings related to economic development activity in the City and provides written information to anyone attending these events. The information is also made available on the City’s website, as well as in the lobby of City Hall.

Development
Services
Department
General Fund
The City will initiate at
least two of the
meetings described in
the program per year
and will update
brochures at least twice
during the planning
period.
2021-2029 Housing Element City of Needles
Appendices
2021-2029 Housing Element A-2 City of Needles
Appendix A: Fair Housing Assessment

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW OF AB 686
On July 16, 2014, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the Affirmatively Further Fair Housing (AFFH) Final Rule, which required HUD program participants to develop an Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH). An AFH includes robust community input, an analysis of housing data, and identification of fair housing issues and contributing factors to set fair housing priorities and goals. In 2018, HUD reversed the 2015 AFFH rule, which prompted the California legislature to pass Assembly Bill (AB) 686. AB 686 established new fair housing guidelines that require all California jurisdictions (counties and cities) to ensure that local laws, programs, and activities affirmatively further fair housing.

Under California state law, affirmatively furthering fair housing means “taking meaningful actions, in addition to combatting discrimination, that overcome patterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity based on protected characteristics” (Government Code Section 8899.50). These characteristics can include, but are not limited to, race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, color, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, medical condition, source of income, genetic information, or physical or developmental disability.

This AFH has been prepared to assist the City of Needles (City) in planning and implementing fair housing goals to comply with AB 686 and affirmatively further fair housing. This report includes a high-level analysis of the fair housing issues within the City; specifically, it includes an analysis of fair housing enforcement actions and outreach, integration and segregation patterns between different protected groups (including race/ethnicity, income, familial status, and disability), racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty (R/ECAPs), disparities in access to opportunity (including education, employment, transportation, and environmental health), and disproportionate housing needs (including cost burden, overcrowding, substandard housing, homelessness, and displacement). This AFH also identifies contributing factors that lead to fair housing issues as well as housing element programs to address them.

Additionally, the report utilizes community feedback from the City’s prior Housing Element and the San Bernardino County Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice to add regional context and local knowledge to the analysis. The Analysis of Impediments is a planning process for local governments and public housing agencies to take meaningful actions to overcome historical patterns of segregation, promote fair housing choice, and foster inclusive communities that are free from discrimination. The City of Needles participated in the community engagement process for, and the preparation of, the San Bernardino County Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Program Years 2020-2025 (dated April 21, 2020) as a participating agency.

A detailed account of the community engagement component is provided in Section 2.1, Fair Housing Enforcement and Outreach Capacity, below.

This report also makesreference to regional AFFH data collected and distributed by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority. The following are selected goals from the regional AFFH that have relevancy to Needles:
2021-2029 Housing Element A-3 City of Needles

1. Pursue grant funding to build affordable housing.

2. Adopt rental protections and control.

3. Connect residents to programming to increase homeownership (e.g., first-time homebuyer programs, down payment assistance).

4. Sweat equity – people help build their own houses over a time period of 2-3 years.

5. Provide opportunities for alternative building practices (e.g., straw housing, mini housing).

6. Adopt a vacancy tax on all unoccupied rental units.

7. Adopt an inclusionary housing ordinance.

SITES OVERVIEW
The AFFH section also considers the effects that the RHNA sites may have on fair housing. The sites inventory for the City contains 66 vacant sites selected based on their proximity to infrastructure including sewer and potable water, proximity to resources, and readiness to be developed. As the sites are all vacant, they are not expected to cause any adverse impact on fair housing concerns.

The RHNA sites are all located in the central portion of the City. No sites were identified in the northern portion of the City as there is currently no sewer service infrastructure available. Needles has ample land capacity for growth. There are only two census tracts in Needles. As such, Needles has little geographic variation throughout in regard to fair housing concerns. Rather, the fair housing concerns in Needles affect the City as a whole.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-4 City of Needles

REGIONAL CONTEXT
The City of Needles is located in the eastern portion of San Bernardino County, on the border with Arizona. The City falls within the “North Desert” subregion of San Bernardino County, which is one of six identified subregions shown in Figure A-1. The subregions in the County are East Valley, West Valley, High Desert, North Desert, Mountain, and Morongo Basin. The City of Needles is the only incorporated city or town in the North Desert region. Needles is isolated from the population centers in the County, which are located largely in the East Valley, West Valley, and High Desert areas. The closest incorporated city in San Bernardino County to Needles is Barstow, which is just over 140 miles away. The isolated nature of Needles relative to other cities in the County make comparison to the County difficult. Needles is more closely comparable to communities in Arizona on the other side of the Colorado River.

Figure A-1: San Bernardino County Subregions
The table below provides some subregional demographics for each subregion in the County and the change in these demographics from 2010 to 2019. The North Desert subregion is both the largest and the least populated of the subregions in San Bernardino County. The population of the North Desert subregion in 2019 was 36,489, comprising about 1.7 percent of the population of San Bernardino County. The North Desert has a lower median income than the other subregions in the County, except for Morongo Basin. In 2019, the median income in the North Desert was $47,080.50, over $15,000 lower than the County average of $63,362. 2021-2029 Housing Element A-5 City of Needles
Table A-1: Subregional Demographics, 2010–2019
Area Year
Total
Population
Persons with
Disabilities
Households
with Children
Single Parent
Households
Median
Income
High Desert
2010 380,718 50,578 53,742 16,042 $49,188.27
2019 418,577 54,719 53,839 11,479 $52,881.53
% Change 10% 8% 0% -28% 8%
Morongo Basin
2010 71,609 10,773 8,243 2,595 $40,224.60
2019 70,888 13,021 7,894 728 $41,987.60
% Change -1% 21% -4% -72% 4%
Mountain
2010 50,693 6,165 5,925 1,462 $52,440.00
2019 51,284 7,182 5,399 1,214 $58,680.75
% Change 1% 16% -9% -17% 12%
North Desert
2010 33,951 4,393 4,629 998 $43,596.38
2019 36,489 4,335 4,773 853 $47,080.50
% Change 7% -1% 3% -15% 8%
East Valley
2010 859,291 91,170 121,454 35,143 $52,707.69
2019 901,438 94,381 115,723 23,076 $60,548.49
% Change 5% 4% -5% -34% 15%
West Valley
2010 609,025 51,067 83,949 18,549 $73,421.98
2019 662,406 57,006 79,008 13,417 $82,338.93
% Change 9% 12% -6% -28% 12%
County
2010 2,005,287 214,146 243,880 74,789 $55,845.00
2019 2,149,031 230,644 266,636 52,232 $63,362.00
% Change 7% 8% 9% -30% 13%
Sources: 2013 and 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates; US Census Bureau 2010 census

2.0 ASSESSMENT OF FAIR HOUSING ISSUES

2.1 FAIR HOUSING ENFORCEMENT AND OUTREACH CAPACITY
Assistance in the enforcement of fair housing law is carried out through HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO), the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), and other fair housing service organizations working to assist and protect households from discrimination through education and legal assistance. The Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board (IFHMB) is the fair housing service provider serving the City of Needles and all cities in the County of San Bernardino. The IFHMB is contracted to conduct fair housing outreach and to receive complaints and offer mediation and other fair housing services. The FHEO, DFEH, and IFHMB investigate complaints from households claiming discrimination. The City is also served by its own fair housing services provider, the Needles Housing Authority, though the Needles Housing Authority typically refers fair housing complaints to the IFHMB.

The FHEO and DFEH provide the quantity and types of fair housing complaints filed for each of its participating jurisdictions. Existing complaint data available for the 2015 to 2020 time period indicates that within the City 2021-2029 Housing Element A-6 City of Needles
of Needles, no complaints were filed to the FHEO, 2 complaints were filed to the DFEH, and 15 complaints were filed to the IFHMB. The IFHMB indicated that there have been a total of 27 fair housing cases in Needles between the years 2011 and 2020. Since 2011, there has been one case regarding age, 18 regarding disability, seven regarding race, and one regarding sex in the City of Needles. Of these cases, one attempted conciliation, 10 conciliated, 13 were requests for information, and three received accommodation.Per Program D-3, the City will continue to contract with a fair housing specialist to provide fair housing service enforcement and outreach capacity.

The residents of the City of Needles are served by three agencies, the FHEO, DFEH, and IFHMB. All three agencies receive and process complaints. The IFHMB is contracted to the City to conduct annual fair housing outreach, providing the City with sufficient outreach capacity.

As discussed in the “Public Participation” section of the Housing Element update (HEU), the City held two community workshops on July 21, 2021, and on July 28, 2021, at 1111 Baily Avenue in the City of Needles. The purpose of the workshops was to engage the community and give residents the opportunity to provide input on the unmet housing needs in Needles. The following themes emerged from the discussion:
• The inability to purchase a home in the City.
• Substandard quality of homes within the City.
• Lack of access to nearby grocery stores.
• Not enough available housing, short in supply of housing and immediately sold when houses come on the market.
• Median price for home as shown on Zillow.com appears skewed too high in price. • Employment concerns. Difficulty in finding or hiring teachers at Needles schools due to unavailability of affordable, desirable housing within the City.
• Most people who have jobs in Needles are moving to Arizona (i.e., Bullhead City).

In addition, during previous community engagement efforts conducted for the Analysis of Impediments for which the City was a participating agency, the following input was received from the community in Needles relative to impediments to fair housing choice:
• Needles needs better access to groceries. Currently a 50-minute round-trip to a grocery store. • Huge need for affordable housing, and rental housing in particular (current wait lists are about 6-9 months). But before trying to locate more Section 8 housing in the city, there needs to be some consideration of the existing gaps in mental health and human services that would only be exacerbated with an increase in lower-income residents.
• Landlords will rent to the first person who qualifies; no regard for anyone’s background. • If a fair housing concern was raised, the best referral would be to the Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board (IFHMB). But it is seldom that an issue is alleged. 2021-2029 Housing Element A-7 City of Needles
• Public investment in local resources is pretty equal. If Council hears of or knows about a need, they will address it.
• Council members all serve citywide, so no particular interest in any one neighborhood over another. • Anyone can address Council directly at regular City Council meetings. • The City and school system work well together. The community puts children first.

Finally, each rendition of the draft housing element has been published on the City’s website for a period of no less than seven days prior to review by HCD and notice of its availability was provided to all persons on the Housing Element contact list.

2.2 INTEGRATION AND SEGREGATION
This section analyzes patterns of segregation by racial/ethnic groups, income, familial status, and persons with disabilities, and how they have changed over time. It also identifies areas with high levels of segregation.

Indicators for both the City of Needles and the County of San Bernardino overall are included as a basis of comparison.

According to the San Bernardino County Analysis of Impediments, population distribution patterns in certain municipalitiesthroughout the County (specifically, Big Bear Lake, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, Yucaipa, and Needles) indicate an overrepresentation and concentration of White residents compared to other parts of the County. These areas all had White population shares of 60 percent or more in 2010, indicating a higher level of segregation, whereas other municipalities (specifically, Adelanto, Colton, and Montclair) had White population shares under 20 percent, indicating a lower level of segregation. The White population share in San Bernardino County overall fell from 2000 to 2010, and population shares in each municipality declined as well. However, two areas—Needles and Twentynine Palms—had consistently large White population shares, showing little decline over the decade.
6 2.2.1 Race/Ethnicity
The racial/ethnic distribution in the City and the County for years 2010 and 2019 are shown in Table A-2. The most substantial increase in the City’s population between 2010 and 2019 was the population identifying as “two or more race, non-Hispanic” with an increase from 40 to 137 people (243 percent). There was a moderate increase in the Hispanic population from 751 to 947 people (26 percent). All other race/ethnicity categories— White, Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander—experienced a decrease in population, ranging from a low of a 4 percent decrease (White, non-Hispanic) to a high of a 100 percent decrease (Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander). Of note, the City had a minor increase in its total population of 1 percent from 2010 to 2019, specifically, from 4,938 residents to 4,965 residents.

In comparison, the County overall saw decreases in the White population from 695,292 to 613,066 people (12 percent) and the Black population from 170,492 to 169,340 people (1 percent) from 2010 to 2019. The American Indian/Alaskan Native population remained static at 0 percent (from 7,821 to 7,783 people). The 6 San Bernardino County. 2020. San Bernardino County Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. http://www.sbcounty.gov/uploads/cdh/reports/SanBernardinoCountyAI_Final_0410%20with%20Appendix.pdf. 2021-2029 Housing Element A-8 City of Needles
Asian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic populations all increased from 2010 to 2019. Specifically, the Asian population increased from 120,343 to 150,165 people (25 percent); the Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander population increased from 5,417 to 6,160 people (14 percent), and the Hispanic population increased from 960,138 to 1,145,874 people (19 percent).

Table A-2: Race/Ethnicity, 2010–2019
Race/Ethnicity 2010 2019 Percent Change
City of Needles
Total Population 4,938 4,965 1%
White, non-Hispanic 3,447 3,306 -4%
Black, non-Hispanic 180 145 -19%
American Indian and Alaskan Native, non-Hispanic 452 406 -10% Asian, non-Hispanic 60 24 -60%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic 8 0 -100% Some other race alone, non-Hispanic - - -
Two or more race, non-Hispanic 40 137 243%
Hispanic 751 947 26%
County of San Bernardino
Total Population 2,005,287 2,149,031 7%
White, non-Hispanic 695,292 613,066 -12%
Black, non-Hispanic 170,492 169,340 -1%
American Indian and Alaskan Native, non-Hispanic 7,821 7,783 0% Asian, non-Hispanic 120,343 150,165 25%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic 5,417 6,160 14% Some other race alone, non-Hispanic 5,715 3,624 -37%
Two or more race, non-Hispanic 40,069 53,019 32%
Hispanic 960,138 1,145,874 19%
Source: 2013 and 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates; US Census Bureau, Table B03002.

In addition, a predominant racial/ethnic majority map for the City for the current year (2021) obtained from the HUD AFFH Tool is provided in Figure A-2 below. As shown in thisfigure, this demographic map reflects only a White majority population defined as “sizeable” (a gap of 10 to 50 percent), with no other ethnic/racial predominance within the City.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-9 City of Needles
Figure A-2: Predominant Race/Ethnicity, 2010
2021-2029 Housing Element A-10 City of Needles
Source: AFFH Data Viewer.

Figure A-3 shows the RHNA sites by income level and their distribution throughout the City in comparison to distribution of the non-White population. From 2010 to 2018, the non-White population in Needles increased in the central City, though there remains little variation throughout the City. The central areas of the City range between 38 and 35 percent non-White, close to the adjacent western block group that is 40 percent nonWhite. All sites are in or around the area with the lowest percent of the population that is non-White. The RHNA sites will likely not cause any disproportionate concentrations of any ethnicity.

Figure A-3: Percent Non-White 2010 and 2018 and RHNA Sites Source: AFFH Data Viewer.

Racial/Ethnic Dissimilarity Index
The Dissimilarity Index, or DI, is an indicator that measures segregation across a defined geographic boundary.

Level of segregation is determined by assessing what percentage of residents of a census block would have to move for each block to have the exact same population of said group. An increase in DI means an increase in segregation. The DI ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 is perfect integration and 100 is complete segregation. It is important to note that the DI provided by HUD uses non-Hispanic White residents as the primary comparison group. Consequently, for the purposes of this report, the DI values compare racial and ethnic groups against the distribution of non-Hispanic White residents. To find this data index online, go to:
https://egis.hud.gov/affht/.

DI values are grouped in the following categories:
• 0 and 39 = low segregation
2021-2029 Housing Element A-11 City of Needles
• 40 and 54 = moderate segregation
• 55 and 100 = high segregation
Table A-3 below shows the DI for the City and the County from 2013 to 2019. Highlighted cells represent high levels of segregation. The City had a low level of segregation in 2013 between the White population and all racial/ethnic categories, except for the Black population, with DI values ranging from 8.89 (Hispanic) to 30.53 (Asian). There was a high level of segregation (DI = 72.52) between the White population and the Black population. However, this indicator was reduced to a moderate level in 2019 with a DI value of 43.90. In 2019, the DI value between the White and Asian population remained at a low level (increasing slightly from 30.53 to 39.87), and the DI value between the White and Hispanic population increased from 8.89 to 32.56, representing the largest DI increase. However, this indicator remained at a low level from 2013 to 2019.

In comparison with San Bernardino County, the City tends to have lower segregation levels, although the County did not have any segregation levels considered to be high in either 2013 or 2019. All DI values in the County fell into the moderate category with the lowest DI being 40.93 in 2019 between the White population and the Non-White, non-Hispanic population group, and the highest DI being 54.69 in 2013 between the White and Asian populations. Of note, all DI values decreased slightly from 2013 to 2019 (with the exception of the slight DI increase of 0.77 between the White and Black populations), indicating a slight decrease in segregation Countywide.

Table A-3: Racial/Ethnic Dissimilarity, 2013–2019
Race/Ethnicity 2013 2019 Change
City of Needles
Non-White, non-Hispanic and Hispanic/White, non-Hispanic 18.92 26.42 7.50 Hispanic/White, non-Hispanic 8.89 32.56 23.67
Black, non-Hispanic/White, non-Hispanic 72.52 43.90 -28.62 Asian, non-Hispanic/White, non-Hispanic 30.53 39.87 9.34 County of San Bernardino
Non-White, non-Hispanic and Hispanic/White, non-Hispanic 42.80 40.93 -1.87 Hispanic/White, non-Hispanic 46.70 44.90 -1.80
Black, non-Hispanic/White, non-Hispanic 52.75 53.52 0.77 Asian, non-Hispanic/White, non-Hispanic 54.69 52.96 -1.73 Source: 2013 and 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates; US Census Bureau, Table B03002.

2.2.2 Income
Table A-4 below shows the median income for the City and County from 2010 to 2019. The median income in the City increased 8 percent from $31,226 in 2010 to $33,717 in 2019. The median income in the County overall increased 13 percent from $55,845 in 2010 to $63,362 in 2019. An approximately 5 percent difference in the increase of the median income between the City and County occurred during these years. Additionally, the County continued to have a moderately higher median income than the City, with a nearly $30,000 difference, in 2019.

Table A-4: Median Income, 2010–2019
2010 2019 Change
City of Needles $31,226 $33,717 8%
County of San Bernardino $55,845 $63,362 13%
2021-2029 Housing Element A-12 City of Needles
Sources: 2010 and 2019 American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates; US Census Bureau, Table S1901.

Figure A-4 displays the percentage of the population in each block group that is low-moderate income and the distribution of RHNA sites by income level. There is little variation across Needles of low-moderate income population, with the entire City having greater than 50 percent of the population at low-moderate income. The low- and moderate-income sites are not located in the area of the City with the highest low-moderate income population, east of the I-40. The dispersion of sites is not expected to increase any concentration of lowmoderate population in Needles.

Figure A-5 and Figure A-6 display the poverty status and median income in Needles from 2010–2014 and 2015– 2019, respectively. The level of poverty in Needles stayed constant over the time period. As a basis of comparison, according to HCD, the state median income in 2014 and 2019 was $71,400 and $87,100, respectively. As shown in these figures, the entire City was identified as being located in an area with a median income of $40,000 or less in 2014. In 2019, most of the City was identified as being located in an area with a median income of $55,000 or less, with a small portion of the City along its southeastern boundary located in the $30,000 or less category. Both sets of data indicate the median income in the City falls well below the reported state median incomes.

Income Dissimilarity Index
Table A-5, Income Dissimilarity, below, shows the income DI for the City and County from year 2017. The City falls within the “low segregation” category for income dissimilarity with a DI of 31.15 (refer to Section 2.2.1, Race/Ethnicity above, for categorization of DI values). The County also falls within the “low segregation” category for income dissimilarity with a DI of 38.42. The DI differential between the City and County is 7.27.

Table A-5: Income Dissimilarity, 2017
Low and Moderate Income/Above Moderate Income
City of Needles 31.15
County of San Bernardino 38.42
Source: US Department of Housing and Urban Development, accessed July 9, 2021, https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/acs-low-modsummary-data. 2021-2029 Housing Element A-13 City of Needles
Figure A-4: RHNA Sites and Percent Low to Moderate Income, 2011–2015 Source: AFFH Data Viewer.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-14 City of Needles
Figure A-5: Poverty Status, 2010–2014 and 2015–2019
Source: AFFH Data Viewer.

Figure A-6: Median Income, 2010–2014, 2015–2019
Source: AFFH Data Viewer.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-15 City of Needles

2.2.3 Familial Status
Familial status refers to the presence of children under the age of 18 and the marital status of the head of households. Single-parent households are protected by fair housing law. In addition, female-headed households with children tend to require special consideration and assistance because of a greater need for affordable housing and accessible day care, health care, and other supportive services.

Table A-6, below, shows the number and percentage increase from 2010 to 2019 in the City and the County of households with children and single-parent households. As shown, the City experienced a moderate 11 percent increase in the number of households with children from 536 to 595 households. However, there was a slight 2 percent decrease in the number of single-parent households from 258 to 254 households. Similarly, the County had a moderate 9 percent increase in the number of households with children from 243,880 to 266,636 households. The County also had a decrease—although a more substantial decrease than the City—of 30 percent in the number of single-parent households from 74,789 to 52,232 households.

Table A-6: Familial Status, 2010–2019
2010 2019 Change
City of Needles Households with Children 536 595 11%
Single-Parent Households 258 254 -2%
County of San
Bernardino
Households with Children 243,880 266,636 9%
Single-Parent Households 74,789 52,232 -30%
Source: 2010 and 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates; US Census Bureau, Table DP05.

In addition, familial status maps for the City for year 2021 obtained from the HUD AFFH Tool are provided in Figure A-7 and Figure A-8. As shown in Figure A-7, the City has a fairly even proportion of the low and moderate categories that include children living in homes with female householders. The majority of the central portion of the City contains a 20 to 40 percent incidence of such households, whereas the northern and southern areas of the City tend to have a higher percentage of such households in the 40 to 60 percent category. Almost all RHNA sites are located in the area where 32.3 percent of children are in female-headed households, while a select few above-moderate sites are in a tract where 49.6 percent of children are in female-headed households.

As shown in Figure A-8, the entirety of the City falls within the 20 to 40 percent category of children living in married couple households, which is considered to be a low incidence of such households. 2021-2029 Housing Element A-16 City of Needles
Figure A-7: RHNA Sites and Percent of Children in Female Householder, No Spouse/Partner Present Households, 2019
2021-2029 Housing Element A-17 City of Needles
Source: AFFH Data Viewer.

Figure A-8: Percent of Children in Married-Couple Households, 2015–2019 Source: AFFH Data Viewer.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-18 City of Needles

2.2.4 Persons with Disabilities
Table A-7 shows the number and percentage increase in the City and County from 2012 to 2019 of persons with disabilities. As shown in Table A-7, the City has experienced a 15 percent increase in the number of persons with a disability from 2012 to 2019, whereas the County’s increase was approximately 8 percent. The most substantial increase in disability type in the City was in persons with a vision difficulty with a 71 percent increase, compared to the County’s increase at 6 percent. The increase in cognitive, ambulatory, and independent living difficulties between the City and County were similar, ranging in between 6 and 7 percent, with a decrease of 6 percent in the City for those with an independent living difficulty. However, there was a substantial decrease of 51 percent in the population living with a self-care difficulty in the City, whereas there was a slight increase in the same population in the County of 3 percent.

The City adopted a reasonable accommodations procedure in 2019.

Table A-7: Disability Status, 2012–2019
Type 2012 2019 Change
City of Needles
Persons with Disability 1,103 1,272 15%
Percent of Population with Disability 22.6% 25.6% --
Hearing Difficulty 236 238 1%
Vision Difficulty 130 222 71%
Cognitive Disability 397 421 6%
Ambulatory Difficulty 814 818 6%
Self-Care Difficulty 303 148 -51%
Independent Living Difficulty 506 478 -6%
County of San Bernardino
Persons with Disability 214,146 230,644 8%
Percent of Population with Disability 10.7% 10.9% --
Hearing Difficulty 54,500 60,022 10%
Vision Difficulty 42,864 45,431 6%
Cognitive Disability 83,514 88,556 6%
Ambulatory Difficulty 115,033 122,915 7%
Self-Care Difficulty 49,134 50,608 3%
Independent Living Difficulty 81,362 86,420 6%
Source: 2012 and 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates; US Census Bureau, Table S1810.

In addition, disability status maps for the City for years 2014 and 2019 obtained from the HUD AFFH Tool are provided in Figure A-9. The percentage of the population with a disability increased throughout the City from 2014 to 2019. In 2014, the same portion of the City that fell within the 10 to 20 percent category changed to the 20 to 30 percent category in 2019. The portion of the City that fell within the 20 to 30 percent category in 2014 changed to the 30 to 40 percent category in 2019, although barely in that category at 30.6 percent.

The RHNA sites are not expected to cause any concentration of persons with disabilities as it is roughly even throughout the City. RHNA sites are located in close proximity to social and healthcare services in Needles. 2021-2029 Housing Element A-19 City of Needles
Figure A-9: Population with Disability, 2010–2014, 2015–2019 Source: AFFH Data Viewer.

2.3 RACIALLY AND ETHNICALLY CONCENTRATED AREAS OF POVERTY AND

RACIALLY CONCENTRATED AREAS OF AFFLUENCE
This section identifies areas considered to be racially/ethnically concentrated areas of poverty (R/ECAPs) and racially concentrated areas of affluence (RCAAs). Indicators for both the City of Needles and the County of San Bernardino overall have been included as a basis of comparison.

As there are no R/ECAPs or RCAAs in the City, no sites are located within a R/ECAP or RCAA. Sites are not expected to contribute to the creation of a R/ECAP or RCAA.

2.3.1 Racially and Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty In order to identify R/ECAPs, HUD has identified census tracts with a majority non-White population (greater than 50 percent) and with a poverty rate that exceeds 40 percent or is three times the average census tract poverty rate for the metro/micro area, whichever threshold is lower. Regionally, within San Bernardino County, nine census tracts are currently designated as R/ECAPs, which combined contain 34,661 people, accounting for about 5 percent of the County’s total population. Latino residents constitute the majority (57.5 percent) of the population in R/ECAP communities. These R/ECAPs are concentrated in the southwest quadrant of the County (including in the cities of Victorville, San Bernardino, Ontario, and Fontana): one census tract in Barstow, two in the Adelanto/El Mirage area, one in the Grand Terrace area, and others in and around Highland. Many of the R/ECAP census tracts are located along the boundaries shared with the City of San Bernardino. 2021-2029 Housing Element A-20 City of Needles
No R/ECAP census tracts have been identified in or adjacent to the City of Needles, as shown in Figure A-10.

Figure A-10: R/ECAPs and RHNA Sites
Source: AFFH Data Viewer.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-21 City of Needles

2.3.2 Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence
RCAAs are predominantly White, non-Hispanic and high-income census tracts. As of publication of this report, HCD has not released RCAA maps for use in AFHs. However, the HCD AFFH Guiding Document provides one method to identify RCAAs as census tracts where greater than 80 percent of the population is White, and the median household income is $125,00 or greater.
7 The City of Needles does not have any tracts that meet either one of those qualifiers. As such, there are no RCAAs in Needles.

The SBCTA draft Regional Assessment of Fair Housing identified multiple RCAAs in the County. The RCAAs identified include three census tracts south of the City of Adelanto and west of Route 50 in the High Desert subregion; a census tract west of Yucaipa and at the southern border of the County in the Mountain subregion; and a census tract in the southwest of Yucca Valley in the Morongo Basin subregion. There are no RCAAs in the North Desert subregion, the subregion of the County that Needles is in.

Needles is largely isolated from other cities and communities in San Bernardino County and shows similar trends to neighboring communities in Arizona on the other side of the Colorado River in Mohave County.

Communities on the border of San Bernardino and Mohave Counties do not have characteristics that would qualify them as RCAAs.

2.4 DISPARITY IN ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY
This section examines the extent to which members of protected classes in the City experience disparities in access to opportunity, as measured by access to education, employment, transportation, and healthy neighborhoods. The analysis includes data from HUD, HCD, and other governmental entities, local and regional needs assessment, and findings from the community engagement process. As discussed in Section 2.1, Fair Housing Enforcement and Outreach Capacity, above, community engagement participants shared their experiences and perspectives related to indicators of healthy neighborhoods and measures of access to opportunity, including quality schools, transportation, and employment.

To measure economic and educational conditions at a neighborhood level, HUD developed a methodology to quantify the degree to which a neighborhood provides such opportunities. For each block group in the United States, HUD provides a score on several “opportunity dimensions,” including school proficiency, poverty, labor market engagement, jobs proximity, transportation costs, transit trips, and environmental health. For each block group, a value is calculated for each index and results are then standardized on a scale of 0 to 100 based on relative ranking with the metro area. For each opportunity dimension, a higher index score indicates more favorable neighborhood characteristics.
8 The analysis in this section identifies and discusses California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) maps.

The TCAC administers the low-income housing tax credit program to encourage private investment in affordable rental housing for households meeting certain income requirements. Credits are available for new construction projects or existing properties undergoing rehabilitation. 7 https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/affh/docs/affh_document_final_4-27-2021.pdf 8 County of San Bernardino. 2020. “Analysis of Impediments to Housing Choice.” Available at https://content.sbcounty.gov/uploads/CDH/SanBernardinoCountyAI_Final_0410-with-Appendix.pdf 2021-2029 Housing Element A-22 City of Needles

2.4.1 Education
To determine educational quality per census tract, TCAC education opportunity scores were used. The TCAC education score map for the City obtained from the HUD AFFH Tool is provided in Figure A-11. This index combines math and reading proficiency scores, high school graduation rates, and student poverty data to measure outcomes and quality of education systems in an area. According to TCAC educational scores, the entire City falls within the score category of less than 0.25 (less positive education outcome).

In regard to the region overall, access to proficient schools among block groups varies throughout the County.

Several census tracts in the western and southwestern portions of the County have some of the highest scores, including the Redlands, Mentone, Lake Arrowhead, and Crestline areas, along with block groups north of Rancho Cucamonga and those in and around Hinkley. However, other block groups in the San Bernardino Valley (the population center of the County) have some of the County’s lowest school proficiency scores, including those in the Colton, Bloomington, Highland, and San Bernardino areas. Scores are also relatively low in Adelanto and areas to the west of Victorville and Hesperia, and two large block groups in southeast San Bernardino County bordering Arizona also have low school proficiency scores.9 9 County of San Bernardino. 2020. “Analysis of Impediments to Housing Choice.” Available at https://content.sbcounty.gov/uploads/CDH/SanBernardinoCountyAI_Final_0410-with-Appendix.pdf 2021-2029 Housing Element A-23 City of Needles
Figure A-11: TCAC Opportunity Areas – Education Score, 2021 Source: AFFH Data Viewer.

2.4.2 Employment
To determine employment and economic opportunity, TCAC economic opportunity scores were used. The TCAC uses the following to measure economic opportunity in a census tract: poverty rates, population of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher, employment, proximity to jobs, and median home value. The TCAC economic score map for the City obtained from the HUD AFFH Tool is provided in Figure A-12. As shown in this 2021-2029 Housing Element A-24 City of Needles
figure, the majority of the City falls within the score category of less than 0.25 (less positive economic outcome) with a small portion of the City also falling within the higher score category of 0.25 to 0.50, indicating an area with a somewhat more positive economic outcome.

In regard to the region overall, there is a concentration of jobs and economic opportunity in the southwestern portion of the County, in the East and West Valleys; however, there is significant variation within the Valley subregions. As one moves farther away from the Valley subregions and into the Desert and Mountain subregions of the County, economic opportunity decreases.

Another indicator of economic opportunity includes the HUD Jobs Proximity Index. The HUD Jobs Proximity Index quantifies the accessibility of a given residential neighborhood as a function of its distance to all job locations within a Core-Based Statistical Area with larger employment centers weighted more heavily.10 As seen in Figure A-13, the central portion of the City contains a large area that falls within the “furthest proximity” category with an index of less than 20. Another large area in the central portion of the City falls within an area with an index of 60 to 80. The northern and southern portions of the City fall within the “closest proximity” category with an index of greater than 80.

In the overall region, jobs are farther away for those living in the High Desert, North Desert, and Morongo Basin subregions. The cities ranked as farthest away from jobs include Hesperia, Apple Valley, Barstow, Victorville, and Adelanto. Within the East and West Valley subregions, proximity to jobs is highly dependent on city and census tract. While some cities, namely Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, and some parts of Ontario in the West Valley, and Loma Linda in the East Valley, are closest in proximity to jobs, other areas in the region are farther away from employment opportunities. The areas in the central portions of the East and West Valleys, Rialto, and portions of the City of San Bernardino are the farthest away from jobs.

It is worth noting that the jobs and economic opportunity trends tend to mirror those found in the HUD AFFH poverty status maps for the City and County. Typically, those areas with lower access to jobs and lower economic opportunity have higher poverty rates. Regionally, census tracts with a poverty rate over 40 percent are located throughout the County, with areas of note being within the City of San Bernardino, the western edge of the Morongo Basin, and multiple tracts in the High Desert region. A poverty map for the City for year 2019, obtained from HUD AFFH Tool, is provided in Figure A-5. As seen in this figure, the entire City falls within the 20 to 30 percent category for poverty, relative to census tracts in the City.

Further discussion of employment trends in the City is provided in the City’s most recent HEU, to which this AFFH analysis is appended. As discussed in the HEU, as of 2019, there was a total of 1,511 employees aged 16 or older in Needles. Refer to Table 13: Employment by Industry, 2009–2019, in the HEU for a breakout of the number of employees in each employment sector and the percentage of the City’s workforce that each sector employs. It should also be noted that concerns regarding employment were raised during community engagement for the HEU, with residents stating that it is difficult to find or hire teachers at Needles schools due to the unavailability of affordable, desirable housing within the City. 10 US Department of Housing and Urban Development. n.d. Jobs Proximity Index. Accessed on July 27, 2021, at https://hudgishud.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/jobs-proximity-index 2021-2029 Housing Element A-25 City of Needles
Figure A-12: TCAC Opportunity Areas – Economic Score, 2021 Source: AFFH Data Viewer.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-26 City of Needles
Figure A-13: Job Proximity Index, 2014–2017
Source: AFFH Data Viewer.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-27 City of Needles

2.4.3 Transportation
Local transit service to and within the Needles area is provided by Needles Area Transit (NAT). Figure A-14 displays the NAT route map, which consists of a West Loop and a North-South Loop. The City of Needles administers the NAT and a dial-a-ride program for seniors and persons with disabilities; the NAT system transports approximately 35,000 riders each year. NAT provides deviated fixed-route service on a single route within Needles. The service operates hourly, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and for 4 hours on Saturday. Additionally, Amtrak provides regional and national transportation service. The Southwest Chief Train provides services from Los Angeles and Chicago and stops at the Needles Station. The Victor Valley Transit Authority provides service to and from Needles to Barstow and Victorville on Fridays.

Further discussion of employment trends in the City is provided in the City’s HEU. As discussed therein, as of 2019, most Needles residents travel no more than half an hour to their place of work. Less than 9 percent spend half an hour to an hour traveling to work, and less than 4 percent spend at least an hour getting to their work site. Refer to Table 15: Travel Time to Work, 2019, in the HEU for a breakout of travel times to work for Needles residents.

A brief discussion of transportation trends is provided in the City’s Local Profile prepared by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). According to the most recent (2019) Local Profile, approximately 78 percent of commuters drive alone to work, while approximately 11 percent of commuters carpooled to work. The remaining 11 percent of commuters used either public transit or alternative transportation (bicycling and/or walking) or worked from home. Relative to vehicle ownership, approximately 13 percent of Needles households do not own a vehicle. Approximately 46 percent of Needles households own one vehicle, while nearly 41 percent of households own two or more vehicles. 11 Access to transportation does not vary widely by protected status in the City. There are no significant spatial concentrations of any protected status in any area of the City. As such, access to transportation in the City does not widely vary. As shown in Figure A-14, the NAT route spans across the City and provides close access to transportation to residents. Routes provide access to schools, commercial services, and resources such as the Senior Center and Needles Library, and Needles Hospital. As a response to the variety of transit needs of residents in Needles, NAT provides a number of other transportation services for those who may have special transit needs. This includes the Dial-A-Ride service for the elderly and those with disabilities, available MondayFriday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, medical transportation to Mohave Valley/Bullhead City on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a shopper shuttle to Fort Mohave grocery stores on Wednesdays, and a CarShare program. Access to transportation has increased with the provision of these other services through NAT. 11 Southern California Association of Governments. 2019. Local Profile for the City of Needles. 2021-2029 Housing Element A-28 City of Needles
Figure A-14: Needles Area Transit Service
Source: City of Needles.

Regionally, five different transportation authorities serve San Bernardino County, each serving one or two of the subregions. The San Bernardino County draft Analysis of Impediments notes that 80.2 percent of residents in the County travel alone by car to work, and 10.1 percent carpool, a similar percentage as is seen in Needles.

The Western Arizona Council of Government’s (WACOG) Transportation Planning Region covers Mohave County and the areas of Arizona in the Needles region. WACOG notes that there is substantial cross-border travel between San Bernardino and Mohave Counties in this region, and hosts bimonthly coordination meetings to identify gaps in transportation and areas of potential collaboration between service providers. 2021-2029 Housing Element A-29 City of Needles

2.4.4 Healthy Environment
To measure environmental health, the TCAC utilizes the State of California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment’s (OEHHA) CalEnviroScreen 3.0, which uses 10 factors to measure environmental health impacts and pollution burden. These factors are broken down into exposure (levels of ozone, particulate matter, diesel, water quality, pesticide use, traffic density, and toxic releases) and environmental (cleanup sites, groundwater threats, hazardous waste generators and facilities, impaired water bodies, and solid waste sites and facilities) effects. Since many of these environmental effects are byproducts of population centers, San Bernardino County has poor environmental quality in many areas of the more heavily populated areas in the region.

The TCAC environmental score map for the City obtained from the HUD AFFH Tool is provided in Figure A-14.

As shown in this figure, the central portion of the City contains a large area that falls within the “more positive environmental outcomes” category with an index range from 0.75 to .99, while the northern and southern portions of the City fall within a lower index range of 0.50 to 0.75. Needles’ sparse population, with just over 5,300 residents, may account for the higher environmental scores as compared to the more densely populated areas of the County overall, which tend to have lower environmental scores.

The updated Cal EnviroScreen 4.0 scores for Needles are shown in Figure A-15 along with the identified RHNA sites. The percentile scores for the two census tracts in Needles are 62 percent and 70 percent. Needles generally scores higher in the socioeconomic indicators and lower in the exposure indicators. There is little variation between the two tracts. As such, there are no RHNA sites located in areas with disproportionate environmental concerns.

The SBCTA draft Regional Assessment of Fair Housing discusses CES 3.0 scores in the different subregions in the County of San Bernardino. It notes that many environmental effects are byproducts of large population centers, and lower environmental quality scores in the heavily populated East Valley and West Valley are likely reflective of this. Poor environmental scores in the Mountain subregion are due to factors such as wildfires, the logging industry, and bodies of water with high levels of PCBs and mercury.

As both the TCAC and CES 4.0 tools are California statewide tools, there is no data available for the neighboring communities in Arizona.

Environmental opportunity indices do not vary largely across Needles. Of the two census tracts, one has a CES

4.0 percentile score of 62 and the other is 70. As the City is comprised of two mostly homogenous census tracts, a comparison of HCD Data viewer maps of protected statues (race, income, familial status, disability, income, and poverty) against the CES 4.0 and TCAC Environmental Opportunity map did not reveal any spatial trends that would indicate any protected status has a higher exposure to pollutants. 2021-2029 Housing Element A-30 City of Needles
Figure A-15: TCAC Opportunity Areas – Environmental Score Source: AFFH Data Viewer.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-31 City of Needles
Figure A-16: RHNA Sites and CES 4.0 Percentile Scores
Source: AFFH Data Viewer.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-32 City of Needles

2.4.5 Composite Score
The TCAC composite score is a measure of indicators (high access to opportunities and resources) that have been shown to support positive economic, educational, and health outcomes for low-income families, especially long-term outcomes for children.
12 The TCAC composite score map for the City obtained from the HUD AFFH Tool is provided in Figure A-16. As shown in this figure, the entire City falls within an area designated as having “low resources.” The entire North Desert subregion is either classified as low resource or has missing/insufficient data, with the exception of two tracts on the northwest border of the County.

Composite scores vary throughout the San Bernardino County region. The SBCTA draft Regional Assessment of Fair Housing compares the subregions’ composite scores: for example, the East Valley and West Valley have the highest opportunity scores and the North Desert and High Desert have comparatively lower scores. The draft also notes that areas in the County with the highest opportunity correlate with areas that are the least affordable, and that generally more expensive areas have higher access to resources and opportunities.

RHNA sites are also shown in Figure A-16 by their income level. As the entire City is in the low resource category, all RHNA sites are also in areas that are categorized as low resource. The RHNA sites were selected based on their proximity to some resources in the City, including the Needles Regional Senior Center, social services, and healthcare services.
12 California Fair Housing Task Force. 2020. Methodology for the 2021 TCAC/HCD Opportunity Map. 2021-2029 Housing Element A-33 City of Needles
Figure A-17: TCAC Opportunity Areas – Composite Score
Source: AFFH Data Viewer.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-34 City of Needles

2.4.6 Regional HUD Fair Housing Indicators
HUD has developed a series of indices for fair housing analysis to assist cities in identifying disparities in access to opportunity. The indicators are scored on a scale from zero to 100. The following indicators are provided:
• Low Poverty Index: The low poverty index captures poverty at the census tract level. The higher the score, the less exposure to poverty.
• School Proficiency Index: The school proficiency index uses the performance of fourth-grade students on state exams to describe which areas have higher and lower performing schools. The higher the score, the higher the school system quality.
• Labor Market Index: The labor market index measures the relative intensity of labor market engagement and human capital. The index is calculated using employment levels, labor force participation, and education attainment. The higher the score, the higher the labor market participation in a neighborhood.
• Transit Index: The transit index is based on estimates of transit trips taken by a three-person, singleparent family with income at 50 percent of the median income for renters for the region. The higher the index, the more likely that the residents use public transit. • Low Transportation Cost Index: The low transportation cost index is calculated based on estimates for a three-person, single-parent family with income at 50 percent of the median income for renters for the region. The higher the index, the lower the cost of transportation. • Jobs Proximity Index: The jobs proximity index quantifies the accessibility of a given residential neighborhood as a function of its distance to all job locations within a region. Larger employment centers are more heavily weighted. The higher the index, the better access to employment opportunities.
• Environmental Health Index: The environmental health index summarizes potential exposure to a variety of toxins that are harmful to human health. The higher the index, the less exposure to toxins.

Opportunity indicators for San Bernardino County are in Table A-8. There were no opportunity indicators available for the City of Needles in the HUD tool. There were no opportunity indicators available for the area of Arizona on the other side of the state border of Needles for a cross-state regional comparison.

Table A-8: Opportunity Indicators, San Bernardino County 2020 (San Bernardino County, CA
CDBG) Jurisdiction
Low
Poverty
Index
School
Proficiency
Index
Labor
Market
Index
Transit
Index
Low
Transportation
Cost Index
Jobs
Proximity
Index
Environmental
Health Index
White 42.99 41.34 29.82 38.63 41.36 40.16 60.62
Black 31.14 27.95 20.86 51.30 47.67 48.07 48.47
Hispanic 31.86 29.10 21.34 54.36 47.33 52.38 40.79
Asian 48.49 41.96 39.59 56.34 49.16 60.94 38.41
Native American 31.43 31.33 20.49 40.29 42.85 42.89 58.20 Source: HUD AFFH Data Tool.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-35 City of Needles
The San Bernardino County Analysis of Impediments notes regional trends in the County regarding disparities in access to opportunity throughout the County. The North Desert, Morongo Basin, Mountain and High Desert subregions tend to have lower access to opportunities when compared to the East and West Valley regions.

The Analysis of Impediments also provides regional context regarding disparities in access to opportunity for persons with disabilities. The Morongo Basin, Mountain, High Desert, and North Desert subregions have higher percentages of people with disabilitiesthan the East Valley and West Valley; however, the East Valley and West Valley do have pockets of census tracts with higher rates of persons with disabilities, specifically in the City of San Bernardino. The SBCTA draft Regional Assessment of Fair Housing notes that those with disabilities are more likely to live in more affordable areas of the County, which correlate with higher levels of poverty and less access to opportunities and resources.

2.5 DISPROPORTIONATE HOUSING NEEDS
The purpose of a disproportionate housing needs and displacement analysis is to identify how access to the housing market differs for members of protected classes—and to determine if such differences are related to discriminatory actions or effects.

The AFFH rule defines “disproportionate housing needs” as “a condition in which there are significant disparities in the proportion of members of a protected class experiencing a category of housing needs when compared to the proportion of members of any other relevant groups or the total population experiencing that category of housing need in the applicable geographic area.”

2.5.1 Cost Burden
Housing costs for ownership and rental units have increased dramatically in the last decade for the County overall. Figure A-17 illustrates the median average home sales price for the City since 2012. In less than 10 years, the median home sales price has risen from approximately $80,000 in 2012 to $143,000 at present. The graph illustrates that, in 2015 and 2017, prices returned to the same 2012 level of $80,000 during the economic recovery that followed the recession of 2008, followed by a steady rise upward beginning in 2019. Since January 2021 to the present, prices have risen dramatically.

In comparison with the median home sales prices for the County overall, the City’s current home sales price is approximately 32.5 percent of that of San Bernardino County as a whole. As shown in Figure A-18, in less than 10 years, the median home sales price for the County has risen at a rate of just over 150 percent, from approximately $175,000 in 2012 to $439,000 at present. The graph illustrates that prices rose significantly in 2013 during the economic recovery that followed the recession of 2008, followed by a steady rise upward from 2014 up until late 2020. From January 2021 to the present, prices have dramatically risen. 2021-2029 Housing Element A-36 City of Needles
Figure A-18: Needles Median Homes Sales Price (unadjusted for inflation) Source: Zillow, Needles Home Values, 2021.

Figure A-19: San Bernardino County Median Home Sales Price (unadjusted for inflation) Source: Zillow, San Bernardino County Home Values, 2021.

Illustrative examples of overpayment are provided in the corresponding maps showing areas of overpayment by homeowners and renters for years 2014 and 2019, obtained from HUD AFFH Tool. Overpayment by homeowners and renters from 2010–2014 and 2015–2019 are shown in Figure A-19 and Figure 20, respectively. As shown, the City has generally experienced a decrease in homeowner overpayment percentages (percentage of all homeowners per census tract experiencing overpayment) for a majority of its area, whereas rental overpayment percentages experienced an increase in overpayment in census tract areas. Specifically, for homeowners in 2014, the majority of the City fell within the 20 to 40 percent range, with the central portion of the City falling within the 40 to 60 percent range; in 2019, the entire City fell within the 20 to 40 percent range. For renters, that trend was reversed; in 2014, the entire City fell within the 20 to 40 percent range, but 2021-2029 Housing Element A-37 City of Needles
in 2019, the central portion of the City fell within the 40 to 60 percent range with the rest of the City remaining within the 20 to 40 percent range.

Table A-9: Housing Problems and Cost Burden by Tenure 2014-2018 White Black Asian Nat Am Pac Islander Hispanic Elderly Large All

NEEDLES
Has a Housing Problem
Owner-Occupied 25.3% 100% 0% 15.7% 0% 16.3% 13.4% 52.6% 23.9% Renter-Occupied 56.7% 0% 100% 47.1% 0% 71.4% 47.6% 54.5% 55.4% All Households 38.7% 11.9% 71.4% 31.4% 0% 45.7% 23.0% 53.3% 38.8% With Cost Burden
Owner-Occupied 19.6% 100.0% 0.0% 8.2% 0% 8.1% 15.9% 4.8% 18.4% Renter-Occupied 54.2% 0.0% 100.0% 43.2% 0% 66.7% 46.7% 22.2% 51.2% All Households 34.3% 11.8% 71.4% 24.7% 0% 39.2% 24.3% 7.8% 33.9%

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Has Housing Problem
Owner-Occupied 26.9% 40.5% 37.0% 44.5% 23.8% 41.7% 34.3% 45.7% 34.5% Renter-Occupied 50.9% 65.5% 53.3% 51.4% 61.6% 65.2% 61.8% 76.3% 60.1% All Households 34.6% 56.1% 42.0% 47.5% 40.9% 52.4% 41.0% 59.0% 44.9% With Cost Burden
Owner-Occupied 25.6% 38.4% 33.8% 37.7% 17.0% 33.4% 34.5% 26.7% 30.1% Renter-Occupied 47.7% 61.1% 45.0% 47.4% 51.1% 55.0% 61.8% 54.6% 53.2% All Households 32.6% 52.6% 37.2% 41.9% 32.5% 43.2% 41.4% 38.6% 39.5% Source: HUD CHAS Data Sets 2014–2018.

Renter vs. Owner Households
The cost burden and severe cost burden impacts for renter households have steadily increased countywide, including in the City of Needles, although at a slower rate in Needles than in the County overall. As indicated in Table A-10, the overall number of renter households experienced a slow but steady increase of 4 percent from 2010 to 2017, with the overall increase in owner households having a slightly higher rate of increase of 6 percent.

Homeownership trends in the County overall indicate a slight decrease of 5 percent in homeownership from 2010 to 2017 and a moderate increase of 22 percent in renters. 2021-2029 Housing Element A-38 City of Needles
Figure A-20: Overpayment by Homeowners, 2010–2014, 2015–2019 Source: AFFH Data Viewer.

Figure A-21: Overpayment by Renters, 2010–2014, 2015–2019 Source: AFFH Data Viewer.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-39 City of Needles
Race/Ethnicity
Tenure data for the City broken out by race/ethnicity, as shown in Table A-10, indicates the following: the White population had a 12 percent decrease in renters but a slight 3 percent increase in homeowners; the Black population had a 14 percent decrease in renters but a substantial decrease of 44 percent in homeowners; the American Indian/Alaskan Native population had a sharp decrease of 40 percent in renters and a moderate 26 percent increase in homeowners (representing the greatest homeowner increase of the racial/ethnic distribution); the Asian population had no change in renters but a drastic decrease of 71 percent in homeowners (representing the greatest homeowner decrease of the racial/ethnic distribution); and the Hispanic population had a moderate increase of 25 percent in renters, as well as a 19 percent increase in owners. There were no changes for both the Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander and Other categories.

As compared to San Bernardino County overall, households of color in Needles are less likely than White households to own their homes. Within the County, Black households have the lowest homeownership rate (33.1 percent), which is less than half of the White ownership rate of 68.7 percent. Hispanic and Native American homeownership is also significantly lower (55.4 percent and 49.8 percent, respectively) than the homeownership rate for White households. However, Asian and other non-Hispanic households have homeownership rates closer to those of White households (62.4 percent and 60.1 percent, respectively). By geography, the largest concentration of renters is near military bases, such as Fort Irwin and the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, which is located approximately 90 miles southwest of Needles (San Bernardino County 2020).

Table A-10: Tenure – Renter/Owner by Ethnicity, Needles 2010
Renters Owners
2017
Renters Owners
% Change
Renters Owners
Total 883 1,142 915 1,206 4% 6%
White, non-Hispanic
<= 30% of HAMFI 225 75 265 140 18% 87%
>30% to <=50% 180 110 130 125 -28% 14%
>50% to <=80% 105 190 65 150 -38% -21%
>80% to <=100% 20 45 35 114 75% 153%
>100% 70 470 35 390 -50% -17%
Total 600 890 530 919 -12% 3%
Black, non-Hispanic
<= 30% of HAMFI 0 15 30 4 0% -73%
>30% to <=50% 0 15 0 0 0% -100%
>50% to <=80% 35 0 0 0 -100% 0%
>80% to <=100% 0 0 0 15 0% 0%
>100% 0 4 0 0 0% -100%
Total 35 34 30 19 -14% -44%
American Indian and Alaskan Native, non-Hispanic
<= 30% of HAMFI 50 12 14 0 -72% -100%
>30% to <=50% 14 10 4 14 -71% 40%
>50% to <=80% 0 4 0 30 0% 650%
>80% to <=100% 25 10 0 4 -100% -60%
>100% 0 10 35 10 0% 0%
Total 89 46 53 58 -40% 26%
Asian, non-Hispanic
<= 30% of HAMFI 0 0 10 0 0% 0%
>30% to <=50% 0 0 0 4 0% 0%
>50% to <=80% 0 0 0 0 0% 0%
2021-2029 Housing Element A-40 City of Needles
2010
Renters Owners
2017
Renters Owners
% Change
Renters Owners
>80% to <=100% 0 4 50 0 0% -100%
>100% 0 10 0 0 0% -100%
Total 0 14 60 4 0% -71%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic <= 30% of HAMFI 0 0 0 0 0% 0%
>30% to <=50% 0 0 0 0 0% 0%
>50% to <=80% 0 0 0 0 0% 0%
>80% to <=100% 0 0 0 0 0% 0%
>100% 4 0 0 0 0% 0%
Total 4 0 0 0 0% 0%
Other (including multiple races, non-Hispanic)
<= 30% of HAMFI 0 0 0 10 0% 0%
>30% to <=50% 0 0 28 0 0% 0%
>50% to <=80% 0 0 0 0 0% 0%
>80% to <=100% 0 0 0 4 0% 0%
>100% 0 0 20 4 0% 0%
Total 0 0 48 18 0% 0%
Hispanic
<= 30% of HAMFI 50 29 105 4 110% -86%
>30% to <=50% 10 59 25 14 150% -76%
>50% to <=80% 50 20 30 105 -40% 425%
>80% to <=100% 0 0 24 40 0% 0%
>100% 45 50 10 25 -78% -50%
Total 155 158 194 188 25% 19%
Source: HUD User, US Department of Housing and Urban Development Consolidated Planning/CHAS/Data, 2010-2017.

2.5.2 Overcrowding
Large households are defined as having five or more persons. They are considered a special needs group because there is usually a limited supply of adequately sized housing to accommodate their needs. As discussed in the “Special Needs Groups” discussion of the HEU, as of 2019, Needles had 385 households consisting of families with four or more members. Of these, 228 households (59 percent) lived in owner-occupied households, and 157 households (approximately 41 percent) lived in renter-occupied households. The rate of overcrowding in Needles is approximately 2.8 percent and is not a significant issue in the City. This is substantiated by Figure A-21, which shows the entire City falling within a less 8.2 percent incidence of overcrowded households, which is the threshold for the statewide average.

On a Countywide level, the subregions with the highest concentration of overcrowded households are the East Valley and West Valley subregion in the Cities of Upland, Ontario, Fontana, Rialto, Colton, and San Bernardino, with up to seventy percent of census tracts in these cities experiencing overcrowded conditions higher than the statewide average. Moderate concentrations are found in the High Desert subregion in the Cities of Adelanto, Victorville, Hesperia, and Barstow with a majority of census tracts in each city experiencing a range of 1 to 15 percent overcrowded conditions. The subregion with the least overcrowded conditions is the Morongo Basin.

Table A-11 displays overcrowding by tenure in Needles and in San Bernardino County, showing the number and percentage of overcrowded households in each. Needles has an overcrowding rate of 2.8 percent, compared to the Countywide rate of 8.8 percent. Unlike the County, Needles has higher rates of overcrowding 2021-2029 Housing Element A-41 City of Needles
in owner occupied units rather than renter-occupied units. Compared to both the High Desert subregion and entire County, Needles does not have high rates of overcrowding.

Table A-11: Overcrowding by Tenure, 2014 – 2018
Tenure Needles San Bernardino
# % # %
Owner Occupied 45 2.1% 20,400 3.2%
Renter Occupied 14 0.7& 35,360 5.6%
Total 59 2.8% 55,760 8.8%
Source: HUD Consolidated Planning/CHAS Data, 2014 - 2018. 2021-2029 Housing Element A-42 City of Needles
Figure A-22: Overcrowded Households, 2010
Source: AFFH Data Viewer.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-43 City of Needles

2.5.3 Substandard Housing
HUD defines substandard housing as “housing which was dilapidated, without operable indoor plumbing or a usable flush toilet or bathtub inside the unit for the family’s exclusive use, without electricity or with inadequate or unsafe electrical service, without a safe or adequate source of heat, and should but does not have a kitchen, or has otherwise been declared unfit for habitation by the government.” According to the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data, the following four housing problem definitions are used to make the determination of substandard housing. A household is said to have a housing problem if it has any one or more of these four problems:

1. Housing unit lacks complete kitchen facilities

2. Housing unit lacks complete plumbing facilities

3. Household is overcrowded

4. Household is cost burdened
As indicated in Table A-12, Needles experienced a 9 percent decrease from 2010 to 2017 in the number of households having one or more of the above-listed substandard housing conditions. This represents a slight improvement over the 5 percent decrease experienced by the County overall in the same time period. The ethnicities that experienced an improvement, i.e., a decrease in the percentage of housing problems, from 2010 to 2017 were White; Black; American Indian/Alaskan Native; and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander.

The ethnicities that experienced a degradation, i.e., an increase in the percentage of housing problems, from 2010 to 2017 were Asian, Hispanic, and Other.

Table A-12: Housing Problems

2010 2017
Number of
Households
Has 1 or
more of the 4
housing unit
problems
% with
Housing
Problems
Number of
Households
Has 1 or
more of the 4
housing unit
problems
% with
Housing
Problems
Total 2,015 793 39% 2,116 628 30%
White, non-Hispanic 1,490 615 41% 1,449 404 28%
Black, non-Hispanic 69 30 43% 53 15 28%
American Indian/Alaskan
Native, non-Hispanic 135 54 40% 111 28 25%
Asian, non-Hispanic 14 0 0% 64 10 16%
Native Hawaiian/Other
Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic 4 4 100% 0 0 0%
Other (including multiple
races, non-Hispanic) 0 0 0% 62 18 29%
Hispanic 303 90 30% 377 153 41%
Source: HUD Consolidated Planning/CHAS Data, 2010 and 2017.

Table A-13 below compares housing problems by race between the subregions of San Bernardino County. The ethnicities that did see a decline in Housing Problems from 2010 to 2017 in High Desert subregion were that of American Indian, Alaskan Native, non-Hispanic households which saw a 20 percent increase or 67 percent of households experiencing housing substandard conditions, followed by Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders 2021-2029 Housing Element A-44 City of Needles
which saw a 13 percent increase or 55 percent of households, followed by other races that saw a 4 percent increase or 49 percent of households experiencing housing substandard conditions.

Table A-13: Housing Problems Over Time, Subregional Comparison Area Year Total
Percent of Households with Housing Problems by Race/Ethnicity White,
nonHispanic
Black,
nonHispanic
American
Indian and
Alaskan
Native,
nonHispanic
Asian,
nonHispanic
Native
Hawaiian
and Other
Pacific
Islander,
nonHispanic
Other
(including
multiple
races, nonHispanic)
Hispanic
High Desert
2010 49% 40% 61% 47% 52% 42% 45% 61%
2017 45% 34% 62% 67% 39% 55% 49% 52%
Change -5% -6% 1% 20% -13% 13% 4% -9%
Morongo Basin
2010 41% 38% 37% 43% 58% 50% 53% 53%
2017 38% 35% 37% 43% 62% 60% 56% 40%
Change -3% -3% 0% 0% 4% 10% 3% -13%
Mountain
2010 42% 38% 53% 21% 34% 100% 57% 59%
2017 41% 39% 45% 48% 38% 100% 28% 53%
Change -1% 1% -8% 27% 4% 0% -29% -6%
North Desert
2010 35% 32% 51% 36% 28% 7% 37% 47%
2017 35% 26% 57% 33% 46% 0% 56% 51%
Change -1% -6% 6% -3% 18% -7% 19% 4%
East Valley
2010 53% 39% 60% 56% 47% 63% 52% 64%
2017 48% 40% 54% 54% 41% 42% 57% 55%
Change -5% 1% -6% -2% -6% -21% 5% -9%
West Valley
2010 50% 40% 59% 64% 50% 60% 56% 59%
2017 44% 36% 51% 40% 44% 55% 44% 51%
Change -5% -4% -8% -24% -6% -5% -12% -8%
County
2010 50% 39% 60% 53% 49% 58% 50% 61%
2017 45% 35% 55% 48% 43% 50% 50% 53%
Change -5% -0.04% -0.05% -0.05% 42% -0.08% 0% -0.08%
Source: SBCTA Regional AFH Report.

2.5.4 Homelessness
Homelessness is becoming an increasing issue of concern countywide due to the increase of homelessness within urban areas of the County. As indicated in the County’s 2019 Homeless Count and Subpopulation Survey Final Report, approximately 2,607 persons were registered homeless with 687 being sheltered and 1,920 unsheltered. This accounts for a 12 percent increase in the overall homelessness population as compared to approximately 2,321 persons registered in year 2013.
13 13 San Bernardino County. 2019. Homeless Count and Subpopulation Survey Final Report. https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/sbchp/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/05/2019-homeless-count-and-survey-report.pdf; 2013 Homeless Count and Subpopulation Survey Final Report. http://www.sbcounty.gov/Uploads/DBH/SBCHP/Content/pitc/2013- PITC-Methodology.pdf.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-45 City of Needles
Data from the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership 2013 and 2019 Point In Time Counts specific to Needles are presented in Table A-14, below. As shown, the number of homeless in Needles has increased from 5 persons to 29 persons between 2013 and 2019, a 480 percent increase. With Needles’ total population being just over 5,300 residents, the current number of homeless represents 0.5 percent of the City’s total population.

All 29 homeless persons are reportedly unsheltered. The majority of the homeless are White males, and over half are chronically homeless. Eleven out of the 29 homeless reported being substance users. Relative to age, none of the homeless are youth under the age of 18 and none are unaccompanied women.

Table A-14: Homelessness Characteristics, Needles
Type 2013 2019 Change
Total Homeless 5 29 480%
Sheltered/Unsheltered Status
Sheltered -- -- %
Transitional Housing -- -- %
Unsheltered 5 29 480%
Sex
Male 4 18 350%
Female 1 4 300%
Transgender -- 1 --
Chronic Homeless 4 18 350%
Families (Including Chronically Homeless Families) 1 4 300% Persons with Mental Health Problems -- 1 --
Persons w/HIV/AIDS -- -- --
Substance Users 1 11 1,000%
Unaccompanied Women -- -- --
US Veterans -- 3 --
Victims of Domestic Violence -- 1 --
Youth Under 18 -- -- --
Youth 18 to 24 3 1 -67%
Persons Released from Prisons & Jails During Past 12 Months 0 2 -- Race/Ethnicity
White, non-Hispanic 4 19 375%
Black, non-Hispanic -- -- --
American Indian and Alaskan Native, non-Hispanic -- 2 -- Asian, non-Hispanic -- -- --
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic -- 2 -- Multiple Races or Other -- -- --
Don't Know/Refused -- -- --
Hispanic/Latino 1 3 200%
Source: San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership, 2013 and 2019 Point In Time Counts.

2.5.5 Displacement
Displacement can happen in many ways: direct displacement, in which residents are forced to move out because of rent increases, building rehabilitation, or a combination of both; exclusionary displacement, in which housing choices for low-income residents are limited; and finally, displacement pressures, when the entire neighborhood changes and the services and support system that low-income families rely on are no longer available to them. Overpayment is a main factor contributing to displacement, which continues to be an issue of concern within all areas of the County.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-46 City of Needles
Rental Overpayment
Overpayment of rental expenses among low-income households presents an increased probability of displacement, resulting from the need to relocate to an area where affordable housing and non-overpayment of rental expenses is available. As discussed in Section 2.5.1, Cost Burden, and illustrated in the associated figures (Figure A-19 and Figure A-20), rental overpayment percentages experienced an increase in census tract areas, which was a reversal in trend from that of homeowners. Specifically, in 2014, the entire City fell within the 20 to 40 percent rental overpayment range, but in 2019, the central portion of the City fell within the 40 to 60 percent rental overpayment range with the rest of the City remaining within the 20 to 40 percent range.

Owner Overpayment
Correlating with the County overall, in which all areas experienced a moderate decrease in owner overpayment percentages from 2014 to 2019, the City’s owner overpayment data indicates a similar trend as shown in Figure A-19 and Figure A-20. For homeowners in 2014, the majority of the City fell within the 20 to 40 percent range with the central portion of the City falling within the 40 to 60 percent range; in 2019, the entire City fell within the 20 to 40 percent range.

2.6 OTHER CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

2.6.1 Location on State Border
The location of Needles on the border with Arizona is an additional contributing factor to possible fair housing concerns. As noted, Needles is a small, rural city that is isolated from other cities and communities in San Bernardino County. Public outreach and local knowledge indicate that many individuals in the region prefer to live across the Colorado River in Arizona, which may have better access to opportunities and resources. This is likely due to a combination of financial, political, social, and economic considerations, including legislation at the state level beyond jurisdictional control. Needles will continue to work with cities across the border to establish a working relationship throughout the border region.

2.6.2 Historic Land Use and Investment Practices
Needles’ historic land use and investment practices were shaped by its location on the Santa Fe Railroad, the historic Route 66, and the Colorado River. The City was founded in 1883, incorporated in 1913, and became a charter city in 1959. The location as a major stop on Route 66 saw development of hotels and gas stations along the highway. Furthermore, its location on the state border positions Needles to serve as a “Gateway to California” which, in addition to recreation on the Colorado River, has historically driven the economy of the City. There is no known history of discriminatory lending practices in the City or specific geographic areas of disinvestment.

As noted in public outreach, there is currently no grocery store in the City and has not been since 2014. Many of the local and regional shopping destinations are located across the state border in Bullhead City. This is potentially due in part to higher-level economic incentives, such as different state tax rates. The Needles’ draft Economic and Market Report notes that while the City has experienced relatively little population growth over the past few decades, growth in the cannabis industry is poised to encourage new development and population 2021-2029 Housing Element A-47 City of Needles
increases in the near future.14 As noted in the 2021 State of the City presentation given by the mayor, Needles has received $11 million in cannabis tax revenues since the 2013 fiscal year. Investment practices in Needles are focused on economic growth and revitalization, including attracting businesses and creating housing opportunities. This includes plans to open a grocery store and hardware store in the Town Center. Recent grant-funded investments in the City include park renovations in Jack Smith Park and Duke Watkins Park and nonprofit food distribution.
14 City of Needles. 2021. Draft Economic and Market Report. November 10, 2021. 2021-2029 Housing Element A-48 City of Needles

3.0 SUMMARY OF FAIR HOUSING ISSUES

INTEGRATION AND SEGREGATION
Overall, there are not many concentrated trends within the City, as the small population results in trends persisting throughout the area. While the City does have a White majority, most of the City is 40–60% nonWhite, with the exception of the central tract. Segregation is generally low, both by race and by income. While poverty throughout the City has stayed consistently in the 20–30% of the population range, the median income is overall rising.

RACIALLY AND ETHNICALLY CONCENTRATED AREAS OF POVERTY AND AFFLUENCE No R/ECAPs or RCAAs are in or adjacent to the City of Needles.

DISPARITIES IN ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITIES
Due to a number of economic, political, and other factors, many people who work in Needles choose to live across the state border in Arizona. The City has less positive economic opportunity and job proximity, which may be remedied by programs aiming to increase job and social opportunities within the City, and to increase desirability and housing choice in the City.

DISPROPORTIONATE HOUSING NEEDS
While overcrowding is not a concern in the City, 30 percent of households experience one or more of the four identified housing problems. Generally, overpayment in the City is slightly higher among renters than owners, but remains low.

Table A-13 displays the identified fair housing issues from the assessment, their contributing factors, and programs to address them.

SITES INVENTORY IMPACT ON FAIR HOUSING
The sites inventory in Needles consists of 66 vacant sites throughout the City that have available water, sewer, electrical, and internet services. There is ample vacant land in Needles and the sites inventory reflects a portion of sites that are ready for development. When it comes to fair housing trends, Needles is homogenous throughout due in part to its small size and makeup of only two census tracts. The two census tracts are similar to each other with little variation between them.

Needles does not have any specific areas with fair housing concerns that do not apply to the City as a whole.

There is little variation in ethnicity, race, and income across the City, so the RHNA sites are not located in any areas with concentrations of any protected class or status. There are no R/ECAPs or RCAAs in Needles or the surrounding area. The sites are not anticipated to contribute to any conditions that would cause a R/ECAP to occur. While the entirety of Needles is in the low resource category, the sites that are selected for moderateand low-income households are located in an area with available infrastructure for multifamily development and in close proximity to the Needles Senior Center, NAT bus route, and other services. Similarly, there are no geographic areas of the City with concentrated disproportionate housing needs compared to the rest of the 2021-2029 Housing Element A-49 City of Needles
City. As such, the sites are not located in any areas of concentrated disproportionate housing needs. The RHNA is not concentrated by income group in a way that would negatively impact fair housing; rather, the low- and moderate-income sites are located close to the Needles Senior Center, social services, and healthcare services.

The selection of RHNA sites does not exacerbate any fair housing issues. Overall, there are not many concentrated trends within the City, as the small population results in trends persisting throughout the area.

Segregation is generally low, both by race and by income. While poverty throughout the City has stayed consistently in the 20–30% of the population range, the median income is overall rising. No R/ECAPs or RCAAs are in or adjacent to the City of Needles. Sites are located in all four quadrants of the City and because the City is generally homogenous, the distribution of sites improves fair housing issues across the City by not concentrating sites.

The sites inventory is anticipated to have a positive effect on fair housing across the City. Encouraging and assisting in developing new housing in Needles will help address some of the fair housing issues identified in the contributing factors table below.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Table A-15 displays the identified fair housing issues from the assessment, their contributing factors, and programs to address them. Per Government Code Section 65583(c)(10)(A)(iv), higher priority was given to factors that limit fair housing choice and/or negatively impact fair housing.

Table A-15: Fair Housing Issues and Contributing Factors Identified Fair
Housing Issue Contributing Factor Action Priority
Inadequate
supply of
affordable
housing
(Disproportionate
Housing Needs)
• Existing housing is not in adequate
living condition.
• Lack of services or utilities in
specific neighborhoods (North
Needles).
• Land use and zoning laws.
• The availability of affordable units
in a range of sizes.
• Community opposition to new
housing development.
• Incentives for Production (A-1)
• Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (A-6)
• Utility Availability Program (B-9)
• Neighborhood Preservation Program (C-7)
• Preservation and Rehabilitation of Housing
Stock Comprehensive Program (C-8)
High
Increase in
unsheltered
homeless person
population
(Disproportionate
Housing Needs)
• The City does not currently
participate in homeless
assistance.
• Lack of rental relief programs for
people at risk of homelessness.
• Emergency Shelters (E-4)
• Low Barrier Navigation Centers (E-5)
• Transitional and Supportive Housing (E-6)
Low
Concerns
regarding
employment
(Access to
Opportunities)
• It is difficult to find or hire
teachers at Needles schools due
to the unavailability of affordable,
desirable housing within the City.
• Many residents who work in
Needles are moving to Arizona.
• Increase recreational opportunities in
Needles to make the area more attractive
(Policy 4.3)
• Downtown Mixed Use Development (A-4)
• Place-Based Community Improvements –
Park Renovations (F-1)
Medium
Increase in rental
overpayment
• Lack of renter protections.
• Existing housing is not in adequate
living condition.
• Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (A-6)
• Housing Choice Vouchers (D-1)
• Housing Information (G-1)
Medium
2021-2029 Housing Element A-50 City of Needles
Table A-16: AFFH Programs, Strategies, and Metrics
Program A-1: Incentives for Production
Offer incentives aimed at production of new housing in the City of Needles, especially housing for extremely low-, very-low, and low-income households and those with special needs such as seniors and persons with disabilities. Such incentives include assisting developers with the costs associated with infrastructure improvements, fees, and housing development. Target at least three developers annually to share opportunity sites and offer technical assistance.

Objective(s)
The City will incentive the production of housing units, especially housing for extremely low-, very-low, and low-income households and those with special needs such as seniors and persons with disabilities.

Timeframe
Incentives offered on an ongoing basis as funds are available. Review incentive performance annually and actively pursue grant funding. The City currently receives grant support for program implementation from the Regional Early Action Planning program and intends to participate in REAP 2.0 for program implementation.

Responsible Agency Development Services Department
Funding Sources Economic Development Fund
Relevant Policies Policy 2.2, 2.12, 2.13, 2.14
Fair Housing Issue Inadequate supply of affordable housing (Disproportionate Housing Needs) Contributing Factor(s)
Existing housing is not in adequate living condition.

Lack of utilities in specific neighborhoods (North Needles is primarily on septic).

Land use and zoning laws.

The availability of affordable units in a range of sizes.

Community opposition to new housing development.

Program/Activity
Type Housing production
(Access to
Opportunities)
Limited Internal
Fair Housing
Enforcement
Capacity
(Outreach)
• Limited internal staffing and
funding for fair housing.
• Preservation and Rehabilitation of Housing
Stock Comprehensive Program (C-8)
• Landlord – Tenant Mediation (D-3)
• Housing Information (G-1)
Low
2021-2029 Housing Element A-51 City of Needles
Program A-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Development
Rezone the downtown area to allow for mixed uses and taller buildings. Permit mixed uses both horizontally and vertically.

Objective(s) Increase residential development, and in a denserformat, in the downtown area.

Timeframe Within four years of Housing Element adoption Responsible Agency Development Services Department
Funding Sources General Funds, Local Early Action Planning Grant Relevant Policies Policy 2.2, 2.8, 2.9
Fair Housing Issue Increase in rental overpayment
Contributing Factor(s)
Existing housing is not in adequate living condition.

Lack of utilities in specific neighborhoods (North Needles is primarily on septic).

Land use and zoning laws.

The availability of affordable units in a range of sizes.

Community opposition to new housing development.

Program/Activity
Type Housing production
Program A-6: Inclusionary Housing Ordinance
Conduct an inclusionary zoning feasibility study to identify appropriate inclusionary requirements that will not constrain housing production. Develop and amend the zoning ordinance to establish inclusionary housing requirements so that new developments reserve up to 15 percent of the total units for lower- and moderateincome households.

Objective(s) Mandate the creation of affordable units in new multi-unit development.

Timeframe Within three years of Housing Element Adoption Responsible Agency Development Services Department
Funding Sources General Fund
Relevant Policies Policy 2.2, 2.8
2021-2029 Housing Element A-52 City of Needles
Fair Housing Issue Inadequate supply of affordable housing (Disproportionate Housing Needs); Increase in rental overpayment
Contributing Factor(s)
Existing housing is not in adequate living condition.

Lack of utilities in specific neighborhoods (North Needles is primarily on septic).

Land use and zoning laws.

The availability of affordable units in a range of sizes.

Community opposition to new housing development.

Program/Activity
Type Housing production
Program B-9: Utility Availability Program
Pursuant to AB 1483, the City will compile all development standards, plans, fees, and nexus studies in an easily accessible online location. The City will update its zoning and general plan maps to provide a high-quality, parcel-specific reference.

Objective(s)
All development standards, plans, fees, and nexus studies will be compiled in an easily accessible online location. The City will update its zoning and general plan maps to provide a high-quality, parcel-specific reference .

Timeframe Within three months of Housing Element Adoption Responsible Agency Development Services Department
Funding Sources General Fund
Relevant Policies Policy 1.9
Fair Housing Issue Inadequate supply of affordable housing (Disproportionate Housing Needs) Contributing Factor(s)
Existing housing is not in adequate living condition.

Lack of utilities in specific neighborhoods (North Needles is primarily on septic).

Land use and zoning laws.

The availability of affordable units in a range of sizes.

Community opposition to new housing development.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-53 City of Needles
Program/Activity
Type
Constraint removal
Program C-7: Neighborhood Preservation Program
Focus CDBG funding on deteriorating or dilapidated areas throughout the City to preserve and improve the City’s environmental quality. Target 5% of population city-wide, annually.

Objective(s)
The City annually reviews CDBG projects and prioritizes funding on deteriorating or dilapidated areas throughout the City to preserve and improve the City’s environmental quality.

Timeframe This is a continued activity and is reviewed annually.

Responsible Agency Development Services Department
Funding Sources CDBG
Relevant Policies Policy 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.8
Fair Housing Issue Inadequate supply of affordable housing (Disproportionate Housing Needs) Contributing Factor(s)
Existing housing is not in adequate living condition.

Lack of utilities in specific neighborhoods (North Needles is primarily on septic).

Land use and zoning laws.

The availability of affordable units in a range of sizes.

Community opposition to new housing development.

Program/Activity
Type Housing Preservation and Improvement
Program C-8: Preservation and Rehabilitation of Housing Stock Comprehensive Program Coordinate with the Housing Authority to develop guidelines for the funding of low-interest loans and grant assistance, and to act as a conduit for housing funds to leverage in the creation of new affordable housing.

Continue to maintain the Low- and Moderate- Income Housing Asset Fund (LMIHAF) for the preservation of existing affordable housing through established rehabilitation and landscaping protocol through the adopted Neighborhood Beautification Program.

As a component of the Neighborhood Beautification Program, the City will promote the expanded participation of local landlords in rental housing rehabilitation programs. 2021-2029 Housing Element A-54 City of Needles
The City will disseminate the City’s rehabilitation grant program brochures on the City website; at community meetings, school sites, City-sponsored Board meetings, Planning Commission meetings, developer meetings, and off-site meetings promoting economic development within the City; and in the City Hall lobby area.

Objective(s)
Enroll 8 landlords in the Housing Rehabilitation Program.

Rehabilitate at least 5 homes in the planning period.

Timeframe Establish the program and initiate outreach by December 2023.

Responsible Agency Development Services Department
Funding Sources General Fund
Relevant Policies Policy 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.8
Fair Housing Issue Inadequate supply of affordable housing (Disproportionate Housing Needs); Limited Internal Fair Housing Enforcement Capacity (Outreach) Contributing Factor(s)
Existing housing is not in adequate living condition.

Lack of utilities in specific neighborhoods (North Needles is primarily on septic).

Land use and zoning laws.

The availability of affordable units in a range of sizes.

Community opposition to new housing development.

Limited internal staffing and funding for fair housing outreach.

Program/Activity
Type Housing Preservation and Improvement
Program D-1: Housing Choice Vouchers
Continue to assist eligible, extremely low-,very low- and low-income households in receiving Housing Choice Voucher assistance. Market housing vouchers and inform landlords that discrimination based on source of income (including vouchers) is prohibited. In coordination with Program G-1, provide information on City website.

Objective(s)
Provide useful information on the City’s website that is directed at extremely low-,very low- and low-income households for assistance on receiving Housing Choice Voucher assistance. Market housing vouchers and conduct outreach to landlords about prohibitions on discrimination. Outreach to at least 3 landlords annually.
2021-2029 Housing Element A-55 City of Needles
Timeframe Provide information on City website within one year of Housing Element adoption; continuous and ongoing.

Responsible Agency Development Services Department
Funding Sources LIHTC, CalCHA bonds, CHFA, HOME funds
Relevant Policies Policy 3.5, 3.6
Fair Housing Issue Increase in rental overpayment
Contributing Factor(s)
Lack of renter protections.

Existing housing is not in adequate living condition.

Program/Activity
Type Housing Assistance
Program D-3: Landlord-Tenant Mediation
Continue to contract with a fair housing specialist to provide fair housing and landlord/tenant mediation services. Distribute information about these services to tenants through a variety of media and online outlets, namely the City website and paper materials at the Civic Center. In coordination with Program G-1, provide information on City website. Target 10% of population annually, city-wide.

Objective(s)
Target 10% of the city’s population annually by distributing information about contracted Fair Housing services to tenants through a variety of media and online outlets, namely the City website and paper materials at the Civic Center. In coordination with Program G-1, provide information on City website.

Timeframe Provide information on City website within one year of Housing Element adoption; continuous and ongoing.

Responsible Agency Development Services Department
Funding Sources General Fund
Relevant Policies Policy 3.5, 3.6
Fair Housing Issue Limited Internal Fair Housing Enforcement Capacity (Outreach) Contributing Factor(s) Limited internal staffing and funding for fair housing outreach.

Program/Activity
Type Housing Assistance
Program E-4: Emergency Shelters
2021-2029 Housing Element A-56 City of Needles
Amend the zoning ordinance to modify the parking requirements for emergency shelters to ensure that they are only based on the number of staff. Amend the emergency shelters code to ensure that shelters are not subject to standards that do not apply to other uses in the same zone, including but not limited to a 500-foot residential buffer.

Objective(s)
Adopt a zoning code amendment that would modify the parking requirements for emergency shelters to ensure that they are only based on the number of staff.

Amend the emergency shelters code to ensure that shelters are not subject to standards that do not apply to other uses in the same zone, including but not limited to a 500-foot residential buffer.

Timeframe Within one year of Housing Element adoption
Responsible Agency Development Services Department
Funding Sources General Fund
Relevant Policies Policy 1.4, 2.2, 2.8
Fair Housing Issue Increase in unsheltered homeless person population (Disproportionate Housing Needs)
Contributing Factor(s)
The City does not currently participate in homeless assistance.

Lack of rental relief programs for people at risk of homelessness.

Program/Activity
Type Special Housing Needs
Program E-5: Low Barrier Navigation Centers
Pursuant to SB 48, amend the zoning ordinance to establish provisions for low-barrier navigation centers. Allow centers that meet specific objective requirements by-right in areas zoned for mixed uses.

Objective(s)
Adopt a zoning ordinance amendment that would establish provisions for lowbarrier navigation centers. Allow centers that meet specific objective requirements by-right in areas zoned for mixed uses.

Timeframe Within one year of Housing Element adoption
Responsible Agency Development Services Department
Funding Sources General Fund
Relevant Policies Policy 1.4, 2.2, 2.8
2021-2029 Housing Element A-57 City of Needles
Fair Housing Issue Increase in unsheltered homeless person population (Disproportionate Housing Needs)
Contributing Factor(s)
The City does not currently participate in homeless assistance.

Lack of rental relief programs for people at risk of homelessness.

Program/Activity
Type Special Housing Needs
Program E-6: Transitional and Supportive Housing
Pursuant to AB 2162 and AB 2988, supportive housing meeting certain criteria must be permitted by-right where residential uses are permitted, including mixed-use and nonresidential zones. Review AB 2162 and amend zoning ordinance to ensure compliance.

Objective(s) Adopt a zoning code amendment that would establish objective criteria that would allow supportive housing by-right.

Lack of rental relief programs for people at risk of homelessness.

Program/Activity
Type Special Housing Needs
Program F-1: Place-Based Community Improvements – Park Renovations Develop programs and strategies to create place-based investments in areas of concentrated segregation and poverty, including investments in infrastructure, services, etc. that contribute to community revitalization, with a focus on affirmatively furthering fair housing. Focus investments and programs in South Needles to facilitate revitalization and healthy living conditions and take no action that is materially inconsistent with affirmatively furthering fair housing.

Objective(s) The City will review public space renovation needs and prioritize projects in South Needles to facilitate revitalization and healthy living conditions. Projects 2021-2029 Housing Element A-58 City of Needles
will be implemented in a manner that is materially consistent with affirmatively furthering fair housing.

Timeframe Within six years of Housing Element adoption.

Responsible Agency Development Services Department, Public Works Department Funding Sources CDBG, General Fund, CalOES grants
Relevant Policies Policy 1.9, 1.11, 1.12
Fair Housing Issue Concerns regarding employment (Access to Opportunities) Contributing Factor(s)
It is difficult to find or hire teachers at Needles schools due to the unavailability of affordable, desirable housing within the City.

Many residents who work in Needles are moving to Arizona.

Program/Activity
Type Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
Program G-1: Housing Information
Continue to improve and expand the use of the various media to inform and promote the use of Needles’ housing programs to its residents and developers by creating a dedicated webpage on the City’s website. Target 10% of population annually, city-wide.

Objective(s) Establish a webpage on the City’s website as the dedicated source for housing information. Outreach/notify at least 10% of the population annually.

Timeframe Within one year of Housing Element adoption; ongoing and continuous publishing of information in the digital magazine.

Responsible Agency Development Services Department
Funding Sources General Plan
Relevant Policies Policy 4.1, 4.2
Fair Housing Issue Increase in rental overpayment
Contributing Factor(s)
Lack of renter protections.

Existing housing is not in adequate living condition.

Program/Activity
Type
Public Education
2021-2029 Housing Element B-1 City of Needles
Appendix B: Sites Inventory and Mapbook
APN Address Zip
Code
Zoning
Code
Max
Density
(du/ac)
Parcel Size
(acres)
Existing
Use/Vacancy
Publicly
Owned
Used in
Fourth Cycle
Housing
Element?
Used in
Fifth Cycle
Housing
Element?
Income
Category
Total
Capacity
018510813 110 Walnut
Street 0 R-3 30 du/ac 0.21 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018535160 2201 Casa Del
Sol St 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.19 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018535136 2207 Casa
Loma St 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.19 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018510908 212 N K St 0 R-3 30 du/ac 0.14 Mixed
Residential No No No
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018535155 2212 Casa Del
Sol St 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018511163 211 Spruce St 92363 R-3 30 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes Above
Moderate
Income
1 018531112
No address
available
(vacant
subdivision)
0 R-2 8 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018531113 2040 Cartyway 92363 R-2 8 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes Above
Moderate
Income
1 018531116 2052 Cartyway 92363 R-2 8 du/ac 0.19 Vacant No No Yes Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541128
0 Villa Bella
Ct.(vacant
subdivision
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.23 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 2021
-2029 Housing Element B-2 City of Needles
APN Address Zip
Code
Zoning
Code
Max
Density
(du/ac)
Parcel Size
(acres)
Existing
Use/Vacancy
Publicly
Owned
Used in
Fourth Cycle
Housing
Element?
Used in
Fifth Cycle
Housing
Element?
Income
Category
Total
Capacity
018543104 2229 Paseo Del
Rey 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018535162 2221 Casa Del
Sol 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018535156 2022 Casa Del
Sol 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018531125
No address
available
(vacant
subdivision)
0 R-2 8 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018614508 A St 92363 R-2 8 du/ac 0.16 Vacant No No Yes Above
Moderate
Income
1 018535157 2032 Casa Del
Sol 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018615304 307 Bazoobuth
St 0 R-2 8 du/ac 0.12 Vacant No No No
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018535164 2241 Casa Del
Sol 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018535158 2242 Casa Del
Sol 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018615305 305 Bazoobuth
St 92363 R-2 8 du/ac 0.12 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018615314 519 A St 92363 R-2 8 du/ac 0.13 Vacant No No Yes Above
Moderate
Income
1 018618208 612 Quivera St 92363 R-2 8 du/ac 0.14 Vacant No No Yes Above
Moderate
Income
1 2021
-2029 Housing Element B-3 City of Needles
APN Address Zip
Code
Zoning
Code
Max
Density
(du/ac)
Parcel Size
(acres)
Existing
Use/Vacancy
Publicly
Owned
Used in
Fourth Cycle
Housing
Element?
Used in
Fifth Cycle
Housing
Element?
Income
Category
Total
Capacity
018540103
0 Calle
Hernandez
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.24 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540114
0 Calle
Hernandez
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540113
0 Calle
Hernandez
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018535112
No address
available
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-3 30 du/ac 1.01 Vacant Yes No Yes Moderate
Income 17
018535111
No address
available
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-3 30 du/ac 1.04 Vacant Yes No Yes Moderate
Income 18
018540112
0 Calle
Hernandez
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540111
0 Calle
Hernandez
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540110
0 Calle
Hernandez
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540104
0 Calle
Hernandez
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.26 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 2021-2029 Housing Element B-4 City of Needles
APN Address Zip
Code
Zoning
Code
Max
Density
(du/ac)
Parcel Size
(acres)
Existing
Use/Vacancy
Publicly
Owned
Used in
Fourth Cycle
Housing
Element?
Used in
Fifth Cycle
Housing
Element?
Income
Category
Total
Capacity
018540108
0 Calle
Hernandez
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540107
0 Calle
Hernandez
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.19 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540106
0 Calle
Hernandez
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.18 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540105
0 Calle
Hernandez
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.18 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540118
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540119
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540120
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540121
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540122
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540123
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.17 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540124
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.19 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 2021-2029 Housing Element B-5 City of Needles
APN Address Zip
Code
Zoning
Code
Max
Density
(du/ac)
Parcel Size
(acres)
Existing
Use/Vacancy
Publicly
Owned
Used in
Fourth Cycle
Housing
Element?
Used in
Fifth Cycle
Housing
Element?
Income
Category
Total
Capacity
018540125
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.18 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540126
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.18 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540127
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.29 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540128
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.39 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541109
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.18 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541108
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.18 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541107
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.18 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541106
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.18 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541105
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.18 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541104
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.19 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541101
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.26 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541103
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.18 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 2021-2029 Housing Element B-6 City of Needles
APN Address Zip
Code
Zoning
Code
Max
Density
(du/ac)
Parcel Size
(acres)
Existing
Use/Vacancy
Publicly
Owned
Used in
Fourth Cycle
Housing
Element?
Used in
Fifth Cycle
Housing
Element?
Income
Category
Total
Capacity
018541102
0 Tierra Seca
(vacant
subdivision)
92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.18 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018543107 2199 Paseo Del
Rey 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.19 Vacant No No Yes
Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541114 0 Villa Bella 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.32 Vacant No No Yes Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541115 0 Villa Bella 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.19 Vacant No No Yes Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541116 0 Villa Bella 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.18 Vacant No No Yes Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541117 0 Villa Bella 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.18 Vacant No No Yes Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541118 0 Villa Bella 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.19 Vacant No No Yes Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541119 0 Villa Bella 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.18 Vacant No No Yes Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541120 0 Villa Bella 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.30 Vacant No No Yes Above
Moderate
Income
1 018541113 0 Villa Bella 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 0.24 Vacant No No Yes Above
Moderate
Income
1 018540129
No address
available
(vacant
subdivision)
South of Lilyhill
Drive and west
of Terrace View
Apartments
92363 R-3 30 du/ac 1.53 Vacant No No No Low Income 46
2021-2029 Housing Element B-7 City of Needles
APN Address Zip
Code
Zoning
Code
Max
Density
(du/ac)
Parcel Size
(acres)
Existing
Use/Vacancy
Publicly
Owned
Used in
Fourth Cycle
Housing
Element?
Used in
Fifth Cycle
Housing
Element?
Income
Category
Total
Capacity
018523414 0 Lily Hill Dr 92363 R-2 17 du/ac 1.38 Vacant No No Yes Moderate Income 23
2021-2029 Housing Element B-5 City of Needles
2021-2029 Housing Element B-6 City of Needles
2021-2029 Housing Element B-7 City of Needles
2021-2029 Housing Element B-8 City of Needles
2021-2029 Housing Element B-9 City of Needles
2021-2029 Housing Element B-10 City of Needles
2021-2029 Housing Element C-1 City of Needles
Appendix C: RHNA Site Maps
2021-2029 Housing Element C-2 City of Needles
EXHIBIT 1: SITES INVENTORY MAP
2021-2029 Housing Element C-3 City of Needles
EXHIBIT 2: OPPORTUNITY SITES OVERVIEW
2021-2029 Housing Element C-4 City of Needles
EXHIBIT 3: OPPORTUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
2021-2029 Housing Element C-5 City of Needles
EXHIBIT 4: FLOODING CONSTRAINTS

CITY OF

NEEDLES
2019 Housing Element Update

Draft Initial Study and
Negative Declaration
August 2019
City of Needles
Planning Department
817 Third Street | Needles, California 92363
Meridian Consultants i August 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
A. Background ...................................................................................................................................... 1 B. Project Description........................................................................................................................... 2 C. Determination.................................................................................................................................22 D. Project Setting.................................................................................................................................23 E. Other Agencies Approval ................................................................................................................23 F. Environmental Impacts...................................................................................................................23

1. Aesthetics................................................................................................................................ 24

2. Agriculture and Forestry Resources ........................................................................................ 27

3. Air Quality................................................................................................................................ 29

4. Biological Resources................................................................................................................ 33

5. Cultural Resources................................................................................................................... 39

6. Energy...................................................................................................................................... 43

7. Geology And Soils.................................................................................................................... 46

8. Greenhouse Gas Emissions...................................................................................................... 51

9. Hazards and Hazardous Materials........................................................................................... 54

10. Hydrology and Water Quality .................................................................................................. 60

11. Land Use and Planning ............................................................................................................ 65

12. Mineral Resources................................................................................................................... 68

13. Noise........................................................................................................................................ 70

14. Population and Housing .......................................................................................................... 74

15. Public Services......................................................................................................................... 77

16. Recreation ............................................................................................................................... 82

17. Transportation/Traffic.............................................................................................................. 84

18. Tribal Cultural Resources......................................................................................................... 87

19. Utilities and Service Systems................................................................................................... 90

20. Wildfire.................................................................................................................................... 96

21. Mandatory Findings of Significance ........................................................................................ 99 G. Discussion of Environmental Evaluation...................................................................................... 101 H. Potentially Significant................................................................................................................... 101 I. Mitigation of Potentially Significant Impacts............................................................................... 102 J. References.................................................................................................................................... 102 City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants ii August 2019

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1 Regional Location map..................................................................................................................... 3 2 City of Needles – Jurisdictional Boundary ....................................................................................... 4

LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
1 Housing Types Permitted by the Zoning District.............................................................................. 8 2 City of Needles 2014-2021 Regional Housing Needs Assessment................................................. 12 3 Summary of Amended and Deleted Programs in the 2019 Housing Element............................... 13 4 Regional Housing Needles Allocation Progress.............................................................................. 65

LIST OF APPENDICES
A Tribal Consultation and Responses
Meridian Consultants 1 August 2019

INITIAL STUDY AND NEGATIVE DECLARATION
A. BACKGROUND
Project Title: City of Needles 2019 Housing Element Update Assessor’s Parcel Number: Citywide
Lead agency name and address:

City of Needles
Planning Department
817 Third Street
Needles, California 92363
Contact person and phone number:

Cindy Semione, Associate Planner
phone: (760) 326-5740 x127
email: [email protected] Project Location: Citywide Project sponsor’s name and address:

City of Needles
Planning Department
817 Third Street
Needles, California 92363
General plan description: Citywide
Zoning: Citywide
Project Description Summary: The Project is the 2019 Housing Element Update of the City of Needles General Plan. See further discussion under section B, “Project Description.” City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 2 August 2019
B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City of Needles is located in eastern San Bernardino County, California, United States. It lies on the western banks of the Colorado River in the Mohave Valley subregion of the Mojave Desert, near the borders of Arizona and Nevada and roughly 110 miles from the Las Vegas Strip as shown in Figure 1:

Regional Location. The City is the easternmost city of the San Bernardino-Riverside metropolitan area.

Needles is geographically isolated from other cities in the County. Barstow, the nearest city within the County, is separated from Needles by over 140 miles of desert and 2 mountain ranges. The city is accessible via Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 95.

The City is proposing to adopt the 2019 Housing Element Update as part of its General Plan and an update to its current 2005 Housing Element. The proposed 2019 Housing Element Update (Project) defines policies and goals for future housing within the corporate boundary limits of the City. The jurisdictional boundary of the Project includes the entirety of the jurisdictional limits of the City of Needles as shown in Figure 2: City of Needles – Jurisdictional Boundary.

The Housing Element lists policies and programs in order to accommodate a variety of housing types for all income levels and needs of special population groups defined under State law (California Government Code Section 65583); analyzes governmental constraints to housing maintenance, improvement, and development; addresses conservation and improvement of the condition of the existing affordable housing stock; and outlines policies to promote housing opportunities for all persons.

The Housing Element is adopted as part of the General Plan. The City adopted its current General Plan in 1986. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the 1986 General Plan1 was also completed and identified mitigation measures associated with the development and growth proposed in the General Plan.2 The City last updated and adopted their Housing Element in 2005.3 State law requires that each city in the State of California update their Housing Element every five years (California Government Code Section 65580-65589.8). The City last updated their Housing Element in 2005,4 and on December 14, 2018, the City received a “Notice of Non-Compliance” from the Department of Housing and Community Development.

1 The Environmental Assessment, Policy Document, and Technical Background Reports together constitute the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) under CEQA.
2 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986. 3 Housing Element (Updated) of the City of Needles General Plan (next due 2007)(Ord. 473-AC, April 12, 2005). 4 Housing Element (Updated) of the City of Needles General Plan (next due 2007)(Ord. 473-AC, April 12, 2005).

Regional Location
FIGURE 1
072-004-18
SOURCE: Google Earth - 2019
San Gabrie Rl iv Tan b ark Creek
T anb ark
C reek
T elegraph Wash
El Barrio
Park
Cabrillo
Park
Fern
Reservoir
Park
McCarthy Park
John
Galvin
Park
Baldy
View Park
Golden Oak
Park
Greenbelt
Park
Griffith
Park
Harrison Park
Heritage
Community
Park
Hermosa Park
Memorial
Park
Magnolia Park
13th Street
Reservoir
Park
June
Vail
Park
Bear
Gulch
Park Larkin Park
Lewis
Park
Blaisdell
Park
Montvue Park
Moreno
Vista Park
Chaparral
Park
Lincoln Park
MacArthur
Park
James R.

Sierra
Vista Park
Old Town Park
Marshall
Canyon GC
Marshall
Canyon
County Park
Live
Oak Canyon OS
San Antonio
Channel
& Dam
West
Marshall
Canyon WA
Sycamore
Canyon
Park
Thompson
Creek & Trail
Claremont Hills Wilderness Park
Jaeger Park
Palomares
Park
Pomona Jaycees
Community Park
Red Hill
Community
Park
San
Antonio
Park
Marshall Canyon
Conservation
Corridor
Live Oak
Reservoir
Cahuilla Park
Sunrise
Park
Sunset
Pk
Vineyard
Neighborhood
Park
8th Street
Reservoir
Park
Wheeler Park
Wilderness
Basin Park
Church
Street
Park
Citrus
Park
Alma Hoffman
Park (Montclair
Skate Park)
Angeles NF
Anthony
Munoz
Park
Cucamonga-Guasti RP
East
Beryl
Park
Blaisdell
Preserve
La Puerta
Sports Park
College Park
Ganesha
Park
Ted Greene
Park Euclid
Avenue
Parkway
Torrez Park
Veterans
Mil Pk

EVA LARTNEC

EVA NIATNUOM

EVA DILCUE

GROVE AVE
8TH ST
D
16TH ST
FOOTH

EVA NEVAH

EVA DLABIHCRA

BASELINE RD

EVA DRAYENIV
4TH ST
19TH ST 19TH ST
83 66
10 210
San Antonio Creek Channel
Marshall Creek
Thompson Wash
Live Oak Wash
Deer Cany on Wash Day C
Thom
ps o n r C
ee k
Meado
D
e er Cr eek
Humm ni gb irdCreek
Cucamonga Creek
Lost Creek
/13/2017 - Last saved by: agreis - Path: Z:\Projects\j902001\MAPDOC\DOCU

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN MILES
MENT\NOP\Figure1-ProjectLocation.mxd
0 15 30 60
N
Irvine Temecula
Blythe Murrieta
Menifee Coachella
Hemet
Palm
Desert
Indio
Cathedral
City
Banning
Yucca Valley
Duarte Twentynine
Palms
Big Bear
Big Lake
Bear Lake
Hesperia
Victorville
Adelanto
Barstow Needles
Apple Valley
California
City
Ridgecrest
I n y o C oun t y
R i ve r s i d e C oun t y
S a n
B e r n a r d i n o
395
C oun t y
95 18
57 247
74 259
91 79
178
173
86 243
177
66 2
58 111
38 138
127
5 215
10 15
40 210
Cities
EHNCP Boundary
Rancho Cucamonga Sphere or Influence
County of San Bernardino Fontana
Montclair
Ontario
Rancho Cucamonga
San Antonio Heights CDP
Upland
2017 - Last saved by: agreis - Path: Z:\Projects\j902001\MAPDOC\DOCUMENT\NOP\Figure2-CityBoundaries_SOI.mxd Project
Location
City of Needles – Jurisdictional Boundary
FIGURE 2 SOURCE: Google Earth - July 2019
209-004-19

10.50 2
N
Legend
City Limits

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN MILES
City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 5 August 2019
The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document consistent with the General Plan. The 2019 Housing Element Update identifies sites designated for residential development. The 2019 Housing Element Update does not include any changes to land use designations, zoning, building heights and intensities,.

This IS/ND provides compliance with the CEQA Guidelines required for the City to implement the 2019 Housing Element Update, focuses on whether the Project may cause significant effects on the environment. In particular, consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 21083.3, this IS/ND is intended to assess any effects on the environment that are specific to the 2019 Housing Element Update.

Housing Element Overview
California law requires that all elements of the General Plan, including the Housing Element, be consistent.

The City periodically reviews both its Housing element and other elements of the General Plan and proposes General Plan Amendments, as allowed by law, when a change in one element could cause inconsistencies in others. This procedure will continue to be undertaken on a regular basis by the City.

The 2019 Housing Element Update is one of seven mandatory elements to a local jurisdiction’s General Plan. California Government Code Section 65583, as amended, requires a jurisdiction’s Housing Element include the following components:
(1) An assessment of housing needs and an inventory of resources and constraints relevant to the meeting of these needs. The analysis should include the following:
a. Population and employment trends and projections,
b. Existing and projected housing needs for all income levels including the determined local share of the regional housing needs,
c. Analysis of household characteristics such as cost compared to ability to pay, overcrowding and housing condition,
d. Inventory of land suitable for residential development including vacant land and property suitable for redevelopment as well as the public services availability, e. Potential and actual governmental constraints upon the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing for all income levels and for persons with special needs including persons with disabilities. Such analysis should include current land use controls, building codes, enforcement, site improvement requirements and fees and other exactions required of developers, permit processing procedures and availability of financing, and any efforts by the local government to reduce such constraints,
f. An analysis of special needs housing including that presently in existence, and projected needs, and
City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 6 August 2019
g. An analysis of existing housing, if any, that is eligible to change from low-income during the next ten years due to termination of subsidy contract, etc.
(2) A statement of the community’s goals and objectives and policies relating to maintenance, preservation, improvement, and development of housing.
(3) A program which sets forth an eight-year schedule of actions the local government is undertaking or intends to undertake to implement the policies and achieve the goals and objectives of the housing element.

The 2019 Housing Element Update presents the City of Needles’ goals, quantified objectives, and policies relative to the development, improvement, and maintenance of housing within the incorporated areas of the City, during the period of 2013 to 2021.

The City’s housing goals are ideals that have been determined by the citizens as desirable and deserving of community time and resources to obtain. Statements of objectives are more specific and shorter range.

They provide the opportunity to evaluate the progress made toward the realization of the long-range goals. In conformance with state law, objectives have been quantified. Policy statements are more specific still and provide well-defined guidelines for decision making. Program actions are intended to carry out the goals, objectives, and policies.

The 2019 Housing Element Update includes a description of existing housing types, the condition of existing units, overcrowding, overpayment, homelessness, and special needs housing, and the demand for affordable housing in the City. The element also includes an analysis of the progress made since the drafting of the 2005 Housing Element and projections of needs for the next five years.

The 2019 Housing Element Update is organized into five parts:
• Purpose—presents the City of Needles’ goals, quantified objectives, and policies relative to the development, improvement, and maintenance of housing within the incorporated areas of the City, during the period of 2013 to 2021.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 7 August 2019
• Public Participation—Details the events and comments from the community workshops that were held to seek public participation on May 21, 2019 and May 30, 2019. • Previous Housing Element Evaluation—examines the goals of the 2005 Housing Element, and whether the City has been effective in meeting those goals. See below for information regarding changes from the 2005 Housing Element.
• Demographic Information—contains relevant demographic, household, and socioeconomic data.

This information is primarily based on data provided in the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates from 2005 to 2009 and 2013 to 2017. Other data sources include the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) data as well as the U.S.

Department of Housing and Community Development’s Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy 2006-2015 data sets.
• Current Goals, Objectives, Policies and Programs—lists the current goals, policies, and programs for the City’s 2019 Housing Element Update. This section also includes target dates, the responsible agency, and funding for each program.
2019 Housing Element Update Housing Provisions
The 2019 Housing Element Update provides for a variety of housing. Table 1: Housing Types Permitted by Zoning District, summarizes the housing types permitted in the community by zoning district. Each use is designated by a letter noting whether the use requires a zoning permit (Z), requires a special use permit (S) via Planning Commission approval, or is conditionally permitted (C) by City Council.

Conventional Housing
Single-family homes are permitted by right in all three residential zones, the Single-Family Residential (R1) zone, Two-Family Residential (R-2) zone, and Multiple Family Residential (R-3) zone. Single-family homes are also permitted in some mixed use and commercial zones, including by right in the Commercial, Residential, Resort (CRR) zone and the Neighborhood Commercial (C-1) zone. Multifamily housing of fewer than five units is permitted by right in the R-2 and R-3 zones as well as the mixed-use CRR zone. Multifamily housing of five or more units is permitted by right in the R-3 and CRR zones.

Manufactured Homes and Mobile Homes
Mobile and manufactured homes offer an affordable housing option to many low- and moderate-income households. A mobile home is defined in the zoning code as a transportable, factory-built home designed as a year-round residential dwelling and permitted in all residential zoning districts in the City, according to the same development standards applied to site-built single-family homes.

The City does not allow mobile homes built prior to enactment of the Federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974. Pursuant to state law, manufactured housing placed on a permanent foundation is considered a single-family dwelling and is permitted in all zoning districts that City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 8 August 2019
allow single-family housing. Both manufactured homes and mobile homes are permitted by right in all three residential zones and in some mixed use and commercial zones, specifically the CRR and C-1 zones.

Table 1
Housing Types Permitted by Zoning District
Housing Type
R-1
Zone
R-2
Zone
R-3
Zone
CRR
Zone
C-1
Zone
C-2
Zone
M-1
Zone
M-2
Zone
Single-Family Attached Z Z Z Z Z — — —
Single-Family Detached Z Z Z Z Z — — —
Duplexes — Z Z S — S — —
Multifamily (5+ units) — — Z C — S — —
Mobile Homes Z Z Z Z Z — — —
Manufactured Homes Z Z Z Z Z — — —
Accessory Dwelling Units Z Z Z Z Z — — —
Emergency Shelters — — — — — — Z Z
Transitional Housing Z Z Z Z — — — —
Supportive Housing Z Z Z Z — — — —
Single-Room Occupancy Units C C C C C C — —
Residential Care Facilities (6 or
fewer people) Z Z Z Z Z Z — —
Residential Care Facilities (7 or
more persons) — — — — — — — —
Employee Housing — — — — — — — —
Source: City of Needles, 2019.

Notes: R1=Single-Family Residential, R-2= Two Family Residential, R-3=Multiple Family Residential, CRR= Commercial, Residential, Resort, C-1=Neighborhood Commercial, C-2=General Commercial, C-3=Highway Commercial, PD= Planned Unit Development, P=Public Facilities, M-1=Light Manufacturing, M-2 General Manufacturing.

Mixed-Use Development
The City allows mixed-use development via the CRR zone in several areas of Needles. As identified in the City of Needles Zoning Code, the intent of the CRR zone is to provide for a variety of uses along the City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 9 August 2019
Colorado River, including apartments, hotels, motels, restaurants, boat clubs, marinas, specialty and gift shops, convenience services, and goods and supplies for boat owners, water skiers, scuba divers, and the visiting public using marina and aquatic recreational facilities, uses that would be relatable to a resort environment. Depending on the nature of the developments, this zone can support a full range of residential and commercial densities as appropriate per the zoning code. This zone allows sufficient diversity of land use types while avoiding the dangers of overcrowding and a haphazard mixing of land uses and providing new employment and housing opportunities for residents.

Single-Room Occupancy Units
Single-room occupancy facilities contain housing units that may have kitchen and/or bathroom facilities and are guest rooms or efficiency units as defined by the State Health and Safety Code. Each housing unit is occupied by no more than two persons and is offered on a monthly rental basis or longer. Single-room occupancy facilities are allowed with a Zoning Permit in all three residential zones (R-1, R-2, and R-3) as well as the CRR zone, and C-1 zone,.

Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory dwelling units are permitted in all residential zones. An accessory dwelling unit must meet specified development standards consistent with Government Code Section 65852.2; they may be either attached to the primary dwelling or separate from the primary dwelling. A manufactured or modular unit placed on a permanent foundation may also be used as an accessory unit. Accessory dwelling units may be rented separately unless the primary dwelling is rented, and the sale of an accessory dwelling unit separate from the primary unit is prohibited. The City processed a zoning code amendment to comply with recent changes to Government Code Section 65852.2 in July 2019.5 Housing for Farmworkers
California law (Government Code Section 65583(c)(1)(C)) requires the adequate provision of sites to accommodate the housing needs of farmworkers. Housing elements should ensure that local zoning, development standards, and permitting processes comply with Health and Safety Code Sections 17021.5 and 17021.6. Section 17021.5 generally requires employee housing for six or fewer persons to be treated as a single-family structure and residential use. A jurisdiction cannot require any conditional use permit, zoning variance, or other zoning clearance for this type of employee housing that is not required of a family dwelling of the same type in the same zone. Section 17021.6 generally requires employee housing

5 Ordinance Number 619-AC amended Needles Municipal Code (NMC) Section 96.08 “Dwelling Unit" adding “Accessory Dwelling Unit” and Section 96.00 “Table of Permissible Uses.” City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 10 August 2019
consisting of not more than 36 beds in group quarters or 12 units or less designed for use by a single family or household to be treated as an agricultural use. A jurisdiction cannot require a conditional use permit, zoning variance, or other zoning clearance for this type of employee housing that is not required of any other agricultural activity in the same zone.

Emergency Shelters
The California Health and Safety Code (Section 50801) defines an emergency shelter as “housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to occupancy of six months or less by a homeless person. No individual or households may be denied emergency shelter because of an inability to pay.”
Legislation (Senate Bill 2 [Cedillo, 2007]) requires jurisdictions to allow emergency shelters without a conditional use permit in at least one zone or sufficiently sized site in the city to meet the city’s homeless need. The City of Needles updated its zoning ordinance in July 2019 to allow emergency shelters in the Light Manufacturing (M-1) and General Manufacturing (M-2) zones.6 Supportive and Transitional Housing
Supportive housing is defined by Health and Safety Code Section 50675.14 as housing with linked on-site or off-site services with no limit on the length of stay and that is occupied by a target population as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 53260 (i.e., low-income person with mental disabilities, AIDS, substance abuse or chronic health conditions, or persons whose disabilities originated before the age of 18). Services linked to supportive housing usually focus on retaining housing, living, and working in the community, and/or health improvement.

Transitional housing is defined in Health and Safety Code Section 50675.2 as rental housing for stays of at least six months, but where the units are recirculated to another program recipient after a set period. It may be designated for a homeless individual or family transitioning to permanent housing. This housing can take many structural forms, such as group housing and multifamily units, and may include supportive services to allow individuals to gain necessary life skills in support of independent living.

Pursuant to Senate Bill (SB) 2, transitional and supportive housing types are required to be treated as residential uses and subject only to those restrictions that apply to other residential uses of the same type

6 Ordinance Number 622-AC amended NMC Article XII, Section 112.06 adding “Emergency Shelters and Supportive and Transitional Housing” and Section 96.07 “Table of Permissible Uses.” City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 11 August 2019
in the same zone. In addition, pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 2162, supportive housing is a use by right in zones where multifamily and mixed uses are permitted, including nonresidential zones permitting multifamily uses. The City’s zoning codes are silent on the provision for transitional and supportive housing. To ensure consistency with state law, the City amended its zoning ordinance in July 2019 to allow transitional and supportive housing consistent with SB 2.7 Density Bonus
Density bonuses are permitted in the City of Needles when affordable or elderly housing is included. The density bonus percentage cannot exceed the percentage of affordable housing units in the development.

For example, if the development includes 15 percent affordable housing units, then the density bonus cannot exceed a 15 percent increase. The bonus extends to allow up to a 25 percent increase in density and requires that the affordable units be constrained to affordability restrictions for at least 15 years. In elderly housing developments, the bonus allows up to a 100 percent increase in density. When the density bonus exceeds 25 percent for elderly housing developments, those additional units are required to remain available to elderly households for at least 15 years.

Numerous legislative actions have been passed since 2008 that amended the state density bonus program, including AB 2280, AB 2222, and AB 744. The City’s zoning requirements were updated to be consistent with the most current state laws in July 2019.8
On- and Off-Site Improvements
Existing vacant residential parcels require sewage disposal, water, and access. Single-home builders are required to improve streets and put in curb, gutter, and sidewalks along property lines. Residential developments are required to complete on-site improvements that are necessary to extend the sewer, water, and power lines to the property lines if not already available to the site. In addition, there is a requirement to connect to sewer if the parcel is within 200 feet of City services.

Most sites have such services already available. Residential subdivisions must comply with the City street and pedestrian standards for minimum street widths, setbacks, lighting, curbs and gutters, water and sewer connections, and pedestrian circulation, if appropriate. Although the City codes allow the

7 Ordinance Number 621-AC amended NMC Article IV, Section 94 adding “Reasonable Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities.”
8 Ordinance Number 620-AC amended NMC rescinding Article VII Section 97.01 “Affordable and Elderly Housing Bonus” and replacing it with a new Section 97.01 “Density Bonus and Related Incentives and Concessions Program.” City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 12 August 2019
imposition of all of the above improvements, the staff will assess the particular property and determine the level of improvements that are necessary. For instance, depending upon the stormwater flow during a rain event, curbs may be required to be straight-back curbs, or if the runoff is less, rolled curbs may be allowed. These may impact the cost of housing but are absolutely necessary to the Project to set a minimum standard for improvements within the City.

Compliance with Regional Housing Needs Allocation
The City’s future housing need is based on population and employment growth projections over the 2013- 2021 period. Based on these projections, the state assigns each region in California a Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), which requires regions to address housing issues and needs (California Government Code Section 65584).

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) developed the RHNA for the City of Needles.

It 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 the 2019 Housing Element Update is for the 5th cycle RHNA allocation and is based on a RHNA cycle from January 1, 2014, to October 1, 2021. This RHNA time period addresses the housing element planning period from October 2013 to October 2021. SCAG is in the process of developing the 6th cycle RHNA allocation plan, which will cover the planning period from October 2021 through October 2029. It is planned for adoption by SCAG in October 2020.

Table 2: City of Needles 2014-2021 Regional Housing Needs Assessment Goals shows the adjusted RHNA target for the time period from 2014 to 2021 for each of the five household income groups for the City.

Table 2
City of Needles 2014-2021 Regional Housing Needs Assessment Goals Income Group Number of Units Percentage
Extremely Low* 19 10.5%
Very Low 19 10.5%
Low 29 16.0%
Moderate 34 18.8%
Above Moderate 80 44.2%
Total 181 100.0%
Source: SCAG, 5th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment Final Allocation Plan, 1/1/2014–10/1/2021, 2018.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 13 August 2019
Changes from 2005 Housing Element
The 2019 Housing Element Update provided an evaluation of the previous housing element which examines the goals of the 2005 Housing Element and whether or not the City has been effective in meeting those goals. The 2019 Housing Element Update also provides a list of which policies and programs from the 2005 Housing Element are being continued, amended, or deleted in the 2019 Housing Element (Table 1 in the 2019 Housing Element Update).

Many of the programs from the 2005 Housing Element are being continued in the 2019 Housing Element Update, however, Table 3: Summary of Amended and Deleted Programs in the 2019 Housing Element Update, provides a list of the programs that will be changed or deleted in the 2013-2021 Housing Element.

Table 3
Summary of Amended and Deleted Programs in the 2019 Housing Element Update 2005 Housing Element Goals,
Policies and Programs Achievement
Amend/Delete in
2019 Housing
Element Update
Goal 1.0: Allow every resident of the City of Needles the opportunity to have a decent home and satisfying environment regardless of age, sex, marital status, ethnic background, income, special needs, or other arbitrary factors.

Policy 1.2: Improve and conserve existing residential neighborhoods.

Program 1.2.1
Continue efforts at Code Enforcement as
well as completing the process of
establishing a CHODO to grant lowinterest loans for rehabilitation of properties.

Target Date:

December 2004, ongoing.

Responsible Agency:

Code Enforcement/Community
Development.

The City has continued code enforcement
efforts. The City has increased code
enforcement staffing to two individuals. In
addition, a catalog of uninhabited for-sale
properties has been created and is being
distributed to developers.

The CHODO was disbanded but our code
enforcement efforts continue.

Amend to continue
code enforcement
efforts and delete
CHODO.

Program 1.2.2
Continue efforts with the
Redevelopment Agency to determine
appropriate targets for redevelopment
funds.

Target Date:
2004, ongoing
Responsible Agency: Redevelopment
Agency and Community Development
Department
The Redevelopment Agency is no longer
operational due to the dissolution of
redevelopment statewide and no funds
are available. This program will be deleted.

Delete
City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 14 August 2019
2005 Housing Element Goals,
Policies and Programs Achievement
Amend/Delete in
2019 Housing
Element Update
Program 1.2.3
Develop programs to preserve and
continuously monitor affordable housing
in projects with affordability restrictions
that will expire within the next 15-20
years.

Target Date:
2006
Responsible Agency:

Housing Authority/CHODO
The City has not developed programs to
preserve and monitor affordable housing
projects at risk of subsidy expiration. The
existing affordable housing will start to
covert to market rate in 2055, 2067, and
2068.

Amend to address
recent updates to
state law and
combine with Policy

6.6 and continue.

Policy 1.4: Promote the provision or rehabilitation of an adequate number of rental units that are affordable to low- and moderate-income households within the City.

Program 1.4.1
Reach out to local contractors and
advise them of incentives for the
creation of low to moderate income
rental units.

Target Date:
2005
Responsible Agency:

Community Development,
Redevelopment Agency
See also Program 1.7.

Yes, City staff has created a catalog of
uninhabited for-sale properties and
provides it to developers and parties
interested in rehabilitation of housing
inventory. We constantly market our
surplus City-owned property for sale. We
have 207 acres of land for sale to develop
homes available. An economic
development incentive program has been
initiated to pay for fees and off-site
improvements for homebuilders.

Amend to remove
Redevelopment
Agency from
responsible agencies
and continue
Program 1.4.2
Formation of a City Housing CHODO to
act in addition to the Housing Authority,
to develop guidelines for loan and grant
assistance and to act as a conduit for
housing funds so that they can be
leveraged for the creation or
rehabilitation of affordable housing.

Target Date:
2005
Responsible Agency:

Community Development and newly
formed Housing Organization, when
formed.

No, the nonprofit associated with CHODO
has been disbanded. The City is no longer
pursuing formation of a CHODO.

Combine portions of
this program that still
apply to activities the
City is conducting
into one program
under Policy 1.4 and
delete
City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 15 August 2019
2005 Housing Element Goals,
Policies and Programs Achievement
Amend/Delete in
2019 Housing
Element Update
Policy 1.5: The City has created a City housing non-profit organization to attract funds from the State and Federal Government, to use as leveraging to obtain grant funds from the private sector.

Program 1.5.1
The Corporation has been formed; we
have obtained Non-Profit status with the
IRS and State. We are looking for
funding sources to get the program off
the ground.

Target Date:

March 2005
Responsible Agency:

City Council, NCEC Corporation
The nonprofit has been disbanded, and
the responsibility has been assumed by
the City.

Combine portions of
this program that still
apply to activities the
City is conducting
into one program
under Policy 1.4 and
delete. Delete Policy

1.5. Program 1.5.2
Determine eligibility requirements and
plans for types of loans and repayment
plans.

Target Date:

January 2005
Responsible Agency:

Board of Directors and staff of
Corporation
The nonprofit has disbanded, but the City
will initiate a program to replace it similar
to the Palm Desert BEGIN Program. The
City is considering a program similar to the
BEGIN Program (the ”Program”) which
provides a deferred repayment loan of up
to $30,000 to low- and moderate-income
first-time homebuyers to facilitate the
purchase of a new single-family home. The
Palm Desert program provides first time
homebuyer loans for homes at Falcon
Crest, a residential community in the City
of Palm Desert which has been recognized
by the California Department of Housing
and Community Development as a BEGIN
project.

Combine portions of
this program that still
apply to activities the
City is conducting
into one program
under Policy 1.4 and
amend to revise to
focus on a BEGIN
program and delete.

Program 1.5.3
Solicit funds from San Bernardino
County, The State of California, and the
Federal Government to act as the base
funds to begin funding the program.

Target Date:

May 2005
Responsible Agency:

Board of Directors and staff of
Corporation
The nonprofit has been disbanded and the
City would like to initiate a program that
would capture funds from listed entities.

Combine portions of
this program that still
apply to activities the
City is conducting
into one program
under Policy 1.4 and
delete.

Program 1.5.4
Make people aware of the availability of
this program.

Target Date:

June 2005 ongoing
Program has been disbanded, but the City
would like to begin sharing a new program
in its place that the City would need to
create.

Combine portions of
this program that still
apply to activities the
City is conducting
into one program
City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 16 August 2019
2005 Housing Element Goals,
Policies and Programs Achievement
Amend/Delete in
2019 Housing
Element Update
Responsible Agency:

Board of Directors and staff of
Corporation
under Policy 1.4 and
delete.

Policy 1.6: Continue to uphold the requirements of the Fair Housing Act to ensure equal housing opportunities for all Needles residents regardless of age, sex, race, marital status, ethnic background, income, or other arbitrary factors.

Target Date:

Ongoing
Responsible Agency:

All Departments-lead agency
Community Development
Program 1.6.1
Disseminate materials to inform the
public of Fair Housing laws by displaying
them at the materials at the public
library, senior center, and City
Administrative offices.

Target Date:

November 2005
Responsible Agency:

Community Development Department
Yes, the City works with the Housing
Authority to spread materials. The
materials are available at the library and
City Hall Administrative offices.

Amend to combine
with Program 1.6.2
and continue.

Program 1.6.2
Include within the materials
disseminated, information of the agency
to contact if a violation of fair housing is
alleged.

Target Date:

November 2005
Responsible Agency:

Community Development Department
Yes, the City works with the Housing
Authority to spread materials that include
information about the agency to contact in
the case of an alleged violation of fair
housing laws.

Combine into
Program 1.6.1 and
delete.

Program 1.6.3
Review the City regulations to analyze
and determine whether there are
potential constraints on the
development, maintenance and
improvement of housing intended for
persons with disabilities, elderly, large
families, and persons in need of
emergency shelter. This analysis will
include an evaluation of existing land
use controls, permit and processing
procedures and building codes. If any
constraints are found in these areas, the
The City adopted reasonable
accommodation procedure into its zoning
in July 2019. During our recent community
outreach for the Housing Element it was
mentioned that there were no potential
constraints in our current zoning. With
numerous acres available for new housing
we are currently not constrained by land
use. Instead, we are constrained mainly by
investment.

Delete.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 17 August 2019
2005 Housing Element Goals,
Policies and Programs Achievement
Amend/Delete in
2019 Housing
Element Update
city will initiate actions to address these
constraints, including removing the
constraints or providing reasonable
accommodation for persons with
disabilities.

Target Date:
2005
Responsible Agency:

Community Development Department
Policy 1.7: Continue to offer incentives aimed at production of new housing within the City of Needles.

Such incentives include offering sites for construction and little or no cost to the developer if the project is compatible with the needs of the community and this element. Other incentives can include fee waivers. When offering incentives, it is important to determine the appropriate use of the specific land being offered as to whether it is appropriate for multifamily or low-income projects. Determinations will be based upon what other properties have recently developed within the time frame of the Housing Element of the General Plan, how is the property located in relation to schools, bus services, shopping, or other services, and what are the uses surrounding the property being analyzed.

In 2018 the City reduced its Development
Impact Fee (DIF) for both North and South
Needles for residential housing
development. For 10 years the DIF was
frozen (holiday) to attract new residential
development. The City held talks with the
School District, which resulted in removing
the DIF for residential development. The
City has not increased its entitlement fee.

The City has initiated the sale of vacant
surplus property to generate revenue. The
City has initiated an economic
development incentive program that
would pay for fees and off-site
infrastructure for homebuilders.

Amend to make
scope of program
consistent with
current City efforts
and continue.

Goal 2.0: Encourage sound growth in the City by designating suitable sites for residential development.

Policy 2.4: Encourage the development of larger unit sizes in multifamily rental projects and second units on single-family lots in order to alleviate overcrowding. Encouragement of larger units will be accomplished by only allowing density bonuses to projects that build at least half of their units as larger 3-bedroom units.

The City has not had any requests for
multifamily development, and no permits
have been issued. The City has an
ordinance that allows second family
dwellings on single-family lots (Zoning
Code Section 96.08). The City updated the
accessory dwelling unit and density bonus
Amend to reflect
updates to zoning
and continue.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 18 August 2019
2005 Housing Element Goals,
Policies and Programs Achievement
Amend/Delete in
2019 Housing
Element Update
zoning regulations in July 2019. Granting
of density bonuses are not limited to
projects with units larger than 3
bedrooms.

Goal 3.0 Improve and conserve existing residential neighborhoods.

Policy 3.3: Protect architecturally significant residences and neighborhoods.

Program 3.3.1
Assist with providing information on
availability of assistance for
architecturally significant residences
Target Date:
ongoing
Responsible Agency:

Community Development
The City hasn’t yet created information
about the availability of assistance for
architecturally significant residences.

Delete.

Program 3.3.2
Creation of a historic inventory and
formation of appropriate ordinances to
preserve the historic structures where
feasible.

Target Date:
ongoing
Responsible Agency:

Community Development
The City hasn’t yet created a historic
inventory or adopted historic preservation
ordinances.

Delete.

Policy 3.5: Create programs through the Redevelopment Agency and Housing Authority to grant low interest loans or other programs to encourage the repair of substandard residences.

Target Date:
2005
Responsible Agency:

Development Services Department,
Redevelopment Agency, Housing
Authority
The City works with the County using
Community Development Block Grants.

The City will initiate a program to replace
the programs previously supplied by the
Redevelopment Agency. The City is
considering a program similar to the Palm
Desert BEGIN Program. The BEGIN the
Program provides a deferred repayment
loan of up to $30,000 to low and
moderate income first time homebuyers
to facilitate the purchase of a new singlefamily home at Falcon Crest, a residential community in the City of Palm Desert
which has been recognized by the
California Department of Housing and
Community Development as a BEGIN
project.

Amend to remove
reference to
Redevelopment
Agency and continue.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 19 August 2019
2005 Housing Element Goals,
Policies and Programs Achievement
Amend/Delete in
2019 Housing
Element Update
Goal 5.0: Create Programs to Conserve Energy to assist in the reduction of housing costs.

Policy 5.2: The City shall strive to make all City-owned buildings as energy efficient as possible.

Target Date:
ongoing
Responsible Agency:

Building Department and Utility
Department
Yes, the City strives to make all City-owned
buildings as energy efficient as possible
with the funding that is available for this
activity. The City can seek grant funds to
secure any needed additional funding.

Combine into Policy

5.1 and delete.

Policy 5.4: The City will form a program to assist homeowners to identify areas in their home or practices that waste energy and will attempt to offer incentives for rectifying such problems.

Target Date:
ongoing
Responsible Agency:

Utility Department
Yes, the City participates in numerous
programs to conserve energy with
programs that provide Energy Star
appliances, solar screens, HVAC systems,
toilet replacement, windows, and doors.

Combine into
Program 1.3.1 and
delete.

Policy 5.5: The City will take every opportunity reasonably possible to educate the public about energy use within the City.

Target Date:
ongoing
Responsible Agency:

Utility Department
Yes, the City works closely with the school
district to provide energy efficiency. The
City provides marketing materials and also
educates the public through community
meetings and guest speakers.

Combine into
Program 1.3.1 and
delete.

Policy 5.6: The City will create an alternative energy ordinance and encourage other viable forms of alternative energy and will seek grants to be able to offer incentives.

Target Date:

September 2005
Responsible Agency:

Utility Department.

Yes, the City created Ordinance 572-AC to
streamline the permitting process for solar
energy systems. The City also encourages
solar and wind as alternative forms of
energy. The City seeks grants to offer
incentives for alternative energy use.

Delete.

Goal 6.0: Implement a housing program through the newly formed 501(c)(3) created to become a CHODO.

Policy 6.1: Form board of directors that will qualify the corporation as a CHODO to enable the CHODO to solicit grants and funds to finance the housing programs.

Target Date:

November 2005
Responsible Agency:

Needles Community Enhancement
Corporation through the Community
Development Department
The nonprofit was disbanded and a
CHODO was not formed. Delete.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 20 August 2019
2005 Housing Element Goals,
Policies and Programs Achievement
Amend/Delete in
2019 Housing
Element Update
Policy 6.2: Work with the Board of Directors to formulate a housing program that will include adoption of inclusionary zoning to require new development to participate in the provision of affordable housing.

Target Date:

December 2005 The City is working to initiate a new
program to adopt inclusionary zoning.

Amend to remove
CHODO related
portions and
continue.

Policy 6.3: Work with the Board of Directors to set forth housing policies that will allow the CHODO to become a funding source for the rehabilitation of older homes within the City of Needles for Affordable Housing.

Target Date:

March 2006 and ongoing.

Responsible Agency:

CHODO
The nonprofit was disbanded and a
CHODO was not formed. Delete.

Policy 6.4: Work with the CHODO to create a housing program to assist and encourage the provision of affordable housing for all income levels within the City including home ownership, rental, and rehabilitation loans at very low interest.

Target Date:

June 2006
Responsible Agency:

CHODO and the Community
Development Department
The nonprofit has disbanded, but the City
will initiate a program to replace it. The
City is considering a program similar to the
Palm Desert BEGIN Program.

Combine portions of
this program that still
apply to activities the
City is conducting
into one program
under Policy 1.4 and
delete.

Policy 6.5: Fund loans for rehabilitating at least 5 homes in the City of Needles to preserve existing affordable housing.

Target Date:

December 2006 and ongoing with a
target of 5 homes by December 2006.

Responsible Agency:

CHODO
The nonprofit has disbanded, but the City
will initiate a program to replace it. The
City is considering a program similar to the
Palm Desert BEGIN Program.

Combine portions of
this program that still
apply to activities the
City is conducting
into one program
under Policy 1.4 and
delete.

Policy 6.6: Require the efforts of the CHODO to monitor any at-risk units and determine a program to preserve the units as affordable housing.

Target Date:

June 2006
Responsible Agency:

CHODO
The nonprofit was disbanded and a
CHODO was not formed.

Combine into
Program 1.2.3 and
delete.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 21 August 2019
2005 Housing Element Goals,
Policies and Programs Achievement
Amend/Delete in
2019 Housing
Element Update
Goal 7.0: Coordinate efforts of the City's Redevelopment Agency with the goals of this Housing Element of the General Plan, to develop or rehabilitate and conserve the number of units as described in Section 2.7 above.

Policy 7.1: Determine what funds will be available from the Redevelopment Agency to assist with the goals of the housing element. At the present time it appears that most funds have been used either for debt service or to acquire properties at tax sale for use to encourage builders to build affordable housing or to rehabilitate older affordable housing. Since the debt service has been using up most of the funds available, until the tax base has grown and allows for additional funds, the Redevelopment Agency cannot participate more fully except to continue to pay for debt service and acquire tax sale properties to be used as incentives for affordable housing of a size and type needed within the community.

The Redevelopment Agency is no longer
operational due to the dissolution of
redevelopment statewide and no funds
are available. This program will be deleted.

Delete.

Policy 7.2: Work with the Redevelopment Agency to coordinate the assistance and use of previously purchased lots and homes to insure rehabilitation and construction of affordable housing in the proportion as identified in the chart at Section 2.7.

The Redevelopment Agency is no longer
operational due to the dissolution of
redevelopment statewide and no funds
are available. This program will be deleted.

Delete.

Policy 7.3: Apply for HELP funds from the CalHFA and any CalHome program as soon as this element has been accepted by the State to make low interest loans to existing property owners to rehabilitate the existing run-down homes in the community. All such loans must be made to either homeowners that qualify as low to moderate income or to owners that are willing to commit to renting to low- to moderate-income renters for a period of ten years. Low to Moderate income will be defined based upon the median household income levels used for such purposes in the County of San Bernardino for that year.

The City has not applied for these funds.

The homeowners would be responsible for
applying. This program will not be
continued.

Delete.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 23 August 2019
D. PROJECT SETTING
The 2019 Housing Element Update will be the adopted policy and program document applicable to housing issues throughout the incorporated city limit of Needles.

The City is located in the Mohave Valley area of the Mojave Desert, a predominantly desert and mountainous region with a variety of contrasting and dramatic geographic features. The Mohave Valley is ringed by the major landforms of the Sacramento and Dead Mountains to the west and the Black Mountains to the east; these mountain ranges are the predominant natural and visual resources in the area.

E. OTHER AGENCIES APPROVAL
None.

F. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
The following section adapts and completes the environmental checklist form presented in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. The checklist is used to describe the impacts of the Project. For this checklist, the following designations are used:

Potentially Significant Impact: An impact that could be significant, and for which no mitigation has been identified. If any potentially significant impacts are identified, an EIR must be prepared.

Potentially Significant With Mitigation Incorporated: An impact that requires mitigation to reduce the impact to a less-than-significant level.

Less-Than-Significant Impact: Any impact that would not be considered significant under CEQA relative to existing standards.

No Impact: The Project would not have any impact.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 24 August 2019

1. AESTHETICS
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Except as provided in Public Resources Code Section 21099, would the project:
a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b. Substantially damage scenic resources, including,
but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and
historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
c. In nonurbanized areas, substantially degrade the
existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are
those that are experienced from publicly accessible
vantage point.) If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning
and other regulations governing scenic quality?
d. Create a new source of substantial light or glare,
which would adversely affect day or nighttime views
in the area?
Setting:

Scenic resources in the area of the City include the Colorado River, which flows for approximately 10 miles along the eastern side of the City, and the Needles Highway (Interstate 40), formerly part of the historic U.S. Route 66 and currently eligible for inclusion in the State Scenic Highway System, but it is not officially designated as such.9
The Conservation and Historic Preservation Element of the City’s 1986 General Plan10 describes the natural and aesthetic value of the Needles area and outlines goals, policies, and measures to preserve and enhance these resources, including considerations for development. The City’s Land Use Element11 establishes the type and intensity of land uses and the amount and location of development permitted

9 California Department of Transportation, “Officially Designated State Scenic Highways and Historic Parkways,” http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/16_livability/scenic_highways/, August 2019. 10 City of Needles General Plan “Conservation and Historic Preservation Element” (February 18, 1986). 11 City of Needles General Plan, “Land Use Element” (February 18, 1986).

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 25 August 2019
within the City. The anticipated development capacity of the General Plan was previously evaluated for potential environmental impacts in the General Plan Environmental Assessment.12 The 2019 Housing Element Update describes the current status of housing across the City, progress made since the drafting of the 2005 Housing Element, and projections of needs for the next five years. The 2019 Housing Element Update is a City-wide policy document consistent with the City’s General Plan and does not directly propose physical changes in the environment. The 2019 Housing Element Update does not, in and of itself, enable future development that wasn’t previously evaluated in the City’s General Plan Environmental Assessment.13
Analysis:
a–b) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact to scenic vistas or scenic resources within a State scenic highway.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document and does not include any changes to land use designations, zoning, building heights and intensities, or residential densities.

Further, the 2019 Housing Element Update includes policies intended to continue to make the City a nice place to work and live such as efforts to amend the zoning code with an aim toward beautification, including, but not limited to signage and landscaping requirements, among others.

All future development in the City would require project-specific environmental evaluation in order to determine that any potential impacts are less than significant. As stated, no officially designated State scenic highway is located in Needles. Potential aesthetic-related impacts are unique to a project’s location and cannot be meaningfully determined until a project site has been defined. Any future development would be subject to the City’s zoning requirements, and any potential impacts identified would be addressed through mitigation measures specific to the impact.

13 City of Needles General Plan, “Land Use Element” (February 18, 1986). 13 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 26 August 2019
c) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact to the visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings or conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality.

Discussion: As previously mentioned, the 2019 Housing Element Update includes policies intended to continue to make the City a nice place to work and live such as efforts to amend the zoning code with an aim toward beautification, including, but not limited to signage and landscaping requirements, among others. The City’s current Zoning Code14 contains standards intended to preserve the natural beauty of the City and to maintain visual orderliness, including provisions related to building standards (height, setbacks, intensities), signage, screening of utilities in development, and outdoor improvements. All future development in the City would be required to comply with the provisions of the City’s Zoning Code and undergo project-specific environmental evaluation in order to determine that any potential impacts are less than significant.
d) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact to the creation of light or glare that would adversely affect views.

Discussion: Sources of light present throughout the City include urban uses and both interior and exterior lighting, streetlights, signage, and vehicular traffic, while sources of glare include highly finished building materials such as glass and steel, street furniture, and roadway traffic. The Project is a policy document and would not directly enable construction or development.

Nevertheless, all future residential development enabled by the City’s General Plan is anticipated to introduce light and glare sources typical of existing development, and all future development in the City would be subject to the City’s zoning requirements. The City’s current Zoning Code15 contains lighting requirements intended to maintain public health, safety, and welfare from noxious or offensive illumination, glare, or similar effects. All future development in the City would be required to comply with the provisions of the City’s Zoning Code and undergo project-specific environmental evaluation in order to determine that any potential impacts are less than significant.

14 City of Needles, Municipal Zoning Code, 2008.
15 City of Needles, Municipal Zoning Code, 2008.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 27 August 2019
Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 28 August 2019

2. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland.

In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state’s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project:
a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or
Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as
shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the
California Resources Agency, to nonagricultural use?
b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?
c. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forestland (as defined in Public Resources Code
section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public
Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined by Government
Code section 51104(g))?
d. Result in the loss of forestland or conversion of
forestland to nonforest use?
e. Involve other changes in the existing environment,
which, due to their location or nature, could result
in conversion of Farmland to nonagricultural use, or
conversion of forestland to nonforest use?
Setting:

The City’s Land Use Element16 establishes the type, amount, and intensity of land uses permitted within the City, and the Land Use Map17 shows the desired distribution and location of development. The City’s

16 City of Needles General Plan, “Land Use Element” (February 18, 1986). 17 City of Needles General Plan Land Use Map, redrawn February 28, 1998.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 29 August 2019
General Plan Land Use Map does not designate any portion of the City for farmland, agriculture, forestland, or timberland.18
The City is primarily characterized by urban and vacant lands, with no portion of the City used for agriculture, forestland, or timber property. The City and its environs do not contain any Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance, or any farmland subject to a Williamson Act contract.19
The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document consistent with the City’s General Plan and does not directly propose physical changes in the environment. The 2019 Housing Element Update is a Citywide policy document and does not, in and of itself, enable future development that wasn’t previously evaluated in the City’s General Plan Environmental Assessment.

Analysis:
a–e) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact to Farmland, agricultural uses, or lands subject to a Williamson Act contract, nor would it conflict with cause rezoning of, forestland, timberland, or timberland zoned Timberland Production. The Project would result in No Impacts related to the loss or potential loss of forestland or Farmland, nor would the Project result in the conversion of Farmland to nonagricultural uses or forestland to nonforest uses.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update involves an update of the City’s 2005 Housing Element. There are no provisions contained in the 2019 Housing Element Update to convert Prime Farmland or any farmland of unique or Statewide importance. In addition, there are no changes to land use designations or zoning, or development proposed on forestland or land or timber property zoned Timberland Production. There are also no proposals that would conflict with existing agricultural zoning or a Williamson Act contract, or result in the conversion of Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance to nonagricultural use, or conversion or loss of forest land.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

18 City of Needles General Plan Land Use Map, redrawn February 28, 1998. 19 California Department of Conservation, California Important Farmland Finder, interactive map, accessed July 2019, https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/DLRP/CIFF/.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 30 August 2019
City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 31 August 2019

3. AIR QUALITY
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management district or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project:
a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan?
b. Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the Project region is
nonattainment under an applicable federal or State
ambient air quality standard?
c. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations?
d. Result in other emissions (such as those leading to
odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of
people?
Setting:

The City is located within the Mojave Desert Air Basin (Air Basin), which consists of the eastern portions of San Bernardino, Riverside counties as well as portions of Kern and Los Angeles Counties. The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) has primary responsibility for regulating stationary sources of air pollution within the Air Basin. The MDAQMD is geographically the second largest of the State’s 35 air districts. As the air pollution control agency for San Bernardino County’s High Desert and Riverside County’s Palo Verde Valley, the District has primary responsibility for regulating stationary sources of air pollution located within its jurisdictional boundaries. Air Monitoring staff operates and maintains six monitoring stations (Barstow, Hesperia, Phelan, Trona, Twentynine Palms, & Victorville) within the District's 20,000+ mile jurisdiction. Regulatory oversight for air quality is provided by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) at the State level and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region IX office at the federal level.20
Air quality is affected by various emissions sources (mobile, industry, etc.) and by atmospheric conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, temperature, and rainfall. The EPA has established national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for seven air pollution constituents. As permitted by the federal Clean Air Act, California has adopted more stringent air emissions standards and expanded the number of regulated

20 California Air Resources Board (CARB), Annual Network Plan, (June 2016).

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 32 August 2019
air constituents. CARB is required to designate areas of the State as attainment, nonattainment, or unclassified for any State standard. An “attainment” designation for an area signifies that pollutant concentrations do not violate the standard for that pollutant in that area. A “nonattainment” designation indicates that a pollutant concentration violated the standard at least once. The City is located in the southeastern portion of the Air Basin; this portion of the Air Basin is currently listed as “non-attainment” for the federal air quality standard related to respirable particulate matter (PM10) and the State air quality standards related to PM10 and ozone (O3).21 Both ozone and PM10 are considered regional pollutants, because their concentrations are not determined by proximity to individual sources, but show a relative uniformity over a region.

The federal and California Clean Air Acts require MDAQMD achieve certain standards for PM10 and O3.

MDAQMD prepared its PM10 Attainment Plan Final Report in July 1995 and its Ozone Attainment Plan (State and Federal) in April 2004.22 MDAQMD’s PM10 Attainment Plan Final Report includes requirements for construction activities to mitigate PM10 emissions and its Ozone Attainment Plan (State and Federal) references the district’s control measures in place affecting ozone precursor emissions.

The City’s Land Use Element23 contains policies and measures related to maintaining air quality in residential neighborhoods, including protecting neighborhoods from air pollution- and odor-generating activities through site-specific environmental review and appropriate development buffers.

21 CARB, Area Designations Maps / State and National, accessed July 2019, https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/desig/adm/adm.htm. 22 Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD), “Rules & Regulations,” accessed July 2019, http://mdaqmd.ca.gov/rules/overview.
23 City of Needles General Plan, “Land Use Element” (February 18, 1986). 24 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 33 August 2019
considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the Project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard.

Discussion: The City is located within a portion of the Air Basin that is currently designated nonattainment for ozone and PM10, and MDAQMD has prepared air quality management plans for both pollutants. The Project would not directly result in construction or development activity, nor would it enable development beyond that which is currently provided for in the City’s General Plan. The number of residential units that could be developed under the 2019 Housing Element Update are consistent with the City’s current General Plan and zoning designations. Potential air quality-related impacts are location-specific and cannot be assessed in a meaningful way until the location of a project site is known. At such time that a development proposal is considered, that project will be subject to adopted development air quality standards, and any impacts identified with the development project will be addressed through mitigation measures specific to the impact. Short-term air quality impacts resulting from construction activities, such as dust generated by clearing and grading activities, exhaust emissions from gas- and diesel-powered construction equipment, and vehicular emissions associated with the commuting of construction workers will be subject to MDAQMD air quality management plans identified above and all other relevant MDAQMD rules and regulations.

As such, implementation of the 2019 Housing Element Update would not create any significant or adverse impacts related to conflict with or obstruction of implementation of any applicable air quality plan and would therefore not contribute to any cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the region is nonattainment. c) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact related to the exposure of sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations.

Discussion: As mentioned, the 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document and does not include any changes to land use designations, zoning, building heights and intensities, or residential densities, nor does it directly enable construction or development activities. Potential air quality-related impacts are location-specific and cannot be assessed in a meaningful way until the location of a project site is known. The City’s Land Use Element25 contains policies and measures related to maintaining air quality in residential neighborhoods, including protecting

25 City of Needles General Plan, “Land Use Element” (February 18, 1986).

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 34 August 2019
neighborhoods from air pollution-generating activities through site-specific environmental review and appropriate development buffers. At such time that a development proposal is considered, that project will be subject to the development review process and any potential impacts identified would be addressed through mitigation measures specific to the impact. d) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact related nor would it result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people.

Discussion: Impacts would be considered potentially significant if the Project were to result in the creation of objectionable odors with the potential to affect substantial numbers of people, or if construction or operation of the Project would result in the creation of nuisance odors that would be noxious to a substantial number of people. The City’s Land Use Element26 contains policies and measures related to maintaining air quality in residential neighborhoods, including protecting neighborhoods from odor-generating activities through site-specific environmental review and appropriate development buffers.

Residential development, such as that described in the 2019 Housing Element Update, is not a land use typically associated with odor complaints or noxious emissions. The Project would not directly enable construction or development activities upon implementation. At such time that a development proposal is considered, that project will be subject to the development review process and any potential impacts identified would be addressed through mitigation measures specific to the impact.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

26 City of Needles General Plan, “Land Use Element” (February 18, 1986).

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 35 August 2019

4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or
regulations, or by the California Department of Fish
and Wildlife or US Fish and Wildlife Service?
b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian
habitat or other sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans, policies,
regulations, or by the California Department of Fish
and Wildlife or US Fish and Wildlife Service?
c. Have a substantial adverse effect on State or
federally protected wetlands (including but not
limited to marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through
direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or
other means?
d. Interfere substantially with the movement of any
native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species
or with established native resident or migratory
wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native
wildlife nursery sites?
e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted habitat
conservation plan, natural community conservation
plan, or other approved local, regional, or State
habitat conservation plan?
Setting:

The City is located in the Mohave Valley area of the Mojave Desert. The Conservation and Historic Preservation Element of the City’s General Plan notes that the Needles area contains important desert vegetation and wildlife habitats.27

27 City of Needles General Plan “Conservation and Historic Preservation Element” (February 18, 1986).

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 36 August 2019
The Colorado River, which borders the eastern side of the City, supports a range of vegetation types and species near its banks, including Mesquite and Tamarisk thickets, Creosote Bush, Palo Verde (Parkinsonia), Catclaw (Senegalia greggii), alfileria, cacti, and Galleta Grass and other grasses. A number of wildlife species are known to occur in the Needles area, including fish, amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal species as identified in the Technical Background Reports for the City’s General Plan, including sensitive and State and federally listed species.28 The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB)29 was used to conduct a 9-quadrant survey across Needles and its environs (Needles, Needles NE, Needles SW, Needles NW, Needles SW, Bannock, Flattop Mountain, Monumental Pass, Stepladder Mountains NE, and Whale Mountain quadrants) to determine the presence of sensitive biological resources, including State and federally listed species and/or candidate, sensitive, or special status species. Across these quadrants, 133 such plant and wildlife species were previously identified.30 eBird,31 a collaborative enterprise managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is the world’s largest biodiversity-related citizen science project, with more than 100 million bird sightings contributed each year by eBirders around the world.32 Common bird species historically observed in the Project area as noted in the eBird database include American Coot (Fulica americana), Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater), Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus), Greattailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus), European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi), and Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata).33 Some of these species are protected by State and federal law.

The City’s General Plan Environmental Assessment34 states that future development and increasing urbanization may result in the loss of natural resources unless policies and programs are designed to preserve these resources. Accordingly, the Conservation and Historic Preservation Element35 contains

28 City of Needles General Plan, Technical Background Reports, February 18, 1986. 29 California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), BIOS, accessed August 2019, https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/bios/?tool=cnddbQuick. 30 California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), BIOS, accessed August 2019, https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/bios/?tool=cnddbQuick. 31 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, eBird, https://ebird.org/about. 32 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, eBird, “Hotspot Map,” accessed August 2019, https://ebird.org/home. 33 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, eBird, “Hotspot Map,” accessed August 2019, https://ebird.org/home. 34 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986. 35 City of Needles General Plan “Conservation and Historic Preservation Element” (February 18, 1986).

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 37 August 2019
goals, policies, and measures intended to mitigate potential impacts to natural resources in the area.

Among these are policies to minimize water pollution and urban runoff into the Colorado River and to conserve critical habitat.

The City is under the purview of the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program36 (LCR MSCP), which implements a Habitat Conservation Plan created to balance the use of the Colorado River water resources with the conservation of native species and their habitats. The LCR MSCP covers over 400 miles of the lower Colorado River from Lake Mead to the southernmost border with Mexico, and includes lakes Mead, Mohave, and Havasu, as well as the 100-year floodplain along the main stem of the lower Colorado River. The LCR MSCP is intended to benefit at least 27 species, most of which are State or federally listed endangered, threatened, or sensitive species.37 The LCR MSCP contains conservation measures to both minimize and mitigate the incidental take of listed species as well as contribute to the recovery of listed species and reduce the likelihood for future listing of nonlisted species.38 Among these conservation measures are provisions related to habitat acquisition and protection, presence or absence and clearance surveys, species removal and relocation, species stocking/augmentation, and monitoring and research, among others.39
The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document consistent with the City’s General Plan and does not directly propose physical changes in the environment. The 2019 Housing Element Update is a Citywide policy document and does not, in and of itself, enable future development that wasn’t previously evaluated in the City’s General Plan Environmental Assessment.40 Analysis:
a) Finding: The Project would have No Impact, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) or US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

36 Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, “General Program,” https://www.lcrmscp.gov/general_program.html, accessed August 2019. 37 Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, “General Program,” https://www.lcrmscp.gov/general_program.html, accessed August 2019. 38 Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, Final Habitat Conservation Plan, Volume II, page 1-6, December 17, 2004, https://www.lcrmscp.gov/publications/hcp_volii_2004.pdf, accessed August 2019. 39 Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, Final Habitat Conservation Plan, Volume II, December 17, 2004, https://www.lcrmscp.gov/publications/hcp_volii_2004.pdf, accessed August 2019. 40 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 38 August 2019
Discussion: As discussed, the Needles environs has the capacity to house a range of plant and wildlife species, including State and federally listed species. All future development in the City would require project-specific environmental evaluation in order to determine that any potential impacts are less than significant. Potential impacts related to biological resources are unique to a project’s location and cannot be meaningfully determined until a project site has been defined.

Any future development would be subject to federal, State, regional, and local regulatory requirements related to biological resources.

Further, the 2019 Housing Element Update includes policies intended to lessen impacts to biological resources, including policies to minimize housing construction in environmentally sensitive areas. Policies to maximize energy conservation and efficiency help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the effects of which are borne globally (including the loss of biodiversity). Additionally, future projects would be evaluated by the City for their compliance with goals, policies, and measures contained in the City’s General Plan intended to mitigate potential impacts to natural and biological resources, including those contained in the Conservation and Historic Preservation Element as described previously.41 Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through projectspecific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
b) Finding: The Project would have No Impact on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the CDFW or the USFWS.

Discussion: As mentioned previously, the Needles area is recognized to contain important desert vegetation and wildlife habitats. Additionally, the Colorado River flows for approximately 10 miles along the eastern side of the City and contains a number of complex estuary and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as riparian habitat.

41 City of Needles General Plan “Conservation and Historic Preservation Element” (February 18, 1986).

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 39 August 2019
development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City. c) Finding: The Project would have No Impact related to a substantial adverse effect on State or federally protected wetlands (including but not limited to marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means.

Discussion: The Colorado River flows for approximately 10 miles along the eastern side of the City and contains a number of complex estuary and terrestrial ecosystems, including wetland ecosystems.

The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document and would not directly enable construction or development activity. All future development in the City would require projectspecific environmental evaluation. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City. d) Finding: The Project would have No Impact related to substantial interference with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites.

Discussion: The City contains a considerable amount of natural desert vegetation with vacant lands interspersed with urban development. As such, the potential exists for nesting birds and other species to occur. The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document consistent with the City’s General Plan and does not proposed any land use or zoning changes, nor would it introduce new or intensified impacts beyond those evaluated in the City’s General Plan Environmental Assessment. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City. e) Finding: The Project would have No Impact related to conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance.

Discussion: There is no applicable local policy or ordinance protecting biological resources that will be in conflict with the Project.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 40 August 2019
f) Finding: The Project would have No Impact related to conflict with the provisions of an adopted habitat conservation plan, natural community conservation plan, or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan.

Discussion: The City is under the purview of the LCR MSCP which governs the Lower Colorado River. As mentioned, the LCR MSCP contains conservation measures to both minimize and mitigate the incidental take of listed species as well as contribute to the recovery of listed species and reduce the likelihood for future listing of nonlisted species.42 The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document and would not directly enable construction or development activity. Any proposed future development would require site-specific evaluation for the presence or absence of biological resources and any potential environmental impacts identified would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project is considered by the City, including required measures outlined in the LCR MSCP, as appropriate.

Depending on the species listed in LCR MSCP, these measures include provisions for habitat acquisition and protection, presence or absence and clearance surveys, species removal and relocation, species stocking/augmentation, and monitoring and research, among others.

Additionally, all future development projects would be evaluated for their compliance with the aforementioned goals, policies, and measures contained in the City’s General Plan, including the Conservation and Historic Preservation Element,43 intended to mitigate potential impacts to natural resources in the area. All future individual projects would require adherence with these local and regional policies and measures related to biological resources. Incorporation of necessary and appropriate conservation measures contained in the LCR MSCP as part of any future development project would ensure compliance with the provisions of the LCR MSCP.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

42 Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, Final Habitat Conservation Plan, Volume II, page 1-6, December 17, 2004, https://www.lcrmscp.gov/publications/hcp_volii_2004.pdf, accessed August 2019. 43 City of Needles General Plan “Conservation and Historic Preservation Element” (February 18, 1986).

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 41 August 2019

5. CULTURAL RESOURCES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource pursuant to
Section 15064.5?
b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource pursuant
to Section 15064.5?
c. Disturb any human remains, including those
interred outside of formal cemeteries?
Setting:

Human presence in the desert regions of California has been estimated to date as far back as 50,000 years or more; firm evidence of human occupation does not occur until about 15,000 years ago.44 Historically, the Mohave people lived in scattered settlements along the Colorado River, including the Needles region, prior to European contact. Spanish exploration of the area first occurred in 1540 with the establishment of the mission system later commencing in 1769; the Needles region came under the jurisdiction of the San Gabriel mission founded in 1771. American presence in the area began with the establishment of Fort Mohave (circa 1848) 20 miles north of present-day Needles, and with later surveys for railroad routes and settlement activity.

Needles and its environs currently contain four resources listed in the National Register of Historic Places (National Register) and two additional resources listed in the California Register of Historical Resources (California Register).45 These resources are listed as follows:
• Archaeological Site No. D-4 (#N1395, listed in the National Register); • El Garces (950 Front St., #N2170, historic railroad hotel, listed in the National Register); • Piute Pass Archeological District (#N255, an area encompassing the historic Fort Piute, listed in the National Register);

44 City of Needles General Plan, Technical Background Reports, February 18, 1986. 45 California State Parks, Office of Historic Preservation, “Listed California Historical Resources,” accessed July 2019, http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ListedResources/?view=county&criteria=36.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 42 August 2019
• Topock Maze Archeological Site (#N678, site hypothesized to be a geoglyph, listed in the National Register);
• National Old Trails Monument (#781, Native American route later followed by Spanish explorer Garcés and his Mojave guides in 1776 and by Jedediah Smith in 1826, listed in the California Register); and • Von Schmidt State Boundary Monument (#859, a cast iron column erected in 1873 marking the southern terminus of the California-Nevada State boundary, later corrected to the present line, 3/4 mile to the north, listed in the California Register).

Archaeological and historical sites are protected pursuant to a wide variety of State policies and regulations enumerated under the California Public Resources Code (PRC). PRC Sections 5097.9-5097.998 also require notification of discoveries of Native American human remains, descendants and provide for treatment and disposition of human remains and associated grave goods.46 The discovery of human remains is regulated per California Health and Safety Code, Section 7050.5.47 The City’s General Plan Environmental Assessment48 states that future development and increasing urbanization may result in the loss of cultural resources within the City. Accordingly, the Land Use49 and Conservation and Historic Preservation Elements50 contain goals, policies, and measures intended to mitigate potential impacts to cultural resources in the area and preserve and rejuvenate historic structures and sites within the City. Among these are policies to protect the individual and collective architectural and historical heritage of Needles and to upgrade historical resources as viable.

46 California Public Resources Code (PRC), Sections 5097.9-5097.998. 47 California Health and Safety Code, Section 7050.5.
48 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986. 49 City of Needles General Plan, “Land Use Element” (February 18, 1986). 50 City of Needles General Plan “Conservation and Historic Preservation Element” (February 18, 1986). 51 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 43 August 2019
Analysis:
a) Finding: The Project would have No Impact related to a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to Section 15064.5.52 Discussion: All future development in the City would require project-specific environmental evaluation in order to determine that any potential impacts are less than significant. Potential impacts related to culturalresources are unique to a project’s location and cannot be meaningfully determined until a project site has been defined.

The 2019 Housing Element Update includes policies intended to continue efforts to make the City a nice place to work and live through continued efforts to amend the zoning code with an aim toward beautification through planning considerations, including historic preservation measures.

Any future development would be subject to federal, State, and local regulatory requirements related to the discovery and proper handling of cultural and historic resources, including PRC Section 211083.2,53 which requires avoidance and other measures in the event of discovery. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
b) Finding: The Project would have No Impact related to a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Section 15064.5.

Discussion: Much of the prehistoric occupation of the Mohave Valley appears to be correlated with the presence of the Colorado River, with most of the earliest known sites in the valley located at or near the river. As such, these areas have the potential to contain archaeological resources or sites. Potential impacts related to archaeological resources are unique to a project’s location and cannot be meaningfully determined until a project site has been defined.

Any future development would be subject to federal, State, and local regulatory requirements related to the discovery and proper handling of archaeological resources, including PRC Section 211083.2, which requires avoidance and other measures in the event of discovery. Additionally, future projects would be evaluated by the City for their compliance with goals, policies, and

52 California PRC, Section 15064.5.
53 California PRC, Section 211083.2.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 44 August 2019
measures contained in the City’s General Plan intended to mitigate potential impacts to archaeological resources. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City. c) Finding: The Project would have No Impact related to the disturbance of human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries.

Discussion: The Mohave Valley, including the Needles environs, has contained human settlement that has been estimated to date as far back as 50,000 years or more; firm evidence of human occupation does not occur until about 15,000 years ago. Potential impacts related to the disturbance of human remains are unique to a project’s location and cannot be meaningfully determined until a project site has been defined. While the Project would not directly enable construction or development activity, based on the cultural sensitivity of the area there is the potential to find human remains during subsurface grading activities associated with future residential development in the City.

Any future development would be subject to federal, State, and local regulatory requirements related to the discovery and proper handling of human remains, including California Health and Safety Code, Section 7050.5. If the remains are determined to be those of a Native American, the County coroner shall notify the NAHC, who would ensure compliance with PRC Section 5097.98.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 45 August 2019

6. ENERGY
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Result in potentially significant environmental
impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary
consumption of energy resources, during project
construction or operation?
b. Conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for
renewable energy or energy efficiency?
Setting:

Energy is commonly consumed in the form of electricity, natural gas, and petroleum-based fuels. According to the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) California Energy Consumption Database, the State consumed 281,120 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity in 2018,54 with mid-level electricity demand projected to rise to 320,375 GWh by 2025,55 the closest available projection year to the 2019 Housing Element Update’s planning horizon of 2021. The State is estimated to have required approximately 5,871 million cubic feet (MMcf) of natural gas per day in 2018;56 Statewide annual gas requirements are projected to decline to 5,542 MMcf per day by 2021.57 The County of San Bernardino (County) consumed approximately 15,323 GWh of electricity in 2018.58

54 California Energy Commission (CEC), California Energy Consumption Database, “Electricity Consumption by County,” accessed July 2019, http://ecdms.energy.ca.gov/elecbycounty.aspx. 55 California Energy Commission, Demand Analysis Office, “California Energy Demand 2018-2030 Revised Forecast” (January 22, 2018), accessed July 2019, available at http://www.energy.ca.gov/ (January 2017). 56 California Public Utilities Commission, 2018 California Gas Report, pg. 20, accessed June 2019, https://www.sdge.com/sites/default/files/regulatory/2018%20California%20Gas%20Report.pdf. 57 California Public Utilities Commission, 2018 California Gas Report, pg. 20, accessed June 2019, https://www.sdge.com/sites/default/files/regulatory/2018%20California%20Gas%20Report.pdf. 58 California Energy Commission (CEC), California Energy Consumption Database, “Electricity Consumption by County,” accessed July 2019, http://ecdms.energy.ca.gov/elecbycounty.aspx.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 46 August 2019
Electric service in the City is provided by the Needles Public Utility Authority (NPUA) and natural gas service is provided by Southwest Gas Corporation (Southwest Gas). The City’s General Plan notes that energy providers have more than enough capacity to provide services to future growth and development.59 A number of State and regional energy efficiency standards affect conservation, efficiency use, and management of energy resources and the long-term viability of limited and nonrenewable resources. Chief among these are Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), the Building Energy Efficiency Standards.60 Title 24 also includes Part 11, known as California’s Green Building Standards (CALGreen),61 which institute mandatory minimum environmental performance standards. The City’s Conservation and Historic Preservation Element62 contains principles and standards ensuring compliance with all State energy conservation requirements in future developments.

Discussion: All future development in the City would require project-specific environmental evaluation in order to determine that any potential impacts are less than significant. Potential impacts related to energy resources are unique to a project and cannot be meaningfully determined until a project has been defined. The City’s Conservation and Historic Preservation Element64 contains principles and standards intended to conserve energy resources through ensuring compliance with all State energy conservation requirements in future developments.

59 City of Needles General Plan, Technical Background Reports, Community Development, IV-17, February 18, 1986. 60 California Code of Regulations, Title 24.
61 California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 11.
62 City of Needles General Plan “Conservation and Historic Preservation Element” (February 18, 1986). 63 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986. 64 City of Needles General Plan “Conservation and Historic Preservation Element” (February 18, 1986).

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 47 August 2019
The 2019 Housing Element Update is consistent with the City’s General Plan, including the Conservation and Historic Preservation Element,65 by containing policies to conserve energy resources such as a requirement for all new City buildings to be constructed to meet or exceed the energy conservation standards in force at the time of their construction. The 2019 Housing Element Update also seeks to conserve energy through public education on the reduction of residential energy use.

Any future development would be subject to federal, State, and local regulatory requirements related to energy efficiency. Further, future development projects would be anticipated to incorporate site-specific infrastructure improvements, as necessary, and be reviewed by relevant energy providers to identify necessary energy facility and service connections. Additionally, future projects would be evaluated by the City for their compliance with goals, policies, and measures contained in the City’s General Plan intended to mitigate potential impacts to energy resources.

Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
b) Finding: The Project would have No Impact related to conflict with or obstruction of a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency.

Discussion: Any future development in the City would be subject to federal, State, and local regulatory requirements related to energy efficiency. Additionally, goals, policies, and programs related to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (as discussed in Section F.8: Greenhouse Gas Emissions) are closely related to reducing energy consumption, through the use of alternative forms of energy or sustainable design features.

Future projects would be evaluated by the City for their compliance with goals, policies, and measures contained in the City’s General Plan intended to mitigate potential impacts to energy resources. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.

65 City of Needles General Plan “Conservation and Historic Preservation Element” (February 18, 1986).

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 48 August 2019
Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 49 August 2019

7. GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the
State Geologist for the area or based on other
substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to
Division of Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.
ii. Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii. Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction?
iv. Landslides?
b. Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil?
c. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the
Project, and potentially result in on- or off-site
landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence,
liquefaction, or collapse?
d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table
18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994),
creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property?
e. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the
use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater
disposal systems where sewers are not available for
the disposal of wastewater?
f. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique geologic
feature?
City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 50 August 2019
Setting:

The City is located within the Mohave Valley region, an area defined by gently sloping terrain. The Mohave Valley is bisected by the Colorado River and surrounded by mountain ranges characterized by desiccated alluvial fans and washes with gradients of 2–5 percent.66 The City generally ranges in elevation from approximately 700 feet above mean sea level (amsl) to approximately 470 feet amsl near the Colorado River. There are no known active or potentially active earthquake faults in the Needles area. Faults are considered active if they contain evidence of movement in the last 10,000 years. Similar to most of Southern California, the broader area is a seismically active area and is subject to some level of ground shaking as a result of movement along the major active (and potentially active) fault zones that characterize this region. The San Andreas fault system, located approximately 200 miles to the west, could cause severe ground shaking in the City if the magnitude was severe.

The soils in the Needles area are the result of alluvium deposit of the Colorado River. Younger alluvium soils near the eastern side of the City consist of sand, gravel, and silt and offer excellent stability and drainage. Older alluvium soils underlie the majority of the City and are composed of sand, gravel, silt, clay, and piedmont gravels; these soils offer fair to good stability when loaded and fair to poor drainage. There is potential for the presence of substantial paleontological resources within the City, especially in finegrained lacustrine sediments (clays, silts, and fine sands) that occur in aged river terrace deposits adjacent to the flood plain of the Colorado River.

Paleontological resources are protected pursuant to a wide variety of State policies and regulations enumerated under the PRC, including PRC Section 5097.5. The Safety Element of the City’s General Plan addresses the protection of the existing and future population and development from natural and peoplemade hazards, including seismic issues, through a number of goals, policies, implementation programs, principles, and standards.67 Chief among these are measures to ensure structures are brought up to the highest possible level of safety as determined in State and local building codes. Title 24 of the CCR, the

66 City of Needles General Plan, Technical Background Reports, Natural, Cultural, and Aesthetic Resources, V-10, February 18, 1986.
67 City of Needles General Plan, “Safety Element” (February 18, 1986).

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 51 August 2019
California Building Standards Code,68 establishes Statewide standards for development, including constructing with seismic concerns.

The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document consistent with the City’s General Plan and does not directly propose physical changes in the environment. The 2019 Housing Element Update is a Citywide policy document and does not, in and of itself, enable future development that wasn’t previously evaluated in the City’s General Plan Environmental Assessment.69 Analysis:
a.i–iv) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact related to the direct or indirect cause of potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death, involving rupture of a known earthquake fault, strong seismic ground shaking, seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction, or landslides.

Discussion: No portion of the City is near an active fault or within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone mapped by the State Geologist and the California Geological Survey,70 nor is it within an earthquake fault zone boundary or County-designated fault zone.71 All future development in the City would require project-specific environmental evaluation in order to determine that any potential impacts are less than significant. Any future development would be subject to federal, State, and local regulatory requirements related to building design and construction. Any potential impacts identified would be addressed through mitigation measures specific to the impact. b) Finding: The Project would have No Impact related to soil erosion or the loss of topsoil.

Discussion: The Project is a policy document and would not directly enable construction or development activities. Any future development in the City would be subject to State, regional, and local requirements related to the prevention of erosion of on-site soils, as well as discharge

68 California Code of Regulations, Title 24.
69 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986. 70 California Department of Conservation, California, Geological Survey, “CGS Information Warehouse: Regulatory Maps,” interactive map, accessed July 2019, available at
https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/informationwarehouse/regulatorymaps/. 71 County of San Bernardino General Plan, San Bernardino County Land Use Plan, Geologic Hazard Overlays, plotted May 30, 2007, accessed July 2019, available at http://www.sbcounty.gov/Uploads/lus/GeoHazMaps/EKFKC.pdf.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 52 August 2019
of other construction related pollutants, through the preparation and implementation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Additionally, future projects would be evaluated by the City for their compliance with goals, policies, and measures contained in the City’s General Plan Safety Element72 intended to protect lives and property. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
c) Finding: The Project would have No Impact related to location on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the Project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse.

Discussion: The relatively flat topography of the City and its environs precludes both stability problems and the potential for lurching, which is earth movement at right angles to a cliff or steep slope during ground shaking. As described previously, the soils in the City offer fair to excellent stability. Any future development would be evaluated on a site-specific basis and subject to federal, State, and local regulatory requirements related to building design and construction. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
d) Finding: The Project would have No Impact related to location on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994).73
Discussion: Expansive soils are characterized as fine-grained, such as silts and clays, or soils with variable amounts of expansive clay minerals that can change in volume due to changes in water content. Collapsible soils typically occur in recently deposited soils that tend to be drier and more granular. Some of these soils may be present in the vicinity of the Colorado River. Nevertheless, any future development would be evaluated on a site-specific basis and subject to federal, State, and local regulatory requirements related to building design and construction. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-

72 City of Needles General Plan, “Safety Element” (February 18, 1986). 73 Federal Emergency Management Agency, “Expansive Soil Explanations,” https://www.fema.gov/media-librarydata/20130726-1825-25045-8152/expansive_soils_explanations.txt, accessed August 2019.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 53 August 2019
specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
e) Finding: The Project would have No Impact related to having soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update is consistent with the City’s General Plan and does not propose any land use or zoning changes. There are more than 3,900 acres of land which are presently zoned for residential uses that have access to existing municipal services or could install septic systems.

Many residences in North Needles are required to use septic systems due to the lack of nearby sewer connections and actively utilize septic systems. If homes are able to connect to public services and do not, residents cannot be in the home. While soils in these environs are capable of supporting septic systems, the City has initiated a water and sewer study to extend water and sewer services to North Needles.

Nevertheless, any future development would be evaluated on a site-specific basis and subject to federal, State, and local regulatory requirements related to building design and construction. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
f) Finding: The Project would have No Impact related to the direct or indirect destruction of a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature.

Discussion: All future development in the City would require project-specific environmental evaluation in order to determine that any potential impacts are less than significant. Potential impacts related to paleontological and geologic resources are unique to a project and cannot be meaningfully determined until a project has been defined. In the event that paleontological resources are discovered during future development projects, applicants will be required to comply with regulatory standards enumerated under in PRC Section 5097.574 which sets the protocol for proper handling. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future

74 California PRC, Section 5097.5.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 54 August 2019
development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 55 August 2019

8. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly
or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on
the environment?
b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emission of
greenhouse gases?
Setting:

Greenhouse gases (GHG) are global pollutants that have long atmospheric lifetimes (1 year to several thousand years) and persist in the atmosphere for a long enough time to be dispersed around the globe.

GHGs are the result of both natural and anthropogenic activities. The quantity of GHGs that it takes to ultimately result in climate change is not precisely known, but that quantity is enormous.

No single project would be expected to measurably contribute to a noticeable incremental change in the global average temperature, or to global, local, or microclimates. However, it is the combined GHG contributions per project that create an impact. With respect to anthropogenic activities, motor vehicle travel, air travel, consumption of fossil fuels for power generation, industrial processes, heating and cooling, landfills, agriculture, and wildfire are the primary sources of GHG emissions. GHGs are a group of emissions that include CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, SF6, and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). The effects of GHGs are borne globally (sea-level rise, hurricanes, droughts, etc.), as opposed to the localized air quality effects of criteria air pollutants and toxic air contaminants (TACs).

A number of State and local legislative initiatives, plans, and strategies have been adopted with the intent of curbing GHG emissions. In 2006, the State enacted Assembly Bill (AB) 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which required the State to establish a GHG emissions cap for 2020 based on 1990 emissions.

Senate Bill (SB) 375 was signed into law in 2008, which links transportation and land use planning with the CEQA process to help achieve the GHG emission reduction targets set by AB 32. As part of SB 375, regional transportation planning agencies are required to include a sustainable community strategy (SCS) in regional transportation plans. The SCS must contain a planned growth scenario that is integrated with the transportation network and policies in such a way that it is feasible to achieve AB 32 goals on a regional level.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 56 August 2019
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the metropolitan planning agency for the Southern California region. SCAG’s 2016–2040 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy75 is its relevant long-range visioning plan that balances future mobility and housing needs with economic, environmental, and public health goals. It is designed to reduce GHG emissions from passenger vehicles by 8 percent per capita by 2020, 18 percent by 2035, and 21 percent by 2040.

As required by AB 32, CARB approved a Climate Change Scoping Plan (Scoping Plan) on December 11, 2008, as required by AB 32. The Scoping Plan proposed a “comprehensive set of actions designed to reduce overall carbon GHG emissions in California, improve our environment, reduce our dependence on oil, diversify our energy sources, save energy, create new jobs, and enhance public health.”76 The Scoping Plan has a range of GHG reduction actions, including direct regulations; alternative compliance mechanisms; monetary and nonmonetary incentives; voluntary actions; market-based mechanisms, such as a cap-and-trade system; and an AB 32 implementation regulation to fund the program.

SB 100, amended California’s Renewables Portfolio Standard to achieve a 50 percent renewable energy portfolio across the State by the end of 2026, a 60 percent target by 2030, and a 100 percent target by 2045. The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document consistent with the City’s General Plan and does not directly propose physical changes in the environment.

Discussion: All future development in the City would require project-specific environmental evaluation in order to determine that any potential impacts are less than significant. Existing

75 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Final 2016–2040 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, adopted April 2016, http://scagrtpscs.net/Documents/2016/final/f2016RTPSCS.pdf, accessed August 2019.
76 CARB, Climate Change Scoping Plan: A Framework for Change (December 2008), https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/document/adopted_scoping_plan.pdf, accessed August 2019. 77 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 57 August 2019
regulations and standards that would apply to any future residential development, summarized above, would significantly reduce GHG emissions associated with future projects. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through projectspecific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
b) Finding: The Project would have No Impact related to potential conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emission of GHGs.

Discussion: Any future development in the City would be required to comply with the latest California Building Code, including the CALGreen code, which help reduce GHG emissions through sustainable design and renewable energy considerations. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 58 August 2019

9. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
b. Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable upset
and accident conditions involving the release of
hazardous materials into the environment?
c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or
acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste
within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed
school?
d. Be located on a site which is included on a list of
hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result,
would it create a significant hazard to the public or
the environment?
e. For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such plan has not been adopted, within 2
miles of a public airport or public use airport, would
the Project result in a safety hazard or excessive
noise for people residing or working in the project
area?
f. Impair implementation of or physically interfere
with an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan?
g. Expose people or structures, either directly or
indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires?
Setting:

At the federal level, the principal agency regulating the generation, transport, and disposal of hazardous substances is the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), under the authority of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). RCRA established an all-encompassing federal regulatory program for hazardous substances that is administered by USEPA. Under RCRA, USEPA regulates the generation, transportation, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous substances. The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulates transportation of hazardous materials between states.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 59 August 2019
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) regulates hazardous waste in California primarily under the authority of the federal RCRA of 1976, and the California Health and Safety Code.78 The Hazardous Waste Control Law (HWCL)79 is the primary hazardous waste statute in the State of California and implements RCRA as a “cradle-to-grave” waste management system. The HWCL specifies that generators have the primary duty to determine whether their wastes are hazardous and to ensure their proper management. The HWCL also establishes criteria for the reuse and recycling of hazardous wastes used or reused as raw materials. The HWCL exceeds federal requirements by mandating source reduction planning, and a much broader requirement for permitting facilities that treat hazardous waste.

It also regulates a number of types of waste and waste management activities that are not covered by federal law with RCRA.

The San Bernardino County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is an all-hazard plan consistent with the laws, regulations, plans, and policies listed above, and describes how the County will organize and respond to incidents.80 The EOP describes how various agencies and organizations in the County will coordinate resources and activities with other Federal, State, County, local, and private-sector partners.

The Hazardous Waste and Substance Sites (Cortese) List is a planning document used by the State, local agencies, and developers to comply with the CEQA requirements in providing information about the location of hazardous materials release sites. Government Code Section 65962.5 requires the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) to develop at least annually an updated Cortese List. The City has two sites on the Cortese list.81 One is located 21 miles northwest of Needles and is from an old firing range, however this site was certified cleaned up as of 1/6/2009; the other site is located at 799 North L Street and is from illegal dumping and land disposal. This case is still active.

The DTSC’s online EnviroStor database and the State Water Resources Control Board’s online GeoTracker database are the primary information resources related to hazardous materials release sites in the State.

78 California Health and Safety Code (HSC).
79 California HSC, Division 20, Chapter 6.5.
80 San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services, Emergency Operations Plan, February 26, 2013, accessed July 2019, http://cms.sbcounty.gov/portals/58/Documents/Emergency_Services/Emergency-Operations-Plan.pdf. 81 Department of Toxic Substances Control, EnviroStor, Cortese List, https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/search?cmd=search&reporttype=CORTESE&site_type=CSITES,FUDS&status=AC T,BKLG,COM&reporttitle=HAZARDOUS+WASTE+AND+SUBSTANCES+SITE+LIST+%28CORTESE%29.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 60 August 2019
The City contains a number of both closed and ongoing hazardous site cleanup cases,82,83 typically associated with former industrial or commercial uses.

The Safety Element of the City’s General Plan addresses the protection of the existing and future population and development from both natural and people-made hazards through a number of goals, policies, implementation programs, principles, and standards.84 Among these are measures to mitigate the risk from the hazards of flooding, seismic, and fire; provide and maintain an emergency response system for the City; and ensure the protection of people and wildlife from hazardous materials in the community.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document and would not directly enable construction or development activity. Residential development, such as that described in the 2019 Housing Element Update, is not typically associated with heavy use of hazardous materials.

Construction activities associated with future individual development projects would likely involve the temporary transportation, management and use of oils, fuels and other potentially flammable substances, such as paints, solvents and cleaners.

Any hazardous materials that may be present during operation of future individual projects are usually associated with landscaping and building maintenance. Nevertheless, any future development in the City would be subject to federal, State, and local regulatory requirements related to the transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. Any potential environmental

82 Department of Toxic Substances Control, EnviroStor, accessed July 2019, https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/. 83 State Water Resources Control Board, GeoTracker, accessed July 2019, https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/. 84 City of Needles General Plan, “Safety Element” (February 18, 1986). 85 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 61 August 2019
impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
b) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact related to the creation of a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment.

Discussion: Residential uses enabled by the City’s General Plan are generally not characterized as substantial generators of hazardous materials, nor are they anticipated to result in upset or accident conditions involving the release thereof. Regardless, the 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document and would not directly result in physical changes in the environment. Any future development would be subject to all applicable regulatory requirements concerning the proper handling, treatment, and disposal of hazardous materials. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
c) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact related to the emission of hazardous emissions or handling of hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school.

Discussion: The City contains a number of school facilities; however, potential hazardous materialrelated impacts are location-specific and cannot be assessed in a meaningful way until the location of a project site is known. At such time that a development proposal is considered, that project will be subject to the development review process and any potential impacts identified would be addressed through mitigation measures specific to the impact. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
d) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact related to location on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5.

Discussion: Potential hazards-related impacts are location-specific and cannot be evaluated in a meaningful way until a project site has been defined. As mentioned previously, the City contains City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 62 August 2019
a number of both closed and ongoing hazardous site cleanup cases86,87 typically associated with former industrial or commercial uses, including on or in the vicinity of designated residential areas.

Nevertheless, any future development would be subject to all applicable regulatory requirements concerning the proper handling, treatment, and disposal of hazardous materials. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through projectspecific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
e) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact related to a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the Project area by being located within an airport land use plan or, where such plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public or public use airport.

Discussion: Needles Municipal Airport is a County-owned public airport, located within the southern portion of the City. Areas surrounding the airport are designated Industrial88 and zoned Open Space; 89 the nearest residential community or area zoned Residential is over 2 miles to the north.90 The Comprehensive Land Use Plan for Needles Municipal Airport identifies Runway Protection Zones, Safety Zones, and conservative 20-year projections of the noise impact areas near the airport, including 65 Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) and 60 CNEL contours.91 The maximum recommended exterior CNEL for residential development is 60 dB.92 The Comprehensive Land Use Plan contains land use recommendations for development activities in the Runway Protection Zones and Safety Zones, including limiting densities and prohibiting uses

86 Department of Toxic Substances Control, EnviroStor, accessed July 2019, https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/. 87 State Water Resources Control Board, GeoTracker, accessed July 2019, https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/. 88 City of Needles General Plan Land Use Map, redrawn February 28, 1998. 89 City of Needles Zoning Map, 2012.
90 City of Needles Zoning Map, 2012.
91 San Bernardino County Airport Land Use Commission, Needles Municipal Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan, page 2-7, February 1991, prepared by Ray A. Vidal, Aviation Planning Consultant, http://www.sbcounty.gov/Uploads/lus/Airports/Needles.pdf, accessed August 2019. 92 San Bernardino County Airport Land Use Commission, Needles Municipal Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan, page 2-6, February 1991, prepared by Ray A. Vidal, Aviation Planning Consultant, http://www.sbcounty.gov/Uploads/lus/Airports/Needles.pdf, accessed August 2019.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 63 August 2019
which may present hazards to aircraft.93No portion of the Runway Protection Zones, Safety Zones, or noise contour areas are currently designated or zoned for residential development.94 Any future potential development near Needles Municipal Airport would be subject to all applicable regulatory requirements concerning development in the vicinity of a public airport. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
f) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact related to the impairment of or physical interference with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan.

Discussion: Any future development in the City would be required to comply with the provisions of the San Bernardino EOP95 during construction and operation. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
g) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact related to the exposure of people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires.

Discussion: The City is not located within a moderate, high, or very high fire hazard severity zone known by CAL FIRE.96 The Mohave Valley is sparsely vegetated and consists primarily of low-lying geologic formations.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

93 San Bernardino County Airport Land Use Commission, Needles Municipal Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan, page 3-7, February 1991, prepared by Ray A. Vidal, Aviation Planning Consultant, http://www.sbcounty.gov/Uploads/lus/Airports/Needles.pdf, accessed August 2019. 94 San Bernardino County Airport Land Use Commission, Needles Municipal Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan, page 2-7, February 1991, prepared by Ray A. Vidal, Aviation Planning Consultant, http://www.sbcounty.gov/Uploads/lus/Airports/Needles.pdf, accessed August 2019. 95 San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services, Emergency Operations Plan, February 26, 2013, accessed July 2019, http://cms.sbcounty.gov/portals/58/Documents/Emergency_Services/Emergency-Operations-Plan.pdf. 96 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, “Fire Hazard Severity Zones in SRA,” SE San Bernardino County, adopted November 7, 2007, accessed July 2019, https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/media/6780/fhszs_map63.pdf.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 64 August 2019

10. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements or otherwise substantially
degrade surface or groundwater quality?
b. Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater recharge
such that the project may impede sustainable
groundwater management of the basin?
c. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of
the course of a stream or river or through the
addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which
would:
i. result in substantial erosion or siltation on or
off site;
ii. substantially increase the rate or amount of
surface runoff in a manner which would result
in flooding on- or off-site;
iii. create or contribute runoff water which would
exceed the capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems or provide
substantial additional sources of polluted
runoff; or
iv. impede or redirect flood flows?
d. In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk
release of pollutants due to project inundation?
e. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water
quality control plan or sustainable groundwater
management plan?
Setting:

The City is located in the Mohave Valley subregion of the Mojave Desert, an arid region with a desert climate. The Piute wash, which extends from the Sacramento to the Piute Mountains west of the City is the primary watershed for the region; the Needles area receives an annual rainfall of approximately 5.11 inches.

The Mohave Valley is bounded by the Sacramento and Dead Mountains to the west and the Black Mountains to the east. The physical geography of the Mohave Valley has resulted in multiple drainage City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 65 August 2019
patterns that co-exist with urban development in developed areas. Most of the washes, drainage courses, and some of their surrounding floodplains are still undeveloped and can be considered as existing open space and are utilized as water collection channels in a serious storm event. The general course of drainage within the Needles area runs from the west to the east, ultimately leading to the Colorado River. The Colorado River flows for approximately 10 miles along the eastern side of the City and contains a wide floodplain.

The Safety Element of the City’s General Plan describes the hydrological conditions present within the Needles area.97 The Colorado River floodplain has a maximum width of approximately 5 miles in the Mohave Valley, near the City. Between the floodplain and surrounding mountain ranges are the dissected pediment or alluvial slopes. A pediment is a sloping surface cut across bedrock, adjacent to the base of a highland in an arid climate. Due to the lack of vegetation on these pediment slopes, runoff is great and cause erosion of the bedrock. The loads are deposited in alluvium forming fans at the bases of mountain slopes in the Needles area.

The City of Needles lies within the jurisdiction of the Region 7 – Colorado River Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) of the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). Region 7 covers approximately 13,000,000 acres (20,000 square miles) in the southeastern portion of California and includes all of Imperial County and portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego Counties. Water and wastewater services in the City are provided by the Needles Public Utility Authority (NPUA). The San Bernardino County Department of Public Works, Flood Control District maintains an extensive regional system of facilities in the Needles area, including dams, conservation basins, channels, and storm drains, and is responsible for flood protection, water conservation efforts, and storm drain construction in the area.98
The Environmental Assessment of the City’s General Plan99 identifies flood hazards associated with the floodplain bordering the Colorado River and notes that relevant mitigation is contained within the Safety and Land Use Elements. The Safety Element of the City’s General Plan addresses the protection of the existing and future population and development from both natural and people-made hazards, including

97 City of Needles General Plan, “Safety Element” (February 18, 1986). 98 County of San Bernardino, Department of Public Works, Flood Control District, “Flood Control District,” http://cms.sbcounty.gov/dpw/FloodControl.aspx, accessed August 2019. 99 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 66 August 2019
flooding, through a number of goals, policies, implementation programs, principles, and standards.100 The Land Use Element contains policies addressing the City’s hydrological conditions such as discouraging residential development in officially recognized areas subject to flooding unless appropriate mitigations are developed, and ensuring that land uses are protected against potential erosion.101 The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document consistent with the City’s General Plan and does not directly propose physical changes in the environment. The 2019 Housing Element Update is a Citywide policy document and does not, in and of itself, enable future development that wasn’t previously evaluated in the City’s General Plan Environmental Assessment.102 Analysis:
a) Finding: The Project would have No Impact related to violation of any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality.

Discussion: Any future development in the City would be required to follow State, regional, and local regulations regarding on-site stormwater retention, so that surface waters and the groundwater aquifer are not contaminated with Project-related pollutants. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through projectspecific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
b) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact related to a substantial decrease in water supplies or substantial interference with groundwater recharge such that the Project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin.

Discussion: All future development in the City would require project-specific environmental evaluation in order to determine that any potential impacts are less than significant. Nevertheless, any future development would be subject to all applicable State, regional, and local regulatory requirements concerning the efficient use and conservation of water resources, including measures identified in the City’s General Plan. Any potential environmental impacts identified

100 City of Needles General Plan, “Safety Element” (February 18, 1986). 101 City of Needles General Plan, “Land Use Element” (February 18, 1986). 102 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 67 August 2019
from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City. c.i–c.iv) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact related to the substantial alteration of the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on or off site; substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site; create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff; or impede or redirect flood flows.

Discussion: Potential impacts related to drainage are unique to a project and cannot be meaningfully determined until a project site has been defined.

The City’s General Plan Safety103 and Land Use Elements104 contain principles and standards intended to minimize risk posed to residential development from flooding or erosion. The San Bernardino County Department of Public Works, Flood Control District would also coordinate departmental review and issue permits for any future development activity, land use permits, and general encroachment within the District’s right-of-way.

All future development in the City would require project-specific environmental evaluation in order to determine consistency with State and local requirements, and that any potential impacts are less than significant. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
d) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact related to risking release of pollutants due to Project inundation in flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones.

Discussion: The City’s distance from the ocean and a large water body precludes any risk from tsunamis or seiche conditions. As mentioned previously, a portion of the City adjacent to the

103 City of Needles General Plan, “Safety Element” (February 18, 1986). 104 City of Needles General Plan, “Land Use Element” (February 18, 1986).

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 68 August 2019
Colorado River is located within a historically active floodplain. Additionally, both active and inactive alluvial fans and channels bisect portions of the City as they travel eastward to join with the Colorado River.105
All future development in the City would require project-specific environmental evaluation in order to determine that any potential impacts are less than significant. Nevertheless, any future development would be subject to all applicable federal, State, and local regulatory requirements concerning flood hazards, including measures identified in the City’s General Plan intended to minimize impacts. Any potential environmental impacts identified from future development would be addressed through project-specific mitigation measures identified at the time a specific development project for is considered by the City.
e) Finding: The Project would result in No Impact related to conflict with or obstruction of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan.

Discussion: The amount of development under the proposed Housing Element is the same or less than amount allowed under the General Plan. Development growth and its associated consumption demands have accordingly been anticipated previously.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

105 Malmon, Daniel V. et al, United Stated Geological Survey, “Geologic Map of the Needles 7.5’ Quadrangle, California and Arizona,” 19, 2009, accessed July 2019, https://pubs.usgs.gov/sim/3062/sim3062_pamphlet.pdf.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 69 August 2019

11. LAND USE AND PLANNING
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Physically divide an established community?
b. Cause a significant environmental impact due to a
conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation
adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental effect?
Setting:

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the metropolitan planning agency for the Southern California region. SCAG’s 2016–2040 RTP/SCS106 is its relevant long-range visioning plan that balances future mobility and housing needs with economic, environmental, and public health goals.

As described in the 2019 Housing Element Update, the City’s future housing need is based on population and employment growth projections over the 2013–2021 period developed by SCAG which constitutes its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). As shown in Table 2, the City has a total RHNA allocation of 181 houses of which, 19 are extremely low income, 19 are very low income, 29 are low income, 34 are moderate income, and 80 are above moderate income. As of December 31, 2017, as shown in Table 4:

Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress, the City had met 32 units of their total RHNA allocation.

The City’s Land Use Element establishes the type and intensity of land uses and the amount and location of development permitted within the City. The anticipated development capacity of the General Plan was previously evaluated for potential environmental impacts in the General Plan Environmental Assessment.107
Table 4
Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
Income Level
RHNA Allocation by
Income Level
Total Units to
Date (2013-2021)
Total Remaining RHNA
by Income Level

106 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Final 2016–2040 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, adopted April 2016, http://scagrtpscs.net/Documents/2016/final/f2016RTPSCS.pdf, accessed August 2019.
107 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 70 August 2019
Very Low 38 0 38
Low 29 0 29
Moderate 34 17 17
Above Moderate 80 15 65
Total 181 32 149

Source: City of Needles, California Request for City Council Action, Meeting Date August 14, 2018, State of California Housing and Community Development (HCD) Annual Progress Report for Housing Units Completed in Needles.

Discussion: Consistent with the City’s General Plan, the 2019 Housing Element Update outlines the current status of housing across the City, progress made since the drafting of the 2005 Housing Element, and projections of needs for the next five years. The 2019 Housing Element Update identifies areas to target residential development based on existing land use designations and an inventory of vacant land. Residential uses are targeted for development in areas across the City to establish high quality housing for a range of income levels. b) Finding: The Project would have No Impact related to conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect.

Discussion: Consistent with the 2016–2040 RTP/SCS’s109 core land use strategy of increasing housing supply at a variety of affordability levels, the 2019 Housing Element Update provides an overview of the resources and opportunities that assist with the construction of new housing in the City. A number of resources are available that can assist with the development of housing, including vacant sites suitable for housing and financial resources for affordable housing

108 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986. 109 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Final 2016–2040 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, adopted April 2016, http://scagrtpscs.net/Documents/2016/final/f2016RTPSCS.pdf, accessed August 2019.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 71 August 2019
development, rehabilitation, and preservation. The 2019 Housing Element Update includes policies which seek to incentivize housing production and promote a mixture of uses in proximity to transit and other amenities, consistent with SCAG goals.

The 2019 Housing Element Update is consistent with the City’s General Plan, including the goals, policies, implementation programs, principles, and standards contained in the Land Use Element.110 Further, the goals, objectives, policies, and programs included in the 2019 Housing Element Update are reflective of measures contained in the Conservation and Historic Preservation Element111 related to conservation of resources, including energy.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

110 City of Needles General Plan, “Land Use Element” (February 18, 1986). 111 City of Needles General Plan “Conservation and Historic Preservation Element” (February 18, 1986).

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 72 August 2019

12. MINERAL RESOURCES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of future value to the region
and the residents of the State?
b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local
general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan?
Setting:

Mineral deposits are rare geologic occurrences, widespread throughout San Bernardino County, being found in nearly all regions and environments. Past mining activity has involved the extraction of gold and silver from the Sacramento Mountains, and cooper and black manganese from the Dead Mountains.112 To date, the City of Needles has no mineral resources areas classified and designated by the State Mining and Geology Board under the Surface Mining Reclamation Act.113 However, the California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA)114 Plan indicates that the Needles area contains known and potential mineral resources. Known deposits of reserves or resource of strategic and/or imported and/or nationally important minerals lie four miles north of Needles. Potential locatable mineral resources lie about four miles west of Needles. The City of Needles lies in an area that has potential for leasable oil and gas. The Needles area has been determined “prospectively valuable” meaning it has similar geologic conditions to other areas where minerals have been extracted. The CDCA Plan also indicates that there are good supplies of sand and gravel in the Needles area.115

112 City of Needles General Plan, Technical Background Reports, Natural, Cultural, and Aesthetic Resources, V-10, February 18, 1986.
113 California Department of Conservation, SAMARA Statues and Regulations, https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dmr/lawsandregulations. 114 Bureau of Land Management, The California Desert Conservation Area Plan 1980 as amended, https://eplanning.blm.gov/epl-front-office/projects/lup/66949/82080/96344/CDCA_Plan.pdf. 115 City of Needles General Plan, Technical Background Reports, Natural, Cultural, and Aesthetic Resources, V-10, February 18, 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 73 August 2019
A substantial adverse impact would occur if a project precluded the availability of a known mineral resource or loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site. A majority of the City of Needles is classified as MRZ-2a, which is areas underlain by mineral deposits where geologic data indicates that significant measured or indicated resources are present. Areas classified MRZ-2a contain discovered mineral deposits that represent either measured or by such evidence as drilling records, sample analysis, surface exposure, and mine information.116 The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document consistent with the City’s General Plan and does not directly propose physical changes in the environment. The 2019 Housing Element Update is a Citywide policy document and does not, in and of itself, enable future development that wasn’t previously evaluated in the City’s General Plan Environmental Assessment.117 Analysis:
a–b) Finding: The Project would have No Impact on the availability of any known resources that would be of future value to the region and the residents of the State or result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site.

Discussion: The City of Needles is not designated as having any known resources. Although mineral resources exist, they are outside the City limits, and outside the boundaries of the General Plan.

The 2019 Housing Element is a policy document consistent with the General Plan. The 2019 Housing Element Update identifies sites designated for residential development. The anticipated development capacity was previously evaluated for potential environmental impacts in the General Plan Environmental Assessment. Per the General Plan Environmental Assessment, the General Plan provides goals and policies that address implementation procedures that will reduce the potential impacts on the cultural and natural resources in the area and preserve and rejuvenate historic structures and sites within the City.118

116 Department of Conservation, Mineral Land Classification of the Northeast Quarter of the Needles 1-Degree by 2-Degree Sheet, San Bernardino County, California, 1985,
https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/informationwarehouse/index.html?map=mlc. 117 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986. 118 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 74 August 2019
The Project would have No Impact on the availability of any known resources that would be of future value to the region and the residents of the State or result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

13. NOISE
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project result in:
a. Generation of a substantial temporary or permanent
increase in ambient noise levels the vicinity of the
project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable
standards of other agencies?
b. Generation of excessive ground-borne vibration or
ground-borne noise levels?
c. For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a
plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public
airport or public use airport, would the Project
expose people residing or working in the Project
area to excessive noise levels?
Setting:

The greatest noise impact zones in the City are the railroad and I-40 corridors. These corridor areas have noise levels of 70 dBA and 75 dBA, respectively. Both of these corridors impact the adjacent residential areas. Another local source of noise is power boats on the Colorado River.

An average outboard power boat will produce peak levels of about 79 dBA at a distance of 500 feet.119 An environmental impact would occur from noise levels that exceed 85 dBA.

119 City of Needles General Plan, Technical Background Reports, Hazards VI-31, February 18, 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 75 August 2019
The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document consistent with the City’s General Plan and does not directly propose physical changes in the environment. The Housing Element Update is a City-wide policy document and does not, in and of itself, enable future development that wasn’t previously evaluated in the City’s General Plan Environmental Assessment.120 Analysis:
a) Finding: The Project would have No Impact associated with an increase in temporary or ambient noise levels.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update would not generate a temporary or substantial increase in ambient noise levels. All future development would require project-specific environmental evaluation in order to determine that any potential impacts are less than significant.

The General Plan Environmental Assessment contains mitigation that sets maximum noise levels for both interior and exterior areas. The Nosie Element121 establishes acceptable outdoor noise level for residential (65 dBA), commercial (70 dBA), and Industrial (75 dBA) developments. Policies, principles, and standards included in the Noise Element address the issues of compatibility of land uses coordination of future developments with other agencies (where applicable) and subjecting new developments to the environmental review process.

Additionally, Section 99.10.01 of the City’s Municipal Zoning Code122 established noise standards that all residential projects must meet. These include the following:
(1) For all dwellings and group quarters, the development shall be designed to achieve:
(A) Within each main building, a community noise equivalent level (CNEL) not exceeding forty-five (45) decibels.
(B) In outdoor areas, a community noise equivalent level (CNEL) not exceeding sixty-five (65) decibels, except that where it is not reasonably possible to achieve this objective, the development shall be designed to provide the lowest noise level reasonably possible

120 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986. 121 City of Needles General Plan, “Noise Element” (February 18, 1986). 122 City of Needles, Municipal Zoning Code, 2008.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 76 August 2019
within private open areas and/or common usable open areas of at least one hundred (100) square feet per unit, with access to such area available to the residents of each unit. (2) Acoustical design and analysis shall be based upon the projected noise contours as shown in the noise element of the general plan. For all new residential developments, an acoustical analysis shall be submitted to the city as follows:
(A) For any residential development within a sixty (60) decibel CNEL contour, an analysis by a professional architect, engineer or building designer shall demonstrate that the required noise levels will be achieved.
(B) For any residential development within a sixty-five (65) decibel CNEL contour, an analysis by a professional mechanical or acoustical engineer shall demonstrate that the required noise levels will be achieved. Prior to issuing a certificate of occupancy, the building official may require tests by a qualified acoustical technician to confirm that the noise reduction achieved is sufficient to meet the requirements of this section.

All future development would be required to adhere to the policies, principles, standards, and mitigation as outlined in the General Plan Noise Element, the General Plan Environmental Assessment, and the City’s Municipal Zoning Code. There would be No Impact associated with an increase in temporary or ambient noise levels.
b) Finding: The Project would have No Impact associated with ground-borne vibration or groundborne noise levels.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document and does not directly enable construction or development, and therefore will not generate any ground-borne vibration or ground-borne noise levels.

All future development would require project-specific environmental evaluation in order to determine that any potential impacts are less than significant. As previously mentioned, the General Plan Noise Element and General Plan Environmental Assessment contain policies, principles, standards, and mitigation that would ensure any new development would have less than significant impacts. There would be No Impact associated with ground-borne vibration or ground-borne noise levels.
c) Finding: The Project would have No Impact on people from noise levels associated with development within 2 miles of an airport.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 77 August 2019
Discussion: Needles Municipal Airport is a County-owned public airport, located within the southern portion of the City. Areas surrounding the airport are designated Industrial123 and zoned Open Space;124 the nearest residential community or area zoned Residential is over 2 miles to the north.125 The Comprehensive Land Use Plan for Needles Municipal Airport identifies conservative 20-year projections of the noise impact areas near the airport, including 65 Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) and 60 CNEL contours.126 The maximum recommended exterior CNEL for residential development is 60 dB.127 No portion of these noise contour areas is currently designated or zoned for residential development.128
The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document that would not directly result in the construction of any residential units, nor does it propose any changes to the existing zoning.

Therefore, there would be No Impact to people from noise levels associated with development within 2 miles of an airport.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

123 City of Needles General Plan Land Use Map, redrawn February 28, 1998. 124 City of Needles Zoning Map, 2012.
125 City of Needles Zoning Map, 2012.
126 San Bernardino County Airport Land Use Commission, Needles Municipal Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan, page 2-7, February 1991, prepared by Ray A. Vidal, Aviation Planning Consultant, http://www.sbcounty.gov/Uploads/lus/Airports/Needles.pdf, accessed August 2019. 127 San Bernardino County Airport Land Use Commission, Needles Municipal Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan, page 2-6, February 1991, prepared by Ray A. Vidal, Aviation Planning Consultant, http://www.sbcounty.gov/Uploads/lus/Airports/Needles.pdf, accessed August 2019. 128 San Bernardino County Airport Land Use Commission, Needles Municipal Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan, page 2-7, February 1991, prepared by Ray A. Vidal, Aviation Planning Consultant, http://www.sbcounty.gov/Uploads/lus/Airports/Needles.pdf, accessed August 2019.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 78 August 2019

14. POPULATION AND HOUSING
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Induce substantial unplanned population growth in
an area, either directly (for example, by proposing
new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for
example, through extension of roads or other
infrastructure)?
b. Displace substantial numbers of existing people or
housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?
Setting:

The population of Needles at the 2010 Census was 4,844129 and estimated by the Department of Finance at 5,085 in 2019,130 an increase of approximately 4.9 percent.

SCAG is currently preparing population growth estimates with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority. Draft growth projections estimate that Needles could increase its population past 6,000 people sometime between 2020 and 2030. At this rate, the population is expected grow by 1.7 percent per year from 2016 through 2045.131
As of 2017, there were 2,107 housing units in the City of Needles.132 There were similar numbers of owner occupied and renter-occupied units in Needles, though there were slightly more owner-occupied units. As of 2017, the average household size had decreased slightly from 2.41 persons per household to 2.37 persons per household.133

129 United States Census Bureau, City of Needles, Census 2010 Total Population, https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/community_facts.xhtml?src=bkmk. 130 California Department of Finance, E-5 City/County Population and Housing Estimates, January 1, 2019. 131 SCAG 2020 Regional Transportation Plan, Data/Map Book for the City of Needles. 132 United State Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2013-2017 ACS 5-Year Estimates, Table S1101, https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=CF. 133 United State Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2013-2017 ACS 5-Year Estimates, Table S1101, https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=CF.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 79 August 2019
The City’s future housing need to meet the SCAG RHNA requirements is based on population and employment growth projections over the 2013-2021 period. Based on these projections, the State assigns each region in California a RHNA allocation, which requires regions to address housing issues and needs (California Government Code Section 65584).134 SCAG developed the RHNA for the Cities within the 6 county metropolitan panning area, and allocates to each jurisdiction its “fair share” of the projected housing need, based on household income groupings over the eight-year planning period. As shown in Table 2, the City has a current RHNA allocation of 181 houses of which, 19 are extremely low income, 19 are very low income, 29 are low income, 34 are moderate income, and 80 are above moderate income. As of December 31, 2017, as shown in Table 4, the City had met 32 units of their total RHNA allocation which included 17 moderate and 15 above moderate units.

The 2019 Housing Element Update recommends various housing programs to assist in providing housing for all income levels including extremely low-, very low-, low-, moderate-, and above moderate-income households. The 2019 Housing Element Update sets forth programs and policies to facilitate housing conservation, maintenance, and diversity, and no aspect of the Project involves the displacement of existing residents. The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document consistent with the City’s General Plan and does not directly propose physical changes in the environment. The 2019 Housing Element Update is a City-wide policy document and does not, in and of itself, enable future development that wasn’t previously evaluated in the City’s General Plan Environmental Assessment.135 Analysis:
a) Finding: The Project would not induce substantial population growth and there would be No Impact.

Discussion: The Housing Element is one part of the General Plan, which establishes policy to guide the orderly development of the community. The City of Needles is in an urbanized area and does not have any geographic areas where substantial growth-inducing impacts could be caused. As mentioned, population growth is supposed to increase by 1.7 percent each year through 2045, which is not considered a substantial increase that could result in a significant impact. Additionally,

134 California Government Code Section 65584
135 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 80 August 2019
the growth contemplated is mitigated through all the General Plan policies identified in the 2013– 2021 Housing Element Update. Applicable General Plan Housing Element136 policies include the following:

Policy 2.1 Requiring that the current residentially zoned areas remain residential, and that the development within those zones be built to the density set forth for such zones.

Policy 2.2 Promote a mixture of housing and commercial land-uses in downtown Needles to provide housing with access to commercial services for special needs households particularly elderly households and small business owners. Rezone the downtown area to allow for mixed uses and taller buildings. Specifically require that the new construction in the downtown area supply shops for commercial uses and/or office spaces on the ground floor with residential uses on the upper floors.

Policy 2.3 Encourage development of those areas to coincide with public services.

Specifically require by ordinance that development be built only in areas with adequate public services.

Policy 2.4 Encourage the development of larger unit sizes in multifamily rental projects and second units on single-family lots in order to alleviate overcrowding. Encouragement of larger units will be accomplished by only allowing density bonuses to projects that build at least half of their units as larger 3-bedroom units.

Policy 2.5 Minimize housing construction in environmentally sensitive areas.

Accordingly, the Project would not induce substantial population growth and there would be No Impact.
b) Finding: There would be No Impact from displacement to existing housing or resident from adoption of the Project.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update identifies almost 4,000 acres of residentially zoned vacant land where approximately 65,181 units could realistically be built. The 2019 Housing Element Update in and of itself would not result in construction or development, however, since there is only

136 2013-2021 Housing Element Update
City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 81 August 2019
149 units needed to meet the current (2013 to 2021) RHNA allocation, demolition of existing housing or displacement of existing people would not be necessary. There would be No Impact to existing housing or residents.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 82 August 2019

15. PUBLIC SERVICES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Result in substantial adverse physical impacts
associated with the provision of new or physically
altered governmental facilities, need for new or
physically altered governmental facilities, the
construction of which could cause significant
environmental impacts, in order to maintain
acceptable service ratios, response times, or other
performance objectives for any of the public
services:
i. Fire protection?
ii. Police protection?
iii. Schools?
iv. Parks?
v. Other public services?
Setting:

Fire Protection
Fire protection in the City of Needles is provided by the County of San Bernardino Fire Department which consists of 681 fire suppression personnel, which includes 25 battalion chiefs. The City of Needles is located within Division 4, South Desert of the County which had a total of 11,862 fire and medical incidents from 2017-2018.137 San Bernardino County Fire Station #32 serves the City of Needles and is located at 1113 East Broadway Street.138
Law Enforcement
The City of Needles is contracted with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department of law enforcement services. The Needles Patrol Station services the City and is located at 1111 Bailey Avenue. As part of the

137 San Bernardino County Annual Report June 2017- June 2018. 138 San Bernardino County Fire, Fire Stations, https://www.sbcfire.org/FireStations.aspx.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 83 August 2019
Sheriff's contract, the station, its personnel and the community have access to a range of resources offered by the Sheriff's Department; these include: Narcotics, SWAT, Arson-Bomb, Crimes Against Children, Homicide, Scientific Investigations/Crime Lab, Aviation, Volunteer Forces, and more.139 Schools
The City of Needles is served by Needles Unified School District (NUSD). There are five schools within the City which include Vista Colorado Elementary School Grades, K-5; Needles Middle School, Grades 6-8; Needles High School, Grades 9-12; ETC Continuation School, 16-years and older; and Needles Community Day School, Grades 7-12.140
The NUSD assess fees to assist in offsetting costs for new facilities resulting from development. The current fees that the NUSD charges as of March 12, 2019 are the following:
• $3.48 per square foot for all new residential construction; • $0.56 per square foot for new commercial/industrial construction; • $0.02 per square foot for rental self-storage;
• $0.52 per square foot for community shopping centers; • $0.45 per square foot for industrial parks/warehousing; • $0.56 per square foot for hospitality/lodging; and
• $0.56 per square foot for senior housing projects.

Parks
The City of Needles has a total of 14 parks which include the following: River’s Edge Golf Course, Rotary Roadside Rest, Cemetery, Duke Watkins Park, 3-Pete’s Memorial Field, Needles Dog Park, Needles Skate Park, Ed Parry Ballpark, Franz Flower Ballpark, Nikki Bunch Ballpark, Jack Smith Park & Launching Facility, Rodeo Grounds, Santa Fe Park & El Garces Depot, and Manny Morris Beach Side Park. The parks account

139 San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Needles Patrol Station, http://wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/patrolstations/needles/. 140 Needles Unified School District,
https://www.needlesusd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=232294&type=d&pREC_ID=531622.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 84 August 2019
for 162.82 acres within the City. The City’s General Plan Open Space and Recreation Element141 has goals, policies, and principles that set standards for the existing and future open space areas within the City.

Principle 8 states that Parks space in the community should be based upon four (4) acres of park area per 1,000 persons.142
The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document consistent with the City’s General Plan and does not directly propose physical changes in the environment. The Housing Element Update is a City-wide policy document and does not, in and of itself, enable future development that wasn’t previously evaluated in the City’s General Plan Environmental Assessment.143 Analysis:
a) Finding: The Project would have No Impact on Fire Protection services.

Discussion: Adoption of the 2019 Housing Element Update would not impact fire protection services in a way that would require the construction or modification of public facilities. In 2018 the City modified its Development Impact Fee (DIF)144 for both North and South Needles for residential housing development; the City also initiated an economic development incentive program, which pays for fire protection fees and off-site infrastructure for homebuilders.

The purpose of the DIF are to fund the design and construction of any additional fire facilities or fire fighters required to mitigate the impact of new development. At the present time, impact fees are applied to circulation system improvements, water source storage and distribution facilities, wastewater collection system facilities, and park and open space land acquisition and parkland development.

141 General Plan, “Open Space and Recreation Element”, February 18, 1986. 142 General Plan, “Open Space and Recreation Element”, February 18, 1986, Principles and Standards, Page IV-6. 143 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986. 144 Development Impact Fee Ordinance No. 607-AC, Adopted by City Council September 25, 2018.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 85 August 2019
The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document and would not result in construction or development. Future developers would be required to pay development impact fees. There would be No Impact to Fire Protection services.
b) Finding: The Project would have No Impact on Police Protection services.

Discussion: Adoption of the 2019 Housing Element Update would not impact police protection services in a way that would require the construction or modification of public facilities. In 2018, the City reduced its Development Impact Fee (DIF)145 for both North and South Needles for residential housing development.

The purpose of DIF are to fund the design and construction of any additional police facilities or officers required to mitigate the impact of new development. At the present time, impact fees are applied to circulation system improvements, water source storage and distribution facilities, wastewater collection system facilities, and park and open space land acquisition and parkland development.

The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document and would not result in construction or development. Future developers would be required to pay development impact fees, however those associated with Police Protection would be paid for by the City. Payment of these fees by the City would ensure that future development would not have a significant impact on Police Protection services. There would be No Impact to Police Protection services. c) Finding: The Project would have No Impact on NUSD or schools.

Discussion: Adoption of the 2019 Housing Element Update would not impact NUSD in a way that would require the construction or modification of public facilities. School-related impacts depend upon the location and intensity of a project, by students generated per household, and the capacity of facilities in a given attendance area.

Legislative requirements for school development fees ensure that new development will provide necessary facilities to meet projected needs. However, State law does not require developers to provide for school sites within their developments.

145 Development Impact Fee Ordinance No. 607-AC, Adopted by City Council September 25, 2018.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 86 August 2019
The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document and would not result in construction or development; future developers would be required to pay development impact fees.

The current development impact fees for NUSD are $3.48 per square foot for residential and $0.56 per square foot for commercial. Payment of these fees would ensure that future development would not have a significant impact on NUSD or schools. There would be No Impact to NUSD or schools.
d) Finding: The Project would have No Impact on parks.

Discussion: Adoption of the 2019 Housing Element Update, would not impact park facilities in a way that would require the construction or modification of public facilities. Park-related impacts also depend upon the location and intensity of a project. The purpose of park fees is to fund the design and construction of parks and park improvements required to mitigate the impact of new development. At the present time, impact fees are applied to circulation system improvements, water source storage and distribution facilities, wastewater collection system facilities, and park and open space land acquisition and parkland development.

The City’s General Plan Open Space and Recreation Element146 has goals, policies, and principles that set standards for the existing and future open space areas within the City. Principle 8 states that Parks space in the community should be based upon four (4) acres of park area per 1,000 persons.147
Any future residential development will be subject to applicable park improvement fees in effect at the time of building permit issuance. The current development impact fees for parkland facilities is $549 per attached dwelling unit and $726 per detached dwelling unit. Payment of these fees would ensure that future development would not have a significant impact on parks. There would be No Impact to parks.
e) Finding: The Project would have No Impact on any other public services.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document and would not result in construction or development and would therefore not have any impacts on other public services.

146 City of Needles General Plan, “Open Space and Recreation Element”, February 18, 1986. 147 City of Needles General Plan, “Open Space and Recreation Element”, February 18, 1986, Principles and Standards, Page IV6.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 87 August 2019
Future development would be required to assess their impact against any and all public services.

There would be No Impact to public services.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 88 August 2019

16. RECREATION
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Increase the use of existing neighborhood and
regional parks or other recreational facilities such
that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated?
b. Include recreational facilities or require the
construction or expansion of recreational facilities,
which might have an adverse physical effect on the
environment?
Setting:

The City of Needles has a total of 14 parks which include: River’s Edge Golf Course, Rotary Roadside Rest, Cemetery, Duke Watkins Park, 3-Pete’s Memorial Field, Needles Dog Park, Needles Skate Park, Ed Parry Ballpark, Franz Flower Ballpark, Nikki Bunch Ballpark, Jack Smith Park & Launching Facility, Rodeo Grounds, Santa Fe Park & El Garces Depot, and Manny Morris Beach Side Park. The parks account for 162.82 acres within the City.

The City’s General Plan Open Space and Recreation Element148 has goals, policies, and principles that set standards for the existing and future open space areas within the City. Principle 8 states that Parks space in the community should be based upon four (4) acres of park area per 1,000 persons.149 The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document consistent with the City’s General Plan and does not directly propose physical changes in the environment. The 2019 Housing Element Update is a City-wide policy document and does not, in and of itself, enable future development that wasn’t previously evaluated in the City’s General Plan Environmental Assessment.150
Analysis:
a) Finding: The Project would have No Impact on parks or recreational facilities.

148 City of Needles General Plan, “Open Space and Recreation Element”, February 18, 1986. 149 City of Needles General Plan, “Open Space and Recreation Element”, February 18, 1986, Principles and Standards, Page IV6. 150 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 89 August 2019
Discussion: Adoption of the 2019 Housing Element Update would not impact park or recreational facilities in a way that would require the construction or modification of public facilities. Parkrelated impacts also depend upon the location and intensity of a project.

Any future residential development will be subject to applicable park improvement fees in effect at the time of building permit issuance. The current development impact fees for parkland facilities is $549 per attached dwelling unit and $726 per detached dwelling unit. Payment of these fees would ensure that future development would not have a significant impact on parks or recreational facilities. There would be No Impact to parks or creational facilities. At the present time, impact fees are applied to circulation system improvements, water source storage and distribution facilities, wastewater collection system facilities, and park and open space land acquisition and parkland development.

The City’s General Plan Open Space and Recreation Element has goals, policies, and principles that set standards for the existing and future open space areas within the City. Principle 8 states that Parks space in the community should be based upon four (4) acres of park area per 1,000 persons.151
b) Finding: There would be No Impact to or from recreational facilities as a result of the Project.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document that would not result in direct development or construction and would therefore not construct any recreational facilities or require the expansion of any recreational facilities. There would be No Impact to or from recreational facilities.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

151 City of Needles General Plan “Open Space and Recreation Element”, February 18, 1986, Principles and Standards, Page IV-6.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 90 August 2019

17. TRANSPORTATION
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Conflict with a program plan, ordinance, or policy
addressing the circulation system, including transit,
roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities?
b. Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines
section 15064.3, subdivision (b)?
c. Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric
design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?
d. Result in inadequate emergency access?
Setting:

Interstate 40 (I-40) is the major highway that travels through Needles, connecting Barstow to the west and Arizona to the east. Local transit service to and within the Needles area is provided by Needles Area Transit.

Amtrak provides daily service to Needles station, on the Southwest Chief route operating between Chicago and Los Angeles.

The City of Needles administers the Needles Area Transit (NAT) and a dial-a-ride program for seniors and persons with disabilities; the NAT system transports approximately 34,000 riders each year. NAT provides deviated fixed route service on a single route within Needles. The service operates hourly, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and for 4 hours on Saturday.

152 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 91 August 2019
Analysis:
a–b) Finding: The 2019 Housing Element Update would have No Impact to transportation.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document consistent with the General Plan. The 2019 Housing Element Update identifies sites designated for residential development.

The anticipated development capacity was previously evaluated for potential environmental impacts in the General Plan Environmental Assessment.153 The 2019 Housing Element Update does not include any changes to land use designations, zoning, building heights and intensities, or residential densities. Any future development would be required to adhere to all programs, ordinances, and policies that address circulation.

The goal of the General Plan Circulation, Transportation, and Scenic Highways Element is to provide a complete and efficient circulation systems which takes into account convenience of access and safety while minimizing disruptive unnecessary traffic within residential neighborhoods.154 This goal is met through policies and principles in the General Plan Circulation, Transportation, and Scenic Highways Element.

The General Plan Circulation, Transportation, and Scenic Highways Element includes the following applicable policies:
• Policy 2 improves the appearance of existing transportations rights-of-way and incorporates high standards of design when considering new transportation corridors, including streets, activity trails, walkways, and other related rights-of- way • Policy 3 ensures that sidewalks, activity trails and walking facilities are extended throughout the City to allow for more convenient and safer pedestrian movement.

These policies are implemented by payment of the development impact fess which are $888 per unit for detached and $593 per unit for attached in north Needles and $106 per unit for detached and $71 per unit for attached units in south Needles. Payment of these fees and adherence to the goals, policies, and principles as outlined in the General Plan, would ensure that there would be No Impact to transportation.

153 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986. 154 City of Needles General Plan, “Circulation, Transportations, and Scenic Highways Element,” 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 92 August 2019
c) Finding: The 2019 Housing Element Update would result in No Impact from roadways that would be considered hazardous.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document consistent with the General Plan. The 2019 Housing Element Update identifies sites designated for residential development.

The anticipated development capacity was previously evaluated for potential environmental impacts in the General Plan Environmental Assessment.155 The 2019 Housing Element Update does not include any changes to land use designations, zoning, building heights and intensities, or residential densities. Any future development would be required to adhere to all programs, ordinances, and policies that address circulation. This includes Policy 5 of General Plan Circulation, Transportation, and Scenic Highways Element which notes that projects within the City should improve and upgrade existing street systems to provide safe vehicular movements throughout the City and accommodate future developments. This would ensure that roadways would not be designed hazardously and there would be No Impact. d) Finding: The 2019 Housing Element Update would result in No Impact to emergency access.

Discussion: Any future development in the City would be required to comply with the provisions of the San Bernardino EOP156 during construction and operation.

Any potential impacts identified during the environmental review process would be addressed through mitigation measures specific to the impact which would ensure that there would be No Impact to emergency access.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

155 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986. 156 San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services, Emergency Operations Plan, February 26, 2013, accessed July 2019, http://cms.sbcounty.gov/portals/58/Documents/Emergency_Services/Emergency-Operations-Plan.pdf.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 93 August 2019

18. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in
Public Resources Code Section 21074 as either a
site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is
geographically defined in terms of the size and
scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with
the cultural value to a California Native American
Tribe, and that is:
i. Listed or eligible for listing in the California
Register of Historical Resources, or in a local
register of historical resources as defined in
Public Resources Code Section 5020.1(k), or
ii. A resource determined by the lead agency, in
its discretion and supported by substantial
evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria
set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources
Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set
forth in subdivision (d) of Public Resources
Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall
consider the significance of the resource to a
California Native American Tribe.

Setting:

According to the California PRC Section 21084, a project may have a significant effect on the environment if the project “may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an historical resource.” Assembly Bill 52 (AB52) specifies that a project with the potential for adverse effects on tribal cultural resources may be considered a significant effect on the environment.

The City of Needles, as the Lead Agency pursuant to CEQA and as required by AB52, has consulted with the local Native American Tribes in the Project Area. Tribes that are located regionally include the Fort Mojave Tribe, Colorado River Indian Tribe, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, and the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. Letters sent to these Tribes can be found in Appendix A: Tribal Consultation and Responses.

Consultation with these Tribes was initiated by the City on August 2, 2019. As of the release of this document, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians were City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 94 August 2019
the only Tribes to respond; both Tribes noted that they had no comments or concerns and no additional information to provide as shown in Appendix A.

The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document consistent with the City’s General Plan and does not directly propose physical changes in the environment. The 2019 Housing Element Update is a Citywide policy document and does not, in and of itself, enable future development that wasn’t previously evaluated in the City’s General Plan Environmental Assessment.157 Analysis:
a) Finding: The Project would have No Impact to any Tribal Cultural Resource listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in PRC Section 5020.1(k).158
Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document that would not result in direct development or construction. As noted, both Tribes that responded during the consultation process, did not have any comments or concerns. Similar to the Project, future projects would be required comply with AB 52 which requires consultation with any Tribes that request consultation.

The 2019 Housing Element Update would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a Tribal Cultural Resource listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in the local register of historical resources as defined in PRC Section 5020.1(k). There would be No Impact to Tribal Cultural Resources. b) Finding: The Project would have No Impact to any Tribal Cultural Resource determined by the Lead Agency.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document that would not result in any ground disturbance. The Project is unlikely to cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a Tribal Cultural Resource determined by the lead agency to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of PRC Section 5024.1.

157 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986. 158 California PRC, Section 5020.1, http://www.search-california-law.com/research/ca/PRC/5020.1./Cal-Pub-Res-CodeSection-5020.1/text.html.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 95 August 2019
The City has not determined that any local resources are of Tribal significance, however, if a Project were to result in ground disturbance, the City, as Lead Agency, and/or Tribe would require appropriate mitigation. Additionally, as noted, both Tribes that responded during the consultation process, did not have any comments or concerns. Since the 2019 Housing Element Update does not result in ground disturbance, there would be No Impact to Tribal Cultural Resources.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 96 August 2019

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

Water
Water service is provided by the City of Needles to the residents within the City and a portion of unincorporated area along the Colorado River which is surrounded by the City of Needles.

All water delivered to the City’s customers is pumped from wells. Approximately 781 million gallons per year is pumped from four wells. There are approximately 66 miles of water distribution lines varying in diameter from 2-inch to 16-inches. Water storage capacity for the Needles water supply is provided by City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 97 August 2019
two 1.5-million-gallon tanks for the lower pressure zone next to the Rodeo Grounds and one 1.5-milliongallon tank and one 100,000-gallon tank on Parkway Street for the upper pressure zone.159 The current development impact fees for water source storage, and distribution system is $2,625 per unit for detached units and $1,423 per unit for attached units for north Needles and $2,087 per unit for detached units and $1,132 per unit for attached units in south Needles. Payment of these fees would ensure that future development would not have a significant impact to water source storage, and distribution system.

Wastewater
The City’s Wastewater Department operates 19.25 miles of sewer line, 3.6 miles of force main, 4 lift stations, and 390 manholes in Needles. However, the system does not extend throughout the entire city; it runs from Victory Drive and Cherry Drive in South Needles up to Pashard Avenue in North Needles.

Many current residences in North Needles use septic systems due to the lack of nearby sewer connections.

Reliance upon septic systems places some limits on potential North Needles development ;under Ordinance 542-AC, residential parcels in North Needles are required to be a minimum of one acre if both a well and septic system are required. However, the City of Needles Wastewater Department is able to connect all future housing sites to its wastewater system; as such, none of the sites in the land inventory are subject to this septic ordinance. The City has a 1.12 million gallon per day wastewater treatment plant.160
The current development impact fees for wastewater collection is $1,542 per unit for detached units and $803 per unit for attached units for north Needles and $1,208 per unit for detached units and $629 per unit for attached units for south Needles. Payment of these fees would ensure that future development would not have a significant impact to wastewater collection.

Electric
The City of Needles purchased the Electric Company in 1991 from CP National. The Needles Public Utility Authority (NPUA) is the agency that manages the utilities for the City and provides recommendations to

159 City of Needles, Water Department, http://000nx6m.rxportalhosting.com/services/water-department/. 160 City of Needles, Waste Water Department, http://000nx6m.rxportalhosting.com/services/waste-water/ City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 98 August 2019
the City Council through the Utility Board. City Council Members constitute the managing body of the NPUA. Natural gas services are provided by Southwest Gas.161 Since the City purchased their own Electric Company, it can decide if there are available resources to provide new development with electric services.

Natural Gas
From August 1, 2019 through August 7, 2019, the total supply for Natural Gas Production was 95.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d). Total demand for this week was 86.9 Bcf/d. Currently there is excess availability of natural gas to meet future development.162
Telecommunications
Telecommunications are provided by Frontier Communications, and Golden Valley Cable and Communications.

Solid Waste
Solid waste services are provided by Republic Services which provides solid waste, recycling, yard waste, hazardous waste, and organic waste.163 Republic Services transfers solid waste to the Mohave County Landfill, located at 7300 Mineral Park Road in Golden Valley, Arizona.164 The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document consistent with the City’s General Plan and does not directly propose physical changes in the environment. The 2019 Housing Element Update is a Citywide policy document and does not, in and of itself, enable future development that wasn’t previously evaluated in the City’s General Plan Environmental Assessment.165

161 City of Needles, Other Utilities Available, http://000nx6m.rxportalhosting.com/other-utilities/. 162 United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), Natural Gas, Natural Gas Weekly Update, https://www.eia.gov/naturalgas/weekly/#tabs-supply-2.
163 City of Needles, Other Utilities Available, http://000nx6m.rxportalhosting.com/other-utilities/. 164 Republic Services, Our Facility Locations, https://www.republicservices.com/customer-support/facilities. 165 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 99 August 2019
Analysis:
a) Finding: The Project would have No Impact due to the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, or wastewater treatment or stormwater drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update would not develop or construct any housing. The 2019 Housing Element Update identifies vacant land within the City that is available for residential development. All of the vacant sites identified have access to water and sewer, as well as the availability of electrical and internet service. None of the sites have slope constraints.166 The purpose of development impacts fees is to fund the design and construction of infrastructure improvements required to mitigate the impact of new development. At the present time, impact fees are applied to circulation system improvements, water source storage and distribution facilities, wastewater collection system facilities, and park and open space land acquisition and parkland development.

The 2019 Housing Element Update contains policies that would ensure development would occur in areas where public services can be reached, including:

Policy 2.3 Encourages development of residential areas to coincide with public services and specifically require by ordinance, that development be built only in areas with adequate public services.

Additionally, the City recently implemented a “Water Efficient Landscape” ordinance to ensure the use of water-efficient plants and trees for areas requiring landscaping and providing a streamlined permitting process with reduced fees. This ordinance will help future housing utilize even less water.

The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document and would not result in construction or development. Any future residential development will be subject to applicable water source storage, and distribution system improvement fees and the wastewater collection system improvement fees at the time of building permit issuance.

166 2013-2021 Housing Element Update.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 100 August 2019
The 2019 Housing Element Update would not directly result in relocation or construction of new electrical connections, natural gas connections, or telecommunications infrastructure, however, housing built under the 2019 Housing Element Update would likely need additional infrastructure.

Future development projects and associated infrastructure would be required to comply with the CEQA Guidelines which would ensure that there would no impacts from new or expanded infrastructure.

The 2019 Housing Element Update would have No Impact due to the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, or wastewater treatment or stormwater drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities.
b) Finding: The Project would have No Impact to water supply.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update would not result in an increase in intensity and would therefore not result in an increase to consumption of water.

Payment of development fees would ensure that future development would not have a significant impact to water supply.
c) Finding: The Project would have No Impact to wastewater collection systems.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update would not result in an increase in intensity and would therefore not result in an increase of wastewater generation.

The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document and would not result in construction or development. Any future development would be required to adhere to the policies addressed in the City of Needles Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) for On-site Wastewater Treatment City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 101 August 2019
Systems (OWTS) which addresses wastewater issues, City requirements, and scope of coverage for OWTS installation and maintenance.167
Future residential development will be subject to applicable wastewater collection system improvement fees at the time of building permit issuance. Payment of these fees would ensure that future development would not have a significant impact to wastewater collection. d–e) Finding: The Project would have No Impact in regard to an increase in solid waste generation or complying with applicable regulations related to solid waste.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document and would not result in construction or development and would therefore not result in an increase to solid waste.

All future development projects would be required to comply with the State and local standards, and the federal, State, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste. The 2019 Housing Element Update would have No Impact in regard to an increase in solid waste generation or complying with applicable regulations related to solid waste.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

167 City of Needles Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) For On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS), August 2, 2018, Department of Building and Safety,
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/coloradoriver/board_decisions/adopted_orders/orders/2018/0033lamp_attach.pdf.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 102 August 2019

20. WILDFIRES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
If located in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project:
a. Substantially impair an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
b. Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors,
exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose
project occupants to pollutant concentrations from
a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?
c. Require the installation or maintenance of
associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel
breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or
other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that
may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the
environment?
d. Expose people or structures to significant risks,
including downslope or downstream flooding or
landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope
instability, or drainage changes?
Setting:

The City is not located within a moderate, high, or very high fire hazard severity zone known by CAL FIRE.168 The Mohave Valley is sparsely vegetated and consists primarily of low-lying geologic formations.

168 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, “Fire Hazard Severity Zones in SRA,” SE San Bernardino County, adopted November 7, 2007, accessed July 2019, https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/media/6780/fhszs_map63.pdf. 169 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 103 August 2019
Discussion: The City does not have its own adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan; however, San Bernardino County Fire Department runs and operates the Office of Emergency Services (OES). OES is a division of the San Bernardino County Fire Department that is responsible for countywide emergency planning, mitigation, and response and recovery activities. The OES works with all county departments and 24 cities, and many non-government organizations.170
OES maintainsthe San Bernardino County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) which is an all-hazard plan consistent with State and regional laws, regulations, plans, and policies related to hazard mitigation and planning, and describes how the County will organize and respond to incidents.171 The EOP describes how various agencies and organizations in the County will coordinate resources and activities with other Federal, State, County, local, and private-sector partners.

The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document that would not construct any buildings and would therefore not interfere with the OES or the EOP. All future projects would be required to comply with all City and County requirements including OES and the EOP. There would be No Impact to any emergency response plans.
b) Finding: There would be No Impact due to slope, prevailing winds, or other factors that would exacerbate fire risks as a result of the Project.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update would not construct any buildings and therefore would not expose any occupants to the risk of wildfire. However, it is unlikely that any future projects would expose any occupants to the risk of wildfire due to slope or winds.

The City of Needles is sparsely landscaped with desert vegetation and is generally flat, with an elevation of around 500 feet above mean sea level. The City also does not experience high winds, with the average from 2010 to the present being 8.6 miles per hour (mph).172 These factors would not contribute to any wildfires in the area. There would be No Impact due to slope, prevailing winds, or other factors that would exacerbate wildfire risks.

170 San Bernardino County Fire Department, About OES, https://www.sbcfire.org/oes/about.aspx. 171 San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services, Emergency Operations Plan, February 26, 2013, accessed July 2019, http://cms.sbcounty.gov/portals/58/Documents/Emergency_Services/Emergency-Operations-Plan.pdf. 172 Willy Weather, Needles, CA Wind Forecast, https://wind.willyweather.com/ca/san-bernardino-county/needles.html.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 104 August 2019
c) Finding: The Project would have No Impact from exacerbating fire risk or resulting in impacts to the environment.

Discussion: The 2019 Housing Element Update is a policy document and would not construct any buildings, therefore there would be no installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure.

Future housing development would require infrastructure and maintenance. However, these developments and associated infrastructure, would be required to comply with the requirements of CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines which would ensure that the Project would not exacerbate fire risk or result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment. The 2019 Housing Element Update would have No Impact from exacerbating fire risk or resulting in impacts to the environment.
d) Finding: The Project would have No Impact from downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff from post-fire slope instability.

Discussion: The City is sparsely landscaped with desert vegetation and is generally flat, with an elevation of around 500 feet above mean sea level. There would be No Impact from adoption of the 2019 Housing Element Update to downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff from post-fire slope instability.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 105 August 2019

21. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with Project
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a. Does the project have the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment,
substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife
species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop
below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a
plant or animal community, substantially reduce the
number, or restrict the range of a rare or
endangered plant or animal, or eliminate important
examples of the major periods of California history
or prehistory?
b. Does the project have impacts that are individually
limited, but cumulatively considerable?
(“Cumulatively considerable” means that the
incremental effects of a project are considerable
when viewed in connection with the effects of past
projects, the effects of other current projects, and
the effects of probable future projects.)
c. Does the project have environmental effects which
will cause substantial adverse effects on human
beings, either directly or indirectly?
Setting:

As demonstrated, the 2019 Housing Element Update would have No Impact to Aesthetics, Agricultural Resources, Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Energy, Geology and Soils, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Hydrology and Water Quality, Land Use and Planning, Mineral Resources, Noise, Population and Housing, Public Services, Recreation, Transportation, Tribal Cultural Resources, Utilities and Service Systems, and Wildfires.

173 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 106 August 2019
Analysis:
a–c) Finding: The 2019 Housing Element Update would have No Impact on any environmental effects on a project-level or cumulatively considerable basis.

Discussion: Implementation of the 2019 Housing Element Update will not create any significant or adverse impacts and would therefore not contribute to any cumulatively considerable impacts.

Potential site-specific impacts that cannot be known at this time will be addressed in conjunction with any development proposal submitted for the individual project sites.

The 2019 Housing Element is a policy document consistent with the General Plan. The 2019 Housing Element identifies sites designated for residential development. The anticipated development capacity was previously evaluated for potential environmental impacts in the General Plan Environmental Assessment. The 2019 Housing Element Update does not include any changes to land use designations, zoning, building heights and intensities, or residential densities.

Therefore, the 2019 Housing Element Update would have No Impact on any environmental effects on a project-level or cumulatively considerable basis.

Mitigation:

No mitigation measures are required.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 107 August 2019
G. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION
The 2019 Housing Element Update provides substantial benefits, including environmental benefits, to the community.

Environmental Benefits: Adoption of the 2019 Housing Element Update is part of the ongoing planning process for orderly, rational development of the community. As such, the 2019 Housing Element Update does not have specific environmental benefits, but will result in beneficial effects of contributing to environmentally beneficial aspects of the General Plan, such as establishing policy and programs to “achieve(s) a balance based upon expressed community values between what will be los(t) and what will be preserved or enhanced.”174 The General Plan will also “preserve Needles’ rural recreational character even though some development will occur.”175
Potential Adverse Impacts: The 2019 Housing Element Update will not have any potentially significant adverse impacts. The 2019 Housing Element Update does not control density or location of development.

As discussed in the Project description, the 2019 Housing Element Update must be consistent with the other General Plan elements.

As required by State law, the 2019 Housing Element Update addresses internal consistency of the General Plan. The 2013-2021 RHNA, prepared by SCAG, assigns City of Needles 181 houses of which, 19 are extremely low income, 19 are very low income, 29 are low income, 34 are moderate income, and 80 are above moderate income. As of December 31, 2017, as shown in Table 4, the City had met 32 units of their total RHNA allocation which included 17 moderate and 15 above moderate units. The City has ample capacity to accommodate these units as demonstrated by the vacant land inventory found in Table 31 of the 2019 Housing Element Update. Vacant sites can accommodate an additional 65,181 units.

As a policy and action document, the 2019 Housing Element Update is consistent with the rest of the General Plan adopted in 1986. The General Plan Environmental Assessment is relied upon for its identification of mitigation measures applicable to the General Plan as a whole, including the 2019 Housing Element Update.

174 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986, Page 13. 175 City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986, Page 13.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 108 August 2019
H. POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS
There are no potentially significant impacts as a result of the 2019 Housing Element Update.

I. MITIGATION OF POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS
No mitigation measures area proposed to be adopted with the Negative Declaration for the City of Needles 2019 Housing Element Update.

J. REFERENCES
Bureau of Land Management, The California Desert Conservation Area Plan 1980 as amended, https://eplanning.blm.gov/epl-front-office/projects/lup/66949/82080/96344/CDCA_Plan.pdf.

California Code of Regulations, Title 24.

California Department of Conservation, California Important Farmland Finder, interactive map, accessed July 2019, https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/DLRP/CIFF/.

California Department of Conservation, SAMARA Statues and Regulations, https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dmr/lawsandregulations.

California Department of Finance, E-5 City/County Population and Housing Estimates, January 1, 2019.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), BIOS, accessed August 2019, https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/bios/?tool=cnddbQuick.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, “Fire Hazard Severity Zones in SRA,” SE San Bernardino County, adopted November 7, 2007, accessed July 2019, https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/media/6780/fhszs_map63.pdf.

California Energy Commission, Demand Analysis Office, “California Energy Demand 2018-2030 Revised Forecast” (January 22, 2018), accessed July 2019, available at http://www.energy.ca.gov/ (January 2017).

California Energy Commission (CEC), California Energy Consumption Database, “Electricity Consumption by County,” accessed July 2019, http://ecdms.energy.ca.gov/elecbycounty.aspx.

California Health and Safety Code, Section 7050. California HSC, Division 20, Chapter 6.5.

California Public Resources Code (PRC), Sections 5097.9-5097.998. Section 15064.5. Section 211083.2.

California Public Utilities Commission, 2018 California Gas Report, pg. 20, accessed June 2019, https://www.sdge.com/sites/default/files/regulatory/2018%20California%20Gas%20Report.pdf.

California State Parks, Office of Historic Preservation, “Listed California Historical Resources,” accessed July 2019, http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ListedResources/?view=county&criteria=36.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 109 August 2019
CARB, Area Designations Maps / State and National, accessed July 2019, https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/desig/adm/adm.htm.California Air Resources Board (CARB), Annual Network Plan, (June 2016).

City of Needles General Plan, “Circulation, Transportations, and Scenic Highways Element”, 1986.

City of Needles General Plan “Conservation and Historic Preservation Element” (February 18, 1986).

City of Needles General Plan Environmental Assessment, prepared by Urban Futures, Inc., January 1986.

City of Needles General Plan, “Land Use Element” (February 18, 1986).

City of Needles General Plan Land Use Map, redrawn February 28, 1998.

City of Needles Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) For On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS), August 2, 2018, Department of Building and Safety, https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/coloradoriver/board_decisions/adopted_orders/orders/2018/ 0033lamp_attach.pdf.

City of Needles, Municipal Zoning Code, 2008.

City of Needles General Plan, “Noise Element” (February 18, 1986).

City of Needles General Plan, “Open Space and Recreation Element”, February 18, 1986.

City of Needles General Plan, “Safety Element” (February 18, 1986).

City of Needles General Plan, Technical Background Reports, February 18, 1986.

City of Needles, Other Utilities Available, http://000nx6m.rxportalhosting.com/other-utilities/.

City of Needles, Waste Water Department, http://000nx6m.rxportalhosting.com/services/waste-water/ City of Needles, Water Department, http://000nx6m.rxportalhosting.com/services/water-department/.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology, eBird, “Hotspot Map,” accessed August 2019, https://ebird.org/home.

County of San Bernardino, Department of Public Works, Flood Control District, “Flood Control District,” http://cms.sbcounty.gov/dpw/FloodControl.aspx, accessed August 2019.

County of San Bernardino General Plan, San Bernardino County Land Use Plan, Geologic Hazard Overlays, plotted May 30, 2007, accessed July 2019, available at
http://www.sbcounty.gov/Uploads/lus/GeoHazMaps/EKFKC.pdf.

Department of Conservation, Mineral Land Classification of the Northeast Quarter of the Needles 1- Degree by 2-Degree Sheet, San Bernardino County, California, 1985, https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/informationwarehouse/index.html?map=mlc.

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 110 August 2019
Department of Toxic Substances Control, EnviroStor, Cortese List, https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/search?cmd=search&reporttype=CORTESE&site_type =CSITES,FUDS&status=ACT,BKLG,COM&reporttitle=HAZARDOUS+WASTE+AND+SUBSTANCES+SIT E+LIST+%28CORTESE%29.

Development Impact Fee Ordinance No. 607-AC, Adopted by City Council September 25, 2018.

Federal Emergency Management Agency, “Expansive Soil Explanations,” https://www.fema.gov/medialibrary-data/20130726-1825-25045-8152/expansive_soils_explanations.txt, accessed August 2019.

Housing Element (Updated) of the City of Needles General Plan (next due 2007)(Ord. 473-AC, April 12, 2005).

Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, “General Program,” https://www.lcrmscp.gov/general_program.html, accessed August 2019.

Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, Final Habitat Conservation Plan, Volume II, page 1-6, December 17, 2004, https://www.lcrmscp.gov/publications/hcp_volii_2004.pdf, accessed August 2019.

Malmon, Daniel V. et al, United Stated Geological Survey, “Geologic Map of the Needles 7.5’ Quadrangle, California and Arizona,” 19, 2009, accessed July 2019,
https://pubs.usgs.gov/sim/3062/sim3062_pamphlet.pdf.

Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD), “Rules & Regulations,” accessed July 2019, http://mdaqmd.ca.gov/rules/overview.

Needles Unified School District,
https://www.needlesusd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=232294&type=d&pREC_ID=53162

2. Ordinance Number 619-AC amended Needles Municipal Code (NMC) Section 96.08 “Dwelling Unit" adding “Accessory Dwelling Unit” and Section 96.00 “Table of Permissible Uses.” Ordinance Number 620-AC amended NMC rescinding Article VII Section 97.01 “Affordable and Elderly Housing Bonus” and replacing it with a new Section 97.01 “Density Bonus and Related Incentives and Concessions Program.”
Ordinance Number 621-AC amended NMC Article IV, Section 94 adding “Reasonable Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities.”
Ordinance Number 622-AC amended NMC Article XII, Section 112.06 adding “Emergency Shelters and Supportive and Transitional Housing” and Section 96.07 “Table of Permissible Uses.” Republic Services, Our Facility Locations, https://www.republicservices.com/customer-support/facilities.

Needles City CouncilSeptember 13, 2022

Needles City Council
September 13, 2022