MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING
IN PERSON, OR VIEW ON ZOOM OR YOUTUBE AS LISTED BELOW
https://www.youtube.com/@cityoforinda9535/streams
Zoom Webinar:
https://tinyurl.com/OrindaCityCouncil
Phone:669 444 9171
Webinar ID:
810 2271 2723
In Person:
Orinda Library Auditorium
26 Orinda Way
Orinda, CA 94563
(925) 351-6676
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
7:00 PM - REGULAR MEETING
City Council
Agenda Page 1 03.05.24
How to follow and/or participate in the meeting:
IN PERSON SPEAKER CARDS: If you would like to speak during the public forum or on an item listed on the agenda, you are invited to submit a speaker card to the City Clerk. You will be permitted to speak even if you elect not to submit a speaker card or decline to provide information requested on the card. After the City Council has heard from everyone who submitted speaker cards, anyone electing not to submit a speaker card may form a line at the lectern. Public comment is generally limited to 3 minutes per speaker per agenda item.
WRITTEN COMMENTS: You may also submit a public comment in advance of the meeting by following instructions below:
Deliver to City Hall at 22 Orinda Way or send an e-mail to [email protected] by 3pm on the day of the meeting. Those comments will be forwarded to the City Council. They will also be made a part of the public record and be available to view in the public review binder at Orinda City Hall, 22 Orinda Way. In addition, they will be available electronically by 5pm on the day of the meeting by selecting the date of the meeting in this Box account link:
https://tinyurl.com/Orinda-Public-Comments
REMOTE COMMENTS: Remote Public Comments have been discontinued for the foreseeable future.
7:00 PM - REGULAR SESSION
A. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
Councilmembers: Brandyn Iverson, Inga Miller, Janet Riley Vice Mayor Latika Malkani, Mayor Darlene Gee
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
City Council
Agenda Page 2 03.05.24
C. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
The City Council may take action on any item listed on the agenda.
D. ITEMS FOR THE GOOD OF THE CITY
D.1. Proclamation Declaring March 2024 as Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Awareness Month
D.2. Proclamation Declaring March 2024 as Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month
E. PUBLIC FORUM
The public forum provides an opportunity for members of the public to speak on any item within the jurisdiction of the City Council that is not on the agenda.
Additionally, a speaker has the option of addressing the Council on an item listed on the agenda, if the speaker will not be present when that agenda item is taken up. When an item is not listed on the agenda, State law prohibits Council discussion or action. Councilmembers may only “briefly respond” to statements made and questions posed. For example, State law allows Councilmembers to ask questions for clarification and provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information. Additionally, consistent with the “Matters Initiated” rule contained in its Policies and Procedures Manual, the Council may also direct staff to report back and/or place a matter on a future agenda for discussion.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
F.1. City Council Minutes
Recommendation:
Approve City Council Minutes:
1. February 20, 2024 Special Meeting
2. February 20, 2024 Regular Meeting
3. February 24, 2024 Special Meeting
F.2. Adoption of Resolution 07-24 Authorizing Street Closure to Vehicular Traffic and Parking Restrictions on a portion of Orinda Way every Saturday between 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from April 1, 2024 to March 29, 2025 for the Contra Costa Certified Farmers’ Market Recommendation:
Adopt Resolution 07-24 authorizing the closure of a portion of Orinda Way (Traffic Order No. 227) to vehicular traffic to allow for space for farmers' market vendors.
G. PUBLIC HEARING
H. POLICY MATTERS
H.1. Housing Element Annual Progress Report for Calendar Year 2023 City Council
Agenda Page 3 03.05.24
Recommendation:
Review the Housing Element Annual Progress Report for Calendar Year 2023 and direct staff to file the Report with the appropriate state agencies.
H.2. Possible Locations for a Dedicated Off-Leash Dog Area and for Dedicated Pickleball Courts in Orinda
Recommendation:
Staff recommends the City Council Receive Reports on Possible Locations for a Dedicated Off-Leash Dog Area and dedicated Pickleball Courts in Orinda, discuss, and provide direction, if any.
I. COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS
J. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
K. MATTERS INITIATED
L. ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Orinda City Council will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 7:00 PM.
Please visit the City’s website at www.cityoforinda.org to view the City Council Calendar.
I, Sheri Marie Smith, City Clerk, declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that this special meeting agenda has been posted at least 24 hours in advance at the Orinda City Hall, 22 Orinda Way and the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way.
Additional copies are available at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, and at the City’s website at www.cityoforinda.org. At least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, this agenda was also delivered to and received by each member of the City Council as well as each local newspaper, radio station and television station requesting written notice of special meetings.
I, Sheri Marie Smith, City Clerk, declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that this regular meeting agenda has been posted at least 72 hours in advance at the Orinda City Hall, 22 Orinda Way and the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way. Additional copies are available at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, and at the City’s website at www.cityoforinda.org
~ Notices ~
There is a 90-day limit for the filing of a challenge in Court to certain City decisions that require a hearing by law, the receipt of evidence, and the exercise of discretion. The 90-day limit begins on the date the decision is final (Code of Civil Procedure §1094.6). Further, if you file a challenge in Court, you may be limited by California law, including but not limited to Government Code §65009, to those issues raised in connection with the public hearing. The City Council may be requested to reconsider a decision if the request is made prior to the next City Council meeting. For information on the next City Council meeting, please call 925.253.4221 or visit the website at www.cityoforinda.org. Unless otherwise noted, City Council actions include a determination that the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not apply.
City Council
Agenda Page 4 03.05.24
~ Accessible Public Meetings ~
The City of Orinda will provide special assistance for disabled citizens to participate in public meetings upon advance notice. If you need auxiliary hearing aid or sign language assistance at least two (2) working days advanced notice is necessary. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda, Ca 94563 or 925.253.4221 or [email protected] with the following information: name, mailing address, phone number and type of assistance requested.
PROCLAMATION
DECLARING MARCH, 2024 AS
SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED DEATH IN CHILDHOOD AWARENESS MONTH
IN THE CITY OF ORINDA
WHEREAS, Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) is a category of death in children between the ages of 1 and 18 that remains unexplained after a thorough investigation, including autopsy; and
WHEREAS, each year there are approximately 400 cases of SUDC in the United States – including more than 200 younger children between the ages of 1 and 4 – who die without any clear cause or explanation; and
WHEREAS, while less common than sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which occurs before the first birthday, SUDC is an important health concern deserving of increased public awareness and research; and
WHEREAS, SUDC is the 5th leading category of death among children ages 1 to 4 in the United States; and
WHEREAS, there currently is no way to predict or prevent SUDC as its cause is unknown; and WHEREAS, it is hoped that future research will identify means by which SUDC can be prevented; and
WHEREAS, we recognize the dedicated efforts of organizations such as the SUDC Foundation, medical professionals, medicolegal death investigators and volunteers who are working to better understand the causes of SUDC, improve the health of infants and children and provide much-needed hope and support for those families grieving the heartbreaking sudden unexplained death of a child; and
WHEREAS, Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Awareness Month provides an opportunity to honor the memory of the young lives that ended too soon, show encouragement and support for the families and loved ones devasted by their loss and increase public awareness of SUDC and the ongoing search for answers.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Orinda does hereby proclaim the month of March as SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED DEATH IN CHILDHOOD AWARENESS MONTH in the City of Orinda.
Presented this 5th Day of March, 2024
________________________
Darlene Gee, Mayor
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Communication: Proclamation Declaring March 2024 as Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Awareness Month (ITEMS FOR THE GOOD OF
PROCLAMATION
DECLARING MARCH, 2024 AS
PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS: When used as prescribed by a doctor, prescription medicines such as stimulants, sedatives and opioids can be helpful in treating many illnesses, but when these medications are misused, they can have serious consequences; and WHEREAS: Many prescription drugs can alter a person’s thinking and judgment, and can lead to health risks, including addiction, drugged driving, infectious disease, and adverse effects on pregnancy; and
WHEREAS: Anyone who takes prescription opioids can become addicted to them. In fact, as many as one in four patients receiving long-term opioid therapy in a primary care setting struggles with opioid use disorder (OUD); and
WHEREAS: Prescription opioid overdose deaths also often involve benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants used to sedate, induce sleep, prevent seizures, and relieve anxiety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends avoiding taking benzodiazepines while taking prescription opioids whenever possible due to the risk of overdose; and
WHEREAS: In 2022 in Contra Costa County there were 463,914 opioid prescriptions given to patients which is an age-adjusted rate of 318 per 1,000 residents, higher than the state rate of 321.7; and
WHEREAS: According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 106,699 drug overdose deaths occurred nationally in 2022, 80,411 were from opioids and 169 of those opioid-related overdose deaths occurred in Contra Costa County; and
WHEREAS: Synthetic opioids other than methadone (primarily fentanyl) and stimulants such as methamphetamine were the main drivers of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2022; and WHEREAS: To help prevent substance use disorder and overdose deaths, the Orinda City Council encourages community members to dispose of their expired and unwanted prescription drugs throughout the year and safely store those still needed; and WHEREAS: The Contra Costa County Medication Education and Disposal Safety (MEDS) Coalition engages all community members in the county to participate in Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month activities to raise prescription drug safety awareness; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Orinda does hereby declare March 2024 as Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month, and encourages all citizens to participate in prescription drug abuse-related prevention programs and activities; Be it also resolved that the Orinda City Council encourages all community members pledge to, “Spread the Word… One Pill Can Kill”.
Darlene Gee, Mayor
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Communication: Proclamation Declaring March 2024 as Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month (ITEMS FOR THE GOOD OF THE CITY) AGENDA TITLE: City Council Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve City Council Minutes:
1. February 20, 2024 Special Meeting
2. February 20, 2024 Regular Meeting
3. February 24, 2024 Special Meeting
ATTACHMENTS:
A. City Council Closed Session Minutes of February 20, 2024 B. City Council Minutes of February 20, 2024
C. City Council Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2024
Respectfully Submitted by:
Sheri Smith
City Clerk
Prepared By: Sheri Smith, City Clerk
Approved by:
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February 20, 2024
CITY OF ORINDA
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
6:00 PM - SPECIAL MEETING
A. CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL
Mayor Gee called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and City Manager Biggs called the roll. All Councilmembers were present.
OPEN SESSION IDENTIFICATION OF CLOSED SESSION MATTERS
The Closed Session Matters were identified.
C. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING CLOSED SESSION MATTERS
There were no public comments received.
D. CLOSED SESSION
A.CITY ATTORNEY PERFORMANCE EVALUATION. Pursuant to
Government Code Section 54957, Annual Performance Evaluation of City Attorney Osa Wolff
E. OPEN SESSION REPORT REGARDING CLOSED SESSION
There was no reportable action.
F. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 P.M.
_______________________
Sheri Marie Smith, City Clerk
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Attachment: City Council Closed Session Minutes of February 20, 2024 (3313 : City Council Minutes) Orinda City Council Minutes Page 1 of 12 02.20.24
FEBRUARY 20, 2024
CITY OF ORINDA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Note: Written communications received from the public prior to the start of this meeting can be viewed on the City’s website meeting calendar. They are also kept in the City Clerk’s Office as part of the public record and available upon request ([email protected]). 7:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING– GARDEN ROOM, ORINDA LIBRARY A. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL:
Mayor Gee called the Regular Meeting to order at approximately 7:05 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Brandyn Iverson, Inga Miller, Janet Riley Mayor Darlene Gee, Vice Mayor Latika Malkani
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: None.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Gee.
C. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION by Vice Mayor Malkani, and seconded by Councilmember Miller, to adopt the agenda. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) roll call vote.
D. ITEMS FOR THE GOOD OF THE CITY
D.1. Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar Kristin B. Connelly – Election Information
Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar, thanked the Council for the opportunity to provide an update on the March Primary. Her office serves as the County Clerk-Recorder, as well and she described their work to preserve records relating to real property and vital records.
Ms. Connelly described what is an important election year, and noted they are one of 16 jurisdictions in the country that was selected to be a center for election excellence, which came with $2 million to augment what their office is already doing. They are spending funds on cyber investments to help with disaster recovery and to prevent cyber threats and are also using a significant portion to launch a “Trust in Elections” campaign.
She introduced her Deputy, Tommy Gong, and described his work to lead the 11-County Coalition of Bay Area Elections Officials. Mr. Gong was also part of their success in the grant opportunity. They continue to work in collaboration with Bay Area Elections Officials to improve the voter experience and she provided examples.
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Attachment: City Council Minutes of February 20, 2024 (3313 : City Council Minutes) Orinda City Council Minutes Page 2 of 12 02.20.24
She presented the Primary’s complexities and outreach plans, the 37 voting places to serve voters on Election Day, the County Clerk Recorder Registrar’s office operations and what they offer, awards of distinction and excellence in terms of voting, a County snapshot, no party preference voter information, secure drop box locations, a snapshot of Orinda’s 15,000+ registered voters, noting 22% of voters in Orinda is higher than the rest of the County which is about 20% that are no party preference voters, 17 volunteers from Orinda to help in the Primary, and the highest turnout for in-person voting in the November 2022 election at Orinda City Hall with 194 voters. She then spoke about NPP voters who can request cross-over ballots, recordation of a Podcast which explains the no party preference and voters’ options.
People can vote in-person at the Walnut Creek City Hall starting March 1st, or at the County Elections offices between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at 555 Escobar, Martinez.
She asked to contact their office for any needs at [email protected] or call their office at 925-335-7800.
Ms. Connelly then described testing of equipment, ways to be supportive on how to vote in a cross over way, how people can re-register on a provisional basis, noted they encourage high school students to be poll workers, talked about safety with voting, the Secretary of State’s California high school voter education weeks, work to have more Californians voting, and increasing focus on youth engagement.
Mayor Gee opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
Mayor Gee and Councilmembers thanked Ms. Connelly for her presentation and recognized Ms. Connelly’s elections office excellence.
E. PUBLIC FORUM
There were no speakers.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Gee stated she received requests for removal of Items F.2 and F.3.
Councilmember Iverson referred to the Council minutes where Bob Finch made some comments regarding two members of the public whose feedback was attributed to Mr.
Finch. She asked, and the City Clerk agreed, to double check Joel and another speaker who were referenced.
F.1. City Council Minutes
Recommendation:
Approve City Council Minutes:
1. February 6, 2024 Special Meeting
2. February 6, 2024 Regular Meeting
MOTION by Councilmember Iverson, and seconded by Vice Mayor Malkani, to approve Consent Calendar Items F.1.1 and F.1.2. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) roll call vote.
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Attachment: City Council Minutes of February 20, 2024 (3313 : City Council Minutes) Orinda City Council Minutes Page 3 of 12 02.20.24
Items Removed from the Consent Calendar:
F.2. Approve Traffic Order #226 Restricting Parking on Claremont Avenue Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council Adopt Resolution 04-24 establishing regulations on Claremont Ave.
Public Works Director Scott Christie provided an overview of the item relating to approval of Traffic Order #226 restricting parking on Claremont Avenue, which was generated with reports of thefts from a resident regarding sight distance issues, the intersection where large trucks create obstructions, and blockage of traffic. Concerns also had to do with concerns about evacuations. Staff reviewed this and believed it warranted a study.
Staff took it to a traffic consultant and recommended a red curb be added in two locations around the curve on Claremont and a small section near the intersection of Crescent and Claremont, which is where the red curb will be.
Councilmember Iverson questioned the specific expertise staff was looking for when hiring the outside consultant and asked what warranted an in-depth study.
Mr. Christie explained the different certifications for civil and traffic engineers and said AMG did this particular dedicated study as a third party which has an advantage to provide a more unbiased opinion and conclusion and also adds credibility which provides another line of reasoning if the City were to get complaints.
Vice Mayor Malkani said there is a reference that this came to the City from a resident request, and she asked if it was one or more resident.
Mr. Christie said there was one resident who had specific details, reasons, and observations of this, but he was unsure if staff had spoken with any other residents.
Mayor Gee opened the Public Forum.
Carol Brown said she lives on Claremont Avenue, fully supports the no parking. and would say it does not go far enough. Claremont is a very narrow street and there are many neighbors who have large SUVs who park them on the street, which results in no way for two-way traffic. Her concern is that if someone needed medical help at the top of the hill an ambulance would not be able to get through. Some residents also do not get garbage picked up because the truck cannot get through. Her preference would be to have no parking at all on Claremont from its lower base to Berkeley.
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Attachment: City Council Minutes of February 20, 2024 (3313 : City Council Minutes) Orinda City Council Minutes Page 4 of 12 02.20.24
Tom Spalding echoed his wife’s comments about the width of the street and thinks there should be no parking at least from Berkeley down through the curve on Claremont. The traffic study was limited to sight lines and did not consider other factors which pose additional safety issues. He thanked the Council for the Red Flag Day signs which went up on Claremont and addresses his evacuation concerns, noted they have had trouble with garbage trucks getting up the hill, ambulances, and vehicles parked the wrong way up and down the hill. He thinks people should have enough parking on their property for vehicles they have and he asked to at least extend the no parking zone from Berkeley down through the curve, which the traffic engineer suggested.
Regarding evacuation safety, there are open drainage ditches on either side of the road which are traffic hazards. One car during an evacuation day would effectively turn Claremont into a one-way street and he strongly encouraged the City to consider putting steel grates over the drainage ditches between San Pablo Avenue and California Avenue.
Chivy Sok echoed thanks for the work that has been done to get the Red Flag Day signs and also to get this agenda item to where it is today. She concurred with Tom and Carolyn, added that Claremont and California are also where the school bus drop-off and pickup are, and many kids walk up and down the street without paying much attention.
When all cars are parked on the street, there is a narrow path, new young drivers, and people speed up the hill on Claremont to where it meets Berkeley, which is a very dangerous area. She also asked to make the evacuation zone clearer by putting a double yellow divider on the lane similar to other major areas to indicate the traffic flows two ways and it increases safety.
Mr. Christie said in terms of adding red curb, they asked the consultant to recommend what they thought was appropriate. His opinion is that they should go with the consultant’s recommendation and see how it works. He can see a reason to extend the area in some regards for other reasons; however, there are the Red Flag Day signs and based on the City’s experience, they are trying not to overdo it with signs.
Under the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices, adding double yellow lines on narrow roads is limited. In some of those areas they would find the road is too narrow to utilize them. Given the guidelines, it would open the City up to potential liability.
Regarding the drainage ditches, they did not look specifically at these. These situations exist throughout Orinda and, in some cases, there are delineators to guide vehicles away from them or pavement markers and white reflectors that can be used to help identify the edge. As far as adding grates, one issue would be maintaining them given they can collect debris and then cause drainage issues, so he did not think these would be feasible.
Councilmember Miller asked if there is anything in the guidelines that would prevent the City from further red striping areas as suggested by speakers.
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Attachment: City Council Minutes of February 20, 2024 (3313 : City Council Minutes) Orinda City Council Minutes Page 5 of 12 02.20.24
Mr. Christie said staff could see if there is a curb or berm available to stripe and look at extending it, but again, they did not attempt to increase the area that was recommended.
Councilmember Miller asked if an actual curb must be in place to paint.
Mr. Christie said normally it is a curb but there may be alternatives to have “no parking at any time” through use of a sign.
City Manager Biggs said under the OMC if the street is less than a certain width, even without a sign, it is still illegal to park a vehicle that extends out into the travel lane. If there is a consistent problem where residents contact the Police Department and the vehicle is violating the OMC, they can be cited.
Councilmembers voiced support of items that can be done to alert residents where it is infeasible to park so as not to block traffic from other vehicles, garbage or fire trucks, or ambulances, questioned trade-offs between safety and private homeowner rights if parking is taken away, safety being a priority, and suggestions to notify residents with public education and outreach, and other resources alerting them that citations could be issued if roads are blocked.
MOTION by Councilmember Iverson, and seconded by Vice Mayor Malkani, to approve Consent Calendar Items F.2. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) roll call vote.
F.3. Award of On-Call Land Development Plan Review Services Contract to Theis Engineering & Associates, Inc.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council award On-Call Land Development Plan Review Services Contract to Theis Engineering & Associates, Inc. (TEA) for fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-2025.
City Manager Biggs introduced the item and staff received a public comment questioning general contract provisions, and he indicated that this item is consistent with other contracts.
Public Works Director Christie provided an overview of the recommendation to approve an on-call contract which is for a branch of civil engineering that involves plan review for development. In this case, it would be for subdivisions but more so for single-family home additions or SB 9 minor lot splits. Staff has been using CSG to do this for the past 3 years and it has come time to go out for proposals. The City received 8 proposals, including one from CSG and staff had a team of 3 people to review the proposals. They determined that Theis Engineering & Associates demonstrated the highest level of experience and knowledge.
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Attachment: City Council Minutes of February 20, 2024 (3313 : City Council Minutes) Orinda City Council Minutes Page 6 of 12 02.20.24
Once they made the selection, they requested the firm submit their cost proposal which is normal practice. The contract is based on a time and materials basis, and if they are required to travel to a job site, they would be entitled to the IRS mileage rate, as well.
There were questions raised by the public, and their standard contract allows for the level of detail brought up in an email.
Regarding the billing increment in 10ths of an hour, he said normally it is one-half hour increment and is based upon past performance and trust-worthiness. The City also has the opportunity to cancel a contract if the firm is not meeting expectations. He noted the principals are former employees of Orinda, have been on their own for 2 years, have a current contract with the City for certain specialty work for closing out subdivisions, and is assisting the City with FEMA reimbursements.
A question was brought up about why is there a 10% mark-up. He explained that a consultant has to hire a subconsultant or have an extra charge and must cover the cost in terms of extending their own credit, administering that contract, and usually the City sees something in the 10% to 15% range, so the 10% is deemed acceptable and appropriate.
With respect to an administrator’s charge, there are different levels of employees which range from the Principal Engineers, an Administrator fee where the hourly rate is much less, and this would be for things that involve collating data or keeping track of charges relative to the plan review property. In staff’s view, it is more cost-effective to pay the admin fee rather than the engineering fee to do that, so there is no issue with that.
In summary, most costs are borne by the applicant so the net cost to the City is for the incremental amount where the firm is assisting with other staff coordination duties, upgrading ordinances, or fine-tuning SB 9 applications. Nevertheless, staff wants to hire the most competent firm to work for the City and he is confident this firm is the appropriate choice.
Mayor Gee said she was pleasantly amazed staff received 8 submittals given today’s industry and thinks this gives extra confidence to the selection process.
Councilmember Miller said the questions received were from an attorney and they commented about billing at 1/10th of an hour. When she looks at one, 3-minute time frame, she asked if they would not bill the client for 1/10th of an hour.
Mayor Gee confirmed that engineers do not charge in 10ths of an hour and this is something attorneys came up with.
Councilmember Iverson said her comment was that Mayor Gee might provide a second opinion because she is an engineer. In her construction and legal contract experience, markups on cost are a big no-no and they always take these out of the contract. So, this is not the norm, as well as subcontractors being marked up.
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Attachment: City Council Minutes of February 20, 2024 (3313 : City Council Minutes) Orinda City Council Minutes Page 7 of 12 02.20.24
Mayor Gee said she concurs with the presentation and some of the smaller work she does and things being asked for is more appropriate. Some of the larger scale projects is a bit different.
Mayor Gee opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
MOTION by Councilmember Miller, and seconded by Councilmember Riley, to approve Consent Calendar Items F.3. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) roll call vote.
G. PUBLIC HEARING – None.
H. POLICY MATTERS
H.1. Art in Public Places Committee Annual Report for Calendar Year 2023 Recommendation:
Staff recommends the City Council review and accept the Annual Report from the Art in Public Places Committee for calendar year 2023.
Parks and Recreation Director Todd Trimble gave an overview regarding the Annual Report from the Art in Public Places Committee. The report allows the Council and the community an opportunity to review what occurred in the year prior, and the report is for calendar year 2023. Staff will be requesting an amendment regarding the duration of the loan period at a future meeting, but he reiterated that the committee has done a lot of work on their website.
Rich Thompson, Chair, said this last year has been typical. The program has a pace of its own and they know what they like when they see it. They retired 3 pieces and received 3 new pieces. The community that has supported the program is fully intact and is expanding. The artists they were able to attract have gone onto do very important things, which he described, and said they appreciate the support of the Council and staff.
Mayor Gee opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
Mayor Gee and Councilmembers thanked Mr. Thompson for the Committee’s work and for the work that goes into having wonderful art pieces throughout town.
H.2. Supplemental Sales Tax Oversight Commission (SSTOC) Annual Report
Recommendation:
Review, discuss, and accept the FY 2022-23 SSTOC Annual Report, and provide direction, if any.
City Manager Biggs briefly introduced the item and said this will be the SSTOC’s third annual report. The City is still looking at best practices and believes the Commission has done a great job in capturing progress made.
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Attachment: City Council Minutes of February 20, 2024 (3313 : City Council Minutes) Orinda City Council Minutes Page 8 of 12 02.20.24
Melanie Light, SSTOC Chair, gave the Annual Report for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023, spoke about the SSTOC’s passion about wildfire mitigation in the City, as well as funding for roads and storm drains. She described California’s road report of D+, underscored the City’s goal to maintaining their PCI, the status of storm drains, the adhoc subcommittee that wrote the report as led by Commissioners Jud Hammon and Chris Decareau, and she said she would provide the wildfire and evacuation portion of the presentation.
She presented vegetation removal and information on the almost 3,000 inspections with approximately 2,000 failing inspections, noting residents fixed almost all of their problems when asked to remediate. She described the outreach and programming which is working in tandem with MOFD’s punitive approach, noted compliance checks do not include backyards, described the MOFD fire breaks, community education and outreach program, incentive program, chipper program and services, the work of Micki Cronin and James Duff with the community and schools, explained the interface with the Fire Safe Moraga-Orinda Council and Moraga-Orinda Firewise network, described the Chipper Program, noted there were 80 approved applications this year for the incentive program, spoke of SSTOC goals and accomplishments, contraflow evacuation exercises, Citywide events, and emphasized the need for professional surveys.
SSTOC Commissioner Jud Hammon described the City’s investment of more than $50 million to bring roads up to their current condition, spoke of the need to maintain roads, green infrastructure rules which will make things more expensive, expenditures on storm drains and the City’s work on the 2020 storm drain repair plan, the SSTOC’s audit by Maze and Associates, Measure R total revenue, expenditures, fund balance of $4.6 million, development of a reserve, 19% allocation for staff and consultant expenditures, 15% to reduce fire fuels in the City, 66% to roads, Measure L which is a half-cent sales tax and the predecessor to Measure R and its $3.1 million fund balance with a current balance of $925,000, noting that all of these monies went to storm drains and roads.
Commissioner Hammon stated along with Measure R and L which are being used to maintain roads and repair storm drains, the City’s CIP also funds work in wildfire risk reduction and for roads and storm drains. Much more needs to be done to increase the City’s defensible space and to address evacuation issues, on-going funds for maintenance for road and storm drain repairs, and the investment should reduce the City’s long-term costs.
Mayor Gee and Councilmembers thanked Chair Light and Commissioner Hammon for their presentation, commended the SSTOC on their volunteerism and accomplishments, spoke about funding resources and their importance, recognized resiliency efforts, fire science comments that chances are better that homes will be preserved in a wildfire if 80% of homes are properly mitigated, what the Council can do to help support continued efforts towards wildfire mitigation by getting funds out to the community, comments regarding PG&E’s tree removal, Fire Safe and the Moraga-Orinda Firewise network support, available State grants, and the SSTOC’s support for a professional survey.
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Attachment: City Council Minutes of February 20, 2024 (3313 : City Council Minutes) Orinda City Council Minutes Page 9 of 12 02.20.24
Mayor Gee opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers. She and Councilmembers thanked the SSTOC for their efforts and progress made.
H.3. Consider any Amendments and Adopt City Council Policy & Procedures Manual
Recommendation:
Adopt Resolution No. 01-24 adopting the City Council Policies and Procedures Manual.
City Clerk Sheri Smith stated there are amendments to be made to the Procedures Manual which are proposed mostly for clarity and consistency with current practices.
Staff proposes changes to Sections 4, 8 and 11, as follows:
• Section 4 deals with addressing the Council. If a member of the public were to hand a communication to an individual Councilmember, staff proposes to add a sentence saying they would provide that document to the City Clerk to share with the entire Council.
• Section 8 deals with a couple of sentences that were put into place in 1985 which are not consistent with current practices. Staff proposes removing them and has confirmed agreement with Mayor Gee on these.
• Section 11, under Administrative Matters, it states, “Councilmembers may elect to forward copies of emails related to agenda items to the City Clerk.” Staff proposes changing “may” to “….shall forward copies of emails related to agenda items to the City Clerk” as this is consistent with the City’s current practice.
Vice Mayor Malkani asked to clarify the procedures when the one Councilmember receives an email from the public. Some specifically relate to matters on an upcoming meeting and sometimes they do not. She asked in Section 11 whether the language adequately covers these types of scenarios.
City Manager Biggs said it is always helpful for staff to see if there are issues or concerns, and the Councilmembers should forward any emails to staff. There is a separate standard approach when something is on the agenda relating to the Brown Act. If a Councilmember was getting an email, even if they send it to the City Council and do not label it “public comment” and it is relating to an item on the agenda after it is published, it should be provided to all Councilmembers and to the public. The public should also be aware of a public comment if an item is on the agenda which the Clerk can copy and document for communications.
Mayor Gee added that Councilmembers often get emails where someone types in, “This is not a public comment” but it has come to the Councilmembers’ email addresses.
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Attachment: City Council Minutes of February 20, 2024 (3313 : City Council Minutes) Orinda City Council Minutes Page 10 of 12 02.20.24
City Attorney Osa Wolff clarified that any time a member of the public emails anyone on City staff or on the City Council about an item within the City’s jurisdiction, this is a public record per the Public Records Act. The sender or anyone wanting to communicate with the City Council can see a warning on the website that any email is not a confidential communication. If they would like to send an anonymous communication they can and use the Councilmember’s personal email, but, it is basically a public record.
Assuming it is a public record, the question in Section 11.1 has to do with obligations as individuals when Councilmembers receive a communication relating to an agenda item.
This is what the proposed rule involves. There is an option—to keep it as a “may” but the proposal from staff is to change it to “shall” to reflect what has been the Council’s practice and when staff has seen as best practice up and down the State.
Additionally, there has been a relatively recent change to the Brown Act which if it is a correspondence relating to an agenda item which comes after the agenda and if the communication goes to a majority or all Councilmembers then it is supposed to be concurrently shared with the public. The challenge is the City Clerk does not know when a member of the public has engaged in that communication unless the Councilmember actively forwarded the email. Once she has it, she can share it to the entire Council and to the public. This is not a mandate, but once the City Clerk finds the correspondence has occurred, she will share it that way.
City Clerk Smith clarified that normally it is the Mayor who forwards the email to her so she does not receive it from 5 different sources, and the Mayor is normally very good at this. If a Councilmember is the only recipient, that Councilmember should forward it to her.
Vice Mayor Malkani asked what occurs if a member of the public emails all 5 Councilmembers on a matter not on the agenda. Ms. Wolff said this is noted for the Council’s personal information but under the rules, Councilmembers are not obligated to send it to the City Clerk.
City Manager Biggs said in certain instances, if items are not on the agenda, a Councilmember may need to disclose ex-parte communications. The City Attorney described these as covered in a separate section. If a land use matter, staff will include that correspondence in the packet when it goes out and if there are late correspondence the Council learns of, they would disclose those in ex-parte communications unless already shared with the public.
Mayor Gee opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
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Attachment: City Council Minutes of February 20, 2024 (3313 : City Council Minutes) Orinda City Council Minutes Page 11 of 12 02.20.24
Councilmember discussion ensued regarding whether to preserve the word “may”, that the use of “shall” would ensure the City Clerk has all emails from the Council and could respond to requests, the ability for residents to contact Councilmembers via phone or other means, motivation behind the change for efficiency, the Clerk’s receipt of a PRA request for three years of Council emails, proposal for substitute language to state “….City Clerk will forward any public comments and they shall be put in the packet,” and a suggestion to add language to the website that emphasizes communications are part of the City’s public record.
City Attorney Wolff then described the Brown Act section that states that during that 72- hour window once a majority or all Councilmembers have received correspondence it should be made public, and whether that correspondence is limited to City-initiated correspondence. She said it does not make clear if a member of the public is included in that. To ensure compliance, once the City Clerk knows a majority of the Council or the entire Council received a correspondence about an agenda item within that 72-hour window, it is shared.
City Manager Biggs stated they all want to be open and transparent. It puts staff in an awkward position when they receive correspondence when people self-designate and staff has tended to default to ensuring they are as transparent as possible.
Vice Mayor Malkani asked and confirmed that the best practice for the City would be to include any emails relating to an agenda item in public comments regardless of what is stated in the email.
Ms. Wolff noted that if the Council would like to keep it as “may” but know that once the City Clerk receives information that it has gone to a majority, in order to comply with the Brown Act, she will share it.
Councilmember Miller agreed with the Mayor and said to make it objective people can contact Councilmembers on the phone and not email them.
EXTEND MEETING
MOTION by Vice Mayor Malkani Riley, and seconded by Councilmember Iverson, to extend the meeting to 10:10 p.m. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) roll call vote.
Vice Mayor Malkani proposed to approve all changes recommended as redlined, except in the second paragraph under Section 11.1, to change the paragraph to read as follows, “Councilmembers shall forward copies of emails they receive related to agenda items to the City Clerk, who may include such emails from the staff reports.” This way, the rules allow that to be disclosed but the preferred practice might be the current practice of only disclosing it if three or more Councilmembers received it.
City Clerk Smith said once you “shall forward a copy of an email to the City Clerk” her job is to forward it to Councilmembers and make it part of the record. So, she does not want the discretion to be on her only.
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Attachment: City Council Minutes of February 20, 2024 (3313 : City Council Minutes) Orinda City Council Minutes Page 12 of 12 02.20.24
Mayor Gee agreed that the City Clerk needs clear procedure. She still feels that emails should be considered public. If people have more sensitive items and do not want it in writing or in the public record they should find some other communication forum. Ms.
Wolff said staff could further clarify the language, and noted emails on staff reports that are received before the agenda packet is published are included with the agenda. She suggested more time to make this clearer, and City Clerk Smith agreed.
Mayor Gee asked and confirmed that the Council will approve the item and staff can bring back a separate Resolution for Section 11.
MOTION by Councilmember Riley, and seconded by Vice Mayor Malkani, to adopt Resolution No. 01-24 adopting the City Council Policies and Procedures Manual, as amended, with recommended amendments for Sections 4.1 and 8.1, and to continue consideration of amendments to Section 11.1 to a future meeting. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) roll call vote.
I. COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS – Councilmember Miller spoke about the privilege to work with the City Council, community, and staff. She contemplated whether she will run for election and, after much thought, she has decided not to run for re-election in November.
J. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT – City Manager Biggs reported that the Parks and Recreation Summer Guide is out, the Council Public Safety Committee meeting was held last week. The Chief presented and noted they are not seeing increases in crime.
K. MATTERS INITIATED – None.
L. ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:08.m. to the next Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. ______________________________________
Sheri Marie Smith, City Clerk
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Attachment: City Council Minutes of February 20, 2024 (3313 : City Council Minutes) Orinda City Council Minutes Page 1 of 2 02.11.23
FEBRUARY 11, 2023
CITY OF ORINDA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
9:00 A.M. – SPECIAL SESSION – VIA TELECONFERENCE
1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL:
Mayor Miller called the meeting to order at approximately 9:00 a.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Brandyn Iverson, Inga Miller, Janet Riley Vice Mayor Latika Malkani, Mayor Darlene Gee
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: None
2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Councilmember Iverson made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Malkani, to adopt the agenda as presented. The motion was carried unanimously by all present.
3. COMMISSION/COMMITTEE INTERVIEWS & APPOINTMENTS
3.1. Interview Applicants and Make Appointments for Vacancies on the City of Orinda Planning Commission, Parks & Recreation
Commission, Supplemental Sales Tax Oversight Commission (SSTOC), Historical Landmarks Committee, Art in Public Places Committee, Finance Advisory Committee, Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging, County Connection Citizens Advisory Committee, and County Connection Transportation Authority Citizen Advisory Committee
Councilmember Iverson stated that she would recuse herself from the interview with applicant Sunil Rajaraman and appointment discussion for any position he may be considered for due to a conflict of interest regarding a summer paid internship provided to her son.
With the exception noted above, Councilmembers interviewed applicants for the various Commissions, Committee, and Boards and made the following appointments and reappointments:
• Marian Jelinek, Planning Commission
• Kevin Schmidt, Planning Commission
• Steve Danziger, Parks & Recreation Commission
• Tara Presnell, Parks & Recreation Commission
• Jud Hammon, Supplemental Sales Tax Oversight Commission • Alex Weinstein, Supplemental Sales Tax Oversight Commission • Sunik Rajaraman, Supplemental Sales Tax Oversight Commission • Tania DeGroot, Historical Landmarks Committee
• Ted Urban, Art in Public Places Committee
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Attachment: City Council Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2024 (3313 : City Council Minutes) Orinda City Council Minutes Page 2 of 2 02.11.23
• James Keefe, Finance Advisory Committee
• Brad Scott, Finance Advisory Committee
• Jorge Escobar, Finance Advisory Committee
• Brandyn Haydu, Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
• Daryl Soe, Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
• Candace Evans, County Advisory Council on Aging
MOTION was made by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Riley, to make appointments listed above to the Planning Commission and Supplemental Sales Tax Oversight Commission. The vote carried 4-0-1. (Councilmember Iverson abstaining)
MOTION was made by Councilmember Malkani, seconded by Councilmember Riley, to make the appointments listed above to the remaining Commission/Committees. The motion included appointing Sarah Speron to either the Parks and Recreation Commission or the Traffic Advisory Committee depending on her interest in serving on one of them. The vote carried 5-0.
The City Clerk said she would reach out to see if Ms. Speron would accept the appointment.
D. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:30 p.m. to the regular meeting of the Orinda City Council to be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. .
______________________________________
Sheri Marie Smith, City Clerk
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Attachment: City Council Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2024 (3313 : City Council Minutes) City Council
Staff Report
Agenda Item: F.2
Date: March 5, 2024
Department:
Public Works and
Engineering Services
AGENDA TITLE: Adoption of Resolution 07-24 Authorizing Street Closure to Vehicular Traffic and Parking Restrictions on a portion of Orinda Way every Saturday between 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from April 1, 2024 to March 29, 2025 for the Contra Costa Certified Farmers’ Market
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution 07-24 authorizing the closure of a portion of Orinda Way (Traffic Order No. 227) to vehicular traffic to allow for space for farmers' market vendors.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa Certified Farmers’ Market (CCCFM) has provided Orinda with a Farmer’s Market since 1997. On February 7, 2023, the City Council approved a new three-year contract with CCCFM which continues the year round schedule from the previous contract. The Market is currently located (Attachment B) on a portion of Orinda Way between Rite Aid (27 Orinda Way) and the north end of the Community Park (adjacent to 200 Orinda Way) and operated every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
The City Council has annually approved two traffic orders to accommodate the operation of the Farmer’s Market: 1) providing for a full street closure; and 2) “no onstreet” parking restrictions for the portion of Orinda Way along frontage of #27 Orinda Way of Rite-Aid on Saturdays between 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
DISCUSSION:
The recommended traffic order resolution is consistent with the current approved expiring Traffic Order (TO# 207). This will maintain the expanded area that was used during the pandemic to allow for additional vendors when necessary. Vehicles will still have full access to all businesses in the area including the Post Office, the former Bank of America building, and other businesses as the parking lots of 200 Orinda Way and 27 Orinda Way are connected.
The Orinda Postmaster is aware of the street closure as their direct driveways will be closed during the event.
The City will continue to provide sufficient barricades and cones for the street closure to the Farmers’ Market personnel.
NEXT STEPS:
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Upon approval of the traffic order resolution, Staff will coordinate with the Market manager to implement the street closure and implement parking restrictions for the Farmer’s Market.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There will be minor costs associated with Staff onsite to open the park restroom and assist the market staff, vendors, and customers as needed.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Resoulution 07-24 Farmers Market Orinda Way Closure TO #227 B. Farmer's Market Boundary
Respectfully Submitted by:
Scott Christie
Public Works Director
Prepared By: Kevin McCourt, Assistant Engineer
Approved by:
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BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ORINDA
In the Matter of:
Authorizing the Closure of a Portion
of Orinda Way along the frontage of
#27 Orinda Way of Rite-Aid from the
Southerly Driveway to the Driveway
of #200 Orinda Way
)
)
)
)
)
Resolution No. 07-24
Traffic Order No. 227
WHEREAS, the City Council is ordering the closure of a portion of Orinda Way between 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to permit the operation of a Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning from April 1, 2024 through March 29, 2025; and WHEREAS, the operation of the Farmers’ Market requires the full use of the paved portion on Orinda Way from the southerly driveway of #27 Orinda Way of RiteAid to the driveway of #200 Orinda Way; and WHEREAS, an engineering study has concluded that the closure of the street and restriction of parking will contribute to safer conditions during the hours of operations of the Farmers' Market; and
WHEREAS, under Section 21101, paragraph (e) of the Vehicle Code, a local authority may adopt by resolution, a temporary closure of a street for a special event when necessary for the safety and protection of the users of the street during the event.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Orinda hereby authorizes the street closure and prohibition of all parking, except parking of vehicles that are an integral part of the Farmers Market operation, on the portion of Orinda Way from the southerly driveway of #27 Orinda Way of Rite-Aid to the driveway of #200 Orinda Way every Saturday between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. from April 1, 2024 for one year.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Orinda at a regular meeting on March 4, 2024 by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
______________________
Darlene K. Gee, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Sheri Marie Smith, City Clerk
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Attachment: Resoulution 07-24 Farmers Market Orinda Way Closure TO #227 (3311 : 2024 Farmer's Market Street Closure Parking Restrictions) Northern Boundary
200 Orinda Way
Southern Boundary
27 Orinda Way
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Attachment: Farmer's Market Boundary (3311 : 2024 Farmer's Market Street Closure Parking City Council
Staff Report
Agenda Item: H.1
Date: March 5, 2024
Department: Planning Department
AGENDA TITLE: Housing Element Annual Progress Report for Calendar Year 2023 RECOMMENDATION:
Review the Housing Element Annual Progress Report for Calendar Year 2023 and direct staff to file the Report with the appropriate state agencies.
BACKGROUND:
On January 31, 2023, the City Council adopted the 6th Cycle Housing Element (see Attachment A) as part of the Plan Orinda project, which also included adoption of the Downtown Precise Plan and the Safety Element Update. Following adoption, the Housing Element was submitted to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for review. On March 30, 2023, HCD certified the City’s Housing Element, having determined it to be in full compliance with state Housing Element law (see Attachment B).
As required by State law (Government Code Section 65400), every year the City must report in the Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR) progress towards meeting the City’s assigned Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) and the status of program implementation. Orinda was assigned 1,359 RHNA units for the 6th Cycle Housing Element. The APR must be considered at a public meeting of the City Council, and members of the public must have an opportunity to provide oral testimony and written comments. The APR is due April 1 of each year for the preceding year and is considered overdue 60 days after April 1.
Along with approving the Plan Orinda project, including the Housing Element, the City prepared and concurrently adopted an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on January 31, 2023. An organization named Orindans for Safe Emergency Evacuation (OSEE) has challenged the City’s Plan Orinda approvals and the EIR as prepared under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The current status of the litigation does not affect the contents of the attached APR. Although this litigation has challenged certain aspects of the EIR, regardless of the legal outcome, the City currently remains obligated to implement its adopted and state-certified Housing Element. The City’s Housing Element obligations include submitting the state-mandated APR to HCD and to the State Office of Planning & Research (OPR) no later than April 1.
SUMMARY:
The 2023 APR reports on the City’s progress towards meeting the Housing Element’s goals for the 2023 calendar year (January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023) (see Attachment C).
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The 6th Cycle Housing Element planning period began January 31, 2023, and lasts until January 31, 2031. While the 6th Cycle planning period officially started January 31, 2023, there is a “projection period” prior to the start of the planning period. Per the HCD Sites Inventory Guidebook, the “projection period” is defined as the time period for which the regional housing need is calculated (Government Code Section 65588(f)(2)).
This projection period is from June 30, 2022, to January 30, 2023. Housing units that are approved or constructed during the projection period count toward the 6th Cycle Housing Element. Units that were approved or constructed from June 30, 2022, to December 31, 2022, of the projection period were reported in last year’s 2022 APR.
For the 2023 calendar year, housing units that were approved or constructed between January 1, 2023, to January 30, 2023, fall into the “projection period.” Housing units approved or constructed after the start of the planning period, January 31, 2023, fall into the 2023 column in the APR (see Table 1 below and Table B in the APR).
In the 2023 reporting year, building permits were issued for a total of 34 new housing units. Of the 34 units, 6 were detached, above-moderate income, single-family residences, and 28 units were moderate-income, non-deed-restricted Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Table A2 in the APR provides more detail on each unit that was issued a building permit in 2023.
Table 1. Building Permits Issued: January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023 Income Level Projection Period*
(January 1, 2023 –
January 30, 2023)
Planning Period
(January 31, 2023 –
December 31, 2023)
Total
(for 2023
calendar year)
Very Low 0 units 0 units 0 units
Low 0 units 0 units 0 units
Moderate 2 units 26 units 28 units
Above Moderate 1 unit 5 units 6 units
3 units 31 units 34 units
*The projection period (end of the 5th Cycle) began June 30, 2022, and lasted until January 30, 2023. Table 1 lists the projection period only for the 2023 reporting year. A total of 13 moderate units and 3 above-moderate units were issued building permits during the entire projection period.
The APR must also report the City’s progress towards meeting the programs listed in the Housing Element. Table D in the APR lists each program, the deadline for implementation, and progress towards completion of the program. Because the 6th Cycle Housing Element planning period began on January 31, 2023, and the APR must report on the entire 2023 calendar year, Table D reports on the progress toward program implementation for both the 5th Cycle and 6th Cycle. The 6th Cycle includes a total of 33 programs that must be implemented throughout the planning period. Some programs include a specific deadline, such as rezoning programs that have a three-year and 120-day deadline, whereas other programs are ongoing or completed annually.
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NEXT STEPS:
Based on Council review and direction, staff will file the Annual Progress Report with the State Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD) and the State Office of Planning & Research (OPR).
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approving the Annual Progress Report does not have a fiscal impact. However, there could be legal costs to the City if the report is not approved by the City Council in a timely manner based on Government Code Section 65400, which states in part:
If a court finds, upon a motion to that effect, that a city, county, or city and county failed to submit, within 60 days of the deadline established in this section, the housing element portion of the report required pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) that substantially complies with the requirements of this section, the court shall issue an order or judgment compelling compliance with this section within 60 days.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. 6th Cycle Housing Element
B. HCD Letter of Certification – March 30, 2023
C. Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year Respectfully Submitted by:
Robert Reber
Prepared By: Robert Reber,
Approved by:
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Jurisdiction Orinda
Reporting Year 2023 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
1 2 3 4
Name of Program Objective Timeframe in H.E Status of Program Implementation 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 1.A: ORINDA GROVE
DEVELOPMENT
Facilitate redevelopment/reuse of the former Pine Grove School as a mixed-income residential development including 8 moderate-income housing units and 65 market-rate
housing units.
Facilitate the production of at least 42 new
single-family homes (suitable for moderateand above-moderate income households) between 2014 and 2022 (RHNA period).
Facilitate completion of 8 units of owneroccupied housing affordable to moderate income households on the former Pine
Grove School site. Provide for a diversity of
housing types to meet current and future
needs of all residents without compromising
the semi-rural character of Orinda's singlefamily neighborhoods. Encourage planned unit developments,
which allow variations from
development standards provided that the
overall density of the site remains
consistent with the General Plan.
2014-2015
Redevelopment of the former Pine Grove School was completed in 2015 as the Orinda Grove project. It is a mixed-income residential development with 8 below-market rate (BMR) units reserved for households earning moderate incomes and with 65 marketrate units.
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
Housing Programs Progress Report
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing element.
Table D
Program Implementation Status pursuant to GC Section 65583 H.1.c
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 1.B: MONTEVERDE SENIOR APARTMENTS
DEVELOPMENT
Facilitate continued development and construction of the Monteverde Senior
Apartments development on the former Orinda Library site. This development will produce 66 units of housing for very low- and extremely low-income seniors at a density of
48 units per acre and is anticipated to be completed in December 2014.
Facilitate completion of 66 units of 2014
housing for very low- and extremely lowincome seniors at the Monteverde Senior Apartments Project. Provide for a diversity
of housing types to meet current and future
needs of all residents without compromising
the semi-rural character of Orinda's singlefamily neighborhoods. Participate in those housing assistance programs that are most
appropriate to Orinda's setting and
demographics, with an amphasis on
programs that benefit local seniors and
those who live or work in Orinda. Continue
to provide density bonuses for housing that
includes dedicated affordable untis or units
set aside for seniors, consistent with state
law.
2014
The City facilitated the development and construction of the Monteverde Senior Apartments development on the former Orinda Library site. The development produced 66 BMR units for very low- and extremely low-income seniors at a density of 48 units per acre. The construction was completed in November 2014 and the development was fully occupied in December 2014.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 1.C: PROMOTION OF SECOND UNITS Continue to implement a public information and outreach campaign via the City’s website and the Orinda City newsletter to inform property owners of the standards for second unit development and the importance of second units to Orinda. Provide information to encourage residents to apply for second units, particularly where their homes already include space that is configured for a conforming second unit (e.g., carriage houses, au pair quarters, second kitchens on floors with separate entrances). The City will produce a flyer regarding second units and provide the flyer at the Planning Department counter and to project applicants for all discretionary land use applications. On average, a total of 93 discretionary land use applications, mainly for residential development projects, are considered annually by the Planning Department. Many of the projects are on property that could support the development of a second unit. In addition, the City will publish at least annually informational materials pertaining to second units through a combination of media including the City’s website and direct mailings.
Promote public education about second
units, including letting residents know about
the benefits at the Planning Counter in
coversations.
Ongoing
During the 5th planning period, the City implemented a public information and outreach campaign via the City's website and newsletter to inform property owners of the standards for second unit development as well as the importance and opportunities second units provide the City for affordable housing. Applicants at the Planning Department counter continue to be informed of the second unit standards and, as appropriate, encouraged to consider, including a second unit in their development proposals.
On August 1, 2017, City Council approved Ordinance 17-03 consistent with the new state law. In January 2020, state law required local jurisdictions to ministerially approve “accessory dwelling units" (ADUs) when units meet a set of minimum standards. 68 building permits for ADUs were issued from 2015 through 2022. 2015: 3
2016: 2
2017: 7
2018: 4
2019: 7
2020: 9
2021: 21
2022: 15
The City maintains an ADU page on the City’s website that provides details on the ADU ordinance and answers to Frequently Asked Questions. The City is also working on creating an ADU handout to provide more information on the requirements.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 1.D: LEGALIZATION OF EXISTING UNREGISTERED
SECOND UNITS
Notify property owners that under the revised second dwelling unit standards, formerly illegal second units may possibly now meet the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.
Promote the registration and
legalization of existing second units in the
city that meet current zoning and building
safety standards, including those which are
in active use as rental housing and those
with the potential to be used as rental units.
Facilitate development of 57 second units
between 2014 and 2022. Based on
prevailing market rents (and the analysis in
Chapter 4 of this element), it is presumed
that 2 of these units will be affordable to
very low-income households, 13 to lowincome households, and 38 to moderateincome households.
Ongoing
One building permit was issued in 2018 for the legalization of an existing second unit that was entitled and reported in 2017. With new state laws that went into effect on January 1, 2020, we expect to see more legalization of unregistered second units. 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 1.E: SECOND UNITS IN WILDER
(GATEWAY VALLEY)
Encourage builders in the Wilder development to include second units in new homes or to incorporate space with the flexibility for second unit conversions in the future.
Encourage the incluson of second units in
new single-family homes, and support the
creation of such units in existing singlefamily homes, subject to design criteria of the Zoning Ordinance and building code
standards as well as neighborhood
compatibility considerations. Facilitate
development of 57 second units between
2014 and 2022. Based on prevailing market
rents (and analysis in Chapter 4 of this
element), it is presumed that 2 of these
units will be affordable to very low-income
households, 13 to low-income households,
38 to moderate-income households.
Ongoing
During the 5th planning period, the City encouraged builders in the Wilder development to include second units in new homes and/or incorporate space so the flexibility for second unit conversions were a viable option in the future. As a result, 9 approvals for ADUs were granted in the Wilder subdivision:
2015: 4
2016: 0
2017: 2
2018: 1
2019: 0
2020: 1
2021: 0
2022: 1
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 1.F: AFFORDABLE HOUSING INCENTIVE PROGRAM Continue to implement the City’s affordable housing incentive program (density bonus ordinance), which grants up to a 35 percent increase in the number of permitted units for developments which set aside 20 percent or more of their units as affordable, as defined by state law.
Participate in those housing assistance
programs that are most appropriate to
Orinda's setting and demographics,
with an emphasis on programs that benefit
local seniors and those who live or work in
Orinda.
Facilitate completion of 66 units of housing
for very low- and extremely low-income
seniors at the Monteverde Senior
Apartments Project.
Ongoing
The City continued to implement the City’s affordable housing incentive program through the Density Bonus program that allowed for a 35-percent increase in the number of permitted units for developments. Through the City’s affordable housing program, 66 units restricted to extremely low- and very low-income households were developed for the Monteverde Senior Housing project. Without the program, approximately 55 units would have been allowed on the project site. The development was competed in November 2014 and fully occupied in December 2014.
The City intends to update the density bonus provisions of the Orinda Municipal Code to be consistent with current state law.
5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 1.G: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO
ORGANIZATIONS THAT CAN DEVELOP OR PRESERVE LOWERCOST HOUSING Provide outreach and assistance to nonprofit
organizations and builders whose expertise
can inure to the benefit of low- and moderate-income Orinda residents, particularly
seniors and those with special needs.
Participate in those housing assistance
programs that are most appropriate to
Orinda's setting and demographics, with an
emphasis on programs that benefit local
seniors and those who live or work in
Orinda.
Facilitate completion of 66 units of housing
for very low- and extremely low-income
seniors at the Monteverde Senior
Apartments Project.
Ongoing
The City provided technical assistance to organizations that help develop or preserve lower-cost housing, particularly seniors and those with special needs. In 2014, the City worked successfully with Eden Housing to develop 66 units affordable to extremely lowand very low-income senior households at the Monteverde Senior Housing project. The project includes one manager’s unit affordable at the moderate-income level.
In September 2021, an application for a 52-unit affordable senior housing project named “Vista Verde Senior Housing Project” was submitted. The City approved the project in August 2022.
5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 2.A: ASSISTANCE TO LOWER-INCOME SENIOR
HOMEOWNERS
Participate in Contra Costa County’s housing
rehabilitation program, and publicize the availability of the County’s low interest loan programs for lower-income seniors and other households.
Encourage reinvestment in the city's
housing stock by private property owners.
Encourage 10 existing very low-income
Orinda households to participate in the
County’s major rehabilitation loan program.
Ongoing
Due to the national emergency declaration prompted by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the County faced difficulties executing this program, due to both limited contact with COVID-19 at-risk clients as well as construction and permit constraints.
Thirty-five projects under this program were funded and completed within the unincorporated county since 2014, with 14 households at 30% of the area median income (AMI), 7 households at 50% AMI, 12 households at 80% AMI, and 2 at 120% AMI.
The County provides information about the Neighborhood Preservation Program on the County’s website, public access cable channels, through notices in the media, and via presentations given periodically.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 2.B: PARTICIPATION IN FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER AND
MCC PROGRAMS
Participate in the County’s First-Time Homebuyer and Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) programs.
Encourage reinvestment in the city's
housing stock by private property owners.
Encourage the preservation of existing
affordable housing in the city, including the
Orinda Senior Village, and existing second
units and rental apartments. Conserve
Orinda's existing supply of smaller and
more affordable single-family homes,
including older two- and three-bedroom
homes on lots smaller than 10,000 square
feet.
2015
The City continues to participate in the first-time homebuyer and MCC programs. Due to limited time and resources, the City did not take additional steps to advertise the program's availability during the planning period. As noted in the Housing Element, the City will coordinate with County staff on implementing this program more proactively into the next planning period.
5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 2.C: HOME MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PROGRAMS Advertise the availability of existing home maintenance, repair, and improvement programs such as the low- and zero-interest loans offered through Contra Costa County’s Neighborhood Preservation Program.
Consider applying for additional grant funding to assist homeowners with addressing ADA accessibility modifications to their homes.
Conduct code enforcement on a complaint-driven basis to address safety and code compliance issues.
Encourage reinvestment in the city's
housing stock by private property owners.
Preserve 100 percent of the existing multifamily rental units in the city through 2023.
Preserve 100 percent of the existing
housing in the city's nonresidential zoning
districts through 2023. Encrourage 10
existing very low-income Orinda
households to participate in the County's
major rehabiltiation loan program.
2015
(advertising)
and 2017
(funding)
The City participates in Contra Costa County's Neighborhood Preservation Program. Due to limited time and resources, the City did not take additional steps to advertise the program's availability during the planning period. As noted in the Housing Element, the City will coorindate with County staff on implementing this program more proactively. 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 2.D: SECOND UNIT RENT DATA
Continue to collect and monitor data on second unit rents to better understand their role in the Orinda housing market and the income groups they serve.
Encourage the preservation of existing
affordable housing in the city, including
the Orinda Senior Village, and existing
second units and rental apartments.
Ongoing
The City collected and monitored data periodically on second unit rents using online rental forums, such as Craigslist. The average rental prices surveyed for similar residential ADUs within or near Orinda in 2019 was about $1,568. In 2020, the average was approximately $1,755. The income limits for lower-income 4-person households were $61,950 in 2019 and $65,250 in 2020. A household typically uses 30 percent of its income for housing. The ADUs surveyed are affordable to both moderate- and lowerincome households. 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 2.E: FLOOR AREA RATIO LIMITS
Maintain a sliding scale for calculating floor area ratios (FAR) as a way to preserve the city’s existing stock of smaller homes.
Encourage reinvestment in the city's
housing stock by private property owners.
Conserve Orinda's existing supply of
smaller and more affordable single-family
homes, including older two- and threebedroom homes on lots smaller than 10,000 square feet.
Ongoing
The Planning Staff successfully implemented this program by continuing to implement structure size limitations that can be found in the City's Zoning Code (Orinda Municipal Code Section 17.6.8).
5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 2.F: DESIGN AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Develop a new category in the Mayor’s Awards for Architectural Excellence for small homes or modifications to existing small homes.
Encourage reinvestment in the city's
housing stock by private property owners.
Conserve Orinda's existing supply of
smaller and more affordable single-family
homes, including older two- and threebedroom homes on lots smaller than 10,000 square feet.
2015
In 2016, the Mayor's Award for Architectural Excellence was presented to Eden Housing's Monteverde Senior Housing project, which included 66 multifamily units. The Mayor’s Award for Architectural Excellence was changed and is now the Mayor’s Award of Excellence.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 2.G: REDUCTION IN HOME ENERGY COSTS Continue to advise residents of programs for reducing residential energy costs.
Encourage reinvestment in the city's
housing stock by private property owners. Ongoing To ensure energy cost reduction information was made publicly available, the City provided pamphlets on assistance programs in the Planning Department waiting area. 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 2.H: TITLE 24 ADMINISTRATION
Continue to enforce residential energy conservation requirements as set forth in Title 24, California Administrative Code.
Encourage reinvestment in the city's
housing stock by private property owners. Ongoing During the 5th planning period, the City continued to enforce the residential energy conservation requirements. 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 3.A: DOWNTOWN
Study the feasibility of mixed-use development at appropriate densities.
Continue to allow multi-family
residential uses above the ground floor
within Orinda’s Downtown Commercial
zoning district.
2018
The City allowed residential units above commercial uses that are part of a mixed-use development with a general use permit, per Orinda Municipal Code Sections 17.8.4 and 17.31. In 2020, Orinda started a Downtown Precise Plan that will increase the allowed density in the Downtown Commercial Zone and allow residential use in the Downtown Office Zone where it is currently prohibited. The Downtown Precise Plan was adopted in January 2023.
5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 3.B: ADJUSTMENT OF DESIGN STANDARDS TO IMPROVE
AFFORDABILITY
Implement the City’s Affordable Housing Incentive Program to reduce production costs in projects containing affordable units such as adjusting design standards on a case-by-case basis, which could include adjusting standards for setbacks, lot coverage, street width, unit size, and parking, for all affordable housing projects.
Meet annually with at least one affordable
housing developer or representative of an
affordable housing advocacy group to
discuss housing issues, needs, and
opportunities in Orinda.
Encourage larger-scale residential
developments to include a mix of unit types,
including smaller units and units that are
affordable to lower- and moderate-income
households.
2015
The City continued to adjust design standards to improve affordability. Completed in December 2014, the Monteverde Senior Apartments project provided 66 units of housing for very low- and extremely-low-income seniors. This project made use of the City's Affordable Housing Incentive Program to build at a higher density than usually allowed by code.
The City continued to meet with interested housing developers on an ongoing basis. As applications for affordable units or mixed-income housing developments were submitted, the City proactively worked with the applicants to address issues of parking, traffic, and design, and explored ways to reduce the cost of developing such housing in Orinda on a case-by--case basis. The Planning staff educates applicants of the applicable zoning regulations and application process. Most recently, Planning staff actively worked with the applicant of the senior housing project at 10 Irwin Way prior to submittal.
5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 3.C: SHARED HOUSING PROGRAM
Consider participating in ECHO housing’s “Shared Housing” or some similar program as a way to improve housing opportunities for lowerincome seniors and extremely low-income Orinda residents.
Encourage the sharing of housing units by
homeowners seeking to age in place or
supplement their income. Shared housing
can provide an important resource for
seniors, young adults, and others in the
community who cannot afford their own
home or apartment.
2016
Due to limited time and staff resources since approval of the Housing Element in 2015, the City did not take action to pursue a partnership with ECHO or other similar programs to establish a shared senior housing program in Orinda. The City will join in the County program in the future, based on available funding and staffing.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 3.D: NO NET LOSS OF HOUSING CAPACITY Develop and implement an evaluation procedure to ensure the City maintains sufficient land to accommodate the Regional Housing Needs Allocation throughout the planning period. Because Orinda has a limited number of sites on which it can meet its Regional Housing Needs Allocation for low- and very low-income households during the planning period, it is important that the availability of these sites be monitored. Section 65863 of the California Government Code stipulates that a community may not reduce the allowable density on a housing site if the result is that the city is no longer able to meet its Regional Housing Needs Allocation. The City will comply with Government Code 65863.
5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 3.E: HOUSING SITE(S)
As a part of the 5th Cycle Housing Element,
the City considered anew whether to rely on
the 3.2-acre Santa Maria site to help meet
the City’s RHNA for lower-income
households. The City selected the Santa
Maria site in EIR Alternative 1 to zone at up
to 20 dwelling units per acre (the “default
density” under State law) in order to
accommodate 48 units of the City’s
allocation of lower income households.
Through this Action, the City will initiate and
process an amendment of the development
policies (i.e., general plan, zoning and/or
zoning map) applicable on the selected site
to replace the existing High Density Overlay
District on the site with policies to
accommodate a total of 48 units at up to 20
dwelling units per acre (the “default density”
under State law). This will be a public
process. The precise wording of the
development policies and configuration of
the area covered will be determined
through that public process.
Ongoing
The City of Orinda had a limited number of sites available to meet its RHNA allocation during the planning period. As a result, the Planning Department continued to monitor the sites identified in the Housing Element as both zoning changes and multifamily housing sites became proposed.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 3.E: HOUSING SITE(S)
As a part of the 5th Cycle Housing Element, the City considered anew whether to rely on the 3.2 acre Santa Maria site to help meet the City’s RHNA for lower income households. The City selected the Santa Maria site in EIR Alternative 1 to zone at up to 20 dwelling units per acre (the “default density” under State law) in order to accommodate 48 units of the City’s allocation of lower income households. Through this Action, the City will initiate and process an amendment of the development policies (i.e., general plan, zoning and/or zoning map) applicable on the selected site to replace the existing High Density Overlay District on the site with policies to accommodate a total of 48 units at up to 20 dwelling units per acre (the “default density” under State law). This will be a public process. The precise wording of the development policies and configuration of the area covered will be determined through that public process.
Maintain an adequate number and
variety of sites to meet the City’s
Regional Housing Needs Allocation. Meet
Orinda's Regional Housing Needs
Allocation mandates through a
combination of second units and
rezoning of adequate land area at the
default density.
Within 2 years of
Adoption of Housing
Element
On April 12, 2016, the Orinda City Council approved revisions to the use permit process in the RM District to accommodate the allocated 48 units for lower-income households. The HD overlay was applied to 2.4 acres of the Santa Maria site at 20 units per acre, for a capacity of 48 units per acre.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 3.F: EXTREMELY LOW-INCOME HOUSING. Encourage additional housing resources for extremely low-income Orinda residents, particularly seniors and persons with physical or developmental disabilities. The Needs Assessment in Chapter 3 identified 283 extremely low-income owner-occupied households and 156 extremely low-income renter households in Orinda. Based on Census data, the majority of these households are headed by seniors.
Other extremely low-income households in the city include persons with disabilities, low wage workers, and the long-term unemployed.
The City encourages the creation of additional housing resources for extremely low-income households. Since a majority of Orinda’s extremely low-income residents are homeowners, programs to assist in home repair and maintenance through low-cost loans or grants are strongly supported. The City may also encourage the inclusion of extremely low-income units within new affordable rental developments.
In addition, affordable housing tenant selection should place a priority on extremely low-income persons. The Monteverde Senior Apartments development now under construction exemplifies both of these provisions—it includes units reserved for extremely low-income persons and a tenant selection process that focuses on extremely lowincome households. Similar measures may be included in the event affordable housing is built for persons with developmental disabilities or other physical disabilities.
The City will also encourage context-appropriate solutions to meet the housing needs of other extremely low-income households in Orinda, including individuals and families. These include shared housing opportunities, second units, small group homes, and transitional housing. Activities such as grant and funding assistance, priority processing, deferral of impact fees until issuance of certificates of occupancy, and support for applications to create new housing units will be supported in the future. The Planning Department will produce an informational pamphlet regarding assistance and resources available to all extremely low-income households and to persons with Maintain an adequate number and
variety of sites to meet the City’s
Regional Housing Needs Allocation. Meet
Orinda's Regional Housing Needs
Allocation mandates through a
combination of second units and
rezoning of adequate land area at the
default density.
Ongoing
The Monteverde Senior Apartments development completed in 2014 includes units reserved for extremely low-income persons with a tenant selection process that focuses on extremely low-income households.
5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 4.A: REVISE THE USE PERMIT
REQUIREMENTS
Revise the use permit process in the
Residential Medium-Density (RM) District.
Ensure that Orinda’s permitting and
approval processes do not unduly constrain
or delay the construction of housing. City
procedures should be
consistent with Permit Streamlining Act
requirements and should not include
unreasonable fees or regulations.
Within 1 year
of adoption
of Housing
Element
On April 12, 2016, the Orinda City Council approved revisions to the use permit process in the RM District to accommodate the allocated 48 units for lower-income households.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 4.B: REDUCTION OF PERMITTING COSTS AND DELAYS Explore the feasibility of expanding the City’s Affordable Housing Incentive Program to add provisions for reductions in application processing costs for multi-family projects containing affordable units.
Ensure that Orinda’s permitting and
approval processes do not unduly constrain
or delay the construction of housing. City
procedures should be consistent with
Permit Streamlining Act requirements and
should not include unreasonable fees or
regulations. Make a "completeness"
determination for planning applications
within two weeks or less for 80 percent of
all applications received, rather than waiting
the full 30 days allowed by the Permit
Streamlining Act.
Provide at least one workshop or
training seminar a year to assist
owners, builders, contractors, and
others with understanding Orinda's
development process and requirements.
Ongoing
The Planning Staff continued to make completeness determinations ahead of the 30- day completeness deadline. To ensure housing for low-income and special-needs households development impact fee waivers continued to be available for affordable housing projects. Applicants can come to the counter and speak to planning staff regarding the City’s process and have one-on-one discussions about potential projects.
Planning Staff also have a Conceptual Development Review (CDR) pre-application that allows applicants to submit a potential project and obtain written comments on their preliminary project prior to formal submittal of a discretionary application. 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 4.C: SHARED PARKING
REGULATIONS
Consider adopting shared parking regulations where it can be demonstrated that there will be no parking shortages.
Consider flexibility in development
standards, such as reduced parking
requirements for senior housing, in order to
accommodate additional affordable units
and reduce housing costs.
2016
In 2020, the City adopted a parking variance in-lieu fee that permitted developers to pay an in-lieu fee for nonresidential development parking requirements. The City continues to consider expanding the parking variance in-lieu ordinance to residential development in the future. As of January 1, 2023, state law allows reduced parking requirements near transit stations.
5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 4.D: BUILDING CODE UPDATES
Continue to implement the California Building Code of Regulations as locally amended.
Update or amend the codes as state requirements change.
Ensure that Orinda’s permitting and
approval processes do not unduly constrain
or delay the construction of
housing.
Ongoing
The City established both a permitting process and a streamlined process for small residential solar energy systems. The City continued to implement building codes as required by the state.
5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 4.E: FEE UPDATES
Periodically review planning and building fees to ensure they cover required costs but are not more than is necessary to provide the required City services.
Ensure that Orinda’s permitting and
approval processes do not unduly constrain
or delay the construction of housing.
Annually The Planning Department's fees were updated annually to reflect actual processing costs during the planning period.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 5.A: FAIR HOUSING PROGRAM
Distribute information regarding fair housing issues in the City’s quarterly newsletter, at the Orinda Library, and at City offices.
Continue to promote equal housing
opportunity for all Orinda residents and
others seeking housing in the city,
regardless of race, religion, marital/family
status, ethnic background, or other arbitrary
factors. Support programs that educate and
inform residents about fair housing laws,
the Regional Housing Needs
Allocation process, and the City's
obligations under state housing law. Follow
up on 100 percent of all fair housing
complaints received by the City.
Ongoing
The City continues to include Fair Housing information in quarterly newsletters, the Orinda Library, and at City offices. This policy remains active. There were no fair housing complaints from 2015 - 2020. Articles regarding affordable homeownership at Orinda Grove were included in past newsletters to highlight available opportunities for affordable housing.
5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 5.B: LOCAL PREFERENCE IN
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
Continue measures to ensure that persons who work in Orinda receive preference in the occupancy of new affordable for-sale housing units.
Support programs that educate and inform
residents about fair housing laws, the
Regional Housing Needs Allocation
process, and the City's obligations under
state housing law.
Ongoing
From 2015-2020, the local preference program provisions were incorporated into the established below-market rate (BMR) program for the Orinda Grove project. The program was initiated in 2014 and began with 8 BMR units. Of the 8 initial applicants, 7 were employed in Orinda. In 2019, a unit was sold, and by 2020, 6 units were estimated to be occupied by persons who work in Orinda. 5TH CYCLE PROGRAMACTION 5.C: ASSISTANCE FOR PERSONS
WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.
Support the construction and rehabilitation of housing to meet the needs of Orinda residents with developmental disabilities, including small group homes and units in affordable housing developments that are designed for developmentally disabled persons.
Encourage the development of
housing designed to meet the unique needs
of seniors and persons with disabilities. The
City endorses the concept of universal
design, wherein all new construction and
renovations
are designed to recognize the varying
levels of mobility in the population.
Ongoing
Several of the units in the Monteverde project included universal design features to accommodate the unique needs of seniors and persons with disabilities. In January 2021, a memory care facility with 38 assisted-living units was approved at 1 Wilder Rd.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 1.A: DOWNTOWN PRECISE PLAN. Adopt the Downtown
Precise Plan (DPP) to allow for the development of high-density multifamily housing to accommodate a portion of the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). The DPP covers a 146.3-acre project area, but the focus area comprises a total of approximately 60 acres. The DPP will require a minimum of 20 units per acre with a maximum density of 30-55 units per acre (refer to Table 5-5 for specific site density) in the Downtown Commercial (DC) zoning district and will require a minimum of 20 units per acre with a maximum density of 25 units per acre in the Downtown Office (DO) zoning district, to allow for at least 422 units (Table 5-5). Additionally, the City will create two new General Plan land use designations (Action 1.D) Residential, High Density Multi-Family (RH) which will allow 20-30 units per acre, and Residential, Very High Density Multi-Family (RVH) which will allow 30- 55 units per acre, to be consistent with the increased allowable density.
Provide for a diversity of housing types to
meet current and future needs of all
residents without compromising the semirural character of Orinda’s neighborhoods. 2026
The Orinda City Council adopted the Downtown Precise Plan on January 31, 2023.
Staff has begun work on creating two new General Plan Land Use Designations and rezoning the project site to allow for the specified densities specified in the Downtown Precise Plan.
6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 1.B: HOUSING OPPORTUNITY SITES. Rezone sites listed in Table 5-7 of the Housing Sites Inventory to allow for additional capacity to accommodate a portion of the City’s RHNA. The following actions will be taken:
- Sites C-2, C-3, and C-4 are church properties that total 12.64 acres.
The city assumed that only 4.94 acres, a capacity of 99 units, will be rezoned to the new Residential High Density-25 (RH-25) zoning district which will allow for a minimum of 20 units per acre and a maximum of 25 units per acre, on a percentage of the site specified in Table 5-7. - Site S-1 is the Miramonte High School Site and totals 51.95 acres.
The city is only assuming 18 percent, 9.35 acres allowing for a capacity of 187 units, will be rezoned to the new Residential High Density-25 (RH-25) zoning district which will require a minimum of 20 units per acre and a maximum of 25 units per acre, on a percentage of the site specified in Table 5-7.
Additionally, the City will create two new General Plan land use designations (Action 1.D) Residential, High Density Multi-Family (RH) which will allow 20-30 units per acre, and Residential, Very High Density Multi-Family (RVH) which will allow 30-55 units per acre, to be consistent with the increased allowable density.
Provide for a diversity of housing types to
meet current and future needs of all
residents without compromising the semirural character of Orinda’s neighborhoods. 2026
On December 12, 2023, the Planning Commission began consideration of a recommendation for rezoning and the creation of two new General Plan Land Use Designations for the housing opportunity sites.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 1.C: CALTRANS GATEWAY SITE DEVELOPMENT. Site G-4, the Caltrans right-of-way site (Gateway) totals 10 acres. The city assumes that the entire site will be rezoned allowing for high-density housing with minimum capacity of 200 units and a maximum of 400 units. The site will be rezoned to the new Residential High Density-40 (RH-40) zoning district which will require a minimum of 20 units per acre with a maximum of 40 units per acre. Additionally, the City will create two new General Plan land use designations (Action 1.D) Residential, High Density Multi-Family (RH) which will allow 20-30 units per acre, and Residential, Very High Density Multi-Family (RVH) which will allow 30-55 units per acre, to be consistent with the increased allowable density.
The site is currently owned by Caltrans, and the City will work with Caltrans and/or go through the Governor’s Executive Order to decertify the site. The City will assist any interested developers with the decertification requirements as projects come forward, including costs for the decertification process. The City will also work closely with Caltrans and the developer to determine the next steps and help facilitate the process. The City will initiate the decertification process by June 2023 and evaluate the decertification progress by June 2024 to determine if decertification will be completed by January 2025. If identified that completion of the decertification process will extend beyond January 2025, the City will identify additional sites to rezone, if a shortfall is identified, and rezone additional sites by January 2026.
The City will also biennially reach out to affordable housing developers to encourage development on this site.
The City will work with the potential developer of the site to ensure walkability is improved by connecting pedestrian paths with the downtown. This could be done in the way of a city-funded and/or granfunded study. The City will also proactively engage in discussions to have the future Wilder Shuttle and/or with CountyConnection about a potential shuttle to ensure connectivity from the Caltrans Gateway site Apply high standards of quality and design
to all housing development in the city.
Where multifamily or mixed-use housing is
constructed, it should respect the context of
the site and its surroundings and make a
positive contribution to the character of
Orinda.
2023-2026
In 2023, the City met with Caltrans to initiate the decertification process and discuss site constraints. On December 12, 2023, the Planning Commission considered a recommendation for rezoning and the creation of a new General Plan Land Use Designations for the Caltrans Gateway site. By June 2024, the CIty will evaluate the decertification process.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 1.D: RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS AND LAND USE
DESIGNATION. Establish two new zoning districts to support the development of lower income housing and assist with meeting the lower income RHNA. The Residential High Density-25 (RH-25) will require a minimum of 20 units per acre with a maximum of 25 units per acre. The Residential High Density-40 (RH-40) will require a minimum of 20 units per acre with a maximum of 40 units per acre and will have a height limit of 50 feet/5 stories. Both zoning districts will be consistent with the two new Land Use Designations, Residential, High Density Multi-Family (RH) which will allow 20-30 units per acre, and Residential, Very High-Density Multi-Family (RVH) which will allow 30- 55 units per acre.
Amend the Senior Housing Overlay (SH-Overlay) to remove the following statements regarding height limit approval “or as established by the Planning Commission by conditions imposed at the time of review for approvals.” The allotted height will be “as required by the closest adjoining residential or downtown district base regulations.” The City will also increase the allowable lot width from 120 feet to 150 feet, and the lot depth from 120 feet to 150 feet and will revise the height limit to allow for 3 stories.
Provide for a diversity of housing types to
meet current and future needs of all
residents without compromising the semirural character of Orinda’s neighborhoods. 2024-2026
On December 12, 2023, the Planning Commission considered a recommendation for the creation of RH-25 and RH-40 zoning districts for the housing opportunity sites. The City remains on track to finish creating these two new zoning districts by 2026, as well amend the SH-Overlay for allowable lot width, depth, and height.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 1.E: PROMOTION OF ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS. The
City will encourage the construction of ADUs through the following actions, which are aimed at providing an increased supply of affordable units throughout the city, thereby increasing access to high resource established neighborhoods outside of the Downtown and Opportunity zone areas and help reduce displacement risk for low-income households.
- Review and revise the City’s ADU ordinance, as needed, including in response to recent changes in state law and/or future comments it may receive from HCD.
- Continue to implement a public information and proactive outreach campaign via the City’s website and the Orinda City newsletter to inform property owners of the standards for ADU development, permitting procedures, construction resources, and the importance of ADUs to Orinda, including ADUs affordable to lower-income households.
- Provide information to encourage residents to apply for ADUs, particularly where their homes already include space that is configured for a conforming ADU (e.g., carriage houses, au pair quarters, second kitchens on floors with separate entrances).
- Produce a flyer regarding ADUs and make available at the Planning Department counter and to project applicants for all discretionary land use applications.
- At least annually, publish informational materials pertaining to ADUs through a combination of media, including the City’s website and direct mailings.
- Identify incentives for construction of ADUs with new development, which may include differing collection of impact fees for the square footage associated with the ADU until issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
- Collect and monitor data on ADU production and affordability and identify additional capacity within 6 months, if needed.
The City shall develop tools, resources, and
educational materials to increase
awareness and support, and to promote
and facilitate the development of Accessory
Dwelling Units (ADUs) in neighborhoods
throughout the city.
2023-2025
The City maintains an ADU page on its website that explains the ADU ordinance, fees, and frequently asked questions. An impact fee calculator has been created on the ADU page to allow applicants to estimate the amount of impact fees that will be due for ADUs subject to impact fees. The City has also created a notification list where any member of the public may submit ADU inquiries and sign-up for updates regarding ADU-related legislation and code changes.
6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 1.F: MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPMENT. To assist in the
development of affordable for-sale and rental housing, the City will continue to offer density bonuses and will implement additional measures, including, but not limited to, expedited permit processing, reduced parking standards, and reduced lot sizes. The City will prioritize projects that are in areas with currently low percentages of renter-occupied households to facilitate housing mobility and integration of ownership and rental units.
Maintain land use policies that allow
residential growth consistent with the
availability of adequate infrastructure and
public services.
2024; Ongoing
The City continues to offer density bonuses pursuant to the State Density Bonus Law.
The City is evaluating additional measures that could be implemented to assist in the development of affordable housing.
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ACTION 1.G: SUPPORT AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.
Work with housing developers to expand opportunities for affordable lower-income housing for special-needs groups, including persons with physical and developmental disabilities, female-headed households, large families, extremely low-income households, and persons experiencing homelessness by creating partnerships, providing incentives, and pursuing funding opportunities.
- Support affordable housing development for special-needs groups throughout the city, including in areas that are predominantly singlefamily residential. The target populations include seniors; persons with disabilities, including developmental disabilities; female-headed households; and homeless persons to reduce the displacement risk for these residents from their existing homes and communities. - Promote the use of the density bonus ordinance, application process streamlining, and fee deferrals to encourage affordable housing, with an emphasis on encouraging affordable housing in high-resource areas and areas with limited rental opportunities currently.
- Facilitate the approval process for land divisions, lot line adjustments, and/or specific plans or master plans resulting in parcel sizes that enable affordable housing development and process fee deferrals related to the subdivision for projects affordable to lower-income households.
- Give priority to permit processing for projects providing affordable housing for special-needs groups.
- Work with public or private sponsors annually to identify candidate sites for new construction of housing for special needs and take all actions necessary to expedite processing of such projects. - Encourage residential development near parks, open space, transit routes, civic uses, social services, and other health resources. - Partner with nonprofit and for-profit affordable housing developers to support their financing applications for state and federal grant programs, tax-exempt bonds, and other programs that become available.
Provide for a diversity of housing types to
meet current and future needs of all
residents without compromising the semirural character of Orinda’s neighborhoods.
Ongoing
The Contra Costa County Collaborative (C4) provides Housing Element technical assistance to jurisidictions in Contra Costa County. City staff met with the C4 group in September 2023 to discuss implementation of Housing Element programs pertaining to outreach to local housing developers, community organizations, and at-risk groups.
Staff was advised to coordinate with neighboring jursidictions for more effective outreach and collaboration. Staff is strategizing an approach to pool resources with other agencies to create one comprehensive notification list.
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ACTION 1.H: NO NET LOSS OF HOUSING CAPACITY. Develop and implement an evaluation procedure to ensure the City maintains sufficient land to accommodate the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) throughout the planning period. Should the City fall into a no net loss situation, within 180 days, the City will identify a replacement site to ensure the remaining RHNA is being met.
Provide for a diversity of housing types to
meet current and future needs of all
residents without compromising the semirural character of Orinda’s neighborhoods. 2024; Ongoing
The City will continue to monitor Housing Element opportunity sites to prevent a "net loss" situation. On February 14, 2023, a project was approved at 31 Orinda Way, Housing Element Site DPP-41, with no residential units. DPP-41 was allocated a total of 17 units in the sites inventory (8 low-income units, 2 moderate-income units, and 7 above-moderate income units). With a 5 unit buffer for low-income, it would leave a shortfall of 3 units for low-income households. The City has an adequate buffer for the moderate and above-moderate income categories. To accommodate this shortfall in the low-income category, 3 units from DPP-6, allocated with 14 above-moderate units, are reallocated to lower income to prevent net loss. Per the Memo to File Re: 31 Orinda Way/No Net Loss rule, dated August 2, 2023, this reallocation of units from DPP-6 to DPP-41 is described in more detail.
6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 1.I: SENATE BILL 9 (SB 9) – The California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act. Through SB 9, the City will expand homeownership opportunities by allowing property owners to split a single-family zoned lot into two lots and/or place up to two housing units on a single-family zoned lot. Properties meeting the various criteria specified in the legislation are eligible to add the additional housing by right and are exempt from review under CEQA.
The city is in compliance with SB 9.
Maintain land use policies that allow
residential growth consistent with the
availability of adequate infrastructure and
public services.
Ongoing The City will continue to monitor and process SB 9 unit and SB 9 lot split applications as they are submitted.
6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 1.J: SITES USED IN PREVIOUS HOUSING ELEMENT
CYCLES. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(c), a nonvacant site identified in a prior housing element and a vacant site that has been included in two or more consecutive planning periods that was not approved to develop a portion of the locality’s housing need shall not be deemed adequate to accommodate a portion of the housing need for lower income households in the current housing element unless the site is zoned at residential densities consistent with the City’s default density and the site is rezoned within three years of the beginning of the planning period to allow residential use by right for housing developments in which at least 20 percent of the units are affordable to lower income households.
Maintain land use policies that allow
residential growth consistent with the
availability of adequate infrastructure and
public services.
2026
The Santa Maria Church site at 40 Santa Maria Way has been included in the 4th and 5th Cycle Housing Element sites inventory. The site remains vacant, zoned PS with a High-Density Overlay district. The High-Density overlay district allows residential use by right and allows for the default density of 20 dwelling units per acre.
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ACTION 1.K: DEVELOPMENT ON NON-VACANT SITES. Establish an outreach and coordination program to connect developers, builders, and owners of non-vacant sites. The program shall:
(1) Emphasize reaching out to owners of non-vacant sites to discuss any interest in redeveloping and available incentives.
(2) Marketing and advertising these sites to the development community along with any incentives that might be available. (3) Establish biennial meetings with developers and builders.
Provide for a diversity of housing types to
meet current and future needs of all
residents without compromising the semirural character of Orinda’s neighborhoods. 2023; Ongoing
The Contra Costa County Collaborative (C4) provides Housing Element technical assistance to jurisidictions in Contra Costa County. City staff met with the C4 group in September 2023 to discuss implementation of Housing Element programs pertaining to outreach to local housing developers, community organizations, and at-risk groups.
Staff was advised to coordinate with neighboring jursidictions for more effective outreach and collaboration. Staff is strategizing an approach to pool resources with other agencies to create one comprehensive notification list. 6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 1.L: LOT CONSOLIDATION. The City will help facilitate lot consolidations to combine small residential lots (lots 0.5 acres or smaller) into larger developable lots by providing information on development opportunities and incentives for lot consolidation to accommodate affordable housing units available on the City’s website and discussing with interested developers. As developers/owners approach the City interested in lot consolidation and development on small lots, for the development of affordable housing, the City will offer the following incentives:
- Allow affordable projects to exceed the maximum height limits, - Lessen setbacks, and/or
- Reduce parking requirements.
The City will also offset fees (when financially feasible) and offer concurrent/fast tracking of project application reviews to developers who provide affordable housing.
Apply high standards of quality and design
to all housing development in the city.
Where multifamily or mixed-use housing is
constructed, it should respect the context of
the site and its surroundings and make a
positive contribution to the character of
Orinda.
2023-2024; Ongoing
Staff is working on identifying incentives such as reduced parking, reduced fees, and/or fast tracking of permit processing for lot consolidations identified as opportunity sites downtown.
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ACTION 2.A: PRESERVATION OF AT-RISK HOUSING UNITS. As of March 2022, the city does not have any publicly assisted affordable projects at risk of converting to market rate in the next 10 years. The City shall maintain and update the affordable housing database as a mechanism to monitor and identify units at risk of losing their affordability subsidies or requirements. For complexes at risk of converting to market rate, the City shall:
- Contact property owners of units at risk of converting to market-rate housing within one year of affordability expiration to discuss the City’s desire to preserve complexes as affordable housing.
- Coordinate with owners of expiring subsidies to ensure the required notices to tenants are sent out at 3 years, 12 months, and 6 months. - Reach out to agencies interested in purchasing and/or managing atrisk units. - Work with tenants to provide education regarding tenant rights and conversion procedures pursuant to California law.
The City shall prioritize the preservation of
existing affordable housing at risk of loss of
affordability covenants as a critical means
of mitigating the displacement and loss of
affordable housing units from the City’s
inventory.
Annually
The City does not currently have any publicly assisted affordable projects at risk of converting to market rate. If any publicly assisted affordable projects are identified to be at risk of being converted to market rate, then the City will monitor those units. 6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 2.B: HOUSING REHABILITATION. Participate in Contra Costa County’s housing rehabilitation program and publicize the availability of the County’s low-interest loan programs for lower-income seniors and other households.
The City will coordinate with County staff to confirm program requirements and eligibility annually. The City will continue to advertise the program on the City’s website and in its quarterly newsletter. The City will also distribute information on the program in areas of concentrated rehabilitation need or senior households, where need for the program may be greatest.
Encourage reinvestment in the city’s
housing stock by private property owners. 2023; Ongoing In February 2023, the City posted an informational flyer at City Hall, the Orinda Library, and on the City's website to publicize the availability of the program. A Housing Resources page was created on the City's website, and a link to the website was included in the City's quarterly newsletter that was mailed to all Orinda residents. The City does not currently have areas of concentrated need. If areas of concentrated need are identified, then the City will mail informational flyers to those residents.
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ACTION 2.C: HOME MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PROGRAMS.
Advertise the availability of existing home maintenance, repair, and improvement programs such as the low- and zero-interest loans offered through Contra Costa County’s Neighborhood Preservation Program on the City’s website and through printed materials made available at City Hall and other public locations such as libraries.
Consider applying for additional grant funding to assist homeowners with addressing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility modifications to their homes.
Conduct code enforcement on a complaint-driven basis to address safety and code compliance issues. Targeted efforts to improve housing conditions in areas of need will facilitate place-based revitalization and assist in reducing displacement risk for these residents by improving living conditions and enabling them to remain in their home and community.
Maintain code enforcement programs to
ensure that all housing units are safe and
sanitary and contribute positively to the
city’s character. Require abatement of
housing nuisances, consistent with
provisions of the Orinda Municipal Code.
2023
In January 2023, the City posted information on the City's website to publicize the availability of the program. In February 2023, the City posted an informational handout at City Hall and the Orinda Library to publicize the availability of the program. 6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 2.D: PARTICIPATION IN FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER AND
MCC PROGRAMS. Participate in the County’s First-Time Homebuyer and Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) programs to provide financial assistance to eligible first-time low-income and moderate-income homebuyers. To reduce displacement risk of prospective homebuyers being priced out of the community, the City will promote the availability of these programs in areas with concentrations of renters, particularly low-income renters, through providing information materials at public buildings and locations and will post the programs on the City’s website and in City buildings.
Conserve Orinda’s existing supply of
smaller and more affordable single-family
homes, including older two- and threebedroom homes on lots smaller than 10,000 square feet. Development
standards that encourage preservation of
smaller homes on such lots should be
continued as a way to discourage
“teardowns” and maintain housing diversity.
2023 In February 2023, the City posted an informational flyer at City Hall, at the Orinda Library, and on the City's website to publicize the availability of the program.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 2.E: REPLACEMENT HOUSING. To facilitate place-based revitalization for households at risk of displacement due to new development, the City will require replacement housing units subject to the requirements of Government Code, Section 65915,
subdivision(c)(3), on sites identified in the site inventory when any new development (residential, mixed-use, or non-residential) occurs on a site that has been occupied by or restricted for the use of lower-income households at any time during the previous five years. This requirement applies to non-vacant sites and vacant sites with previous residential uses that have been vacated or demolished.
The City shall prioritize the preservation of
existing affordable housing at risk of loss of
affordability covenants as a critical means
of mitigating the displacement and loss of
affordable housing units from the City’s
inventory.
Ongoing The City does not currently have any households at risk of displacement due to new development. The City will continue to monitor any households at risk for displacement. 6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 3.A: SHARED HOUSING PROGRAM. Participate in the Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity (ECHO) housing’s “Shared Housing” or some similar program as a way to improve housing opportunities for lower-income seniors and extremely low-income Orinda residents.
Work with ECHO, which serves residents throughout the East Bay. The shared housing program matches persons needing housing with homeowners who have available space. The City will explore the feasibility of engaging ECHO or some similar organization to start a comparable program in Orinda. ECHO also provides counseling on shared living, supportive services, and information and referral, as well as educational workshops on home sharing. Implementing this program will support the City’s housing mobility efforts to increase access to high-resource neighborhoods in Orinda for extremely lowincome households in Orinda and from other areas of Contra Costa County that otherwise could not afford to live in Orinda, including single seniors on fixed incomes, persons with physical or developmental disabilities, and young adults seeking employment.
Encourage the sharing of housing units by
homeowners seeking to age in place or
supplement their income. Shared housing
can provide an important resource for
seniors, young adults, and others in the
community who cannot afford their own
home or apartment.
2024
The Contra Costa County Collaborative (C4) provides Housing Element technical assistance to jurisidictions in Contra Costa County. City staff met with the C4 group in September 2023 to discuss implementation of Housing Element programs pertaining to outreach to local housing developers, community organizations, and at-risk groups.
Staff was advised to coordinate with neighboring jursidictions for more effective outreach and collaboration. Staff is strategizing an approach to pool resources with other agencies to create one comprehensive notification list.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 3.B: EXTREMELY LOW-INCOME HOUSING. Encourage
additional housing resources for extremely low-income Orinda residents, particularly seniors and persons with physical or developmental disabilities, through a variety of actions, including:
- Facilitate and encourage the construction of housing affordable to extremely low-income households by assisting nonprofit and for-profit developers with financial and/or technical assistance in a manner that is consistent with the City’s identified housing needs. - Provide financial support annually, as available, to organizations that provide counseling, information, education, support, housing services/referrals, and/or legal advice to extremely low-income households, persons with disabilities, and persons experiencing homelessness.
- Expand regulatory incentives for the development of units affordable to extremely low-income households and housing for special-needs groups, including persons with disabilities (including developmental disabilities), and individuals and families in need of
emergency/transitional housing. Incentives will include, but are not limited to, revisions to the Municipal Code to streamline the approval process for extremely low- income housing and proposals to exempt such housing from certain impact fees. Amendments will be completed, and fee waivers will be determined by December 2024. - The City will provide financial support annually, as available, to organizations that provide counseling information, education, support, housing services/referrals, and/or legal advice to extremely low-income households to mitigate risk of displacement and support housing stability for extremely low-income households, persons with disabilities, and persons experiencing homelessness.
Ensure compliance with state regulations
regarding zoning for emergency shelters
and other provisions to ensure housing
opportunities for extremely low-income
Orinda households or those residents who
are in crisis or in need of emergency
assistance.
2024; Ongoing
The City will continue to facilitate the construction of housing affordable to extremely low-income households as projects are received. The City will consider expanding incentives for units for extremely low-income households and special-needs groups.
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ACTION 3.C: ASSISTANCE FOR PERSONS WITH
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. The City will also coordinate with the Regional Center of the East Bay to inform Orinda families of the resources available to them and to explore incentives so that a larger number of future housing units include features that meet the needs of persons with developmental disabilities and other special needs.
The City will continue to support the development of small group homes that serve developmentally disabled adults and will work with the nonprofit community to encourage the inclusion of units for persons with developmental disabilities in future affordable housing developments. The City will coordinate housing activities and outreach with the Regional Center for the East Bay and encourage housing providers to designate a portion of new affordable housing developments for persons with disabilities, including persons with developmental disabilities, to increase housing mobility opportunities and pursue funding sources designated for persons with special needs and disabilities.
Promote the development of special-needs
housing, such as housing for seniors;
housing for persons with physical,
developmental, or mental disabilities;
housing for extremely low-income persons,
and female-headed households.
2023; Ongoing
The Contra Costa County Collaborative (C4) provides Housing Element technical assistance to jurisidictions in Contra Costa County. City staff met with the C4 group in September 2023 to discuss implementation of Housing Element programs pertaining to outreach to local housing developers, community organizations, and at-risk groups.
Staff was advised to coordinate with neighboring jursidictions for more effective outreach and collaboration. Staff is strategizing an approach to pool resources with other agencies to create one comprehensive notification list. 6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 3.D: DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY SERVICES. The City will work with the Regional Center for the East Bay to implement an outreach program that informs families within the city about housing and services available for persons with developmental disabilities. The program could include the development of an informational brochure, including information on the City’s website, and/or providing housingrelated training for individuals/families through workshops.
The City will then meet with disability service providers, including the Regional Center for the East Bay, to identify whether there is unmet demand anywhere in the city. If an unmet need is realized, work with providers to secure funding to expand services for persons with disabilities.
Promote the development of special-needs
housing, such as housing for seniors;
housing for persons with physical,
developmental, or mental disabilities;
housing for extremely low-income persons,
and female-headed households.
2023-2024
The Contra Costa County Collaborative (C4) provides Housing Element technical assistance to jurisidictions in Contra Costa County. City staff met with the C4 group in September 2023 to discuss implementation of Housing Element programs pertaining to outreach to local housing developers, community organizations, and at-risk groups.
Staff was advised to coordinate with neighboring jursidictions for more effective outreach and collaboration. Staff is strategizing an approach to pool resources with other agencies to create one comprehensive notification list.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 3.E: OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS. Adopt multifamily objective design standards that apply to all housing development projects for which objective standards are required and target the Downtown Precise Plan and Housing Opportunity Sites to support the development of Downtown Orinda as an attractive, mixed-use, and walkable center for Orinda.
Promote and allow multifamily residential
uses within Orinda’s Downtown. 2026
The draft copy of the Objective Design Standards that would apply to downtown is included in the adopted Downtown Precise Plan. The City has begun strategizing an approach to adopt the Objective Design Standards and is on track to incorporate them into the Orinda Municipal Code by 2026.
6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 3.F: SHARED PARKING REGULATIONS. Consider adopting shared parking regulations where it can be demonstrated that there will be no parking shortages.
This action will study provisions to allow sharing of parking where it can be demonstrated that the overall demand for the project can be met without spillover onto nearby streets. For example, residential guest parking could be shared with office or retail parking. These provisions might also consider the feasibility of shared parking agreements that enable the use of off-site parking lots.
Promote and allow multifamily residential
uses within Orinda’s Downtown. 2024-2025 The City will complete a shared parking study to analyze where the overall parking demand for a project can be met without spillover onto adjacent streets. 6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 3.G: INCLUSIONARY HOUSING ORDINANCE. The City will research an inclusionary housing ordinance. This ordinance will identify acceptable methods to provide affordable housing such as: a) construction of housing on- site, b) construction of housing off-site, c) dedication of land for housing, and d) payment of an in-lieu fee.
Development of this ordinance requires an analysis of the following variables:
- Limiting the application of the ordinance to developments exceeding a certain size.
- Percentage of housing units required to be set aside as affordable. - Design and building requirements.
- Timing of affordable unit construction.
- Determination of a fee in lieu of developing affordable units. - Developer incentives, such as fee deferrals and waivers. - Administration of affordability control.
Encourage larger-scale residential
developments to include a mix of unit types,
including smaller units and units that are
affordable to lower- and moderate-income
households.
2025
On May 2, 2023, the City Council was presented with options for an inclusionary housing ordinance. On October 3, 2023, a follow-up report was present to the City Council regarding an inclusionary housing ordinance. The City Council is still gathering information and considering the appropriateness of an inclusionary ordinance.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 4.A: AMEND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TO REMOVE
CONSTRAINTS. The City will amend the Municipal Code to review and revise standards, as needed.
- Emergency Shelters: Allow sufficient parking to accommodate all staff working in the emergency shelter, provided that the standards do not require more parking for emergency shelters than other residential or commercial uses within the same zone, in compliance with Government Code Section 65583(a)(4)(A)(ii)), and amend the managerial standards to ensure that shelter spacing requirements will only be subject to the same development and management standards that apply to residential or commercial development within the same zone except for those standards prescribed by statute and increase the bed limit (clients per night) from seven to 20.
- Multifamily Residential: Remove the “Additional Use Regulations” for multifamily housing in the Residential Medium Density (RM) district, allowing this use by right and remove the use permit requirement in the Downtown Commercial (DC) zoning district to allow this use by right. - Residential Care Facilities: Allow residential care facilities, regardless of size, in all zones that permit residential uses of the same type, in accordance with the City’s definition of family.
- Single-Room Occupancy Units: To encourage housing mobility, define single-room occupancy (SRO) units and allow them in the DC (Downtown Commercial) zoning district with a use permit, in compliance with Government Code Section 65583(c)(1).
- Transitional and Supportive Housing: Allow supportive housing as a permitted use without discretionary review in zones where multifamily and mixed-use developments are permitted, including nonresidential zones permitting multifamily uses (Government Code Section 65583(c)(3) and Section 65650).
- Low-Barrier Navigation Centers: Allow low-barrier navigation centers for the homeless by right in zones that allow for mixed-use and nonresidential zones permitting multifamily uses, per Government Code Section 65662.
Ensure that Orinda’s permitting, and
approval processes do not unduly constrain
or delay the construction of housing. City
procedures should be consistent with
Permit Streamlining Act requirements and
should not include unreasonable fees or
regulations.
2024
The City will amend the Orinda Municipal Code in 2024 to revise the standards as it pertains to emergency shelters, multi-family residential, residential care facilities, singleroom occupancy units, transitional and supportive housing, low-barrier navigation centers, and employee/farmworker housing.
6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 4.B: DEVELOPMENT REVIEW AND PROCESSING
PROCEDURES. The City will continually seek to improve development review and procedures to minimize the time required for review and project approval. This reduction in time will reduce the cost to developers and may increase housing production in the city.
Ensure that Orinda’s permitting, and
approval processes do not unduly constrain
or delay the construction of housing. City
procedures should be consistent with
Permit Streamlining Act requirements and
should not include unreasonable fees or
regulations.
2023; Annually
The City periodically reviews it processes to ensure procedures are clear and applications are processed in a timely manner per state laws. The City is in the process of identifying a new permit tracking system that would reduce processing times and increase transparency for applicants and developers.
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ACTION 4.C: BUILDING CODE. As new uniform codes are adopted every three years by the California Building Standards Commission, the City will review and revise its building codes for current compliance and adopt the necessary revisions to further local development objectives.
Ensure that the development standards
expressed in the City’s zoning regulations
support the types of uses and activities
listed as permitted or conditionally
permitted in the Zoning Ordinance,
including housing.
Annually On January 17, 2023, the Orinda City Council adopted by reference the 2022 editions of the California Building Code.
6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 4.D: INFRASTRUCTURE AVAILABILITY. The City will
coordinate with the East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) annually and as projects are proposed and apply for funding from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Infill Infrastructure Grant Program, or other funding programs, as available, to fund design plans and infrastructure improvements for affordable housing projects.
Ensure that the development standards
expressed in the City’s zoning regulations
support the types of uses and activities
listed as permitted or conditionally
permitted in the Zoning Ordinance,
including housing.
Annually
City staff, including the City Manager, Planning Director, and Public Works Director, have a quarterly meeting with the EBMUD Manager of Water Distribution Planning to discuss a range of issues, including current and pending development and the infrastructure needed to support such development.
6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 4.E: REVISED PARKING STANDARDS. To ensure parking is not a constraint on the development of housing, the City will complete the following actions:
- Review and revise current parking standards to ensure they do not constrain the development of housing, (i.e., the City will not require more than 1 parking space for a 1-bedroom unit).
- Analyze existing parking standards for residential units. Based on this analysis, consider modifications to the Zoning Ordinance to better encourage infill development.
- Review parking standards for housing for persons with disabilities and affordable housing and consider reductions.
- Consider parking reductions, eliminating parking minimums, and explore instituting parking maximums.
Ensure that the development standards
expressed in the City’s zoning regulations
support the types of uses and activities
listed as permitted or conditionally
permitted in the Zoning Ordinance,
including housing.
2024-2026 The City intends to review its parking standards in 2024 to ensure parking is not a constraint on the development of housing.
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ACTION 4.F: REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS. The City will
continue to implement state requirements (Sections 4450 to 4460 of the California Government Code and Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) to include accessibility in housing and public facilities for persons with disabilities and will review and revise findings for approving reasonable accommodation requests, specifically, the establishment, maintenance, or operation of the temporary activity would not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood of the proposed activity, to ensure they do not pose any barriers to housing for persons with disabilities.
Ensure that Orinda’s permitting, and
approval processes do not unduly constrain
or delay the construction of housing. City
procedures should be consistent with
Permit Streamlining Act requirements and
should not include unreasonable fees or
regulations.
2022; Ongoing
Ordinance 13-03 was adopted by the City Council on December 17, 2023, to add Orinda Municipal Code Chapter 17.46 - Reasonable Accommodations. The City will continue to process Reasonable Accommodation applications as they are received.
The Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Master Fee Schedule was adopted by the City Council on June 20, 2023. The updated master fee schedule clearly states that reasonable accommodation requests are free.
6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 4.G: MONITOR DEVELOPMENT FEES. The City will monitor development fees to ensure they are reasonable and do not unduly constrain development while protecting the quality, health, and public safety of the community. The City will analyze all fees required for multifamily development and reduce them if found to be a constraint.
The analysis process will include meeting with multifamily developers/applicants to get their input regarding constraints associated with fees.
Ensure that Orinda’s permitting, and
approval processes do not unduly constrain
or delay the construction of housing. City
procedures should be consistent with
Permit Streamlining Act requirements and
should not include unreasonable fees or
regulations.
2024; Annually
The City continues to monitor its fees to ensure they do not unduly constrain development. Orinda Municipal Code Sections 3.24.040 and 3.28.240 exempt affordable housing projects from impact fees if a written contract restricting the use as affordable housing for 30 years is entered into with the City.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 5.A: AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING
(AFFH). In compliance with California Government Code Sections 8899.50, 65583(c)(5), 65583(c)(10), 65583.2(a) (AB 686), develop a plan to “affirmatively further fair housing” (AFFH). The AFFH plan shall take actions to address significant disparities in housing access and needs for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income, or disability and any other characteristic protected by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Part 2.8, commencing with Section 12900, of Division 3 of Title 2), Government Code Section 65008, and any other state and federal fair housing and planning law.
Specific actions include:
- Implement the following strategies to affirmatively further fair housing in coordination with the efforts of this action.
- Strategies to facilitate housing mobility/expand affordable housing in high opportunity areas: Actions 1.A, 1.B, 1.C, 1.D, 1.E, 1.F, 2.D, 3.A,
3.B, 3.E, and 4.A.
- Strategies to reduce or prevent displacement/place-based revitalization strategies: Actions 1.E, 2.A, 2.B, 2.C, 2.E, 3.B, 3.C, and
3.D.
- Pamphlets on fair housing laws and procedures will be made available at City Hall and the library, and information on fair housing requirements will be incorporated in the City’s newsletter. Promote the availability of multi-lingual resources by ensuring that City-provided services and materials are available in languages other than English or that they make clear the availability of interpretation or translation services. This information should also be available via the City’s website. The City’s Planning Director will be identified as the point of contact in the event a fair housing complaint is received, with referrals provided to the Contra Costa Housing Authority or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, as necessary. - Work with fair housing providers that serve Orinda residents on an Prohibit discrimination in the sale or rental
of housing to anyone on the basis of race,
color, ancestry, national origin, religion,
disability, sex, familial status, marital status,
or other characteristics protected by the
California Fair Employment and Housing
Act (Part 2.8 commencing with Section
12900 of Division 3 of Title 2), Government
Code Section 65008, and any other state
and federal housing and planning law.
2023; Ongoing
The Contra Costa County Collaborative (C4) provides Housing Element technical assistance to jurisidictions in Contra Costa County. City staff met with the C4 group in September 2023 to discuss implementation of Housing Element programs pertaining to outreach to local housing developers, community organizations, and at-risk groups.
Staff was advised to coordinate with neighboring jursidictions for more effective outreach and collaboration. Staff is strategizing an approach to pool resources with other agencies to create one comprehensive notification list.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element 6TH CYCLE PROGRAM:
ACTION 6.A: PROMOTE ENERGY CONSERVATION. Promote energy efficiency in existing housing and new development:
- PG&E offers assistance to low-income households who want to make their homes energy efficient through the Energy Savings Assistance Program
- EBMUD offers free conservation items to single and multi-family households, including shower diverters, hose nozzles and both bathroom and kitchen faucet aerators
- Encourage developers to be innovative in designing energy-efficient homes and improving the energy efficiency of new construction. - Promote the EDMUD Customer Assistance Program that assists qualified low-income residents with one-time water bill payments as well as eligible homeless shelters
- Promote California’s Low-Income Weatherization Program, which provides low-income households with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy efficiency upgrades at no cost to residents
Encourage the use of energy conservation
features in residential construction,
rehabilitation, and remodeling.
2023
In February 2023, the City posted informational flyers at City Hall, the Orinda Library, and on the City's website to publicize the availability of energy efficiency programs provided by PG&E, EBMUD, and the state of California.
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element General Comments
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Attachment: Housing Element Annual Progress Report – 2023 Calendar Year (3312 : Housing Element City Council
Staff Report
Agenda Item: H.2
Date: March 5, 2024
Department: Parks and Recreation
AGENDA TITLE: Possible Locations for a Dedicated Off-Leash Dog Area and for Dedicated Pickleball Courts in Orinda
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council Receive Reports on Possible Locations for a Dedicated Off-Leash Dog Area and dedicated Pickleball Courts in Orinda, discuss, and provide direction, if any.
BACKGROUND:
Both facilities under consideration appear to be of interest to residents of Orinda and would meet a need, as neither facility currently exists in town. A dedicated off-leash dog area has appeared on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) unfunded list in recent years. The interest in dedicated pickleball courts is a more recent phenomenon but seems to have even more backing in the community at this time.
Community members have expressed an interest in a dedicated off-leash area for several years. Although a handful of “unofficial” areas exist in Orinda, the nearest official dedicated off-leash areas are in Walnut Creek, Danville, and San Ramon. The off-leash area in Moraga is a shared park with off-leash use allowed certain times of the day and does not possess complete perimeter fencing. The current practice of off-leash dogs at various local park and school sites brings safety and health concerns, so the pursuit of a feasible location for a dedicated off-leash areas was undertaken.
Dedicated pickleball courts can be found in Montclair, Walnut Creek, and Concord.
Shared use courts are available at the Lafayette Community Center. Several country clubs in Lamorinda also posses pickleball courts, both shared and dedicated. Orinda has been employing a shared system at the three tennis courts (and practice court/wall) in the community park. Although not ideal, the shared use has been working well, thanks in large to cooperative efforts displayed by the players of both sports. The number of pickleball players have increased significantly in recent years and it is evident that this trend will continue.
The idea of dedicated pickleball courts in Orinda was broached during the Public Forum portion of the May 2, 2023 City Council meeting. Pickleball court proponents began attending Parks and Recreation Commission meetings on May 10, 2023. As a shared system is not optimal - an updated Statement of Guidance from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) recommends sport-specific sites – the pursuit of a feasible location for dedicated courts was undertaken.
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An Ad Hoc Committee consisting of two members of the Parks and Recreation Commission was formed at the July 12, 2023, PRC meeting and was tasked with identifying feasible locations for an off-leash dog area and dedicated pickleball courts.
Parks and Recreation staff accompanied the Ad Hoc committee on a tour of possible locations on July 28, 2023 and presented the finding to the commission at the September 13, 2023 meeting.
DISCUSSION:
Off-leash Dog Area – As noted in the attached report, four locations were considered and evaluated based on criteria involving several factors. Following this preliminary review, the Oaks Park site adjacent to the existing picnic area and meadow was recommended. The Oaks Park location is approximately 45,000 square feet, or a little more than 1 acre. The park has 12 parking spaces, including 1 ADA space, a restroom, and water. These factors stood out during the consideration of possible locations. The proximity of homes on Moraga Way and Ivy Drive as well as possible accessibility challenges could pose issues.
Dedicated Pickleball Courts – As noted in the attached report, four locations were considered and evaluated based on criteria involving several factors. Following this preliminary review, the lower Wilder Park site, at the corner of Wilder Road and Orinda Fields Lane (south), across the road from the Wilder Ranch House and Field 1 was recommended. This location encompasses approximately 10,500 square feet. A pickleball court measures 20 feet by 44 feet, or 880 square feet. Optimal space recommended for a court ranges from 30 feet by 60 feet (1,800 sq. ft). to 34 feet by 64 feet (2176 sq. ft.), The Wilder space could likely accommodate 5 or 6 six courts. The combination of existing parking and restrooms, sufficient space, and favorable distance from homes contributed to the committee recommending this option.
The Off-leash Dog Area is Budget Referral # 23-5. The Pickleball courts are Budget Referral # 23-15, and was added during the May 2, 2023, City Council meeting, which was the last budget-related council meeting of last fiscal year. However, those items were not approved as individual Budget referrals. Instead, the City Council recommended adding funding to Fund Balance Decision Package # 7, Capital Projects Reserve, in which the Council added $250,000 to the $700,000 the City Manager had recommended to possibly fund the Off-leash Area, Pickleball courts, and Camino Pablo Media Modifications. That effectively provided the authority to begin to pursue the projects.
NEXT STEPS:
Options include appropriate funds to determine feasibility of the project(s); add funding for the project(s) during the mid-period budget review process; add the project(s) to the upcoming Capital Improvement Program.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Unknown at this time. In addition to costs related to feasibility efforts and facility construction, regular and ongoing management and operational expenses should be considered. Both facilities possess the ability to generate revenue, but the extent and H.2
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practicability of which varies. For example, pickleball courts would generate reservation fees, possibly tournament rental income, or lesson fees. Some Dog Parks are sponsored, or an annual subscription fee levied.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Report - Dedicated Off Leash Dog Area in Orinda
B. Report - Dedicated Pickleball Courts in Orinda
Respectfully Submitted by:
Todd Trimble
Director of Parks and Recreation
Prepared By: Todd Trimble, Director of Parks and Recreation Approved by:
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Dedicated Off-Leash Dog Area in Orinda
On July 28, 2023, the Dedicated Off-Leash Dog Area Ad Hoc Committee of the Orinda Parks and Recreation Commission visited the following locations:
Wilder Park – across from Ranch House
Wilder Park – adjacent to Field 4
Zander Drive
Orinda Oaks Park (adjacent to the meadow)
The committee evaluated the sites based on the following criteria:
Overall size
Parking
Restrooms
Water availability
Electrical
Neighbors
Exposure / Sun
ADA Access
Safety / Remoteness
Accessibility to public and maintenance
Based on their findings, the Ad Hoc Committee unanimously ranked the location in Orinda Oaks Park as the best location.
H.2.a
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Attachment: Report - Dedicated Off Leash Dog Area in Orinda (3314 : Off-Leash Dog Area and Dedicated Pickleball Courts) H.2.a
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Attachment: Report - Dedicated Off Leash Dog Area in Orinda (3314 : Off-Leash Dog Area and Dedicated Pickleball Courts) Dedicated Pickleball Courts in Orinda
On July 28, 2023, the Pickleball Ad Hoc Committee of the Orinda Parks and Recreation Commission visited the following locations:
Wilder Park – across from Ranch House
Wilder Park – adjacent to Field 4
Wilder Park – Field 5
Orinda Community Park Tennis Court #1
The committee evaluated the sites based on the following criteria:
Overall size
Parking
Restrooms
Water availability
Electrical
Neighbors
Exposure / Sun
ADA Access
Safety / Remoteness
Accessibility to public and maintenance
Based on their findings, the Ad Hoc Committee unanimously ranked the location in Wilder Park across from the Ranch House as the best location.
H.2.b
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Attachment: Report - Dedicated Pickleball Courts in Orinda (3314 : Off-Leash Dog Area and Dedicated Pickleball Courts) H.2.b
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Attachment: Report - Dedicated Pickleball Courts in Orinda (3314 : Off-Leash Dog Area and Dedicated Pickleball Courts) H.2.b
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Attachment: Report - Dedicated Pickleball Courts in Orinda (3314 : Off-Leash Dog Area and Dedicated Pickleball Courts)