STATE OF CALIFORNIA - BUSINESS, CONSUMER SERVICES AND HOUSING AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIVISION OF HOUSING POLICY DEVELOPMENT
2020 W. El Camino Avenue, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 263-2911 / FAX (916) 263-7453
www.hcd.ca.gov
March 10, 2023
David Reyes, Assistant City Manager
City of Pasadena
100 North Garfield Avenue, Suite 228
Pasadena, CA 91101
Dear David Reyes:
RE: City of Pasadena’s 6th Cycle (2021-2029) Adopted Housing Element
Thank you for submitting Pasadena’s (City) housing element adopted July 18, 2022 and received for review on January 11, 2023, including modifications authorized by Resolution Number 9935. Pursuant to Government Code section 65585, subdivision (h), the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is reporting the results of its review. In addition, HCD considered comments from Pasadena Affordable Housing Coalition, Josh Albrekston and Abundant Housing LA and YIMBY Law pursuant to Government Code section 65585, subdivision (c).
HCD is pleased to find the adopted housing element, including modifications, in substantial compliance with State Housing Element Law (Article 10.6 of the Gov. Code).
The adopted element addresses the statutory requirements described in HCD’s October 14, 2022 review.
Additionally, the City must continue timely and effective implementation of all programs including but not limited to the following:
• Program 2 (Northwest Pasadena)
• Program 6 (Housing Sites)
• Program 7 (Mixed Use/TOD Strategy)
• Program 9 (Removal of Constraints)
• Program 10 (Regulatory Incentives)
• Program 11 (Alternative Housing Opportunities)
• Program 12 (Financial Assistance)
• Program 20 (Fair Housing)
• Program 21 (Education and Monitoring)
• Program 23 (Zoning Code Updates)
ATTACHMENT I
David Reyes, Assistant City Manager
The City must monitor and report on the results of these and other programs through the annual progress report, required pursuant to Government Code section 65400.
Please be aware, Government Code section 65585, subdivision (i) grants HCD authority to review any action or failure to act by a local government that it determines is inconsistent with an adopted housing element or housing element law. This includes failure to implement program actions included in the housing element. HCD may revoke housing element compliance if the local government’s actions do not comply with state law.
Several federal, state, and regional funding programs consider housing element compliance as an eligibility or ranking criteria. For example, the CalTrans Senate Bill (SB1) Sustainable Communities grant; the Strategic Growth Council and HCD’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities programs; and HCD’s Permanent Local Housing Allocation consider housing element compliance and/or annual reporting requirements pursuant to Government Code section 65400. With a compliant housing element, the City now meets housing element requirements for these and other funding sources.
HCD appreciates the hard work, cooperation, and responsiveness the City’s housing element team provided throughout the housing element review and update. HCD wishes the City success in implementing its housing element and looks forward to following its progress through the General Plan annual progress reports pursuant to Government Code section 65400. If HCD can provide assistance in implementing the housing element, please contact Reid Miller, of our staff, at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Paul
McDougall
Senior Program Manager