100 W. CALIFORNIA AVE. | RIDGECREST, CA 93555
Phone 760.499.5000 | Fax 760.499.1520
www.ridgecrest-ca.gov
NOTICE AND CALL OF A SPECIAL OPEN SESSION MEETING OF THE
RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY /
HOUSING AUTHORITY / FINANCING AUTHORITY
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / HOUSING AUTHORITY / FINANCING AUTHORITY, PUBLIC AND CITY CLERK:
PUBLIC NOTICE that a SPECIAL OPEN SESSION MEETING of the Ridgecrest City Council/Successor Redevelopment Agency/Housing Authority/Financing Authority is hereby called on:
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 @ 5:50 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 W. California Avenue
Ridgecrest, California
Said SPECIAL OPEN SESSION MEETING shall be for the purpose of:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST ADOPTING THE 2023-2031 DRAFT GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT & THE
FAIR HOUSING ANALYSIS AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO SUBMIT THE SAME
TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT FOR CERTIFICATION
Dated: August 3, 2026
Travis Endicott, Mayor / Chair
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
AGENDA
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 Special Open Session – 5:50 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
1. A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest Adopting The 2023-2031 Draft General Plan Housing Element & The Fair Housing Analysis And Authorizing Staff To Submit The Same To The California Department Of Housing And Community Development For Certification Spurlock
ADJOURNMENT To 6pm Regular Session
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Staff Report – 2023-2031 Housing Element Page 1 of 6
STAFF REPORT
I. BACKGROUND: 2023-2031 GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE &
FAIR HOUSING ANALYSIS
The Housing Element is a State mandated element of the City’s General Plan containing analysis, policies, and programs with the objective to preserve, improve, and develop housing for all economic segments of the community. The current update covers the period 2023-2031 (Sixth Cycle Housing Element).
The Draft Housing Element, Exhibit A, has been prepared in accordance with State Housing Element Law and Guidelines of the State Department of Housing and Community Development Department (HCD). Upon Adoption of the Draft Housing Element by the City Council, staff will send the Draft to HCD for review and certification, which review could take up to 60 days.
II. FAIR HOUSING ANALYSIS
California State Law AB 686 created new requirements for all housing elements revised on or after January 1, 2021, to contain an Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) analysis, Exhibit B.
Under State law, affirmatively further fair housing means “taking meaningful actions, in addition to combatting discrimination, to facilitate deliberate actions to explicitly address, combat, and relieve disparities resulting from past patterns of segregation to foster more inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity based on protected characteristics”.
The Housing Element analysis must include an analysis of Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence, and patterns and trends at both a local and regional scale. The city’s consultant has prepared the Housing Element and a Fair Housing Analysis addressing the following topics:
1. Outreach
2. Assessment of Fair Housing
a. Key Data and Background Information
b. Fair Housing Enforcement and Outreach Capacity
c. Integration and Segregation Patterns and Trends
d. Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty e. Disparities in Access to Opportunity
f. Disproportionate Housing Needs in the Jurisdiction
g. Displacement Risk
3. Sites Inventory
4. Identification of Contributing Factors, Goals and Actions FAIR HOUSING ANALYSIS – FINDINGS
The following ten (10) discussion items describe Ridgecrest’s compliance with and implementation of the California State Law AB 686 - Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) requirements.
Staff Report – 2023-2031 Housing Element Page 2 of 6
1. Diversity Index:
Diversity Index captures the racial and ethnic diversity of a geographic area in a single number, from 0 to 100. Scores less than 40 represent lower diversity in the jurisdiction while scores of greater than 85 represent higher diversity.
Higher diversity scores are located in the central and northeastern portions of the city, while low diversity is located the southern portion of the city.
2. GINI Index: The GINI index is a measure of the extent to which the distribution of income among families/households within a community deviate from a perfect equal distribution. In other words, there is income disparity between the populations in the jurisdiction. The scale is from 0 to 1, with 0 representing perfect equality and 1 representing the highest possible level of inequality.
Ridgecrest’s Gini index is generally moderate at 0.4159, indicating that income equality is not so drastic. Gini coefficient for California is 0.487 and Kern County, 0.4673.
3. Dissimilarity Index: The dissimilarity index ranges from 0 to 1. Higher values indicate that groups are more unevenly distributed (for example, they tend to live in different neighborhoods).
No Dissimilarity Index could be found. However, the following Map shows that there are some dissimilarities in the distribution of different ethnic groups.
Figure 1: Predominant Population by Census Tract and Racial Demographics 2018 by Block Group – Graduated Dots
Staff Report – 2023-2031 Housing Element Page 3 of 6
4. Racially or Ethnically Concentrated area of Poverty (R/ECAP):
It appears that areas of high diversity do generally correlate with lower incomes and that areas of medium to low diversity reflect high income levels.
5. Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence (RCAA):
RCAAs are defined as census tracts where 1) 80 percent or more of the population is White, and 2) the median household income is $125,000 or greater.
There are no census block in the city with a median household income of $125,000 and a population that is 80 percent or more white. As such, there is no census tract in Ridgecrest that fit these criteria. Therefore, the city has no RCAAs.
6. Disparities in Access to Opportunities: The Tax Credit Allocation Committee and the Housing and Community Development Department has categorized all Census Tracts in the State as Resource Opportunity areas and maps associated with it. Economic, Educational and Environmental domains were identified and studied. Based on the domain scores, census tracts are categorized as Highest Resource, High Resource, Moderate Resource, Moderate Resource (Rapidly Changing), Low Resource, or areas of High Segregation and Poverty.
The majority of the city is designated as high to highest resource area, with the exception of census tract 53.00, which is designated as high segregation and poverty. Overall, it appears that generally residents of Ridgecrest have consistent levels of access to opportunities.
Staff Report – 2023-2031 Housing Element Page 4 of 6
7. Disproportionate Housing Needs:
The most disproportionate housing needs in Ridgecrest include increasing the variety of housing types at affordable prices for low-income households as 48.23% of the households have experienced cost burden during the period 2017 to 2021. Overall, the cost burden has reduced significantly compared to the 2010-2014 period when the cost burden was over 80%. Some 43.6% of total households in Ridgecrest are renters, with 77% of the renters between the ages of 25 and 54.
8. Displacement: Displacement occurs when households are forced to move because they are evicted or their building was torn down, often to make way for new and more expensive development.
The most disproportionate housing needs in Ridgecrest includes rehabilitation of the existing housing stock and increased variety of housing types at affordable prices, including housing for lower income households. A significant number of renters in Ridgecrest pay more than the 30% of their household income for rent. While the percent of home owners overpaying for their mortgages is less than renter overpayment for their rent, more than 80% of home owners in Census Tract 53 seem to overpay for their mortgage. As it has been previously discussed, tract 53 seems has a low median household income and low TCAC scores. Therefore, it is important to consider the population of tract 53 in future plans of affordable housing implementation.
9. Site Inventory: The distribution of RHNA sites across the community will help to improve the opportunities and outcomes throughout the city. Furthermore, the RHNA sites will allow for development at densities needed to stimulate affordable housing development.
All the sites available in the inventory allow accommodation of moderate to low-income housing units, provided that the structures containing the units meet all development standards.
10. Identification of Contributing Factors, Goals and Actions:
Based on the issues identified in this Fair Housing Analysis, the following are the top 4 issues to be addressed through the programs in the Housing Plan:
1. Assisting in the provision of housing opportunities for all;
2. Removing regulatory and financial constraints, as necessary;
3. Providing adequate sites to achieve a variety and diversity of housing; and
4. Promoting equal housing opportunity.
The 2023-2031 Housing Element has proposed a Housing Plan (Chapter 6 of Housing Element), which includes policies and programs augmenting Fair Housing goals of the City.
Staff Report – 2023-2031 Housing Element Page 5 of 6
III. DRAFT 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT
Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA).
The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) as allocated by HCD shows the housing units that should be constructed for each jurisdiction in each RHNA period.
The city’s 6th Cycle RHNA obligations are shown in Table 1. Of the total 1,436 units required, 189 units are needed for extremely low-income; 190 units for very low income; 241 units for low income; and 816 units for moderate and above moderate-income categories.
Table 1:
Ridgecrest’s Share of Regional Housing Needs 2023-2031
Income Category
RHNA Allocation
Percentage Number of Units
Extremely Low 13.16% 189
Very Low 13.23 190
Low 16.78% 241
Moderate 15.67% 225
Above Moderate 41.16% 591
Total 100% 1,436
Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, 2023-2031 The commonly used income categories based on Area Median Income (AMI) are approximately as follows, subject to variations for household size and other factors:
Acutely low income: 0-15% of AMI
Extremely low income: 15-30% of AMI
Very low income: 30% to 50% of AMI
Lower income: 50% to 80% of AMI; also used to mean 0% to 80% of AMI Moderate income: 80% to 120% of AMI
Staff Report – 2023-2031 Housing Element Page 6 of 6
Quantified Objectives:
Table 2 summarizes Ridgecrest’s Quantified Objectives for the 6th Housing Element Cycle.
Table 2: Quantified Objectives
(INSERT HERE THE FINAL “QUANTIFIED OBJECTIVES” TABLE FROM THE HOUSING ELEMENT) IV. IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS:
The new Housing Element has proposed a Housing Plan (Chapter 6 of Housing Element), that include policies and programs augmenting Fair Housing goals of the City. Some of the existing programs are continued. The programs are intended to bring the City’s codes and housing approvals consistent with the State Law and have provisions to implement them. Further, the city is required to submit to HCD Annual Progress Reports on implementation of the Housing Element.
V. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
The City of Ridgecrest’s 6th Cycle (2023–2031) Housing Element builds upon and evaluates the goals, policies, objectives, and programs adopted in prior Housing Element cycles, including the 5th Cycle (2015-2023) Housing Element. Many of the policies and programs carried forward into the current Housing Element were previously analyzed under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as part of the City’s General Plan and prior Housing Element updates and do not require additional environmental review at this time. All programs contained within the 6 th Cycle (2023–2031) Housing Element can be reasonably determined with certainty to have no potential for causing a significant environmental effect, as they consist of policy-level planning actions that do not authorize physical development. Accordingly, these programs are exempt from CEQA review pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines §Section 15061(b)(3), commonly known as the “common sense” exemption.
In addition, it can be seen with certainty that the statutory exemption provided by CEQA Guidelines § 15283 (Housing Needs Allocation) applies to this Housing Element update with respect to RHNA. This exemption provides that CEQA does not apply to RHNA determinations made by HCD pursuant to §65584 of the Government Code, as adopting the Hosing Element can been seen as an action to implement a regional housing needs determination, as provided to the County by HCD. Lastly, it can be seen with certainty that portions of this Housing Element update qualify for the categorical exemption established by CEQA Guidelines § 15332 (In-Fill Development Projects).
VI. EXHIBITS:
1. Resolution.
2. Exhibit A: Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element.
3. Exhibit B: Draft 2023-2031 Fair Housing Analysis.
2023 – 2031 Draft Housing
Element & Fair Housing
Analysis
City of Ridgecrest, California
July 23, 2026
City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
Housing Element 0-1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Chapter One - Introduction
Community Context......................................................................................................... 1-1 Housing Element Intent ................................................................................................... 1-1 State Housing Element Law............................................................................................. 1-1 State Required Local Program Strategy........................................................................... 1-2 General Plan Consistency ................................................................................................ 1-2 Scope of Research and Analysis...................................................................................... 1-2 Organization of the Housing Element.............................................................................. 1-3 Application and Flexibility of the Document .................................................................. 1-3
2. Chapter Two - Evaluation of Previous Housing Element Effectiveness of the Previous Housing Element.............................................................. 2-1
3. Chapter Three - Population and Housing
Population Characteristics .............................................................................................. 3-1 Household Characteristics .............................................................................................. 3-5 Special Needs Groups.................................................................................................... 3-12 Employment................................................................................................................... 3-26 Housing Unit Characteristics and Their Relationship to Housing Need ....................... 3-30 Updated Housing Stock Condition ................................................................................ 3-37
4. Chapter Four - Land for Housing
Overview and Housing Sites............................................................................................ 4-1 Future Housing Needs...................................................................................................... 4-2 Progress Towards Meeting the RHNA ............................................................................ 4-3 Land Availability ............................................................................................................. 4-7 City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
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City Infrastructure.......................................................................................................... 4-15
5. Chapter Five - Constraints to Housing Production
Governmental Constraints ............................................................................................... 5-1 Non-Governmental Constraints..................................................................................... 5-25
6. Chapter Six – Goals, Policies and Programs
Goals and Policies............................................................................................................ 6-1 Housing Programs............................................................................................................ 6-6
7. Chapter Seven - Public Participation
Housing Needs and Priority Survey................................................................................. 7-1 Stakeholder Input and Participation................................................................................. 7-2 List of Tables
Table 2-1: Evaluation of 2015 Housing Element Programs................................................... 2-5 Table 3-1: Kern County Population, 2020............................................................................. 3-20 Table 3-2: Kern County Population Trends and Forecasts, 2000–2035............................. 3-20 Table 3-3: City of Ridgecrest Age Characteristics.................................................................. 3-3 Table 3-4: City of Ridgecrest Race and Ethnicity 2010- 2020 ............................................... 3-5 Table 3-5: City of Ridgecrest Household Trends, 2000, 2010, 2020...................................... 3-5 Table 3-6: City of Ridgecrest Household Income ................................................................... 3-6 Table 3-7: Income Levels for Kern County, 2020................................................................... 3-7 Table 3-8: Lower Income Households Overpaying by Tenure.............................................. 3-8 Table 3-9: City of Ridgecrest Overcrowding, 2020................................................................. 3-8 Table 3-10: Overcrowding by Tenure...................................................................................... 3-9 Table 3-11: Median Home Value 2019-2023 ........................................................................... 3-9 Table 3-12: Ridgecrest Residential Sale Prices, 2022 ........................................................... 3-10 Table 3-13: Housing Affordability, 2022 ............................................................................... 3-11 City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
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Table 3-14: Ridgecrest Residential Rental Prices, 2023....................................................... 3-12 Table 3-15: Households with Elderly Occupants, 2020........................................................ 3-13 Table 3-16: Elderly Households by Owner and Renter ....................................................... 3-13 Table 3-17: Persons with a Disability by Age and Type, 2020............................................. 3-13 Table 3-18: Persons with a Disability by Employment Status, 2020................................... 3-14 Table 3-19: Developmentally Disabled Residents by Age .................................................... 3-16 Table 3-20: Developmentally Disabled Residents by Residence Type ................................ 3-18 Table 3-21 Large Households Within Ridgecrest, Bakersfield, and Kern County, 2010 and 2020............................................................................................................................................ 3-18 Table 3-22: City of Ridgecrest Tenure by Unit, 2020 ........................................................... 3-19 Table 3-23: Female Heads of Household, 2020 ..................................................................... 3-21 Table 3-24: Major Employers in Ridgecrest ......................................................................... 3-27 Table 3-25: Employment by Industry City of Ridgecrest and Kern County ..................... 3-28 Table 3-26: Fastest-Growing Occupations in Kern County 2010-2020 .............................. 3-29 Table 3-27: Travel Time to Work........................................................................................... 3-30 Table 3-28: Jobs to Housing Ratio, 2020–2035 ..................................................................... 3-30 Table 3-29: Total Housing Units, 2010-2020 ......................................................................... 3-30 Table 3-30 Occupied Households by Jurisdiction, 2020....................................................... 3-31 Table 3-31 City of Ridgecrest Total Housing Units by Type, 2010-2020............................ 3-31 Table 3-32: Age of Housing Stock .......................................................................................... 3-32 Table 3-33: Number of Housing Units, Occupied and Vacant 2020 ................................... 3-32 Table 3-34: Total Households with Any Housing Problem*................................................ 3-33 Table 3-35: Sample Field Survey Tabulation........................................................................ 3-38 Table 3-36: Residential Building Units Permitted, 2016-2022............................................. 3-36 Table 5-1: Ridgecrest General Plan Land Use Designations................................................. 5-2 Table 5-2: Ridgecrest General Plan Residential Land Use Designations............................. 5-5 City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
Housing Element 0-4
Table 5-3: City of Ridgecrest Zones where Residential Uses are Allowed ........................... 5-5 Table 5-4: City of Ridgecrest Development Standards by Zoning District......................... 5-6 Table 5-5: City of Ridgecrest Housing Types Permitted by Zoning District ....................... 5-8 Table 5-6: Residential Parking Standards............................................................................... 5-9 Table 5-7: Street Standards .................................................................................................... 5-16 Table 5-8: Inventory of Assisted Units................................................................................... 5-17 Table 5-9: Local Nonprofit Organizations Interested in Preserving At-Risk Housing..... 5-18 Table 5-10: City of Ridgecrest Impact Fees, 2023 ................................................................ 5-20 Table 5-11: City of Ridgecrest Impact Fees for a Typical Single-Family Dwelling, 2022*... 5- 21 Table 5-12: Permit Processing Fess........................................................................................ 5-21 Table 5-13: Development Cost for a Typical Residential Development ............................. 5-22 Table 5-14: Typical Processing Procedures by Project Type .............................................. 5-23 Table 5-15: Typical Densities Realized on Approved Projects............................................ 5-24 Table 5-16: Conforming Loan Interest Rates ....................................................................... 5-25 Table 7-1: 2023–2031 Ridgecrest Housing Element Schedule ............................................... 7-1 List of Figures
Figure 3-1: Census Tract Boundaries (Old) ......................................................................... 3-33 Figure 3-1-A Census Tract Boundaries (New/Current) ...………...……………………….3-34 Figure 4-1: Vacant Land Inventory ....................................................................................... 4-14 Figure 4 2: Ridgecrest Street Improvements......................................................................... 4-14 Appendices
Appendix A – Fair Housing Analysis
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1. CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION
Community Context
The City of Ridgecrest is situated in the Indian Wells Valley near China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station. It is in Kern County and was incorporated in 1963. Ridgecrest has a population of 28,905 with 12,673 households as per Census 2020. The median household income is $71,774, and the average home price in 2021 was $286,000.
The City of Ridgecrest has been focused on recovery efforts from the 2019 earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic. In spite of these challenges, the City has experienced steady economic growth with multiple new businesses. The Navy has been the largest employer in Indian Wells Valley. Good access to Highways 178, 14 and 395 makes it a convenient place to live in and commute to Trona, California City, Mojave and Lone Pine for work.
Housing Element Intent
The Housing Element is one of seven General Plan Elements that is mandated by California state law. It is intended to provide citizens and public officials with an understanding of the housing needs in the community and set forth an integrated set of policies and programs aimed at the attainment of defined goals. More specifically, the Housing Element is intended to:
1. Provide comprehensive housing-related information through compilation of data from numerous sources.
2. Provide an estimate of present and future housing needs and constraints by examining population characteristics and growth trends, as well as the current condition of the housing stock.
3. Act as a tool for coordination between governmental bodies and the local building industry.
4. Provide direction for future planning programs to ensure that sufficient consideration is given to housing goals and policies.
5. Establish and portray community goals and policies relative to housing through the identification of existing stated and implicit goals and the identification of housing needs and problems.
6. Establish and identify programs intended to attain and implement the community's goals and policies, taking into consideration the feasibility of those programs; and act as a meaningful guide to decision-makers considering housing related issues.
State Housing Element Law
State law delineating Housing Element requirements is found in California Government Code Sections 65580 through 65589, Chapter 1143, Article 10.6. The law is administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Section 65300.7 of the law provide that local agencies may prepare their General Plans to accommodate local conditions and circumstances, while meeting the law’s minimum requirements.
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State Required Local Program Strategy
Housing program requirements call for development of a local housing program strategy consisting of two primary components: a statement of goals, policies and priorities, and a plan for implementation. This program must reflect the commitment of the locality to address a range of housing needs, including those for fair and affordable housing.
General Plan Consistency
State law requires that the Housing Element contain a statement of “the means by which consistency will be achieved with other general plan elements and community goals” (California Government Code, Section 65583[c] [6] [B]). This requires an evaluation of two primary characteristics: (1) an identification of other General Plan goals, policies, and programs that could affect implementation of the Housing Element or that could be affected by the implementation of the Housing Element; and (2) an identification of actions to ensure consistency between the Housing Element and affected parts of other General Plan elements. The 2009 General Plan contains several elements with policies related to housing. A review of the other General Plan elements demonstrates consistency with all other policies and programs. The City will maintain this consistency in the future by ensuring that General Plan amendments are evaluated for consistency with all General Plan elements.
Scope of Research and Analysis
Two major classifications of data important to an analysis of housing needs are population and housing stock. Some of the more important population data is related to changing household size, population growth or decline, change in special needs, and the income levels of various segments of the community.
Housing stock information of major significance includes an analysis of units by various types, age and quality of the housing stock, owner/renter ratios, recent building activity, and housing cost trends. Future housing need indicators include: projected population growth income and forecasted availability of housing types and expected growth in employment opportunities.
In preparing the Housing Element, various sources of information were consulted. In addition, data supplied by the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) Regional Early Action Program (REAP) approved by HCD that contains much of the information required for the background information chapters of this Housing Element (Chapters 3, 4 and 5) and is the primary source of data for this document.
Where additional information is required, the US Census, which is completed every 10 years, is the preferred data source, as it provides the most reliable and in-depth data for demographic characteristics of a locality. 2010 and 2020 US Census data were used. The California Department of Finance (DOF) is another source of valuable data that is more current than the Census. However, the DOF does not provide the depth of information that can be found in the 2020 US Census.
Whenever possible, the SJA REAP data packet, DOF data, and other local sources were used in order to provide the most current profile of the community.
The 2020 US Census did not collect information in several categories that are required by HCD in the Housing Element. Where this is the case, historical DOF data is used. Where DOF data is not available, information from the 2010 US Census is retained. In cases where this was not feasible City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
Housing Element 1-3
or useful, this assessment references US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) data.
The ACS provides estimates of numerous housing-related indicators based on samples averaged over a five-year period. Where the US Census provides complete counts of various demographic indicators, the ACS provides estimates based on statistically significant samples. Due to the small size of the sample taken in Ridgecrest, some of the estimates reported by the ACS have large margins of error. Where ACS data is used, the numbers should not be interpreted as absolute fact, but rather as a tool to illustrate general proportion or scale.
Organization of the Housing Element
Chapter 1 states the relationship of the General Plan Housing Element to California state law. It also states the overall intent of the Housing Element and how the Housing Element is consistent with the remainder of the General Plan, and provides an overview of the organization of the 2023- 2031 Housing Element.
Chapter 2 reviews and evaluates the previous Housing Element's goals, policies, and programs related to the effectiveness of the element and the appropriateness of the goals, policies, and programs. Determinations are made where the previous Housing Element met, exceeded, or fell short of what was anticipated. Recommendations are made for inclusion in the 2023-2031 Housing Element.
Chapter 3 discusses changes in population characteristics, housing stock, describes and quantifies priority housing needs, and identifies types of housing products to meet those needs.
Chapter 4 discusses land that is available for housing development and the City infrastructure capacity.
Chapter 5 describes market, governmental and non-governmental constraints which may limit adequate housing development.
Chapter 6 identifies goals, policies, and programs and quantified objectives relative to housing needs identified in previous chapters.
Chapter 7 describes public participation conducted for the 2023-2031 Housing Element.
Application and Flexibility of the Document
This Housing Element is a dynamic document that may be subject to change as a result of significant shifts in demographics and/or housing needs during the planning period. It is the intent of the City of Ridgecrest to achieve the fair share allocation and estimated quantitative objectives through the implementation of some or all of the Housing Element programs, as deemed appropriate by the City staff and City Council. The City will monitor implementation on an annual basis and make appropriate adjustments over the next eight years. Specific programs are identified that would achieve the desired objectives; however, the City recognizes that funding and resource allocation may change over the planning period and other options may need to be explored to achieve the identified goals.
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2. CHAPTER TWO – EVALUATION OF PREVIOUS HOUSING ELEMENT The City of Ridgecrest has reviewed and evaluated the previous Housing Element pursuant to pertinent Government Code Sections as follows:
Section 65588 (a)(1): "Appropriateness of goals, objectives and policies" – Based on the above analysis, a determination has been made to keep the program as is, modify, or eliminate the program. A description is given regarding the changes or modifications to the program that are being made in this Housing Element.
Section 65588 (a)(2): "Effectiveness of the Element" – The City of Ridgecrest has reviewed the results of the previous element's goals, objectives, policies, and programs. The results are quantified and/or qualified when possible.
Section 65588 (a)(3): "Progress in Implementation" – The City of Ridgecrest has compared what was projected or planned in the previous element and determined whether the program was successful, unsuccessful, or neutral in achieving the previous element's stated goals, objectives, and policies.
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Effectiveness of the Previous Housing Element
Table 2-1 below provides a review of each of the above requirements of the City’s 2015 Housing Element to determine its effectiveness.
REVIEW OF PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS
To develop appropriate programs and address housing needs identified in the 6th Cycle Housing Element, the City of Ridgecrest reviewed the housing programs adopted during the 5th Cycle and evaluated their effectiveness in delivering housing services and assistance. The Table 2-1 summaries the City’s programs from the previous planning period.
INCLUSIONARY HOUSING
The city updated the Municipal Code Zoning Ordinance to incorporate and clarify definitions related to inclusionary housing and special housing types. These updates included revisions to definitions for family, supportive housing, supportive services, transitional housing, target populations, single room occupancy (SRO) and employee housing.
In addition, the Municipal Code was amended to establish permitted and conditionally permitted uses for these housing types across residential districts consistent with State law. These amendments have facilitated the development of specialized housing, including the establishment of three residential care homes, and three transitional housing facilities within the residential neighborhoods.
Program outcome: Met
The City successfully implemented required zoning updates consistent with State law and demonstrated measurable outcomes through the establishment of six specialized housing facilities.
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS The Municipal Code was amended in 2021 to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs), consistent with State legislation. Following adoption, the city permitted seven ADUs within the first year.
The city continued to experience increased ADU development, supported by subsequent State laws, including SB 9. The Ridgecrest Heights neighborhood, in particular, has provided significant opportunities for infill development. To further facilitate this growth, the city amended its engineering design standards to allow single-family lots to accommodate additional driveways and parking for duplexes and ADUs.
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The availability of infill lots requiring minimal site improvements has contributed to the success of these developments. Since adoption of the ordinance, a total of 26 ADUs have been permitted.
Project outcome: Met
The city exceeded initial expectations for ADU productions, with steady year-over-year growth and a total of 26 units permitted, demonstrating the effectiveness of the ordinance updates and development standards.
FAMILY DAY CARE HOMES
The city updated its Municipal Code to comply with SB 234, allowing large family day care homes as a permitted use in all residential zones. Since adoption in 2021, the city has approved two additional large family day care homes, expanding local childcare capacity by up to 28 children.
Program Outcome: Met
The city achieved compliance with State law and facilitated measurable expansion of childcare capacity through the approval of new large family day care homes.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
The city’s Code Enforcement Division plays an important role in maintaining neighborhood health and safety. In recent years, code enforcement efforts have focused on reducing fire hazards by addressing overgrown vegetation, debris, and dead trees.
The city has also implemented procedures for the abatement and removal of blighted and unsafe structures that pose safety risks and hinder reinvestment and new housing development. Several residential properties damaged by prior fires remain vacant and abandoned.
While Kern County has the authority to initiate tax-default property sales, this process has not yet been undertaken for these sites.
Additionally, Code Enforcement addresses accessibility concerns related to damaged or deteriorating sidewalks within residential neighborhoods.
Program outcome: Met
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While the city has made progress in addressing health, safety, and blight conditions, ongoing challenges remain related to abandoned properties and lack of tax-default property disposition, limiting the full effectiveness of these efforts.
EXTREMELY LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS
The city partnered with Pacific West Communities, Inc. to secure funding through the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program. This partnership resulted in the development of 74 affordable housing units.
Of these units, 16 are designated for extremely low-income households, with a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom units to accommodate a range of household sizes. The remaining units are income restricted to households earning between 50 and 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), with the exception of the one manager’s unit.
Program outcome: Met
The city successfully facilitated the development of deed-restricted affordable housing, including 16 units for extremely low-income households, exceeding typical expectations for production within this income category.
SUMMARY
Zoning amendments were completed to facilitate housing for special needs and even resulted in the completion of a residential care facility. However, the City does not experience an overwhelming interest from developers and service providers. The City was able to cooperate with HACK and continue operating the housing choice voucher and other programs which does help to address special housing needs. Overall, efforts to address special housing needs could be more effective through more proactive outreach and building partnerships to assist the City given the lack of staff and financial resources and programs and actions will be modified appropriately moving into the 7th cycle.
City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
Housing Element 2-5
Table 2-1: Evaluation of 2015 Housing Element Programs
Previous Program
(2015 – 2023) Objective
Status of
Implementation Effectiveness Appropriateness & Future Action Inclusionary
Housing
Definitions
Addition to the zoning code of inclusionary
housing definitions (supportive, target
populations transitional, family, ADU and
JADU) Completed
Inclusionary housing resulted in the
development of six specialized housing
facilities. Accessory Dwelling Units
(ADUs) resulted in the issuance of 26
permits. Family day care homes
expanded local childcare capacity by
providing care for an additional 28
children.
The program actions have been
completed and remain appropriate.
The City will continue to monitor
changes in State housing law and
adopt new or revised regulations, as
needed, to maintain compliance and
support housing objectives.
ADUs Adopt an ADU ordinance Completed The City adopted an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior
Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)
ordinance. The City's website provides
information and resources regarding the
development of ADUs, including
standard plans for ADUs and duplexes
to help streamline the development
process. During the reporting period,
26 ADUs were permitted.
The program actions have been
completed and remain appropriate.
The City will continue to monitor
State housing laws and adopt new
regulations in regards to ADUs.
Family Daycare
Homes
Reduce restrictions on family daycare homes Completed The City adopted the family daycare homes ordinance establishing family
daycare homes as a permitted use in all
residential zones. During the reporting
period, approved family daycare homes
potentially expand local childcare
capacity by up to 28 children.
The program actions have been
completed.
Residential Land
Use Database
The City will coordinate with and help Kern
COG in maintaining a residential land use
database. The City will work with the COG to
ensure the COG’s database will be reviewed,
At least every five
years
The residential land use database has
been maintained and updated every five
years with the most recent update
completed in 2023
The program remains appropriate
and will be retained. The City will
continue to implement and monitor
the program and make amendments
City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
Housing Element 2-6
updated, and summarized at least every five
years as necessary
The Mojave View affordable housing
project used the database to find
available multifamily land. The Mojave
View project provided an additional 72
affordable units to Ridgecrest.
as necessary to maintain consistency
with State law.
Monitor Assisted
Units
Monitor federal-, state-, and locally funded
units at risk of conversion to market rate.
There are 94 units at risk during the 2015–
2023 planning period. The City will take the
following actions to alleviate the loss of units
at risk due to conversion to market-rate units.
• On an annual basis the City will update its
list of subsidized rental properties and identify
those units at risk of converting to market-rate
units.
• The City will contact owners of units at risk
of conversion regarding their interest in
selling properties or maintaining the rental
units as affordable units.
• The City will ensure property owners are
aware of federal and state subsidies to ensure
the continued affordability of housing units.
• The City will maintain a list of nonprofit
agencies interested in
acquisition/rehabilitation of at-risk units and
inform them of the status of such units.
• The City will provide information to
nonprofit agencies about federal, state, or
local funding opportunities to assist with
providing funding for the acquisition and
Annually/OngoingCity staff successfully prevented the
conversion of the affordable units at The
Ridge during the property's sale.
Although ownership of The Ridge, an
80-unit affordable housing complex,
transferred in 2018, the deed restrictions
remained in place, preserving the units'
affordability. During the RHNA
planning period, no affordable units
were lost or converted to market-rate
housing.
The program remains appropriate
and will be retained. The City will
continue to implement and monitor
the program and make amendments
as necessary
City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
Housing Element 2-7
rehabilitation of at-risk projects when
requested.
• The City will make available referral and
contact information regarding tenant rights
and conversion procedures, as well as
information regarding other affordable
housing opportunities in the city to tenants of
at-risk units.
Code Enforcement
Program
The City of Ridgecrest is participating in a
cooperative agreement with Kern County, and
receives a fair share allocation of Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
Because funding may significantly vary from
year to year, in addition to the required
process of public hearings, it is not possible or
feasible to identify future funding items.
According to City staff, CDBG funds are
currently allocated through the first half of the
2015–2013 planning period. The City can
identify programs which may be
recommended for consideration by the public
and Council for inclusion in the CDBG
Action Plan, but no firm commitment can be
given to any specific item without public
hearings. The City will conduct public
hearings, as required, usually in October or
November to have public participation in the
process of identifying suitable CDBG projects
during the second half of the planning period.
Ridgecrest is committed to using CDBG funds
for: rehabilitating housing and other property,
building public facilities, education and job
training, public services for youths, disabled,
Annually Two code enforcement officer positions
handled code enforcement and
continued working with property
owners to remedy issues. There were no
code enforcement cases related to fair
housing issues.
Code Enforcement Cases by Year:
2016 – 3 cases
2017 – 5 cases
2018 – 2 cases
2019 – 2 cases
2020 – 2 cases
2021 – 0 cases
2022 – 0 cases
2023 – 3 cases
During the previous planning period,
CDBGs were not able to be retained for
the Code Enforcement Program.
Because of this, the City will not seek
to fund code enforcement programs
through CDBG funds during the
current planning period.
The program remains appropriate
and will be retained. The City will
continue to implement and monitor
the program and make amendments
as necessary
City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
Housing Element 2-8
and the elderly, crime reduction initiatives,
assisting low-income home buyers with down
payment assistance and subsidizing interest
rates, etc. Possible activities include
acquisition and disposition of real property,
public facility and infrastructure
improvements, clearance activities, public
services, housing rehabilitation, home
ownership assistance, micro-enterprise
assistance, economic development, and
planning activities. These activities will target
special needs groups meeting the required
income guidelines.
The current Code Enforcement
Program staffing and funding is
adequate to address needs. The City
will continue to rely on Building
Department staff and contracts with
Kern County to provide plan checks
and inspections, including code
violations.
An estimated 10 to 15% of the City’s
current housing stock needs some type
of rehabilitation. The Code
Enforcement Program staff have a
library of resources that are provided to
owners/renters when a code violation is
issued. The City finds this to be one
acceptable way to help update housing
stock.
The program is currently lacking a
formal process/procedure for the
abatement of structurally unsound
buildings. The program has been
revised to reflect this need.
Community
Development
Block Grants
(CDBG)
The City of Ridgecrest is participating in a
cooperative agreement with Kern County, and
receives a fair share allocation of Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
Because funding may significantly vary from
year to year, in addition to the required
process of public hearings, it is not possible or
feasible to identify future funding items.
According to City staff, CDBG funds are
currently allocated through the first half of the
2015–2013 planning period. The City can
Annually CDGB Funds were used for
improvements to public facilities in
underserved neighborhoods. Projects
included kitchen updates, and
remodeling and accessibility
improvements to the Senior Center and
the expansion of park facilities.
The program remains appropriate
and will be retained. The City will
continue to implement and monitor
the program and make amendments
as necessary
City of Ridgecrest July 2
3, 2026
Housing Element2-9
identify programs which may be
recommended for consideration by the public
and Council for inclusion in the CDBG
Action Plan, but no firm commitment can be
given to any specific item without public
hearings. The City will conduct public
hearings, as required, usually in October or
November to have public participation in the
process of identifying suitable CDBG projects
during the second half of the planning period.
Ridgecrest is committed to using CDBG funds
for: rehabilitating housing and other property,
building public facilities, education and job
training, public services for youths, disabled,
and the elderly, crime reduction initiatives,
assisting low-income home buyers with down
payment assistance and subsidizing interest
rates, etc. Possible activities include
acquisition and disposition of real property,
public facility and infrastructure
improvements, clearance activities, public
services, housing rehabilitation, home
ownership assistance, micro-enterprise
assistance, economic development, and
planning activities. These activities will target
special needs groups meeting the required
income guidelines.
City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
Housing Element 2-10
Kern County
Housing Authority
(HACK)
The Kern County Housing Authority
(HACK) administers the Housing Choice
Voucher (Section 8) and Family SelfSufficiency programs.
Section 8 is a rent subsidy program whereby
low-income residents of Kern County are
awarded vouchers which enable them to
obtain housing in the private sector. HACK
contracts with landlords to subsidize the
participants' rents. The housing must meet
HUD Housing Quality Standards in order
for HACK to enter into a Housing
Assistance Payment contract with the
landlord.
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program
(FSSP) is designed to assist public housing
tenants receiving Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance (SNAP) or other assistance with
becoming self-sufficient, primarily through
employment, within five years. Participants
set goals for themselves to reach during that
time frame. In return, HACK sets up escrow
(savings) accounts for participants, with a
portion of the extra rent paid when
participants obtain employment.
Referrals are made to assist participants in
obtaining educational training and/or
employment services in the community.
This program is coordinated with the
collaborative services of the Employment
Development Department, Regional
Occupational Center, CalWORKs,
Ongoing HACK carries out a variety of
programs on an ongoing basis such as
vouchers and family sufficiency that
benefit special housing needs.
The program remains appropriate
and will be retained. The City will
continue to implement and monitor
the program and make amendments
as necessary.
City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
Housing Element 2-11
Employers' Training Resource, and other
supportive services in Kern County.
The City of Ridgecrest will make interested
citizens aware of these two programs and
provide them with contact information for
the program administrators at HACK.
Mobile Home
Improvement
Program
The City may act as a liaison between
mobile home parks, dwelling unit owners,
and the state and Kern County in identifying
and coordinating grants and funding for the
improvement of mobile home units.
Rehabilitation assistance shall be given to
extremely low-, very low-, and low-income
families which could include repair of
damaged mobile homes.
Annual review of
funding
opportunities
No funding requests were received. Continue the program and review the need for program enhancement.
Mortgage Credit
Certificate Program
The City may qualify and participate in a
Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
program either solely or jointly with Kern
County if one becomes available between
2015–2023. The County continues to
operate its MCC program which is available
to Ridgecrest residents through the Kern
County Planning and Community
Development Department.
Evaluate
possibility of city
participation in
MCC program
every two years
beginning in 2016
No funds were available. Appropriate – retain and revise Outreach Program 1) Provide information through public
access television and newspaper
advertisements twice per fiscal year
regarding availability of grants and loans for
handicap accessibility. Establish a key
contact person at City Hall to distribute
Produce printed
materials by 2016;
update housing
rehabilitation
brochure every
two years and
ongoing
Brochures were created and made
available.
Appropriate – retain and revise
City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
Housing Element 2-12
information as requested, and to assist with
further information.
2) Brochures and printed information will
be produced by 2016 for public distribution
at City Hall upon request. Public access
television may advertise the availability of
such information at City Hall.
3) The City may provide the public with at
least one key contact that will identify grant
sources and coordinate efforts between the
private individual and the grant source.
4) Update housing rehabilitation brochure
every two years between 2015 and 2023 or
as necessary as information changes
Police and
Community
Together Program
(PACT)
Continue and fund the Police and
Community Together (PACT)
neighborhood watch program between
2015-2023 for increased safety.
Ongoing PACT volunteers contribute over 9,000
hours annually in support of
community policing, outreach and
crime prevention.
Appropriate – retain and revise
Parking Reduction
Program
1) Continue to reduce parking requirements
by 50 percent for developments that provide
at least half of the units exclusively for
elderly persons.
2) Continue to reduce parking ratio for nonhandicap units on-site by 20 percent.
As development
applications are
received
Reduced parking requirements by 20%
for affordable housing project; ongoing
One development had parking
requirements reduced facilitating the
development of 24 units for elderly
Parking requirement reductions were
provided for one affordable housing
project for the development of 74
affordable units.
Appropriate – retain and revise
Reduced or Waived
Sewer Capacity Fees
The City will make every reasonable effort
to assist in the development of extremely
low-, very low-, and low-income housing as
As development
applications are
received
No projects received fee waivers or
reductions during the planning cycle.
All residential developments are offered
Continue program.
Appropriate – retain and revise
City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
Housing Element 2-13
well as housing for persons with special
needs through programs identified in this
Housing Element. When no other programs
are feasible in the provision of such
housing, the City will give favorable
consideration to the following:
1) The City may approve sewer capacity fee
waivers or reductions based upon the
demonstration of financial need by a
qualifying extremely low-, very low-, or
low-income family or special needs person.
2) The City may eliminate or reduce sewer
capacity fees based upon demonstration of
financial need for the development of new
senior housing projects between 2015–2023.
3) The City may eliminate or reduce sewer
capacity fees based upon demonstration of
financial need for the development of
handicapped units between 2015–2023.
4) The City of Ridgecrest may reduce or
waive the sewer capacity fees for lowerincome, large-family units. deferment of impact fees at time of
permitting to facilitate construction.
Rehabilitation
Program
The City shall regularly complete an
application for rehabilitation funds to serve
city residents. Currently, the City does not
have resources to administer a rehabilitation
program. If funding is received the City will
initiate discussions with Kern County or
other agencies or organizations that may be
able to take on the administration of
rehabilitation loans for residents of the city.
In addition, the City will actively market the
Apply for
rehabilitation
funds every two
years or when
funding
opportunities
become available
No assistance was provided during the
planning period.
The City will continue supporting
rehabilitation program especially for
very-low- and extremely-low-income
household units., by seeking
applicable grants and facilitating
implementation.
City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
Housing Element 2-14
Kern County Rehabilitation Program during
the planning period.
Fair Housing
Services
Under the Community Development Block
Grant Program, Kern County operates a Fair
Housing Program under Title VIII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1968 aimed at
combating illegal discrimination in housing.
• Education Activities – Provide brochures,
posters, presentations to the public,
poster/essay contest in the schools, public
service announcements, community
outreach activities.
• Investigation/Testing – Investigate the
validity of a discrimination complaint.
Mediation – Serve as a mediator and offer a
resolution to the conflict between two
parties. The program is not an enforcement
agency, but an impartial third party.
• Coordination – Provide connecting links
between groups, agencies, individuals, and
private enterprises that are involved in fair
housing that will enhance the delivery of
fair housing services.
Information about the County’s Fair
Housing Program will be disseminated
throughout the community in a variety of
ways. The City Clerk can provide referrals
to the County program. Brochures and
printed information regarding fair housing
practices will be available for public
distribution at City Hall. Educational
activities and other services will be
Ongoing Referrals to county programs,
Brochures and printed information at
City Hall. Educational activities and
services through library, community
center, senior center, service clubs,
schools etc.
Appropriate – retain and revise
City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
Housing Element 2-15
promoted on a regular basis in brochures at
the library, community center, senior center,
service clubs, schools, and businesses.
Nonprofit Housing
Provider
Substandard units may be improved and/or
new units constructed between 2015–2023
by various nonprofit organizations
Ongoing Habitat for Humanity no longer has a
local program.
Continue to seek nonprofit
organizations to support activities.
Energy
Conservation
The City will continue to implement Title
24 of the California Code of Regulations on
all new development and will continue to
ensure that local building codes are
consistent with state mandated or
recommended green building standards. The
City will also encourage the use of
additional innovative energy conservation
techniques such as active and passive solar
systems, orientation, and project layout in
an endeavor to further reduce dependence
on outside energy sources. The City will
make handouts and literature available to
the public outlining measures that they can
take to reduce energy use.
Throughout
planning period
Provided handouts about available
programs at City Hall by June 2016;
ensured
consistency with state green building
standards triennially when the
California Building Code is adopted,
and ongoing
Appropriate – retain and revise
Special Needs
Housing
The City has a number of incentives to
encourage the production of housing to
meet the needs of special needs populations,
such as the elderly and persons with
physical and developmental disabilities.
These include density bonuses and
modification of development standards. The
City has provided incentives in the past to
facilitate special needs housing. The
Ridgecrest Senior Apartments project
received reduced parking standards. As
Assist or support
applications when
feasible 2015-
2023; evaluate
whether a Hotel
Voucher Program
will be pursued by
2017; if pursued
implement by
2018
No developments were applied for nor
requested for special needs housing
projects during the planning cycle.
Program to continue.
City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
Housing Element 2-16
feasible, the City will support others’
applications for funding under state and
federal programs designated specifically for
special needs groups and other lowerincome households. The City may also provide assistance to applicants or
organizations working to provide housing or
services for special needs groups in
Ridgecrest. The City of Ridgecrest may
coordinate with Kern County and local
nonprofit organizations to provide
assistance and support to homeless persons.
During the 2015–2023 planning period, the
City may explore the feasibility of
implementing a Hotel Voucher Program to
assist homeless families and individuals in
obtaining emergency shelter and/or
transitional housing.
Update Zoning
Ordinance
The Zoning Ordinance will be amended to
allow group homes by right in residential
zones for small group homes (six persons or
fewer) and with a conditional use permit for
large facilities (seven persons or more)
consistent with state law.
The Zoning Ordinance will be amended to
update the definition of “family” to remove
any limit on number of persons consistent
with state law.
The Zoning Ordinance will be amended to
allow mobile homes of 10 years of age or
less in all single-family zones.
Within one year
of Housing
Element adoption
for amendments to
allow transitional
and supportive
housing;
December 2016
for other portions
Adopted Accessory Dwelling Units
Ordinance consistent with Government
Code Section 65852.150; adopted
Ordinance for Temporary Employee
Housing; ongoing review and update of
municipal code to reflect current
regulations.
The municipal code was amended to
comply with state laws.
Municipal code was amended to in
conformance with state law for the
following:
Continue to update the zoning code
to reflect state laws in support of
housing.
City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
Housing Element 2-17
The Zoning Ordinance will be amended to
permit single-room occupancy (SRO) units
subject to site plan review and without a
conditional use permit in the R-2, R-3, and
R-4 zones.
The City will, as required by SB 2, amend
the Zoning Ordinance for transitional and
supportive housing as residential uses in all
zones allowing residential uses, subject only
to those restrictions that apply to other
residential uses of the same type in the same
zone. The Zoning Ordinance will also be
amended to include the following
definitions related to transitional and
supportive housing per Government Code
Sections 65582(f), (g) and (h):
-update definition of “family”, and
remove limits of number of persons
-Mobile homes in all single-family
-Transitional, supportive housing in
residential zones
These changes facilitated the
development of 16 additional units since
adoption of ordinance in 2021.
Two residential care homes were
permitted providing sober living care
for 12 individuals.
Ten mobile homes were added as
housing units during the planning cycle.
Extremely LowIncome HouseholdsAssembly Bill (AB) 2634 requires the quantification and analysis of existing and
projected housing needs of extremely lowincome households. To facilitate housing for extremely low-income persons, the City
will prioritize funding and/or offer financial
incentives or regulatory concessions to
encourage the development or rehabilitation
of single-room occupancy units and/or other
units affordable to the extremely lowincome, such as supportive and multifamily units.
Assist or support
applications when
feasible 2015-
2023; evaluate
whether a Hotel
Voucher Program
will be pursued by
2017; if pursued
implement by
2018
No incentives were provided. Continue to seek funding and opportunities to facilitate program.
Employee Housing
Act
Amend the City’s Zoning Ordinance to
comply with the state Employee Housing
Act (Health and Safety Code Sections
17021.5 and 17021.6) to treat employee
December 2016 First meeting and Planning Commission
recommendation to City Council was
approved in February of 2024. The first
Not applicable
City of Ridgecrest July 23, 2026
Housing Element 2-18
housing for farm workers or other
employees that serves six or fewer persons
as a single-family structure and permitted in
the same manner as other single-family
structures of the same type in the same zone
(Section 17021.5). The Zoning Ordinance
will also be amended to treat employee
housing consisting of no more than 12 units
or 36 beds as an agricultural use and
permitted in the same manner as other
agricultural uses in the same zone in zones
where agricultural uses are permitted
(Section 17021.6).
reading of the ordinance was set for
April 3, 2024. Adoption May 2024.
Reasonable
Accommodation
In response to SB 520 and to ensure fair and
efficient process for persons with
disabilities to make necessary accessibility
adjustments to their homes, the City is
currently in the process of amending the
Zoning Ordinance to create a reasonable
accommodation procedure.
Amend zoning
Ordinance prior to
or concurrent with
Housing Element
adoption
Adopted Complete
Emergency Shelters Amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow
emergency shelters by right in the R-3 and
R-4 zones.
2024 First meeting and recommendation by
Planning Commission was completed in
February 2024. The first reading of the
ordinance was set for April 3, 2024.
Adoption May 2024.
Not applicable
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-1
3. CHAPTER THREE – POPULATION AND HOUSING
A successful strategy for improving housing conditions must be preceded by an assessment of the housing needs of the community and the region. This section discusses the components of housing need. The components include the trends between 2010 and 2020 (and other more recent data when available) in Ridgecrest's population, households, employment base, and the type of housing units available. Comparisons are made to countywide statistical data.
Much of the information in the 2023-2031 Housing Element is provided by the San Joaquin Valley REAP Program. This information is based on statistical data provided by the US Decennial Census, the American Community Survey (ACS), and the Department of Finance (DOF). The Decennial Census is an important source of information for the Housing Needs Assessment.
Completed every 10 years, it provides the most reliable and in-depth data for demographic characteristics of a locality. The ACS is another source of information provided by the US Census Bureau. The ACS is a nationwide survey that collects information such as age, race, income, commute time to work, home value, veteran status, and other important data. The ACS uses this information to estimate the statistical data for a community. However, this is just an estimate based on a random survey and therefore can have a fairly large margin of error. As such, the ACS is not as accurate as the Decennial Census. The DOF is another source of valuable data that is more current than the Census. However, the DOF does not provide the depth of information that can be found in the US Census Bureau reports. Whenever possible, DOF data and other local sources were used in the Housing Needs Assessment in order to provide the most current profile of the community.
The analysis that follows is divided into four major subsections. Population Characteristics analyzes the City of Ridgecrest in terms of individual persons and identifies population trends that may affect future housing needs. Household Characteristics analyzes Ridgecrest by households, or living groups, to see how past and expected household changes will affect housing needs.
Employment analyzes individual persons in Ridgecrest by occupation and employment sources.
Housing Unit Characteristics and Their Relationship to Housing Need analyzes the housing units in Ridgecrest by availability, affordability, and condition. This information can be used to help identify programs needed to ensure that the existing and future housing stock meets the housing needs of every segment of the City's population. Analysis in each of these subsections provides data upon which decisions concerning programs and policies for the provision of adequate housing in the City can be made.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-2
Population Characteristics
Number of Inhabitants
Table 3-1 shows current population estimates for Ridgecrest, Kern County, and other incorporated places within Kern County. The 2020 Census recorded 27,959 residents in the City of Ridgecrest, an increase of 343 persons or about one percent of the City's population from 2010.
Table 3-1: Kern County Population, 2020
City Population
Arvin 19,495
Bakersfield 403,455
California City 14,973
Delano 51,428
Maricopa 1,026
McFarland 14,161
Ridgecrest 27,959
Shafter 19,953
Taft 8,546
Tehachapi 12,939
Wasco 27,047
Total Incorporated 600,982
Unincorporated 308,253
Kern County Total Population 909,235
Source: U.S. Census 2020
Table 3-2: Kern County Population Trends and Forecasts, 2000–2035 2000 2010 2020 2035
%
Increase
from
2020-2035
Kern County 661,649 839,631 909,235 1,076,000 18.3%
Arvin 12,956 19,304 19,495 23,600 21.1%
Bakersfield 253,562 347,483 403,455 507,400 25.8%
California City 8,838 14,120 14973 16,700 11.5%
Delano 40,036 53,041 51,428 59,400 15.5%
Maricopa 1,173 1,154 1,026 1,050 2.3%
McFarland 9,932 12,707 14,161 14,800 4.5%
Ridgecrest 25,103 27,616 27,959 31,500 12.7%
Shafter 13,045 16,988 19,953 28,700 43.8%
Taft 8,975 9,327 8,546 9,800 14.7%
Tehachapi 10,861 14,414 12,939 15,500 19.8%
Wasco 21,604 25,545 27,047 31,000 14.6%
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-3
Source: US. Census 2000, 2010, 2020 and Kern COG 2022 RTP/SCS Good access to Highways 178, 14, and 395 enables workers to live in Ridgecrest and commute to Trona, California City, Mojave, and Lone Pine. A large inventory of developable land also facilitates an ongoing supply of affordable market rate housing in the area. According to the ACS 2016–2020 data, over 60 percent of Ridgecrest residents commute less than 15 minutes to work, which is significantly higher than the 28 percent of County residents.
In Table 3-2, the growth rate of Kern County communities can be compared. According to the Kern COG 2022 RTP/SCS, Ridgecrest is forecast to reach a population of 31,500 by the year 2035.
This represents an increase of 3,541 persons over the 15-year period, or approximately 12.7 percent in growth.
Age Characteristics
As shown in Table 3-3, between 2010 and 2020, the median age increased from 33.8 years to 37.2 years, an additional 3.4 years.
The most significant change occurred in the 35-44 age range which increased from 11.4 percent of the total population in 2010 to 15.0 percent in 2020. A significant change was also seen in the 0-4 age group which decreased from 8.2 percent to 4.9 percent during the same time period.
Table 3-3: City of Ridgecrest Age Characteristics
Age Range
2010 2020
Number of
Persons
Percent of
Total
Number of
Persons
Percent of
Total
0-4 2,265 8.2% 1,422 4.9%
5-9 2,012 7.3% 2,172 7.5%
10-14 1,992 7.2% 2,316 8.0%
15-19 2,081 7.5% 1,944 6.7%
20-24 1,848 6.7% 1,372 4.7%
25-34 4,022 14.6% 4,053 14.0%
35-44 3,135 11.4% 4,344 15.0%
45-54 3,832 13.8% 3,706 12.8%
55-64 3,012 10.9% 3,457 12.0%
65-74 1,873 6.8% 2,278 7.9%
75+ 1,544 5.6% 1,841 6.4%
Totals 27,616 100% 28,905 100.0%
Median Age 33.8 37.2
Source: U.S. Census 2010, 2020 and ACS 2016-2020 (Table S0101) City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-4
Race and Ethnicity
Ridgecrest residents are predominantly comprised of two racial/ethnic groups: White (nonHispanic) and Hispanic. Together these two racial/ethnic groups represented 82 percent of the total population in 2020. As shown in Table 3-4, the White population, which accounted for 60 percent of the City’s population, declined by 11.9 percent over the 2010-2020 period. During the same ten-year period, the Hispanic population of the city increased by 23.9 percent. Although relatively small in number, the Native American population declined by 35.9 percent and the Other/Two or more races group grew the fasted during this period, almost doubling in size (96.7%).
Table 3-3A: Population By Race
City of
Ridgecrest
Percent
Kern
County
Percent California Percent
Total: 28,905 892,458 39,346,023
White Alone 22,621 78.3% 603,368 67.6% 22,053,721 56.1% Black Or African American
Alone 1,355 4.7% 48,530 5.4% 2,250,962 5.7%
American Indian And Alaska
Native Alone 274 0.9% 8,462 0.9% 311,629 0.8%
Asian Alone 1,254 4.3% 43,381 4.9% 5,834,312 14.8%
Native Hawaiian And Other
Pacific Islander Alone 53 0.2% 1,380 0.2% 149,636 0.4%
Some Other Race Alone 1,643 5.7% 112,122 12.6% 5,623,747 14.3% Two Or More Races: 1,705 5.9% 75,215 8.4% 3,122,016 7.9% Two Races Including Some
Other Race 182 0.6% 48,130 5.4% 1,472,235 3.7%
Two Races Excluding
Some Other Race, And Three
Or More Races 1,523 5.3% 27,085 3.0% 1,649,781 4.2%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS16-20 (5-year Estimates), Table B02001.
White Majority: Ridgecrest has a significantly higher concentration of residents identifying as "White Alone" (78.3%) compared to Kern County (67.6%) and California (56.1%).
Lower Diversity in Specific Groups: Ridgecrest has lower percentages of Asian (4.3%) and "Some Other Race" (5.7%) residents compared to both the county and state levels.
Two or More Races: Ridgecrest accounts for 5.9% of multi-racial residents while the county average is 8.4%, and the state average is 7.9%.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-5
Table 3-4: City of Ridgecrest Race and Ethnicity 2010- 2020 Racial/Ethnic Group1 2010 2020 2010-2020
Population Percent Population Percent Percent Inc.
White 19,019 68.9% 16,763 60.0% -11.9%
Hispanic 4,941 17.9% 6,124 21.9% 23.9%
Black/African American 1,041 3.8% 1,222 4.4% 17.4%
Asian/Pacific Islander 1,315 4.8% 1,618 5.8% 23.0%
Native American 245 0.9% 157 0.6% -35.9%
Other/Two or more races 1,055 3.8% 2,075 7.4% 96.7%
TOTAL 27,616 100.0% 27,959 100.0% 1.2%
Source: U.S. Census 2010 and 2020 (Table P2)
1White, Black/African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American, and Other/Two or more races denote nonHispanic.
Household Characteristics
Household Trends
Table 3-5 indicates that the number of households, average number of persons per household, and total population in households have all increased in the City of Ridgecrest between 2000 and 2020.
Table 3-5: City of Ridgecrest Household Trends, 2000, 2010, 2020 Year Number of
Households
Population in
Households
Average
Household Size
2000 9,919 24,794 2.50
2010 10,882 27,420 2.54
2020 11,667 28,706 2.46
Source: U.S. Census 2000, 2010 and ACS 2016-2020 (Table DP02) Household Size
Trends in household size can indicate the growth pattern of a community. Average household size will increase if there is an influx of larger families or a rise in the local birth rate. Household size will decline where the population is aging, or when there is an influx of single residents outside childbearing age.
As shown in Table 3-5, average household size in Ridgecrest was 2.50 persons per household in 2000 and increased to 2.54 persons per household in 2010. By 2020, the City’s household size declined to 2.46. Based on data from the Census ACS 2016-2020 five-year estimates, Kern County's average household size was higher than Ridgecrest, with a 2020 household size of 3.15.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-6
Income
The major factor which constrains the ability of households to obtain adequate housing is income, the ability to pay for adequate housing. Median income of a community is one key indicator used to determine housing needs. Median income is a statistic which marks the halfway point in a community's income distribution. Fifty percent of all households earn more than the median; fifty percent earn less. Table 3-6 shows Ridgecrest household income distribution. A total of 10.4 percent of the City's households earn less than $15,000 per year, and 6.4 percent earn less than $10,000 annually. At the upper end of the spectrum, almost one-third (31.9%) of Ridgecrest households earn $100,000 or more. When looking at income data for seniors or those over the age of 65 differences emerge from the total household income trends. About eight percent of seniors earn less than $15,000 per year, which is slightly less than for total households in the City. More than one-quarter (26.5%) of seniors earn more than $100,000 per year. Both seniors and total households have significant numbers earning between $35,000 and $100,000 per year, 44.5 percent of total households and 43.9 percent of senior households.
Table 3-6: City of Ridgecrest Household Income
Income Range
Number of
Total
Households
Percent of
Total
Households
Number of
Senior
Households
(65 years and
older)
Percent of
Senior
Households
Less than $10,000 751 6.4% 128 4.9%
$10,000 to $14,999 471 4.0% 84 3.2%
$15,000 to $24,999 899 7.7% 328 12.4%
$25,000 to $34,999 633 5.4% 236 9.0%
$35,000 to $49,999 1,566 13.4% 412 15.6%
$50,000 to $74,999 1,733 14.9% 343 13.0%
$75,000 to $99,999 1,885 16.2% 404 15.3%
$100,000 to $149,999 1,904 16.3% 433 16.4%
$150,000 to $199,999 1,322 11.3% 104 3.9%
$200,000 or more 503 4.3% 163 6.2%
Total 11,667 100.0% 2,635 100.0%
Source: ACS 2016-2020 (Table B19037)
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) have established five income classifications using the county median as a guideline for defining housing needs. The 2020 Kern County income limits are shown in Table 3-7. Incomes are specifically defined as follows:
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-7
Table 3-7: Income Levels for Kern County, 2020
Income
Category
Household Size
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Extremely Low $14,700 $17,240 $21,720 $26,200 $30,680 $35,160 $39,640 $44,120 Very Low $24,500 $28,000 $31,500 $34,950 $37,750 $40,550 $43,350 $46,150 Low $39,150 $44,750 $50,350 $55,900 $60,400 $64,850 $69,350 $73,800 Moderate $59,400 $67,900 $76,350 $84,850 $91,650 $98,450 $105,200 $112,000 Above Moderate >$59,400 >$67,900 >$76,350 >$84,850 >$91,650 >$98,450 >$105,200 >$112,000 Area Median
$70,700
Extremely Low-Income: Less than 30 percent of the county median Very Low Income: 31 to 50 percent of the county area median.
Low Income: 51 to 80 percent of the county area median.
Moderate Income: 81 to 120 percent of the county area median.
Above Moderate Income: More than 120 percent of the county area median.
Older parts of the City generally contain the largest concentrations of persons with lower incomes.
The age of the housing stock is often correlated with income, which results in lower-income persons living in older housing stock. The Crumville area (area bounded by Norma Street, China Lake Boulevard, Upjohn Avenue, and Church Street) has been identified as a blighted area. This neighborhood is predominantly multi-family with single-family residential units throughout.
Homes in this area are approximately 50 years old and may need rehabilitation before other neighborhoods of the same vintage.
Overpayment of Rent
State and federal standards for housing overpayment are defined as an income-to-housing cost ratio of 30 percent. Households paying more than this percentage of their income for shelter have less money left over for other necessities, such as food, clothing, utilities and healthcare. It is recognized, however, that moderate- and above moderate-income households are generally capable of paying a larger proportion of their income on housing. Therefore, estimates of housing overpayment generally focus on low-income groups.
As shown in Table 3-8, of the total 3,560 lower income households in the city, the majority (58.7%) were paying more than 30 percent of their income for shelter and almost one-third (32.7%) were paying over 50 percent on shelter. Additionally, 64.0 percent of the lower income renter households and 51.6 percent of lower income owner households were overpaying (over 30% of income) on shelter.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-8
Table 3-8: Lower Income Households Overpaying by Tenure Owner
Occupied
% Owner
Occupied
Renter
Occupied
% Renter
Occupied Total % Total
Cost Burden > 30% 805 51.6% 1,280 64.0% 2,090 58.7%
Cost Burden >50% 450 28.8% 715 35.8% 1,165 32.7%
Total Lower Income
Households 1,560 2,000 3,560
Source: U.S. Housing and Urban Development, CHAS 2014-18 The Kern COG Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) plan has allocated 620 housing units as Ridgecrest's 2023-2031 regional housing share for low- and very low-income households. The distinction between renter and owner housing overpayment is important. Although homeowners may overextend themselves to afford to purchase a house, the owner is building equity and is likely to have fixed housing costs, or to have a relatively predictable increase in mortgage payments over time. In addition, the option to sell the home always remains.
Overcrowding
Overcrowding reflects the inability of households to buy or rent housing which provides reasonable privacy for each member. As defined by HUD, overcrowding occurs when there is more than one person per room (excluding kitchens, bathrooms and hallways). As shown in Table 3-9, of the 11,667 total occupied housing units in Ridgecrest, 321 or 2.7 percent were overcrowded in 2020 (1.01 or more persons per occupied unit).
Table 3-9: City of Ridgecrest Overcrowding, 2020
Persons per unit Number of
Households Percent
1.00 or less 11,346 97.2%
1.01 to 1.50 134 1.1%
1.51 or more 187 1.6%
Occupied Units 11,667 100%
Source: ACS 2016-2020 (Table B25014)
Table 3-10 shows the percentages of overcrowding between owners and renters in Ridgecrest and Kern County in 2020. In Ridgecrest, only one percent of owners lived in overcrowded conditions (more than one person per room), while five percent of the renters lived under overcrowded conditions. Kern County had significantly higher overcrowding than Ridgecrest, with 5.6 percent of its owners and 14.3 percent or its renters living in overcrowded conditions.
To address overcrowding, the element includes programs to relax development standards in the City’s second unit ordinance, increase the supply of multifamily units with three or more bedrooms, facilitate single room occupancy units through zoning code revisions, and expand affordability by working with nonprofits to assemble land and write down costs (See Program 15).
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-9
Table 3-10: Overcrowding by Tenure
Tenure Ridgecrest Kern County
Owner Occupied
Overcrowding
(1.1-1.5 persons/room) 0.7% 4.4%
Severe Overcrowding
(>1.5 persons/room) 0.6% 1.2%
Total Overcrowding
(>1.1 persons/room) 1.3% 5.6%
Renter Occupied
Overcrowding
(1.1-1.5 persons/room) 1.9% 9.4%
Severe Overcrowding
(>1.5 persons/room) 3.1% 4.9%
Total Overcrowding
(>1.1 persons/room) 5.0% 14.3%
Source: ACS 2016-2020 (Table B25014)
Home Values and Sales Prices
Home values presented in Table 3-11 are based on the Zillow Home Value Index, which is a smoothed, seasonally adjusted measure of the typical home value and market changes across a given region and housing type. According to the table, Ridgecrest’s median home value in January 2023 was $261,900, a slight increase from the prior year, but a significant increase (31.9%) since 2019. In comparison to Kern County, the Zillow estimated home value for Ridgecrest was lower by $68,700 in 2023.
Table 3-11: Median Home Value 2019-2023
Year
(January)
Ridgecrest Kern County
Median Home
Value
Percent
Change
Median Home
Value
Percent
Change
2019 $198,500 $222,500
2020 $206,600 4.1% $234,700 5.5%
2021 $227,000 9.9% $261,800 11.6%
2022 $259,000 14.1% $309,400 18.2%
2023 $261,900 1.1% $330,600 6.9%
Source: Zillow Home Value Index for January 2019-2023.
In addition, the Ridgecrest Area Association of Realtors provided information of homes sold in the City (Zip Code 93555), which are presented in Table 3-12. The information shows that the median price of homes sold between 2021 and 2022 increased in Ridgecrest. For example, the median sale price of a three-bedroom house in Ridgecrest increased from $242,000 in 2021 to $255,000 the following year. Additionally, three-bedroom home, which accounted for the City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-10
majority of homes sold in 2022, had a sales price range from a low of $85,000 to a high of $620,000.
Table 3-12: Ridgecrest Residential Sale Prices, 2022
Number of
Units Sold Low High Median
2021
2-bedroom 21 $50,000 $230,000 $154,000
3-bedroom 282 $120,000 $475,000 $242,000
4+ bedrooms 206 $155,000 $690,000 $319,000
2022
2-bedroom 20 $70,000 $415,000 $175,000
3-bedroom 310 $85,000 $620,000 $255,000
4+ bedrooms 201 $120,000 $1,300,000 $350,000
Source: Ridgecrest Area Association of Realtors
Table 3-13 presents 2022 income limits and maximum monthly rents and sale prices for Kern County households, which also applies for Ridgecrest households. The maximum rents and sale prices were developed using the HCD Housing Affordability Calculator for year 2022. In comparing the housing affordability limits to recent home sale prices in Table 3-12, the City’s residential units sold in 2022 were not affordable to extremely low-income households and very low-income large households (5 or more person households). As shown in Table 3-13, the maximum affordable sale price for a very low-income large household was $106,600; however, the lowest sales price for a four+ bedroom home was $120,000 or $13,400 more than the maximum affordability limit. While a very low-income large household could move into a two-bedroom housing at the lower price range, it would result in overcrowded conditions.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-11
Table 3-13: Housing Affordability, 2022
Limits 1-Bedroom
(1-2 persons)
2-Bedroom
(3 persons)
3-Bedroom
(4 persons)
4-Bedroom
(5 persons)
Extremely Low Income
Annual income limit $16,350-$18,700 $23,030 $27,750 $32,470 Monthly income $1,363-$1,558 $1,919 $2,313 $2,706
Max. monthly rent $360 $420 $480 $530
Max. sales price $32,100 $39,500 $47,000 $52,900
Very Low Income
Annual income limit $27,300-$31,200 $35,100 $38,950 $42,100 Monthly income $2,275-$2,600 $2,925 $3,246 $3,508
Max. monthly rent $680 $780 $880 $960
Max. sales price $71,800 $84,200 $96,600 $106,600
Low Income
Annual income limit $43,650-$49,850 $56,100 $62,300 $67,300 Monthly income $3,638-$4,154 $4,675 $5,192 $5,608
Max. monthly rent $1,120 $1,280 $1,440 $1,560
Max. sales price $111,500 $128,900 $146,300 $160,200
Moderate Income
Annual income limit $67,450-$77,100 $86,700 $96,350 $104,050 Monthly income $5,621-$6,425 $7,225 $8,029 $8,671
Monthly rent $1,810 $2,050 $2,290 $2,480
Max. sales price $227,400 $259,200 $291,100 $316,600
Source: HCD Income Limits 2022 and HCD Affordability Calculator https://www.hcd.ca.gov/planning-and-communitydevelopment/annual-progress-reports Rental Costs
Examining the rental housing market is a direct means to identifying rental price information.
Rents are ultimately determined by the interaction of supply and demand within the housing market. The two most significant factors contributing to rental prices are location and amenities.
Table 3-14 provides samples of “typical” rental housing in the Ridgecrest area as identified through a point-in-time survey conducted using the online rental listing website Zillow.com in May 2023. This recent listing included mostly two- and three-bedroom units with average rents of $1,213 per month and $1,587 per month, respectively.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-12
Table 3-14: Ridgecrest Residential Rental Prices, 2023
Number of
Units
Surveyed
Low
Rent
High
Rent
Average
Rent
1-bedroom 7 $600 $1,788 $1,125
2-bedroom 22 $559 $2,000 $1,213
3-bedroom 22 $646 $2,495 $1,587
4+ bedrooms 4 $1,995 $2,600 $2,324
Source: Zillow, Ridgecrest Rental, May 2023
Although the monthly cost of rental housing is important, most landlords require the first and last month rental payment plus a security deposit prior to moving in. Many landlords require a minimum monthly income of up to three times the monthly rent. There may also be requirements for deposits to connect to services such as water and electricity and possibly extra charges for additional people or pets. Due to these factors, often the actual cost of moving into a rental unit is a greater burden.
As previously mentioned, Table 3-13 shows the maximum affordable monthly rents by income level and number of bedrooms. For example, a two-bedroom rental unit affordable to a very lowincome household would be $780 a month. As shown in Table 3-14, recent rental rates in Ridgecrest for two-bedroom units range from $559 to $2,000, with an average rent of $1,213. This indicates that a very low-income three-person household could find affordable housing in Ridgecrest, although at the lower end of the rental rate range. However, rental units would not be affordable to households in the extremely low-income category regardless of the number of bedrooms. In addition, four-bedroom rental units would not be affordable to extremely low, very low-, and low-income households. This indicates a need for more affordable housing for households with extremely low-incomes in the city and those with larger households (5 persons or more).
Special Needs Groups
Elderly
The special needs of many elderly households often result from lower fixed incomes, physical disabilities, and dependence needs. As Table 3-15 shows, an estimated 2,635 households with elderly (65 years and over) occupants reside in Ridgecrest. Households with elderly occupants accounted for less than one-quarter (22.6%) the Ridgecrest’s total households, which is slightly higher than the countywide proportion of 21.2 percent. According to the previous Table 3.3, the 65 years and over age group in Ridgecrest increased from 12.4 percent of the population in 2010 to 14.3 percent of the population in 2020. As detailed earlier in Table 3-7 the incomes of elderly households in Ridgecrest are lower overall when compared to total households. Housing needs of the elderly can be addressed through congregate housing, housing rehabilitation assistance, and repair programs. In addition, the needs of elderly with lower incomes can also be addressed through rental subsidies and mortgage assistance programs.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-13
Table 3-15: Households with Elderly Occupants, 2020
Area Age 65+
Households
Total
Households
Age 65+
Percent
Ridgecrest 2,635 11,667 22.6%
Kern County 58,117 273,556 21.2%
Source: ACS 2016-2020 (Table S2502)
As shown in Table 3-16, there were approximately 2,175 owner-occupied elderly householders (82.5%) age 65 or older in the City of Ridgecrest, and 460 (17.5%) renter-occupied householders.
Ridgecrest has a higher percentage of owner-occupied age 65 and older householders than Kern County.
Table 3-16: Elderly Households by Owner and Renter
Area
Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied
Age 65+
Households
Percent of Age
65+ Households
Age 65+
Households
Percent of Age
65+ Households
Ridgecrest 2,175 82.5% 460 17.5%
Kern County 44,406 76.4% 13,711 23.6%
Source: ACS 2016-2020 (Table S2502)
Disabled Population
A "disability" includes, but is not limited to, any physical or mental disability as defined in California Government Code Section 12926. A "mental disability" involves having any mental or psychological disorder or condition, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, or specific learning disabilities that limits a major life activity. A "physical disability" involves having any physiological disease, disorder, condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss that affects body systems including neurological, immunological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory, speech organs, cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine. In addition, a mental or physical disability limits a major life activity by making the achievement of major life activities difficult including physical, mental, and social activities and working.
Physical, mental, and/or developmental disabilities often prevent a person from working, restrict a person’s mobility, or make caring for oneself difficult. Therefore, disabled persons often require special housing needs related to potential limited earning capacity, the lack of accessible and affordable housing, and higher health costs associated with disabilities. Additionally, people with disabilities require a wide range of different housing, depending on the type and severity of their disability. Housing needs can range from institutional care facilities to facilities that support partial or full independence (i.e., group care homes). Supportive services such as daily living skills and employment assistance need to be integrated in the housing situation. The disabled person with a mobility limitation requires housing that is physically accessible. Examples of accessibility in housing include widened doorways and hallways, ramps, bathroom modifications (lowered countertops, grab bars, adjustable shower heads, etc.), and special sensory devices including smoke alarms and flashing lights.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-14
According to the ACS 2016-2020, there are 4,402 persons with some form or type of disability which may impede their ability to earn an adequate income or find suitable housing accommodations to meet their special needs. Therefore, many of the heads of household in this group may need housing assistance. Households with persons with disabilities may also need housing with special features to allow better physical mobility for occupants. Table 3-17 shows a breakdown of persons with disabilities by age and type in 2020. Persons in the age group 16-64 had a larger proportion of disabilities related to cognitive, ambulatory, and independent living, whereas disabilities in the 65 and over age group were significant in hearing, ambulatory, and independent living.
Table 3-16 A: Population by Disabilities (Total Population) City of
Ridgecrest Percent Kern County Percent California Percent Total: 28,417 864,023 38,838,726
With One Type of
Disability 2,122 7.5% 51,875 6.0% 2,089,065 5.4%
With Two or More
Types of Disability 2,280 8.0% 46,551 5.4% 2,057,886 5.3% No Disability 24,015 84.5% 765,597 88.6% 34,691,775 89.3% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS16-20 (5-year Estimates), Table C18108
15.5 percent of Ridgecrest residents have one or more disabilities. Figure 6 identifies this in the range of 10 to 20%. This rate exceeds Kern County (11.4%) and California (10.7%). Ridgecrest specifically shows: A higher share of residents with multiple disabilities (8.0%), compared to Kern County (5.4%) and the State (5.3%).
Table 3-16 B: Disability by Type for the Population with a Disability (Detailed) City of
Ridgecrest Percent Kern County Percent California Percent With One or More Types
of Disability 4,402 98,426 4,146,951
Hearing Difficulty 1,155 26.2% 23,470 23.8% 1,147,500 27.7% Vision Difficulty 802 18.2% 19,029 19.3% 778,145 18.8%
Cognitive Difficulty 1,650 37.5% 36,914 37.5% 1,585,969 38.2% Ambulatory Difficulty 2,185 49.6% 51,480 52.3% 2,118,765 51.1% Self-Care Difficulty 682 15.5% 21,131 21.5% 964,579 23.3% Independent Living
Difficulty 1,675 38.1% 35,762 36.3% 1,654,210 39.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS16-20 (5-year Estimates), Table B18102 - B18107.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-15
Among residents with disabilities, Ambulatory difficulty is most common (49.6%); independent living difficulty affects 38.1%; cognitive difficulty affects 37.5%; Hearing difficulty affects
26.2%; vision difficulty affects 18.2%; and self-care difficulty affects 15.5%. These distributions are generally comparable to county and statewide patterns, though Ridgecrest’s rates for ambulatory and independent living difficulty are slightly elevated.
Relative Concentration by Census Tracts
Table 3-16 C: Disability by Census Tracts
Census Tract Relative Concentration Planning Characteristics 53 Moderate Large geographic tract; mixed rural/urban conditions
54.02 Moderate–High Older residential neighborhoods
54.05 High Core city; older housing stock
54.06 High Seniors; fixed-income households
54.07 High Central Ridgecrest
54.08 Moderate Mixed tenure
54.09 Moderate Transitional residential
54.10 Moderate Newer housing areas
55.09 High Mobile homes; lower-income households
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2016–2020 5 Year Estimates, Table S1810, analyzed at the census tract level; HUD AFFH Data; California HCD AFFH Mapping Tool.
Relatively higher concentration of disability appears to exist in tracts 54.05, 54.06, 54.07 and
55.09. Taken together, the above tables demonstrate that Ridgecrest has higher disability prevalence than county and state averages; disabilities affect residents across all age groups, with especially high impacts on adults and seniors; there is a significant need for accessible, affordable, and supportive housing; limited local residential options for individuals with developmental disabilities indicate a gap in housing availability. These findings directly support Housing Element policies that promote: ADA-accessible and universal design standards; zoning that accommodates supportive and special needs housing; and coordination with service providers and regional agencies.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-16
Table 3-17: Persons with a Disability by Age and Type, 2020 Age 5 to 15 Age 16 to 64 Age 65+ Total
Hearing disability 23 440 692 1,155
Vision disability 56 485 261 802
Cognitive disability 336 1,022 292 1,650
Ambulatory disability 62 1,270 853 2,185
Self-care disability 62 288 332 682
Independent living disability - 1,850 590 2,440
Source: ACS 2016-2020 (Table S1810)
Note: Person may have more than one disability
Table 3-18 estimates that almost one-third (31.6%) of persons with a disability in the City were employed in 2020 and almost two-thirds (63.5%) were not in the labor force.
Table 3-18: Persons with a Disability by Employment Status, 2020 Number Percent
Employed 815 31.6%
Unemployed 128 5.0%
Not in the labor force 1,639 63.5%
Total 2,582 100%
Source: ACS 2016-2020 (Table C18120)
Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Senate Bill (SB) 812 requires the City to include the needs of individuals with a developmental disability within the community in the special housing needs analysis. According to Section 4512 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, a “developmental disability” means a disability that originates before an individual attains age 18 years, continues, or can be expected to continue, indefinitely, and constitutes a substantial disability for that individual which includes mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism.
Many developmentally disabled persons can live and work independently in a conventional housing environment. More severely disabled individuals require a group living environment where supervision is provided. The most severely affected individuals may require an institutional environment where medical attention and physical therapy are provided. Because developmental disabilities exist before adulthood, the first issue in supportive housing for the developmentally disabled is the transition from the person’s living situation as a child to an appropriate level of independence as an adult.
The California Department of Developmental Services provided community-based services to approximately 363,000 consumers with developmental disabilities and their families through a statewide system of 21 regional centers and three state-operated facilities (two developmental centers and one community facility). The center is a private, nonprofit community agency that City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-17
contracts with local businesses to offer a wide range of services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Ridgecrest is part of the Kern Regional Center which serves Kern, Inyo, and Mono Counties and more than 10,000 consumers.
Table 3-19 provides information about Ridgecrest’s population of developmentally disabled persons; Table 3-19 provides information about those persons’ place of residence type.
Table 3-19: Developmentally Disabled Residents by Age
0-17 years 18+ years Total
Ridgecrest
(Zip Code 93555) 224 180 404
Source: Department of Developmental Services Quarterly Consumer Report, December 2021
Table 3-20: Developmentally Disabled Residents by Residence Type Community
Care
Foster/
Family
Home
Intermediate
Care Facility
Independ. /
Supported
Living
Home of
Parent/
Family/
Guardian
Other Total
Ridgecrest
(Zip Code 93555) <11 <11 0 69 322 <11 404
Source: Department of Developmental Services Quarterly Consumer Report, December 2021 A number of housing types are appropriate for people living with a development disability: rentsubsidized homes, licensed and unlicensed single-family homes, inclusionary housing, Section 8 vouchers, special programs for home purchase, HUD housing, and SB 962 homes. The design of housing-accessibility modifications, the proximity to services and transit, and the availability of group living opportunities represent some of the types of considerations that are important in serving these special needs group. Incorporating “barrier-free” design in all new multi-family housing (as required by California and federal fair housing laws) is especially important to provide the widest range of choices for disabled residents. Special consideration should also be given to the affordability of housing, as people with disabilities may be living on a fixed income. Program Q. is proposed to specifically address the needs of the developmentally disabled.
Large Households
Large households are defined as households with five or more persons. Large households may also have lower incomes, frequently resulting in the overcrowding of smaller dwelling units, and sometimes two or more persons per room. Large families may also have difficulty finding rental units that qualify for the Section 8 Housing Assistance Program, because larger units often exceed maximum rent limits, and there are fewer large units to choose from. The majority of apartments for rent are either one-bedroom or two-bedroom units. In addition, some landlords are reluctant to rent to large families. The housing needs of large households can be addressed through the expansion of existing smaller units and the provision of new, affordably priced larger units.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-18
Table 3-21 provides 2010 and 2020 comparative information on the number and percentage of large households for Ridgecrest, Bakersfield, and Kern County. In 2020, it was estimated that 9.0 percent of households in Ridgecrest had five or more persons, which was lower than Bakersfield (17.8%) and Kern County (18.2%). In comparison to 2010, each of the three areas experienced a decline in the number of large households as well as its portion of the total households of each jurisdiction. In Ridgecrest the percentage of large household decreased from 10.8 percent in 2010 to 9.0 percent in 2020. This compares to the 2010-2020 changes in Bakersfield from 20.2 percent down to 17.8 percent and countywide from 21.6 percent to 18.2 percent.
Table 3-21 Large Households Within Ridgecrest, Bakersfield, and Kern County, 2010 and 2020 Area
2010 2020
Number of
Large
Households
% of Total
Households
Number of
Large
Households
% of Total
Households
Ridgecrest 1,158 10.8% 1,048 9.0%
Bakersfield 22,436 20.2% 21,065 17.8%
Kern County 55,102 21.6% 49,656 18.2%
Source: U.S. Census 2010 and ACS 2016-2020 (Table B25009) As shown in Table 3-22, of the total households reported in Ridgecrest consisting of five or more persons, 631 or 8.8 percent were owners and 417 or 9.2 percent were renters. In relation to the 1,048 total large households in the City, owners represented 60.2 percent and renters, 39.8 percent.
Table 3-22: City of Ridgecrest Tenure by Unit, 2020
Persons Per Unit Owner
Occupied Percent RenterOccupied Percent
1 Person 2,082 29.2% 1,691 37.2%
2 Person 2,238 31.4% 1,340 29.5%
3 Person 1,377 19.3% 560 12.3%
4 Person 791 11.1% 540 11.9%
5 or More Persons 631 8.8% 417 9.2%
Total 7,119 100.0% 4,548 100.0%
Source: ACS 2016-2020 (Table B25009)
Extremely Low-Income Households
Extremely low-income (ELI) is defined as households with income less than 30 percent of area median income. The area median income in the County is $97,100. For extremely low-income households, this results in an income of $33,000 or less for a four-person household or $20,450 or less for a one-person household. Households with extremely low-income have a variety of housing situations and needs. For example, most families and individuals receiving public assistance, such as social security insurance (SSI) or disability insurance are considered extremely low-income households. At the same time, a minimum wage worker could be considered an extremely low-income household with an annual income of approximately $35,152 or less.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-19
Existing Needs: As of 2023, approximately 1,085 extremely low-income households resided in the City, representing approximately 9.3 percent of the total households. Of the 1,085 households, 705 or 65.0 percent households are renters – a proportion that is almost double the rate of all households (36.3 percent). Further, ELI households also disproportionately overpay for housing. For all households, approximately 24 percent overpay for housing. For ELI households, 74.7 percent overpay for housing - almost three times the rate of all households and representing a significant disproportionate housing need. In addition to overpayment, ELI households also face other difficult housing situations such as overcrowding or substandard housing condition. Some extremely low-income households could be with mental or other disabilities and special needs.
Total Extremely Low Income Households by Tenure (City)
Owner
Occupied Percent Renter Occupied Percent Total
Income <=30% HAMFI 380 35.0% 705 65.0% 1,085
Source: US Housing and Urban Development, CHAS 2014-18 (5- Year Estimates)
Extremely Low Income Households Overpaying by Tenure (City) Owner
Occupied Percent Renter Occupied Percent Total Percent
Cost Burden > 30% 310 81.6% 500 70.9% 810 74.7%
Cost Burden >50% 250 65.8% 485 68.8% 735 67.7%
Total Extremely Low
Income Households 380 705 1,085
Source: US Housing and Urban Development, CHAS 2014-18 (5-Year Estimates) Projected Housing Need: The City of Ridgecrest must provide an estimate of the projected extremely low-income housing needs. Per HCD guidelines, 50 percent of the City’s very lowincome RHNA number qualifies as extremely low income. Therefore, the City is estimating approximately 50 percent of its very low-income regional housing need to be an extremely lowincome housing need. In other words, of the 379 very low-income housing needed, the City is estimating 189 units for extremely low-income households. Most, if not all, extremely low-income households will require rental housing.
To address the housing needs of ELI households, the City will deploy a variety of strategies including:
• Program 3. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)/HOME • Program 4. Fair Housing Services
• Program 5. Nonprofit Housing Provider (such as Habitat for Humanity) • Program 6. Housing Mobility (Section 8 Voucher)
• Program 8. Outreach Program – Fair Housing
• Program 12. Rehabilitation Program
• Program 14. Special Needs Housing
• Program 16. Development of Extremely Low-Income Housing City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-20
• Program 39. Zoning Code Amendment for Special Housing Needs, LowIncome, and Moderate-Income Housing Female Heads of Household
Female-headed single-parent households experience numerous housing problems, including affordability (the individuals are often on public assistance), overcrowding (the individuals often cannot afford units large enough to accommodate their families), insufficient housing choices, and discrimination.
Table 3-23 illustrates the number of family households that are headed by a female with no husband present. Female-headed households with no husband present account for 10.3 percent of all households in the city, which is lower than the countywide 16.1 percent.
Table 3-23: Female Heads of Household, 2020
Area Total
Households
Female-Headed
Households
Percent of
All Households
Ridgecrest 11,667 1,206 10.3%
Kern County 273,556 43,963 16.1%
Source: ACS 2016-2020 (Table S1101)
Farm Workers
There is no agriculture within the City of Ridgecrest at present; however, the Primary Agriculture District and the Residential Agriculture District permits for rural-urban living permitting a onefamily dwelling and a limited number of animals by right and some commercial agricultural activities with a Conditional Use Permit. During the past three years, a significant amount of land, (2,000–3,000 acres) in the Indian Wells Valley has been converted to intense pistachio farms.
Therefore, farmworkers now constitute part of the area’s population. The US Census of Agriculture estimated that in 2012 there were 34,501 farm workers on 1,004 farms in Kern County.
The ACS 2016-2020 estimate indicates 410 residents employed in the "agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, and mining" industries in Ridgecrest. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has a field office located in Ridgecrest, with 50–60 employees, and approximately 10 contract workers. It is believed that approximately one third all of those employed in the farming industry are BLM-related and not farm workers.
There were 1,731 farms located in Kern County according to the USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture. Some 22 percent of the farms employed only a single farm worker; some 46 percent employed between two and nine workers, and some 32 percent were larger farms employing ten or more workers. Table 3-23 A indicates that migrant workers totaled 6,062, representing approximately 30 percent of total farm workers.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-21
Table 3-23-A
KERN COUNTY – FARM LABOR (2017).
Category Farms Percent Workers Percent
Farms with 1 worker 186 22.01 186 0.91
Farms with 2 workers 130 15.38 260 1.27
Farms with 3-4
workers
125 14.79 429 2.10
Farms with 5-9
workers
135 15.98 860 4.20
Farms with 10 or
more
269 31.84 18734 91.52
Total farms and
workers
845 100 20469 100
Migrant workers/
hired
84 85.71 5779 95.33
Migrant
workers/contract
14 14.29 283 4.67
Total migrant
workers
98 100 6062 100
Source: USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture
zhttps://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2017/Full_Report/Volume_1,_C hapter_2_County_Level/California/
Farmworkers are generally considered to have special housing needs because of their limited income and their seasonal and migratory nature of their work.
According to a 2022 study conducted by the Community and Labor Center at the University of California Merced, California farm workers generally experience substandard housing (e.g., older homes, apartments, mobile homes, motels, garages, or other similar spaces), often requiring repairs such as new roofs, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, and termite clean-up. Poor ventilation and crowded spaces put farm workers at increased risk for respiratory illnesses such as asthma and infectious diseases like tuberculosis and COVID-19. Farm workers tend to live in large, overcrowded households with low incomes and several household problems, arrangements associated with decreased mental health. Farm workers’ households were larger than the California average (3.0 persons per household), with a median household size of four persons per household.
Farm workers in the University of California Merced study were differentiated based on employment status which consisted of an H2-A visa. For example, H2-A workers are required to City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-22
live on premises paid for by an employer, farm workers without an H2-A visa in their study were most likely to be renters (92 percent), to live in single-family homes (55 percent), and very few renters relied on employers to pay any or all their rent (2 percent).
Farmworker Housing Resources: There are no dedicated, year-round USDA farm labor housing developments located directly within Ridgecrest. However, there are several general rental options with the city, for example, Larkspur Village: 340 S. Downs, Mojave View: 400 Mojave View Avenue, The Ridge Investors: 400 A Cisco Street, Ridgecrest Senior Apartments: 901 W. Church Avenue, etc.
Besides the general affordable housing options and apartments in the city, there are dedicated farmworker housing in other parts of Kern County, as mentioned in Table 3-23-B.
Public Housing options that are currently available to farmworkers are described below.
Table 3-23-B
PUBLICLY OWNED FARM WORKER HOUSING -
KERN COUNTY
Name Locatio
n
Number of
Units
Year-Round Housing
Almond Village Lost Hills 81
Sun Garden Village Arvin 48
International Village Delano 50
Shafter Shafter 99
Beckes Street Apartments Wasco 57
Lamont H.R. Olson Homes Lamont 50
Ruben J. Blunt Village Lamont/Weedpatc
h
50 Casa del Valle Delano 35
Greenfield Homes Bakersfield 35
Rosaleda Wasco 224
Migrant Seasonal Housing
North Shafter Farm Labor Center
#5
Shafter 84
Arvin Farm Labor Center #26 Lamont/Weedpatc
h
88 Source: https://kernha.org/farm-worker-housing-locations/ Homeless
Throughout the county, homelessness has become an increasing concern. General factors contributing to the rise in homeless include the lack of affordable housing to low- and very lowincome persons, increases in the number of persons whose incomes fall below the poverty level, reductions in public subsidies to the poor, and the deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-23
Ridgecrest's location off the main highway limits the number of transient homeless who pass through the community; however, in recent years numbers of chronic homeless persons are increasing in the city. There are a number of organizations which provide services to the homeless in the Ridgecrest area, but none provide emergency shelter.
The Bakersfield-Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative conducts an annual point-in-time survey regarding the homeless population in Kern County. The countywide survey was completed January 24th through 27th comprised of a single night shelter count and a three-day unsheltered count. The survey found there were seven unsheltered homeless persons residing in Ridgecrest during the survey period.
Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative conducted the 2024 Point in Time Count of homeless population in Bakersfield identifying 2,669 individuals experiencing homelessness.
Countywide. Some 1006 persons (38%) experiencing homelessness had shelter, while 1,663 were unsheltered, sleeping in parks, empty buildings, cars and other places not meant for human habitation.
The 2024 study identified 26 unsheltered homeless individuals within the city of Ridgecrest. The density mapping seven locations dispersed throughout the city covering all census tracts and is not concentrated in any one area of the city.
The following chart provides a summary of trends from 2022 to 2024, including breakdown of data for protected characteristics such as race, ethnicity etc. Among the homeless, majority of the homeless population (51.5%) were identified as White, followed by Hispanic or Latino consisting of 25.6%.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-24
In 2022 there were 1603 homeless individuals while in 2024, the number was 2669. In other words, homelessness increased by 66.5% in the 3-year period, which is indicative of the urgent need to find solutions to provide shelter and services to the homeless and find ways to reduce homelessness.
In response to the needs of the homeless in Ridgecrest and to comply with State law, the city has amended the Zoning Code in 2015 to allow emergency shelters in R-3 though site plan review and City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-25
R-4 zones through a conditional use permit. Emergency shelters are defined as housing for people experiencing homelessness that provides minimal supportive services and is limited to six months or less of occupancy. However, AB 2339 (2022) expanded the definition of emergency shelters to include other interim interventions, such as navigation centers, bridge housing, and respite or recuperative care. As a result of the expanded definition, Program 19 has been included to amend the zoning code to add a new definition compliant with AB 2339. Currently emergency shelters are permitted with a CUP in the R-3 and R-4 zones. Program 19 will amend the zoning code to permit emergency shelters by right in R-3 and R-4 and in zones where mixed uses are permitted.
The City is 21.4 square miles in size and transit stops are easily available for inter-city travel.
Some local information was gathered about those using homeless services. This data is more qualitative but helps further describe the current situation for those who are homeless in Ridgecrest. The Salvation Army provides food pantry program twice per week that provides valuable meal supplements to 250-300 households within the Indian Wells Valley, and a senior meal programs that provides nutrition to 30-40 seniors each week. The Salvation Army also provides other assistance including utility bill, prescription drug, and eye glass assistance. The Women's Shelter High Desert provides services to approximately 50 families per year providing safe shelter, food and clothing for victims of domestic violence. The Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) serves the North Eastern Kern County communities at the Ridgecrest location, the Oasis Family Resource Center. The Oasis Family Resource Center provides referrals for individuals and families to programs that provide food and clothing, and utility assistance.
Coordinated Entry Services (CES) serves as Kern County’s point of entry for those seeking homeless services. Individuals are connected with service providers within the Bakersfield-Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative. Those providers assist with shelter, supportive services, and eventually permanent housing. Additional faith-based organizations provided food pantries, and meal distribution within the community, including Saint Ann’s Church, Grace Lutheran Church, and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. The Ridgecrest Vineyard Church operated the Refuge Center.
The Refuge provides shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction. Cerro Coso Community College also provides a food pantry. The Ridgecrest Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) provides the community with mental health services to stabilize acute symptoms to individuals in crisis who voluntarily seek treatment or those that are brought in by law enforcement.
Transitional housing is allowed in zones A, E-1, E-2, E-3, R-1 R-2, R-3, R-4 and MH. Conditional uses may be authorized in zones CG and CS by the granting of a conditional use permit by the Planning Commission. Conditional use permits are discretionary, and the approved process is described on pages 5-19 and 5-20 of this Element. Emergency shelters are allowed in the R-3 and R-4 zones without discretionary review. These zones have land available to accommodate an emergency shelter. Program 15 requires the City to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow transitional and supportive housing per Senate Bill 2 in all zones that allow residential uses in the same way other residential uses are allowed. Program 14 addresses special needs groups including the homeless.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-26
Employment
One of the factors that can contribute to an increase in demand for housing is expansion of the employment base. The major employers in Ridgecrest are shown in Table 3-24. The largest employer in Ridgecrest is the Naval Air Warfare Center, which employs between 5,000–9,999 people. Other major employers include the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, Sierra Sands Unified School District, and the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake Table 3-24: Major Employers in Ridgecrest
Employer Number of Jobs
Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) 5,000–9,999 Ridgecrest Regional Hospital 500-999
Sierra Sands Unified School District 500-999
U.S. Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake 500-999
Source:California Employment Development Department,
https://labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/majorer/countymajorer.asp?CountyCode=000029 Current employment data was obtained from NAWCWD, the Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, and the Military Installations Website. NAWCWD and NAWS report that, as of March 2021, there are 4,100 full-time civilians, 620 military, and 1,734 on-board and off-site contractors employed at the base. The majority of these jobs include engineers, scientists, technicians, and office and administrative staff.
Table 3-25 shows employment by industry for the City of Ridgecrest and Kern County. In Ridgecrest, the "Public administration" and "Educational services" industries employed the most people, with 37.6 percent and 19.8 percent, respectively. Kern County's top two industries by employment were Educational services (20.2%) and Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (14.5%).
Although industries are categorized as non-civilian by the ACS, due to the NAWCWD and NAWS China Lake, partially located within city boundaries, it is important to note that many of the residents in the city currently serve in military services.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-27
Table 3-25: Employment by Industry
City of Ridgecrest and Kern County
Industry City of Ridgecrest Kern County
Employed persons 16 years and over Number Percent Number Percent Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and
mining
410 4.3% 32,510 14.5%
Construction 308 3.2% 17,397 7.8%
Manufacturing 644 6.8% 15,408 6.9%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 272 2.9% 15,345 6.9% Information 80 0.8% 2,265 1.0%
Wholesale trade 54 0.6% 7,214 3.2%
Retail trade 621 6.5% 19,972 8.9%
Finance, insurance, and real estate 285 3.0% 9,431 4.2% Professional, scientific, and management, and
administration
815 8.6% 17,824 8.0%
Arts, entertainment and recreation, accommodation
and food services
332 3.5% 12,214 5.5%
Educational services, healthcare, and social
assistance
1,882 19.8% 45,220 20.2%
Other services, except public administration 235 2.5% 8,989 4.0% Public administration 3,578 37.6% 20,206 9.0%
Total Employed 9,516 100.0% 223,995 100.0%
Source: ACS 2016-2020 (Table C24050)
The fastest-growing occupations in Kern County are listed in Table 3-26. While this information is not specific to Ridgecrest, it is nevertheless applicable because Ridgecrest residents work both inside and outside of the city. The fastest-growing occupations during the ten-year period between 2010 and 2020 were Healthcare support occupations (103.2% increase) and Material moving occupations (71.5%), followed by Computer, engineering, and science occupations (33.3%).
During the same period, the two occupations that experienced the greatest decline were Personal care and service (-13.9%) and Occupation and office and administrative support (-10.0%).
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-28
Table 3-26: Fastest-Growing Occupations in Kern County 2010-2020 Occupational Title
Annual Average
Employment Employment Change
2010 2020 Net Percent
Management, business, and financial occupations 29,715 35,936 6,221 20.9% Computer, engineering, and science occupations 10,541 14,054 3,513 33.3% Education, legal, community service, arts, and media
occupations
28,335 32,869 4,534 16.0%
Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations 12,396 14,813 2,417 19.5% Healthcare support occupations 6,621 13,452 6,831 103.2% Protective service occupations 10,666 9,848 (818) -7.7% Food preparation and serving related occupations 15,919 18,139 2,220 13.9% Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations 14,221 14,705 484 3.4% Personal care and service occupations 10,380 8,938 (1,442) -13.9% Sales and related occupations 30,918 30,359 (559) -1.8% Office and administrative support occupations 40,021 36,017 (4,004) -10.0% Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations 26,057 30,911 4,854 18.6% Construction and extraction occupations 22,563 23,547 984 4.4% Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations 13,307 13,540 233 1.8% Production occupations 15,394 15,637 243 1.6%
Transportation occupations 13,543 16,189 2,646 19.5%
Material moving occupations 10,398 17,833 7,435 71.5%
Total 310,995 346,787 35,792 11.5%
Source: ACS 2006-2010 and ACS 2016-2020 (Table S2401)
Commute
Commute distance is an important factor in housing availability and affordability and is also an indicator of jobs/housing balance. Communities with extended commute distances generally have a poor jobs/housing balance, while those with short average commutes tend to have a strong jobs/housing balance. The burden of the additional costs associated with extended commuting disproportionately affects lower-income households who must spend a larger portion of their overall income on fuel. This in turn affects a household’s ability to occupy decent housing without being overburdened by cost. Table 3-27 indicates that the majority (61.2%) of Ridgecrest residents travel less than 15 minutes from home to work as compared to about one-quarter (28.4%) of countywide residents. The mean travel time to work for Ridgecrest residents was 15.6 minutes while Kern County residents was 23.6 minutes. This figure indicates that many of the jobs are within the city and that there is a strong jobs/housing balance, meaning that the available jobs are within relatively close distance to the employees’ places of residence.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-29
Table 3-27: Travel Time to Work
Travel Time to Work Ridgecrest Kern County
Less than 15 minutes 61.2% 28.4%
15-30 minutes 26.5% 45.7%
30 to 59 minutes 8.0% 19.4%
60 or more minutes 4.2% 6.5%
Mean Travel Time 15.6 minutes 23.6 minutes
Source: ACS 2016-2020 (Table B08303)
Jobs/Housing Ratio
The jobs/housing balance is the ratio of jobs in a city compared to the number of housing units in that city. The jobs/housing balance is a meaningful way to gain a sense of how many people will commute to work and how far they will have to commute. An unbalanced jobs/housing ratio implies employees will be spending more time on roadways that may be better spent with their families, at work, or recreationally. Further examination of the jobs/housing balance would identify what future type industries are needed in a city or town, future trends of employment, the future wage indicators, needed future housing to match the projected incomes of new jobs, etc., and be a study in and of itself, beyond the scope of a Housing Element. If the jobs/housing ratio is greater than one, the city is likely to import workers. If the ratio is less than one, the city is likely to export workers. Perhaps a better indicator of the jobs/housing balance may be the number of persons who work in their city of residence compared to the number of housing units. A perfect jobs/housing ratio results when the number of employed households working in a city is equal to the number of housing units in that city. However, there is no perfect scenario for a city, and what works in one area may not work in another.
According to Table 3-28, in 2020 it was estimated that there were 10,674 jobs in Ridgecrest and 12,673 housing units. This results in a ratio of 0.84 jobs per housing unit, which indicates a housing rich/jobs poor city.
Table 3-28: Jobs to Housing Ratio, 2020–2035
2020 2035 Net Change
(2020-2035)
Percent
Change
Jobs 10,674 11,700 720 5%
Housing Units 12,673 13,200 527 4%
Jobs/Housing Ratio 0.84 0.89 0.05 6%
Source: ACS 2006-2010, Kern COG 2022 RTP/SCS
Note: Kern COG 2022 RTP/SCS forecasts employment and households for 2035. Housing units for 2035 calculated based on 2020 vacancy rate of eight percent.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-30
Housing Unit Characteristics and Their Relationship to Housing Need Housing Units
Table 3-29 identifies the total housing units for Ridgecrest, Bakersfield, California City, and Kern County. The increase in the number of housing units from 2000 to 2010 in Ridgecrest was larger than those of other Kern County jurisdictions.
Table 3-29: Total Housing Units, 2010-2020
Jurisdiction
2010 2020
Housing Units
Percent
Change 2000-
2010 Housing Units
Percent
Change
2010-2020
Ridgecrest 11,915 5.1% 12,673 6.4%
Bakersfield 120,725 26.9% 125,143 3.7%
California City 5,210 31.7% 4,825 -7.4%
Kern County 294,367 21.3% 299,179 1.6%
Source: U.S. Census 2010 and ACS 2016-2020 (Table DP04) Occupied Households
Table 3-30 identifies total occupied households, and owner- and renter-occupied households for Ridgecrest, Bakersfield, California City, and Kern County.
Table 3-30 Occupied Households by Jurisdiction, 2020
Jurisdiction Total Occupied
Households
OwnerOccupied
Households
Percent
OwnerOccupied
Households
RenterOccupied
Households
Percent
RenterOccupied
Households
Ridgecrest 11,667 7,119 61.0% 4,548 39.0%
Bakersfield 118,568 70,470 59.4% 48,098 40.6%
California City 4,169 2,394 57.4% 1,775 42.6%
Kern County 273,556 161,113 58.9% 112,443 41.1%
Source: ACS 2016-2020 (Table S2501)
The percentage of owner-occupied households in Ridgecrest was 61.0 percent, and 39.0 percent for renter-occupied households. In comparison to the other jurisdictions in the table, Ridgecrest has the highest percentage of owner-occupied households.
Housing Units by Type
As shown in Table 3-31, the percentage of single-family housing units (detached and attached) increased in Ridgecrest between 2010 and 2020 from 70.0 percent to 70.5 percent, while the percentage of multiple family housing units (2 units and more) decreased from 22.1 percent to 21.6 percent. The percentage of mobile homes decreased from 7.8 percent to 7.6 percent during the same time period.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-31
Table 3-31 City of Ridgecrest
Total Housing Units by Type, 2010-2020
Housing Type
2010 2020
Number
of Units
Percent of
Total Units
Number of
Units
Percent of
Total Units
Single-family, detached 7,879 66.1% 8,404 66.3%
Single-family, attached 470 3.9% 538 4.2%
Multi-Family 2-4 Units 1,852 15.5% 1,946 15.4%
Multi-Family 5 or More Units 782 6.6% 782 6.2%
Mobile Homes 932 7.8% 958 7.6%
Other 932 7.8% 45 0.4%
Total Housing Units 12,847 100.0% 12,673 100.0%
Source: U.S. Census2010 and ACS 2016-2020 (Table DP04)
Because land is abundant and very inexpensive in Ridgecrest by state and Kern County standards, single-family dwelling units are the preferred dwelling unit type and that is reflected in demand.
This is also reflected in the vacancy rates.
The housing stock in Ridgecrest is typical of many communities in Central and Southern California. The vast majority of housing units in the city were built after World War II (see Table 3-32). Approximately one half (53.2%) of Ridgecrest's housing stock was built after 1980.
Countywide, 55.4 percent of the housing stock was built after 1980.
Table 3-32: Age of Housing Stock
Year Built Ridgecrest Kern County
Before 1940 0.5% 4.1%
1940s 1.2% 4.4%
1950s 9.6% 10.3%
1960s 11.2% 10.1%
1970s 24.3% 15.7%
1980s 36.8% 16.7%
1990s 8.5% 14.8%
2000s 5.2% 18.4%
2010 and after 2.7% 5.5%
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-32
Vacancy Rates
Considering information provided in Table 3-33, the total vacancy rate in 2020 was 7.9 percent for Ridgecrest. These vacancy rates include dilapidated units, seasonal units, units rented or sold and waiting for occupancy, units held for occasional use, and units held off the market for other reasons. According to “Raising the Roof, California Housing Development Projections and Constraints, 1997–2020,” the desirable vacancy rate in a community is considered to be 5 percent.
Generally, when the vacancy rate drops below 5 percent, the demand for housing exceeds the supply of housing. Subsequently, prospective buyers and renters may experience an increase in housing costs.
Table 3-33: Number of Housing Units, Occupied and Vacant 2020 Type Number Percent
Occupied Housing Units 11,667 92.1%
Vacant Housing Units 1,006 7.9%
For Rent 238 23.7%
Rented, Not Occupied 52 5.2%
For Sale 115 11.4%
Sold, Not Occupied 24 2.4%
For Seasonal/Recreational or Occasional Use 203 20.2%
For Migrant Workers 0 0%
Other Vacant 374 37.2%
Total Housing Units 12,673 100%
Source: ACS 2016-2020 (Table B25004)
Housing Problems
The Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) was developed by HUD to assist jurisdictions in writing their consolidated plans. Table 3-34 presents the total number of households with one or more housing problems (incomplete kitchen facilities, incomplete plumbing facilities, overcrowding, and a cost burden greater than 30 percent) for the City of Ridgecrest and Kern County. As shown in Table 3-34, more renter households have housing problems than owner households at both the city and county levels. For example, almost twothirds of the City (63.7%) and County (63.9%) households with incomes less than 80 percent of the AMI were renters.
Table 3-34: Total Households with Any Housing Problem*
Income Range Owner
HHs
Renter
HHs
Total
HHs
Ridgecrest
Household Inc. ≤30% AMI with Any Housing Problems 325 650 975 Household Inc. >30% to ≤50% AMI with Any Housing Problems 270 490 760 Household Inc. >50% to ≤80% AMI with Any Housing Problems 205 265 470 Total 800 1,405 2.205
Percent of Total 36.3% 63.7% 100.0%
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-33
Kern County
Household Inc. ≤30% AMI with Any Housing Problems 9,825 24,350 34,175 Household Inc. >30% to ≤50% AMI with Any Housing Problems 10,255 19,885 30,140 Household Inc.>50% to ≤80% AMI with Any Housing Problems 12,370 13,165 25,535 Total 32,450 57,400 89,850
Percent of Total 36.1% 63.9% 100.0%
Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
Housing Conditions
As a part of the development of the 2002 Housing Element, a citywide housing quality survey was conducted, which was completed in January 2002. A representative sample was completed for every census tract (old census tracts prevailing in 2002, as shown in Figure 3-1 below) of significant residential use. The sample size was based on HCD's sampling requirements contained in HCD's Program Guidelines. The completed tabulation appears in Table 3-35.
Figure 3-1
Census Tract Boundaries (Old)
Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool Note: The Census Tract boundaries have been redrawn. See City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-34
Figure 3-1-A
Census Tract Boundaries (New/Current)
The ratings are defined by HCD as:
SOUND - a unit that appears new or well maintained and structurally intact. The foundation should appear structurally undamaged and there should be straight rooflines. Siding, windows, and doors should be in good repair with good exterior paint condition. Minor problems such as small areas of peeling paint and/or other maintenance items are allowable under this category. A sound unit will reflect 9 or less points on survey.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-35
MINOR – a unit that shows signs of deferred maintenance, or which needs only one major component such as a roof.
MODERATE – a unit in need of replacement of one or more major components and other repairs, such as roof replacement, painting, and window repairs.
SUBSTANTIAL – a unit that requires replacement of several major systems and possible other repairs (e.g., complete foundation work, roof structure replacement and re-roofing, as well as painting and window replacement.)
DILAPIDATED – a unit suffering from excessive neglect, where the building appears structurally unsound and maintenance is non-existent, not fit for human habitation in its current condition, may be considered for demolition or at minimum, major rehabilitation will be required.
It is important to note that the rating system used is based on exterior conditions only. The highest concentration of minor, moderate, and substantial housing units is located within census tract 54.03 (New 54.07 and 54.08) with 2.5 percent of surveyed units needing some type of repair. This correlates with the age of the housing stock for this census tract which is the oldest in the city. In census tract 55.01 (New 55.09), where all of the units are relatively new, there were no surveyed units found in need of repair. Census tracts 54.01 (New 54.05 and 54.06) and 54.02 also had no surveyed units found needing repairs (Table 3-35).
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-36
Table 3-35: Sample Field Survey Tabulation
Census
Tracts
Total
Units
Total
Units
Surveyed Sound
%
Sound Minor
%
MinorModerate
%
Moderate Substantial
%
Substantial Dilapidated
%
Dilapidated
Total Units
Needing
Work
%
Needing
Work
53 812 340 339 99.7 1 0.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 0.3
54.01 (New
54.05 and
54.06)
2,776 458 458 100.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0
54.02 2,071 436 436 100.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0
54.03 (New
54.07 and
57.08)
3,153 565 551 97.5 7 1.2 5 0.9 2 0.4 0 0.0 14 2.5
54.04 (New
54.09) 3,030 418 417 99.8 1 0.2 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 0.2
55.01 (New
55.09) 2,689 294 294 100.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Total
Surveyed 2,511 2,495 99.4 9 0.4 5 0.2 2 0.1 0 0.0 16 0.6 Estimated
Total 14,531 14,438 99.4 52 0.4 29 0.2 12 0.1 0 0.0 93 0.6 City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 3-37
Overall, only 16 units of those surveyed needed repairs. The survey sample size was approximately 2,500 housing units. Undoubtedly there are more units in need of repair if interior conditions were included in the survey. Also, the rear and side yards of most dwelling units are inaccessible to survey crews to assist in the housing quality determination.
Updated Housing Stock Conditions
Based on a consensus between the code enforcement officer, city planner, and police captain, the City estimates that approximately 10 to 15 percent of the city’s housing stock is in need some type of rehabilitation. This includes all identified rehabilitation needs from minor to dilapidated.
Residential Building Permits
This section presents information on residential building permit activity for the local housing market area. It can be used to identify and analyze market trends and to project future building activity. During the eight-year period between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2022, the City of Ridgecrest issued permits for 458 housing units. (Refer Table 3-36). 11% of total approved units were very low-income housing units and 5.5% were low-income units.
Table 3-36: Residential Building Units Permitted, 2016-2022 Total New Housing Units 458
Very Low-Income Units Issued 50
Low Income Units Issued 25
Moderate Income Units Issued 44
Above Moderate-Income Units Issued 339
Total 458
Average Housing Units Permitted Per Year 65
Source: City of Ridgecrest, Planning Department 2023
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-1
4. CHAPTER FOUR – LAND FOR HOUSING
Overview and Housing Sites
Ridgecrest is a rural city with relatively low housing costs compared to many areas of California.
Over the past decade, Ridgecrest has grown at a very slow rate. Ridgecrest has added multi-family housing, some focused on special needs groups including seniors and those with disabilities. As noted in Chapter 3, as of 2022, the residential units sold would not be affordable to extremely or very low-income families but would be affordable to the low-, moderate-, and above moderateincome categories, or those making 80 percent or more of area median income. Of the total 1,560 lower income and owner-occupied households in the city, 51.6% of households experience a cost burden greater than 30% of the income, and 28.8% experience a cost burden greater than 50% of the income. Of approximately 2000, lower income and renter occupied households, 64% experience a cost burden greater than 30% of the household income and 35.8% experience a cost burden of greater than 50% of the household income. As shown in Table 4-1, the City has to plan for 620 housing units for low and very low-income households, 225 moderate income households, and 591above-moderate households to meet its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA).
To determine whether Ridgecrest has sufficient land to accommodate its share of regional housing needs for all income groups, the City must identify “adequate sites.” Under state law (California Government Code Section 65583[c] [1]), adequate sites are those with appropriate zoning and development standards, with services and facilities, needed to facilitate and encourage the development of a variety of housing for all income levels. Also, per state law the analysis of land looks at sites within the City’s boundary.
5 th Cycle Housing Additions
The Mojave View Apartments, was built in 2023 with units affordable to those with lower incomes. The Mojave View project provided an additional 72 affordable units in 8 buildings for low-income households aged 55 and older. With regards to affordability, the qualifying income levels were as follows: for two-bedroom units, the income ranges were from $13,140 to $35,040; three-bedroom units from $15,150 to $42,000; and for four-bedroom units from $16,920 to $48,240.
Three other projects were built during the previous RHNA cycle - Desert Willow Apartments with 14 units that serve those with mental health disabilities, Larkspur Apartments has 80 units serving extremely low, very low, and low-income families and Ridgecrest Senior Citizen Apartments with 31 units for extremely low, very low, and low-income seniors. The affordability levels units are rented to are maintained at Ridgecrest Senior apartments and Larkspur Apartments. The two projects are under the same management. Households applying to live at the Larkspur Apartments, or the Ridgecrest Senior Apartments are income qualified when they apply and then annually as long as they reside there. Desert Willow Apartments are reserved for those of low incomes with a mental disability. Those applying to live at Desert Willow must be income qualified as lowincome.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-2
Table 4-1 summarizes the status of housing units approved and constructed in the 2013-2023 prior Cycle.
Table 4-1: Prior Cycle Developments
Extremely
Low
Income
Very Low
Income
Low
Income
Moderate
Income
Above
Moderate
Income
Totals
2013-2023 Constructed and
Approved 0 50 25 44 339 458
Source: City of Ridgecrest, 2023
Future Housing Needs
State law (California Government Code Section 65584) provides for councils of governments to prepare regional housing allocation plans that assign a share of a region’s housing need to each city and county. In Kern County, the Kern County Council of Governments (Kern COG) is the council of governments authorized under state law to identify existing and future housing needs for the region. Kern COG adopted a Regional Housing Needs Plan (RHNP) on July 21, 2022. This plan addresses the RHNA for the period from June 30, 2023, through December 30, 2031.
Kern COG’s methodology is based on the regional numbers supplied by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The numbers produced by HCD are provided to Kern COG in the form of a regional goal number, which is then broken into income categories.
Kern COG is mandated to distribute the numbers to Kern County jurisdictions by income categories.
The RHNP allocation is a minimum needs number—cities and counties may plan for, and accommodate, a larger number of dwelling units than the allocation. The City must, however, use the numbers allocated under the RHNP to identify measures (policies and programs) that are consistent with these goals. While the City must also show how it will accommodate these units to be built, it is not obligated to build any of the units itself or finance their construction.
Table 4-2 provides a breakdown of Ridgecrest’s share of the regional housing need by the affordability level/income category: extremely low, very low, low, moderate, and above moderate.
Extremely low-, very low-, and low-income categories are often referred to as a group as lowerincome. Through this Housing Element, the City is required to demonstrate the availability of adequate sites to accommodate these new units.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-3
Table 4-2: 2023–2031 Regional Housing Needs Allocation
Income Category
RHNA Allocation
Percentage Number of Units
Extremely Low 13.16% 189
Very Low 13.23 190
Low 16.78% 241
Moderate 15.67% 225
Above Moderate 41.16% 591
Total 100% 1,436
Source: Kern COG, 2022
State law requires jurisdictions to demonstrate that “adequate sites” will be made available over the planning period (2023–2031 for the Kern COG region) to facilitate and encourage sufficient housing sites are available for the RHNA. Jurisdictions must also demonstrate that appropriate zoning and development standards, as well as services and facilities, will be in place to facilitate and encourage housing. To that end, the Housing Element must inventory land suitable for residential development, including vacant and underutilized sites (if appropriate), and analyze the relationship of zoning and public facilities and services to these sites.
The following discussion identifies how the City may provide for a sufficient number of sites to facilitate housing production commensurate with 2023-2031 RHNA numbers. In evaluating the adequacy of sites to fulfill the RHNA by income level, HCD assesses a jurisdiction’s development potential by zoning district and corresponding density level. The assumption is that increased density can reduce the per-unit cost of development and therefore the sales price or rent of the housing units developed.
Pipeline Projects
An important component of the Housing Element is the identification of sites for future housing development and evaluation of the adequacy of these sites in fulfilling Ridgecrest’s share of regional housing needs as determined by Kern COG. Since June 30, 2023, the City has approved several housing units, some of which are constructed, and other pending due to various reasons such as subdivision map extensions or no builder activity. Pipeline projects are not utilized to meet RHNA requirements, since there are sufficient vacant sites in the Land Inventory to meet the RHNA requirements; however, pipeline projects are included in quantified objectives.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-4
Table 4-3: Pipeline Projects after June 30, 2023
Year Address ADU/SFR/2+ Units
Income
Group
Development
Status
Constructed
or under
construction
Map
Extended,
Pending,
or No
builder
activity
After 6-
30-2023
701 W
Wildrose ADU 1
Moderate
Income construction
916 W Atkins
C ADU 1
Moderate
Income construction
920 W Atkins
C ADU 1
Moderate
Income construction
701 W
Wildrose ADU 1
Moderate
Income completed
129 S Locust ADU 2
Moderate
Income completed
1416 S Mayo 2+ 2
Moderate
Income construction
1424 S Farragut 2 2
Moderate
Income construction
1236 S McCall 2 2
Moderate
Income completed
1236 S Farragut 2 2
Moderate
Income construction
713 S Downs 2 2
Moderate
Income completed
1305 S Mayo
St 2 2
Moderate
Income construction
1305 S Mayo
St ADU 1
Moderate
Income construction
129 S Locust St 2 2
Moderate
Income completed
223 W Haloid 2 2
Moderate
Income completed
311 W Church 2 2
Moderate
Income completed
920 W Atkins
C 2 2
Moderate
Income construction
1113 W Benson 2 2
Moderate
Income construction
1117 W Benson 2 2
Moderate
Income construction
1128 E
California 2 2
Moderate
Income construction
1524 S Porter 2 2
Moderate
Income construction
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-5
1115 W
Langely 1 1
Moderate
Income construction
1120 S. Mayo 1 1
Moderate
Income construction
Sub total 37 37 0
316 S Abigail 1 1
Above
Moderate construction
100 W Javis 1 1
Above
Moderate construction
416 S Thomas 1 1
Above
Moderate completed
424 S Thomas 1 1
Above
Moderate completed
432 S Thomas
St 1 1
Above
Moderate completed
428 S Thomas
St 1 1
Above
Moderate completed
633 W Coral 1 1
Above
Moderate completed
432 N Inyo St 1 1
Above
Moderate completed
320 S Abigail 1 1
Above
Moderate completed
332 S Abigail 1 1
Above
Moderate completed
326 S Abigail 1 1
Above
Moderate completed
1237 W Upjohn 1 1
Above
Moderate construction
Sub total 12 12 0
TOTAL 49 49 0
Year 2024
Villa Crest 361 361
Moderate
Income Extended 361
TTM 7478 48 48
Moderate
Income Pending 48
Sub total 409 0 409
1205 Mariposa duplex 2
Moderate
Income COMPLETED
1201 mariposa duplex 2
Moderate
Income COMPLETED
1615 MAYO duplex 2
Moderate
Income COMPLETED
1524 PORTER duplex 2
Moderate
Income COMPLETED
1113 BENSON duplex 2
Moderate
Income COMPLETED
1117 BENSON duplex 2
Moderate
Income COMPLETED
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-6
1608 PORTER duplex 2
Moderate
Income COMPLETED
905
DOLPHHIN duplex 2
Moderate
Income COMPLETED
915 DOLPHIN duplex 2
Moderate
Income COMPLETED
1133 W
MARIPOSA duplex 2
Moderate
Income COMPLETED
Sub total 20 20 0
TTM 7345 SFR 11
Above
Moderate
NO
BUILDER
ACTIVITY
TTM 6912 SFR 24
Above
Moderate
NO
BUILDER
ACTIVITY
TTM 6691 SFR 168
Above
Moderate
NO
BUILDER
ACTIVITY
TTM 6691 SFR 55
Above
Moderate
NO
BUILDER
ACTIVITY
TTM 7478 SFR 64
Above
Moderate
NO
BUILDER
ACTIVITY
TTM7358 SFR 44
Above
Moderate
NO
BUILDER
ACTIVITY
TTM 7359 SFR 50
Above
Moderate
NO
BUILDER
ACTIVITY
TTM 7360 SFR 56
Above
Moderate
NO
BUILDER
ACTIVITY
Sub total 472 0 472
TOTAL 901 20 881
Year 2025
TTM 6700 A SFR 54
Above
Moderate
MAP
AMENDED
TO ALLOW
MORE TIME
TTM 6775 A SFR 60
Above
Moderate
MAP
AMENDED
TO ALLOW
MORE TIME
TTM 7517 SFR 18
Above
Moderate
MAP
AMENDED
TO ALLOW
MORE TIME
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-7
Sub total 132 0 132
1016 BOSTON duplex 2
Above
Moderate COMPLETED
925 PORTER duplex 2
Above
Moderate COMPLETED
1024
LANGLEY duplex 2
Above
Moderate COMPLETED
1340
MARIPOSA duplex 2
Above
Moderate COMPLETED
1325 SIMS duplex 2
Above
Moderate COMPLETED
1342
FARRAGUT duplex 2
Above
Moderate COMPLETED
920 IOWA duplex 2
Above
Moderate COMPLETED
222 CHURCH duplex 2
Above
Moderate COMPLETED
1124
CALIFORNIA duplex 2
Above
Moderate COMPLETED
514 NORMA duplex 2
Above
Moderate COMPLETED
Sub total 20 20 132
TOTAL 2025 152 20 132
GRAND
TOTAL 1102 89 1013
Land Availability
The City of Ridgecrest follows established standards for the development of housing in the area.
Criteria for assessing the suitability of housing sites are outlined below. Table 4-1 provides the required RHNA units by income groups. Table 4-4 provides the available vacant land inventory (vacant sites) by income groups. Table 4-5 and Figure 4-1) identifies the amount of zoned land available for residential development that can be utilized to meet the projected housing need through 2031. With regards to the determination of realistic density, Maximum Zoning Density x Acres x Percent of Capacity (75%) is used. Please note that certain R-4 zoned properties allow a density of 44 units per acre (shown in dark green shades in Land Inventory).
Vacant Sites Analysis
The City of Ridgecrest has identified vacant residentially zoned sites with a realistic development capacity of up to 5,450 units. Capacity assumptions generally apply a 65-75 percent factor of maximum allowable density to reflect likely development outcomes. This factor accounts for land controls and site improvements and is consistent with recent trends that generally exceed 80 percent of maximum allowable densities (See Table 5-15 Typical Densities Realized on Approved Projects). Within this inventory, sites smaller than 10 acres could accommodate 618 units affordable to lower-income households and 569 units affordable to moderate-income households.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-8
Sites greater than 10 acres are excluded from the lower-income capacity totals to ensure conservative and realistic assumptions regarding site development potential.
A key component of the City’s vacant site inventory is the inclusion of sites under half acre. These smaller sites are critical to Ridgecrest’s housing production trends and are supported by recent development patterns and State legislation, including Senate Bill 9 and Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) provisions. The City has demonstrated consistent and measurable success in facilitating housing production on small and infill parcels, particularly within single-family residential zones.
Recent permitting data substantiates the viability of these sites. In 2025, 54 housing units were permitted on infill lots, with SB 9 contributing an additional 14 units. In 2024, infill development accounted for 46 units, while SB 9 projects added 26 units. In 2023, infill development yielded 49 units, with SB 9 contributing 24 units. Over this period, small-lot and infill development, including ADUs and SB 9 projects, has produced more units than traditional single-family subdivision activity.
These trends demonstrate that small sites, including those under half acre, are not only feasible but represent a primary driver of housing production in Ridgecrest. Such sites are particularly attractive to small-scale developers due to lower upfront costs, reduced entitlement complexity, and the absence of significant off-site infrastructure requirements. This development pattern aligns with HCD guidance encouraging jurisdictions to rely on sites with demonstrated development potential and recent production history.
Accordingly, the inclusion of sites under one half in the City’s vacant site analysis is appropriate and necessary to reflect realistic development capacity and to ensure that the Housing Element accurately captures the City’s ability to meet its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) obligations. However, conservatively, sites smaller than half an acre are utilized toward the moderate income RHNA.
Sites larger than 10 acres are generally not considered appropriate to accommodate the housing needs of lower-income households unless an analysis demonstrates the suitability of these sites these sites to facilitate development of housing for lower-income households. The City has identified 3 sites to accommodate the lower-income RHNA, as follows:
APN Number Size Zone Maximum
Allowable Density
Lower Units Total Units
343-081-15-00-5 14.59 R-3 21 units per acre 229 229
479-010-15-00-7
20.13 R-3 21 units per acre 317 317
480-010-17-00-3
12.81 R-3 21 units per acre 201 201
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-9
Generally, developments assisted by state funding are comprised of approximately 50 to 150 units but can also be smaller or larger depending on different circumstances such as special needs, smaller rural areas and multiple phased developments. In the San Juaquin Valley, several 100 percent affordable developments have occurred. Examples include:
Recent Developments on Large Sites
Project Acreage Affordable
Units
Market Rate Total Units
Parc Grove Commons 24 acres 213 2 215
Ben Maddox Property -
Visalia
10.8 acres 292 0 292
Lovers-Caldwell
Property
11.4 acres 342 0 342
Demaree Street
Apartments - Visalia
7.62 acres 220 2 222
Caldwell Apartments –
Tulare County
303 3 306
Fiddyment Apartments
– Placer County
330
Anton Power Inn –
Sacramento County
194
Monarch – Sacramento
County
241
4995 Stockton
Boulevard – Sacramento
County
198 2 200
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-10
The Lyla – Sacramento
County
291 3 294
Asteria Flats 234 2 236
Based on these recent developments and approximate range of 200 to 300 units for larger sites, the 3 sites identified are considered suitable and appropriate to facilitate the development of housing for lower income households. In addition, based on conversations with non-profit developers, sites larger than 10 acres are suitable to facilitate development of housing affordable to lower income households and could be developed in phases and combined with different unit types such as single family. Finally, to further facilitate affordability on these larger sites, through Programs 17 and 30, the City will establish incentives such as priority processing, fee deferrals and ministerial lot splits.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-11
Table 4-4: Sites Inventory by Zone by Income Group
Income Estate R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 RMH Total RHNA
Low 0 0 0 1256 105 0 1361 620
Moderate 0 0 1459 0 0 0 1459 225
Above
Moderate
944 1514 0 0 0 172 2630 591
Total
Units
944 1514 1459 1256 105 172 5450 1436
In short, the number of vacant parcels zoned for residential development in the city overall is 296. The number of units that could be developed on these parcels is around 5450. More vacant land is available but not currently zoned for residential uses. There is adequate infrastructure throughout the city with no environmental constraints. There are sufficient vacant parcels to accommodate the City’s share of regional housing needs for lower-income households and special needs groups, throughout the planning period and beyond.
Prior Sites Identified in Last Two Cycles
In compliance with Government Code Section 65583.2 c), the City will amend the zoning code to allow by-right-development on any parcel that allows residential development that are listed in the prior two cycles of the Housing Element, for the purpose of meeting the 6th cycle lowerincome RHNA obligations, given that the development include 20 percent affordable units for lower-income households. The City shall permit appropriate densities of at least 20 units per acre on such parcels. The minimum density will be set at 20 units per acre and the maximum at 25 units per acre. This program shall take effect upon adoption of this General Plan Housing Element and will be supplemented by administrative procedures (Zoning Code Amendment), as in Program 21.
.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-12
Table 4-5: Land Inventory (Parcels Over 1 Acre)
APN GP Zone
Min.
Density
(Units/
Acre)
Max.
Density
(Units/
Acre)
Acres Realistic
Capacity
Exist
Use
Infra.
(Current/
Potential)
Public Site Status
Low
Inc.
Units
Mod.
Inc.
Units
Above
Mod.
Inc.
Units
Total
Units
Prior
Cycles
Env.
Con.
RL Land Use
067-050-02-00-8 RL R-2 6 14 38.87 408 Vacant Yes - C YE Available 0 408 0 408 YES None 067-050-21-00-3 RL R-1 6 7 11.08 58 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 58 58 YES None 080-010-18-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 22.50 118 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 118 118 YES None 080-020-03-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 69.26 363 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 363 363 YES EQ 080-020-24-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 34.04 178 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 178 178 YES EQ 343-070-24-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 13.04 68 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 68 68 YES None 343-070-34-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 17.22 90 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 90 90 YES None 343-351-38-00-0 RL R-2 6 14 8.07 84 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 84 0 84 YES None 343-351-39-00-3 RL R-2 6 14 7.46 78 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 78 0 78 YES None 343-351-40-00-5 RL R-1 6 7 41.45 217 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 217 217 YES None 396-400-06-00-0 RL R-3 6 21 3.86 60 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 60 0 60 YES None 396-400-07-00-3 RL R-3 6 21 3.74 58 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 58 0 58 YES None 419-010-21-00-6 RL R-1 6 7 0.92 4 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 4 4 YES None 419-010-22-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 1.11 5 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 5 5 YES None 419-010-23-00-2 RL R-1 6 7 1.00 5 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 5 5 YES None 419-020-07-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 2.18 11 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 11 11 YES None 456-020-01-00-2 RL R-1 6 7 1.89 9 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 9 9 YES None 456-020-02-00-5 RL R-1 6 7 4.59 24 Vacant Yes - P
YESCity Available 0 0 24 24 NO None
456-020-03-00-8 RL R-1 6 7 2.53 13 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 13 13 YES None 456-020-14-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 0.93 4 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 4 4 YES None 456-020-21-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 1.36 7 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 7 7 YES None 456-040-05-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 0.91 4 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 4 4 YES None 456-040-14-00-6 RL R-1 6 7 1.10 5 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 5 5 YES None 456-040-15-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 1.26 6 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 6 6 YES None 479-020-09-00-3 RL R-1 6 7 5.69 29 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 29 29 YES None 479-020-10-00-5 RL R-1 6 7 6.96 36 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 36 36 YES None 479-020-12-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 0.92 4 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 4 4 YES None 479-020-13-00-4 RL R-1 6 7 0.93 4 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 4 4 YES None 480-010-13-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 1.52 7 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 7 7 YES None 480-010-15-00-7 RL R-1 6 7 9.00 47 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 47 47 YES None 480-030-05-00-4 RL R-1 6 7 2.78 14 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 14 14 YES None 508-020-10-00-6 RL R-3 6 21 6.80 107 Vacant Yes-C YES Available 0 107 0 107 YES None 508-020-10-00-6 RL R-2 6 14 19.31 202 Vacant Yes - C YES Available 0 202 0 202 YES None 508-020-11-00-9 RL RMH 6 7 29.29 153 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 153 153 YES None 2472 0 997 1475 2472
RM Land Use - 1 to
10.0 acres
067-023-18-00-7 RM R-2 6 14 1.87 19 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 19 0 19 YES None 343-032-52-00-4 RM R-2 6 14 1.05 11 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 11 0 11 YES None 343-042-57-00-2 RM R-2 6 14 1.33 13 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 13 0 13 YES None 343-351-26-00-5 RM R-3 14 21 2.07 32 Vacant Yes - C No Available 32 0 0 32 YES None 343-351-27-00-8 RM R-3 14 21 2.43 38 Vacant Yes - C No Available 38 0 0 38 YES None 396-060-08-00-8 RM R-3 14 21 4.75 74 Vacant Yes - C No Available 74 0 0 74 YES None 453-013-02-00-2 RM R-3 14 21 4.02 63 Vacant Yes - C No Available 63 0 0 63 YES None 453-013-28-00-8 RM R-3 14 21 1.18 18 Vacant Yes - C No Available 18 0 0 18 YES None 456-082-05-00-6 RM R-2 6 14 1.38 14 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 14 0 14 YES None 456-090-10-00-9 RM R-2 6 14 2.29 24 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 24 0 24 YES None 479-010-12-00-8 RM R-2 6 14 5.83 61 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 61 0 61 YES None 479-010-14-00-4 RM R-2 6 14 7.49 78 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 78 0 78 YES None 508-020-12-00-2 RM R-4 14 43 2.50 80 Vacant Yes - C No Available 80 0 0 80 YES None 525 305 220 0 525
RM Land
Use - Greater than
10.0 acres
067-040-13-00-7 RM R-1 6 7 18.01 94 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 94 94 YES Flood/EQ 067-040-30-00-6 RM R-2 6 14 26.72 280 Vacant Yes - P YES Available 0 280 0 280 YES Flood/EQ 343-081-15-00-5 RM R-3 14 21 14.59 229 Vacant Yes - C No Available 229 0 0 229 YES None 479-010-15-00-7 RH R-3 14 21 20.13 317 Vacant Yes - C No Available 317 0 0 317 YES None 480-010-17-00-3 RM R-3 14 21 12.81 201 Vacant Yes - C No Available 201 0 0 201 YES None 1121 747 280 94 1121
RR Land Use
455-100-06-00-3 RR E-1 1 1 32.61 24 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 24 24 YES AICUZ 455-100-08-00-9 RR E-2 2 4 17.70 53 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 53 53 YES None City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-13
455-100-09-00-2 RR E-1 1 1 112.70 84 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 84 84 YES AICUZ 161 0 0 161 161
RT Land Use
509-010-01-00-4 RT E-2 2 4 8.56 25 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 25 25 YES None 509-020-14-00-5 RT E-2 2 4 2.52 7 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 7 7 YES None 509-020-15-00-8 RT E-2 2 4 2.52 7 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 7 7 YES None 509-020-16-00-1 RT E-2 2 4 5.04 15 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 15 15 YES None 509-020-19-00-0 RT E-2 2 4 40.37 121 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 121 121 YES None 509-020-43-00-9 RT E-2 2 4 13.57 40 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 40 40 YES None 509-090-01-00-8 RT E-2 2 4 2.20 6 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 6 6 YES None 509-090-02-00-1 RT E-2 2 4 3.05 9 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 9 9 YES AICUZ 509-090-03-00-4 RT E-2 2 4 2.76 8 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 8 8 YES None 509-090-10-00-4 RT E-2 2 4 1.61 4 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 4 4 YES None 509-090-11-00-7 RT E-2 2 4 2.56 7 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 7 7 YES None 509-090-12-00-0 RT E-2 2 4 2.06 6 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 6 6 YES None 509-090-14-00-6 RT E-2 2 4 1.83 5 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 5 5 YES None 509-090-15-00-9 RT E-2 2 4 2.05 6 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 6 6 YES None 510-010-04-00-3 RT E-2 2 4 20.25 60 Vacant NO No Available 0 0 60 60 YES None 510-010-05-00-6 RT E-2 2 4 20.31 60 Vacant NO No Available 0 0 60 60 YES None 510-010-06-00-9 RT E-2 2 4 20.31 60 Vacant NO No Available 0 0 60 60 YES None 510-010-07-00-2 RT E-2 2 4 20.32 60 Vacant NO No Available 0 0 60 60 YES None 510-010-17-00-1 RT E-2 2 4 20.90 62 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 62 62 YES None 510-010-24-00-1 RT E-2 2 4 19.60 58 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 58 58 YES None 510-020-02-00-0 RT E-2 2 4 26.92 80 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 80 80 YES None 510-020-03-00-3 RT E-2 2 4 9.22 27 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 27 27 YES None 510-020-07-00-5 RT E-2 2 4 3.82 11 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 11 11 YES None 510-020-11-00-6 RT E-2 2 4 6.62 19 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 19 19 YES None 763 0 0 763 763
TOTAL AVAILABLE 5042 1052 1497 2493 5042
RHNA
REQUIREMENT 620 225 591 1436
DIFFERENCE 432 1272 1902 3606
Notes: Parcel: 508-020-10-006 is included twice because it is split into two zones (R-2 and R-3). Realistic density is 75% of maximum zoning density allowed by Zoning Code.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-14
Figure 4-1: Vacant Land Inventory
Source: City of Ridgecrest Planning Department
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-15
City Infrastructure
The ability of a city to provide an adequate housing supply is also closely linked to the capacity of the city's infrastructure. Decreases in public funds available for such improvements, and the corresponding need for providing services to developing areas, are likely to create some of the most significant problems of the current decade.
Sanitary sewer and water lines are in place to the edge of the city limits along all arterial roads to the west, south, and east. NAWS is in the northeast section of the city, and no residential development is generally planned on the base by the City of Ridgecrest. Therefore, infrastructure is available to the majority of residential parcels, and can easily be extended to accommodate new land divisions. Infrastructure availability to residential parcels is not a constraint to meeting the anticipated fair share allocation of 1,436 dwelling units for the period 2023-2031.
Effective January 2006, SB 1087 requires water and sewer providers to grant priority for service allocations to proposed developments that include units affordable to lower-income households.
Pursuant to these statutes, upon adoption of its Housing Element, the City of Ridgecrest will immediately deliver the Housing Element to the local water provider along with a summary of its regional housing needs allocation.
Program 33 addresses infrastructure improvements and other incentives to support the development of housing for lower- and moderate-income households and special needs populations, such as seniors, large households, single-parent households, farm workers, persons with disabilities including developmental disabilities, and those that have recently experienced homelessness.
Wastewater
The City of Ridgecrest operates a wastewater treatment facility with a rated capacity of 3.6 million gallons per day. The facility serves the entire city with a tributary area of over 13,000 acres, and consists of four components; influent and effluent flow measurement, preliminary treatment, primary treatment (including sludge-handling facilities) and a series of oxidation ponds. Based on 2010 estimates the facility was operating at 75 percent or less of capacity. Population increase since 2010 has been less than 10% leaving enough capacity for growth. The City is currently in the early planning stages for construction of an additional wastewater treatment plant. More than one-third of the wastewater treated at the plant is generated by the Navy, with the remainder generated within the City of Ridgecrest. Therefore, current capacity is adequate to provide the necessary infrastructure to serve the projected 1,436 dwelling units during the planning period.
Sanitary Sewer Collection
All wastewater collected is conveyed through regional wastewater conveyance facilities (trunk sewer, lift station, and force main) to the City of Ridgecrest's Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. The City's sanitary sewer collection system comprises more than 150 miles of collection lines constructed mostly of vitreous clay pipe and polyvinyl chloride pipe. The sewer system lines range in diameter from 6 to 27 inches. The entire system is gravity-conveyed to the treatment plant located north of the city on NAWS by two separate trunk line systems with a common junction at City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-16
the plant site. The sanitary sewer collection system is adequate to provide the necessary infrastructure to serve the required 1,436 dwelling units during the planning period.
Water
Ridgecrest's water supply relies on groundwater pumped from 18 wells and extracted from 11 reservoirs. Groundwater in the valley is usually identified as belonging to either the shallow or deep aquifer, and potable water comes from both. The Indian Wells Valley Water District 2020 Urban Water Management Plan provides planning and management tools to accommodate current water demand and proposed growth over the next 25 years.
The 2020 Urban Water Master Plan (UWMP) service area consists of an estimated population of 35,800, and 5,430-acre feet per year (AFY) of water was delivered to 12,489 metered connections.
The UWMP estimates the population in the service area will grow to 37,906 people by 2030 and to 42,826 people by 2045. Water delivery was expected to grow to 7,203 AFY by 2045. Water conservation measures are in place and required; however, the water district is currently in an overdraft groundwater basin and other sources of water will need to be identified in the next 10 to 20 years. In 2020, the City of Ridgecrest used 1,159 AFY of recycled water. Conducting a water study is beyond the scope of the Housing Element Update. The City will rely on the data available from the Water District to support its housing unit projections.
Storm Drain Collection
The City has adopted a Final Master Drainage Plan which identifies existing natural and improved watercourses and drainage basins. Water courses in Ridgecrest are primarily composed of flood control channels, retention basins, underground conduit, culverts, and the City street system.
Funding to implement the plan is not available.
The City requires new residential construction to have its lowest habitable floor elevated above the base flood level elevation, determined by Federal Emergency Management Agency standards, and no development is allowed that would create a flood hazard. Development within the 100‐year floodplain must comply with standards established within City ordinances and the National Flood Insurance Program standards. Large developments are required to develop a master drainage plan as a condition of approval.
Streets and Roads
The General Plan's Circulation Element contains the City’s goals, policies, and implementation measures to ensure an adequate and functional transportation and circulation system. It identifies major roadways (i.e., freeways, highways, and collectors) to accommodate circulation needs beyond the year 2030. In the city, there is a network of roadways including state highways, arterials, scenic corridors, secondary, collector, and local streets. The Indian Wells Valley and City of Ridgecrest are served by three state highway facilities: Highway 14, Highway 395, and Highway 178. Highway 14 and Highway 395 to the west are linked to Ridgecrest by Highway 178 at the northern city limits. Local Streets across the city are reasonably well-maintained as shown in Figure 4-2. The City's PCI (Pavement Condition Index, scale of 1-100), based on an evaluation of all City streets, has gone from 23.5 in 2011 to 54.9 in 2015 and 62 currently (2021).
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-17
The term "level of service" (LOS) is used to describe the quality or ease of traffic movement for operating conditions that may occur on a roadway segment as it accommodates various traffic volumes. There are six levels of service, A through F, that relate to driving conditions. LOS A indicates free-flow conditions with little or no delays, and LOS F indicates that traffic volume exceeds capacity. The capacities of existing roadways to accommodate traffic is considered good, with the exception of a.m. and p.m. peak demand periods when employment-related commuter traffic is at its highest, the majority of the city's roadways are levels of service A or B. Traffic volumes do not pose a significant constraint on the provision of 1,436 additional housing units during the planning period.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 4-18
Figure 4-2:
Source: City of Ridgecrest
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-1
5. CHAPTER FIVE – CONSTRAINTS TO HOUSING PRODUCTION
The development industry is faced with a variety of constraints in the construction of new housing.
These constraints, which limit the number and increase the cost of housing units which are constructed, may be loosely classified as governmental and non-governmental, although there is a strong interrelationship between these factors.
Pursuant to state law, each jurisdiction is responsible for a share of the region’s projected housing needs. To meet these needs, real and perceived constraints to the provision of adequate housing facilities have been identified in the City of Ridgecrest. This chapter identifies those constraints and recommends provisions to eliminate or reduce them to acceptable levels.
Chapter four discussed infrastructure availability and, as discussed previously, the projected growth will not have a significant impact on sewer, water, or storm drain systems in the community. Specific constraints are discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs.
Governmental Constraints
Governmental constraints are potential and actual policies, standards, government codes/requirements, fees, or actions imposed by the various levels of government on development, which serve to ensure public safety and welfare with respect to housing construction and land use issues. Federal and state programs and agencies play a role in the imposition of non-local governmental constraints and are beyond the influence of local government, and therefore cannot be effectively addressed in this document. Analysis of potential local governmental constraints is as follows:
Land Use Controls
Land use controls are minimum standards included within City Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. Zoning is a means of ensuring that the land uses in the community are properly situated in relation to one another and providing adequate space for each type of development.
Zoning regulations also control such features as height and bulk of buildings, lot area, yard setbacks, population density, the building use, etc. If zoning standards are significantly more rigid than private sector design standards and do not allow sufficient land use flexibility, then development costs could increase, and housing production may decrease.
The City of Ridgecrest General Plan Land Use Element provides a range of residential building types and densities in various areas of Ridgecrest. Table 5-1 identifies the residential land use designations established by the Ridgecrest General Plan 2030. Table 5-2 provides a summary of dwelling units allowed per acre ranging from less than 0.4 units per acre in the Residential Large Lot designation to up to 29 units per acre in the Residential High-Density Designation. Table 5-3 identifies zones in the City of Ridgecrest’s Zoning Ordinance that allow residential uses.
Development standards by Zoning District are shown in Table 5-4. Ridgecrest's development standards are similar to those found in other communities in Kern County and are generally not seen as a constraint to housing. For example, setbacks and lot coverages are generous; facilitating the ability to achieve maximum allowable densities. However, height limits of 35 feet in the R-4 City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-2
district may constrain achieving densities of 43 unit per acre. Program 15 (Update Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance) will address this potential constraint by increasing the allowable number of feet (e.g. 48 feet) to allow for four stories. Further, parking requirements for single family uses are typical at 2 spaces per units and allow for a sliding scale for multifamily uses, as follows:
Number of Bedrooms Number of Parking Spaces
One Bedroom 1.5 spaces
Two Bedroom 2 spaces
Three or More Bedrooms 2.5 spaces
Note: In addition, one guest parking space shall be provided on-site in a convenient and accessible location for each five residential units. Projects on sites with four or fewer units are exempt from this requirement.
While the number of spaces is fairly typical and do not constrain housing development, 1.5 spaces for a studio and single room occupancy apartments, especially when combined with guest parking requirements, may constrain smaller bedroom types. As a result, Program 15 will reduce parking requirements (e.g., 1 space per unit) for these smaller bedroom types Table 5-1: Ridgecrest General Plan Land Use Designations Land Use Designation Description
Residential Large Lot (RX)
This designation establishes areas for single‐family residential development on large lots that involve the ownership of acreage. Uses typically include single-family dwellings and mini‐farms or ranchettes that may include agricultural activity.
Residential Rural Density (RR)
This designation establishes areas for single‐family residential development on large lots. Uses typically include single-family dwellings and mini‐farms or ranchettes where agricultural activity is secondary to the residential land use.
Residential Estate Density (RE)
This designation establishes areas for large lot single-family estate dwellings. Uses typically allowed include detached single-family homes, secondary dwellings, and support uses (i.e., workshop, pool house).
Residential Low Density (RL)
This designation establishes areas for single-family residences in a suburban configuration. Uses typically allowed include detached singlefamily homes, secondary dwellings, and residential support uses such as churches, schools, and other necessary public utilities and safety facilities.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-3
Land Use Designation Description
Residential Medium Density (RM)
This land designation establishes areas for single-family and low-density multi-family dwellings located near neighborhood serving uses such as grocery stores, schools, parks and other public services. Uses typically allowed include single family dwellings, second units, town homes, duplexes, triplexes and mobile home parks.
Residential High Density (RH)
This designation established areas for multi‐family dwellings in urbanized areas with access to public transportation and residential serving uses (i.e., coffee shops and drug stores). Uses typically allowed include duplexes, tri‐ plexes, townhomes and apartments near schools, parks and other public services.
Commercial (C)
This designation establishes the more intensive commercial retail and shopping service uses adjacent to residential neighborhoods. A broad mix of uses, including offices and high density residential are also encouraged within or adjacent to these areas in order to provide “active” centers in which many uses may be accessed on foot from residential areas or lodging areas. Uses typically allowed include regional malls and outlet centers, supermarkets, drug stores, other residential serving uses as well as office uses.
High density residential uses are permitted within the Commercial designation provided these residential activities are located on the second floor or above along building frontages. Residential may be included on the first floor if the total residential square footage does not exceed 50% of the total square footage. Therefore, all Commercial designations provide for a vibrant mixed use of compatible land uses further regulated by the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. Larger centers may include community commercial centers, shopping centers, shopping plazas, and shopping centers that include a junior department store, or a large variety, discount or department store with direct and convenient arterial access and access for pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit.
Commercial Downtown (CD)
This designation provides for a vibrant mix of compatible land uses in the Olde Towne area that can include residential, administrative and professional offices, retail and commercial service uses, and public and quasi‐public facilities. Development standards would be determined through a Design Review.
Commercial Village (CV)
This designation establishes the small areas where residents can shop, socialize or recreate. Allowed land uses would include commercial uses that would be appropriate along major thoroughfares and adjacent to medium and high-density residential areas. Different Commercial Village land uses can be located in the same building, (including residential or office uses located above a commercial use) or on the same site, and include retail, child care, convenience markets, office and personal services. All Commercial Village uses shall be subject to the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance which shall ensure compatibility with the activities proposed and surrounding neighborhood.
Open Space (OS)
The purpose of this designation is to conserve lands that should remain as open space for passive and active recreation uses, resource management, flood control management and public safety. Uses that would typically be appropriate in this land use designation include but are not limited to public parks, playgrounds, and parkways; vista areas, wetlands, wildlife habitats and outdoor nature laboratories; stormwater management facilities; and buffer zones separating urban development and ecologically‐sensitive City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-4
Land Use Designation Description
resources. Such land areas are primarily publicly owned, but may include private property. The FAR for non‐residential uses shall not exceed 0.10.
Industrial (I)
This designation establishes areas for a range of non‐intensive business park, industrial park, and warehouse uses that do not have detrimental noise or odor impacts on surrounding uses. Uses typically allowed include warehousing, welding and fabrication shops, manufacturing, processing, fabrication, trucking terminals, and business support uses such as retail or eating establishments that serve adjacent light industrial uses and employees.
Specific Plan (SP)
The SP overlay designation is established where infrastructure needs, land use patterns, or other substantial land use related issues indicate a need to require the preparation and adoption of a Specific Plan, as defined by California Government Code sections 65450 et seq. Although the SP overlay does not itself modify the General Plan land use designation on a property within the overlay area, the adoption of a specific plan can modify the underlying zoning district(s) and their requirements.
Military Influence Area (MIA)
Overlay
The MIA overlay defines specific areas requiring additional controls on the types of land use designations and densities / intensities appropriate in areas near NAWS China Lake and its approach and departure zones. These additional considerations are necessary to protect public safety and maintain the operational capabilities of NAWS China Lake. Refer to Policy LU‐7.1 and the goals, policies, and implementation measures in Section 4, Military Sustainability Element.
Source: Ridgecrest General Plan 2030
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-5
Table 5-2: Ridgecrest General Plan Residential Land Use Designations Land Use Designation Dwelling Units per acre
Residential Large Lot 0.0-0.4
Residential Rural Density 0.0-1.0
Residential Estate Density 1.1-2.0
Residential Low Density 2.1-5.0
Residential Medium Density 5.1-14.0
Residential High Density 14.1-29.0
Commercial 14.1-29.0
Commercial Downtown 14.1-29.0
Commercial Village 14.1-29.0
Open Space -
Industrial -
Specific Plan Based on underlying designation
Military Influence Area Overlay -
Source: Ridgecrest General Plan 2030
Table 5-3: City of Ridgecrest Zones where Residential Uses are Allowed District
RA Residential Agriculture District
E-1 Estate Density
E-2 E-2 Estate Single Family Residential
E-3 E-3 Estate Single Family Residential
PUD Planned Unit Development
R-1 Single-Family Residential
R-2 Multi-Family Residential
R-3 Multi-Family Residential
R-4 Multi-Family Residential
MH Mobile Home Parks
RMH Residential Mobile Home District
CG General Commercial
CS Service Commercial
M-1 Light Industrial
M-2 Heavy Industrial Zone
UR Urban Reserve Zone
City of Ridgecrest Zoning Ordinance, Version November 29, 2022 City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-6
Table 5-4: City of Ridgecrest
Development Standards by Zoning District
Zoning
District
Minimum
Site Area
Maximum
Density
Lot
Coverage
Minimum
Lot Size
Height
Restriction
Parking
Requirement
Front
Setback
Side
Setback
Rear
Setback
Design
Restrictions
Permitted
Uses
A 5 ac. 1 dwelling per site 60% 5 ac. 35 Ft. 2/unit 20 5 10 None SF E-1 40,000 sf 1 dwelling per site 60% 40,000 sf 35 Ft. 2/unit 20 5 10 None SF E-2 10,000 sf 1 dwelling per site 60% 10,000 sf 35 Ft. 2/unit 20 5 10 None SF E-3 7,500 sf 1 dwelling per site 60% 7,500 sf 35 Ft. 2/unit 20 5 10 None SF PUD *Underlying Zone Dictates Requirements
R-1 6,000 sf 1 dwelling per site 60% 6,000 sf 35 Ft. 2/unit 20 5 10 None SF R-2
6,000 sf 14.52 60% 6,000 sf 35 Ft. 2/unit SF
1-2 1/2/unit MF 20 5 10 None SF/MF
R-3
6,000 sf 21.78 65% 6,000 sf 35 Ft. 2/unit SF
1-2 1/2/unit MF 10 5 10 None SF/MF
R-4
6,000 sf 43.56 70% 6,000 sf 35 Ft. 2/unit SF
1-2 1/2/unit MF 10 5 10 None SF/MF
RMH
6,000 sf 1 dwelling per site 60% 6,000 sf 35 Ft. 2/unit SF 1-2 1/2/unit MF 20 5 10 None SF/MF
CG 10,000 sf 1
1 2 10,000 sf 60 ft. 2/unit 5 03 0 None Live-work
CS 20,000 sf 1
1 2 20,000 sf 60 ft. 2/unit 5 04 0 None Live-work
M-1 10,000 sf 1
1 75%2 10,000 sf 60 ft. 2/unit 5 05 0 None Live-work
M-2 1 acre 1
1 75%2 1 acre 60 ft. 2/unit 5 05 0 None Live-work
UR 2.5 acres 1 dwelling per site 60% 2.5 acres 35 Ft. 2/unit 20 5 10 None SF Source: City of Ridgecrest Zoning Ordinance
1 A maximum of one manager/caretaker dwelling unit shall be located per legal parcel. 2 A maximum of 50 percent of the gross floor area with a maximum of 1,250 square feet of all commercial development on the parcel shall be devoted to a residential dwelling unit.
3 Rear and side yard of 10 feet required when adjacent to any R district and street side of a corner lot shall be 5 feet except that where a reverse corner lot rears upon a lot in any R District, the side yard on the street side shall not be less than 50 percent of the front yard required on the key lot. 4 The street side of a corner lot shall be 5 feet except that where a Service Commercial lot abuts a side or rear yard of any R District, the side or rear yard shall be no less than 10 feet. Where a reverse corner lot rears upon a lot in any R District, the side yard on the street shall be no less than 50 percent of the front yard required on the key lot.
5 The minimum side and rear yard abutting any residential or Professional Office district shall be 10 feet. The street side of a corner lot shall be 5 feet.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-7
The Housing Element must identify adequate sites that are available to encourage the development of various housing types for all economic segments of the population through appropriate zoning and development standards. Some of the housing types include single-family residential housing, multiple-family residential housing, residential accessory dwelling units, mobile homes, duplexes, transitional housing, supportive housing, second units, single-room occupancy units, and emergency shelters. Table 5-5 shows the housing types that will be permitted by Zoning District.
To ensure statutory requirements are met, several zoning code amendments are proposed (see Program 15).
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-8
Table 5-5: City of Ridgecrest Housing Types Permitted by Zoning District Land Use/Zoning District A E-1 E-2 E-3 R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 MH CG CS M-1 M-2 Adult Day Care Home P P P P P P P P - - - - -
Caretaker Housing - - - - - - - - - P P P P
Dwelling, Multi-family - P- P P P P P P - - - - -
Accessory Dwelling Unit P P P P P P P P - - - - -
Dwelling, Single-Family P P P P P P P P P - - - -
Dwelling, Two-Family - P P P P P P P - - - - -
Dwelling, Three- and Four-Family - P P P P P P P - - - - - Emergency Shelter - - - - - - P P - - - - -
Employee Housing C C C C C C C C C C C C C
Family Day Care Home, Large P P P P P P P P P - - - -
Family Day Care Home, Small P P P P P P P P P - - - -
Home Occupations - P P P P P P P P - - - -
Live-Work Facility - - - - - - - - - P P P P
Mobile Home/ Manufactured
Home - - - - C C C C P - - - -
Mobile Home Park - - - - - - - - P - - - -
Residential Care Facility/ Group
Home P P P P P P P P P P P - -
Single Room Occupancy (SRO)
Facilities - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Supportive Housing P P P P P P P P P C C - -
Transitional Housing P P P P P P P P P C C - -
Source: City of Ridgecrest Zoning Ordinance (P- Permitted, C- Conditional) City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-9
Planning Unit Development (PUD) Overlay
The current zoning ordinance for the City of Ridgecrest contains a planned unit development (PUD) overlay zone that allows greater design flexibility and planning than the strict application of conventional single-family land use and development criteria. The PUD application enables clustering of units, mixing of uses and building types, and establishment of special development standards and criteria, which respond to the particular features of a site. This flexibility allows for more efficient infrastructure designed through clustered development, decreasing the cost per unit for development projects. The amount of cost reduction to be realized varies with the site.
However, experience in other communities suggests that savings of approximately 25 percent per unit can be achieved. The clustering approach, coupled with density bonuses, can enhance Ridgecrest's role as an affordable housing resource, and can be beneficial in meeting the housing needs of special groups (seniors, disabled, etc.). The number of vacant parcels greater than 6000 square feet in the city zoned for residential development is 299.
Parking Standards
The City requires off-street parking for all new housing projects as shown in Table 5-6. These parking regulations do not impact the ability to construct housing. In order to reduce development costs for low-income projects, reductions in parking standards are allowed including tandem parking for residents, and a reduction in parking standards for inclusionary or senior housing is allowed.
Table 5-6: Residential Parking Standards
Requirement
Single-family detached
dwellings Two open or enclosed spaces.
Accessory dwelling units One parking space per unit.
Multi-family dwelling
units:
NOTE: In addition, one guest parking space shall be provided on-site in a convenient and accessible location for each five residential units. Projects on sites with four or fewer units are exempt from this requirement.
One bedroom One and one-half parking spaces per unit.
Two bedrooms Two parking spaces per unit.
Three bedrooms or more Two and one-half parking spaces per unit.
Condominiums or
townhouses:
NOTE: In addition, one-third parking space shall be provided for each dwelling unit for guest parking and one space for each five units shall be provided for recreational vehicles.
One bedroom One and one-half parking spaces/dwelling unit.
Two bedrooms Two parking spaces/dwelling unit.
Three bedrooms or more Two and one-half spaces/dwelling unit.
Mobile home park Two parking spaces/dwelling unit plus one space for each five units for guests.
Housing for elderly (public
or federally assisted)
One parking space/dwelling unit plus one parking space for each five units for guests.
Inclusionary housing for
elderly
Residential parking requirements for developments providing at least 50% of the units exclusively for elderly persons may be reduced up to 50% upon site plan review and approval by the City.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-10
Requirement
Emergency shelters 1 space for every ten beds, plus one space per employee on the maximum shift.
Supportive housing,
transitional housing, &
single room occupancy
units
1 parking space per unit, plus one space per employee on the maximum shift Source: City of Ridgecrest Zoning Ordinance
Density Bonuses
Developers of affordable housing are entitled to a density bonus and/or equivalent concessions or incentives under certain conditions per state law. Although the City has processed an update to the Density Bonus Ordinance in May 2015 (Ordinance No. 15-03) to comply with updates to state density bonus law since adoption of the previous Housing Element, a new program has been added to prepare a comprehensive zoning and subdivision code amendment to update all housing laws that takes effect in 2023, including an update of the bonus density laws.
Provisions for a Variety of Housing Types
Single-Family Dwellings
Single-family homes are permitted by right in all residential districts.
Apartments, Condominiums, and Townhomes
The R-2, R-3, and R-4 districts allow for the development of all multiple family dwellings by right.
None of the other districts allow these as conditional uses.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
A second unit is considered an attached or detached dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, with permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation sited on the same parcel as the primary dwelling unit.
This definition includes granny flats. ADUs are permitted in all residential districts with the exception of Mobile Home Park.
Ridgecrest has several existing residential neighborhoods with potential for infill development.
Following the passage of SB 9 and the introduction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), the city has updated its engineering design standards to support multifamily development within these neighborhoods. The new standards include changes to accommodate extended driveways, allowing property frontages to be used as parking. Additionally, the city has developed standard plans for various sizes of ADUs and duplexes for potential developers to utilize.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-11
Mobile Homes with Permanent Foundations
Mobile homes offer an affordable housing option to many low- and moderate-income households.
The City permits mobile homes only in the Mobile Home Park (MH) district.
The City amended its code to allow mobile homes on permanent foundation of 10 years of age or less in all single-family zones.
Farm Worker Housing
Farm worker or employee housing is property used temporarily or seasonally for the residential use of five or more unrelated persons or families employed to perform agricultural or industrial labor. The accommodations may consist of any living quarters, dwelling, boardinghouse, tent, bunkhouse, mobile home, manufactured home, recreational vehicle, travel trailer, or other housing accommodations maintained in one or more buildings, or one or more sites, and the premises upon which they are situated, including area set aside for parking of mobile homes or camping of five or more employees by the employer. State law (Sections 17021.5 and 17021.6 of the Health and Safety Code) requires the City to treat employee housing that serves six or fewer persons as a single-family structure and permitted in the same manner as other single-family structures of the same type in the same zone and also to treat employee housing consisting of no more than 12 units or 36 beds as an agricultural use and permitted in the same manner as other agricultural uses in the same zone (Section 17021.6) in zones where agricultural uses are permitted. The city complies with these requirements.
There are no dedicated, year-round USDA farm labor housing developments located directly within Ridgecrest. However, there are several general rental options with the city, for example, Larkspur Village: 340 S. Downs, Mojave View: 400 Mojave View Avenue, The Ridge Investors:
400 A Cisco Street, Ridgecrest Senior Apartments: 901 W. Church Avenue, etc.
Besides the general affordable housing options and apartments in the city, there are dedicated farmworker housing in other parts of Kern County, as mentioned in Table 3-23-B.
Residential Care Facility/Group Home
A residential care facility or group home is a facility that provides 24-hour non-medical care for more than six persons 18 years of age or older, or emancipated minors, with chronic, lifethreatening illness in need of personal services, protection, supervision, assistance, guidance, or training essential for sustaining the activities of daily living, or for the protection of the individual.
This classification includes group homes, residential care facilities for the elderly, adult residential facilities, wards of the juvenile court, and other facilities licensed by the state of California. Clearly stated requirements for approval of group homes will give greater certainty to an applicant and remove an impediment to fair housing choice for elderly, disabled, or persons with special needs (Kern County Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, July 1996).
The City amended the Zoning Ordinance to specify that group homes/residential care facilities are allowed by right in residential zones consistent with state law for small group homes and with a conditional use permit for large facilities.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-12
Emergency Shelters
California Health and Safety Code (Section 50801) defines an emergency shelter as “housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to occupancy of six months or less by a homeless person.”
In effect since January 1, 2008, Senate Bill (SB) 2 (Cedillo, 2007) requires the City to allow emergency shelters without any discretionary action in at least one zone that is appropriate for permanent emergency shelters (i.e., with commercial uses compatible with residential or light industrial zones in transition), regardless of its demonstrated need. The goal of SB 2 was to ensure that local governments are sharing the responsibility of providing opportunities for the development of emergency shelters. To that end, the legislation also requires that the City demonstrate site capacity in the zone identified to be appropriate for the development of emergency shelters. Within the identified zone, only objective development and management standards may be applied, given they are designed to encourage and facilitate the development of or conversion to an emergency shelter.
The City processed a Zoning Ordinance amendment to allow emergency shelters without discretionary review in the R-3 and R-4 zones in May 2015 (Ordinance No. 15-03). There are 74 acres on 134 vacant parcels available in the R-3 zone and 4.76 acres on two vacant parcels in the R-4 zone, sufficient capacity to accommodate an emergency shelter.
Transitional and Supportive Housing
Transitional housing is defined in Section 65582(h) of the Health and Safety Code as buildings configured as rental housing developments, but operated under program requirements that require the termination of assistance and recirculating of the assisted unit to another eligible program recipient at a predetermined future point in time that shall be no less than six months from the beginning of the assistance.
Supportive housing is defined by Section 56682(f) of the Health and Safety Code as housing with no limit on length of stay, that is occupied by the target population, and that is linked to an on-site or off-site service that assists the supportive housing resident in retaining the housing, improving his or her health status, and maximizing his or her ability to live and, when possible, work in the community. Target population is defined in Health and Safety Code Section 56682(g) as persons with low incomes who have one or more disabilities, including mental illness, HIV or AIDS, substance abuse, or other chronic health condition, or individuals eligible for services provided pursuant to the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code) and may include, among other populations, adults, emancipated minors, families with children, elderly persons, young adults aging out of the foster care system, individuals exiting from institutional settings, veterans, and homeless people.
Senate Bill 2 requires that transitional and supportive housing types be treated as residential uses and subject only to those restrictions that apply to other residential uses of the same type in the same zone. Both transitional and supportive housing types must be explicitly permitted in the municipal code.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-13
The City amended the Zoning Ordinance to allow transitional and supportive housing per Senate Bill 2 in all zones that allow residential uses in the same way other residential uses are allowed. A new program has been included to amend the code to allow Low Barrier Navigation facilities.
Extremely Low-Income Households
Assembly Bill 2634 (Lieber, 2006) requires the quantification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs of extremely low-income households. Elements must also identify zoning to encourage and facilitate supportive housing and single-room occupancy (SRO) units.
Extremely low-income households typically comprise persons with special housing needs including but not limited to persons experiencing homelessness or near-homelessness, persons with substance abuse problems, and farm workers.
To address the needs of extremely low-income households, the City will amend the Zoning Ordinance to permit SROs subject to site plan review and without a conditional use permit in the R-2, R-3 and R-4 zones.
Ridgecrest Housing for Persons with Disabilities
Compliance with provisions of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is assessed and enforced by the Building Official in Ridgecrest. ADA access is enforced through building permit entitlement and is required for all commercial development, new construction of multi-family apartments with three or more units in any one building, and new construction of congregate housing or shelters. Special ADA access retrofitting is not required for remodeling or renovation of buildings, but only for new construction.
In response to SB 520 and to ensure fair and efficient process for persons with disabilities to make necessary accessibility adjustments to their homes, the City has processed an ordinance (Ordinance No. 15-03) to create a reasonable accommodation procedure that was adopted in May 2015. The definition of family in the Zoning Ordinance to remove the limit on number of persons was also adopted. Chapter 106.2 of the Municipal Code states “Family means one person living alone, or a group of two or more persons living together, whether or not related to each other by birth.
Reasonable Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation procedure:
• A request for reasonable accommodation may be made by any person with a disability, their representative or any entity, when the application of a requirement of this chapter or other city requirement, policy, or practice acts as a barrier to fair housing opportunities. A person with a disability is a person who has a physical or developmental impairment that limits or substantially limits one or more major life activities, anyone who is regarded as having such impairment or anyone who has a record of such impairment. This article is intended to apply to those persons who are defined as disabled under the Acts. • A request for reasonable accommodation may include a modification or exception to the rules, standards, and practices for the siting, development, and use of housing or housing- City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-14
related facilities that would eliminate regulatory barriers and provide a person with a disability equal opportunity to housing of their choice. • A reasonable accommodation is granted to the household that needs the accommodation and does not apply to successors in interest to the property. • A reasonable accommodation may be granted in compliance with this chapter without the need for the approval of a variance.
• Requests for reasonable accommodation shall be as described:
o Application. Requests for reasonable accommodation shall be submitted in the form of a letter to the director of community development and shall contain the following information:
o Fee. The fee for a reasonable accommodation request shall be minimal or there shall be no fee.
o Review with other land use applications. If the project for which the request for reasonable accommodation is being made also requires some other discretionary approval (e.g., conditional use permit), then the applicant shall file the application for discretionary approval together with the information required by subsection (a) of this section, for concurrent review.
o City planner. Requests for reasonable accommodation shall be reviewed by the director of community development, or his designee if no approval is sought other than the request for reasonable accommodation. The written determination to grant, grant with modifications, or deny the request for reasonable accommodation shall be made in accordance with the findings and decision as established below. o Other review authority. Requests for reasonable accommodation submitted for concurrent review with another discretionary land use application shall be reviewed by the authority responsible for reviewing the discretionary land use application.
The written determination to grant, grant with modifications, or deny the request for reasonable accommodation shall be made in accordance with the findings and decision as established below:
o Findings and decision. The written decision to grant or deny a request for reasonable accommodation will be consistent with the Acts and shall be based on consideration of the following factors:
▪ In granting a request for reasonable accommodation, the reviewing authority may impose any conditions of approval deemed reasonable and necessary to ensure that the reasonable accommodation would comply with the findings required herein. The conditions shall also state whether the accommodation granted shall be rescinded in the event that the person for whom the accommodation was requested no longer resides on the property.
Subdivision Ordinance
The Subdivision Ordinance governs the process of converting raw land into building sites. It allows the City to control the internal design of each new subdivision so that its pattern of streets, lots, public utilities, etc. will be safe, pleasant, and economical to maintain. Overly restrictive standards will result in greater land development costs and/or lack of development interest.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-15
The Subdivision Ordinance requires on- and off-site improvements that are similar to the requirements of other cities in Kern County. Fees in lieu of improvements for curb and gutter are often collected in fringe areas within the community until at least 50 percent of the lots develop.
The City will then install the improvements. The Subdivision Ordinance does not create any undue obstacles or constraints in the provision of any housing type.
To ensure adequate improvements are in place, Ridgecrest requires pro-rata payments for off-site extension of water, sewer and storm drain systems, and traffic signals. Requiring developers to make site improvements, pay pro-rata shares toward infrastructure costs, and pay for additional public services will increase the cost of housing and impact the affordability of the homes. For example, data provided by a developer on a recent project within the city reveals that the cost of improvements are $33.80 per linear foot for curb and gutter; four ($4) per linear foot of sidewalk; $7.24 per square feet for street improvements; and $75 per linear foot for an 8-inch standard sewer line. While site improvements increase housing costs, they are standard for most jurisdictions in the region. Moreover, site improvements are necessary to maintain the quality of life desired by City residents and ensure that public services and facilities are in place at the time of need.
Based on conversations with a developer in the region, for jurisdictions with on- and off-site improvement standards and requirements similar to Ridgecrest, typical on and off-site improvements (e.g., curbs, gutters, sidewalks, road improvements, utilities and street lighting) cost approximately $50,000 per single family lot or approximately 10-20% of total development costs and can be less for multifamily development with higher per unit total development costs. Typical challenges incurred by developers related to site improvements include:
• Timing and coordination of utility connections
• Upfront infrastructure costs that must be carried early in the project • Delays tied to permitting or improvement plan approvals Infill residential projects may be required to install any of the improvements listed as follows, depending on the site-specific circumstances and neighborhood needs.
On-Site Improvements
Typical on-site improvements cover street frontage improvements such as curbs, gutters, and sidewalks, sewer/water hookups, on-site drainage, and landscaping. In some cases, where adequate street widths or improvements are not sufficient for fire safety and emergency access, street dedications may be required.
Off-Site Improvements
Typical off-site improvements for both single-family and multi-family developments cover the range of water, sewer, circulation, and other services and infrastructure needed to facilitate residential developments. Table 5-6A provides the street standards, which typical or similar to that in other Kern County cities.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-16
Table 5-7: Street Standards
Type Rights-of-way
(Ft.)
Center
Median (Ft.)
Bike Lane (Ft.) Parkway (Ft.) Sidewalk (Ft.)
Arterial 110 14 6 12 5
Secondary 90 12 5 10 5
Collector 64 0 5 8 5
Local 60 0 7* 8 5
Source: City of Ridgecrest General Plan Circulation Element. * Combined Parking and Bike lane At-Risk Housing Units
Section 65583(a) of the Housing Element law requires that there be an analysis of existing or potential "at-risk" assisted housing developments, which are eligible to convert to market-rate housing. The conversion may be due to termination of subsidy contracts, mortgage prepayment, or expiration of use restrictions. "Assisted housing developments" are multi-family rental housing projects that receive or have received government assistance under federal programs listed in subdivision (a) of Section 65835.10, state and local multi-family revenue bond programs, the federal Community Development Block Grant Program, or local in-lieu fees.
Table 5-7 lists assisted housing projects in the City of Ridgecrest and identifies their current contract expiration dates after which conversion to market rate housing is possible. The Larkspur Village property is owned by private developers and is currently under a Low-Income Housing Tax Credits deed restriction through 2023. Desert Willow is owned by a nonprofit organization and funded through the HUD Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program through 2014. According to the management company, they plan to maintain affordability restrictions for Desert Willow indefinitely. According to the CHPC, the Ridge Apartments have tax credit restrictions that make it extremely unlikely that the property could convert to market rate before 2029. No assisted units are at risk of conversion to market-rate housing. Program commits the City to monitoring at-risk units and taking steps to prevent them from converting to market rate if needed.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-17
Table 5-8: Inventory of Assisted Units
Projects Total
Units
Assisted
Units Type FundingSource
Assistance
Expiration
Date
Desert Willow 15 14 Disabilities PRAC/811 10/31/2014*
The Ridge Apartments 80 79 Large Family Section 8/ Tax credits 2029 Larkspur Village 81 80 Large Family Tax credits 12/19/2023 Ridgecrest Senior
Apartments 32 31 Senior Tax credits 2066
Totals 254 250
Source: California Housing Partnership Corporation (CHPC), June 2014 and Ridgecrest Senior Apartments developer, November 2014.
*According to the management company, they plan to maintain affordability restrictions for Desert Willow indefinitely.
Reviewed in 2023 and all units maintain the affordability restriction.
To maintain the existing affordable housing stock, the City can either preserve the existing assisted units or facilitate the development of new units. Depending on the circumstances of at-risk projects, different options may be used to preserve or replace the units. Preservation options typically include: (1) transfer of project to nonprofit ownership; (2) provision of rental assistance to tenants using non-federal funding sources; and (3) purchase of affordability covenants. In terms of replacement, the most direct option is the development of new assisted multi-family housing units. These options are described below.
Transfer of Ownership
Transferring ownership of an at-risk project to a nonprofit housing provider is generally one of the least costly ways to ensure that at-risk units remain affordable for the long term. By transferring property ownership to a nonprofit organization, low-income restrictions can be secured indefinitely and the project would become potentially eligible for a greater range of governmental assistance.
The current market value of the projects was estimated using information from multi-family sales listings in Ridgecrest. The average cost to purchase a multi-family development was $141,883 per unit. There are no units at risk of converting to market rate within the current planning cycle.
Rental Assistance
Rental subsidies using non-federal (state, local, or other) funding sources can be used to maintain affordability units. These rent subsidies can be structured to mirror the federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program. Under Section 8, HUD pays the difference between what tenants can pay (defined as 30 percent of household income) and what HUD estimates as the fair market rent on the unit. In Kern County, the 2023 fair market rent is determined to be $869 for a 1-bedroom unit, $1,137 for a two-bedroom unit and $1,616 for a three-bedroom unit (source:
www.huduser.gov).
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-18
The feasibility of this alternative is highly dependent upon the availability of other funding sources necessary to make rent subsidies available and the willingness of property owners to accept rental vouchers if they can be provided.
Purchase of Affordability Covenants
Another option to preserve the affordability of at-risk projects is to provide an incentive package to the owners to maintain the projects as affordable housing. Incentives could include writing down the interest rate on the remaining loan balance and/or supplementing the Section 8 subsidy received to market levels. The feasibility of this option depends on whether the complex is too highly leveraged. By providing lump sum financial incentives or ongoing subsidies in the form of rents or reduced mortgage interest rates to the owner, the City can ensure that some or all of the units remain affordable.
Construction of Replacement Units
The construction of new affordable housing units is a means of replacing the at-risk units should they be converted to market-rate units. The cost of developing housing depends on a variety of factors, including density, size of the units (i.e., square footage and number of bedrooms), location, land costs, and type of construction. The approximate cost of construction of a 780 sq.ft. unit with a $15,000 included for a vacant lot and construction costs at $145 a sq.ft is approximately $141,883.
Organizations Interested in Preserving Assisted Rental Housing There are numerous entities with the managerial capacity to own and manage units at risk of conversion. Listed in Table 5-8 are agencies which have been identified as having specific interest in Kern County.
Table 5-9: Local Nonprofit Organizations Interested in Preserving At-Risk Housing Name Address City
Abbey Road Inc. 15305 Rayen Street North Hills
DML & Associates Foundation 6043 Tampa Ave., Ste. 101A Tarzana Golden Empire Affordable Housing, Inc. 601 24th St B Bakersfield Housing Authority of the County of Kern 601 24th Street Bakersfield Housing Corporation of America 6330 Variel Avenue Suite 201 Woodland Hills Poker Flats II LLC 25972 Poker Flats Pl Laguna Beach
ROEM Development Corporation 1650 Lafayette Circle Santa Clara Self-Help Enterprises 8445W Elowin Ct Visalia
Southern California Housing Development Corp 9692 Haven Avenue., Ste. 100 Rancho Cucamonga The East Los Angeles Community Union (TELACU) 5400 E Olympic Blvd, Third Floor. Los Angeles California Veterans Assistance Foundation Inc 1400 Easton Dr STE 102 Bakersfield Source: HCD and Kern County 2023
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-19
Section 8 Vouchers
Tenant-based Section 8 assistance (Housing Choice Voucher Program) remains available in the city administered through the Housing Authority of the County of Kern, and provides tenant-based rental assistance. The vouchers act as cash that qualifying persons can use toward any privatelyowned residence that accepts vouchers for a portion of rent. Both apartments and single-family homes can be included with residents of Kern County are given preference over applicants from other communities.
Section 8 vouchers opened to new users on 28 January 2022 after a 10-year waiting period when it was last issued during the 2012-2013 fiscal year. It will no longer be issued on a first come first served basis. The choice regarding who gets a voucher is random, but weight may be given to applicants who are military veterans, homeless or persons involuntarily displaced due to natural disaster, governmental action or those who are avoiding reprisals or are victims of hate crimes.
Under the certificate program, combined rent and utilities are guaranteed not to exceed 30 percent of the tenant's monthly income; rent and utilities for the unit must conform to HUD-mandated fair market rent for that particular unit size and geographical area.
Over 11,000 applications were received for about 450 available vouchers. Federal government assistance was also available during the pandemic which was extended to around 8000 families in need.
All identified governmental constraints which act as an impediment to fair housing for persons with disabilities have been addressed by programs proposed in this Housing Element. Existing land use practices have been analyzed and no discriminatory policies have been identified against persons with disabilities. Permit processing times are the same for the disabled, low income, elderly, etc. as they are for non-special needs groups. Building codes were analyzed, and no constraints on housing for the disabled were identified. Incentives are described in Chapter 6 which encourage the provision of additional housing for disabled persons of low and moderate income, and provides additional incentives for this housing type. Information and outreach programs are identified in Chapter 6 which identify available grants and programs available for low- and moderate-income disabled persons. These programs can be used for new housing and redevelopment of existing dwelling units.
Building Codes
Building codes regulate the physical construction of dwellings and include plumbing, electrical, and mechanical improvements. The City currently uses and enforces the 2022 California Building, Mechanical, Plumbing and Electric Codes and ADA requirements, as established by state law, and has little control over these standards. There are no local city amendments to the building codes.
The Building Department is responsible for the enforcement of the building codes in the city. The City of Ridgecrest contracts with Kern County to provide plan checks and inspections. Building code enforcement is basically conducted through scheduled inspections of new construction, remodeling, and rehabilitation projects. Inspections are also conducted in response to public City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-20
complaints or an inspector's observation that construction is occurring without proper permits.
Local enforcement of these codes does not add significantly to the cost of housing in Ridgecrest.
Site Improvement
Site improvements are regulated by the Subdivision Ordinance and through conditions and standards imposed through the City Site Plan Review process. Site improvements include such things as required off-street parking, landscaping, walls, sewer and water systems, etc. To reduce housing costs, the City attempts to require only those improvements that are deemed necessary to maintain public health, safety, and welfare.
Fees
Although development fees do contribute to the total cost of housing development, the extent to which these costs are passed on to the consumer depends on price sensitivity of each housing type and the ability of housing developers to absorb such cost increases and still maintain acceptable profit margins. Where increased costs cannot be absorbed by the consumer or developer, housing production will decline. In "price sensitive" markets, such as that for affordable housing, when increased costs cannot be absorbed by the developer, or products modified to compensate the developer, affordable housing is not built.
Tables 5-9 and 5-10 show the City's schedule of fees in 2023 (most recently updated) and an example of the fees for an 1,800-square-foot single-family residence, which is a typical size of a new home in the City of Ridgecrest. An 1,800-square-foot single-family residence would normally have fees totaling approximately $19,605.
Table 5-10: City of Ridgecrest Impact Fees, 2023
Permit Type Single-Family Multi-family
Sewer Capacity Connection Fee $3,500 $3,200
Sewer Connection Fee $540 $540
School Facilities Fee As determined by school district As determined by school district Water Connection Fees As determined by IWV Water
District
As determined by IWV Water
District
Park Impact Fee $1,152 $1,152
Traffic Impact Fee $2,667 $1,863
Fire Impact Fee $564–$900 $189
Law Enforcement Impact Fee $935–$1,501 $312
Drainage Impact Fee $6,295-$14,480 $25,181
Lighting Maintenance District Annual assessment Annual assessment Source: Development Impact Fee Handbook, City of Ridgecrest, 2023 City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-21
Table 5-11: City of Ridgecrest Impact Fees for a Typical Single-Family Dwelling, 2022* Fire Traffic Park Law
Enforcement
Storm
Drain Schools OtherFees1 Total
Singlefamily
dwelling
$845 $1,082 $1,409 $845 $2,366 $9,004 $4,054 $19,605
Source: Development Impact Fee Handbook, City of Ridgecrest, 2023 *(1800 sq.ft. is used for the example. Total building permit with impact fees is $23,431) Other fees include: Sewer Connection, Sewer Capacity and SIMP fees Table 5-11 identifies the development fees on the typical dwelling unit built in the City of Ridgecrest. As shown in Table 4-5 there is an adequate supply of residentially designated land for both infill (including redevelopment) and contiguous new development. However, it is recognized that it may be desirable for a developer to apply for a general plan amendment, zone change, or variance if none of the available land stock meets the needs of a particular type of development.
Table 5-12 shows the current permit processing fees.
Table 5-12: Permit Processing Fess
Permit Type Cost
General Plan Amendment: $1,526
Zone Change: $2,066
Site Plan Review: $680-Deposit1
Accessory Dwelling Unit $80
Variance $586
Conditional Use Permit $1,920
Tentative Tract Map $1,924
Tentative Parcel Map $1,414
Initial Study & Negative Declaration Deposit1
Mitigated Negative Declaration Deposit1
Environmental Impact Report Deposit1
New Construction Permit2
$1–$28,000 is variable
$28,001–$500,000 is 2.2% of valuation
$500,001–$1,000,000 is $5,500 for the first $500,000, plus $0.80 for each $100 of valuation or fraction thereof, up to and including $1,000,000
$1,000,001 or more is $9,500 for the first $1,000,000, plus $0.50 for each $100 of valuation or fraction thereof
Source: City of Ridgecrest Planning Department 2009, County of Kern 2008.
Notes:
1 Deposit based fees are charges from third party consultants that equal actual contract cost plus 25% administrative charges.
2 Administered by Kern County and includes plan check, building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing fees.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 5-22
As a means of assessing the cost that fees contribute to development in Ridgecrest, the City has calculated the total fees associated with development of a single-family and multi-family development. As indicated in Table 5-13, development fees for an 1,800-square-foot residential project run approximately $23,431 per unit, and development fees for a multi-family project are approximately $10,083 per unit. The fees for a single-family unit make up about 6.9 percent of the total construction costs, while that for a multi-family unit is 7.1 percent. These fees are consistent with other cities in Kern County and do not represent a significant financial constraint to new housing development.
Table 5-13: Development Cost for a Typical Residential Development Development Cost for
a Typical Unit Single-Family1 Multi-family2
Total estimated fees per unit $23,431 $10,083
Typical estimated cost of development per unit3 $339,000 $141,883 Estimated proportion of fee cost to overall
development cost per unit 6.9% 7.1%
Source: City of Ridgecrest 2023
Notes:
1 Cost is for an 1,800-square-foot single family unit with construction costs at $180 per sq. ft 2 Cost is for an 780-square-foot unit and assumes a construction cost of $145 per sq. ft 3 Cost for vacant lot included in these numbers and assumed as $15,000 based on search of listings on Realtor.com for Ridgecrest in August 2023.
Permit Processing
Efforts have been made to streamline the processing of residential developments. Infill residential locations in the appropriate zoning designation require over-the-counter site plan review and improvement, and building plans are reviewed by Kern County. For Subdivision PUD or discretionary use permit entitlements, the Planning Commission will generally review a project with six weeks of application. The primary delay in processing is the statutory comment period allowed for responsible and trustee agencies of 30 days. No significant delays or constraints in processing have been identified.
The typical application procedure for developing ministerial projects on residential land is described as follows:
1) Submittal of application, fee, site drawings.
2) Initial study conducted.
3) Information sent out for review by interested agencies. 4) Staff analysis conducted for in-house site plan and approval given to applicant to submit building permit, or staff report prepared for Planning Commission.
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5) Planning Commission public hearing notice.
6) Planning Commission conducts public hearing and grants approval or denies. Five days after approval, applicant may submit building permits. If application requires City Council action, steps 5 and 6 are performed by City Council.
The applicant may appeal any of the conditions set forth in the director's letter of determination by filing a written request for review with the planning commission within 30 calendar days of the date of the director's letter. Such appeal must be made in writing, shall stipulate the points of disagreement, shall be accompanied by a sufficient number of copies of the plan to facilitate commission review.
Fees, established by resolution of the city council, shall be paid by the applicant at the time of filing or appeal, to defray costs incurred by the city related to the application or appeal.
City procedures are consistent with Government Code section 65913.4 Typical developments that conform to zoning and the general plan are subject to a Site Plan Review. Smaller developments (e.g., less than 30 units or 5 acres) are handled ministerially while larger developments are considered by the Planning Commission. In both cases, the Site Plan Review does not constrain housing development by impacting timing, costs or approval certainty.
Further, the City does not include a design review function. The Site Plan Review is an objective process that is limited objective standards in the general plan, zoning, engineering, health and safety standards and other Municipal Code standards. In addition, the City promotes approval certainty by working with applicants prior to submittal of an application by conducting preapplication meetings and other technical assistance and further speeds up review through electronic submittals.
Table 5-13 show the typical procedures for housing projects (regardless and inclusive of all zoning designations) include PUD developments, subdivision, and parcel maps.
Table 5-14: Typical Processing Procedures by Project Type Ministerial
Review
Single-Family
Unit
Multi-Family
Unit Subdivision
List Typical
Approval Requirements
ADUs Building Permit Site Plan Review Tentative Tract Map Negative Declaration Negative Declaration
or EIR
Building Permit Building Permits
Total Est. Time 1-2 Days 6-8 Weeks 3-6 months 5-6 months Source: Planning Department, City of Ridgecrest, 2023
Timeline Between Application Approval and Submittal of Building Permit Application
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The time between final approval and request for building permits can constrain the delivery of housing and impede the City’s ability to achieve the RHNA. While the City has various pending projects such as tentative tract maps, most of these projects are waiting for favorable market conditions and have not yet received final approval. As a result, the timing between final approval and request for a building permit is unknown. The City recently permitted an affordable housing development. This development took approximately a year between final approval and request for building permit. The delay was generally the result of obtaining and coordinating various public funding sources. Most development occurring in the City is smaller developments such as SB 9 developments. These developments move quickly and generally request building permits in less than 30 days after final approval. As a result, the time between final approval and request for building permits is generally not considered an impediment to achieving the RHNA or is well beyond the City’s control or influence.
Development Densities Realized
Table 5-13 provides data on housing projects showing densities allowed by code, densities approved, and realized densities at approval compared to density allowed by code. It should be borne in mind that the realized density takes into account physical constraints on land and development requirements.
Table 5-15: Typical Densities Realized on Approved Projects Year Project Size Zone
Zoned
Density
Approved
Density
Realized
Density
(%) Status Notes:
2015
No housing
applications
2016
SPR 16-04 Red
Rock Villas
5 R2 3000 108 112 103.7
Approval
expired
2017 SPR 17-06 Red
Rock Villas
13 R2 & CG 266 198 74.44 Approval
expired
Rezoned
commercial
& R2 to R3
Medium
Density
2017 TTM 7320
22 E2 10,000 87 76 87.36
Map
expired
2018
SPR 18-08
Sonland
Apartments
17 R2 3000 246 192 78.05
Approval
expired
2018 TTM 7345
4 E2 10,000 17 11 64.71
Map
extended
2018 TTM 6700
20 E2 10,000 90 58 64.44
Map
extended
2019
No housing
applications
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2020 SPR 19-07
Mojave View
4 R2 3000 58 76 131.03 Built
(finaled
2023)
Density
Bonus
applied
(affordable
housing)
2021 TTM 7358
10 SFR 6000 70 44 62.86
Map
extended
2021 TTM 7359
8 SFR 6000 56 50 89.29
Map
extended
2021 TTM 7360
12 SFR 6000 84 56 66.67
Map
extended
2022
No housing
applications
2023
SPR 21-06 Villa
Crest
21 R2 3000 420 361 85.95
No
builder
activity
Zone
Change
R2- R3
(2000)
908.5
Average
Density 82.5
Source: City of Ridgecrest
Non-Governmental Constraints
Financing
Financing costs are subject to fluctuations of national economic policies and conditions. The cost of money for site preparation and construction is a very important determinant of the initial cost to the purchaser. Mortgage rates have an even more dramatic effect on the cost of housing to the home buyer and on the cost of constructing rental units. Interest rates are ultimately passed on to the renter by the apartment owner.
Fluctuating interest rates can have a particularly dramatic effect on the building industry when mortgage rates increase between the start of construction and completion of a project. Table 5-14 illustrates interest rates as of August 2023. The table presents both the interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR) for different types of home loans. The interest rate is the percentage of an amount of money which is paid for its use for a specified time, and the APR is the yearly percentage rate that expresses the total finance charge on a loan over its entire term. The APR includes the interest rate, fees, points, and mortgage insurance and is therefore a more complete measure of a loan's cost than the interest rate alone. However, the loan's interest rate, not its APR, is used to calculate the monthly principal and interest payment.
Table 5-16: Conforming Loan Interest Rates
Term Interest APR
30-year Fixed 7.000% 7.217%
7/6-Month ARM 6.625% 7.469%
30-year Fixed Rate VA 6.625% 6.964%
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Source: www.wellsfargo.com, August 2023
Notes: Conforming loan is for conventional home mortgages eligible for sale and delivery to either the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC).
Price of Land
Sufficient land is available to accommodate growth within the City of Ridgecrest through December 2031 and beyond. Land is still available at reasonable prices compared to larger urban areas of California and coastal communities up and down the state. Land within the Ridgecrest city limits is currently selling for approximately $15,000 to $303,846 per acre (www.landwatch.com – August 2023). Residential lots are available, with access to improvements, for as little as $6,000 and up to $1,495,000 at the time of survey. There was a total of 77 vacant residential properties surveyed with a median listing price of $281,5000 in July 2023.
Cost of Construction
Rising costs of labor and materials have contributed to the non-governmental constraints on housing development and improvement. As costs increase, so does the cost of housing as builders pass those increases along to the home buyer or renter.
According to Homebuilderdigest.com, a housing construction cost resource, home construction costs in Central Valley start at about $180 to $200 per square foot. A mid-range home would cost about $200 to $400 per square foot. Based on this data, the minimum construction cost for an 1,800-square-foot home with four walls, an attached two-car garage, central heating and air, and average building materials would be $324,000. The cost of building a multi-family unit is generally lower than a single-family unit. The City estimates that a typical multi-family unit would cost approximately $141,883 to construct in 2023 and a single-family home would cost $339,000.
Other methods that can be used by jurisdictions to promote the construction of affordable housing include reducing processing fees and times, and allowing smaller lots. Lot size and improvement concessions need to consider possible site-specific characteristics such as soil quality and drainage capacity before they are granted. Reducing fees can have a significant effect on housing costs in those jurisdictions where the fees represent a large percentage of the overall cost. This option might be considered for developers who would ensure that housing developed with such concessions would be kept affordable to lower-income households for long periods of time.
Environmental Constraints
Environmental constraints can make an entire site unsuitable for residential development.
Consideration was given to such constraints during site selection. In some instances, environmental constraints affect sites or only affect a portion of a site. The City has taken this into consideration in the Municipal Code to minimize and mitigate environmental risks staff included such sites provided the site is readily accessible and otherwise suitable for development. The City also considered other regulations that could limit or preclude residential development, such as the Williamson Act contracts. There are no parcels subject to Williamson Act programs.
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County of Kern maintains a GIS database that includes environmental constraint layers. The City of Ridgecrest checks the environmental constraints before planned rezoning or development of a particular parcel of land.
Naval Base
The Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) Study Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake
Dated April 2011 identifies areas that are impacted by flight operations within the Naval installation. Impacts from flight operations are noise levels from 60 to 75 dB and the potential for aircraft accidents. Parcels impacted have been zoned Estate 1 (40,000) and Estate 2 (10,000) limiting density.
Impacted parcels:
Parcel Acres Zone
455-100-06-00-3 32.61 E-2 & E-1
455-100-09-00-2 112.70 E-1
455-100-08-00-9 17.70 E-2
Flood Hazard
The city of Ridgecrest has a minor risk of flooding. To determine community impact from flooding, the operational risk for today and in 30 years is calculated for all properties in the community based on the property use and flooding depth. This includes special calculations for hospitals, power stations, police stations, fire stations, airports, roads, and other critical infrastructure.
The FEMA Flood Map identifies the below parcels as within Zone AH. These parcels have a 1% chance of shallow flooding, with an average depth ranging from 1 to 3 feet. A newly constructed sump has been developed within the area for increased capture of stormwater and mitigation of localized flooding.
Impacted parcels:
Parcel Acres Zone
067-040-30-00-06 26.72 R-1 & R-2
067-040-13-00-7 18.01 R-1
Seismic Hazard
Earthquake safety is important to all California residents, especially to the residents and workers of Ridgecrest which is in a region of active faults. In 2019, a 7.1 earthquake struck. However, this is mitigated through uniform building codes such as “All single-family dwellings located on a lot permitting conventional single-family dwellings shall have a continuous concrete perimeter foundation or support system sufficient to support all loads of the structure including wind and City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
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seismic loads and shall be at least six inches above ground and/or at least 12 inches above median curb height.
The Indian Wells Valley is impacted by the Little Lake fault zone. The Little Lake fault extends through several areas of Ridgecrest. All fault zones within the city have an age of displacement from the Holocene or Late Quaternary age. The slip rate for the fault is between 1.0 and 5.00 mm/yr. Parcels within the Little Lake Fault zone are identified below.
Impacted parcels:
Parcel Acres Zone
067-040-30-00-06 26.72 R-1 & R-2
067-040-13-00-7 18.01 R-1
080-020-24-00-0 34.04 R-1
080-020-03-00-9 69.26 R-1 & R-3
Hazardous Materials
The California Legislature has passed a law, 65962.5(a) of the Government Code, which requires persons applying for development projects to review listing of all hazardous waste sites.
Opportunities for Energy Conservation
This section describes opportunities for conserving energy in existing homes as well as in new residential construction. The factors affecting energy use, conservation programs currently available in Ridgecrest, and examples of effective programs used by other jurisdictions are discussed.
Factors Affecting Energy Use
The factors that affect residential energy use must be understood to identify opportunities for conservation. One such factor is the size of the population. At any given time, the larger the population, the more electricity is consumed. But over time, new conservation mandates and technological advances decrease the per capita consumption of energy. This means that the total energy use increases at a slower rate than population. The price of energy also has a significant effect; the more expensive it becomes; the more incentive people have to conserve.
The local climate has a large effect on residential energy use. In general, Ridgecrest has a desert climate drier and hotter than most communities. Summers are very hot and winters are moderately cold. Prolonged periods of cold or hot weather cause increased energy use for space and water heating and air conditioning. This situation is particularly true if homes are not well insulated.
The efficiency of household appliances also affects energy use. Older appliances may not operate as efficiently as when they were new, and many older appliances were built when energy conservation was not considered important. Significant energy-efficient design advances have been made in refrigerators, stoves, and furnaces.
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Existing Conservation Programs
The following energy conservation programs are implemented in Ridgecrest:
• The California State Building Standards Code Title 24, Part 6 – California Energy Code contains energy conservation standards applicable to all residential and non-residential buildings throughout California. The standards require ceiling, wall, and concrete slab insulation, vapor barriers, weather stripping on doors and windows, closeable doors on fireplaces, no continuous burning gas pilot lights, insulated heating and cooling ducts, water heater insulation blankets, swimming pool covers and timers, certified energy-efficient appliances, etc. Part 11- California Green Building Standards (CALGreen) are also applicable to residential and non-residential buildings. CALGreen has mandatory provisions for commercial, residential, and public-school buildings for energy efficiency, water efficiency and conservation, material conservation & resource efficiency, environmental quality etc. All new construction in Ridgecrest must comply with Title 24. • The California Energy Commission (CEC) has developed a set of energy efficiency guidelines for local planning agencies. As part of those guidelines, the CEC addresses building efficiency beyond the Title 24 standards. The City of Ridgecrest may wish to include these guidelines in its building code. The CEC also offers a variety of funding opportunities for alternate fuels, energy efficiency, renewable energy and transportation. • California Climate & Energy Collaborative (CCEC) is supporting California local governments to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate climate action.
Services include opportunities for local governments to collaborate and learn from each other, best practices case studies, free technical assistance and funding resources webpage. • The City’s General Plan includes the following energy conservation-related Implementation Measures:
− The City shall develop a library of solar and energy conservation references for use by local residents.
− The City shall develop and implement a water conservation program in conjunction with other related agencies.
− The City shall develop and adopt a landscape ordinance encouraging the use of lowwater, native vegetation for landscaping purposes. − The City shall adopt regulations to require new development proposals using solar energy to provide solar access plans ensuring the ability of surrounding properties to directly access the sun.
− The City shall encourage the incorporation of alternative energy features in new public buildings.
− The City shall adopt a Green Building Ordinance.
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− The City shall investigate the development of measures to capture runoff.
Examples of Programs from Other Jurisdictions
Land use planning and zoning practices can conserve energy. For example, if the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance encourage residential subdivision in a relatively isolated area, far from commercial facilities such as grocery stores, residents must travel longer distances to take care of their daily shopping and service needs. Keeping housing and jobs in balance and near each other helps to reduce energy use for commuting. Longer trips usually necessitate using an automobile rather than walking or cycling. Changing the land use pattern can also change energy use patterns.
The intent of land use planning measures is to reduce the distances of automobile travel, reduce the costs of construction, and increase the potential for residents to complete shopping and other chores without driving or by driving shorter distances.
One example of a land use planning technique for energy conservation is to encourage infill (development on vacant or underused lots) and compact, contiguous development. As property is annexed to the city to meet the demand for housing, the city boundaries should expand concentrically rather than allowing dispersed development in outlying areas. Mixed-use development should be allowed, particularly in the core areas and along collector roads.
Compact development results in the secondary energy savings of embodied energy. Embodied energy is the term used for the energy spent producing the materials and finished products, such as sewer pipes, electrical lines, and paving materials. Minimizing the length of necessary water, sewer, and electricity lines consumes less of those products and decreases the total energy consumption.
Compact development also means there can be more convenient and accessible public transit.
Efficient intracity transit service requires a minimum of 12 housing units per acre (Calthorpe 1990). Ride along program can also be offered to residents and those employed within the City.
Efficiency in Individual Homes
A variety of public and quasi-public programs could be made available in Ridgecrest to assist homeowners and renters in retrofitting to improve energy efficiency. The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) and Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) program are current solar panel incentives in California. The City currently provides the following programs:
• Home Investment Partnership Program, which includes energy and water efficiency upgrades as eligible activities.
• Toilet Retrofit Program Rebates
• Water Efficient Washing Machine Rebate Program
The City should encourage energy efficiency in residential construction by offering incentives and negotiating with developers to emphasize energy-efficient construction practices. Developers and City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
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consumers often discard long-term savings potential in favor of immediate cost savings. Some incentives that can be offered include:
• Energy-efficient, new residential construction can cut energy consumption in the home by up to 50 percent. Energy-efficient home construction and retrofits should contain some or all of the following:
− Double-pane windows (two panes of glass enclose a vacuum-tight space that does not allow heat and cold to transfer as quickly as it does in a window with a single pane of glass)
− Attic insulation greater than R-19 (soft, fiberglass insulation is given an R rating based on its capacity to insulate an area; a higher R value indicates greater insulation capability)
− Rigid attic insulation (generally a compressed Styrofoam insulation with an R-30 value)
− Additional wall insulation (older homes may not have insulated walls) − Fluorescent indoor lighting (a standard, incandescent light bulb uses more energy) − Dimmer switches and task lighting (dimmer switches allow lower lighting levels and less electricity use, while task lighting directs light to necessary areas without wastefully lighting a larger area)
− Halogen outdoor lighting (halogen, like fluorescent, is more efficient than incandescent light)
− Lighting motion detectors that turn on lights only when they detect a person in the room or area
− Drought tolerant shade trees along southern and western exposures, and glazing to reduce the heat from windows on hot summer days
− Solar screens that reduce the amount of heat from solar radiation coming through windows
− Microwave oven, which uses less energy than an electric or gas oven − Gas (rather than electric or propane) water heater and range/oven − Weatherized windows and doors that do not have cracks to cause drafts − Pools and/or hot tubs with integrated cleaning and heating systems (including pool covers, active solar heating, and efficient filters, pumps, and motors) − Energy use automatic timers that provide energy use only when it is necessary City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
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− Drip irrigation system that conserves water and reduces the energy needed for pumping water
− Drought-tolerant landscaping
− Active solar elements and passive solar design
− Energy-efficient appliances (in new construction and replacing older appliances in existing homes)
− Storm windows to cut back on heat loss through windows during the winter − Reflective film on south-facing windows to minimize heat gain during the summer − Individual meters for gas, electricity, and water (to encourage conservation) in multifamily units The City can also employ policies that encourage solar energy technology in both retrofits and new construction. There are two distinct approaches to solar heating: active and passive. Active systems use mechanical equipment to collect and transport heat - the relatively common roof plate collector system used in solar water and space heaters. Collectors can contain water or air that is pumped through conduits and heated, then piped to the spaces to be heated or to a water heater tank.
Conversely, passive solar systems collect and transport heat through non-mechanical means.
Essentially, the structure itself becomes part of the collection and transmission system. Certain types of building materials absorb solar energy and can transmit that energy later. Passive systems often employ skylight windows to allow sunlight to enter the room and masonry walls or walls with water pipes inside to store the solar heat. This heat is then generated back into the room when the room cools in the evening.
The best method to encourage use of active solar systems for heating and cooling is to not restrict their use in the zoning and building ordinances and to require subdivision layouts that facilitate solar use.
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6. CHAPTER SIX – GOALS, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS
This chapter describes housing goals, policies, and programs for the City of Ridgecrest. A goal is defined as a general statement of the highest aspirations of the community. A policy is a course of action chosen from among many possible alternatives. It guides decision-making and provides a framework around which the housing programs operate. A program is a specific action, which implements the policy and moves the community toward the achievement of its goals. This combination of goals, policies, and programs constitutes the City's local housing strategy.
According to the state of California, it is the goal of the state to "ensure to all Californians the opportunity to obtain safe, adequate housing in a suitable living environment." The City of Ridgecrest will implement the following goals in the 2023-2031 Housing Element Cycle:
• Provide new housing: Identify adequate sites, with appropriate zoning and development standards and services to accommodate the City’s share of the regional housing needs of extremely low, very low, low, and moderate-income households. • Remove Governmental Constraints: Address and, where possible, remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing, including housing for people at all income levels, as well as housing for people with disabilities. • Conservation and Preservation: Conserve and preserve existing housing, including at-risk units, and neighborhoods, and promote conservation of energy through sustainable planning and development.
• Promote Fair Housing: Promote equal housing opportunities for all people, regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, color, familial status, or disability.
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Goals and Policies
GOAL H-1 Provide new housing: Identify adequate sites, with appropriate zoning and development standards and services to accommodate the City’s share of the regional housing needs of extremely low, very low, low, and moderate-income households.
Policy H-1.1 Annually review the Housing Element, together with other elements of the General Plan, for internal consistency, compliance with legal requirements, and suitability to changing local conditions and submit the required annual report to HCD.
Policy H-1.2 The 2023-2031 RHNA will be met during the planning period utilizing the appropriate programs as identified.
Policy H-1.3 Provide a variety of residential development opportunities, ranging from low density to high density, as designated on the General Plan Land Use Map.
Policy H-1.4 Allow for development of second units on single-family lots for seniors in residential zones, subject to availability of adequate infrastructure.
Policy H-1.5 Encourage development of housing for elderly by offering incentives such as density increases and reductions in parking requirements. Coordinate with local lending institutions to ensure availability of financing for senior housing projects and congregate care facilities.
Policy H-1.6 Permit the development of manufactured housing in all single-family residential zones.
Policy H-1.7 Encourage construction of planned residential developments under Planned Unit Development (PUD) guidelines.
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Policy H-1.8 Ensure that multi-family development is compatible in design.
Policy H-1.9 Prohibit new residential development from fronting on major arterial highways without adequate setbacks and buffering.
Policy H-1.10 Ensure high quality development standards in new mobile home developments, including compatibility with adjacent neighborhood as is allowed by state law.
Policy H-1.11 Prohibit housing development in areas subject to hazards (fire, noise, flood, etc.).
Policy H-1.12 Accommodate new residential development, which is coordinated with the provision of infrastructure and public services.
Policy H-1.13 Encourage energy conservation devices and passive design concepts, which make use of natural climate to increase energy efficiency and reduce housing costs.
Policy H-1.14 Regularly examine new construction methods and materials, and upgrade the City's residential building standards as appropriate.
Policy H-1.15 Encourage neighborhood watch programs that promote safety and protection in residential neighborhoods.
Policy H-1.16 Encourage development of residential units, which are accessible to handicapped/disabled or are adaptable for conversion to residential use by the handicapped/disabled. Require apartment complexes with 20 or more units to provide handicapped/disabled accessible unit, with at least two units per 100 units.
Policy H-1.17 Permit the development of manufactured housing in all single-family residential zones.
Goal H-2 Address and, where possible, remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing, including housing for people at all income levels, as well as housing for people with disabilities.
Policy H-2.1 Continue to facilitate timely permit and development plan processing for residential construction.
Policy H-2.2 Ensure that development standards for parking, open space, and other amenities do not add unduly to the cost of housing.
Policy H-2.3 Coordinate efforts of all agencies responsible for the provision of housing and housing programs to acquire efficiency in use of funds and elimination of overlapping programs.
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Goal H-3 Conserve and preserve of existing housing, including at-risk units, and neighborhoods.
Policy H-3.1 Preserve or rehabilitate existing mobile homes.
Policy H-3.2 Continue a code enforcement program as the primary tool for bringing substandard units into compliance with city codes, and for improving overall housing conditions in the city.
Policy H-3.3 Encourage enforcement of the City's nuisance ordinances, along with other applicable codes, to promote property maintenance.
Policy H-3.4 Actively market rehabilitation programs as available through the Kern County Housing Rehabilitation Program, which provides financial and technical assistance to lower-income property owners to make housing repairs, which could otherwise not be taken.
Policy H-3.5 Preserve and enhance the quality of residential neighborhoods in Ridgecrest, and ensure that new housing is sensitive to the existing natural and built environment.
Goal H-4 Promote Fair Housing: Promote equal housing opportunities for all people, regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, color, familial status, or disability.
Policy H-4.1 Strive to distribute housing constructed expressly for lower- and moderateincome households throughout the city and to not be concentrated in any single area in the city.
Policy H-4.2 Prohibit practices that restrict housing choice by arbitrarily directing prospective buyers and renters to certain types of neighborhoods or types of housing.
Policy H-4.3 Provide fair housing information at City Hall, to inform both landlords and tenants of their rights and responsibilities.
Policy H-4.4 Assist in providing affordable large-family units to very low- and low-income families during the 2023-2031 Housing Element.
Policy H-4.5 Locate higher density residential development in close proximity to public transportation, retail, services, and recreation.
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Housing Programs
Implementation programs for this Housing Element are presented below. The subject of local housing programs is a complicated one. There are many more programs than are feasible to present in this chapter. For more detailed information, contact the primary agencies. Another difficulty in compiling and relating data by agency or programs is that often more than one program may be involved in a project. Additionally, more than one agency may work to administer, finance, and determine eligibility for a program. The program summary is presented in a manner intended to reduce confusion by simplifying the complex interrelationships between programs.
1. Monitor Assisted Units
Monitor federal-, state-, and locally funded units at risk of conversion to market rate. The City will take the following actions to alleviate the loss of units at risk due to conversion to market-rate units. 1) On an annual basis the City will update its list of subsidized rental properties and identify those units at risk of converting to market-rate units. 2) The City will contact owners of units at risk of conversion regarding their interest in selling properties or maintaining the rental units as affordable units. 3) The City will ensure property owners are aware of federal and state subsidies to ensure the continued affordability of housing units. The City will notify owners within 3 years, 1 year, and 6 months of the affordability expiration.
4) The City will maintain a list of nonprofit agencies interested in acquisition/rehabilitation of at-risk units and inform them of the status of such units. 5) The City will provide information to nonprofit agencies about federal, state, or local funding opportunities to assist with providing funding for the acquisition and rehabilitation of at-risk projects when requested.
6) The City will make available referral and contact information regarding tenant rights and conversion procedures, as well as information regarding other affordable housing opportunities in the city to tenants of at-risk units.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: Annually and ongoing.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
2. Code Enforcement Program
Code enforcement will continue to monitor all housing for compliance with City Codes and regulations. The Code Enforcement Officer may make available information to owners and renters of substandard units regarding availability of various programs, loans, and grants. Seek to inform five property owners with substandard units of these programs, loans, and grants.
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Dwelling units that are unsafe and determined to not be habitable by the Chief Building Official may be demolished by the fire department, City of Ridgecrest, or other appropriate agencies or means during the 2023-2031 Housing Element Cycle.
Establish a formal program and procedure for the abatement of structurally unsound buildings.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department and Kern County Funding: General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: Establish formal program for abatement by 2016 and ongoing Geo-targeting: City-wide.
3. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)/HOME
The City of Ridgecrest is participating in a cooperative agreement with Kern County and receives a fair share allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funding.
Because funding may significantly vary from year to year, in addition to the required process of public hearings, it is not possible or feasible to identify future funding items. The city can identify programs which may be recommended for consideration by the public and Council for inclusion in the CDBG Action Plan, but no firm commitment can be given to any specific item without public hearings.
The city will conduct public hearings, as required, usually in October or November to have public participation in the process of identifying suitable CDBG projects during the planning period.
Ridgecrest is committed to using CDBG funds for: rehabilitating housing and other property, building public facilities, education and job training, public services for youths, disabled, and the elderly, crime reduction initiatives, assisting low-income home buyers with down payment assistance and subsidizing interest rates, etc. Possible activities include acquisition and disposition of real property, public facility and infrastructure improvements, clearance activities, public services, housing rehabilitation, home ownership assistance, micro-enterprise assistance, economic development, and planning activities. These activities will target special needs groups meeting the required income guidelines.
The City will aim to annually reach out to two (2) affordable housing developers to identify development opportunities, including assisting with site identification, funding, incentives, and entitlements.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Funding: CDBG
Time Frame/Metrics: Aim to annually reach out to two (2) affordable housing developers to identify development opportunities, including assisting with site identification, funding, incentives, and entitlements. Aim for 1-2 improvements per year in the planning period.
Geo-targeting: City-wide and relatively lower-income areas for neighborhood improvements City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
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4. Fair Housing Services
Under the Community Development Block Grant Program, Kern County operates a Fair Housing Program under Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 aimed at combating illegal discrimination in housing. The program includes the following services:
Fair Housing Services
Education Activities – Provide brochures, posters, presentations to the public, poster/essay contest in the schools, public service announcements, community outreach activities. • Investigation/Testing – Investigate the validity of a discrimination complaint. • Mediation – Serve as a mediator and offer a resolution to the conflict between two parties.
The program is not an enforcement agency, but an impartial third party. • Coordination – Provide connecting links between groups, agencies, individuals, and private enterprises that are involved in fair housing that will enhance the delivery of fair housing services.
Information about the County’s Fair Housing Program has been disseminated throughout the community in a variety of ways. Brochures and printed information regarding fair housing practices will be available for public distribution at City Hall. Educational activities and other services will be promoted on a regular basis in brochures at the library, community center, senior center, service clubs, schools, and businesses. The City Clerk can provide referrals to the County program.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department and Kern County Funding: General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: Annually publish at least one article on the City website, social media account, or within locally printed media that outlines the program generally and any substantial changes to fair housing services.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
5. Nonprofit Housing Provider (such as Habitat for Humanity) Substandard units may be improved and/or new units constructed between 2023-2031 by various nonprofit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.
Responsible Agency: Nonprofit organizations
Funding: N/A
Time Frame/Metrics: Ongoing; target 20 units in the planning period Geo-targeting: City-wide with emphasis on relatively lower-income neighborhoods.
6. Housing Mobility (Section 8 Voucher)
These are distinct initiatives (often involving housing vouchers) specifically designed to help lowincome families move from high-poverty areas to neighborhoods with greater economic, City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
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educational, and social opportunities. The Kern County Housing Authority (HACK) administers the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) and Family Self-Sufficiency programs.
Section 8 is a rent subsidy program, where low-income residents of Kern County are awarded vouchers which enable them to obtain housing in the private sector. HACK contracts with landlords to subsidize the participants' rents. The housing must meet HUD Housing Quality Standards in order for HACK to enter into a Housing Assistance Payment contract with the landlord.
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSSP) is designed to assist public housing tenants receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) or other assistance with becoming self-sufficient, primarily through employment, within five years. Participants set goals for themselves to reach during that time frame. In return, HACK sets up escrow (savings) accounts for participants, with a portion of the extra rent paid when participants obtain employment.
Referrals are made to assist participants in obtaining educational training and/or employment services in the community. This program is coordinated with the collaborative services of the Employment Development Department, Regional Occupational Center, CalWORKs, Employers' Training Resource, and other supportive services in Kern County.
The City of Ridgecrest will make interested citizens aware of these two programs and provide them with contact information for the program administrators at HACK.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department and HACK
Funding: Various
Time Frame/Metrics: Ongoing
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
7. Mortgage Credit Certificate Program
The city may qualify and participate in a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program either solely or jointly with Kern County if one becomes available between 2023-2031. The County continues to operate its MCC program which is available to Ridgecrest residents through the Kern County Planning and Community Development Department.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department and Kern County Funding: General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: Evaluate possibility of City participation in an MCC program every two years beginning in December 2026.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
8. Outreach Program – Fair Housing
The City will (1) Provide fair housing meeting information through public access television and newspaper advertisements; (2) Conduct one (1) outreach meetings a year to provide Fair Housing Enforcement and Outreach information; (3) Establish a key contact person at City Hall to distribute fair housing information, identify grant sources, and coordinate efforts between the grantee and the City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 6-30
grantor; and Update housing rehabilitation brochure every two (2) years between 2023 and 2031 or as necessary as information changes.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: As noted under program.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
9. Policy and Community Together (PACT) Program
Continue and fund the Policy and Community Together (PACT) neighborhood watch program between 2023-2031 for increased safety.
Responsible Agency: Police Department
Funding: General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: Ongoing
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
10. Parking Reduction Program
Objective: Amend the Zoning Code concerning parking requirements for multi-family housing, Single Room Occupancies, Studio Apartments, Residential Care Facilities and Group Homes.
Establish definitions, parking requirements etc., to have approval certainty and objectivity for transitional housing and group homes.
1. Continue to reduce parking requirements by 50 percent for developments that provide at least half of the units exclusively for elderly persons.
2. Continue to reduce parking ratio for non-handicap units on-site by 20 percent.
3. Amend Zoning Code Definitions to establish definitions for Residential Care Facilities and Group Homes.
4. Amend Zoning Code to ensure the inclusion of the Residential Care Facilities, including Group Homes (for seven or more persons) in all zones that allow residential use similar to other residential uses of the same type in the same zone.
5. Amend Zoning Code, Automobile Parking Requirements, by reducing existing parking requirements for all uses mentioned in the title of the program, for example require 1 space per multi-family unit, SROs and Studios.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: By December 2026
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
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11. Reduced or Waived Sewer Capacity Fees
The city will make every reasonable effort to assist in the development of extremely low-, very low- , and low-income housing as well as housing for persons with special needs through programs identified in this Housing Element. When no other programs are feasible in the provision of such housing, the City will consider the following:
1) The City may approve sewer capacity fee waivers or reductions based upon the demonstration of financial need by a qualifying extremely low-, very low-, or low-income family or special needs person.
2) The City may eliminate or reduce sewer capacity fees based upon demonstration of financial need for the development of new senior housing projects between 2015–2023. 3) The City may eliminate or reduce sewer capacity fees based upon demonstration of financial need for the development of handicapped units between 2015–2023. 4) The City of Ridgecrest may reduce or waive the sewer capacity fees for lower-income, large-family units.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Funding: Staff time
Time Frame/Metrics: As development applications are received.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
12. Rehabilitation Program
The City shall regularly complete an application for rehabilitation funds to serve city residents.
Currently, the city does not have resources to administer a rehabilitation program. If funding is received the city will initiate discussions with Kern County or other agencies or organizations that may be able to take on the administration of rehabilitation loans for residents of the city. In addition, the city will actively market the Kern County Rehabilitation Program during the planning period.
Owners of multi-family units that receive a loan or grant through the city's rehabilitation program and require tenants to temporarily or permanently vacate those units as a result of the home improvements, must provide a 30-day notice to tenants and provide temporary relocation assistance as required by state and federal law. Information on the relocation assistance process and tenant rights will be provided by the owner prior to the temporary displacement. The city will arrange for provisions of Spanish translation materials.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department and Kern County Funding: General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: Apply for rehabilitation funds every two (2) years or when funding opportunities become available. Update housing rehabilitation brochure every two (2) years between 2023 and 2031 or as necessary as information changes. Target 20 units in the planning period.
Geo-targeting: City-wide with emphasis on relatively lower-income neighborhoods.
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13. Energy Conservation
The City will continue to implement Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations on all new development and will continue to ensure that local building codes are consistent with state-mandated or recommended green building standards. The City will also encourage the use of additional innovative energy conservation techniques such as active and passive solar systems, orientation, and project layout in an endeavor to further reduce dependence on outside energy sources. The city will make handouts and literature available to the public outlining measures that they can take to reduce energy use.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: Provide handouts about available programs at City Hall by June 2016; ensure consistency with state green building standards triennially when the California Building Code is adopted, and ongoing.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
14. Special Needs Housing
The city has a number of incentives to encourage the production of housing to meet the needs of special needs populations, such as the elderly and persons with physical and developmental disabilities. These include density bonuses and modification of development standards.
The city has provided incentives in the past to facilitate special needs housing. The Ridgecrest Senior Apartments project received reduced parking standards. As feasible, the City will support others’ applications for funding under state and federal programs designated specifically for special needs groups and other lower-income households. The City may also provide assistance to applicants or organizations working to provide housing or services for special needs groups in Ridgecrest.
The City of Ridgecrest may coordinate with Kern County and local nonprofit organizations to provide assistance and support to homeless persons. During the 2023-2031 planning period, the city may explore the feasibility of implementing a Hotel Voucher Program to assist homeless families and individuals in obtaining emergency shelter and/or transitional housing.
Collaborate with Housing Authority of Kern County (HACK) to promote special needs housing (Seniors, Farmworkers, Female Headed Households, Persons with Disability,) programs targeted to areas of the county where such housing is most needed. Provide information on housing opportunities on City websites, and in brochures distributed.
Promote opportunities for people with special needs and their families to obtain safe and affordable housing by collaborating with employers, non-profit organizations, service providers, housing developers and government agencies. Publish the development guide/marketing package on the city's website and mail the marketing package to local and regional for-profit and non- profit housing developers.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
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Funding: Federal Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, California Child Care Facilities Finance Program, and other state and federal programs designated specifically for special needs groups.
Time Frame/Metrics: Assist or support applications when feasible – 2023-2031; evaluate whether a Hotel Voucher Program will be pursued by 2026; if pursued implement by 2026.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
15. Update Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances
1. Amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow all group homes by right in residential zones, no matter the residential size. for small group homes (six persons or fewer) and with a conditional use permit for large facilities (seven persons or more) consistent with state law.
2. Amended the Zoning Ordinance to permit single-room occupancy (SRO) units subject to site plan review and without a conditional use permit in the R-2, R-3, and R-4 zones.
3. Amend Density Bonus Ordinance to incorporate new laws effective January 1, 2023.
4. Amend ADU regulations in compliance with laws effective as of January 1, 2023, such as (1) permitting 2-story ADUS and height allowances, and similar regulations, and prepare an ADU brochure (2) prioritize approval of applications for affordable ADU ahead of other ADU applications; and (3) Consider additional incentives to all ADUs or ADUs that could be deed restricted for meeting extremely low-income households.
5. Amend the Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinances to comply with SB-9.
6. Amend Zoning Ordinance to implement Objective Design Standards for multi-family residential projects in commercial and mixed-use zones and objective design standards for multi-family projects with affordable housing in compliance with SB 167 (Housing Accountability Act), SB 35 (streamlined Affordable Housing) and SB 330 (Housing Crisis Act).
7. Amend Zoning Ordinance to permit housing for a Variety of Housing Types such as Low Barrier Navigation Centers in compliance with Government Code section 65660.
8. Amend Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances codes consistent with state housing related laws that are currently effective, and as amended in the future. beyond amendments mentioned in items 1 through 8 above, such that the city’s amendments are comprehensive.
9. Amend the Zoning Ordinance to comply with Health & Safety Code Section 17021.5 which requires employee housing for six or fewer employees to be treated as a single-family structure and permitted in the same manner as other dwellings of the same type in the same zone. Section 17021.6 requires employee housing consisting of no more than 36 beds in group quarters or 12 units or spaces designed for use by a single family or household, or that is approved pursuant to 17021.8, (Employee Housing applications for streamlined ministerial approval, not requiring a conditional use permit) shall be deemed an agricultural use.
10. For By-Right Permanent Supportive Housing, amend Zoning Ordinance to permit multifamily uses by right of zone where multifamily and mixed uses are permitted, including nonresidential zones, pursuant to Government Code section 65651, and increase supply of multi-family units with three or more bedrooms.
11. Amend Zoning Code to permit a two-year initial approval period for all development applications and a two-year extension by the Planning Director. This would remove a significant cost and time barrier that currently exists. Development applications associated City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
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with subdivision maps shall run with the life of the subdivision map as is permitted by city and state subdivision map act.
12. Amend Zoning Ordinance to increase heights (e.g., 48 feet) in the R-4 zone to allow for four stories.
13. Amend Zoning Ordinance to reduce the number of parking spaces per unit for studio and single room occupancy units.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: By 2026.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
16. Development of Extremely Low-Income Housing
Assembly Bill (AB) 2634 requires the quantification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs of extremely low-income households. To facilitate housing for extremely low-income persons, the City will prioritize funding and/or offer financial incentives or regulatory concessions to encourage the development or rehabilitation of single-room occupancy units and/or other units affordable to the extremely low-income, such as supportive and multi-family units.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: 1) Conduct one (1) annual outreach with developers to identify development opportunities; funding avenues; and city incentives including flexibilities in consolidation of small lots, mergers, and subdivision of large lots to promote low-income housing. Initiate a cooperative outreach program with the Kern Regional Center. 2) Support non-profit corporations in their efforts to make housing more affordable to extremely low-, very low-, and low-income households. This effort may include: a. assistance in filling out complicated grant applications, b. identifying available sites for housing development; and c. priority permit and building inspection services for site development/rehabilitation.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
17. Subdividing Large Parcels and Consolidation of Small Lots To assist with the development of housing for lower income households on larger sites, the City will facilitate land divisions, lot line adjustments, and specific plans resulting in parcels sizes that facilitate multifamily developments affordable to lower income households in light of state, federal and local financing programs (i.e., parcels greater than10 acres). The City will work with property owners and non-profit developers to target and market the availability of sites with the best potential for development. Additionally, the city will work with non-profit developers and owners of small sites (less than ½ acre) to identify and consolidate parcels to facilitate the development of housing affordable to lower-income households. The lot consolidation procedure will also be posted on the City website and discussed with developers during the preliminary review team process. Lot consolidation will include allowing higher densities and larger parcels once consolidated, flexibility in development standards, expedited processing related to consolidation.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 6-14
The City will offer the following incentives for the development of affordable housing including but not limited to:
• Streamlining and expediting the approval process for land division for projects that include affordable housing units,
• Ministerial review of lot line adjustments,
• Develop an incentive program such as deferral or waiver of fees related to the subdivision for projects affordable to lower income households:
• Provide technical assistance to acquire funding, and
• Modification of development requirements, as needed.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department and Grants Manager Funding: General Fund/State Grants
Time Frame/Metrics:
1. Develop informational flyers by June 2026;
2. Develop incentive program by December 2026.
3. Investigate the possibility of assisting deed restricted affordable housing projects with fee deferral loans, which could offer a term of up to 55 years accruing at a simple interest rate of 3 percent per year. The loan could be recorded against the property and can be notarized.
4. Provide incentives to two (2) affordable housing developments during the planning cycle.
5. Target the construction of 100 affordable housing units, especially for Low and Very -Low Income households (also see Program 24).
18. Infrastructure Priority for Affordable Housing
To ensure water and sewer providers have procedures in place to grant priority service to lowerincome housing units, in compliance with Government Code Section 65589.7, the City and Indian Wells Water District shall adopt a resolution memorializing the same. Further, the City shall provide a copy of the adopted Housing Element to water and sewer providers, City of Ridgecrest's Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Indian Wells Valley Water District.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: December 2026.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
19. Emergency Shelters
The City shall ensure compliance with Gov. Code §65583(a)(4) to plan to shelter people experiencing homelessness by adopting one of the following:
1. Establish an Emergency Shelter (ES) zone and development standards with sufficient capacity to accommodate the need for emergency shelters and compliant with Gov. Code §65583(a)(4). (As described in more detail in the citied statute, a compliant location is usually vacant, sized to accommodate the need for emergency shelter identified in this City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 6-30
housing program, including at least one year-round emergency shelter, located in a residential zone, or in a nonresidential zone that allows residential use near transportation, amenities, and homelessness services; or
2. Amend the zoning code to allow emergency shelters by-right in R-3 and R-4 zones and in zones where mixed uses are permitted.
In addition, amend zoning and development standards to comply with Gov. Code 65583(a)(4), including but not limited to revising the definition of emergency shelters and ensure appropriate parking requirements limited to employees.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: December 2026.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
20. Transparency
The City’s website will provide links to a variety of resources as well as links to downloadable versions of Land Use Plans, Regulations, and Studies. The city must also continue to ensure that the on-line version of the City Code is regularly updated and that revisions to review procedures are available on-line as well as in handouts at the Planning counter.
This program commits the City to ensuring these requirements are met and to addressing the recently enacted regulations in Government Code section 65913.3 requiring cities to compile lists specifying information applicants most provide to obtain post-entitlement phase permits.
This program also commits the city to comply with transparency requirements related to fees pursuant to Government Code section 65940.1(a)(1) by publishing fee details on the city’s website.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: December 2026.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
21. Previously Identified Sites in Last Cycles
In compliance with Government Code Section 65583.2 c), the City will, upon adoption, allow byright-development (without discretionary action) on any parcel that allows residential development that are listed in the prior two cycles of the Housing Element, for the purpose of meeting the 6th cycle lower-income RHNA obligations, given that the development include 20 percent affordable units for lower-income households. The City shall permit appropriate densities of at least 20 units per acre on such parcels. This program shall take effect upon adoption of this General Plan Housing Element and will be supplemented by administrative procedures (Zoning Code Amendment), as in Program 21.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
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Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: This program shall take effect upon adoption of the housing element and will be supplemented by administrative procedures by December 2026.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
22. Compliance with Permit Streamlining Act
Clear development requirements and timelines will reduce risk for developers. GC §65940.1(a)(1) 1) Within 30 days of filing a development project application, if agency determines an item(s) is missing from the list it must provide an exhaustive written list why the application is incomplete. Can’t require submittal of materials not on application checklist. Otherwise, it is automatically deemed complete. GC §65943(a) Applicant may submit requested material to agency; no timeline to respond.
2) Agency has 30 days to respond to submitted materials from applicant. GC §65943(b). Cannot request new information that was not identified in initial list of items that were not complete.
GC §65943(b)
3) If agency determines application and submitted materials are not complete, agency must provide appeal process; final written determination on appeal must be made within 60 days after agency received the appeal. GC §65943(c)
4) These timelines can be extended if both agency and applicant agree. GC §65943(d). If agency fails to respond after one of its 30-day review periods, or fails to timely provide appeal determination, the application is “deemed” complete. GC §65943(a), (b) and (c). 5) Upon a complete application, make a determination whether the project is exempt from CEQA within 30 days and comply with Public Resources Code sections 21080.1 and 21080.20 and Government Code section 65950, subdivision (a)(5). 6) Amend the Zoning Ordinance by December 2026 to define a ministerial review process in compliance with SB 35, which is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
7) Develop and publish objective design standards for use in SB 35 project reviews. 8) Create and post an SB 35 Eligibility and Application Checklist on the City's website. 9) Commit to reviewing SB 35-eligible applications within 30 days of receipt for completeness and processing decisions within 60–90 days, as required by law. 10) Train staff annually on SB 35 procedures and incorporate process flow improvements to ensure compliance and timely implementation.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: By existing law.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
23. Place-Based Neighborhood Revitalization.
Objective: The City will carry out a variety of neighborhood improvement efforts to revitalize the community and promote fair housing and access to resources and opportunities in all parts City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
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of the city. The City will improve neighborhoods and places that are most in need of placebased planning and improvement strategies, as well as places with the greatest capacity for accommodating housing for lower income households. Efforts will include, but are not limited to, the following:
▪ Planning. The City will identify local streets in need of improvement using the Pavement Management Plan, and identity resources such as SB 1 funds and other additional resources to repair local streets, giving priority to targeted areas with higher levels of poverty.
▪ Implementation. The City will continue to prioritize the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), annually, and seek additional funding and other resources toward community revitalization in targeted areas. Additionally, the City will continue to pursue concurrent efforts to improve infrastructure capacity in opportunity areas and in areas in need of capital improvements.
▪ Partnerships. As part of ongoing and regular coordination with regional housing advocates, the City will seek new partnerships with agencies and grant funding opportunities to implement neighborhood improvements as part of new housing projects.
Agency: City Administration/City Manager or designee
Funding: Departmental budget, grant funding (as available) Timeframe/Metrics: Identify programs for implementation by 2026, prioritize CIP funding annually and apply for funding every other year. Target 1-2 improvements per year.
Geo-targeting: Relatively lower-income neighborhoods.
24. Reasonable Accommodation
Objective: Facilitate the development, maintenance and improvement of housing for people with disabilities; expedite processing time for reasonable accommodation requests within 30 days of an application.
The city will adopt a comprehensive written, reasonable-accommodation ordinance to provide exceptions in zoning and land use for housing for persons with disabilities. This procedure will be a ministerial process, with minimal or no processing fee, and will be subject to approval by the City Manager or designee applying following decision-making criteria:
1. The request for reasonable accommodation will be used by an individual with a disability protected under fair housing laws.
2. The requested accommodation is necessary to make housing available to an individual with a disability protected under fair housing laws.
Community Development staff will provide information about reasonable accommodation at on the City’s website to increase awareness. The city will provide information to the public on the Reasonable Accommodation Ordinance in both English and Spanish on the City’s website.
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Agency: City Administration/City Manager or designee
Funding: General Fund
Timeframe/Metrics: Adopt zoning ordinance amendments by December 2026.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
25. Promote Variety of Housing
The city shall maintain an ongoing conversation with the community and with for- profit and non-profit housing developers on the need for affordable housing, and provide a development guide/marketing package that includes the city's development and approval process, relevant ordinances, development fees, incentives, and an inventory of available land for a variety of housing types. This information will be available to housing developers via the City website.
To be proactive, the city will also mail the development guide/marketing material to local and regional housing developers on an annual basis. Furthermore, the marketing package will include an opportunity for developers to provide feedback on how the city could better facilitate housing development in the city.
Objectives: Collaborate with Housing Authority of Kern County (HACK) to promote special needs housing (Seniors, Farmworkers, Female Headed Households, Persons with Disability, Youth) programs targeted to areas of the county where such housing is most needed by December 2026. Provide information on housing opportunities on City websites, and in brochures distributed.
Promote opportunities for people with special needs and their families to obtain safe and affordable housing by collaborating with employers, non-profit organizations, service providers, housing developers and government agencies. Publish the development guide/marketing package on the city's website and mail the marketing package to local and regional for-profit and non- profit housing developers.
Agency: City Manager and CDD, HACK.
Financing: Community Development Block Grant, and/or other grant funding as available.
Time Frame/Metrics: December 2026.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
26. Equal Housing Opportunity
The will examine the possibility to refer cases to Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance (GBLA) in helping the general public relating to housing discrimination. GBLA is a non- profit organization that contracts with cities to provide fair housing services. All fair housing complaints received by the city will be referred to GBLA. GBLA will document the incidences of housing discrimination and the provide a variety of services to help resolve landlord-tenant disputes. Other services provided by GBLS include legal counsel, mediation, educational workshops, case management, and referrals for housing and community resources. In addition, the city and GBLA will identify consultation strategies with fair housing and counseling organizations in the city.
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The city will support the recommendations of the 2014 San Joaquin Valley Fair Housing and Equity Assessment (FHEA) that was prepared by the California Coalition for Rural Housing.
The FHEA analyzes patterns in racial and economic segregation, discusses how segregation impacts individuals’ and families’ ability to access housing opportunity, and proposes strategies and recommendations to create more equitable and integrated communities. Some of the recommendations include:
1. Use the data and findings in the FHEA document to guide local Consolidated Planning Processes, ongoing CDBG and HOME funding allocations, Housing Elements Processes, and other city planning documents.
2. Actively seek funding for marginalized or distressed communities, such as Transit Oriented Development Funds, Strategic Growth Council grants, HCD's Housing-Related Parks Program, Safe Routes to School, and Brownfield funding.
3. Develop and implement a proactive code enforcement program that holds property owners accountable and proactively plans for resident relocation when necessary.
4. Consider new technologies and/or products such as modular housing construction to reduce costs and increase access to housing.
5. Prioritize basic infrastructure improvements like water, sewer, and street lights.
6. Support acquisition and rehabilitation programs to combat vacant or blighted properties.
7. Use the FHEA data and the opportunity indices to help guide site selection of affordable housing developments.
8. Use design tools to seamlessly integrate affordable housing development into larger mixed-income developments.
9. Develop a program to educate and encourage landlords to accept Housing Choice Vouchers.
The city will also provide information on fair housing services through printed material to be available at City Hall and on the city’s website. The City will arrange for provisions of Spanish translation materials and provide interpreters at community workshops.
Objectives: 1) Examine the possibility to refer fair housing inquires to GBLA and provide fair housing information at City Hall, on the city's website, and at other public buildings. (2) Support and implement the recommendations of the San Joaquin Valley Fair Housing and Equity Assessment.
Agency: City Manager and CDD and GBLA
Financing: General Fund (if available)
Time Frame/Metrics: By December 2026.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
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27. Level of Service
Evaluate and address the potential impact on residential development of the Level of Service goals stated in the General Plan.
Objective: Ensure that the City’s Level of Service standards do not unnecessarily reduce or increase the cost of residential development, particularly on the sites identified in Appendix B Vacant Residential Opportunity Parcels Over 6,000 SF.
Agency: Planning Division and Engineering Division
Financing: General Fund and Grant Funds
Timeframe/Metrics: Annual monitoring. By the completion of the next comprehensive General Plan update, expected by 2028.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
28. Farmworker Housing
Provide housing opportunities to meet the special housing needs of farm workers, the City will:
1. Make a specific and at least annual effort to assist in the development of housing for farmworkers and conserve and improve the existing housing stock for farmworkers, including but not limited to:
o Contacting nonprofit developers at least every other year to identify opportunities for the development or improvement of housing for farmworkers. o Coordinating and participating with regional organizations, including non-profit, academic and employers, to raise awareness, share and employ strategies, and identify or target new resources.
o Providing incentives and other strategies beyond state density bonus law to encourage housing for farmworkers, supporting funding applications, prioritizing entitlements and establishing appropriate zoning and development standards. o Targeting code enforcement and other resources to the existing housing stock with the most need for rehabilitation and sanitary conditions that could be more likely to house farmworkers and work with regional or other organizations to improve living conditions for farmworkers.
2. Seek state and federal monies, as funding becomes available for housing construction and rehabilitation targeted for farm workers. Give the highest priority to seeking funding that serves farm workers, the largest special needs group in the region.
3. Coordinate annually with organizations that serve farm workers (Kern County and nonprofits, such as Cesar Chavez Foundation, Self-Help Enterprises, Farm workers Institute of Education and Leadership, and the Housing Assistance Council).
4. The city will also encourage the development of housing for farmworkers by assisting developers with site identification and providing technical assistance on funding City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
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applications. The city will also promote dialogue with farmers and farming advocates to encourage more private development of farmworker housing.
Objective: Develop information packages on developing farmworker housing and procedures to prioritize processing farmworker housing projects. Maximize opportunities to address the housing needs of special needs groups within the city.
Agency: Planning Division, Building Division, and Grants Division Financing: General Fund, Departmental Budgets and State (CDBG or other funds) Time Frame/Metrics: Within 1 year of adoption of this housing element.
1. Conduct at least one (1) outreach meeting in a year.
2. Contact 5 farm housing developers or non-profits in a year.
3. Publish information on incentives available on the city’s website.
4. Apply for grant funds every 5 years, or earlier if an opportunity exists.
5. Construct and rehabilitate a total of 80 farm worker housing units during the 6th Cycle planning period.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
29. Outreach for Persons with Disabilities
The housing needs of persons with disabilities, in addition to basic affordability, range from slightly modifying existing units to requiring a varying range of supportive housing facilities. To accommodate residents with developmental disabilities the City will seek State and Federal monies, as funding becomes available, in support of housing construction and rehabilitation targeted for persons with disabilities, including developmental disabilities. The city will also provide regulatory incentives, such as efficient permit processing and fee deferrals, to projects targeted for persons with disabilities, including persons with developmental disabilities. To further facilitate the development of units to accommodate persons with developmental disabilities, the City shall reach out to developers of supportive housing to encourage development of projects targeted for special needs groups. Finally, as housing is developed or identified, the city will coordinate with the County of Kern and reach out to organizations serving special needs groups and developers of housing for special needs groups as funding becomes available (i.e., Kern Regional Center, Self-Help Enterprises, Housing Assistance Council, etc.).
Objective: Apply for funding when appropriate during the planning period to encourage development of units specifically for persons with disabilities.
Agency: Planning Division, Grants Manager, City Manager Financing: CDBG and General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics: Reach out annually to developers and offer specific regulatory incentives throughout the planning period, when funding is available. Initiate a cooperative outreach program with the Kern Regional Center by 2026.
Prepare an incentives package by December 2026 for 10 applicants in a year.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 6-22
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
30. Large Sites > 10 Acres
To assist with the development of housing affordable to lower income households on large sites >10 acres, the City will:
i. Facilitate land divisions, lot line adjustments, voluntary mergers resulting in parcel sizes that facilitate multi-family developments affordable to lower income households in light of state, federal, and local financing programs (i.e., 2–10-acre sites).
ii. Work with property owners, investors, and non-profit developers to target and market the availability of sites with the best potential for development. iii. Offer incentives for the development of affordable housing, including but not limited to:
• Streamlining and expediting the approval process for land division for projects that include affordable housing.
• Ministerial review of voluntary mergers and lot line adjustments. • Develop an incentive program such as deferral or waiver of fees related to the subdivision for projects affordable to lower income households:
• Providing technical assistance to acquire funding, and • Modification of development requirements, as needed.
Objective: Ensure that large sites (>10 acres) are made suitable for development of affordable housing through subdivision or other means.
Agency: Planning Division and Engineering Division
Financing: CDBG Grants and General Fund
Time Frame/Metrics:
1. Develop informational flyers by June 2026;
2. Develop incentive program by December 2026.
3. Investigate the possibility of assisting deed restricted affordable housing projects with fee deferral loans, which could offer a term of up to 55 years accruing at a simple interest rate of 3 percent per year. The loan could be recorded against the property and can be notarized.
4. Provide incentives to two (2) affordable housing developments during the planning cycle.
5. Target the construction of 100 affordable housing units, especially for Low and Very -Low Income households.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 6-30
31. State Legislation to Permit Cities and Counties to Collect Tax Increment Financing to Promote Affordable Housing and Administration.
The cancellation of Redevelopment Agencies and its powers to collect tax increment financing has dried up, in part, funds available to cities and counties to advance housing development. The lack of funds for housing, in light of the enormity of the housing demand in the state, and ever increasing RHNA and concomitant demands on local governments need enormous funds to administer a successful housing program. Tax increment financing should be limited to the administration of housing, production of affordable housing, and to provide financial incentives to applicants.
Objective: Tax increment funding of Affordable housing administration and proving incentives housing production.
Agency: City Council/City Manager/League of Cities and Counties.
Funding: General Fund
Timeframe/Metrics: Annual effort to canvass for legislation.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
32. Affordable Housing Program Inventory, Allocation of Resources, and Grant Applications.
Objective: Maximize the City’s and public ability to access governmental and private housing programs and thereby facilitate achievement of other Housing Program objectives, prioritizing resources in areas of High Segregation and Poverty. • Annually explore public and private financial funding sources available to:
▪ Purchase affordability covenants on at-risk projects, ▪ Transfer ownership of at-risk projects to public or non-profit agencies, ▪ Purchase existing buildings to replace at-risk units, ▪ Construct replacement units, or
▪ Construct new units.
• Apply for the following grants for potential financial assistance:
▪ Project to assist in the provision of housing accessible for disabled residents ▪ (either new housing or retrofit of existing low-income housing), ▪ Grants to assist in the provision of housing for farm workers, ▪ Grants to assist the rehabilitation of existing low-income housing, ▪ Grants to assist the rehabilitation of housing within TCAC Areas of High ▪ Segregation & Poverty and other priority areas in Census Tracts with high poverty
▪ Grants to assist the provision of housing for large families and reduce ▪ overcrowding.
▪ Note: Not including the housing units assisted by rehabilitation grants targeting
▪ TCAC Areas of High Segregation & Poverty mentioned above, and target City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 6-24
grants to the “Highest Resource Areas” as identified in the Resource Opportunity Map.
• If funding assistance is available for a specific project, the City will assist in the preparation of an application to the applicable program. • All available federal, state, local, and private affordable housing programs for new housing and for the conservation and/or rehabilitation of existing housing will be pursued, including, but not limited to, the following:
▪ Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Affordable Housing Program (assistance for rehabilitation costs and closing costs for lower income households);
▪ Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) (for rehabilitation of lower income and senior housing);
▪ HUD Single-Family Property Disposition Program (for rehabilitation of owneroccupied housing); ▪ Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (for development of rental housing and preservation of existing affordable housing for large family units); ▪ Mercy Loan Fund (for new housing or for rehabilitation of housing for the disabled and lower-income households);
▪ Multi-family Housing Program (MHP) (for new construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of lower income housing through deferred loan payments); ▪ Neighborhood Housing Services (for rehabilitation of housing for lower income households);
▪ Proposition 84 (for development or conversion and rehabilitation of existing facilities for migrant farm worker housing);
▪ Rural Community Assistance Corporation (for new rental housing or rehabilitation of apartments for farm workers and lower-income households); ▪ Section 8 Housing Assistance (rent subsidies for very low-income households); ▪ Section 223(f) Mortgage Insurance for Purchase/Refinance (for acquisition and development of new rental housing);
▪ Section 241(a) Rehabilitation Loans for Multi-Family Projects (for energy conservation and rehabilitation of apartments); and
▪ World/BRIDGE Initiative (lower interest construction financing for lower income and farm worker housing).
Agency: City Manager or designee; Grants Manager
Funding: General Fund
Timeframe/Metrics:
1. Inventory: Ongoing—at least annually.
2. Grant applications: Ongoing, starting by 2026 and at least every other year thereafter.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
33. Infrastructure and Incentives.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 6-30
Use CDBG funds and available federal, state, and local housing development programs for infrastructure improvements and other incentives to support the development of housing for lower- and moderate-income households and special needs populations, such as seniors, large households, single-parent households, farm workers, persons with disabilities including developmental disabilities, and those that have recently experienced homelessness. The City will:
• Utilize its PLHA funds for construction of ADU’s and infrastructure in support of affordable housing.
• Promote ADU development in a disadvantaged area of the community funded by PLHA.
• Continue to pursue wastewater infrastructure funding at least annually on an ongoing basis and until the City’s infrastructure issues related to wastewater capacity are resolved in order to provide for future development of housing for low- and moderate-income households and special needs populations. • Continue its program of improving ADA ramp infrastructure in all neighborhoods.
• Make a specific and at least annual effort to assist in the development of housing for farmworkers and conserve and improve the existing housing stock for farmworkers, including but not limited to:
Implement strategies as provided state density bonus law to encourage housing for farmworkers, supporting funding applications, prioritizing entitlements and establishing appropriate zoning and development standards. • Continue its program in the pursuit of road improvements throughout the community. Geographically, we w i l l target infrastructure improvements and incentives to achieve new affordable housing units.
Agency: City Manager, Community Development
Funding: PLHA Funds
Timeframe/Metrics: At least annually and ongoing; apply to use PLHA funds and at least every other year and ongoing.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
34. Housing Element Implementation
• The city will apply for grants to hire a consultant for Housing Element Program Implementation, to prepare code amendments, stakeholder meetings, preparation of program brochures, for posting on city websites, etc.
• The City shall seek public input on the potential modifications to the ordinance, including targeted outreach to lower-income households and stakeholder interviews.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 6-26
Agency: City Manager, Community Development
Funding: Grant Funds
Timeframe/Metrics: December 2026 and thereafter.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
35. Adequate Sites and RHNA Monitoring
• Annually monitor the progress of Quantitative Objectives including new projects, pending projects, ADU projections, and development on candidate housing sites, as well as rehabilitation and conservation objectives at the time of preparing the Annual Project Reports.
• If residential development is not sufficiently progressing towards building permits or if the City is not meeting the pro-rated share of the RHNA at all income levels by December 2026, the City will identify strategies to maintain adequate sites throughout the planning period.
Agency: City Manager, Community Development
Funding: General Fund, Grant Funds
Timeframe/Metrics: Annually along with the preparation of Annual Progress Reports.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
36. Inclusionary Housing
The City will establish an Inclusionary Housing Program to create housing affordable to low, moderate, and or middle-income households in new buildings as follows:
1. Projects with 5 to 9 units:
a) 15% of the units (rental or ownership) shall be designated as affordable units. Alternatively, applicants may request to pay an inclusionary housing in-lieu fee instead of providing onsite units.
2. Projects with 10 or more units:
a) Rental: 20% of the total number of units shall be designated as affordable units. Alternatively, applicants may request to pay an inclusionary housing in-lieu fee instead of providing onsite units.
b) Ownership: 15% of the total number of units shall be designated as affordable units. Alternatively, applicants may request to pay an inclusionary housing in-lieu fee instead of providing onsite units.
Agency: City Manager, Community Development
Funding: General Fund
Timeframe/Metrics: By December 2026.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
37. Prioritize Resources to Areas of High Segregation & Poverty City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 6-30
Objective: Assist and cooperate with nonprofit, private, and public entities to maximize opportunities to develop and preserve affordable housing.
The City will prioritize resources to address housing needs in Census Tracts 53, with the highest poverty rate of 26.2%, non-whites consisting of 46.9% of the population, and a tract with low resources, hereinafter called “priority neighborhood.” The City will:
• Facilitate the rehabilitation or replacement of housing units in need of rehabilitation or replacement in the priority neighborhoods, such as through building/code enforcement. City staff will help connect property owners to resources to address habitability issues (e.g., water, power, mold, weatherization). • Apply for grants targeting housing needs in these priority neighborhoods, such as rehabilitation.
• Target rehabilitation funding to these priority neighborhoods, to assist at least 15 units rehabilitated.
• Target at least 10% of funding from sources identified in Program 30 to these priority neighborhoods to facilitate housing for lower-income households. • Do a targeted distribution of fair housing information to housing units in these priority neighborhoods at least once every 2 years.
• The City will first make improvements and repairs to parks and public space (recreation, streets, sidewalks, drainage, and other infrastructure) in the prioritized neighborhoods. The current and future improvements and repairs to parks and public spaces that have already been prioritized and are currently being planned and/or built in the prioritized neighborhoods.
• During development of the next comprehensive General Plan update, develop a bicycle and pedestrian plan for the entire City limits that includes the priority neighborhoods and that emphasizes safe routes to schools.
Agency: Planning Department, Public Works Department
Funding Source: General Fund and other sources if available.
Timeframe/Metrics: Ongoing; provide annual report; apply for grants starting by 2026. Target 1-2 improvements per year.
Geo-targeting: City-wide with emphasis on relatively lower-income households, including but not limited Census Tract 53.
38. Promote Middle Housing Types
Objective:
Permit duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in R-2 and R-3 zones with by-right approval when development standards are met.
Agency: Planning Department
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 6-28
Funding: General Fund
Timeframe & Metrix: By December 2026; Conduct outreach to facilitate five (5) Middle Income Housing Units per year.
Geo-targeting: City-wide with emphasis on relatively higher income areas.
39. Zoning Code Amendment for Special Housing Needs, Low-Income, and ModerateIncome Housing To eliminate regulatory barriers and promote housing access for special needs populations and lower-income households, the City will amend its Zoning Ordinance to comply with applicable provisions of State housing law. These changes will support the development of emergency shelters, supportive housing, single-room occupancy units (SROs), and other affordable housing forms, while aligning local regulations with Government Code Sections 65651, 65583, and 68654.
Objectives and Actions:
1. Supportive Housing Streamlining (Gov. Code § 65651):
Permit 100% affordable housing developments that include at least 25% supportive housing units or a minimum of 12 supportive units (whichever is greater) by right (ministerial approval) in all zoning districts where multifamily and mixed-use residential uses are permitted.
2. Parking Flexibility for Special Housing Types (Gov. Code § 68654 and § 65583):
• Eliminate parking requirements for supportive housing located within ½ mile of public transit.
• Adopt objective parking standards for emergency shelters and transitional housing consistent with State mandates.
• Revise parking requirements for residential care facilities to ensure parity with similarly situated residential uses (e.g., single-family, multifamily) without additional burdens. • Modify parking standards for low-income and moderate-income housing as follows:
o Require only 1 optional covered space for lower-income single-family units, studios, SROs, and tiny homes.
o For moderate- and above-moderate multifamily units, require 1 covered space plus 1 additional uncovered space per unit.
o Eliminate guest parking requirements across all affordable housing types to reduce development costs and land use inefficiencies.
3. Priority Processing and Development Incentives:
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 6-30
Allow priority processing and offer concessions, waivers, and modified development standards (e.g., reduced setbacks, increased height or density) for housing developments targeting extremely low-income households (≤30% of AMI). Ensure local procedures align with State Density Bonus Law and fair housing obligations.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Funding Source: General Fund
Timeframe & Metrics: Adopt zoning amendments by December 2026. • Zoning Code revised to reflect statutory requirements • Number of affordable or supportive housing units benefitting from amended standards • Decrease in permitting time or costs for qualifying projects Geo-targeting: City-wide
40. Housing No Net Loss Program.
To ensure that the housing opportunity sites identified in the 2023-2031 Housing Element are available throughout the planning period to meet the city’s RHNA, the city will annually implement the following:
1. Update the Housing Element adequate sites inventory to determine the amount, type and size of vacant and underutilized parcels suitable for residential development.
2. Develop a formal ongoing (project-by-project, parcel-by-parcel) evaluation procedure pursuant to Government Code Section 65863.
3. Report on the number of extremely low, very low, low, moderate and above moderateincome housing units constructed annually.
4. Should an approval of development result in a reduction of capacity below the residential capacity needed to accommodate the remaining need for lower-income households, the city will identify and zone sufficient sites to accommodate the shortfall.
5. Should a proposed project result in lesser density than permitted in the R-3 and R-4 zones, as established by the General Plan, the project applicant shall be required to offset the loss of the residential density as established by the General Plan.
Objective: Develop an evaluation procedure to implement Government Code Section 65863.
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Timeframe & Metrix: By December 2026 and following years in conjunction with preparation of Annual Progress Reports.
Geo-targeting: City-wide.
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 6-30
QUANTIFIED OBJECTIVES
Quantified objectives estimate the number of units likely to be constructed, rehabilitated, or conserved/preserved by income level during the planning period. Ideally, the construction objectives will be equal to the identified needs under RHNA; however, it could be more or less subject to resource opportunities and constraints. The new construction objectives for the city under the cycle equal the required number of units under RHNA. In addition, 15 units are aimed to be rehabilitated and another 15 units conserved. In general, the existing affordable housing will be conserved/preserved through the monitoring program. For example, in the past, the Ridge Apartments with 79 units was at risk when it was sold, but the City was able to maintain the affordability restriction.
Table 6-1: Quantified Objectives by Income Group
Income
Group
RHNA New
Construction1 Rehabilitation Conservation Total
Pipeline
Projects2
Extremely
Low Income
189 5 5 199 -
Very Low
Income
190 5 5 200 -
Low Income 241 5 5 251 -
Moderate
Income
225 0 0 225 466
Above
Moderate
Income
591 0 0 591 636
Total 1,436 15 15 (178)3 1,466 1,102
Source: Realty Planners Group, Inc. 2023
Notes:
1 Corresponds to RHNA requirements.
2 Pipeline project calculations are provided in Table 4-3, Pipeline Projects after June 30, 2023, identified by projects, income group, year approved, built, or pending. Out of 1,102 units, eighty-nine units have been completed or are under construction. 1013 units are pending construction. 3 Quantified objectives for conservation includes 163 units potentially at-risk in the ten-year planning period
City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 7-1
CHAPTER SEVEN – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The 2023–2031 Ridgecrest Housing Element update began in spring 2023. The following is a summary of the process the City went through in delivering the draft Housing Element update to the Department of Housing and Community Development:
Table 7-1: 2023–2031 Ridgecrest Housing Element Schedule Task Date
Scoping Meeting February 28, 2023
First Housing Survey February 22, 2023 – June 27, 2023
Second Housing Survey May 9, 2023 – June 27, 2023
HE Scoping Session – Planning Commission February 28, 2023 Special Planning Commission Workshop May 8, 2023
Draft Housing Element to City August 2023
Planning Commission Hearing to Review Draft September 7, 2023 Public Review Draft Housing Element & Council Review September 20, 2023 HCD 60-day review of draft Housing Element September 2023 HCD Review of Revised Drafts September 2023 – April 2026 Approval Received from HCD ----
Planning Commission Review of final draft Housing Element ---- City Council review of final draft Housing Element for adoption ---- HCD Certification of Housing Element ----
Housing Need and Priorities Survey
The City has hosted two online Housing Element survey. The first survey focused primarily on housing policies and goals. This survey opened on February 22, 2023. The second survey focused primarily on housing needs and barriers. The second survey was circulated in English and Spanish.
This survey opened on May 9, 2023. Both surveys closed on June 27, 2023. A total of 121 individuals responded to the survey in English, while no response in Spanish was received. The city used both digital and paper platforms for this survey. The digital platform was promoted extensively through City communication channels including email communications, the Housing Element Update webpage, and social media. The survey was shared via multiple CommunityBased Organizations (CBOs) and publicized online. City staff also conducted the survey directly with residents during the Salvation Army food bank drive through distribution. The City received the following feedback:
When asked to identify their top three housing priorities (out of seven choices):
• 56% identified "increase the amount of housing that is for affordable to moderate, low, and very low-income residents"
• 53% of respondents selected “create programs to help existing homeowners stay in their homes”
• 52% of respondents selected “make it easier to build in Ridgecrest” City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 7-2
• 46% of respondents selected “improve substandard housing conditions” • An additional 43% identified “increase homeownership opportunities for moderate, lowand very-low-income residents” • 27% selected “target efforts to address inequities in the housing market, including discrimination in renting”
• And the remaining 20% selected “other” with a fill in choice When asked to identify the top barrier to affordable housing (out of five choices):
• 46% of respondents choose “limited availability of affordable units” • An additional 14% of respondents choose "lack of resources to help find affordable housing" and "quality of affordable housing does not meet my standards".
When asked to select the communities insufficient of housing (out of seven choices):
• 38% of respondents selected “Single individuals”
• 35% of respondents selected “Families with Children”
• 35% of respondents selected “Low-income households”
• 32% of respondents selected “Older adults (Seniors, Elderly)” Stakeholder Input and Participation
The City invited representatives from community stakeholders to provide input on housingrelated issues in Ridgecrest. The Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) who supported the outreach efforts included:
• Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce
• IWV Collaborative
• Salvation Army
• Ridgecrest Area Association of Realtors
• Ridgecrest Vineyard Church & The Refuge
Scoping Meeting – February 28, 2023
A scoping meeting took place on February 18, 2023. In such meeting, the staff and Consultant presented a staff report and plans for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update. The meeting was opened to the public for comments with regards to the type of Public Outreach desired in connection with the proposed Housing Element Update. The primary purpose of the Scoping City of Ridgecrest July 21, 2026
Housing Element 7-3
session was to determine the type of public outreach that is appropriate to receive the maximum public participation from citizens and stakeholders in the preparation of the housing element.
A member of the public supported the plan to conduct the public workshop at a Planning Commission meeting. No other comments were received.
Special Public Planning Commission Workshop – May 8, 2023 On May 8 2023, a public workshop was held with the Planning Commission to provide an overview of the Housing Element Update, invite input on housing-related needs and priorities, and to give the community an opportunity to identify housing-related concerns.
A member of the public inquired whether the City has an ADU ordinance to which staff responded in the affirmative.
Public Hearing by Planning Commission on Draft HE – September 7, 2023 The Planning Commission reviewed the Draft Housing Element and authorized staff to present the Draft to the HCD for review. No public comments were received.
Public Hearing by City Council on Draft HE – September 20, 2023 The City Council reviewed the Draft Housing Element and authorized staff to present the Draft to the HCD for review.
APPENDIX A
2023-2031 DRAFT FAIR HOUSING
ANALYSIS
City of Ridgecrest, California
JULY 23, 2026
PREPARED BY: REALTY PLANNERS GROUP, INC., FALLBROOK, CALIFORNIA
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 2 Table of Contents
A. OUTREACH ___________________________________________________________________ 3
1. PROJECT WEBSITE ____________________________________________________________________ 3
2. GENERAL MULTI-LINGUAL ADVERTISEMENTS _______________________________________________ 3
4. HOUSING NEEDS AND PRIORITIES SURVEY_________________________________________________ 4
5. STAKEHOLDER INPUT __________________________________________________________________ 5 B. ASSESSMENT OF FAIR HOUSING ISSUES ____________________________________________ 6
1. KEY DATA AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION _______________________________________________ 6
2. FAIR HOUSING ENFORCEMENT AND OUTREACH CAPACITY ____________________________________ 6
3. ANALYSIS OF AVAILABLE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL DATA AND LOCAL KNOWLEDGE ____________ 11 Diversity Index_____________________________________________________________________________ 11 Gini Coefficient of Income Inequality_____________________________________________________________ 13 Racial/Ethnic Population _______________________________________________________________________ 13 Racial and Ethnic Composition & Diversity _____________________________________________________________ 16 Contributing Factors_______________________________________________________________________________ 16 Seniors and Persons with Disabilities _________________________________________________________________ 20 Overall Conclusions _______________________________________________________________ 20 Percent of Population 18 Years and Over in Households Living with Spouse ________________________________________ 22 Percent of Children in Married Households ________________________________________________________________ 23 Female-headed Households___________________________________________________________________________ 24 Summary _______________________________________________________________________________________ 24 Family Status and Household Type ___________________________________________________________________ 24 Persons 65 Years of Age or Older ______________________________________________________________________ 25 Median Household Income ___________________________________________________________________________ 27 Findings ________________________________________________________________________________________ 27 Income Diversity and Economic Segregation____________________________________________________________ 28 Contributing Factors_______________________________________________________________________________ 29 Economic Opportunity _____________________________________________________________________________ 34 Educational Opportunity____________________________________________________________________________ 38 Environmental Opportunity__________________________________________________________________________ 39 Transportation ___________________________________________________________________________________ 40 Findings ________________________________________________________________________________________ 41 Future Growth Needs ______________________________________________________________________________ 43 Cost Burden _____________________________________________________________________________________ 43 Summary _______________________________________________________________________________________ 45 Housing Cost Burden ______________________________________________________________________________ 45 Contributing Factors_______________________________________________________________________________ 45 Overcrowding ____________________________________________________________________________________ 45 Substandard Housing______________________________________________________________________________ 46 Homelessness ___________________________________________________________________________________ 46 Findings ________________________________________________________________________________________ 48 C. LAND INVENTORY & FINDINGS ___________________________________________________ 50 D. IDENTIFICATION OF CONTRIBUTING FACTORS AND FAIR HOUSING PRIORITIES AND GOALS __ 54 City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 3
AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING ANALYSIS
All Housing Elements due on or after January 1, 2021 must contain an Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) consistent with thecore elements of the analysis required by the federal Affirmatively Further Fair Housing Final Rule of July 16, 2015.
Under State law, affirmatively further fair housing means “taking meaningful actions, in addition to combatting discrimination, that overcomepatterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity based on protected characteristics”. These characteristics can include, but are not limited to, race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin,color, familial status, or disability.
The AFFH analysis must contain the following:
• A: Outreach
• B: Assessment of Fair Housing
• Key Data and Background Information
• Fair Housing Enforcement and Outreach Capacity
• Integration and Segregation Patterns and Trends
• Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty
• Disparities in Access to Opportunity
• Disproportionate Housing Needs in the Jurisdiction
• Displacement Risk
• C: Sites Inventory
• D: Identification of Contributing Factors, and Fair Housing Priorities and Goals While this section provides a focused analysis of fair housing issues in Ridgecrest, several other sections of the Housing Elementaddress the issue and are included in this section by reference.
A. OUTREACH
The City of Ridgecrest deeply values the role of public participation in the planning process and has worked diligently to engage all members of the Ridgecrest community, including non-English speakers and those typically underrepresented in the planning process. This summary highlights those steps taken as part of the Housing Element Update.
1. PROJECT WEBSITE
A dedicated project website (https://www.ridgecrest-ca.gov/537/Housing-Element-Update-2023) serves as the main conduit of information for individuals who can access material online. The project website is regularly updated to reflect on goingcommunity input opportunities, advertise draft work products, and answer commonly asked questions. The website includes the following information:
• Housing Element Overview
• Dates of Public Participation Events
• Link to access a Housing Needs Survey, which is available in English and Spanish • Detailed explanation of the Housing Element and General Plan • Information on the Housing Element Update Process
• Information of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment for the City of Ridgecrest
2. GENERAL MULTI-LINGUAL ADVERTISEMENTS
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 4 The City utilized a variety of methods to advertise the project, engage the community, and solicit input on the Housing Element.These efforts are summarized herein to demonstrate the city’s meaningful commitment to community collaboration. The Cityprepared and implemented the following general advertisements:
• Emails to interested individuals
• Scoping meeting and planning commission meeting
• Newspaper advertisement
• Social media posts
• Emails to Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) requesting involvement and providing flyers and outreach information
3. WORKSHOPS ANDSCOPING MEETING
SCOPING MEETING
A scoping meeting took place on February 18, 2023. In such meeting, the staff and Consultant presented a staff report and plans for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update. The meeting was opened to the public for comments with regards to the type of Public Outreach desired in connection with the proposed Housing Element Update. The primary purpose of the Scoping session was to determine the type of public outreach that is appropriate to receive the maximum public participation from citizens and stakeholders in the preparation of the housing element.
PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP
InMay 2023, a public workshop was held with the Planning Commission to provide an overview of the Housing Element Update, invite input on housing-related needs and priorities, and to give the community an opportunity to identify housingrelated concerns.
4. HOUSING NEEDS AND PRIORITIES SURVEY
The City has hosted two online Housing Element survey. The first survey focused primarily on housing policies and goals. This survey opened on February 22, 2023. The second survey focused primarily on housing needs and barriers.
The second survey was circulated in English and Spanish. This survey opened on May 9, 2023. Both surveys closed on June 27, 2023. A total of 121 individuals responded to the survey in English, while no response in Spanish was received. The City used both digital and paper platforms for this survey. The digital Typeform platform was promoted extensively through City communication channels including email communications, the Housing Element Update webpage, and social media. The survey was shared via multiple Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and publicized online. City staff also conducted the survey directly with residents during the Salvation Army food bank drive through distribution. The City received the following feedback:
When asked to identify their top three housing priorities (out of seven choices):
• 56% identified "increase the amount of housing that is for affordable to moderate, low, and very lowincome residents" • 53% of respondents selected “create programs to help existing homeowners stay in their homes” • 52% of respondents selected “make it easier to build in Ridgecrest” • 46% of respondents selected “improve substandard housing conditions” • An additional 43% identified “increase homeownership opportunities for moderate, low- and very-lowincome residents” • 27% selected “target efforts to address inequities in the housing market, including discrimination in renting” • And the remaining 20% selected “other” with a fill in choice City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 5 When asked to identify the top barrier to affordable housing (out of five choices):
• 46% of respondents chose “limited availability of affordable units” • An additional 14% of respondents chose "lack of resources to help find affordable housing" and "quality of affordable housing does not meet my standards".
When asked to select the communities insufficient of housing (out of seven choices):
• 38% of respondents selected “Single individuals”
• 35% of respondents selected “Families with Children”
• 35% of respondents selected “Low-income households”
• 32% of respondents selected “Older adults (Seniors, Elderly)”
5. STAKEHOLDER INPUT
The City invited representatives from community stakeholders to provide input on housing-related issues in Ridgecrest; this invitation list included housing developers (affordable and market-rate), religious organizations, school representatives, fair housing service providers, and other social service providers. Stakeholders invited to participate included representatives from:
• Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce
• IWV Collaborative
• Salvation Army
• Ridgecrest Area Association of Realtors
• Ridgecrest Vineyard Church
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 6 B. ASSESSMENT OF FAIR HOUSING ISSUES
This section presents an overview of available federal, state, and local data to analyze fair housing issues in Ridgecrest.
This data is supplemented with local knowledge of existing conditions in the community to present a more accurate depiction of fair housingissues in Ridgecrest, and a more informed perspective from which to base goals, policies, and programs to affirmatively further fair housing.
1. KEY DATA AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Ridgecrest is a participating city in the Kern Council of Governments. Kern COG, acting in the capacity as the state designated Regional Planning Agency, has the responsibility of developing the state-mandated Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA) Plan. The RHNA process will identify the number of housing units that each local government must accommodate in the Housing Element of its General Plan (Government Code §65584). The Kern COG Regional Housing Needs Online Mapping Tool is a publicly online mapping application developed and maintained by Staff and Rincon Consultants. Such mapping tool will allow users to view the proposed RHNA unit allocations for each jurisdiction and to explore specific parcels to evaluate the potential number of units a parcel could support.
Additionally, the mapping tool contains data layers that of the 5 analysis areas corresponding to the Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH). Therefore, The Kern COG Regional Housing Needs Online Mapping Tool is one source of information regarding fair housing issues inthe region and is the most recent comprehensive regional analysis of fair housing issues.
Additionally, the Kern Regional Housing Data Report, prepared by SJV REAP Consultant Team and Pre-Certified by HCD is a data workbook that serves as a socioeconomic and housing data profile for the City of Ridgecrest. The data in the workbook are categorized on four topics by population and employment, households, economic conditions and housing stock.
2. FAIR HOUSING ENFORCEMENT AND OUTREACH CAPACITY
The City works with the Planning and Natural Resources Department of Kern County through the Fair Housing Counseling to provide fair housing. Under the Community Development Block Grant Program, the County of Kern operates a Fair Housing Program under Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 aimed at combating illegal discrimination in housing. The Planning and Natural Resources Department of Kern County provides comprehensive fair housing enforcement, education, and outreach services, including:
• Education activities that provide brochures, posters, presentations to the public, community outreach activities, among other services
• The Kern County Information Line that provides a hotline number, both in English and Spanish. Any person who believes they are discriminated against unfairly in the matter of housing issues may call the hotline number.
• Investigation and testing to validate a discrimination complaint • Serve as a mediator and offer a resolution to the conflict between two parties • Coordinate and provide connecting links between groups, agencies, individuals and private enterprises that are involved in fair housing that will enhance the delivery of fair housing services Additionally, the Housing Authority of the County of Kern is an independent, local government agency providing safe, affordable housing to thousands of Kern County residents through special programs. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for low-income residents of Kern County provides providing safe, affordable housing and assisting residents towards self-sufficiency and homeownership.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 7 The City of Ridgecrest complies with fair housing laws and regulations as described in Table 5-1. The City has not been issued or notified of any existing or pending findings, lawsuits, enforcement actions, settlements, or judgments related to fair housing or civil rights. Program 26 has been added to examine the possibility to refer cases to Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance (GBLA) in helping the general public relating to housing discrimination. Also, Program 4 has been added to provide Education Activities, Investigation/Testing – Investigate the validity of a discrimination complaint, Mediation, and Coordination.
Table 1: Compliance with Fair Housing Laws
Law Description Compliance
California Fair
Employment and
Housing Act (FEHA)
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) applies to public and private employers, labor organizations and employment agencies and prohibits discrimination in housing and employment on the basis of protected characteristics.
The FEHA prohibits those engaged in the housing business – landlords, real estate agents, home sellers, builders, mortgage lenders, among others – from discriminating against tenants or homeowners on the basis of protected characteristics.
It is also illegal for cities, counties, or other local government agencies to make zoning or land-use decisions, or have policies, that discriminate against individuals based on those traits.
In its local practices, the City requires all development projects assisted with City funding to comply with the
FEHA. The City achieves compliance with employment
requirements through strict enforcement in hiring
practices and regular training of and by Human
Resources staff.
Government Code
Section 65008
Covers actions of a city, county, city and county, or other local government agency, and makes those actions null and void if the action denies an individual or group of individuals the enjoyment of residence, landownership, tenancy, or other land use in the state because of membership in a protected class, the method of financing, and/or the intended occupancy.
For example, a violation under Government Code section 65008 may occur if a jurisdiction applied more scrutiny to reviewing and approving an affordable development as compared to market-rate developments, or multifamily housing as compared to single family homes.
Compliance is achieved by uniform application of the
City’s codes, regulations, policies and practices,
including development standards, design guidelines,
application submittal requirements, fees and approval
findings.
Government Code
Section 8899.50
Requires all public agencies to administer programs and activities relating to housing and community development in a manner to affirmatively further fair housing and avoid any action that is materially inconsistent with its obligation to affirmatively further fair housing.
Compliance is achieved through consultations with
community stakeholders and support agencies as part
of program evaluating and funding decisions. The 6th
Cycle Housing Element Housing Plan describes how
each program addresses fair housing issues and
contributing factors.
Government Code
Section 11135 et
seq.
Requires full and equal access to all programs and activities operated, administered, or funded with financial assistance from the state, regardless of one’s membership or perceived membership in a protected class.
Compliance is achieved through promotion/availability
of activities and programs to all persons of all
backgrounds to participate equally in community
programs and activities.
Density Bonus Law
(Gov. Code, §
65915.)
Density bonus law is intended to support the construction of affordable housing by offering developers the ability to construct additional housing units above an agency’s otherwise applicable density range, in exchange for offering to build or donate land for affordable or senior units. Density Bonus Law also provides for incentives intended to help make the development of affordable and senior housing economically feasible.
Compliance is achieved by administration of
Ridgecrest Zoning Ordinance Chapter 20.32 –Density
Bonuses, which provides for compliance with
Government Code Section 65915 et seq.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 8 Housing
Accountability Act
(Gov. Code, §
65589.5.)
Provides that a local agency shall not disapprove a housing development project, for very low, low-, or moderate-income households, or an emergency shelter, or condition approval in a manner that renders the housing development project infeasible for development for the use of very low, low-, or moderate-income households, or an emergency shelter, including through the use of design review standards, unless it makes certain written findings, based upon a preponderance of the evidence in the record.
Compliance is achieved through the development
review process consistent with the Housing
Accountability Act. Additionally, the City is in the
process of preparing objective development standards
to facilitate an objective and equitable review of
applicable projects.
No-Net-Loss Law
(Gov. Code, §
65863)
Ensures development opportunities remain available throughout the planning period to accommodate a jurisdiction’s RHNA allocation, especially for lower- and moderate- income households.
The City’s draft Housing Element identifies a surplus of sites with a capacity to accommodate the City’s RHNA
allocation. The City reviews all General Plan and zoning amendment applications to ensure there is no net loss
in density or adequate sites to accommodate its housing needs.
Least Cost Zoning
Law (Gov. Code, §
65913.1)
Excessive
Subdivision
Standards (Gov.
Code, § 65913.2.)
Provides that, in exercising its authority to zone for land uses and in revising its housing element, a city, county, or city and county shall designate and zone sufficient vacant land for residential use with appropriate standards, in relation to zoning for nonresidential use, and in relation to growth projections of the general plan to meet housing needs for all income categories as identified in the housing element of the general plan.
Compliance is achieved through implementation of the
City’s General Plan and the implementation of Housing
Element Housing Plan Programs which commit the City
to ensuring adequate sites to accommodate the City’s
RHNA at densities and intensities consistent with those discussed in the Inventory of Residential Sites section.
Provides that, in exercising its authority to regulate subdivisions a city, county, or city and county shall:
(a) Refrain from imposing criteria for design, as defined in Section 66418, or improvements, as defined in Section 66419, for the purpose of rendering infeasible the development of housing for any and all economic segments of the community. However, nothing in this section shall be construed to enlarge or diminish the authority of a city, county, or city and county under other provisions of law to permit a developer to construct such housing.
(b) Consider the effect of ordinances adopted and actions taken by it with respect to the housing needs of the region in which the local jurisdiction is situated.
(c) Refrain fromimposing standards and criteria for public improvements including, but not limited to, streets, sewers, fire stations, schools, or parks, which exceed the standards and criteria being applied by the city, county, or city and county at that time to its publicly financed improvements located in similarly zoned districts within that city, county, or city and county.
Compliance is achieved through the implementation of
a fair and equitable development review process which
is administrated consistent with the Excessive
Subdivision Standards Act.
Limits on Growth
Controls (Gov.
Code, § 65302.8.)
Provides that, if a county or city, including a charter city, adopts or amends a mandatory general plan element which operates to limit the number of housing units which may be constructed on an annual basis, such adoption or amendment shall contain findings which justify reducing the housing opportunities of the region. The findings shall include all of the following:
(a) A description of the city’s or county’s appropriate share of the regional need for housing.
(b) A description of the specific housing programs and activities being undertaken by the local jurisdiction to fulfill the requirements of subdivision (c) of Section 65302.
(c) A description of how the public health, safety, and welfare would be promoted by such adoption or amendment.
(d) The fiscal and environmental resources available to the local jurisdiction
The City’s draft Housing Element and the elements in
the City’s adopted General Plan do not include any
provisions which further limits (relative to the current Housing Element and prior General Plan) the
development of housing, except such provisions as may
be required by state or federal laws.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 9 Housing Element
Law (Gov. Code, §
65583, esp. subds.
(c)(5), (c)(10).)
Section 65583 stipulates that the housing element shall consist of an identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs and a statement of goals, policies, quantified objectives, financial resources, and scheduled programs for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing. The housing element shall identify adequate sites for housing, including rental housing, factory-built housing, mobile homes, and emergency shelters, and shall make adequate provision for the existing and projected needs of all economic segments of the community.
Subdivision (c)(5) provides that, in order to make adequate provision for the housing needs of all economic segments of the community, the program shall promote and affirmatively further fair housing opportunities and promote housing throughout the community or communities for all persons regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, color, familial status, or disability, and other characteristics protected by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Part 2.8 (commencing with Section 12900) of Division 3 of Title 2), Section 65008, and any other state and federal fair housing and planning law.
Compliance is achieved through preparation and
adoption of a Housing Element found to be in
substantial compliance with State Housing Element law
by the California Department of Housing and
Community Development.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 10 Figure 1: Census Tract Boundaries
Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool Figure 2: Housing Choice Vouchers (Tract)
Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 11
3. ANALYSIS OF AVAILABLE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL DATA AND LOCAL
KNOWLEDGE
This section presents an overview of available federal, state, and local data to analyze fair housing issues in Ridgecrest.
These data sources are supplemented with local knowledge of existing conditions in the community to present a more realistic picture of fair housing concerns in Ridgecrest and a more informed perspective from which to base goals, policies, and programs to affirmatively further fair housing.
INTEGRATION AND SEGREGATION - PATTERNS AND TRENDS
To inform priorities, policies, and actions, Ridgecrest has included an analysis of integration and segregation, including patterns and trends, related to people with protected characteristics. Segregation generally means a condition in which there is a high concentration of persons of a particular race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, or having a disability or a particular type of disability when compared to a broader geographic area. Conversely, integration refers to a condition in which there is anot a high concentration of persons of a particular race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, or having a disabilityor a particular type of disability when compared to a broader geographic area. The following analysis will analyze levels of segregation and integration for race and ethnicity, persons with disabilities, familial status, age, and income to identify the groupsin Ridgecrest that experience the highest levels of segregation.
Diversity Index
Tracking the diversity of cities and counties throughout California is crucial to understanding the shifting demographics of raceand ethnicity in California and the United States. ESRI, a provider of geographic information system (GIS) software, locational intelligence, and mapping, has developed a Diversity Index, which captures the racial and ethnic diversity of a geographic area in a single number, from0 to 100. Scores less than 40 represent lower diversity in the jurisdiction while scores of greater than 85represent higher diversity; Scores between 40-55 represent low diversity, 55-70 represent moderate diversity, and 70-85 represent high diversity. Figure 3 shows the diversity index by census tracts throughout Ridgecrest. Central and Northeastern areas seem to have a high diversity index that goes from 56 to 84, compared to southern and western areas where the diversity index goes from 55 to low diversity scores. Census tracts 53,
54.03, 54.04 and some parts of tracts 54.01 and 54.02 have in general a high diversity index. While the entirety of tract 55.01 has a low diversity index.
Table 2 shows the demographic trends over time for the City. Since 2010, the percentage of population that are Hispanic or Latinx residents has increased in the city from 17.9 to 21.9% compared to the County which has increased at a slightly higher rate from 47.7 % to 53.9%. The percentage of population that are White residents has decreased in the city from 68.9% to 60.0% compared to the County which has decreased at a slightly lower rate from 69.3% to 67.6%.
The percentage of population that are Other Races or Multiple Races residents has increased in the city from 3.8% to
7.4%, compared to the County which has decreased at a higher rate from 21.0% to 13.8%. The percentage of population that are Asian or Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander residents has increased from 4.8% to 5.8% in the city compared to the County which has decreased at a lower rate from 5.2% to 5.1%.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 12 Table 2: Demographic Trends Over Time
Racial/Ethnic 2010 2020
American Indian or Alaska Native, NonHispanic 0.9% 0.6% Asian / API, Non-Hispanic 4.8% 5.8%
Black or African American, Non-Hispanic 3.8% 4.4%
White, Non-Hispanic 68.9% 60.0%
Other Race or Multiple Races, Non-Hispanic 3.8% 7.4%
Hispanic or Latinx 17.9% 21.9%
Total 100.0% 100.0%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010 and 2020
As shown in Figure 3, there generally appears to be lower to high diversity index scores throughout the City of Ridgecrest. As shown in Figure 3, communities in Ridgecrest with higher diversity scores are somewhat more likely to be located in the central and northeastern portions of the city. Census tracts 53, 54.01, 54.02 and 54.03 appear to have concentrations of highly diverse communities with a diversity index higher than 70. These same tracts, plus tract 54.04 have a considerate amount of block groups with a diversity index higher than 55, being these the most diverse tracts in the city. On the other hand, the southern portion of the city has a low diversity score. Tract
55.01 has a “lower diversity” score, being the lowest within the parameter. As shown in the next figures (3 and 4), tract 55.01 has a predominant white majority population with a low non-white population. Additionally, as it will be analyzed in the next pages, tract 55.01 has a high median household income.
Figure 3: Diversity Index 2018 by Block Group
Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 13 Gini Coefficient of Income Inequality
According to the United States Census Bureau, The Gini coefficient incorporates the detailed shares data into a single statistic, which summarizes the dispersion of income across the entire income distribution. The Gini coefficient ranges from 0, indicating perfect equality (where everyone receives an equal share), to 1, perfect inequality (where only one recipient or group of recipients receives all the income). The Gini is based on the difference between the Lorenz curve (the observed cumulative income distribution) and the notion of a perfectly equal income distribution.
The Gini Index values for income inequality in Ridgecrest for the years 2010 and 2020 can be found in Table 3 below.
The “Kern County” column in the table provides the average Gini Index across all jurisdictions of Kern County in 2020.
Ridgecrest’s Gini index is generally moderate at 0.4159, indicating that income equality is more or less the same throughout the city. It is noted that between 2010 and 2020, the Gini in Ridgecrest increased slightly, suggesting that there is now more neighborhood level income inequality than in 2010. In 2020, the Gini Index of Income Inequality in Ridgecrest (0.4159) was lower by a few points than the average value for jurisdictions in Kern County in 2020 (0.4673), indicating that income inequality in Ridgecrest is slightly less than in the average Kern County city.
Table 3: Gini Index of Income Inequality within Ridgecrest Ridgecrest Kern County
Index 2010 2020 2021
Gini Index of Income
(Income Inequality)
0.410 0.4159 0.4673
Source:. U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2006-2010, 2016-2020 (5-Year Estimate), Table B19083 Racial/Ethnic Population
Figure 4 identifies the predominant racial population by census tract for Ridgecrest and the surrounding area. As shown inFigure 4, in Ridgecrest the predominant population in Ridgecrest is White majority. In figure 4, two data layers conform the current analysis on predominant racial population. One data layer shows the dominance values of White majority, while a second data layer shows racial demographics by block groups, presented as graduated dots.
Communities located in the central west and Northeastern sections of the city have sizeable dominance values (between 10% - 50%) of White alone population. Said section include the tracts 54.03 and 53. As shown in Figure 4, the percent of total non-white population in the block group of tract 54.03 range approximately from 20% to 60%, the block group closest to the center of the city having a higher percentage. The total non-white population in Tract 53 ranges from 60% - 80%, being the tract with the highest range in the city. On the other hand, block groups located in the northwestern, southeastern, and southern section of the city have a predominant dominance value of white majority (higher than 50%). Such tracts include 54.01, 54.02, 54.04 and 55.01. As shown in Figure 4, the block group closest to the city center in tract 54.02 has high percent of non-white population. Figure 5 is presented as the racial demographics of 2018 in a color-coded format to help visualize the available data. Comparing Figure 4 and Figure 5, is evident that areas located in, or close, to the city center have a high percent of non-white population. Compared to Figure 4, it can be assumed that the center of the city tends to be more demographically diverse.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 14 Figure 4: Predominant Population by Census Tract and Racial Demographics 2018 by Block Group – Graduated Dots
Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool As it was previously presented, Figure 5 provides another view to racial demographics that serves to look at racial diversity compared to white population. Compared to the diversity index and predominant racial population, figures 3, 4 and 5 demonstrate a overlap of data between these data layers. Approximately most of the areas with high degrees of non-white population also have high percent of diversity index and slim dominance of white population alone.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 15 Figure 5: Racial Demographics (2018) by Block Group
Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 16 Summary
Racial and Ethnic Composition & Diversity
Ridgecrest is less racially and ethnically diverse than Kern County overall, but exhibits internal neighborhood-level variation in integration and segregation patterns.
• Non-Hispanic White Population
o Ridgecrest remains predominantly Non-Hispanic White (60.0%), though this share declined significantly from 2010.
o Kern County is substantially more diverse, with Non-Hispanic Whites representing 67.6%, but with a much larger Hispanic/Latinx share overall.
o Census Tract 55.01 in Ridgecrest demonstrates a strong spatial concentration of White residents relative to both the city center and the county.
• Hispanic/Latinx Population
o Ridgecrest’s Hispanic/Latinx population has increased modestly (17.9% → 21.9%) but remains far below Kern County’s concentration (53.9%).
o Hispanic and non-white populations are more integrated and concentrated in central Ridgecrest, particularly Census Tract 53, indicating localized diversity rather than citywide integration. • Diversity Index
o Ridgecrest contains a mix of low to moderate diversity areas, with high-diversity clusters in central and northeastern neighborhoods.
o Compared to Kern County’s broader diversity, Ridgecrest’s diversity is shows internal neighborhood level variations.
Ridgecrest shows less racial isolation than some Kern County suburbs, but still displays Tract 55.01 with low diversity having predominantly a white majority population. The central tracts tend to be more diverse compared to southern/northern tracts.
The City of Ridgecrest demonstrates moderate levels of racial, ethnic, and income integration at the citywide level, but clear patterns of neighborhood-level segregation when evaluated by race, income, family status, and housing tenure. Compared to Kern County, Ridgecrest is less diverse overall, yet exhibits less income inequality countywide.
While Ridgecrest does not exhibit extreme racial or ethnic isolation at the jurisdictional scale, segregation patterns persist at the census tract and block group level, particularly between central neighborhoods and the northern and southern portions of the city.
Contributing Factors
• Historic development patterns and housing stock age
• Concentration of lower-cost rental housing in central Ridgecrest City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 17 • Higher-income, owner-occupied housing predominating in low-diversity areas While census tract level racial and ethnic distributions vary within Ridgecrest, ACS profiles and AFFH mapping do not indicate high levels of segregation. One tract (Census Tract 53) exhibits a relatively higher concentration of Hispanic residents and lower income levels; however, the majority of tracts demonstrate demographic compositions near the citywide average. This pattern is consistent with low overall residential segregation, and no tracts meet state or federal thresholds for racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty.
Local Data and Knowledge (City’s Observations).
The AFFH Guide for incorporating local knowledge was answered by the City and a summary of the findings is incorporated in this analysis.
This section summarizes local data and community knowledge relevant to fair housing conditions within the City. It evaluates patterns of segregation, access to opportunity, disproportionate housing needs, and other factors that influence housing choice. The analysis draws from Census tract‑level data, local planning documents, and staff knowledge of neighborhood conditions.
The City is compact—approximately five miles north to south and four miles east to west—which contributes to relatively uniform access to services, schools, parks, and shopping. However, variations in housing age, size, and affordability continue to shape demographic patterns and influence fair housing outcomes.
The City exhibits modest racial and ethnic segregation, primarily associated with differences in housing age and affordability rather than explicit discriminatory practices. • Census Tract 53 has a non‑white population of 46.9% and includes older, smaller homes originally constructed as Navy housing.
• Census Tract 54.05 has the highest non‑white share at 48.7%, with a mix of multifamily units, mobile homes, and older single‑family homes.
• Census Tract 54.06 has the lowest non‑white population (23.4%) and the highest median income, reflecting larger, newer homes and higher property values.
Historic and Current Drivers
Neighborhood patterns are shaped by:
• Home size and age, which strongly correlate with affordability • Market dynamics, where newer, larger homes attract higher‑income households • Redevelopment trends, which may gradually shift demographic patterns over time No evidence of historic redlining or exclusionary zoning was identified, though the Navy Installation’s presence has influenced development patterns.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 18 Population with a Disability
Table 3A: Population by Number of Disabilities (Total Population) City of
Ridgecrest Percent Kern County Percent California Percent Total: 28,417 864,023 38,838,726
With One Type of Disability 2,122 7.5% 51,875 6.0% 2,089,065 5.4% With Two or More Types of
Disability 2,280 8.0% 46,551 5.4% 2,057,886 5.3%
No Disability 24,015 84.5% 765,597 88.6% 34,691,775 89.3% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS16-20 (5-year Estimates), Table C18108
15.5 percent of Ridgecrest residents have one or more disabilities. Figure 6 identifies this in the range of 10 to 20%.
This rate exceeds Kern County (11.4%) and California (10.7%). Ridgecrest specifically shows: A higher share of residents with multiple disabilities (8.0%), compared to Kern County (5.4%) and the State (5.3%).
Table 3B: Disability by Type for the Population with a Disability (Detailed) City of
Ridgecrest Percent Kern County Percent California Percent With One or More Types of Disability 4,402 98,426 4,146,951 Hearing Difficulty 1,155 26.2% 23,470 23.8% 1,147,500 27.7% Vision Difficulty 802 18.2% 19,029 19.3% 778,145 18.8%
Cognitive Difficulty 1,650 37.5% 36,914 37.5% 1,585,969 38.2% Ambulatory Difficulty 2,185 49.6% 51,480 52.3% 2,118,765 51.1% Self-Care Difficulty 682 15.5% 21,131 21.5% 964,579 23.3% Independent Living Difficulty 1,675 38.1% 35,762 36.3% 1,654,210 39.9% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS16-20 (5-year Estimates), Table B18102 - B18107.
Among residents with disabilities, Ambulatory difficulty is most common (49.6%); independent living difficulty affects
38.1%; cognitive difficulty affects 37.5%; Hearing difficulty affects 26.2%; vision difficulty affects 18.2%; and self-care difficulty affects 15.5%. These distributions are generally comparable to county and statewide patterns, though Ridgecrest’s rates for ambulatory and independent living difficulty are slightly elevated.
Relative Concentration by Census Tracts
Table 3C: Disability by Census Tracts
Census Tract Relative Concentration Planning Characteristics 53 Moderate Large geographic tract; mixed rural/urban conditions
54.02 Moderate–High Older residential neighborhoods
54.05 High Core city; older housing stock
54.06 High Seniors; fixed-income households
54.07 High Central Ridgecrest
54.08 Moderate Mixed tenure
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 19
54.09 Moderate Transitional residential
54.10 Moderate Newer housing areas
55.09 High Mobile homes; lower-income households
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2016–2020 5 Year Estimates, Table S1810, analyzed at the census tract level; HUD AFFH Data; California HCD AFFH Mapping Tool.
Relatively higher concentration of disability appears to exist in tracts 54.05, 54.06, 54.07 and 55.09.
Taken together, the above tables demonstrate that Ridgecrest has higher disability prevalence than county and state averages; disabilities affect residents across all age groups, with especially high impacts on adults and seniors; there is a significant need for accessible, affordable, and supportive housing; limited local residential options for individuals with developmental disabilities indicate a gap in housing availability. These findings directly support Housing Element policies that promote: ADA-accessible and universal design standards; zoning that accommodates supportive and special needs housing; and coordination with service providers and regional agencies.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 20 Figure 6: Population with a Disability by Census Tract – ACS (2015-2019) Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool Summary
Seniors and Persons with Disabilities
• Seniors (65+)
o Ridgecrest has a lower senior share (17.6%) than Kern County (20.1%), but seniors are more spatially clustered in higher-income, low-diversity neighborhoods. • Persons with Disabilities
o Disability rates are comparable to county and state averages and evenly distributed citywide. o However, disabled households in higher-cost areas face greater housing affordability challenges.
Unlike Kern County’s broader dispersion, Ridgecrest shows localized concentrations of seniors tied to high-income, low-diversity areas, reinforcing age-based spatial patterns.
Senior households (age 65+) are more concentrated in higher-income, lower-diversity tracts, particularly in the northern and southern portions of the city. This spatial pattern differs from Kern County’s broader dispersion of senior households.
Overall Conclusions
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 21 • Compared to Kern County, Ridgecrest exhibits:
o Lower overall racial diversity but less countywide income inequality o Higher-income, White-majority areas with stable housing o Central, diverse neighborhoods with lower incomes and higher renter cost burdens • Census Tract 53 represents the city’s primary integrated but economically vulnerable area, while Tract
55.01 reflects racial and economic concentration.
The City of Ridgecrest does not exhibit pervasive jurisdiction-wide segregation, but does experience localized variations of racial, ethnic, and economic differentiation.
Local Knowledge (City’s Observations).
Disability and Accessibility
Distribution of Persons with Disabilities vary across the City:
• Census Tract 54.10 has the highest disability rate at 23.6%. • Census Tract 54.02, an older neighborhood, has a disability rate of 19.2% and has received a higher concentration of accessibility improvements.
2.2 Accessibility Improvements
The City has undertaken ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, including:
• Sidewalk and driveway upgrades
• Targeted improvements in older neighborhoods
• Increased need for accessibility retrofits in mobile home parks, where many aging residents live No reasonable accommodation requests or accessibility‑related permits were reported during the planning period.
To assist disabled individuals in providing adequate housing to meet their needs, the State of California, in 1984, mandated Title 24, of the Uniform Building Code. Title 24 provides regulations for adaptability and accessibility of apartment units to provide for the safety and welfare of physically disabled inhabitants and visitors. An adaptable apartment is one that is accessible for entry and circulation and that can at any future point, be adapted to meet the specific needs of a person with disabilities. These improvements would include the installation of wider doors, grab bars, lower cabinets, lower light switches and sidewalk-to-front door ramps.
For persons with mental illness, the County Mental Health Services Department provides a full range of services throughout the County. Services include initial assessment, crisis services, ongoing case coordination, case management, and counseling services, among others. Hospitalization and inpatient treatment and placement programs may be contracted for the Department with private providers.
Several County programs assist persons with physical disabilities. The Community Development Program Department operates the Home Access Program, providing grants for home accessibility improvements. In addition, HACK has made five percent of the affordable public housing stock accessible to persons with physical disabilities (45 units), and City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 22 two percent of units adaptable to the sensory impaired (18 units).
Percent of Population 18 Years and Over in Households Living with Spouse Figure 7 identifies the percent of population over the age of 18 years and over in households living with spouse in Ridgecrest. As shown in Figure 7, most of the census tracts in Ridgecrest have 40 to 60% of their population over the age of 18 years and over in households living with spouse. Part of the city in tract 53 has 20% to 40% of its population over the age of 18 years and over in households living with spouse. Comparing Figure 7 with Figures 3 and 4, it can be deduced that tract 53 compared to other tracts, is highly diverse while also having a small population (20% - 40%) of 18 years and over living with spouse. Comparing this analysis with Figure 8, population in tract 53 seems generally to have more households with married couples living with children than households of 18 years and over in households living with spouse. It is worth mentioning that tract 53 is very demographically diverse with a high diversity index and a non-white population overpassing 81%. Showing that residents in the most diverse area in Ridgecrest, are less inclined to live as married couples alone than in other areas of the city.
Figure 7: Population 18 Years and Over in Households Living with Spouse by Census Tract Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 23 Percent of Children in Married Households
As shown in Figure 8, the percentage of children in married couple households vary across different census tracts in Ridgecrest. citywide, the areas with higher concentrations of children in married couple households are located in the central areas of the city. Census tract 54.04 that covers the central and southeastern portions of the city has more than 80%of its children in married households. Census tracts 54.01, 54.02 and 54.03 that cover central and western portions of the city have 60-80% of its children in married households. Census tracts 53 and 55.01 that cover the southern and northern portions of the city have 20-40% of its children in married households. It is noted that some census tracts with higher percentages of children in married households extends out into areas of the unincorporated County. Based on this analysis, the County finds that there are no specific patterns of segregation impacting children in married households in Ridgecrest, given that the concentration of married households has no correlation with the degree of diversity throughout the city. As shown in Figure 8, some census tracts that have higher percentage of children in married couple households are also some of the census tracts that with higher cost burdens for renter households, indicating that these households may be particularly susceptible to these economic impacts.
Figure 8: Percent of Children in Married-Couple Households by Census Tract Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 24 Female-headed Households
Ridgecrest is also home to a number of female-headed households located throughout the community with approximately a half of the City’s census tracts exhibiting lower proportions than the rest of the city. The percentage of female-headed households is 24.6% in the city, compared to the County which has a slightly lower percentage at 24.5%. As shown in Figure 9, most of female-headed households in Ridgecrest are located in census tracts in the south and north of the city. In Ridgecrest, census tract 53 with higher concentrations of female-headed households is also one of the City’s census tracts with vulnerable sensitive communities as shown in Figure 15. The percentage of female-headed households in tracts 54.02, 54.03 and 54.04 is less than 20%. Compared to Figure 8, such tracts have high percent of children in married-couple households being a possible reason behind the low number of female-headed households.
Figure 9: Percent of Children in Female Householder, No Spouse/Partner Present Household by Census Tract
Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool Summary
Family Status and Household Type
• Non-Family Households
o Tracts with higher diversity (notably Tract 53) show a higher share of non-family households, reflecting greater housing flexibility but also socioeconomic instability.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 25 • Married-Couple Households with Children
o Concentrations of children in married households are dispersed across Ridgecrest and do not correlate strongly with racial segregation.
o Female-headed households (24.6%) mirror the County average but are spatially concentrated in southern and northern tracts, some of which overlap with sensitive communities.
Family status does not appear to drive citywide segregation; however Non-family households are more prevalent in lower-income, diverse neighborhoods and Female-headed households, which constitute approximately one-quarter of all households, are spatially concentrated in northern and southern tracts that experiencing economic stress and higher housing cost burdens. Children in married-couple households are broadly distributed throughout the city, indicating no clear pattern of segregation based solely on marital family structure.
Persons 65 Years of Age or Older
The community’s older residents, persons 65 years of age or older, are slightly dispersed throughout the Ridgecrest with significant concentrations in the northwestern and southern portions of the city, as shown in Figure 10. The percentage of senior residents is 17.6 in the city, compared to the County which has a higher percentage at 20.1%. The highest concentrations of senior residents are located in the south portion of the city as well as in the northwest. As members of the community age-in-place (remain in their residence as they get older), it’s possible that some areas of the city will continue to see higher proportions oftheir neighborhood occupied by senior residents. Safe and convenient access to goods and services is especially important for seniors, who may have mobility limitations or minimum household income. As shown in Figure 10, in Ridgecrest, census tracts with higher concentrations of senior households are also some of the City’s census tracts with higher cost burdens for renter households, indicating that senior households may be particularly susceptible to these economic impacts. However, these same tracts have moderate to low-cost burdens for home owners. As shown in Figure 10, tract 53 has a low percent of senior resident population, same track with high diversity index. Additionally, it seems like the areas with the higher percent of senior population are areas with generally high median income household.
Particularly, tract 55.01 has a percent of senior population higher than the national average, and the same tract has a household income higher than $87,100 and a. low diversity index.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 26 Figure 10: Proportion of Senior Residents by Census Tract – ACS (2017 – 2021) Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 27 Median Household Income
Patterns of moderately segregated economic wealth, as indicated by median household income, do exist in Ridgecrest, as illustrated on Figure 11. The median household income in Ridgecrest is $71, 774. In comparison, the median income in Kern County ($54,851) is lower than the Statewide median of $78,672. In general, most areas with the highest median household incomes are located in the northern and southern portion of the city. Some block groups located in 54.01 and 54.03 have a median household income higher than $125,000, being the areas with the highest median household income in the city. Within the section of the city in tract 55.01, the median household income is higher than $87,100. It is important to note that tract 55.01 has a predominant white majority population and a very low diversity index. Other block groups located in tracts 54.01, 54.02 and 54.04 have a median household income higher than $87,100 as well. Areas with lower median household incomes are more likely located in the central portion of the city.
There is at least one block group in tracts 54.03 and 53 that has a median household income lower than $30,000, being the areas with the lowest income category. As shown in Figure 11, communities In Ridgecrest with lower median incomes are somewhat more likely to be located in the more racially and ethnically diverse portion of the City. Such is the case of tract 53, as its block group closest to the city center has a median income lower than $30,000. These area as it was previously discussed, seems to have a diverse demographic population and somewhat a moderate number of diverse households.
Figure 11: Median Household Income by Block Group – ACS (2015 – 2019) Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool Findings
The City has considered trends and patterns related to integration and segregation based on racial and ethnic factors, disability, family status, seniors, and median household income. Although Ridgecrest presents a diverse range of data within some of its areas, there are some patterns of isolation or segregation apparent when considering certain City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 28 characteristics, including population with disabilities, female-headed households, seniors, and householdswith lower median household incomes. As it was previously analyzed, although the predominant population of Ridgecrest is White alone, Ridgecrest has some diverse communities, mostly located in the City’s center. Tract 53 turned out to be an interesting area that shows correlation between many of the data previously discussed. Tract 53 is highly diverse, while having a high percent of non-white population. Additionally, one of the block groups corresponding to the tract has a very low median income.
Therefore, it is suggested to consider tract 53 for further analysis regarding integration and segregation for further implementation of housing. On the other hand, census tract 55.01 located in the southern section of the city shows characteristics somewhat opposite to tract 53. Tract 55.01 has a very low diversity index while having a predominant white majority population, a small non-white population and one of the highest populations of senior residents in the city.
Additionally, tract 55.01 has a high median household, and it is close to one of the block groups with the highest median income in tract 54.03. Census tracts 54.01 and 54.03 have the census blocks with the highest median household income in the city. Meaning the median household income in the southern sections of Ridgecrest generally range from moderate to very high. The rest of the tracts present a broader range of median household income. The patterns and trends discussed in this section will be further analyzed in the next section where disparities in access to opportunities, disproportionate housing needs and displacement risk are discussed. As part of the City’s regular participation in the County AI and through implementation of programs in the Housing Plan, the City will continue to consider these patterns to program funding and resources to reduce patterns of isolation and segregation and increase access to housing-related and other resources in these areas in order to effect change from current conditions.
Summary
Income Diversity and Economic Segregation
• Median Household Income
o Ridgecrest’s median household income ($71,774) is higher than Kern County’s average ($54,851) but below the state level.
o High-income areas overlap with low-diversity, White-majority tracts (notably Tract 55.01 and portions of 54.01 and 54.03).
o Lower-income households are concentrated in central areas (especially Tract 53), which are also the most racially diverse.
• Income Inequality (Gini Index)
o Ridgecrest’s Gini Index (0.4159) is lower than Kern County’s average (0.4673), indicating less overall income inequality.
Ridgecrest experiences moderate income integration citywide, but income-based segregation is evident at the neighborhood level, closely aligned with racial composition.
Ridgecrest experiences moderate income inequality relative to Kern County, as reflected by a lower Gini Index than the countywide average. However, income segregation is evident at the neighborhood level, closely aligned with racial composition.
Lower-income areas overlap with higher renter concentrations, cost burdens, and higher proportions of non-family households.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 29 Contributing Factors
• Housing cost differentials across neighborhoods
• Limited presence of multifamily and affordable ownership housing in higher-income tracts • Market-driven development patterns
Income Patterns and Publicly Assisted Housing
Income patterns mirror housing age and size:
• Census Tract 53 is the lowest‑income area, with older housing and smaller lots. • College Heights (Tract 55.09) is the highest‑income area, with newer homes and larger lots. • Census Tract 53 has the highest concentration of High Choice Voucher/Section 8 households. • Mojave View Apartments in Tract 54.02 represent a concentration of publicly assisted housing, funded through an Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities grant.
These patterns reflect affordability differences rather than intentional clustering of assisted housing.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 30
RACIALLY OR ETHNICALLY CONCENTRATED AREAS OF POVERTY (R/ECAP) To assist communities in identifying racially/ethnically concentrated areas of poverty (R/ECAPs), HUD has developed a census tract-based definition of R/ECAPs. The definition involves a racial/ethnic concentration threshold and a poverty test. The racial/ethnic concentration threshold is straightforward: R/ECAPs must have a non-white population of 50 percent or more. Regarding the poverty threshold, Wilson (1980) defines neighborhoods of extreme poverty as census tracts with 40 percent ormore of individuals living at or below the poverty line. Because overall poverty levels are substantially lower in many parts of the country, HUD supplements this with an alternate criterion. Thus, a neighborhood can be a R/ECAPs if it has a poverty rate thatexceeds 40% or is three or more times the average tract poverty rate for the metropolitan/micropolitan area, whichever threshold is lower. According to the Kern COG AFFH Dataset, tract 53 is considered a R/ECAP in Ridgecrest.
Comparing Figure 3 (Diversity Index) to Figure 11 (Median Household Income), it appears that areas of high diversity do generally correlate with lower incomes and that areas of medium to low diversity reflect high income levels. As discussed in the Findings section of this Chapter, the Housing Plan includes programs to encourage increased diversity andhousing opportunities throughout the city.
To counter potential impacts of furthering socioeconomic segregation, and to promote neighborhood equity, stabilization, and housing mobility, the city will implement various programs, including, but not limited to, the following:
Program 3 Community Development Block Grants
Program 4 Fair Housing Services/AFFH
Program 5 Nonprofit Housing Provider (such as Habitat for Humanity).
Program 6 Kern County Housing Authority
Program 8 ADU Outreach Program
Program 10 Parking Reduction Program
Program 11 Reduced or Waived Sewer Capacity Fees
Program 12 Rehabilitation Program
Program 14 Special Needs Housing/ Outreach for Persons with Disabilities Program 15 Update Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances
Program 16 Development of Extremely Low-Income Housing
Program 18 Infrastructure Priority for Affordable Housing Program 19 Emergency Shelters
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 31 Program 23 Place-based Neighborhood Revitalization
Program 24 Reasonable Accommodation
Program 25 Promote Variety of Housing
Program 26 Equal Housing Opportunity
Program 27 Section 8 Housing Vouchers
The above programs will facilitate the continued development of affordable housing, greater housing opportunities, utilize renter assistance programs, and community engagement strategies to support better integration and neighborhood equity throughout the City.
RACIALLY/CONCENTRATED AREAS OF AFFLUENCE (RCAA)
According to the Housing and Community Development AFFH Guidance Memo, “segregation is a continuum, with polarity betweenrace, poverty, and affluence, which can be a direct product of the same policies and practices”. Therefore, both sides of the continuum must be examined. While HCD does not have a standard definition for RCAAs, looking at the percentage of the White population and median household income can provide a good indicator for areas of affluence.
In addition to RECAPs utilized by HUD, scholars at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs created theRacially Concentrated Areas of Affluence (RCAAs) metric to more fully tell the story of segregation in the United States1. RCAAs are defined as census tracts where 1) 80 percent or more of the population is White, and 2) the median household income is $125,000 or greater (slightly more than double the national median household income in 2016). Table 4 presents the median household incomes of White, non-Hispanic residents in Ridgecrest, as well as the County as a whole. There is no census block in the city witha median household income of $125,000 and a population that is 80 percent or more White. As such, there is no census tract in Ridgecrest that fit these criteria, and as such, the City has no RCAAs. However, in comparing Figure 3 to Figure 11, the most affluent area of the city, located in census tract 54.03, has a median household income greater than $125,000 and a general low diversity index.
Table 4: Median Household Incomes
Median Household Income City of Ridgecrest Kern County
White Households $76,484 $ 66,163
All households $71,774 $54,851
% of White population 78.3% 67.6%
Source: U.S. Census, Bureau ACS 2015-2019
1 Goetz, E. G., Damiano, A., & Williams, R. A. 2019. Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence: A Preliminary Investigation. Cityscape: A Journal of Policy Development and Research, Volume 21(1) [pages 99–124]. Available at: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/cityscpe/vol21num1/ch4.pdf City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 32
DISPARITIES IN ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITIES
The Department of Housing and Community Development together with the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) established the California Fair Housing Task Force to provide research, evidence-based policy recommendations, and other strategic recommendations to HCD and other related state agencies/departments to further the fair housing goals (as defined by HCD). The Task Force developed the 2021 TCAC/HCD Opportunity Area Maps to understand how public and private resources are spatially distributed. The Task Force defines opportunities as pathways to better lives, including health, education, and employment. Overall, opportunity maps are intended to display which areas, according to research, offer low-income children and adults the best chance at economic advancement, high educational attainment, and good physical and mental health.
The opportunity maps are made from composite scores of three different domains made up of a set of indicators. The Task Force analyzed three domains (Economic, Environmental, Education) to establish the resource category for each block group. The Economic Domain (Figure 13) analyzes poverty, level of adult education, employment rates, job proximity, and median home valuein each block group, while the Education Domain (Figure 16) analyzesmath/reading proficiency, high school graduation rates,and the student poverty rate. The Environmental Domain (Figure 17) looks at the CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Pollution indicators (Exposures and Environmental Effect indicators) and processed values. Each Figure includes the locations of proposed sites to accommodate the 6 th Cycle RHNA. Table 66 shows the full list of
indicators.
Table 5: Domains and List of Indicators by Factors
Domain Indicator
Economic • Poverty
• Adult education
• Employment
• Job proximity
• Median home value
Education • Math proficiency
• Reading proficiency
• High school graduation rates
• Student poverty rates
Environmental • CalEnviroScreen
values
4.0 pollution indicators and
Source: California Fair Housing Task Force, Methodology for TCAC/HCD Opportunity Maps, December 2020.
Based on the domain scores, census tracts are categorized as Highest Resource, High Resource, Moderate Resource, Moderate Resource (Rapidly Changing), Low Resource, or areas of High Segregation and Poverty. According to the Task Force’s methodology, the tool allocates the 20% of the tracts in each region with the highest relative index scores to the “Highest Resource”designation and the next 20% to the “High Resource” designation. Each region then ends up with 40% of its total tracts as “Highest” or “High” resource. These 2 categories are intended to help State decision-makers identify tracts within each region that the research suggests low-income families are most likely to thrive, and where they typically do not have the option to live—but might, if given the choice. The remaining tracts are then evenly divided into “Low Resources” and “Moderate Resource”.
Figure 12 identifies the final resource categories of each census tract, as identified on the TCAC/HCDOpportunity Map.
As shown in Figure 12, census tracts 54.02, 54.03 and 54.04 of the city have the highest levels of opportunity. Table 6 identifies the resources levels by census tract and the corresponding scores for economic, educational, and environmental indicators.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 33 Figure 12: TCAC Opportunity Areas by Census Tract
Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool Table 6: Opportunity Resource Levels by Census Tract
Census Tracts
(Old/New)
Resource Level Economic Score Environmental Score Education Score
53.00 High
Segregation and
Poverty
Low Resources
0.02 0.12 0.76
54.01 (New 54.05
and 54.06)
High Resource 0.51 0.19 0.81
54.02 Highest
Resource
0.42 0.98, 0.83
54.03 (New 54.07
and 54.08)
Highest
Resource
0.45 0.99 0.81
54.04 (New 54.09
and 54.10)
Highest
Resource
0.49 0.99 0.76
55.01 (New 55.09) High Resource 0.43 0.79 0.70
Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool, California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) / California Department of Housing and Development Opportunity Areas Maps, accessed May 25, 2023.
Note: New Census Tract numbers are shown in parenthesis.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 34 The majority of the City is designated as high to highest resource area with the exception of census tract 53.00, which is designated as high segregation and poverty. Tracts 54.02, 54.03, and 54.04 are considered as highest resource, tracts 54.01 and 55.01 as high resource, while tract 53 as a tract with high segregation and poverty. Additionally, data from HUD considered tract 53 as a Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Area of Poverty (R/ECAPs). Such data will be further analyzed in the next sections.
By promoting new development opportunities in low opportunity areas, it is the City’s intent to improve the conditions of these census tracts by providing a boarder range of goodsand services, bring new residential development closer to transit and jobs, and support community revitalization. Given that thecity has one significant area with high segregation and poverty, the City must look to such area in order to accommodate new development, and the City has distributed these units throughout the resource levels to promote more equal and equitable patterns of opportunity.
Economic Opportunity
The largest industry in Ridgecrest in 2020 was Public Administration at 29.6%. This is followed by Educational Services, And Health Care and Social Assistance at 21.5% and Retail Trade at 8.4%. As described above, the Fair Housing Task Force calculates economic scores based on poverty, adult education, employment, job proximity, and median home values. As shown in Table A-6 above, the overall economic scores in Ridgecrest range from 0.02 to 0.51. The economic scores are mostly constant in the city, being the scores from 0.42 to 0.51 with the exception of census tract 53.00 with a score of 0.02. Although the predominant racial and ethnic group concentration is similar throughout the City, as shown in Figure 13, census tract 53.00 with a economic score of 0.02 is also the census tract of a higher diversity index and a lower medianhousehold income. Additionally, census tract 53.00 show correlations with and vulnerable sensitive classes.
Figure 13: TCAC Economic Score by Census Tract
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 35 Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool As shown in Table 7, the City’s population between 60 and 64 years of age has a lower rate of employment than the Countywide cohort. However, the population aged 65 and over in the city has a higher rate of employment per total population than the Countywide cohort and experiences in general lower unemployment rates (unemployed persons as total of the workforce) than the Countywide, with a higher rate in the 60 - 64 year range than in the 65+ ranges. The race in the city that experience somewhat lower employment to population ratios than the Countywide average is Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, while the rest of the races have a slightly higher employment to population ratio than the Countywide average.
Races in the city that experience higher unemployment rates than the Countywide cohorts are Black or African American alone, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, Some other race alone, and Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race).
Females in Ridgecrest experience less unemployment than the Countywide average, while females with their own children under 18 years of age experience higher employment than the Countywide average. Regarding income levels, the City’s population below the poverty level that is in the labor force and unemployed is also higher than the Countywide rate. Persons with a disability in the city have a lower rate of employment to total working age population than Countywide and the unemployment rate for persons with a disability is also lower than the Countywide rate. Overall, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, persons aged 60-64, and persons below the poverty level have less access to employment in the city, while Black or African American alone, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, Some other race alone, Hispanic or Latino origin, and persons below the poverty level experience higher rates of unemployment than the Countywide averages.
It is noted that while the difference in employment to population ratio is assumed to result from less access for the purpose of the above discussion, there is also the potential in this category for persons who choose to not be in the labor force. This is different from the unemployment rate which measures persons that are in the labor force but are not employed.
As shown in Figure 14, the job proximity index fluctuates significantly within Ridgecrest. On a scale from zero to 100 where 100 is the closest proximity to jobs, around half of the city scores above 40, with northeastern section having scores above 60. The city centric section of census tract 53 has a score above 80, being the highest score in the city. It is important to note that tract 53 is highly diverse and considered a vulnerable area. On the hand, the southwestern section of the city has lower scores, including parts of tracts 54.03 and 55.01 having a score lower than 20, which is considered the lowest score in the parameter.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 36 Table 7: Employment by Characteristics and Regional (County/City) Comparison Characteristic
Kern County, California Ridgecrest, California Difference in
Employme
nt/
Populatio
n Ratio
Difference
in
Unemploy
-ment
Rate
Total
Employment
/ Population
Ratio
Unemployment rate Total
Employment
/ Population
Ratio
Unemployment rate
Population 16 years
and over 671, 496 52.7% 8.9% 21,515 56.1% 7.6% 3.4% -1.3% AGE
60 to 64 years 45,376 46.2% 6.6% 1,469 37.2% 3.9% -9% -2.7% 65 to 74 years 61,305 20.1% 5.7% 2,163 32.5% 1.1% 12.4% -4.6% 75 years and over 37,715 4.8% 8.0% 1,551 9.2% 0.0% 4.4% -8%
RACE AND HISPANIC OR LATINO ORIGIN
White alone 423,993 52.4% 8.4% 16,886 56.1% 6.5% 3.7% -1.9% Black or African
American alone
36,486 42.6% 15.9% 601 48.4% 0.0% 5.8% -15.9%
American Indian
andAlaska Native
alone
7,141 45.9% 11.5% 165 46.1% 40.6% 0.2% 29.1%
Asian alone 34,888 57.0% 5.3% 1,320 59.2% 3.2% 2.2% -2.1% Native Hawaiian and
other Pacific Islander
alone
1,038 45.8% 17.4% 63 41.3% 48.0% -4.5% 30.6%
Some other race alone 90,076 54.9% 9.4% 1,366 56.3% 21.0% 1.4% 11.6% Two or more races 77,874 54.8% 9.2% 1,114 59.1% 4.5% 4.3% -4.7% Hispanic or Latino
origin (of any race)
341,897 55.6% 8.8% 3,852 63.3% 10.0% 7.7% 1.2%
White alone, not
Hispanic or Latino
239,459 49.9% 8.2% 15,052 54.4% 6.9% 4.5% -1.3%
Population 20 to 64
years
518,253 63.4% 8.3% 16,334 66.5% 7.7% 3.1% -0.6%
SEX
Male 272,424 67.3% 8.4% 8,325 67.3% 7.8% 0.0% -0.6%
Female 245,829 59.1% 8.2% 8,009 65.7% 7.6% 6.6% -0.6%
With own children
under 18 years
101,798 60.8% 7.9% 3,094 70.3% 7.2% 9.5% -0.7%
POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
Below poverty level 81,865 33.1% 25.8% 2,089 19.9% 37.5% -13.2% 11.7% At or above the
poverty level 412,382 73.1% 6.3% 14,138 73.9% 5.9% 0.8% -0.4%
DISABILITY STATUS
With any disability 51,788 31.7% 14.1% 2,463 29.8% 10.5% -1.9% -3.6% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2017-2021
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 37 Figure 14: Jobs Proximity Index (2014 – 2017) HUD (Block Group) Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool Figure 15: Sensitive Communities
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 38 Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool Educational Opportunity
TCAC’s education score is based on math proficiency, reading proficiency, high school graduation rates, and the student poverty rate. As shown in Table 7 above, the overall education opportunity scores in Ridgecrest range from 0.70 to 0.83.
Most census tracts in the city have an educational opportunity score above 0.75. Such tracts are the most diverse in the city, with a relatively high percent of non-white population. As shown in the figure 16, only part of census tract 55.01 has an educational score below 0.75 with a 0.70, which is still generally high.
Figure 16: TCAC Educational Score by Census Tract
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 39 Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool Environmental Opportunity
Environmental health scores are determined by the Fair Housing Task Force based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 pollution indicators and values. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) compiles these scores to help identify California communities disproportionately burdened by multiple sources of pollution. In addition to environmental factors (pollutant exposure, groundwater threats, toxic sites, and hazardous materials exposure) and sensitive receptors (seniors, children, persons with asthma, and low birth weight infants), CalEnviroScreen also takes into consideration socioeconomic factors. These factors include educational attainment, linguistic isolation, poverty, and unemployment.
As shown in Table 6 above, the overall TCAC environmental scores in Ridgecrest range from 0.12 to 0.99. Census tracts 53 and 54.01 have lower environmental scores of 0.12 and 0.19 respectively. The CalEnviroScreen scores coincide with previous TCAC scores as it measures negative or positive environmental factors affecting certain tracts. As shown in Figure 17, census tracts in the center of the city seem to generally have a moderate score. Tract 54.03 has the lowest score in between 20 and 30 while tract 54.04 has a score between 30 and 40, generally having positive environmental factors. Tracts
54.01 and 54.02 have moderate scores in between 40 and 50. Tracts 53 and 55.01 have in general scores between 60 and 70, meaning having more negative environmental factors. Comparing these results with the TCAC environmental score, tract 53 seems to be the tract most affected by negative environmental factors.
Figure 17: CalEnviroScreen 4.0 (OEHHA, 2021) - Tract
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 40 Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool, 2023 CalEnviroScreen 4.0 A disadvantaged community or environmental justice community (“EJ Community”) is identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency (“CalEPA”) as “areas that is disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation,” and may or may not have a concentration of low-income households, high unemployment rates, low homeownership rates, overpayment for housing, or other indicators of disproportionate housing need. In February 2021, the California Office for Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (COEHHA) released the fourthversion of CalEnviroScreen, a tool that uses environmental, health, and socioeconomic indicators to map and compare community’s environmental scores. In the CalEnviroScreen tool, communities that have a cumulative score in the 75th percentileor above (25 percent highest score census tracts) are those that have been designated disadvantaged communities under SB 535.Communities that are identified as an EJ Community based on their cumulative pollution exposure score are targeted for investment through the State cap-and-trade program.
However, the condition of these communities poses fair housing concerns due to disproportionate exposure to unhealthy living conditions. As shown in CalEPA’s Disadvantaged Communities Map, there is no EJ Community in the City of Ridgecrest.
Transportation
Availability of efficient, affordable transportation can be used to measure fair housing and access to opportunities.
Countywide, the Kern County Public Works Department is responsible for the planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of roads, bridges, traffic signals, sanitary landfills, recycling centers, wastewater treatment plants, public transit center, and other publicly-owned facilities. Specific to Ridgecrest, Ridgecrest Transit Division serves the city combining the benefits of traditional fixed route service and demand response service for Transit Functional Needs qualified passengers.
As stated in the Ridgecrest Transit Division website, the bus follows a defined route, picking up and dropping off passengers at designated stops. The bus will also “deviate” off its route within a three-quarter of a mile radius when a Transit Functional Needs passenger has been identified and an advance reservation has been made. Additionally, Ridgecrest Transit provides City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 41 all citizens’ equal access to its transportation services under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and it is also the intent of Ridgecrest Transit that all citizens are aware of their rights to such access. The City’s website provides information on filing a Title VI complaint and related services. Services are offered both in English and Spanish.
As it was previously discussed in Chapter 3, an 87.8% of Ridgecrest population travel less than 30 minutes from home to work. This figure indicates that many of the jobs are within 20 miles of the city and that there is a strong jobs/housing balance, meaning that the available jobs are within relatively close distance to the employees’ places of residence.
Findings
Overall, it appears that generally residents of Ridgecrest have consistent levels of access to opportunities– from high to highest resource – except for tract 53 which its resource level is considered high segregation and poverty. As shown in Table 7, the educational, environmental and economic opportunity scores are generally consistent across census tracts in the city, and it is only the census tract 53.00 that vary drastically with low environmental and economic scores. On the other hand, tracts 54.02, 54.03 and 54.04 are considered to have highest resource levels. Therefore, while opportunity scores are generally similar throughout the City, the above analysis indicates that there are discrepancies in unemployment between races and persons below the poverty level have higher rates of unemployment in Ridgecrest than Countywide – this is not an area-specific issue, but a Citywide issue. Additionally, census tract 53 and 55.01 seems to be more susceptible to negative environmental impacts caused by sources of pollution, groundwater threats, toxic sites, and hazardous materials exposure. Tract 53 has high levels of diversity and non-white population, while tract 55.01 a high percent of population that is 65 years and over and a low jobs proximity index. This is important to note as environmental score obtained from CalEnviroScreen also takes into consideration socioeconomic factors. On the other hand, TCAC educational score are high and consistent throughout the city.
New mixed-use development in the City is envisioned to provide new safe residential housing units,new employment opportunities, and new space for the development of commercial projects offering a variety of goods and services.
Moreover, by continuing to improve the ratio of housing to local jobs, the City’s contributes to reducing vehicle miles traveled, reducing GHG emissions, and improving regional air quality, thereby working to improve access to higher levels of environmental health.
Local Knowledge (city’s observations).
Access to Opportunity
1. Education
Educational access is equitable across neighborhoods:
• Schools are geographically distributed throughout the City. • The district offers specialized programs (STEM, Arts, independent study) that are open to all residents. • The local graduation rate (86%) aligns with statewide averages. • Cerro Coso Community College provides vocational pathways in nursing, welding, wind energy, and law enforcement.
• Higher‑demand programs include the STEM and Arts schools, though access is not geographically restricted.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 42
2. Economic Opportunity
The Navy Installation is the City’s dominant employer:
• Approximately 6,800 employees, with 24% of residents working on‑base. • No major new industries or economic development initiatives are planned. • High‑speed internet is widely available, supporting remote work and education.
3. Transportation
The City is geographically isolated but maintains:
• Local transit connecting to a county hub
• Dial‑a‑ride services
• Expanded bike paths linking housing to schools and services • Generally good road conditions, with street lighting in most neighborhoods • Ongoing sidewalk infill in areas lacking complete infrastructure High‑traffic corridors include North China Lake Boulevard and East Ridgecrest Boulevard, both part of State Route
14. 4. Environmental Conditions
Environmental risks are minimal and evenly distributed. Key efforts include:
• Flood control improvements in the eastern portion of the City • The Bowman Channel project to reduce standing water
• Flood mitigation infrastructure associated with new affordable housing All neighborhoods have similar access to parks, outdoor spaces, and shopping.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 43
DISPROPORTIONATE HOUSING NEEDS AND DISPLACEMENT
Future Growth Needs
As it was previously discussed in Chapter 3, the Kern COG Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) plan has allocated 620 housing units as Ridgecrest's 2023-2031 regional housing share for low- and very low-income households. Thus, of the 379 very low-income housing needed, the City is estimating 189 units for extremely low-income households. Most, if not all, extremely low-income households will require rental housing. This demonstrates the City’s ability to accommodate the anticipated future affordable housing needs of the community.
Cost Burden
A household is considered cost burdened if the household pays more than 30% of its total gross income for housing costs. For renters, housing costs include rent paid by the tenant plus utilities. For homeowners, housing costs include mortgage payment,taxes, insurance, and utilities. As discussed in the Background, as with most communities, the location of the home is one of the biggest factors regarding price. Figure 18 and Figure 19 indicates renter households and owner households demonstrate different patterns of overpayment. For renter households, all census tracts except for 54.01 and 54.02 have a percentage of the population overpaying in the 40-60% range. For owner households, census tract 53 has a percentage of the population overpaying in the 60-80% range. Overpayment increases the risk of displacing residents who are no longer able to afford theirhousing costs.
Countywide, approximately 50.8% of renters and 28.0% of owners overpaid for housing. As discussed previously in the Background Report, 37.1% of renters in Ridgecrest overpay for housing. Regionally, Ridgecrest renters have a lower rate of overpayment than Countywide. The majority of renters that overpay are in the lower income group with a 64%, while the other 35.8% is part of the extremely low-income group severely overpaying for housing (over 50% of theirmonthly income). As shown in Figure A-18, these renters are concentrated in the census tracts located in South and East of Ridgecrest.
Regionally, Ridgecrest owners have a lower rate of overpayment than Countywide. As shown previously, 18.9% of homeowners overpay for housing with 28.8% in the extremely low-income group severely overpaying for housing (over 50% of their monthly income). Figure 19 shows the concentrations of cost burden for homeowners in the city. There is a concentration of homeowners who overpay located in the census tracts in northeastern part of Ridgecrest.
The median sales price for a single-family home in Ridgecrest in 2013 was $136,000. Figures 18 and 19 show the concentrations of costburden by renter and homeowners, with Ridgecrest having the highest concentrations of costburdened renters in the central, southern and northeastern portions of the city and the highest concentrations of costburdened homeowners in the central and northeastern portions of the city. As seen in the figures, there are concentrations of cost burdened renters and homeowners located throughout the County.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 44 Figure 18: Overpayment by Renters (2015 – 2019) – ACS Tract Level Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool Figure 19: Overpayment by Home Owners (2015 – 2019) ACS Tract Level Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 45 Summary
Housing Cost Burden
(Percent of Income >30% Spent on Housing)
• Renters
o Cost burdens are concentrated in the same census tracts that house lower-income, diverse populations, particularly central Ridgecrest.
o Senior renters and persons with disabilities in these areas face heightened vulnerability, consistent with countywide trends.
• Homeowners
o Owner cost burdens are moderate to low in high-income, low-diversity tracts. o Homeownership remains more financially stable in Ridgecrest compared to many Kern County communities.
Housing cost burdens in Ridgecrest disproportionately affect renters in racially diverse, lower-income neighborhoods, reinforcing patterns of economic and housing vulnerability, though less severe than countywide averages. Owner households in higher-income tracts experience comparatively lower cost burden levels, reinforcing patterns of economic stability and housing security in those areas.
Compared to Kern County, Ridgecrest renters experience similar affordability pressures, though these pressures are concentrated in specific neighborhoods rather than uniformly distributed.
Contributing Factors
• Concentration of rental housing stock in lower-income tracts • Limited affordable rental options in higher-opportunity neighborhoods • Rising housing costs relative to local incomes
Overcrowding
Typically, a housing unit is considered overcrowded if there is more than one person per room and severely overcrowded if there are more than 1.5 persons per room. As discussed in the Needs Assessment of the Housing Element, overcrowded households in the City of Ridgecrest appear to be low with the 2.6% of occupied housing units being overcrowded. As described in Chapter 3, the average household size in Ridgecrest was 2.46 persons in 2020. As Figure 20 indicates, the degree of overcrowding isconsistent across the city.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 46 Figure 20: Overcrowded Households Data – CHHS – Tract
Source: Kern Council of Governments Housing Needs Mapping Tool Substandard Housing
As discussed, in Chapter 3, the vast majority of housing unit in the city were built after World War II. Approximately one half (53.2%) of Ridgecrest's housing stock was built after 1980. Countywide, 55.4 percent of the housing stock was built after 1980. Typically, housing over 30 years of age is more likely to have rehabilitation needs that may include plumbing, roof repairs, electrical repairs, foundation rehabilitation, or other significant improvements. While it is likely that some homeowners have conducted ongoing maintenance tomaintain the value of their homes, it is likely thatmany of these homes need some degree of repairs. In some cases, the costof repairs can be prohibitive, resulting in the owner or renter living in substandard housing conditions or being displaced if the house is designated as uninhabitable or during rehabilitation. According to CHAS data compiled for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, there were 315 owner households and 720 renter households earning less than 50 percent of the median family income with one or more housing problems, which may include overcrowding, lack of a complete kitchen, lack of complete plumbing, or cost burden. As identified above, many homeowners and renters in Ridgecrest are cost burdened, and may represent a large portion with a housing problem.
Homelessness
Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative conducted the 2024 Point in Time Count of homeless population in Bakersfield identifying 2,669 individuals experiencing homelessness. Countywide. Some 1006 persons (38%) experiencing homelessness had shelter, while 1,663 were unsheltered, sleeping in parks, empty buildings, cars and other places not meant for human habitation. Additional local analysis is provided in the Housing Element. There are several organizations which provide services to the homeless in the Ridgecrest area, but none provide emergency shelter. Some service providers in City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 47 Ridgecrest include Salvation Army, The Women’s Shelter, Family Resource Centers and the Ridgecrest Senior Center. As Ridgecrest lacks a place that provides access to medication, medical services, and shelter, another issue facing homeless persons in Ridgecrest is the need of transit available to get to other cities that offer better services. Transitional housing is allowed in zones A, E-1, E-2, E-3, R-1 R-2, R-3, R-4 and MH. Conditional uses may be authorized in zones CG and CS by the granting of a conditional use permit by the Planning Commission. Conditional use permits are discretionary, and the approved process is described on pages 5-19 and 5-20 of the Housing Element. Emergency shelters are allowed in the R-3 and R-4 zones without discretionary review. These zones have land available to accommodate an emergency shelter. Program R. requires the city to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow transitional and supportive housing per Senate Bill 2 in all zones that allow residential uses in the same way other residential uses are allowed.
Program Q. addresses special needs groups including the homeless.
Local Data and Knowledge (City’s Observations).
Homeless individuals tend to remain in desert areas surrounding the City.
Resources are available locally and through neighboring communities with more robust service networks.
No neighborhood‑specific impacts or concentrations were identified.
Displacement Risk
The City plans to accommodate its 2023-2031 RHNA allocation on parcels designated for single family, multifamily, and mixed-use development, with vacant sites representing themajority of sites for newhousing. The Kern COG Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) plan has allocated 620 housing units as Ridgecrest's 2023-2031 regional housing share for low- and very low-income households. Underdeveloped residential sites are also identified as helping to meet a small portion of the City’s very low- income units and to provide additional opportunities for lower, moderate- and above-moderate income units; based on the net addition of units at these locations, there is no a significant displacement risk associated with the City’s current affordable housing stock as a result of new development.
The City recognizes that even though it has identified sufficient land to accommodate its RHNA allocation at all income levels,there is still the potential for economic displacement because of new development and investment. This “knock-on” effect canoccur at any time, and it can be challenging for the city to predict market changes and development patterns which have thepotential to impact rental rates and sales prices for housing available in the marketplace.
In Ridgecrest, there are areas vulnerable to displacement. As shown in Figure A-17, census tract 53 and 54.03 in the city are identified as areas where residents may be particularly vulnerable to displacement in the event of increased redevelopment and shifts in housing costs. Communities were designated sensitive in the HCD AFFH Dataset if they currently have populations vulnerable to displacement in the event of increased redevelopment and drastic shifts in housing cost. “Vulnerable” indicates a tract with a share of very low-income residents above 20% in 2017 that meets one other criterion related to renters, diversity, and housing burden.
To the extent that future development occurs in areas where there is existing housing, all housing must be replaced according to SB 330's replacement housing provisions (Government Code Section 66300). SB 330 also provides relocation payments to existing low-income tenants. The State has also adopted “just cause” eviction provisions and statewide rent control to protecttenants from displacement.
Research has shown that low-income renter populations are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards and that housingtenure is a telling determinant of social vulnerability to disasters. Renters bear the brunt of the existing affordable City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 48 housing shortage,and their adaptive capacity to cope and recover from the impacts of environmental hazards may be reduced due to systemicinequities and limited resources. Environmental hazards affecting residential development in the city primarily include geologicand seismic hazards, flooding and inundation hazards, and hazardous materials release.
Findings
“Disproportionate housing needs” generally refers to a condition in which there are significant disparities in the proportion of members of a protected class experiencing a category of housing need when compared to the proportion of members of any other relevant groups, or the total population experiencing that category of housing need in the applicable geographic area. Based on data analysis previously presented, themost disproportionate housing needs in Ridgecrest includes rehabilitation of the existing housing stock and increased variety of housing types at affordable prices, including housing for lower income households. A significant number of renters in Ridgecrest pay more than the 30% of their household income for rent. While the percent of home owners overpaying for their mortgages is less than renter overpayment for their rent, more than 80% of home owners in tract 53 seem to overpay for their mortgage. As it has been previously discussed, tract 53 seems has a low median household income and low TCAC scores. Therefore, it is important to consider the population of tract 53 in future plans of affordable housing implementation. At the same time. Additionally, 1,035 households in the city earning less than 50 percent of the median family income have one or more housing problems, being a reason for the rehabilitation of the existing housing stock.
Local Data and Knowledge (City’s Observations).
Disproportionate Housing Needs
Housing Conditions
• Older homes in Census Tract 53 may require rehabilitation. • Mobile home parks show signs of aging and disrepair.
• Newer subdivisions (built within the last decade) feature larger lots and higher‑value homes, contributing to income stratification.
Housing Availability
A significant gap exists in market‑rate multifamily housing, which has not been developed since 1989.
This limits housing choice for:
• Young professionals
• Navy civilian employees
• Households seeking modern rental amenities
Overpayment, Overcrowding, and Displacement
• No known patterns of rent spikes or displacement
• No known overcrowding issues
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 49 • Homelessness remains low (9–10 individuals), with individuals typically staying in desert areas rather than public spaces
Overall Fair Housing Assessment
The City demonstrates generally equitable access to opportunity, with modest demographic variations tied primarily to housing age, size, and affordability. Key fair housing challenges include:
• Concentration of lower‑income households and HCV renters in Census Tract 53 • Aging housing stock in older neighborhoods
• Lack of modern multifamily rental housing
• Accessibility needs in older areas and mobile home parks Housing Programs
The Housing Element provides for several housing programs to address increase housing choice in high-opportunity areas, preserve affordability in diverse neighborhoods, reduce displacement risk, Promote inclusive development patterns citywide, etc.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 50 C. LAND INVENTORY & FINDINGS
AB 686 requires that jurisdictions identify sites throughout the community in a manner that is consistent with its duty to affirmativelyfurther fair housing. The site identification includes not only an analysis of site capacity to accommodate the RHNA (provided inthis section), but also considers whether the identified sites serve the purpose of replacing segregated living patterns with truly integrated and balanced living patterns, transforming racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty into areas of opportunity. In 2022, in the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation Plan by Kern COG 1,436 housing units were allocated to Ridgecrest, including 620 for Lower Income households (Very Low & Low Income).
The distribution of RHNA sites across the community will help to improve the opportunities and outcomes throughout the city. Furthermore, the RHNA sites will allow for development at densities needed to stimulate affordable housing development. All the sites available in the inventory allow accommodation of moderate to low-income housing units, provided that the structures containing the units meet all development standards specified under the zoning ordinance. Special attention is paid to those sites identified to accommodate a portion of the City’s lower-income RHNA to ensure that the city is carefully considering how the development of new affordable housing options can promote patterns of equality and inclusiveness.
Table A-8 reflects that the sites identified to meet the City’s RHNA are at all income levels. According to figure A-21, the RHNA sites are generally accommodated throughout Ridgecrest and are not necessarily concentrated in areas with high racial or ethnic populations, persons with disabilities, senior households, and areas with low to moderate income households. In the specific of areas with high concentrations of low to moderate income households and high diversity index, minimal parcels are allocated to these, including tract 53. Although more diverse than other tracts in the city, there are several parcels allocated to tract 54.03, yet most of these parcels are allocated in the block with high percentage of moderate to above moderate-income households. A similar situation occurs with tracts
54.01 and 54.02, although these have lower diversity indexes. For these reasons, the city finds that the sites proposed to accommodate its RHNA allocation do not unduly burden existing areas of concentrated racial or ethnic homogeneity, poverty, or other characteristics. Moreover, the sites affirmatively further fair housing by helping to stimulate investment in areas where additional opportunities are desired, and where new residential and/or mixeduse development can help to improve some of the opportunity level characteristics discussed earlier in this chapter.
Further, an emphasis on increasing access in primarily single-family neighborhoods through ADUs, SB 9units, and alternative housing types as discussed in the Housing Plan will increase opportunities in areas where single family neighborhoods coincide with higher-than-average income levels, areas of opportunity, and lower diversity.
Additionally, approximately 10 sites zoned R-3 and R-4 were identified within the vacant residential opportunity parcels list where significant amounts of new units can be built for lower income level households.
Table 8
AFFH - Census Tract Analysis – Summary
Census
Tract
Existing
HH
RHNA Capacity by
Income Units(1)
AFFH Indicators
Integration and Segregation Accessto Opportunity Displacement Risk Lower Mod
Above
Mod
Median
HH
Income
Poverty
Rate
NonWhite
Pop.(2)
Disability
Rate
Resource
Designation
Job
Proximity
Index (3)
CalEnviro
Screen Score
Overcrowding
Renter
Overpayment
Homeowner
Overpayment
53 704 192 0 0 $41,733 26.2% 46.9% 15.7% Low Resource 70, 82 69 3.5% 43.9% 30.0%
54.02 2,181 0 809 435 $82,757 15.8% 31.9% 19.2% High Resource 26, 54, 64 40 1.1% 47.2% 25.5%
54.05 1,016 130 7 50 $57,128 8.8% 48.7% 13.9% High Resource 66, 77 48 0.0 14.8% 38.1%
54.06 1,419 0 0 32 $101,905 6.2% 23.4% 14.2% High Resource 39, 65, 74 48 0.0 18.2% 7.5%
54.07 1,510 187 202 153 $63,400 15.0% 34.6% 14.4% High Resource 4, 7 28 2.9% 57.9% 13.9%
54.08 1,971 543 219 413 $72,027 6.9% 36.4% 10.4% High Resource 6, 17, 38 28 2.9% 35.6% 28.6%
54.09 1,885 10 13 672 $92,036 6.3% 32.3% 15.7% High Resource 43, 64 33 0.0 26.9% 20.1%
54.10 781 299 209 378 NA 11.7% 37.3% 23.6% High Resource 21, 43 33 6.6% 23.9% 33.0%
55.09 1,665 0 0 497 $69,185 12.6% 34.6% 16.0% High Resource 5, 5, 6 66 6.6% 33.8% 30.8% Source: HCD AFFH 2.0 Data Viewer (ACS 2017-2021), (TCAC 2023); CalEnviroScreen 4.0; HUD Open Data Site Note: 1. Based on Appendix B, Housing Element Site Inventory (Table A). Total units that can be accommodated by each parcel within Census Tracts
2. Non-White population includes all races and ethnicities except non-Hispanic White
3. Job Proximity Index data available by Census Block Group.
Copy of Figure 1: Census Tracts
Figure 21: Available Housing Sites
Source: City of Ridgecrest Planning Commission
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 54 D. IDENTIFICATION OF CONTRIBUTING FACTORS AND FAIR HOUSING
PRIORITIES AND GOALS
The December 2015 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Rule Guidebook published by HUD identifies examples of contributing factors by each fair housing issue area: outreach, fair housing enforcement and outreach capacity, segregation and integration, racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty, disparities in access to opportunity, disparities in access to opportunities for persons with disabilities, disproportionate housing needs, including displacement risks, and sites inventory. This study has analyzed patterns of any racial and economic segregation, disparities in access to opportunity in the city. This chapter further identifies contributing factors, sets fair housing priorities and goals, and proposes strategies and recommendations to create a more equitable and integrated communities.
Based on the issues identified in this Fair Housing Analysis, the following are the top 4 issues to be addressed through the programs in the Housing Plan:
1. Assisting in the provision of housing opportunities for all;
2. Removing regulatory and financial constraints, as necessary;
3. Providing adequate sites to achieve a variety and diversity of housing; and
4. Promoting equal housing opportunity.
A review was also undertaken of the housing goals set in the Housing Plan. It was found that these goals and strategies adequately address the issues identified above regarding fair housing. After considering these issues, the City has identified in Table 9 potential contributing factors to fairhousing issues in Ridgecrest and outlines the meaningful actions to be taken. Themeaningful actions listed in the Table relate to the actions identified in the Housing Plan.
Table 9: Fair Housing Issues and Contributing Factors
Fair Housing Issue Contributing Factors Priority Meaningful Action Limitations in local Planning Processes,
funding allocations, Housing Elements
Processes, and other city planning
documents.
• Untimely code amendments, not in
pace with newer Housing Element
laws, lack of staffing resources for
proper follow-up, and lack of adequate
financial resources at the local level.
High • Programs 1, 10, 14, 15 - Zoning
Ordinances and programs to allow
streamlined processing, objective
design, diversity of housing to support
low-income residents and residents
with disabilities.
Assist in the provision of housing by
removing government constraints and
promoting equal housing opportunity
• Limitations of zoning ordinances to
support housing needs of low-income
groups such as seniors, students and
people with special needs
High Programs 10, 11, 14, 15, 16.
• Parking incentives to senior housing,
reduced infrastructure capacity fees to
assist development of low, very, low,
extremely low-income housing
projects.
• Streamlined Administrative review to
reduce processing times.
• Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance
Program to support housing needs of
seniors, other low- income and special
needs groups.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 55 Table 9: Fair Housing Issues and Contributing Factors
Fair Housing Issue Contributing Factors Priority Meaningful Action Funding for marginalized or distressed
communities or special needs groups
• Ensuring funding is available for
marginalized and distressed community
High Programs 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12.
• Dissemination of information on
rehabilitation loans by the code
enforcement officer,
• Assist low-income buyers with down
payment assistance using CDBG
funding.
• Provide section 8 assistance.
• Participate in a Mortgage Credit
Program.
• Outreach program providing
information on grants and loans for
handicap accessibility projects.
• Fund the PACT Neighborhood Watch
Program
• Reduce or waive capacity fees.
• Apply for rehabilitation funds to assist
residents.
Consider new technologies and/or
products such as modular housing
construction to reduce costs and
increase access to housing.
• Permission of pre-approved design,
and development standards
High • Amend the Zoning Codes permitting
ministerial approval of ADUs,
preapproved designs and objective
development standards
Displacement Risk • Land use and zoning laws
• Displacement of residents due to
economic pressures
Medium • Program 12.
• Notice, information on tenant rights,
and relocation assistance.
Develop and implement a proactive
code enforcement program that holds
property owners accountable and
proactively plans for resident relocation
when necessary.
• Code enforcement High • Program 2 - Code Enforcement
Program
Use design tools to seamlessly support
affordable housing development into
larger mixed-income developments.
• Limitations in zoning code
• Approval process
Medium Programs 10, 15, 16.
Amend the Zoning Codes to facilitate land
divisions of small lots, encourage affordable
housing developments by utilizing objective
design criteria and administrative approvals.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 56 Table 9: Fair Housing Issues and Contributing Factors
Disproportionate Housing Needs,
including Overpayment
• Increasing the variety of housing types
at affordable prices for low-income
households
• Ongoing need for affordable housing
• Lack of local information regarding
available housing and need for
assistance.
Medium Programs 3, 4, 6, 7, 14
• Down payment assistance and Section
8 assistance utilizing CDBG funds
• Fair Housing Assistance
Priority Service Needs • Lack of prioritization of services High Programs 16, 18, 37 Provide priority infrastructure and
support services to affordable housing
projects.
The city of Ridgecrest remains committed to providing a diversity of housing options for all income levels, encouraging development throughout the community to help overcome overpayment, the availability of affordable housing and foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity based on protected characteristics.
The vast majority of the City’s Housing Programs designed to address fair housing will be implemented on an ongoing basis, with annual progress reports and programs evaluations to achieve the city’s objectives. The following list summarizes those programs identified in the Housing Element to affirmatively further fair housing.
Table 10: 2023-2031 Housing Element Programs
PROGRAM
No. DETAILS OBJECTIVES/ACTIONS
1. Monitor Assisted Units Monitor units at risk of conversion to market rate.
2. Code Enforcement Program Continue to carry out code enforcement activities, including dissemination of information on rehabilitation loans, identify unsafe building for demolition, and establish a procedure to abate unsafe buildings.
3. Community Development
Block Grants (CDBG)/HOME
Rehabilitate housing and other property, building public facilities, education and job training, public services for youths, disabled, and the elderly, crime reduction initiatives, assisting low-income home buyers with down payment assistance and subsidizing interest rates, etc.
4. Fair Housing Services Education Activities – Provide brochures, posters, presentations to the public, poster/essay contest in the schools, public service announcements, community outreach activities.
Investigation/Testing – Investigate the validity of a discrimination complaint.
Mediation – Serve as a mediator and offer a resolution to the conflict between two parties. The program is not an enforcement agency, but an impartial third party.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 57 Coordination – Provide connecting links between groups, agencies, individuals, and private enterprises that are involved in fair housing that will enhance the delivery of fair housing services.
5. Nonprofit Housing Provider
(such as Habitat for Humanity)
Substandard units may be improved and/or new units
constructed between 2023-2031 by various nonprofit
organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.
6. Housing Mobility (Section 8
Voucher)
Work with Kern County Housing Authority (HACK) on the
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) and Family SelfSufficiency programs.
7. Mortgage Credit Certificate
Program
The city may qualify and participate in a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program either solely or jointly with Kern County if one becomes available between 2023-2031.
8. Outreach Program – Fair
Housing
Provide Fair Housing Enforcement and Outreach information Provide information on availability of grants and loans; provide rehabilitation brochure.
9. Policy and Community
Together (PACT) Program
Continue and fund the Policy and Community Together (PACT) neighborhood watch program between 2023-2031 for increased safety.
10. Parking Reduction Program Continue to reduce parking requirements by 50 percent for developments that provide at least half of the units exclusively for elderly persons. Continue to reduce parking ratio for nonhandicap units on-site by 20 percent. Reduce parking for SROs and studios.
11. Reduce or Waive Sewer
Capacity Fees
Assist in the development of extremely low-, very low-, and lowincome housing as well as housing for persons with special needs.
12. Rehabilitation Program Apply for rehabilitation funds to serve city residents. Notice and relocation assistance for displacement.
13. Energy Conservation Implement Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations on all new development and state-mandated or recommended green building standards.
14. Special Needs Housing Continue to provide assistance to special needs housing such reduced parking permitted for the Ridge Senior Apartments project.
15. Update Zoning and Subdivision
Ordinances
Revise Zoning Ordinance to comply with several new state housing laws as listed under program 15 of the Housing
Element.
16. Development of Extremely Low
Income Housing
Prioritize funding and/or offer financial incentives or regulatory concessions to encourage the development or rehabilitation of single-room occupancy units and/or other units affordable to the extremely low-income, such as supportive and multi-family units.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 58
17. Facilitating Large Parcels and
Land Consolidation
Identify and consolidate parcels to facilitate the development of housing affordable to lower-income households.
18. Infrastructure Priority for
Affordable Housing
Grant priority water and sewer service to developments with units affordable to lower-income households
19. Emergency Shelters Compliance with Gov. Code §65583(a)(4)
20. Transparency Compliance with Government Code section 65913.3
21. Previously Identified Sites in
Last Cycles
Compliance with Government Code Section 65583.2 c)
22. Compliance with Permit
Streamlining Act
Compliance with Government Code Section 65943
23. Place-Based Neighborhood
Revitalization.
Neighborhood improvement efforts to revitalize the community and promote fair housing and access to resources and
opportunities
24. Reasonable Accommodation Reasonable-accommodation ordinance
25. Promote Variety of Housing Promote special needs housing (Seniors, Farmworkers, Female Headed Households, Persons with Disability, Youth
26. Equal Housing Opportunity Document the incidences of housing discrimination and the provide a variety of services to help resolve landlord-tenant disputes
27. Level of Service Ensure that the City’s Level of Service standards do not unnecessarily reduce or increase the cost of residential development
28. Farmworker Housing Meet the special housing needs of farm workers
29. Outreach for Persons with
Disabilities
Provide regulatory incentives, such as efficient permit processing and fee deferrals, to projects targeted for persons with disabilities, including persons with developmental disabilities
30. Large Sites > 10 Acres Housing affordable to lower income households on large sites >10 acres
31. State Legislation to Permit
Cities and Counties to Collect
Tax Increment Financing to
Promote Affordable Housing
and Administration.
Canvass for state legislation to permit Tax increment funding of Affordable housing administration and provide incentives housing production.
32. Affordable Housing Program
Inventory, Allocation of
Resources, and Grant
Applications.
Explore public and private financial funding sources available to purchase affordability covenants on at-risk projects. Prioritize resources in in areas of high segregation and poverty.
33. Infrastructure and Incentives. Support the development of housing for lower- and moderateincome households and special needs populations. Seek City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 59 funding for infrastructure development to support affordable housing.
34. Housing Element
Implementation
Hire a consultant for Housing Element Program Implementation
35. Adequate Sites Monitoring Annually monitor the progress of pending projects, ADU projections, and development on candidate housing sites through the APR.
36. Inclusionary Housing Establish an Inclusionary Housing Program
37. Prioritize Resources to Areas
of High Segregation & Poverty
Assist and cooperate with nonprofit, private, and public entities to maximize opportunities to develop and preserve affordable housing.
38. Promote Middle Housing
Types
Permit duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in R-2 and R-3 zones with by-right approval when development standards are met.
39. Zoning Code Amendment for
Special Housing Needs, LowIncome, and Moderate-Income
Housing
Eliminate regulatory barriers and promote housing access for special needs populations and lower-income households.
40. Housing No Net Loss Program Monitor Annually through the APR, RHNA and pipeline targets identified.
E. LOCALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND OVERALL SUMMARY OF TRENDS AND PATTERNS - Census Tract Analysis
The Fair Housing Analysis presents an overview of available federal, state, and local data to analyze fair housing issues in Ridgecrest. These data sources are supplemented with local knowledge of existing conditions in the community to present a more realistic picture of fair housing concerns in Ridgecrest and a more informed perspective from which to base goals, policies, and programs to affirmatively further fair housing.
Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty (R/ECAP) - Localized Knowledge Potential Reasons for lower incomes, highest poverty, and low resources in Tract 53 are provided below:
Census Tract 53 is the oldest part of the city that was developed by the Navy and existed prior to incorporation and contain older, smaller housing stock. This tract straddles the county areas, and reflects a lower median household income of $41,733, potentially due to the existence of lower income households with seniors and children, likely contributing to the higher levels of poverty in Census Tract 53. Although the tract was in the low resource area, the city has recently strived to improve the resources in Tract 53, for example, by locating the new elementary school.
The entirety of tract 55.01 has a low diversity index, has a predominant white majority population, and has a high median household income (See Figures 3 and 4). One potential reason for the concentration of white majority populations in Tract 55.01 could reflect the employment sector that contributes to residency in the city. Many of the residents of the city currently serve in military services and it is possible that many of those are white and high-income persons who can afford to buy in expensive neighborhoods. In 2022, 68.8% of active duty personnel in the US Department of Defense (DoD) identified as white, while 31.2% identified as a racial minority group.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 60 To mitigate the effects of overall poverty in the city, the Housing Element Program includes the continuation of several programs from the 5th Cycle and the addition of newer place-based programs. Place-based programs that will benefit the whole city, in general, and Census Tracts 53, 54.02, and 54.09, with 15% or more poverty, in particular, have been added in the Housing Element (see Programs 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 23). Program 4: Fair Housing Services/AFFH is designed to address the needs of all ethnic and economic segments of the community. To ensure diversity, the City will encourage moderate and affordable housing projects across the city.
Historical Land Use
Historically, city was a farming town which was incorporated in 1960 and has gown with approximately 21,000 population and approximately 4.7 square miles in area. It is laid out in a grid system of streets to form residential, commercial, and industrial developments. The city is not adjacent to other incorporated cities, except for farming and farm-based industrial operations such as storage and processing facilities of farm produce. Ridgecrest is the only incorporated community in the Indian Wells Valley and is located in the Mojave Desert, west of Death Valley National Park. The vast majority of housing unit in the city were built after World War II. Approximately one half (53.2%) of Ridgecrest's housing stock was built after 1980. Some of the housing stock is older and may need repair and maintenance. Several annexations have occurred since incorporation providing for additional land needed for meeting generalized land use needs.
Existing affordable housing projects (Table 5-7 of the Housing Element) has been a major source for multi-family projects in the city. Mojave View, the most recent affordable housing project consisting of 76 units (utilizing density bonus) was built in 2020. A 361-unit market rate apartment project was approved in 2023, but yet to receive a building permit application. Several other projects approved in the last cycle, were extended or have expired.
Local Data and Knowledge (City’s Observations).
With regards to Land Use and Development Patterns, key influences include:
• The Navy Installation, which shapes land use and employment • Floodplain conditions in the eastern portion of the City • The City’s compact size, which supports equitable access to amenities There are no known historic zoning or land‑use decisions were identified as drivers of current socio‑economic patterns.
Overpayment
A household is considered to be overpaying for housing (or cost burdened) if it spends more than 30 percent of its gross income on housing. Overpayment is due to inadequate income to meet housing costs. Severe housing cost burden occurs when a household pays more than 50 percent of its income on housing. The reasons for overpayment vary significantly due to inadequate income, tenure, household type, and household size.
Analysis by Census tracts show a positive correlation between poverty and overpayment by renters. For example, the overall poverty rate in tracts 53, 54.02 and 54.07 are in excess of 15 percent (Table 8 of the FHA); these tracts also have the highest overpayment rate for renters varying from 48 to 53%. These tracts form part of the older neighborhoods in the city which existed prior to incorporation and contain older, smaller housing stock. The housing programs to facilitate additional affordable housing will ameliorate this condition.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 61 Overcrowding
Overcrowding in Ridgecrest, as a whole, is only 1.1% while severe overcrowding is 1.6% (Table 3-9 of the HE).
Government intervention plays a large part in ameliorating the above situations, for example, providing financial and other incentives for affordable housing could alleviate overcrowding.
Substandard Housing Conditions
Based on a consensus between the code enforcement officer, city planner, and police captain, the City estimates that approximately 10 to 15 percent of the city’s housing stock is in need some type of rehabilitation. This includes all identified rehabilitation needs from minor to dilapidated.
To prevent displacement and improve the substandard housing, the city will continue to develop and implement several programs as outlined in the Housing Element, including but not limited to Code Enforcement (Program 2 of Housing Element), Program 5 (nonprofit Housing Provider (such as Habitat for Humanity), Program 12 (Rehabilitation), Program 16 (Development of Extremely Low Income Housing), Program 26 (Equal Housing Opportunity), Program 29 (Outreach for Persons with Disabilities, Program 32 (Affordable Housing Inventory, Allocation of Resources, and Grant Applications), and Program 37 (Prioritize Resources to Areas of High Segregation & Poverty).
Further, the city will support and actively participate in the following regional programs:
a)California Housing Finance Authority (CalHFA) financing the purchase or the refinancing of a home in need of repair.
b)Habitat for Humanity building and rehabilitation programs of houses for families in need. c)Kern County Housing Authority Programs.
Housing rehabilitation programs.
All programs that the city establishes and/or funded by the county, state, or federal agencies would apply for all areas of the city. The city Building Official/Enforcement Officer responds to housing complaints relating to the health and safety factors. The 2023-2031 Housing Element Policies include Housing Rehabilitation Policies, Housing Preservation Policies and Fair Housing Policies and Programs, mentioned above.
Assisted Housing Units
The city works closely with County of Kern Council of Governments on the Fair Housing Program and with the Housing Authority of the County of Kern which administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Eligible participants including very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled are awarded vouchers enabling them to find housing in the private sector by paying the difference between 30% of an eligible household's income and the actual cost of renting a unit. Figure 2 shows housing choice vouchers and subsidized housing by census tract. Table 5-7 of the Housing Element shows the inventory of Assisted Units in Ridgecrest which amounts to 250 units.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 62 Infrastructure
The physical infrastructure such as roads, sewer and water facilities in the city are sufficient to meet the RHNA housing production requirements). The street infrastructure in all census tracts are similar. Figure 4-2, Ridgecrest Street Improvements, 2013-2018, shows that the city has been maintaining the street infrastructure on a regular basis. The city has several parks, a community center, an aquatic center under construction, and youth recreational programs, Sierra Sands Unified School District is the Ridgecrest Area's only K-12 school district. They oversee a variety of schools including six elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools, and an adult school.
The City has received the Clean CA Grant from California Department of Transportation to build the Leroy Jackson sports complex, under construction, and expected to be completed in 2024. The project award was based on its ability to serve underserved communities based in scores such as area median income, National School Lunch Program, and Healthy Places Index.
Program 29, Place-based Neighborhood Revitalization, has been added to the Housing Element.
Local Data and Knowledge (City’s Observations)
Infrastructure and Public Safety
• No major differences in infrastructure quality across neighborhoods • Code Enforcement addresses environmental hazards such as weeds and debris • No defensible space inspections are conducted
• The City is adopting a Military Area of Influence overlay to mitigate future development impacts EXHIBIT 1
LAND INVENTORY - PARCELS
OVER 6000 SQ.FT.
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 64 Exhibit 1: Land Inventory (Parcels over 6,000 Sq. Ft).
APN GP Zone
Min.
Density
(Units/
Acre)
Max.
Density
(Units/
Acre)
Acres Realistic
Capacity
Exist
Use
Infra.
(Current/
Potential) Public Site Status
Low
Inc.
Unit
s
Mod
. Inc.
Unit
s
Above
Mod.
Inc.
Units
Total
Units
Prior
Cycles Env.
Con.
RL Land Use
067-050-02-00-8 RL R-2 6 14 38.87 408 Vacant Yes - C YE Available 0 408 0 408 YES None 067-050-21-00-3 RL R-1 6 7 11.08 58 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 58 58 YES None 067-121-10-00-8 RL R-1 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
067-121-13-00-7 RL R-1 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
067-126-07-00-5 RL R-1 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
067-140-18-00-1 RL R-2 6 14 0.14 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None
067-150-22-00-5 RL R-2 6 14 0.14 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None
080-010-18-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 22.50 118 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 118 118 YES None 080-020-03-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 69.26 363 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 363 363 YES EQ 080-020-24-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 34.04 178 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 178 178 YES EQ 080-073-07-00-7 RL R-1 6 7 0.14 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
080-091-11-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 0.14 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
080-093-03-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 0.17 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
080-093-10-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
080-122-09-00-0 RL R-3 6 21 0.15 2
Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 65 080-122-10-00-2 RL R-3 6 21 0.15 2
Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None
080-132-06-00-4 RL R-1 6 7 0.19 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
080-132-09-00-3 RL R-1 6 7 0.19 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
080-132-17-00-6 RL R-1 6 7 0.19 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
080-132-18-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 0.18 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
080-133-02-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 0.19 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
080-141-03-00-1 RL R-2 6 14 0.19 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None
080-152-10-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 0.19 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
080-152-12-00-7 RL R-1 6 7 0.18 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
080-162-08-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 0.18 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
080-162-18-00-8 RL R-1 6 7 0.18 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
343-051-10-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
343-052-04-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 0.15 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
343-061-42-00-7 RL R-1 6 7 0.14 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
343-070-24-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 13.04 68 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 68 68 YES None 343-070-34-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 17.22 90 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 90 90 YES None 343-351-38-00-0 RL R-2 6 14 8.07 84 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 84 0 84 YES None 343-351-39-00-3 RL R-2 6 14 7.46 78 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 78 0 78 YES None 343-351-40-00-5 RL R-1 6 7 41.45 217 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 217 217 YES None 396-400-06-00-0 RL R-3 6 21 3.86 60 Vacant Yes - C No Available 60 0 0 60 YES None City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 66 396-400-07-00-3 RL R-3 6 21 3.74 58 Vacant Yes - C No Available 58 0 0 58 YES None 418-064-07-00-2 RL R-1 6 7 0.19 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
418-064-10-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 0.19 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
418-071-01-00-6 RL R-1 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
418-071-02-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 0.14 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
418-071-03-00-2 RL R-1 6 7 0.14 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
418-071-04-00-5 RL R-1 6 7 0.14 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
418-071-05-00-8 RL R-1 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
418-072-09-00-7 RL R-1 6 7 0.19 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
418-072-11-00-2 RL R-1 6 7 0.22 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
418-073-11-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 0.22 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
418-073-13-00-5 RL R-1 6 7 0.19 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
418-074-12-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 0.20 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
419-010-21-00-6 RL R-1 6 7 0.92 4
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 4 4 YES None
419-010-22-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 1.11 5
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 5 5 YES None
419-010-23-00-2 RL R-1 6 7 1.00 5
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 5 5 YES None
419-010-25-00-8 RL R-1 6 7 0.18 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
419-010-26-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 0.19 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
419-010-27-00-4 RL R-1 6 7 0.43 2
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 2 2 YES None
419-010-28-00-7 RL R-1 6 7 0.24 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 67 419-010-29-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 0.18 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
419-010-30-00-2 RL R-1 6 7 0.20 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
419-010-31-00-5 RL R-1 6 7 0.19 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
419-010-32-00-8 RL R-1 6 7 0.19 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
419-020-07-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 2.18 11 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 11 11 YES None 419-041-11-00-3 RL RMH 6 7 0.15 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
419-041-16-00-8 RL RMH 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
419-041-38-00-2 RL RMH 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
419-042-10-00-7 RL RMH 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 NO None
420-020-25-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 0.55 2
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 2 2 YES None
420-041-08-00-5 RL R-1 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
420-041-26-01-6 RL R-1 6 7 0.15 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
420-041-27-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 0.15 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
420-041-28-00-3 RL R-1 6 7 0.15 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
420-051-23-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 0.17 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
420-051-35-00-6 RL R-1 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
420-051-36-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
420-051-55-00-4 RL R-1 6 7 0.17 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
420-052-05-00-6 RL R-1 6 7 0.15 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
420-052-06-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 68 420-052-18-00-4 RL R-1 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
420-052-36-00-6 RL R-1 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
420-052-37-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-020-01-00-2 RL R-1 6 7 1.89 9
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 9 9 YES None
456-020-02-00-5 RL R-1 6 7 4.59 24 Vacant Yes - P
YESCityOwne
d
Available 0 0 24 24 NO None
456-020-03-00-8 RL R-1 6 7 2.53 13 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 13 13 YES None 456-020-14-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 0.93 4
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 4 4 YES None
456-020-16-00-6 RL R-1 6 7 0.21 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 NO None
456-020-21-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 1.36 7
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 7 7 YES None
456-031-03-00-8 RL R-1 6 7 0.29 1
Vacant Yes - C No Pending Pr
oj. 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-031-16-00-6 RL R-1 6 7 0.21 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-040-04-00-7 RL R-1 6 7 0.73 3
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 3 3 YES None
456-040-05-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 0.91 4
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 4 4 YES None
456-040-07-00-6 RL R-1 6 7 0.25 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-040-08-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 0.40 2
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 2 2 YES None
456-040-11-00-7 RL R-1 6 7 0.22 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-040-14-00-6 RL R-1 6 7 1.10 5
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 5 5 YES None
456-040-15-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 1.26 6
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 6 6 YES None
456-040-23-00-2 RL R-1 6 7 0.30 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 69 456-051-01-00-8 RL R-1 6 7 0.16 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-051-02-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 0.17 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-051-05-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 0.21 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-051-06-00-3 RL R-1 6 7 0.21 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-051-07-00-6 RL R-1 6 7 0.21 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-051-08-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 0.28 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-051-11-00-7 RL R-1 6 7 0.21 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-051-12-00-0 RL R-1 6 7 0.21 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-051-13-00-3 RL R-1 6 7 0.21 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-052-01-00-5 RL R-1 6 7 0.36 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-052-02-00-8 RL R-1 6 7 0.23 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-052-03-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 0.23 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-052-08-00-6 RL R-1 6 7 0.19 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-052-10-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 0.19 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-052-12-00-7 RL R-1 6 7 0.23 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-052-15-00-6 RL R-1 6 7 0.27 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-052-23-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 0.26 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-052-24-00-2 RL R-1 6 7 0.26 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-052-25-00-5 RL R-1 6 7 0.20 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-052-30-00-9 RL R-1 6 7 0.18 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 70 456-060-03-00-0 RL RMH 6 7 0.41 2
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 2 2 YES None
456-060-05-00-6 RL RMH 6 7 0.35 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-060-06-00-9 RL RMH 6 7 0.24 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-060-07-00-2 RL RMH 6 7 0.24 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-060-08-00-5 RL RMH 6 7 0.24 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-060-09-00-8 RL RMH 6 7 0.23 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-060-10-00-0 RL RMH 6 7 0.32 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-070-03-00-3 RL RMH 6 7 0.33 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-070-12-00-9 RL RMH 6 7 0.32 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-070-16-00-1 RL RMH 6 7 0.31 1
Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
456-331-03-00-5 RL R-1 6 7 0.20 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
477-020-05-00-7 RL R-1 6 7 0.22 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
477-020-08-00-6 RL R-1 6 7 0.25 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
479-020-09-00-3 RL R-1 6 7 5.69 29 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 29 29 YES None 479-020-10-00-5 RL R-1 6 7 6.96 36 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 36 36 YES None 479-020-11-00-8 RL R-1 6 7 0.23 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
479-020-12-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 0.92 4
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 4 4 YES None
479-020-13-00-4 RL R-1 6 7 0.93 4
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 4 4 YES None
480-010-13-00-1 RL R-1 6 7 1.52 7
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 7 7 YES None
480-010-15-00-7 RL R-1 6 7 9.00 47 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 47 47 YES None City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 71 480-030-05-00-4 RL R-1 6 7 2.78 14 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 14 14 YES None 508-020-10-00-6 RL R-3 6 21 6.80 107 Vacant Yes-C YES Available 107 0 0 107 YES None 508-020-10-00-6 RL R-2 6 14 19.31 202 Vacant Yes - C YES Available 0 202 0 202 YES None 508-020-11-00-9 RL RMH 6 7 29.29 153 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 153 153 YES None 2592 229 775 1588 2592
RM Land Use -
Less than 0.5
acres
067-022-10-00-6
RM R-2 6 14 0.46 4Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 4 0 4 YES None 067-034-12-00-9
RM R-2 6 14 0.16 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 067-035-12-00-6
RM R-2 6 14 0.14 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 067-210-25-00-1
RM R-2 6 14 0.40 4Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 4 0 4 YES None 067-210-27-00-7
RM R-2 6 14 0.39 4Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 4 0 4 YES None 080-041-34-00-2
RM R-2 6 14 0.14 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 080-041-38-00-4
RM R-2 6 14 0.15 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 080-042-08-00-4
RM R-2 6 14 0.16 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 080-042-09-00-7
RM R-2 6 14 0.15 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 080-051-34-00-5
RM R-2 6 14 0.15 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 080-051-35-00-8
RM R-2 6 14 0.15 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 080-052-06-00-1
RM R-2 6 14 0.15 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 080-052-12-00-8
RM R-2 6 14 0.15 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 080-061-37-00-7
RM R-2 6 14 0.15 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 72 080-061-38-00-0
RM R-2 6 14 0.15 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 080-062-07-00-7
RM R-2 6 14 0.15 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 080-062-11-00-8
RM R-2 6 14 0.15 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 080-122-11-00-5
RM R-3 14 21 0.43 6Vacant Yes - C No Available 6 0 0 6 YES None 343-061-09-00-2
RM R-2 6 14 0.14 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 343-061-10-00-4
RM R-2 6 14 0.14 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 343-061-11-00-7
RM R-2 6 14 0.14 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 343-230-32-00-0
RM R-2 6 14 0.28 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 2 0 2 YES None 343-230-33-00-3
RM R-2 6 14 0.27 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 2 0 2 YES None 343-230-43-00-2
RM R-2 6 14 0.24 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 2 0 2 YES None 343-230-44-00-5
RM R-2 6 14 0.27 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 2 0 2 YES None 343-230-45-00-8
RM R-2 6 14 0.26 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 2 0 2 YES None 343-230-46-00-1
RM R-2 6 14 0.28 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 2 0 2 YES None 343-230-50-00-2
RM R-2 6 14 0.27 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 2 0 2 YES None 343-230-51-00-5
RM R-2 6 14 0.28 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 2 0 2 YES None 343-230-52-00-8
RM R-2 6 14 0.24 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 2 0 2 YES None 343-230-53-00-1
RM R-2 6 14 0.27 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 2 0 2 YES None 418-041-14-00-5
RM R-2 6 14 0.14 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 418-041-15-00-8
RM R-2 6 14 0.14 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 418-041-18-00-7
RM R-2 6 14 0.15 1Parkin
g
Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 NO None
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 73 418-062-17-00-7
RM R-3 14 21 0.16 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 418-062-23-00-4
RM R-3 14 21 0.16 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 419-020-30-00-5
RM R-2 6 14 0.40 4Parkin
g
Yes - P No Available 0 4 0 4 NO None
453-061-23-00-4
RM R-3 14 21 0.17 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-061-24-00-7
RM R-3 14 21 0.17 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-061-41-00-6
RM R-3 14 21 0.18 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-062-20-00-2
RM R-3 14 21 0.18 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-062-22-00-8
RM R-3 14 21 0.18 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-062-23-00-1
RM R-3 14 21 0.19 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-062-24-00-4
RM R-3 14 21 0.19 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-062-27-00-3
RM R-3 14 21 0.19 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-062-28-00-6
RM R-3 14 21 0.19 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-071-07-00-1
RM R-3 14 21 0.37 5Vacant Yes - C NO Available 5 0 0 5 YES None 453-071-08-00-4
RM R-3 14 21 0.19 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-071-09-00-7
RM R-3 14 21 0.19 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-071-10-00-9
RM R-3 14 21 0.18 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-071-12-00-5
RM R-3 14 21 0.18 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-071-20-00-8
RM R-3 14 21 0.18 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-071-23-00-7
RM R-3 14 21 0.19 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-072-02-00-3
RM R-3 14 21 0.18 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 74 453-072-03-00-6
RM R-3 14 21 0.17 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-072-05-00-2
RM R-3 14 21 0.17 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-072-06-00-5
RM R-3 14 21 0.18 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 453-142-02-00-3
RM R-3 14 21 0.18 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 2 0 0 2 YES None 456-081-01-00-7
RM R-2 6 14 0.44 4Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 4 0 4 YES None 456-081-10-00-3
RM R-2 6 14 0.41 4Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 4 0 4 YES None 456-081-11-00-6
RM R-2 6 14 0.42 4Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 4 0 4 YES None 456-082-08-00-5
RM R-2 6 14 0.31 3Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 3 0 3 YES None 456-090-08-00-4
RM R-2 6 14 0.42 4Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 4 0 4 YES None 456-090-11-00-2
RM R-2 6 14 0.41 4Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 4 0 4 YES None 456-090-13-00-8
RM R-2 6 14 0.42 4Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 4 0 4 YES None 477-070-20-00-5
RM R-2 6 14 0.31 3Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 3 0 3 YES None 477-080-02-00-6
RM R-2 6 14 0.36 3Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 3 0 3 YES None 477-080-09-00-7
RM R-2 6 14 0.20 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 2 0 2 YES None 477-080-13-00-8
RM R-2 6 14 0.15 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 477-080-22-00-4
RM R-2 6 14 0.31 3Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 3 0 3 YES None 477-100-06-00-3
RM R-2 6 14 0.47 4Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 4 0 4 YES None 477-100-08-00-9
RM R-2 6 14 0.26 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 2 0 2 YES None 477-100-09-00-2
RM R-2 6 14 0.35 3Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 3 0 3 YES None 477-100-10-00-4
RM R-2 6 14 0.26 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 2 0 2 YES None City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 75 477-100-20-00-3
RM R-2 6 14 0.28 2Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 2 0 2 YES None 477-100-21-00-6
RM R-2 6 14 0.45 4Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 4 0 4 YES None 477-100-22-00-9
RM R-2 6 14 0.45 4Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 4 0 4 YES None 477-110-08-00-2
RM R-2 6 14 0.18 1Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 1 0 1 YES None 478-103-01-00-6
RM R-4 14 43 0.22 7Vacant Yes - C No Available 7 0 0 7 YES None 478-104-05-00-5
RM R-4 14 43 0.21 6Vacant Yes - C No Available 6 0 0 6 YES None 478-104-06-00-8
RM R-4 14 43 0.21 6Vacant Yes - C No Available 6 0 0 6 YES None 478-104-07-00-1
RM R-4 14 43 0.21 6Vacant Yes - C No Available 6 0 0 6 YES None 197 80 117 0 197
RM Land Use -
0.5 to 10.0 acres
067-023-18-00-7
RM R-2 6 14 1.87 19 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 19 0 19 YES None 343-032-52-00-4
RM R-2 6 14 1.05 11 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 11 0 11 YES None 343-042-57-00-2
RM R-2 6 14 1.33 13 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 13 0 13 YES None 343-351-26-00-5
RM R-3 14 21 2.07 32 Vacant Yes - C No Available 32 0 0 32 YES None 343-351-27-00-8
RM R-3 14 21 2.43 38 Vacant Yes - C No Available 38 0 0 38 YES None 396-060-08-00-8
RM R-3 14 21 4.75 74 Vacant Yes - C No Available 74 0 0 74 YES None 453-013-02-00-2
RM R-3 14 21 4.02 63 Vacant Yes - C No Available 63 0 0 63 YES None 453-013-28-00-8
RM R-3 14 21 1.18 18 Vacant Yes - C No Available 18 0 0 18 YES None 456-081-02-00-0
RM R-2 6 14 0.54 5Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 5 0 5 YES None 456-081-03-00-3
RM R-2 6 14 0.64 6Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 6 0 6 YES None City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 76 456-081-04-00-6
RM R-2 6 14 0.52 5Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 5 0 5 YES None 456-082-01-00-4
RM R-2 6 14 0.56 5Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 5 0 5 YES None 456-082-03-00-0
RM RMH 6 7 0.82 4Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 4 4 YES None 456-082-05-00-6
RM R-2 6 14 1.38 14 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 14 0 14 YES None 456-090-10-00-9
RM R-2 6 14 2.29 24 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 24 0 24 YES None 477-070-09-00-4
RM R-2 6 14 0.68 7Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 7 0 7 YES None 477-090-12-00-8
RM R-2 6 14 0.86 9Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 9 0 9 YES None 477-100-04-00-7
RM R-2 6 14 0.68 7Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 7 0 7 YES None 477-100-18-00-8
RM R-2 6 14 0.54 5Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 5 0 5 YES None 477-100-19-00-1
RM R-2 6 14 0.82 8Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 8 0 8 YES None 477-100-26-00-1
RM R-2 6 14 0.53 5Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 5 0 5 YES None 477-110-10-00-7
RM R-2 6 14 0.57 5Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 5 0 5 YES None 479-010-12-00-8
RM R-2 6 14 5.83 61 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 61 0 61 YES None 479-010-14-00-4
RM R-2 6 14 7.49 78 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 78 0 78 YES None 508-020-12-00-2
RM R-4 14 43 2.50 80 Vacant Yes - C No Available 80 0 0 80 YES None 596 305 287 4 596
RM Land
Use - Greater th
an 10.0 acres
067-040-13-00-7
RM R-1 6 7 18.01 94 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 94 94 YES Flood/ EQ
067-040-30-00-6
RM R-2 6 14 26.72 280 Vacant Yes - P YES Available 0 280 0 280 YES Flood/ EQ
343-081-15-00-5
RM R-3 14 21 14.59 229 Vacant Yes - C No Available 229 0 0 229 YES None City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 77 479-010-15-00-7 RH R-3 14 21 20.13 317 Vacant Yes - C No Available 317 0 0 317 YES None 480-010-17-00-3
RM R-3 14 21 12.81 201 Vacant Yes - C No Available 201 0 0 201 YES None 1121 747 280 94 1121
RR Land Use
455-100-06-00-3 RR E-1 1 1 32.61 24 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 24 24 YES AICUZ 455-100-08-00-9 RR E-2 2 4 17.70 53 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 53 53 YES None 455-100-09-00-2 RR E-1 1 1
112.7
0 84 Vacant Yes - P No Available 0 0 84 84 YES AICUZ
161 0 0 161 161
RT Land Use
453-231-08-00-0 RT E-2 2 4 0.23 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
453-240-04-00-4 RT E-2 2 4 0.26 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
453-253-07-00-7 RT E-2 2 4 0.43 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
453-270-01-00-4 RT E-2 2 4 0.26 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
453-270-02-00-7 RT E-2 2 4 0.25 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
453-270-03-00-0 RT E-2 2 4 0.26 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
453-270-04-00-3 RT E-2 2 4 0.26 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
453-270-05-00-6 RT E-2 2 4 0.26 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
453-270-06-00-9 RT E-2 2 4 0.26 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
453-270-07-00-2 RT E-2 2 4 0.26 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
453-270-08-00-5 RT E-2 2 4 0.26 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
453-270-09-00-8 RT E-2 2 4 0.26 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 78 453-270-10-00-0 RT E-2 2 4 0.26 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
453-270-11-00-3 RT E-2 2 4 0.26 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
453-270-12-00-6 RT E-2 2 4 0.26 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
453-270-13-00-9 RT E-2 2 4 0.26 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
453-270-14-00-2 RT E-2 2 4 0.25 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
479-041-01-00-2 RT E-2 2 4 0.69 2
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 2 2 YES None
479-041-40-00-5 RT E-2 2 4 0.23 1
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 1 1 YES None
509-010-01-00-4 RT E-2 2 4 8.56 25 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 25 25 YES None 509-020-14-00-5 RT E-2 2 4 2.52 7
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 7 7 YES None
509-020-15-00-8 RT E-2 2 4 2.52 7
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 7 7 YES None
509-020-16-00-1 RT E-2 2 4 5.04 15 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 15 15 YES None 509-020-19-00-0 RT E-2 2 4 40.37 121 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 121 121 YES None 509-020-43-00-9 RT E-2 2 4 13.57 40 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 40 40 YES None 509-090-01-00-8 RT E-2 2 4 2.20 6
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 6 6 YES None
509-090-02-00-1 RT E-2 2 4 3.05 9
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 9 9 YES AICUZ
509-090-03-00-4 RT E-2 2 4 2.76 8
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 8 8 YES None
509-090-10-00-4 RT E-2 2 4 1.61 4
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 4 4 YES None
509-090-11-00-7 RT E-2 2 4 2.56 7
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 7 7 YES None
509-090-12-00-0 RT E-2 2 4 2.06 6
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 6 6 YES None
509-090-14-00-6 RT E-2 2 4 1.83 5
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 5 5 YES None
City of Ridgecrest, 2023 – 2031 Draft Fair Housing Analysis | 79 509-090-15-00-9 RT E-2 2 4 2.05 6
Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 6 6 YES None
510-010-04-00-3 RT E-2 2 4 20.25 60 Vacant NO No Available 0 0 60 60 YES None 510-010-05-00-6 RT E-2 2 4 20.31 60 Vacant NO No Available 0 0 60 60 YES None 510-010-06-00-9 RT E-2 2 4 20.31 60 Vacant NO No Available 0 0 60 60 YES None 510-010-07-00-2 RT E-2 2 4 20.32 60 Vacant NO No Available 0 0 60 60 YES None 510-010-17-00-1 RT E-2 2 4 20.90 62 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 62 62 YES None 510-010-24-00-1 RT E-2 2 4 19.60 58 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 58 58 YES None 510-020-02-00-0 RT E-2 2 4 26.92 80 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 80 80 YES None 510-020-03-00-3 RT E-2 2 4 9.22 27 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 27 27 YES None 510-020-07-00-5 RT E-2 2 4 3.82 11 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 11 11 YES None 510-020-11-00-6 RT E-2 2 4 6.62 19 Vacant Yes - C No Available 0 0 19 19 YES None 783 0 0 783 783
TOTAL
AVAILABLE 5450 1361 1459 2630 5450
RHNA
REQUIREMENT 620 225 591 1436
DIFFERENCE 741 1234 2039 4014
Notes: Parcel: 508-020-10-006 is included twice because it is split into two zones (R-2 and R-3). Realistic density is 75% of maximum zoning density allowed by Zoning Code.
Exhibit 2:
AFFH Questionnaire
Response prepared by the City
(Based on HCD Questionnaire, May 2024)
Segregation and Integration
Race
• Any areas or neighborhoods considered to be concentrated minority communities??
Census Tract 53 includes the Navy installation. The only housing in the tract that is outside of the installation consists of a residential development originally built in 1954 as Navy housing. The infrastructure was not designed for independent units, and the entire neighborhood is governed by a homeowners association (HOA), which maintains all streets.
The area includes a mix of independently owned properties north of Gold Canyon Street and two rental communities to the south, one of which has deed restrictions to ensure affordability. Current data indicates that approximately 704 households are located in this tract, with a median household income of $41,733 and a non-white population of 46.9%.
Census Tract 54.05 has a non-white population of 48.7% and a median household income of $57,128. This tract is an older neighborhood with a mix of multifamily housing, mobile homes, and single-family residences. • Are any areas known to have particularly low concentrations of minority residents?
Census Tract 54.06 has the lowest concentration of non-white populations at
23.4%. This tract contains a mobile home park, townhomes and condos, and single-family residential homes. This tract also includes the highest median household income at $101,905.
• Are there any known historic factors that have led to these patterns? Are there current factors that reinforce these patterns? Are there any factors that are changing these patterns over time?
Home size and age are key factors influencing housing prices and neighborhood income levels. Historically, lower-income neighborhoods have tended to consist of older, smaller homes, which are generally more affordable and therefore accessible to a broader range of residents.
Currently, these patterns are reinforced by housing market dynamics, where larger and newer homes command higher prices, contributing to higher-income concentrations in those areas. For example, Census Tract 54.06 includes homes of varying ages, but many are larger in size, which is associated with higher property values.
Over time, these patterns may shift due to redevelopment, housing demand, and market changes, which can lead to reinvestment in older neighborhoods or increased housing costs in traditionally more affordable areas.
Disability
• Any areas or neighborhoods with concentrations of persons with disabilities? Census Tract 54.10 has the highest disability rate at 23.6%. No known corelation exists to demonstrate a reasons for this concentration. • Any concentrations of group homes or residential care facilities? None. Group homes and residential care facilities are spread throughout different neighborhoods but typically found in larger sized homes. • Have there been any permits issued for construction of ramp or other accessibility modifications to homes in the area?
No. Areas that we have seen the most demand for access ramps are in mobile home parks where many aging residents live.
• Have any requests for reasonable accommodation been made during the last planning period?
No.
• Any locational differences in terms of disabilities? Recent accessibility improvements? Areas in need of improvements?
The City has made ongoing efforts to improve accessibility throughout the community, particularly through upgrades to sidewalks and driveways. Census Tract 54.02, which has a disability population of 19.2%, has seen a higher concentration of these improvements. This tract is also one of the oldest neighborhoods in the community, which may contribute to a greater need for accessibility upgrades.
While progress has been made, older areas of the community may still require additional improvements to meet current accessibility standards, particularly where aging infrastructure presents barriers for individuals with disabilities.
Familial Status
• Any areas or neighborhoods with concentrations of families? Non-families or smaller homes?
No distinct separation exists between concentrations of families and non-families.
Most neighborhoods include a mix of household types, with both family and nonfamily households present throughout the community. • Any child care facilities? Any locational differences? The community is served by multiple childcare facilities catering to different populations. The local community college provides childcare for its students, while the Naval Installation offers services for its employees. In addition, religious institutions and private daycares are distributed throughout the community, providing options across various neighborhoods.
Income
• Any areas of the community that are considered to be lower-income, highpoverty areas? Census Tract 53 is considered a lower-income area, with median household incomes below the community average. This tract includes older housing and smaller homes, which contribute to its classification as a high-poverty area relative to other neighborhoods in the community.
• Any areas of the community that are considered to be higher-income areas? The College Heights neighborhood (Census Tract 55.09) is considered a higherincome area, with median household incomes above the community average. • Are there any known areas where a lot of HCV/Section 8 renters live? Census Tract 53 has a higher concentration of Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)/Section 8 renters compared to other areas in the community. • Any housing assisted by public financing in the city? If so, any areas of the city with a concentration of housing assisted by public financing? The city includes housing assisted by public financing. Notably, the Mojave View Apartments, funded through an Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities Grant, are located within Census Tract 54.02, representing a concentration of publicly assisted housing in that area.
Disparities in Access to Opportunity
Education
• Discuss local schools and geographic availability
Local education is served by one school district, Sierra Sands Unified School District (SSUSD), one Charter School and three Religious Institutions. Aging schools within the district have been updated or closed with students moving to newer facilities. Schools are available throughout the community with busing services provided by the district.
• Discuss local school performance compared to the region SSUSD graduation rate is 86%, which is at the state average range. • Discuss local performance and any differences in access to education opportunities from neighborhood to neighborhood
There are no notable differences in access to education opportunities across neighborhoods within the community. All residents have equal access to the local schools and educational resources provided by the district. • Discuss any upper education opportunities, including vocational opportunities Cerro Coso Community College serves the community and provides a range of upper education opportunities, including vocational training programs that respond to regional employment needs. Examples of programs offered include nursing, welding, wind energy technician training, and law enforcement preparation.
• Discuss any trends and past and current local efforts to improve access to education opportunities
SSUSD has recently undertaken efforts to expand and improve access to educational opportunities within the community. These initiatives include the establishment of a School of Arts and STEM, as well as an independent study program, designed to better meet the diverse needs of students and provide alternative pathways for learning.
• Do community members have the opportunity to select the schools that their students attend, or are schools assigned by geography? Are there private or charter options in the community? If families have the ability to select schools, are there higher-demand schools in the community?
In the community, school assignment is primarily determined by geography.
However, families have the option to select schools if they are interested in specialized programs, such as the STEM or Arts schools, or the independent study program. There are is one Charter School and three private school options outside the public system. Among the choice-based programs, higher-demand schools include the STEM and Arts campuses due to their specialized curricula. • Are there any known factors that influence the current rates of high school graduation or college attendance?
The community has a relatively high rate of higher education among adults, which positively influences college attendance rates among local youth. This cultural emphasis on education and the presence of supportive programs within the schools contribute to higher graduation and post-secondary enrollment rates • Are there any organizations that provide services like tutoring that could help to improve educational outcomes? Any differences between neighborhoods in terms of access?
The school district has afterschool programs that provide supervision and assistance to students with school work.
• Any new subdivisions? New master planned areas? Differences in schools? None.
Economic
• What are the major employers in the area, or major industries? Where are they located?
o Are there major industries that are not nearby that many residents work in?
o How has this changed recently? Are there new areas of the county that have developed commercial or industrial uses? Or are there areas that were previously job centers that are no longer in as high of use? The community’s largest employer is the Navy Installation with around 6,800 employees. The majority of those employed is civilian workforce. With around 24% of the community working for the Installation.
• Is high-speed internet readily available in the area? Do any areas have known challenges with cell signal access?
Multiple high-speed internet providers are available in the community. • Are there any known economic development programs or initiatives planned or in place that might influence the jobs landscape in the next ten years? No.
Transportation
• Discuss countywide transportation system, including different modes • Discuss local access to the countywide transportation system, such as routes and locations
The City is geographically isolated from neighboring communities, which limits direct access to countywide transportation. However, the City provides local transit that connects residents to a county hub, offering access to a regional transportation network and broader mobility options.
• Discuss any local efforts to assist access to different transportation modes, including public transit, walking and biking.
Bike paths were recently expanded to connect housing areas to resource areas and schools.
• How do residents without access to a car travel to work or to access resources like medical care? Is this different depending on the industry that residents work in?
The City provides dial a ride, public transportation. Multiple companies provide medical transportation to residents both within the community and to medical facilities in larger neighboring areas.
• Any engineering reports or assessments of capital improvements? Any differences between neighborhoods?
No reports available.
• What are the physical conditions of local roads like? Are there street lights, traffic lights, or bike infrastructure in any parts of the community? Overall, the physical condition of local roads is good, with most areas equipped with street lighting. Only one neighborhood currently lacks street lights, where pilot programs are underway to evaluate the feasibility of installing solar-powered lighting. In addition, ongoing infill developments are completing sidewalks to improve connectivity within this neighborhood. Traffic lights and bike infrastructure are present in major corridors of the community, supporting safe mobility for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
• Are there known high-collision corridors or areas of high traffic on a regular basis?
High-traffic areas in the community include North China Lake Boulevard and East Ridgecrest Boulevard, both part of State Route 14. These corridors are equipped with multiple traffic signals to manage vehicle flow and enhance safety. While these areas experience regular traffic, they are monitored and controlled to reduce collision risks.
• Any Safe Routes to Schools plans or programs in place? Where in the community are sidewalks available or not available? Any differences between neighborhoods?
New crosswalks have been installed at multiple locations to improve safety near schools, with additional planning underway. Sidewalks are generally available throughout the community, and there are no notable differences in sidewalk access between neighborhoods.
• Any major community facilities and any differences in access between neighborhoods?
There are no major community facilities with differential access between neighborhoods.
• Any differences between neighborhoods in terms of access to transportation options? Biking? Walking?
All neighborhoods have access to transportation options, including biking and walking infrastructure.
• Have there been any major infrastructure investments in the recent past? This can include, but is not limited to, roads, bridges, or water/sewer infrastructure.
Are there any major infrastructure projects planned for the next ten years? The City has focused on drainage and flood control, as the eastern portion lies within a floodplain. The Bowman Channel has a completed design plan to move water from higher western areas to the natural low point, reducing standing water and flooding in neighborhoods. Additionally, flood control facilities were constructed in conjunction with a new affordable housing development, mitigating localized flooding. These efforts reflect the City’s commitment to improving infrastructure resiliency.
Environment
• Any public safety reports (e.g., water quality, sewer, circulation)? Any differences between neighborhoods?
No safety reports with differences across the community .
• Are there known major sources of pollution in the area? Where are they located, if so?
o This could include things like industrial sources, groundwater contamination from agriculture, or lead paint exposure in older homes. o Are there places where residential development should be avoided due to environmental conditions, or where existing environmental conditions are negatively effecting residents?
The City is working toward adopting a Military Area of Influence overlay zone to mitigate the impacts of future development from the Installation’s activities. • Do any neighborhoods lack access to parks or other outdoor spaces? Are there other notable community amenities, and where are they? Any differences between neighborhoods in terms of access?
The community is compact, all neighborhoods have relatively equal access to parks, and outdoor areas.
• Are there any new subdivisions or new master planned areas? Any differences in parks, other amenities between neighborhoods?
None planned.
• Are there any differences between neighborhoods with respect to access to shopping? Healthy foods?
The community is compact, measuring less than five miles north to south and four miles east to west. As a result, all neighborhoods have relatively equal access to grocery stores, parks, and shopping, which are primarily located within the main commercial corridor.
Disproportionate Housing Needs, including Displacement
Overpayment
• Any recent increases in rents or sales prices? Any differences between neighborhoods? How does that compare to incomes in the area? No known. Rent and sales prices remain lower than the rest of the state. • Any patterns of evictions or foreclosures between neighborhoods? No known.
Overcrowding
• Are there any areas that are known to have higher rates of household overcrowding, such as "doubling-up" families in one house? Any information from code enforcement officers?
No known areas.
Housing Conditions
• Any areas of the City with more or less units in need of rehabilitation and replacement
Older homes within the Census Tract 53 may be in need or rehabilitation. • Any differences in housing conditions based on unit types (single family, multifamily, mobilehome) and locations
Mobile homes are aging with many of the mobile home parks in disrepair. • Are there any known areas where the physical conditions of housing suggest a high need for rehabilitation for safety or accessibility reasons? No known.
• Have there been any subdivisions developed in the past ten years? If so, how large were the lots in these developments? Are there differences between new subdivisions and older areas? any new master planned areas that have different infrastructure? Differences in rents and prices and locational differences? Two subdivisions have been developed within the past ten years. These are estate-style developments (E2, 10,000 sq. ft. lots) with larger homes and higher price points compared to older neighborhoods. The newer subdivisions generally feature updated infrastructure, including improved roads, sidewalks, and utilities.
As a result, these areas tend to have higher home values and rents relative to older parts of the community, reflecting both the larger lot sizes and upgraded amenities.
• Are there any types of housing that are known to be not widely available? If so, which neighborhoods?
Market-rate multifamily housing has not been developed in the community since 1989. As a result, young professionals, including those working at the Navy Installation, have limited rental options and access to modern amenities. This shortage affects the entire community and is not restricted to any specific neighborhood.
• Are there any areas where there have been a high rate of code enforcement complaints? What were the issues that drove the complaint? No. Code complaint issues are not restricted to any particular areas or neighborhoods.
Persons Experiencing Homelessness
• Are there any areas where homeless community members tend to congregate? This could either be encampment areas, parking areas where people who live in vehicles park, or areas where people congregate during the day, such as libraries, parks, or community centers. If so, is there access to transportation, services and programs?
o Any programs to provide emergency rental assistance? If so, how is that assistance available? Any differences between neighborhoods? The Point-in-Time Count for the City of Ridgecrest identified 9 homeless individuals in 2024 and 10 in 2025. Homeless individuals tend to congregate in the desert areas surrounding the community rather than in parking areas, libraries, parks, or community centers. Programs are available to assist homeless individuals, including access to resources and services in neighboring communities with more established support centers, should they choose to utilize them.
Displacement
• Any areas or neighborhoods that have experienced significant increases in rents and sales prices? Are people moving or evicted as a result? No known areas experiencing either.
• Any local events that led to displacement?
No known areas of displacement.
• Do any areas have a higher percentage of housing with higher susceptibility to environmental damage due to building age or design?
Older housing in the Census Tract 53 is more susceptible to damage. • Are defensible space inspections performed? Any other similar environmental hazard prevention programming?
Defensible space inspections are not performed in the community. However, Code Enforcement actively addresses environmental hazards by focusing on weed abatement and the removal of junk and debris, helping to reduce fire and safety risks within neighborhoods.
• Are there any areas that might not be in a FEMA zone but which might have a tendency to experience flash floods during storms due to a lack of stormwater infrastructure or ground absorption/permeability?
No Known
Other Relevant Factors
• Describe any historical events, past populations, waves of immigration and development, redlining, financial investments, conditions, covenants and restrictions that influenced socio-economic patterns
• Describe any past zoning or land use decisions that influenced socio-economic patterns
• Describe any settlement trends, major developments or population trends that influenced socio-economic patterns
• Does the city have any defining features to the land use pattern? Topography, Railroads? Highways? Major roadways? Does that influence socio-economic patterns?
• Any recent engineering reports, assessments of infrastructure supply or quality, public safety reports, capital improvement program? Does this information describe or show any differences?
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - CALIFORNIA HOUSING AND HOMLESNESS AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIVISION OF HOUSING POLICY DEVELOPMENT
651 Bannon Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 263-2911 / FAX (916) 263-7453
www.hcd.ca.gov
July 30, 2026
Heather Spurlock, Community Development Manager
Planning Department
City of Ridgecrest
100 West California Avenue
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Dear Heather Spurlock:
RE: City of Ridgecrest 6th Cycle (2023-2031) Revised Draft Housing Element Thank you for submitting the City of Ridgecrest’s (City) revised draft housing element, received on July 29, 2026. Pursuant to Government Code section 65585, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has completed its review and is providing the results.
The revised draft element meets the statutory requirements of State Housing Element Law (Gov. Code, § 65580 et seq), including findings that were described in HCD’s January 2, 2026, review. This finding is based on, among other items, Program 21 (Previously Identified Sites in Last Cycles) taking effect upon adoption to make prior identified sites available to accommodate the lower-income regional housing need allocation (RHNA). The housing element will substantially comply with State Housing Element Law when the element is adopted, submitted to, and approved by HCD, in accordance with Government Code section 65585.
As a reminder, the City’s 6th Cycle housing element was due December 31, 2023. As of today, the City has not completed the housing element process for the 6th cycle. The City’s 6th cycle housing element no longer satisfies statutory requirements. HCD encourages the City to expeditiously adopt and submit to HCD to regain housing element compliance.
Public participation in the development, adoption and implementation of the housing element is essential to effective housing planning. Throughout the housing element process, the City should continue to engage the community, including organizations that represent lower-income and special needs households, by making information regularly available and considering and incorporating comments where appropriate. Please be aware, any revisions to the element must be posted on the local government’s website and to email a link to all individuals and organizations that have previously requested Heather Spurlock, Community Development Manager