Agenda packet — Mayor and City Council, August 2, 2023 (part 4 of 7)

Railroad and Citrus Define San Bernardino
The creation of a wagon road through Cajon Pass created new markets for goods in the desert settlements of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. San Bernardino, at the foot of Cajon Pass, facilitated much of Southern California’s desert trade. In 1881, the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad entered Southern California through Cajon Pass. San Bernardino thereafter became the division point for the AT&SF’s Los Angeles Division. The “Santa Fe” played a significant role in the development of San Bernardino and the region. New towns emerged and old towns grew rapidly.

San Bernardino’s population increased from 1,673 in 1880 to 4,012 in 1890. Agricultural lands on Packet Pg. 847
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the outskirts of the old colony were subdivided into residential and semirural tracts. In 1886, the Santa Fe opened its railroad maintenance facility, the largest facility west of Topeka, on the west side of the City. By 1900, more than half of the City’s residents were employed by the railroad.

By the late 1880s, however, the Rancho era shifted from cattle trading and grain production to a citrus industry aided by innovations in irrigation; the completion of transcontinental railroads; venture capitalism; and the labor of Native Americans, Chinese, and Mexican workers. Citrus agriculture and transcontinental railroads continued to define the economy, landscape, labor, and culture of the City in the late 1880s to mid-1920s. By 1915, San Bernardino had transformed from a scarcely populated rancho to a thriving semiurban transportation center with a population of nearly 5,000 people who enjoyed modern hotels, street lighting, theaters, railroads, and paved streets with a thriving downtown. San Bernardino celebrated its agricultural heritage during the annual National Orange Show. Later, the Great Depression affected the entire region. Thousands of Dust Bowl migrants left the Great Plains and arrived in Southern California during the 1930s.

World War II and Post-war Era
The 1940s to 1960s ushered in a period of
growth. The country was involved in World
War II and needed land for its military. Norton
Air Force Base, known as the San Bernardino Air
Depot, was built in 1942. The base transformed
the economy, population, and job market.

During the early 1940s, 20,000 employees
worked at the base, and San Bernardino’s
population grew from 43,000 to nearly 63,000.

Another war-based company, Kaiser Steel, had
over 8,000 employees. Defense workers flocked
to the City to fill wartime labor shortages. Jobs
at BNSF, Norton, and Kaiser Steel fueled a
demand for housing, resulting in vast tracts in
the City's north central and Del Rosa areas.

During the 1950s, freeway construction caused a pronounced change in the City. The arrival of Interstate 10 to San Bernardino County in 1954 and its push eastward lasted into the 1960s; coupled with the railroads, this ultimately led to the prominent warehousing sector evident today.

Caltrans also built Highway 395 (renamed I-215 in 1982) through San Bernardino in a north-south alignment, which veered northwest toward Cajon Pass, paralleling the Santa Fe Railroad. Using unorthodox left-exiting off-ramps, engineers deliberately steered motorists away from the Mt.

Vernon colonia, giving priority to the City’s downtown and E Street districts. The freeway Norton Air Force Base
Source: Tech. Sgt. Robert Simons, USAF, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-55 accelerated the City’s growth to the north as long-distance commuters opted for new housing near the San Bernardino Mountains and CSU San Bernardino campus, which opened in 1965.

San Bernardino enjoyed its heyday during the
1960s and 1970s. It was the car-cruising
capital of Southern California from the late
1940s to the early 1970s. Memories of cruising
E Street or Route 66 are etched into the City’s
collective memory. The City still holds the
annual Route 66 Rendezvous, a four-day
celebration of America's Route 66. The City’s
peak came when the National League of Cities
awarded San Bernardino an All-America City
award in 1977. Yet it is important to note that
the 1960s and 1970s were a challenging time
of turbulent social change everywhere,
including in the Inland Empire, and economic
change was on the immediate horizon.

Urban Decline and Revitalization
Since the 1970s, the City has experienced extensive changes that have led to urban decline. The most frequently cited reason is closure of the “big three”—the BNSF Railroad Maintenance Yard, Norton AFB, and Kaiser Steel—which resulted in a loss of 30,000 direct jobs and another 60,000 to 90,000 jobs when economic multipliers are factored in. Another factor was the mortgage meltdown of the mid-2000s, which resulted in thousands of home foreclosures and eroded the City’s property tax base. Subsequent factors also hurt the City’s retail base (Carousel Mall, auto malls, etc.), resulting in significant losses in sales tax revenues. Other factors include pressing urban problems and insufficient investment in city infrastructure. These misfortunes culminated with the City’s bankruptcy in 2012, a terrorist attack in 2015, and the aftermath of the pandemic.

In 2022, the City of San Bernadino officially emerged from bankruptcy proceedings. The City is undergoing a General Plan update and the Downtown Specific Plan that will reinvigorate downtown and provide a mix of housing for different ages and income levels. The City’s finances have significantly improved and stabilized, allowing increased expenditures for community services, public safety, and development. Building permits are at the highest levels in years. The Norton AFB continues its successful transition to a general aviation center surrounded by industrial and manufacturing land uses. Ongoing hazard cleanups are improving the City’s environment. The City is reinvesting in its neighborhoods and addressing some of its more challenging social problems, including poverty, unemployment, and crime.

Downtown San Bernardino
Source: San Bernardino Sun.

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SAN BERNARDINO AND MULTICULTURALISM
Many San Bernardino cultures have contributed to the City. Hispanics, Native Americans, Chinese, and Blacks have played important roles, and each encountered discrimination and segregation that was common in the region, state, and nation. Though it is not possible to cover this topic in depth, the following excerpts provide context for understanding the City.

Asian Americans
In 1867, the first Chinese immigrants arrived in
San Bernardino and soon became involved in
construction of the railroads. The Chinese were
forced to move in 1878 to a “Chinatown” on
Third Street between what is now Arrowhead
Avenue and Sierra Way due to an “Anti-Laundry
Ordinance.” By the late 1890s, San Bernardino's
Chinatown had 400 to 600 residents, many from
the Chinese province of Guangdong. San
Bernardino County facilities and Pioneer Park
now occupy the former Chinatown.

After the railroad lines were completed, many
Chinese worked in the region’s citrus industry
and in produce, on farms in what would become
the Base Line Gardens tract east of Waterman
Avenue. Chinese also worked as cooks, launderers, and bus boys. However, in 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act placed a 10-year ban on Chinese laborers immigrating to the United States. When the Act expired in 1892, the US Congress extended the ban for an additional 10 years in the form of the Geary Act. By the mid-1920s, however, San Bernardino’s Chinatown was largely abandoned.

The remaining Chinatown was demolished in 1959 and 1960 during a redevelopment project.

As was the case throughout California, Japanese immigrants also experienced discrimination.

During World War II, many were relocated to internment camps in Poston, Arizona. The War Relocation Authority operated the camp from 1942 until it was shut down in 1945. More than 17,000 people were relocated, mostly from California, including San Bernardino County. Many who returned from their experience lost their homes, business, and livelihoods. In contrast, Filipinos did not experience the same discrimination, arguably since the island had been ceded by Spain along with Puerto Rico and Guam as a result of the Spanish–American War in 1898. Today, Filipinos are one of the fastest growing race and ethnic groups in the Inland Empire. Asian Americans have also made steady progress in educational attainment and business development.

And as of 2022, San Bernardino elected its first Asian-American mayor.

Photograph of original San Bernardino Chinatown
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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-57 Native Americans
Native Americans originally inhabited the area known as San Bernardino. After the missions were secularized, settlers created ranches, farms, mines, and logging camps. These newcomers sought to own land without obstruction. Indigenous people who remained on their ancestral lands were often the victims of harsh treatment and violence. The mid-1800s was a period of existential threat for native Americans. In 1866, a militia of white colonizers initiated a 32-day campaign to kill all Indian natives from the Big Bear Valley. Led by Yuhaaviatam tribal leader Santos Manuel, the remaining 20 to 30 members fled to Warm Creek in the San Bernardino Valley.

In 1891, passage of the Act of Relief for Mission
Indians recognized the San Manuel Band of
Mission Indians as a sovereign nation and
established the San Manuel Indian Reservation.

The reservation was and still is in the San
Bernardino foothills, originally on 657 acres of
steep foothills. The earliest laborers for inland
citrus colonies were Native Americans who
picked crops and excavated irrigation canals.

The Reservation was later expanded to 1,100
acres, but residents generally lived in poverty
during much of the early 1900s. Housing was
later placed on the reservation, but
infrastructure was lacking until decades later.

The opening of Indian bingo in 1986, then later
a casino and water bottling plant in the 1990s
and 2000s, brought change to the Reservation.

Since then, the San Manuel Reservation has
grown in size and become a major benefactor to
the City. In 2019, the band donated $25 million
to the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.

In 2020, the San Manuel Band gifted $9 million
to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The San
Manuel Band has also funded a veterinary clinic
and renovations to San Bernardino parks, and
donated $3.4 million to Goodwill Southern
California, among others. The history of the San
Manuel Reservation can be found in detail online
at: https://sanmanuel-nsn.gov/culture/history.

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Mexican Americans
Though generations of Mexicans had lived in the area since the Rancho San Bernardino, the citrus industry and railroads spurred immigration. The Santa Fe railyard was one of the company’s major hubs on the west coast, and Mexican railroad workers were hired to help with track laying and grading. By 1910 the City recorded 888 foreign-born Mexicans living in the City. Moreover, many of San Bernardino’s Hispanic newcomers arrived after 1910 to escape violence associated with the Mexican Revolution. A colonia was established on the west side of San Bernardino, Mt. Vernon corridor, and Route 66 east of Mt. Vernon. Despite repatriation campaigns of the 1930s, the Mt.

Vernon colonia became a thriving commercial district and established a permanent community of Mexicans in San Bernardino that remains today.7
Mexican Americans also experienced discrimination in housing, public accommodations, and other services. Community groups led significant change. In 1943, Mexican children were refused admittance to the Municipal Plunge except for one day a week, the day before it was drained and cleaned. San Bernardino’s Mexican American Defense Committee and its members and others demanded that Mexicans be allowed to use the municipal pool during all of the hours it was open to the public. In Lopez v. Seccombe, the court ruled that that the City barring Hispanic from parks, pools, and other recreational facilities was illegal under the Fifth and Fourteenth amendments.

Lopez v. Seccombe became part of a larger legal movement to dismantle racial discrimination. 8 During the 1940s and 1950s, many Mexican Americans served overseas defending America from the Axis powers. When the war ended, Mexican Americans were no longer willing to accept second-class citizenship, limited education and job options, or segregation. These new-found demands converged with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, leading to greater integration locally. Moreover, as Mexican business owners gained financial prosperity, they attained social and political power. Still, the Westside had to contend with discrimination like the construction of the SR-395, which had ramps designed to funnel traffic to the City’s historic downtown only, cutting off the west side. These ramps would eventually be reconfigured—50 years later.

Since that time, Hispanic groups have become the largest race and ethnic group in San Bernardino. Many members now hold offices at every level of government and are elected City Council members. CSUSB, a leading state academic institution, has received grants to advance economic and educational opportunity. And in 2022, the White House held a summit to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing equity and economic empowerment and to connect local Hispanic community members directly with federal leaders and resources. 7 Ocegueda, Mark (2017),Sol y Sombra: San Bernardino’s Mexican Community, 1880-1960 Dissertation submitted to the University of California, Irvine. Accessed online at: https://escholarship.org/content/qt39x753fm/qt39x753fm_noSplash_81424a806a3e12a7154f89e40448f80e.pdf. 8 Ocegueda, Mark (2010) "Lopez v. Seccombe: San Bernardino’s Mexican American Defense Committee and Its Role in Regional and National Desegregation," History in the Making: Vol. 3, Article 4. Available at: https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/history-in-the-making/vol3/iss1/4.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-59 Black Americans
Black residents have a long history in San Bernardino, dating to the Valley Truck Farm in southeastern San Bernardino.9 Valley Truck Farms was unique in that the subdivision planned to have no racial restrictions, a novel idea during the 1920s and not without controversy. The neighborhood formed its own Civic and Business League in 1930. The neighborhood began as agrarian, but would grow throughout the 1940s as Norton Air Force Base expanded and employed many Blacks. Children attended Mills School. However, with the community in the airport flight path and economic forces favoring other nonresidential land uses, industrial developments have since largely replaced the original neighborhood.

The Westside was the heart of San Bernardino’s Black community, many of whom worked for the Santa Fe railroad. During the World War II and postwar periods, St. Paul AME Church and the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge hosted NAACP meetings that were a forum for opposition to the City’s “White Trade Only” signs. The Masonic Lodge hosted black fraternal societies and provided meeting space for San Bernardino’s Negro Welfare League. Private homes also served as gathering places during the 1930s and 1940s. The Anna B. Garner Women’s Political Club met at members’ houses. Likewise, journalists J. Robert Smith and Mary Lou Phillips published the TriCounty Bulletin, a black Inland Empire newspaper, from their house on Harris Street.

The Civil Rights Era was a time of turmoil nationally. In San Bernardino, Blacks and Mexicans had been systematically excluded from housing north of Baseline Street and east of the train tracks and later the 215 freeway due to restrictive covenants, resulting in segregated public schools.

While the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) found segregation in public schools unconstitutional, it took decades to take effect in San Bernardino. The Congress for Racial Equity, NAACP, and others sued to force the County school district to implement a desegregation plan, which culminated when the California Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s ruling that required mandatory desegregation and integration of SBCUSD by 1974.10 Since that time, Blacks have achieved trailblazing accomplishments in San Bernardino, including elected office; military leaders and commendations; and leading physicians, educators, judges, community volunteers, pastors, etc. Local organizations, including but not limited to the Congress for Prophetic Engagement, Inland Empire Concerned African Churches, NAACP, and others continue to remain active, championing equity in housing, employment, social justice, etc. In the past few years, CSU San Bernardino has initiated a history project, “Bridges That Carried Us Over Project: Black History in the Inland Empire” to document the history, contributions, aspirations, and continued legacy of Blacks in the San Bernadino community. 9 The Valley Truck Farm neighborhood can be found online at: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7343b0fe57b34cd18950547008ea4439. 10 Fighting School Segregation in San Bernardino: How activists challenged a geography of segregation in the 1960s. Maile Costello and Daniela Gomez, ed. by J. Tilton, a U of R REST Public History Project March 4, 2022.

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Recognizing the multicultural nature of San Bernardino’s community, the City continues to be active in promoting and celebrating the diversity of its residents and the history, heritage, and contributions made by individuals and groups. Some of the key events are as follows:
• The National League of Cities awarded the City
of San Bernardino its 2023 City Cultural Diversity
Award at the League’s National Conference held
in Washington DC from March 26-28. The award
recognized the City’s inaugural Festival, “ Where
Our Cultures Connect.” The event drew 7,000 to
10,000 participants during the daylong event.
the award was accepted by Mayor Helen Tran,
the first Vietnamese American Mayor, and
Council Member Kimberly Calvin.
• The City sponsors a wide variety of events to
commemorate its multicultural residents. Every
February, the City celebrates Black heritage,
posting more than a dozen events on its website
during the month to celebrate Black culture
throughout the City. In September of each year,
the City also celebrates National Hispanic
Heritage Month, and works with community
partners to publicize events at the Feldheym
Library, CSUSB, HispanicCoalition of Small
Businesses, Community College District, and the
San Bernardino County Museum.
• Asian American, Pacific Islander, Desi Americans,
as well as Native American heritages are
celebrated annually through community events
and through a series of lectures and events at
California State University San Bernardino. The
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is actively
involved with CSUSB in sponsoring annual
events and has dedicated grants to the university
to startup its First Peoples’ Center in 2017.

These are just sample of some of the events sponsored by the City, CalState San Bernardino, the County Museum, and many other organizations active in the community.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-61

5.6 DISADVANTAGED

UNINCORPORATED AREAS
This section discusses disadvantaged unincorporated communities, as directed by state law, with respect to water, wastewater treatment, stormwater drainage, and structural fire protection that inform the development of goals, policies, and programs in the Housing Plan chapter.

Adopted in 2011, Senate Bill 244 (Gov’t Code § 65302.10) requires cities to review and update the land use element of their General Plan to identify lower income unincorporated communities, excluding any area within the sphere of influence of a city or incorporated town. This legislation was passed to address the complex barriers that contribute to regional inequity and infrastructure deficits in disadvantaged unincorporated communities.

In accordance with SB 244 and guidance provided by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and San Bernardino County LAFCO, this chapter does the following:
• Identifies and describes each “island” or “fringe community,” as defined, that exists within that city’s sphere of influence that is a disadvantaged unincorporated community. (GC § 65302.10.(a))
• Includes an analysis of water, wastewater, stormwater drainage, and structural fire protection needs or deficiencies for each of the identified communities in the land use element. (GC § 65302.10.(a))
• Includes an analysis of potential funding mechanisms that could make the extension of services and facilities to identified communities financially feasible. (GC § 65302.10.(a)) • Includes responsive goals, policies, and programs to be included in other elements of the General Plan that can address the identified infrastructure and service level deficiencies.

The San Bernardino County LAFCO has prepared disadvantaged communities mapping to identify areas Countywide and in San Bernardino where disadvantaged communities exist (Figure 5-26).

Seven communities in the City are identified as disadvantaged and are therefore subject to the legislative requirements. Additional unincorporated areas in the City’s sphere exist, but they do not meet the criteria established by state law and the LAFCO.

SB 244 requires the housing element to address three items: 1) an assessment of water, wastewater, and stormwater drainage infrastructure and structural fire protection services for these communities; 2) financing opportunities that could make service extension or improvement to these communities feasible; and 3) responsive goals, policies, and programs in the land use element. The remainder of this section addresses the requirements under SB 244.

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IDENTIFICATION OF AREAS
All of the unincorporated islands in the City of San Bernardino are designated either partially or entirely disadvantaged unincorporated communities (DUC). Table 5-20 lists each DUC, the area or size of the DUC, population in the DUC, housing units, and the predominant land uses within each area. Taken together, the DUCs within the City of San Bernardino’s sphere include approximately five square miles, about 4,500 residents, and 1,261 housing units.

Table 5-20 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities

GENERAL NAME CENSUS GEOGRAPHY STATISTICS

PREDOMINANT

LAND USES
Area #1: Muscoy
South of Cimmaron
Ranch development
CT 41.03; BL 3004 & 1011
CT 41.04; BL 1011 & 2004
CT 41.01; BL 1004
Area: 1,453 acres
Population: 965
Hsg Units: 203
Residential
Area #2:

Arrowhead Farms
CT 45.07; BL 2001 & 1007
CT 45.07; BL 3013
CT 45.05; BL 2010
Area: N/A
Population: 9,089
Hsg Units: 2,682
Residential
Area #3:

DRNAG
CT 62.03; Bl 2003
CT 61.01; Bl 2005 & 3002
Area: 101 acres
Population: 541
Hsg Units: 236
Residential
Area #4:

DRNAG
CT 62.03; Bl 1015
CT 61.02; Bl 2004
Area: 108 acres
Population: 107
Hsg Units: 32
Residential
Area #5
DRNAG-Barton
CT 62.04; Bl 1007
CT 62.03; Bl 1009
CT 74.12; Bl 2003
Area: 127 acres
Population: 392
Hsg Units: 100
Residential
Area #6
DRNAG-BartonInternational
CT 74.12; Bl 2012 & 1004
CT 65.01; Bl 2002
CT 65.02; Bl 2010 & 2018
Area: 418 acres
Population: 527
Hsg Units: 140
Residential
Area #7: Pacific
CT 63.04; Bl 3005
CT 63.03; Bl 1001 & 1002
CT 63.01; Bl 4002 & 4007
Area: 193 acres
Population: 1,288
Hsg Units: 353
Residential
Total 13 census tracts
Area: 2,682 acres
Population: 12,909
Hsg Units: 3,746
Residential
Sources: San Bernadino County Local Agency Formation Commission (SBCLAFCO); U.S. Census 2020.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-63 Figure 5-26 Disadvantaged
Unincorporated
Communities
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EVALUATION OF IMPACTS
Water Supply and Quality
The San Bernardino Valley Regional Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) provides a summary of water supply and demand for the years 2020 to 2045 for agencies serving the valley. The State’s UWMP Act requires urban water suppliers to assess water supply reliability by comparing total projected water use with the expected water supply over the next 20 years in 5-year increments.

The 2020 San Bernardino Valley Regional UWMP show that supplies will meet or exceed demand.

DUC 1, Muscoy
The Muscoy Mutual Water Company (MMWC), a private water supplier for DUC 1, serves 1,550 residential and commercial uses. Continuing upgrades are made to this system, specifically the replacement of aged main-line pipes and rehabilitation of two reservoirs and two wells. MMWC projects that adequate water supply is available to serve projected growth through 2050. However, water quality remains a greater concern due to the Newmark and Muscoy plumes in northwestern and west-central portions of San Bernardino. Contaminants include chlorinated solvents, PCE, and TCE that resulted in the closure of supply wells in the Bunker Hills subbasin. The EPA added the site to the Superfund NPL program and entered into an $80 million settlement for cleanup.

DUC 2, Arrowhead Farms
This is a rural neighborhood just northeast of the I-215 and I-210 junction. The San Bernardino Municipal Water Department (SBMWD) provides water service to this area. SBMWD obtains 100 percent of its water from the Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin, a portion of the San Bernardino Basin Area. The 2020 UWMP indicates that SBMWD anticipates adequate supplies for years 2015 to 2035 under normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry year conditions. There is no known contamination of groundwater in this area; the Newmark Plume and Shandin Hills plumes are farther south near the Muscoy community.

DUCs 3 to 7
The East Valley Water District (EVWD), which serves these DUCs, derives the majority (80 percent) of its water supply from 22 groundwater wells, and treated surface water from the Santa Ana River and the State Water Project by way of Plant 134, an 8 mgd water treatment plant. The EVWD can meet current demands in single- and multiple-dry year conditions through 2045. Some of EVWD’s wells are impacted by nitrate, perchlorate, fluoride, uranium, and/or volatile organic compounds.

A mobile home park that encompasses most of DUC 3 is served with a master water meter. DUCs 4 and 5 receive full water service and are not on any planned replacement schedule. For DUC 6, EVWD received a Prop 84 and Clean Water Grant to consolidate with the former Baseline Gardens Municipal Water Company and make substantial infrastructure and water quality improvements.

DUC 7 is served in all but two locations, both of which are vacant.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-65 Wastewater Collection and Treatment
Wastewater is collected and treated by three primary means—through connection to the City of San Bernardino’s wastewater system, connection to the East Valley wastewater collection system, or collection and treatment by individual septic services for specific properties.

DUC 1, Muscoy
The Muscoy community is predominantly reliant on septic systems for residential uses. The City serves only a few areas with sewer service, including properties on the eastern edge along Cajon and Nolan and California Streets and along small sections of Macy, Blake, and Duffy Streets. The limited wastewater collection facilities in DUC 1 are owned and operated by the City of San Bernardino Public Works Department, who is responsible for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of wastewater collection facilities. According to the 2019 Sewer System Master Plan prepared for the SBMWD, existing demand and buildout demand are both 0.3 mgd. No sewer line deficiencies were noted in the Sewer System Master Plan. The Countywide Plan does not project additional growth and development in this area; therefore, SBMWD has adequate capacity to handle sewer flows from this area.

DUC 2, Arrowhead Farms
Arrowhead Farms is reliant on septic systems. The City’s sewer system serves a small portion of 41st and 48th Streets; all of Melrose Drive, Leuzinger Avenue, 40th Street, and F Street; and a few other isolated areas. According to Public Works Department, land uses on septic are not required to connect to the City sewer system unless a failure of their septic system occurs. No existing demand and buildout projection for this area is available because it is encompassed by the City’s overall system. According to the 2019 Sewer System Master Plan, only minor sewer line deficiencies were noted in existing lines. Given that the San Bernardino Countywide Plan forecasts minimal development for this area, existing infrastructure continues to be adequate, and any deficiencies would be addressed through the normal capital improvements planning process.

DUCs 3 through 7
Wastewater collection facilities in DUCs 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are owned and operated by EVWD, which operates and maintains its own wastewater collection system. To ensure that new service connections are responsible for impacts and costs associated with increased system usage, EVWD requires that new development provide for infrastructure as part of project construction. This includes new water and sewer lines and any additional facilities that will be necessary to meet new demand requirements. Because the DUCs that EVWD serves are more urbanized, small-scale development would be able to connect into existing infrastructure. The Countywide Plan forecasts minimal residential development for this area, so any deficiencies would be addressed through the normal capital improvements planning process.

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Sewer in DUC 3 is privately owned by one mobile home park that comprises most of DUC 3, and the sewer is fed into the East Trunk Sewer. The sewer main in DUC 3 is 40 to 50 years old, which places it in the District’s CIP in the foreseeable future. DUCs 4 and 5 receive full sewer service and are not planned for replacement due to condition or capacity. In DUC 6, the uppermost area is a small community of 25 homes with no sewer service, and there is no sanitary sewer system planned. Sewer service is provided by EVWD to three of the six streets in this DUC. The other three streets are served by leach and septic systems that are over 50 years old. According to EVWD, many of the lots in these areas have been divided into 5,000-square-foot lots, and sanitary systems do not meet current water quality control board requirements. EVWD indicated that it is searching for grant funding to bring sanitary sewers to all areas in DUC 6.

DUC 7 is served by sewer and water facilities in all but two locations, both of which are currently vacant. Some of the residential properties around this location are currently on septic systems.

Future conversions of these residences from septic to sewer could be challenging given that the current flows on the sewer mains along Foothill Boulevard and Greenspot Road are at capacity during wet weather flows, according EVWD’s Sewer System Master Plan. EVWD is proposing to replace the 10-inch-diameter mains with 30-inch-diameter mains. With the anticipated adoption of the Airport Specific Plan (2022) adjacent to the northern border of San Bernardino International Airport, the sewer main lines will need to be upgraded. This may offer opportunities to reduce the cost of septic conversions to sewer mains because they will have been slated for expansion in capacity due to envisioned commercial and industrial land uses.

All wastewater from the City flows to the Water Reclamation Plant (WRP), which has been operated and maintained by SBMWD since 1973 and ensures all wastewater is properly treated prior to discharge into the Santa Ana River. The WRP is a 33 mgd secondary treatment facility that serves a population of over 195,000 people in a service area that includes the City, Loma Linda, East Valley Water District, San Bernardino International Airport, Patton State Hospital, and areas of unincorporated San Bernardino County.11 After being treated at the WRP and before discharging to the Santa Ana River, effluent is conveyed to the Rapid Infiltration and Extraction (RIX) facility in Colton for tertiary treatment. The RIX facility is jointly owned by SBMWD and the City of Colton but is operated solely by the SBMWD. Approximately 61 percent or 13 mgd of the wastewater collected at the WRP was generated within the SBMWD service area in 2020. In 2020, the WRP treated 23,763 acre-feet of wastewater and discharged the same amount to the Santa Ana River.

Conversion of septic systems to sewer remains a long-term goal of the region’s sewer agencies.

East Valley Water District and San Bernardino Municipal Water Department are both working on securing funding to encourage the conversion of remaining septic systems to sanitary sewer. 11 City of San Bernardino General Plan Update (2005). Page 9-4. https://bondaccountability.resources.ca.gov/Project.aspx?ProjectPK=22454&PropositionPK=48.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-67 Drainage and Flood Control
Storm drain and flood control facilities in the DUCs are managed by the City of San Bernardino Public Works and Public Services departments and the San Bernardino County Flood Control District. Flood hazard maps provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency indicate that many portions of the City and its sphere of influence have a minimal or moderate flood risk.

Special Flood Hazard Areas subject to inundation by 100-year flood events are along the creeks and channels that cut through the City and its sphere.

DUC 1, Muscoy
Portions of Muscoy have potential minimal or
moderate risk flood areas, according to FEMA.

The Lytle Creek is in the 100-year floodplain. In
DUC 1, the only Special Flood Hazard Areas
subject to inundation by the 1 percent annual
chance flood are along Cable Creek. FEMA
indicates that the area is protected by a
levee/dike on the southwest and the Devil Creek
Diversion Channel to the north. The interior part
of Muscoy is protected from flooding, and the
northeast sector adjacent to San Bernardino has
a reduced flood risk due to an accredited levee.

Muscoy has an adopted Drainage Master Plan.

DUC 2, Arrowhead Farms
According to FEMA, Arrowhead Farms has a
moderate risk of flooding and is designated as
having one or more of the following hazards:

0.2 percent chance of flooding (500-year
floodplain) and areas of 1 percent annual flood
with average depth less than one foot or with a
drainage area of less than one square mile. The
community also has limited sidewalks, curbs, and
gutters, contributing to flood concerns. In
addition, flood control channels are said to need
structural repairs—all which increase the risk of
flooding during inclement weather. There is no
known Drainage Master Plan for this area.

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DUCs 3 to 6
DUC 3, 6, and small portions of DUCs 4 and 5
have potential minimal or moderate risk flood
(colored by orange) areas, by the most recent
FEMA flood maps. The East Twin Creek flows
from the San Bernardino National Forest into
the DUCs. The DUCs have 0.2 percent annual
chance flood areas (500-year floodplain) or
areas with a 1 percent annual chance of
flooding where average depths are less than
one foot or where the drainage area is less
than one square mile. These four DUCs are
protected from a greater flooding hazard of
flooding by federal and local levees and step
basins that surround the East Twin Creek.

Levee maintenance is needed to ensure they
function during a storm event.

DUC 7
DUC 7 is not within a FEMA-designated flood hazard area. The existing storm drain systems, proposed storm drain systems, and infrastructure storm drain systems are identified by Comprehensive Storm Drain Plan #6, prepared by San Bernardino County Flood Control District.

As part of the Airport Gateway Specific Plan being prepared, significant improvements will be made to the water, sewer, and storm drainage infrastructure just north of the San Bernardino International airport, which can then be extended westward a half mile to address the neighborhoods in DUC 7. The Program EIR for the project describes these improvements in detail.

Generally, the high-risk flood areas in San Bernardino’s sphere of influence are confined to storm channels, debris basins, and between levees, with a few minor exceptions. Flood hazards are concentrated in areas where infrastructure is less prevalent, such as rural/formerly rural areas. In accordance with General Plan policy, the City of San Bernardino prohibits development and/or the construction of any structure intended for human occupancy in the 100-year floodplain, as mapped by FEMA, unless adequate mitigation is provided against flood hazards. The City’s flood plain overlay zone requires an applicant to receive a Flood Control Development Permit before construction or development begins in any area of special flood hazards, areas of flood-related erosion hazards, or areas of mud slide (i.e., mudflow). As part of the requirements, the development must incorporate specific techniques to mitigate against potential flooding.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-69 Fire Protection and Prevention
The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (County Fire) is the primary community-based, all-hazard emergency services organization in the County. Services include, but are not limited to, emergency mitigation and management for fire suppression, emergency medical services, ambulance services, hazardous materials and household hazardous waste response, arson investigation, hazard abatement, and various rescue operations. County Fire serves more than 60 communities/cities and all unincorporated areas while responding to 84,000 calls annually. Since 2016, the City of San Bernardino and its unincorporated islands have been part of the Valley Service Zone and Service Zone 5. The following briefly summarizes fire services in each DUC.

DUC 1, Muscoy
Muscoy is adjacent to western San Bernardino
along the wash. Muscoy is not in a high fire hazard
zone, except for an area bordering the Cajon Wash
and the area north of the levee. The other nearest
fire severity zone is the Shandon Hills. Muscoy is
served by Station 75, sited in the center of Muscoy.

DUC 2, Arrowhead Farms
The Arrowhead Farms community is in a very high
fire severity zone in northwest San Bernardino,
which is east of Shandin Hills, another very high fire
severity zone. Arrowhead Farms is served by Station
#227 at 282 W 40th Street in San Bernardino.

DUCs 3 to 7
None of the other DUCS are within or adjacent to very high fire severity zones. These DUCs are served by two stations, Station #226 at 1920 N Del Rosa Avenue and Station #228 at 3398 E Highland Avenue, both in San Bernardino.

County Fire does not have a fire strategic plan or formal fire prevention standard for coverage.

There are no published studies assessing County Fire standards of coverage for its communities.

However, County Fire strives to adhere to standards recommended by the National Fire Insurance organization and the National Fire Protection Association. Those standards allow one-minute alarm time, one-minute turnout time, and four minutes for the first units to respond to a fire or medical emergency; the remaining equipment must respond within eight minutes. County Fire also published fire prevention standards to reduce the threat of structural fires.

Del Rosa Fire Station
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FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Financial resources for disadvantaged communities are available at the state and federal level. The following resources are in addition to funding sources discussed earlier in this chapter. Goals, policies, and programs are included as part of the land use element.

Integrated Regional Water Program
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released the Grant Program Guidelines and Proposal Solicitation Package for $193 million in grant funding to help local agencies advance water infrastructure and resilience projects, including water desalination, wastewater treatment, water conservation, and groundwater recharge. Financed by Proposition 1, $167 million is available through the Integrated Regional Water Management Program to implement projects that improve water supply reliability, reduce fire risk, increase water storage, and improve water quality—while adapting for future challenges caused by climate change and drought. The remaining $25.5 million is reserved for water projects benefitting disadvantaged communities.

State Water Resources Control Board
The SWRCB offers loan and grant funding for construction of drinking water treatment and distribution systems; municipal sewage conveyance and treatment systems; water recycling facilities; remediation for underground storage tank releases and groundwater contamination; technical assistance for small communities; nonpoint source pollution control projects; interim water; operation and maintenance for small, disadvantaged community water systems; and other projects that protect water quality. The program has significant financial assets, and is capable of financing projects from less than $1 million to more than $100 million. The SBMWD is applying for a $24 million grant to convert 250 septic systems to sewer in the Arrowhead Farms community.

California Cap and Trade Program
CalEPA operates a cap-and-trade program whereby disadvantaged communities are targeted for investment that improves public health, quality of life, and economic opportunity. The investments are authorized by the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. In 2016, AB 1550 directed CalEPA to identify disadvantaged communities and establish minimum funding levels—at least 25 percent of funds must be allocated to disadvantaged communities, at least 5 percent must be allocated to projects in low-income communities or benefitting low-income households, and at least 5 percent must be allocated to projects in and benefitting low-income communities or low-income households that are outside of a CalEPA-defined disadvantaged communities but within ½ mile of one. The vast majority of San Bernardino qualifies as a disadvantaged community.

A map of projects can be found online at: https://webmaps.arb.ca.gov/ccimap/.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-71

5.7 AB 686 SITES ANALYSIS
AB 686 requires that the housing element identify sites to achieve the RHNA goals in a manner that affirmatively furthers fair housing. The requirement involves both an analysis of the capacity to accommodate the RHNA (provided in Chapter 4) and whether the identified sites serve the purpose of replacing segregated living patterns with integrated and balanced neighborhood and transforming racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty into areas of opportunity.

SITE EVALUATION METHODOLOGY
The methodology for identifying sites to accommodate the RHNA was intended to select the most feasible sites for development during the 2021-2029 planning period based on multiple factors, including zoning, existing use, acreage, location, proximity to resources, and TCAC opportunity classification. The methodology is as follows:
• First, an inventory of all residential parcels was reviewed. Various residential zones were established as appropriate to accommodate housing at each of the RHNA income categories.

Specific details for this step are available in Chapter 4. • Second, once residential zones were identified, parcels were further vetted and sorted based on existing use, with vacant sites identified as the most suitable for development and selected for further analysis. Sites smaller than half an acre and larger than ten acres were removed from the lower income category in accordance with state regulations. • Third, the City was divided into broad planning areas—Central, Northern, Downtown, Eastern, Southern, and Western—as a way to group the more than 50 different neighborhoods into areas for further analysis.
• Fourth, sites were evaluated to determine the permitted type of residential and likely affordability of housing based on the allowable density, anticipated product type, and market prices or rents for housing.
• Fifth, sites were evaluated using TCAC opportunity data to ensure that sites by income category are distributed appropriately near economic, environmental, and educational resources. The meaning of each TCAC category was explained earlier in this chapter and the specific factors of each category are explained later in this chapter.

Figure 5-27 displays the housing sites that will accommodate the RHNA overlaid onto a district map. Figure 5-28 displays the housing sites over a map showing the TCAC composite opportunity scores. The analysis that follows examines the impact of housing sites on different measures of opportunity, to the extent it can be known, with the goal being to assess and ensure the equitable distribution of housing sites, by income category, across tracts with different resource allocations.

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Figure 5-27 RHNA Credits in San
Bernardino Areas
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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-73 Figure 5-28 RHNA Credits on TCAC
Composite Map
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PART 1: HOUSING SITES’ IMPACT ON INCOME
Part 1 assess the impact of the City’s proposed housing sites on the existing household income distribution of the community by planning area. In assessing the impact of potential housing sites on household income, it is important to note that San Bernardino is predominantly a lower income community compared to other cities because that has implications for its 2021-2029 RHNA.

Figure 5-29 displays the distribution of
existing households by income level for each
area using 2015-19 ACS data. The East and
Verdemont areas have the highest share of
above moderate-income households, and
the lowest share of above moderate-income
households is in Downtown. The other areas
are predominantly lower income and have a
higher share of multi-family housing and
rental units. Moderate-income households
are the smallest group in most planning
areas. Overall, 40 percent of households of
all districts are lower-income households.

Figure 5-30 shows the number of census
tracts in each planning area by resource
category. The majority of the planning areas
are predominantly low resource or high
segregation/poverty. The exception is
downtown, which is a high
segregation/poverty area, and Verdemont,
which has no low resource areas. The 2021-
2029 RHNA recognizes the high
concentration of low-income housing
citywide and thus assigns a higher share of
above moderate-income housing. At the
same time, the City’s strategy spreads
affordable housing citywide to create
mixed-income neighborhoods while
providing housing for low-income residents.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Verdemt
West
Central
Downtow
n
South
East
Low
Moderate
Above Mod
0 2 4 6 8 10
East
South
Downtown
Central
West
Verdemont
High Resource
High Segr/Poverty
Low Resource
Mod Resource
Figure 5-29 Income Distribution by Planning Area
Figure 5-30 Number of Tracts in Planning Areas
by Resource Category
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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-75 The City is required to provide housing units commensurate with the RHNA affordability levels, SCAG assigned San Bernardino a higher share of moderate income (18 percent) and above moderate income housing (51 percent) than currently exist in the City to balance its historically disproportionate concentration of lower-income housing units. Based on anticipated General Plan land use designations, density, and housing mix, the total estimated units (including ADUs) are divided by area:
• In the Verdemont area, 21 percent of allocated units are considered lower-income housing, 10 percent are moderate-income housing, and 69 percent are above moderate-income housing. In total, 125 sites are proposed in Verdemont—10 percent provide housing for lowincome households, 21 percent counting lower income ADUs. • In the Westside area, 37 percent of allocated units are considered lower-income housing, 16 percent are moderate-income, and 48 percent are above moderate-income housing. In total, 106 sites are proposed in the East area—38 percent provide housing for low-income households and 41 percent when considering lower income ADUs. • In the Central area, 58 percent of allocated units are considered lower-income housing, 24 percent are moderate-income, and 18 percent are above moderate-income housing. In total, there are an estimated 123 sites proposed in the West area—32 percent provide housing for low-income households and 37 percent when considering lower income ADUs. • In the Downtown area, 92 percent of allocated units are considered lower-income housing, 7 percent are moderate-income, and 1 percent are above moderate-income housing. In total, 52 sites are proposed in the Central area—58 percent provide housing for low-income households and 58 percent when considering lower income ADUs. • In the South area, 32 percent of allocated units are considered lower-income housing, 33 percent are moderate-income, and 35 percent are above moderate-income housing. In total, 46 sites are proposed in the Downtown—94 percent provide housing for low-income households and 92 percent when considering lower income ADUs. • In the East area, 41 percent of allocated units are considered lower-income housing, 11 percent are moderate-income housing, and 49 percent are above moderate-income housing. In total, 71 sites are proposed—31 percent provide housing for low-income households and 32 percent when considering lower income ADUs.

It should be noted that the Housing Element only analyzed vacant properties; underutilized sites that primarily exist in the Central and Downtown area, such as the Carousel Mall, are not included.

However, these sites may also develop in the next 10 years and will include significant portion of moderate and market rate housing. Therefore, while the distribution of sites from 2021-2029 appear less balanced in the downtown, the General Plan will direct higher income units into the downtown which will achieve a more equitable balance over the long term.

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PART 2: IMPACT ON DISPROPORTIONATE NEED
The housing sites chosen to accommodate the City’s RHNA should, to the extent possible, reduce the prevalence or overconcentration of disproportionate need. Disproportionate need refers to overcrowding, overpaying, and substandard housing, which collectively are “housing problems.” Moreover, housing site decisions should also seek to mitigate potential displacement risks.

Disproportionate need is illustrated for overcrowding (Figure 5-13), housing overpayment (Figures 5-10 and 5-11), and displacement risk (Figure 5-14).

Housing overcrowding is most prevalent and severe in Central, Downtown, and Westside districts as these areas have older apartments and smaller single-family residences. Homeowner overpayment is most prevalent in Central and South districts, while renter overpayment is prevalent citywide except in Verdemont. Displacement risks are concentrated Downtown and in the Central districts. In these older areas, new housing may impact surrounding properties, causing increases in rent and home prices. However, it is necessary to increase high quality market rate housing also in lower income areas, as this is one of the only ways to stimulate economic development and stimulate the revitalization of neighborhoods.

Therefore, development decisions need to include market rate and affordable housing, to alleviate overcrowding, overpayment, and displacement risk. If housing is just market rate, it will drive up home and rental values, lead to improvements in quality housing, but also potentially lead to gentrification and displacement in lower income areas. If only affordable housing is built within a lower income area, it can improve housing security and alleviate overpayment and overcrowding for low income residents, but then it overconcentrates poverty in these neighborhoods. The key is to create a balance of housing that integrates affordable housing where possible in higher income areas, while creating a balance of market rate and affordable housing in poorer areas.

The City’s strategy does the following:
1) It relies on the development of residential projects which are approved projects that are in the development pipeline, which are spread throughout the community; 2) It increases the supply of market rate housing (along with affordable housing) in lower income areas such as the downtown, central, and the westside, which tends to provide suitable housing options for all income levels and reduce overcrowding and overpayment. 3) It increases the production of affordable accessory dwellings, particularly in places like northern San Bernardino, which are already zoned primarily for single-family residential, while allowing for apartments where suitable.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-77 The City’s strategy to address the 2021-
2029 RHNA will increase the number of
housing units at each affordability level, but
the City’s income distribution will change.

The share of above moderate-income units
will increase, and the share of moderateincome units will remain the same. At the same time, the share of lower-income
households relative to the entire housing
stock will decline. This does not mean a loss
in lower-income units, but a shift in their
relative proportion of the housing stock.

This shift will occur because the RHNA
requires the City to set aside more sites for
above moderate-income housing because
of its high share of affordable units.

Moreover, all areas will see a slight change in affordability levels, although to varying degrees.

Figure 5-32 displays the existing income distributions compared to the income distributions achieved after the RHNA allocation. It shows that each area becomes more balanced in terms of household income distribution, reducing concentrations of poverty and segregation and bringing the range of household incomes closer to the City’s and region’s average. Moreover, the City’s housing strategy will achieve its entire lower-income housing target in this scenario. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Lower Moderate Above-Mod
Current City Income Distribution
Future City Income Distribution
SB County
Figure 5-31 City’s RHNA Strategy: Current vs.

Proposed Income Distribution on Vacant Sites
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Verdemont West Central Downtown South East
Low Existing
Low Proposed
Mod Existing
Mod Proposed
Above Mod
Existing
Above Mod
Proposed
Figure 5-32 Existing and Proposed Income Distribution by Area Packet Pg. 871
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PART 3: IMPACT ON OPPORTUNITY
The third part of the AB 686 analysis utilizes the TCAC indicators for economic opportunity, educational opportunity, environmental health and census data on household overcrowding and overpayment to understand how proposed sites for housing affect disproportionate burden.

Table 5-21 outlines the rationale and metric for each opportunity indicator used by TCAC in calculating the overall opportunity score for each census tract statewide and in San Bernardino.

Table 5-21 Overview of Opportunity Indicators

DOMAIN INDICATOR MEASURE
Economic Poverty Percentage of population with income above 200% of federal poverty line
Adult Education Percentage of adults with a bachelor's degree or above Employment Percentage of adults aged 20–64 who are employed Job Proximity Number of jobs filled by workers w/o a BA within a given commute Median Home
Value Value of owner-occupied units
Environmental CalEnviroScreen
Environmental
Conditions
Pollution burden: Exposure indicators
Pollution burden: Environmental effects indicators
CalEnviroScreen
Population
Characteristics
Population characteristics: Sensitive population indicators Population characteristics: Socioeconomic factor indicators Education
Math Proficiency Percentage of 4th graders meeting/exceeding math proficiency standards
Reading
Proficiency Percentage of 4th graders who meet or exceed literacy standards High School
Graduation Rate Percentage of high school cohort that graduated on time Student Poverty
Rate Percentage of students not receiving free or reduced-price lunch Source: TCAC Methodology, California Tax Credit Allocation Committee. Packet Pg. 872 Fair Housing Assessment
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-79 Figure 5-33 displays the average opportunity
index score by planning area for the
economic, environmental, and education
domains cited in Table 5-15. The resource
opportunity scores for all the census tracts
range from 0 to 1, with 0 being the lowest and
1 being the highest. From the chart, it is
apparent that while some planning areas are
designated low resource, they may still
provide higher opportunity for a specific
subject (e.g., education). Therefore, a more
nuanced assessment is needed to understand
the resource deficits/benefits. Table 5-22
provides greater detail about resource
opportunities by planning area. The AB 686
analysis considers these factors in analyzing
how proposed housing sites may affect the
opportunity scores for each area.

Table 5-22 Resource Opportunity Scores by Area

PLANNING
AREA

DOMAIN SCORES
RANGE/

AVERAGE

ECONOMIC
SCORES

ENVIRONMENTAL
SCORES

EDUCATIONAL
SCORES
Verdemont
(Total 5 tracts)
Range 0.18–0.77 0.17–0.55 0.35–0.80
Average 0.46 0.43 0.62
West
(Total 10 tracts)
Range 0.06–0.41 0.05–0.42 0.11–0.55
Average 0.20 0.23 0.25
Central
(Total 10 tracts)
Range 0.02–0.32 0.09–0.50 0.04–0.26
Average 0.19 0.26 0.11
Downtown
(Total 3 tracts)
Range 0.04–0.13 0.05–0.31 0.06–0.54
Average 0.09 0.17 0.26
South
(Total 6 tracts)
Range 0.08–0.73 0.04–0.28 0.02–0.37
Average 0.29 0.13 0.15
East
(Total 7 tracts)
Range 0.11–0.52 0.35–0.59 0.03–0.18
Average 0.33 0.42 0.08
Source: CTCAC/HCD Opportunity Area Designations, https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/ctcac/opportunity.asp 2021.

0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
Verdemont
West
Central
Downtown
South
East
Education
Environmental
Economic
Figure 5-33 Existing Opportunity Index by
Planning Area
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Consistent with Part 1 of this analysis, the data are divided into six districts for comparison across the various districts. Below is a summary of findings based on the data above. • Verdemont: Verdemont has the highest in the education domain, with one tract scoring 0.77.

The economic score is similar to the South District and peaks at 0.7, but on the lower end it is more consistent with the City as a whole. Verdemont’s environmental score is consistent with the other districts. A few tracts have high rates of overcrowding and moderate overpayment. • East: The East district shows moderate to high scores in the economic domain and high scores for environmental health. The East’s education score is low compared to the rest of the City.

This area has census tracts with moderate to high rates of overcrowding, moderate rates of overpayment for owners, and high rates of overpayment for renters. • West: The West district scores moderately in the economic domain and on the higher end for environmental health compared to the City overall. The education domain is overall moderate but high compared to the City as a whole. This area has census tracts with low to moderate rates of overcrowding, low to moderate owner overpayment, and high renter overpayment. • Central: The Central district scores on the low end compared to the City for both the economic and educational domains, but moderate to high for environmental the domain compared to the other districts. The Central district area has high rates of overcrowding and overpayment for renters and owners.
• Downtown: The Downtown has low scores for the economic domain and moderate scores for the environmental domain. The Downtown’s educational score is moderate to high compared to the other districts. This area has high rates of overcrowding and overpayment. This area is anticipated to change as well with the gradual development of housing. • South: The South district has low scores for the environmental and education domains, which is likely due to the high percentage of land zoned for industrial use. The South scores relatively high for the economic domain. This area has low to moderate rates of overcrowding and moderate-high rates of overpayment.

Figures 5-34, 5-35, and 5-36 display the location of sites in San Bernardino underlaid by maps of each of the TCAC economic, environmental, and educational indicators.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-81 Figure 5-34 RHNA Credits by TCAC
Economic Opportunity
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Figure 5-35 RHNA Credits by TCAC
Environmental Quality
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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-83 Figure 5-36 RHNA Credits by TCAC
Educational Opportunity
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IMPACT OF SITES ON TCAC INDICATORS
Table 5-23 summarizes the impact of placing housing in areas on disproportionate burden and various measures of opportunity within the economic, educational, and environmental TCAC indicators as well as transit and housing opportunity.

Table 5-23 Assessment of Fair Housing Implications of Sites

FAIR HOUSING TOPIC BY DISTRICTS

VERDEMONT EAST SOUTH DOWNTOWN CENTRAL WEST
Integration, Segregation, and Disproportionate Impact
Verdemont is
not considered
segregated by
race/ethnicity
but has a high
concentration of
higher income
households.

East district has
tracts with
racial/ethnic
segregation.

The district has
a mix of lower
to above mod
households.

South district
contains tracts
with racial/ethnic
segregation but
has high concentrations of lowmod income
households.

Downtown has
high concentrations of both
racial/ethnic
segregations
and poverty.

The area is
primarily lower
income.

Central district
contains tracts
w/racial/ethnic
segregation
and poverty,
The area is
primarily
moderate to
low income.

West district
contains a mix
of incomes and
contains some
census tracts
designated as
high areas of
segregation.

However, there
is significant
opportunity for
ADUs in tracts.

The addition of
a range of
housing types,
including lower
income
housing and
above mod
housing will
create a
balance of
housing choice.

Sites include low
and mod.
income,
consistent with
the area. Sites
will add more
moderate
income housing,
allowing for
greater choices
for housing.

Downtown
sites provide
50+% for low
income
residents. City
infill program
will add low to
moderate
ownership
opportunities.

Sites exceed
50% above
mod; the rest is
split low to
mod. This will
draw higher
incomes,
provide greater
balance, and
reduce/combat
segregation.

Proposed sites
in the west
district will
create more
balance of
incomes in the
district as well
as provide
more housing
mobility
options.

New housing development will increase the supply of housing options, which tends to assist in moderating housing prices, likely resulting in lower housing overpayment and overcrowding. However, new residential development typically brings in residents from a broader demographic background, including age, income levels, and household type. While these changes occur throughout the region, they are not anticipated to be significant in San Bernardino or within any particular area of the City.

Because the housing sites are spread throughout the community and the total sites for development are only a fraction of the size of any given district, any demographic changes will be gradual.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-85 Table 5-23 Assessment of Fair Housing Implications of Sites

FAIR HOUSING TOPIC BY DISTRICTS

VERDEMONT EAST SOUTH DOWNTOWN CENTRAL WEST
Access to Transit Opportunity
Transit Need
According to
OmniTrans, the
Verdemont
District has the
least potential
mobility and
transit need
According to
OmniTrans, the
East district has
a lowmoderate
potential
transit mobility
need
According to
OmniTrans, the
South district has
a mod to high
potential transit
mobility need.

According to
OmniTrans, the
Downtown
district has the
highest
potential
transit mobility
need.

According to
the OmniTrans,
the Central
district has a
mod-high
potential transit
mobility need.

According to
Omnitrans, the
West district
has a low -
moderate
potential
transit mobility
need
Transit Service
Verdemont has
the lowest level
of transit service
and is served by
three bus lines:
2, 312, and 6.

The East
District is well
connected and
served by five
bus lines: 6,
1, 3/4, and 15.

The South
District, though
mainly industry,
has excellent
service with four
bus lines: 1, 2,
15, and 8.

Downtown has
the highest
level of service
with eight
transit lines:
10, 14, 15, 8, 2,
290, 300, 3/4.

The Central
district is well
connected and
served by three
local bus lines:
10, 3/4, and 2.

The West
district is wellconnected and
served by four
transit lines:
312, 10, 14, 15.

Housing Sites
2,510 units
21% Lower
10% Moderate
69% AboveMod
1,569 units
41% Lower
11% Moderate
49% AboveMod
1,924 units
32% Lower
33% Moderate
35% AboveMod
1,257 units
92% Lower
7% Moderate
1% AboveMod
617 units
58% Lower
24% Moderate
18% AboveMod
1,205 units
37% Lower
16% Moderate
48% AboveMod
Service Impact
In the City, only 1% of workers take transit to their place of employment. There is no information on the number of transit riders who use it for other purposes. However, beginning on August 1, 2021, Omnitrans started a pilot project to make transit free for all K-12 students, including college students. Except for perhaps students, new housing production would not be expected to markedly increase transit demand.

Special needs transit would be addressed by OmniAccess, a federally mandated program to provide low cost door-to-door options for seniors and people with disabilities living within n ¾-mile of a fixed route service. OmniTrans is Title VI compliant.

Future Transit Planning
OmniTrans is continuing to expand and adjust the provision of transit services in response to consumer demand, revenues, and the overall feasibility and sustainability of routes. In FY 2023, Omnitrans will complete its Short-Range Transit Plan that will propose a variety of transit service adjustments that are needed in response to comments from the public, demand for different types and locations for transit, operational and cost considerations, and requirements to meet all applicable state and federal law.

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Table 5-23 Assessment of Fair Housing Implications of Sites

FAIR HOUSING TOPIC BY DISTRICTS

VERDEMONT EAST SOUTH DOWNTOWN CENTRAL WEST
Economic Opportunity
Verdemont
scores under 40
of 100 on the
job proximity
scale due to its
distance from
job centers and
proximity to the
national forest
East district
scores 20 to 60
of 100 on the
job proximity
scale due to
low density
zoning and
suburban land
use pattern.

South district
scores over 80 of
100 on the job
proximity scale
due to the
industrial and
offices in the
southern portion
of the City.

Downtown
scores 60 to
above 80 of
100 on the job
proximity scale
due to its role
as the primary
job center in
the community.

Central district
scores 40–80 of
100 on the job
proximity scale
due to its
location near
downtown, the
City’s primary
job center.

This district
scores 20 to 60
of 100 on the
job proximity
scale due to
the distance
from the City’s
commercial +
industrial core.

Area ranks in
the 10th to 40th
percentile in
unemployment.

Area ranks in
the 30th to 70th
percentile in
unemployment.

Area ranks in the
50th to 90th
percentile in
unemployment.

Area ranks in
the 60th to 90th
percentile in
unemployment.

Area ranks in
the 70 to 100th
percentile in
unemployment.

Area ranks in
the 20th to 90th
percentile for
unemployment.

Additionally, educational attainment is directly related to earning potential. Educational attainment for adults, measured by residents over age 25 with no high school diploma, is low with nearly all census tracts falling above the 60th percentile – meaning that there is a trend of low educational attainment Housing Sites
2,510 units
21% Lower
10% Moderate
69% AboveMod
1,569 units
41% Lower
11% Moderate
49% AboveMod
1,924 units
32% Lower
33% Moderate
35% AboveMod
1,257 units
92% Lower
7% Moderate
1% AboveMod
617 units
58% Lower
24% Moderate
18% AboveMod
1,205 units
37% Lower
16% Moderate
48% AboveMod
Given the higher
educational
attainment,
employment
rate, income
level, and
vehicle
ownership of
this area, the
RHNA sites
would not be
expected to
impact ability of
to access or
secure jobs.

Given higher
educational
attainment,
employment
rate, higher
income level,
and vehicle
ownership in
this area, the
RHNA sites
would not be
expected to
impact ability
to access or
secure jobs.

Although the
area has higher
unemployment +
low educational
attainment, 8
trade schools
serve the area.

Therefore, the
RHNA sites
would not be
expected to
impact the ability
to access or
secure jobs.

Downtown has
the highest
unemployment
and poverty.

However, given
its proximity to
jobs and more
than 10 trade
schools, the
RHNA sites
would not be
expected to
impact the
ability to access
or secure jobs.

Central district
has lower
educational
attainment and
unemployment,
however since
the area is near
job centers and
trade schools,
the RHNA sites
would not be
expected to
impact the
ability to access
or secure jobs.

Although the
area has high
unemployment
& low
educational
attainment, the
area has access
to 5 staffing
resources and
trade schools.

The RHNA sites
would not
impact the
ability to access
or secure jobs.

Packet Pg. 880
Fair Housing Assessment
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-87 Table 5-23 Assessment of Fair Housing Implications of Sites

FAIR HOUSING TOPIC BY DISTRICTS

VERDEMONT EAST SOUTH DOWNTOWN CENTRAL WEST
Educational Opportunity
All SBC schools are Title 1 schools and eligible for federal financial assistance.

The Verdemont
is within the 25th
to 75th
percentile on
the education
opportunity
index.

The East district
is below the
25th percentile
in some areas
and up to 50th
in other areas.

The South
district is up to
the 50th
percentile on the
education
opportunity
index.

The Downtown
is below the
25th percentile
on the
education
opportunity
index.

Central district
ranges up to
the 50th
percentile on
the education
opportunity
index
The West
district ranges
up to the 50th
percentile on
the education
opportunity
index
Service Impact
As new housing is built, school impact fees will address increased levels of enrollment.

While this area
is more affluent,
all schools are
Title 1 so the
estimated lowincome units
may have
access to
increased
education
resources
The mix of
housing
proposed in
this district can
provide new
educational
opportunities
to lower and
moderateincome
households.

While all schools
are Title 1 – new
impact fees willl
offset any
burden of
additional
students in this
area.

Downtown has
some of the
lowest
education
scores, school
impact fees
will assist in
providing
funding to
address need.

The variety of
housing in the
district will
increase
enrollment and
provide lower
income
housing in an
area with
higher
educational
index scores.

This district
focuses on the
provision of
more
moderate and
above
moderateincome
housing.

School Programs
The City has 10 high schools, all of which score high for graduation rates. Of that total, six schools are rated blue on the performance scale, which is the best rating given by the CDE and these are accessible to students in all six districts. Three schools are rated green, the second highest rating given. Three schools are rated yellow or red, however, these schools are continuing education or alternative schools.

It should also be noted that SBCUSD prepares an annual Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). This plan is intended to devote significant resources to disadvantaged students. CDE is also monitoring compliance with these requirements to ensure that equity is furthered across the jurisdiction of the school district.

City Programs
The City of San Bernardino supports a variety of after school programs, youth organizations and learning centers to support the education of elementary, middle and high schoolers. Facilities exist throughout the City and provide day care, mentoring, and homework help. Nonprofit organizations supplement these efforts, particularly in the Westside.

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5-88 July 2023
Table 5-23 Assessment of Fair Housing Implications of Sites

FAIR HOUSING TOPIC BY DISTRICTS

VERDEMONT EAST SOUTH DOWNTOWN CENTRAL WEST
Housing Opportunity
Verdemont is
primarily single
family and lower
density
residential,
particularly in
areas near the
hillsides.

The East area is
primarily single
family and
lower density
residential with
some condos
and attached
townhomes.

The South area is
primarily single
family and lower
density
residential with
some multifamily housing.

Downtown has
a mix of
affordable
multi-family
housing and
affordable
single-family
homes.

Central is a mix
of single family,
condos and
lower density
residential, and
apartments and
higher density
multi-family.

The West area
is primarily
single family,
lower density
residential with
some condos
and attached
townhomes.

Sites identified
for this district
are consistent
with the existing
income and
residential
make-up of the
area.

Sites identified
for this district
are consistent
with the
existing income
and residential
make-up of the
area.

Sites are split
fairly evenly, 50
percent for
moderate, 25
percent lower
income and 25
percent above
mod income.

Sites identified
for this district
are consistent
with the
existing income
and residential
make-up of the
area.

New single
family homes
expand housing
choice, increases
builder
competition,
which would
potentially
reduce prices.

The focus on a
mix of lower
and above
moderate
housing
provides
equitable
access to
housing types.

New multi-family
apartments and
condos, would
offer attainable
and quality
housing, thus
improving
housing mobility.

New multifamily apartments and
condos, offer
attainable a
housing, thus
improving
housing
mobility.
50 percent of
the sites are
above mod; the
remainder are
split between
lower and
moderateincome
housing.

New housing is
primarily
identified for
moderate and
above
moderate (over
60 percent).

Additionally, SFR
allows ADUs
which create
more housing
choice for
families, renters,
seniors and
students.

New apartments and
condos will
offer attainable
housing and
improve
housing
mobility.

New multi-family
development,
both apartments
and condos, will
offer attainable
housing and
improve housing
mobility.

Downtown is
the job center,
so new housing
within walking
distance creates
mobility and
opportunity for
residents.

New apartments and
condos will
offer attainable
housing and
improve
housing
mobility.

New single
family housing
expands choice,
increases
competition,
and will
potentially
reduce prices.

New housing development will help to moderate housing prices, likely lowering overpayment and overcrowding. As with all new housing investment, there will be concerns with displacement. In recent years, the City has seen the vast majority of its affordable apartment projects receive tax credits to rehabilitate the properties and extend affordability covenants well past 2050, mitigating the short and longer-term effects of investment in their neighborhoods.

Packet Pg. 882
Fair Housing Assessment
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-89 Table 5-23 Assessment of Fair Housing Implications of Sites

FAIR HOUSING TOPIC BY DISTRICTS

VERDEMONT EAST SOUTH DOWNTOWN CENTRAL WEST
Community Health
The Verdemont
has moderate to
high pollution,
with moderate
levels east of the
I-15 and higher
levels south
near Cajon
Wash.

The East
District ranges
in the exposure
to pollution,
with moderate
levels (west) to
very low levels
in the east.

The South
District has a
very high level of
pollution due to
its proximity to
major industry,
the freeways (I10 and I-215),
and the SBX
airport.

The Downtown
has a very high
level of
pollution due
to its proximity
to major
industry and
freeways.

Central District
has a moderate
to high
pollution, with
moderate in
the east and
high levels near
the I-215
freeway.

West District
has moderate
to high
pollution levels,
with high levels
around the
BNSF and I-215
and moderate
levels in the far
west.

Addressing the City’s 2021-2029 RHNA and the 8,123 residential units will require the development of housing in neighborhoods that will likely have moderate to high levels of pollution. The question becomes not whether there are locations where acceptable levels of environmental pollution exist, but rather the mitigation of long standing pollution sources and mitigation of pollution in the design and development of residential projects.

The AB617 Implementation Plan is designed to address the major stationary and mobile sources of pollution. It includes mitigation measures such as changes to technology that will reduce pollutants, mitigation measures, such as filters for impacted schools and other sensitive land uses, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that pollution sources are abiding by the regulations in accordance with their operating permits.

In 2023, a Health and Environmental Justice Element will be prepared for the 2050 General Plan update.

This element will assess the health conditions, infrastructure, and environmental justice issues for neighborhoods. The element will also address parks and recreation, the food environment, crime prevention, employment, education, and other features as well as include a series of goals, policies, and implementation programs.

In 2022/2023, the City will award a contract to develop a comprehensive master plan to manage the City’s 500 acres of parkland. As part of the General Plan update, a Park and Recreation Element will incorporate new projects. In 2022, the City completed the San Bernardino Active Transportation Plan to retrofit streets and add 165-linear-miles for bicycle routes along with additional trails and pedestrian routes, improving active living opportunities.

The updated Circulation Element of the General Plan will incorporate implementation measures to address truck and vehicular traffic, which are some of the highest sources of air pollution. It will also address railroad travel, including the BNSF, which is one of the largest sources of diesel particulate matter.

Notes: City of San Bernardino, 2023
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5-90 July 2023

5.8 FAIR HOUSING ISSUES
The housing element must include a summary of fair housing issues and contributing factors based on the prior analysis, along with responsive goals, policies, and programs to address identified needs. The identification and evaluation of contributing factors must identify fair housing issues and significant contributing factors; prioritize contributing factors, giving highest priority to the factors that most limit or deny fair housing choice or access to opportunity or negatively impact fair housing or civil rights compliance; and discuss strategic approaches to inform and strongly connect to goals and actions.

Strategies and actions to implement priorities and goals may include, but are not limited to: 1) Enhancing mobility strategies and promoting inclusion for protected classes; 2) encouraging development of new affordable housing in high-resource areas; 3) implementing place-based strategies to encourage community revitalization, including preservation of existing affordable housing; and 4) protecting existing residents from displacement.

The identified fair housing issues in San Bernardino are derived from several sources: 1) outreach undertaken for the 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing; 2) outreach undertaken for the 2050 General Plan Update (which directly relates to housing); 3) General Plan Advisory Committee meetings; 4) special stakeholder meetings; and 5) this AFH assessment. The public outreach and engagement program is described in detail in Chapter 6 and can also be accessed online at https://futuresb2050.com/.

The key issues are:
1) Poverty and Disproportionate Need
2) Educational and Employment Opportunity
3) Housing Displacement/Security Concerns
4) Safe and Healthful Housing and Neighborhoods
5) Community Health and Wellness
The following describes each fair housing issue and contributing factors and a highlight of several programs that will address the fair housing issue. Chapter 7, the Housing Plan, contains a more complete description of each program. Table 5-24 summarizes all of the fair housing issues and programs intended to have a meaningful impact on fair housing issues and contributing factors.

Packet Pg. 884
Fair Housing Assessment
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-91 Issue #1: Poverty and Disproportionate Need
The City of San Bernardino has a significant racial/ethnic concentration of segregation and poverty. According to TCAC, the central core and a large portion of the west side are designated “Areas of High Segregation and Poverty” and/or “Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty” (e.g., R/ECAP). These areas also have the highest prevalence of overcrowding, housing overpayment, and other conditions. These areas contain the vast majority of the City’s older housing, deed-restricted apartments, public housing, and mobile home parks. As noted in this chapter, past segregation played a role in perpetuating poverty and disproportionate needs.

Addressing concentrated poverty and housing problems requires a multi-faceted approach, including public assistance, education, employment, and physical investment. The difficulty in addressing these issues is cross-sectoral in nature; different organizations are legally mandated to address issues and receive state or federal funds to accomplish their mandate. For instance, SBCUSD budget of $950 million for education is four times the City’s budget. The State and federal government direct workforce development funds directly to the County. Public assistance is largely provided by the County through state and federal subventions. The challenge for the City is working within these legal mandates and funding limitations to make a positive impact.

The City is leading the following projects to reinvest in the community:
• Small Business Assistance. In collaboration with the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the City is using ARPA funds to assist businesses and organizations that were negatively impacted by COVID-19 or are qualified as an “underserved small business.” The City is also setting up an Entrepreneurial Resource Center as a resource center for entrepreneurs and small businesses, anchored by the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship and CSUSB’s School of Entrepreneurship. • Youth Employment. In 2022, the City was awarded a $4.2 million grant to hire 70 young and early career staff members as part of the California Youth Jobs Program. The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds youth programs and services for hard-to-serve youth aged 16 to 24. These services enhance job skills, develop leadership qualities, explore career options, offer adult and peer mentoring, and take advantage of work experiences. Three entities in the City provide youth programs and services. • Infrastructure Improvements. In 2020, the City’s pavement assessment found a significant number of streets requiring rehabilitation, particularly in older areas of the City. As such, the City is undertaking a plan to repair 53 streets exceeding $60 million. In 2021, the City repaired and rehabilitated over 3.8 million square feet of roadway, 37,000 square feet of curb, gutter, and sidewalks, and 119 ADA ramps. The City is also completing significant improvements to its park and recreation facilities, detailed later in this chapter.

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Fair Housing Assessment
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The loss of public and private investment capital can also lead to growing poverty, decreasing housing values, and the deterioration of neighborhood services along with limited housing choices and equitable access to opportunity. The City’s recent history is well documented. The real estate crash (2007), loss of redevelopment (2012), municipal bankruptcy (2012), terrorist attack (2015), pandemic (2019/20), and deep staffing cuts––all profoundly impaired the City’s full recovery. These factors impeded the delivery of public works projects, curtailed municipal services, reduced tax revenues, and resulted in the loss of public and private investment in the city.

The City recognizes the impact of these events and is working to turn the corner and direct more public and private investment into the city. Key initiatives include:
• Infrastructure Master Plans. The City
manages a multi-billion dollar system of
infrastructure and fully appreciates the
importance of maintaining the system for
quality of life. On June 30, 2023, the City
Council held a study session to discuss the
need for an infrastructure master plan to
ensure the long-term value of these assets.

During the planning period, City staff will
therefore request nearly $5 million in
funding to commence an ADA Plan, Bridge
Management Plan, Storm Drain Master
Plan, and Facility Management Plan.
• Downtown Specific Plan. In 2023, the City is preparing a Downtown Specific Plan (DTSP) to facilitate transformation of this aging core into a mixed-use and multipurpose node. The DTSP aims to: restore historic and cultural relevance; leverage transit and support continued transportation infrastructure; provide opportunity to restore civic life; and serve as a catalyst to increase jobs, retail opportunity, housing, and places of gathering. More than 15,000 housing units are anticipated, with a signature project replacing the Carousel Mall. • Investment Playbook. The City, along with stakeholders, is working with Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program (AILSP). This initiative targets six Hispanic-majority cities— including San Bernardino–and is intended to spur economic growth in places where COVID19 exacerbated long-existing inequities. An investment playbook is a tool designed to help the City prioritize transformational investments and match them to local, federal, state, private, and philanthropic funding opportunities. The Playbook is published at:
https://www.sbinvestmentplaybook.com/ and the City is gearing up for initiatives.

Packet Pg. 886
Fair Housing Assessment
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-93 Issue #2: Educational Opportunities
Educational attainment is a key factor that affects residents’ health, well-being, and quality of life.

Local schools scored low on educational attainment, and one-third of adults lack a diploma.

Though San Bernardino has low unemployment rates below 5 percent, many residents earn low incomes due to low educational attainment. The education-job nexus reveals interrelated needs:
1) academic achievement; 2) connecting individuals from secondary education to sustainable jobs or college education; and 3) supportive services to individuals needing job skill training.

While a high priority, the SBCUSD and workforce partners are largely responsible for driving educational opportunities, though the City is also contributing to initiatives. • Local School Programs. A Citizens Oversight Committee for SBCUSD oversees two bond measures (T and N) adopted to improve facilities and student achievement. SBCUSD receives more than $900 million annually to address the needs of students. SBCUSD also offers its CAPS extended learning program at all 80 schools, providing before- and after-school activities that enhance students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical development. www.sbcusd.com/district_offices/student_services/caps/c_a_p_s_programs_and_components. • Postsecondary Bridge. The Inland Career Education Center (part of SBCUSD) provides a bridge to postsecondary education and the workforces. The Center helps adults learn the academic, technical education, and job skills needed to improve job options. An average of 2,000 students are enrolled annually. In partnership with the District’s ROP program, Technical Employment Training provides manufacturing trades and hands-on skills training. Lastly, SBVC also offers career technical education and training coursework. • County Youth Literacy Grants. San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) has received $5.6 million in funding through the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant to advance early literacy. The grant is awarded by the California Department of Education to leverage and expand existing statewide infrastructure to improve student outcomes over a 5-year period. The grant will serve children from birth to 12th grade with an emphasis on English Learners, students living in poverty, and those with disabilities. • City Library Improvements. The City has four public libraries. The San Bernardino City Library Foundation, a nonprofit corporation, was created to provide funding for areas of education, programming, materials, capital improvements, and special projects that are beyond the customary funding received from the City. In 2023, the City applied for a CSLA Building Forward Library Facilities grant of $6.3 million and, if approved, will rehabilitate the Feldheym Central Library, which offers Career Pathways, a suite of online job training, test preparation, and professional development tools that is free for residents.

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Fair Housing Assessment
5-94 July 2023
Issue #3: Housing Security/Opportunity
The high prevalence of poverty in San Bernardino affects residents’ housing security. Lower income residents, seniors, disabled people, and other households on fixed income, particularly renters, can be vulnerable to loss of their housing. As shown earlier in the analysis of displacement risk, the majority of those in the central core and Westside are subject to high displacement risk.

The Housing Element commits the City to complete the following. • Rent Stabilization. The City’s mobile home rent stabilization ordinance covers 46 mobile home parks (~4,100 or 7 percent of all units). The City’s mobile home rent stabilization ordinance limits rent increases to 80 percent of the percentage increase in the CP Index. The ordinance exempts mobile homes from the ordinance where a valid rental lease is in effect.

Most of the mobile homes are in the high segregation or R/ECAP areas, so maintaining rent stabilization is a critical strategy for housing security for those residents. • Affordable Housing Preservation. San Bernardino has 38 affordable apartment properties (~3,800 or 6 percent of all units). Of these 39 properties, 31 have renewed their covenants for the long term. The City proposes to work with HASBC and other private entities to preserve affordable housing at risk of conversion. Of the 7 at-risk projects, the Maplewood, Ramona Senior, Arrowhead Woods, and Autumnwood comprise 56 percent of the units and are all within the boundaries of the high segregation R/ECAP areas. • Rental Housing Vouchers. The HACSB issued over 2,500 tenant-based rental vouchers and over 1,000 project-based vouchers in 2022 (~3,600 or 6 percent of all units). Of that total, 22 percent of ELI and VLI households rely on vouchers. Vouchers target the most vulnerable— female-headed households (with and without children), seniors, disabled, and veterans—and are most used by households living in the TCAC high segregation and R/ECAP areas. The City is committing to maintaining and increasing voucher utilization in the community. • Tenant Protection. Given the rapid increase in rents in recent years across the Inland Empire and San Bernardino, residents who rent housing have become increasingly concerned about their housing security. In response to resident concerns that rents were increasing faster than allowable amounts under AB 1482, City staff initiated a pilot tenant protections program with the Legal Aid Society to serve San Bernardino residents. The City held its first workshop in November 2022 and will continue to hold them quarterly. • Housing Production. With a growing City housing staff, the City is moving forward with facilitating, encouraging, and subsidizing the production of affordable housing either directly with financial assistance, regulatory assistance, or land resources. These include the Seccombe Lake, Arrowhead Grove, Eclesia Fellowship, mobile home park expansion, and surplus land. In addition, the City approved building permits for nearly 150 ADUs in 2022 in neighborhoods citywide, including neighborhoods outside lower resource areas.

Packet Pg. 888
Fair Housing Assessment
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-95 Issue #4: Safe and Healthy Housing and Neighborhoods
Access to safe, clean, and healthful neighborhoods is a critical quality of life issue for San Bernardino residents. It is well known that San Bernardino has experienced significant financial, social, and economic issues over the past several decades which have individually and collectively had a negative impact on the quality of life in neighborhoods. As the City has emerged from bankruptcy, significant funding is being allocated to address disadvantaged neighborhoods.

The Housing Element commits the City to do the following. • Parks and Recreation. In 2022/2023, the City will award a contract to develop a master plan to manage the City’s 500 acres of parkland. The General Plan update will also include a comprehensive update to the Parks and Recreation Element. Both will be completed in 2024.

The City will continue to implement retrofits of parks and recreation facilities citywide in accordance with its phased plan. During the first half of the RHNA cycle, at least six parks are being rehabilitated and cleaned up at a cost of at least $30 million. The majority of the parks are in TCAC High Segregation and R/ECAP areas.
• Violence Reduction. For years, San Bernardino has wrestled with reducing violence and crime in the community. In 2023, the City was awarded its third round of Violence Prevention Grants from the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) to administer $3.8 million, and the City approved $1 million in ARPA funds to supplement it. The City received a $1 million Youth Reinvestment Grant from BSCC to implement a youth reinvestment and development program. The City also received a $5.4 million grant to hire more than a dozen police officers to continue strengthening its community-oriented policing. • Housing Conditions. The City implements a variety of programs to improve the quality of housing. These programs include: 1) substantially increasing code compliance staff to improve internal capacity to respond to code violations and maintain the quality of housing and neighborhoods; 2) working with NPHS to implement the owner-occupied housing rehabilitation loan program; and 3) expanding the City’s inspection program to inspect all assisted complexes that received local assistance.
• Neighborhood Conditions. The City’s Public Works Department and Police Department are responsible for implementing programs that help to clean up neighborhoods citywide, with a focus on the most blighted areas. The Housing Element reflects ongoing actions undertaken by the City and its partners to remove approximately 5,500 graffiti incidents, repair 24,000 potholes, trim more than 7,200 trees, and clean up 2,700 illegal dumps/encampments on an annual basis. The City is committed to continuing implementing these types of programs and others as needed to maintain the quality of life of neighborhoods citywide.

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Issue #5: Community Health and Wellness
As a large, industrialized community, improving and maintaining environmental quality is a high priority for the City. Of the City’s 43 tracts, 13 tracts (33 percent) are considered disadvantaged for pollution burden. Environmental concerns include environmental justice, air quality, land use adjacency issues, heavy industry, and legacy pollution. In other cases, other community health concerns are present due to the health of residents. The City is known for a higher prevalence of preventable chronic diseases. These will be addressed in subsequent technical reports.

The 2021-2029 Housing Element commits the City to do the following:
• Environmental Justice. In 2024, the City will complete a Health/Environmental Justice Element for the 2050 General Plan. The technical report will assess the City’s health conditions, infrastructure, and environmental justice issues, including but not limited to active living, food environment, public safety, employment, education, and health care facilities and services.

Along with public input, these issues will form the basis for goals, policies, and programs. This report will provide the basis for the completion of an environmental justice element. • Water and Sewer Programs. The City’s Public Works and Water Departments implement a variety of programs to improve and safeguard the City’s groundwater supply. Efforts planned for this housing element cycle include developing a priority policy for serving housing affordable to lower income households, removing lead in water service connectors in areas around the disadvantaged Muscoy community (Cimmaron) as well as converting septic systems to the City’s sewer system in unincorporated areas (Arrowhead Farms). • Roadway Safety. In 2023, the City adopted a Roadway Safety Plan and Active Transportation Plan to identify, analyze, and prioritize safety improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians. The plan identified crash data and identified high risk corridors that need improvements. It also identified more than $6 million in capital improvements needed in the community. In 2023, the City applied for a $6.8 million “Safe Streets and Roads for All” grant from the federal Department of Transportation. If awarded, safety improvements will be addressed. • Polluted Sites. San Bernardino has several Superfund sites, brownfields, former military sites, landfills, and other hazardous sites managed by CalEPA, the US EPA, DTSC, or the military.

Many of the sites are being cleaned up, either voluntarily or by court order. The City continues to encourage these agencies to continue efforts and initiate cleanup where they are the lead agency. The City continues to support the AB 617 group to implement programs to reduce the pollution burden in the Muscoy/West/Central San Bernardino area.

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Fair Housing Assessment
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-97 Table 5-24 Fair Housing Issues, Metrics, and Actions

ISSUE/ACTIONS METRICS AREA TIMING
ISSUE #1: DISPROPORTIONATE BURDEN
Reinvestment Plans

1.2a. Adopt the Downtown Specific Plan; make
associated amendments to the Development Code
as needed, and monitor plan effectiveness.
- Specific Plan
- Select developers
- Build projects
Downtown
Downtown
Downtown
2024
2023-2025
As proposd

3.8b. Prioritize capital improvement projects where
disinvestment or disadvantaged areas exist, pursue
collaborate City-County efforts where feasible.

Street repairs
ADA improvements
300 Water Connectors
250 Septic Conversns
Muscoy
Del Rosa
Cimmaron
Arrow. Farms
2024/2025
2024/2025
2024/2025
2024/2026

3.8c Request $5 million and, if approved, prepare
an ADA Plan, Bridge Management Plan, Storm
Drain Master Plan, and Facility Management Plan.

Prepare and adopt
four master
infrastructure plans
Citywide 2023-2029

4.9a. Implement the Investment Playbook to guide
the City’s future investment in strategic planning,
development, and funding initiatives.

Complete Plan Citywide 2023-2029
Economic and Employment Development

3.7a. Expend $5 million to assist small businesses
and organizations with working capital that were
adversely impacted by the COVD pandemic.

Assist between 100 to
150 businesses
High need
areas south of
SR-210
Downtown
Westside
Central
Eastside
2023 thru
2025

3.7b. Establish an Entrepreneurial Resource Center
as a central point for resources and support for
entrepreneurs and small businesses in the City.

Serve up to 2,500
people
2023 thru
2025

3.7c. Implement $4.2 million Youth Workforce
grant; train and employ local youth with the City
and COBs to restore services
Hire and train up to
70 residents
End of 2024

3.7d. Prepare a Broadband Master Plan that plans
for comprehensive coverage to residents and
business citywide, including underserved areas.

Complete Broadband
Master Plan
Citywide
Downtown
Northwest
End of 2024
Social Services

5.6 Sponsor and provide at community centers a
wide range of physical, social, health, and other
support services for families and children
Varied services Citywide Ongoing

5.2 Sponsor and provide physical, social, health,
and other support services for senior residents at
San Bernardino's senior centers and other sites.

Varied services Ongoing

5.3 Support efforts to provide community,
recreational, and social services to people with
physical, mental, and developmental disabilities.

Varied services Ongoing
Packet Pg. 891
Fair Housing Assessment
5-98 July 2023
Table 5-24 Fair Housing Issues, Metrics, and Actions

ISSUE/ACTIONS METRICS AREA TIMING
ISSUE #2: HOUSING SECURITY AND OPPORTUNITY
Preservation of At Risk Housing

4.1a. Monitor contract status of affordable housing
and communicate the City's desire to preserve
long-term affordability of properties.

Preserve all 685
affordable dus at:
- Waterman
- Maplewood
- Arrowhead Wd
- Autumnwood
- Ramona Senior
- Kendall Apts
All R/ECAPs
High Seg Area:

Southern
Westside
Westside
Eastside
Westside
Verdemont
Year prior to
conversion
date.

Each six
months if
noticing is
required.

4.1b. Coordinate with property owners to ensure
conversion notices to tenants are sent out at three
intervals: 3 years, 1 years, and 6 months.

4.1c. As feasible, provide financial and/or technical
assistance to preserve publicly assisted affordable
housing at risk of conversion by 2031
Rental Housing Security

4.2. Continue the MHP Rent Stabilization program
to ensure all increase requests go through the
proper administrative and hearing process
Preserve City’s rent
stabilization ordinance
for all 46 MH Parks
Westside
Eastside
Central
Annual

4.3a-c Maintain HCV program, increase use
through marketing and education, and publicize
program as articulated in the Housing Plan.

Maintain 2,600 HCVs;
Increase 10%
Distribute fliers
Citywide Annual
2024-2026
Annual

5.1. Contract with fair housing provider(s) to
provide mediation, education, enforcement, and
tenant protections workshops
Issue contract
Hold workshops
Serve 1,250 calls
Citywide Annual
Quarterly
Annual
Increasing Housing Opportunity

4.6c. Complete processing, facilitation, funding
and/or technical assistance of affordable housing in
the pipeline and other opportunities that arise
Seccombe Lake
Arrowhead IV
Eclesias Fellowship
R/ECAPs and
High Seg
Areas
2024
2025
2026

1.7. Complete comprehensive updates to the
General Plan Land Use Element to increase
opportunities for new housing
Land Use Element Citywide 2024

1.2a-c. Prepare a Downtown Specific Plan and
amend the Dev Code as needed. Issue RFPs in
compliance with SLA and select developers.

Continue to work with developers until the catalytic
projects are built on sites in the downtown.

Adopt Specific Plan
Select developers
Build projects
Downtown
Downtown
Downtown
2024
2023-2025
As proposed

2.4a-c Update Development Code to remove
housing development constraints- permitting
processes, development standards, regulatory
incentives, and administrative regulations.

Development Code
Update Citywide 2024
Packet Pg. 892
Fair Housing Assessment
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 5-99 Table 5-24 Fair Housing Issues, Metrics, and Actions

ISSUE/ACTIONS METRICS AREA TIMING
ISSUE #3: SAFE AND HEALTHFUL HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOODS
Violence Prevention

3.5a. Implement focused violence intervention
services to reduce the prevalence of community
crime and gang-related violence in neighborhoods.

Reduce group shooting
5% annually with $3.8
million VIP grant Citywide,
emphasis
Westside
Downtown
2023/24
through
2026/27

3.5b. Continue to implement community - based
policing– increase staffing resources and involving
the community - to reduce crime and violence
Expend $3.3M COPS
grant; hire 13 FTE with
$5.4 million COPs grant
2023/2024

3.5c. Explore the feasibility of establishing a
citywide Neighborhood Watch Program to prevent
and reduce crime and violence
Prepare Council report
and hold agenda item
End of 2024
Parks, Recreation, and Community Services

3.6a. Complete a comprehensive update to the
General Plan Parks and Recreation Element General Plan Element Citywide 2024/25

3.6b. Complete repairs/retrofits to six projects:
- Guadalupe Park/Center ($1 million)
- Speicher Park ($3 million)
- Delmann Heights ($6 million)
- Seccombe ($9 million)
- Nicholson Park ($9 million)
- Encanto Center and Park ($4 million)
Rehabilitate 6 parks
- Guadalupe Park
- Speicher Park
- Delmann Heights
- Seccombe Lake
- Nicholson Park
- Encanto Park/Center
Disadv. Areas
Westside
Central
Westside
Downtown
Westside
Westside
2023/24
2023/24
2023/24
2024/25
2024/25
2025/2026

3.6c. Complete comprehensive update of the City’s
Park and Recreation Master Plan; program
recommendations into the CIP after adoption
Complete Master Plan
Update CIP Citywide 2024/252025-29
Housing and Neighborhood Conditions

3.1a. Implement the owner-occupied housing
rehabilitation loan program; seek funding as
NOFAs are issued to expand program
4 Loans Citywide Annual

3.3a. Continue to implement code compliance
program; increase staffing resources to improve
capacity to respond to code violations
Hire 20 new FTE
3,400 inspections
open 4,100 cases
Citywide
By 2023/24
Annual
Annual

3.4a. Inspect multi-family housing developed using
City assistance; inspect 20% of projects each year,
require compliance with housing quality standards
Inspect all the 24
affordable projects
Central,
Westside,
Downtown
2022/23
through
2023/24
Continue efforts to maintain the quality of life of
residential and commercial areas through graffiti
removal, street repairs, tree trimming, and cleanups
5,500 graffiti incidents
24,000 potholes fixed
2,700 illegal dumps
Citywide
Annual
Annual
Annual
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Fair Housing Assessment
5-100 July 2023
Table 5-24 Fair Housing Issues, Metrics, and Actions

ISSUE/ACTIONS METRICS AREA TIMING
ISSUE #4: COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Pollution Reduction Program

3.10a. Complete a Health/Environmental Justice
Element for the 2050 General Plan based on the
findings of a technical report and community input
Complete
Element Citywide 2024

3.10b. Support implementation of the Community
Emissions Reduction Plan in Muscoy/West San
Bernardino to reduce exposure to pollution
Implement the recent
2022 CERP
Westside
Muscoy
Central City
Annual
310c. Encourage and facilitate the cleanup of active
contaminated sites and, for inactive projects, seek
funding and partnerships to facilitate cleanup
$4.9 M Ramona Sch.
$10 M. Carousel Mall
Westside
Downtown
2024
2024
Water and Sewer Program

3.9a. Implement septic conversion projects -
convert 250 septic tanks in Arrowhead Farms upon
receipt of $24.3 million SWCRB grant.

Convert 250 tanks
serving 250 homes
Arrowhead
Farms (DAC)
2023/2024
2024-2026

3.9b. Replace 300 lead water service connectors in
the Cimmaron (Muscoy area) upon receipt of $5
million applied for in CWSRF grant
Replace 300+ service
connections
Cimmaron
(Muscoy) By 2025

3.9c. Adopt a policy that grants priority for issuing
will serve water and sewer service to proposed
housing affordable to lower-income households.

Adopted Policy Citywide
Within one
year of HEU
adoption
Roadway Safety

3.10d. Complete installation of traffic signal
improvements from $10 million grant from Local
Highway Safety Improvement Program
Complete 225
intersections Citywide End of 2023

3.10e. Apply for a $6.8 million "Safe Streets and
Roads for All" grant from the federal DOT. If
awarded, construct safety improvements.

TBD Citywide
Apply 2023
Complete by
end 2026
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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 6-1

6.0 PROGRAM EVALUATION

AND OUTREACH
The California Government Code requires that Housing Elements include an evaluation of the effectiveness and appropriateness of goals, objectives, policies, and programs and the progress in implementing housing programs from the previous planning period. The following sections summarize the progress in meeting the quantified objectives of the 2013-2021 Housing Element.

The City of San Bernardino adopted six goals for its 2013-2021 Housing Element that governed the expenditure of resources for housing production, maintenance, and improvement. These goals are supported by several dozen policies and implementation programs. Housing goals were structured around state law.
• Goal 3.1: Adequate Sites for Housing. Identify adequate sites for a variety of housing types. • Goal 3.2: Housing and Neighborhood Preservation. Conserve and improve the existing affordable housing stock and revitalize deteriorating neighborhoods. • Goal 3.3: Affordable Housing Assistance. Assist in the provision of housing affordable to lower and moderate-income households.
• Goal 3.4: Fair Housing Opportunity. Promote fair and equal housing opportunities for all persons in San Bernardino.
• Goal 3.5: Governmental Constraints. Reduce adverse effects of governmental actions on the production, preservation, and conservation of housing, particularly for lower-moderateincome households. • Goal 3.6: Energy Conservation. Reduce the amount of energy expended on the construction, conservation, and preservation of housing.

In addition to the General Plan Housing Element, other housing-related plans are integral components of the City’s overall housing strategy. For instance, specific plans govern individual areas of the City and housing in those areas. Other plans address specific housing topics, such as fair housing (e.g., Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing) or expenditure of federal funds (e.g., Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report, etc.). However, the Housing Element is the seminal housing plan for the City and serves as an umbrella for all other plans.

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Program Evaluation
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6.1 QUANTIFIED OBJECTIVES
During the 5th cycle planning period (2013-2021 Housing Element), the City of San Bernardino outlined many quantified objectives that served as metrics for addressing local housing goals. In assessing progress, however, it should be noted that the City of San Bernardino faced unprecedented challenges in addressing its housing needs. Major events included an economic recession, declaration of bankruptcy in 2012, and the pandemic of 2020 to 2022. These significant events and the repercussions that followed required the City to adjust its housing programs.

Table 6-1 displays the City’s quantified objectives and the progress made over the last eight years.

Following the table is an overview and narrative description of accomplishments with respect to the production, maintenance/rehabilitation, and preservation of housing, including special needs.

Table 6-1 5th Cycle RHNA Progress

ACTIVITY

INCOME LEVELS

L M AM TOTAL STATUS
Housing Production Adequate sites were available
for housing, but production
fell short due to low market
demand and City bankruptcy.

RHNA New Construction Goal 1,676 808 1,900 4,384
Progress 168 49 365 582
Housing Rehabilitation Significant progress was made
but fell short of goals due to lack
of program funding.

Single Family Acquisition/Rehab 170 40 0 210
Progress 38 96 0 134
Multi-family Acquisition/ Rehab 50 0 0 50 Acquired and rehabilitated 3 projects (133 units); no
progress on mobile home
rehabilitation.

Mobile Home Grant Repair 160 0 0 160
Progress 133 N/A N/A 90
Housing Preservation 8 properties’ covenants were
extended; no projects lost
their affordability covenants.

Assisted Housing Preservation 1,627 0 0 1,627
Progress 1,500 N/A N/A 1,500
Special Needs Groups See Narrative
Sources: City of San Bernardino Housing Element, 2014-2021; Annual Progress Reports; Housing Element Consolidated Plan and Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Reports; HCD, Summary of Annual Progress Reports through 2018.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 6-3

HOUSING PRODUCTION
Over the past decade, housing production was minimal due in part to the City’s bankruptcy proceedings from 2012 to 2017 and terrorist attack at the County offices in 2015. However, significant progress was made on reconstructing the Waterman Gardens Housing project as part of HUD’s rental assistance demonstration program. National Core led the effort along with Dignity Health, Loma Linda University Health, San Bernardino City USD, and others. The first two projects were completed in the 5th cycle; the third project was completed during the 6th cycle.

Valencia Vista
Valencia Vista is the first phase of the Arrowhead
Grove project, providing 76 high-quality,
apartments affordable for low- and moderateincome families. The project features a mix of 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom units. The community features
a 2,200-square-foot community center, afterschool program facilities, computer lab, children’s play area, swimming pool, and outdoor spaces.

Hope for Housing provides on-site social services
(e.g., education, childcare, computer lab,
community garden, and other services) for
residents living at the property.

Olive Meadow
Olive Meadow is the second phase of the
Arrowhead Grove project, providing 62 highquality, affordable apartments affordable for lowand moderate-income families. Apartments are outfitted with amenities designed for families,
including a resident center, afterschool program
facilities, a computer lab, and also a children’s play
area. Olive Meadow also received LEED Platinum
certification from the US Green Building Council.

Like all Arrowhead Grove projects, Hope for
Housing delivers a range of social services for
residents at Olive Meadows.

Valencia Vista - Arrowhead Grove Community
Olive Meadow - Arrowhead Grove Community
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Program Evaluation
6-4 July 2023

HOUSING REHABILITATION
Golden California
HomeVestors completed a $2 million makeover of a
44-unit apartment complex. The property was
severely dilapidated, generated multiple calls due to
criminal activity, and was shut down by the City for
public health and safety violations. HomeVestors
purchased the property, renovated it, and provided
modern amenities such as open space. In addition
to a new water and sewer system and HVAC, each
unit now has its own heating and air conditioning
system, water source, and shutoff valve.

Eastpointe Village
Mary Erickson completed the rehabilitation of the
52-unit Eastpointe Village. This property was
severely distressed. Two-bedroom apartments in
Eastpointe Village lease for $646 monthly. Three
bedrooms lease for $743. The newly refurbished
apartments feature new kitchen appliances,
upgraded interior furnishings, central air, and
increased interior storage for families. A $2.1 million grant from HUD plus $1 million from the San
Bernardino County EDA funded the project.

Golden Springs
The Housing Authority and its affiliate housing
partners provided permanent supportive housing. A
21-unit apartment complex was acquired,
reconfigured, and rehabilitated. The project was
reconfigured to create 38 one-bedroom units for
formerly homeless individuals. As part of the
rehabilitation, the project is now a gated community
and includes a community center, laundry center, a
dog park, and BBQ area. The project received
funding from the County of San Bernardino, City of
San Bernardino, and Inland Empire Health Plan. Golden Springs Apartments Eastpointe Village apartment
Golden California Apartments
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Program Evaluation
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 6-5

HOUSING PRESERVATION
The City has an extensive number of assisted multi-family projects that offer housing units affordable to lower-income households. The 2013-2021 Housing Element set a quantified objective to preserve 1,600 units, but the City did not commit separate funding to preserve the housing units or extend affordability covenants due to the City’s financial status under bankruptcy during that time. However, many of the apartment property owners applied for low-income housing-tax credits or mortgage revenue bonds offered by the State of California.

During the 2013-2021 period, eight affordable apartment properties were acquired, rehabilitated, and preserved. To assist in this effort, the City held Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) required hearings in several cases to facilitate funding requests by the property owners. Key projects preserved were:
• 2020, Foothill Villas Apartment: acquisition
and rehabilitation of a 239-unit property
• 2019, Royal York Estates Mobile Home Park:
acquisition and rehabilitation of 70 units
• 2018, Pioneer Park Plaza: acquisition and
rehabilitation of a 161-unit apartment building
• 2017, Beautiful Light Inn: acquisitionrehabilitation of a 100-unit property • 2014, Zion Manor Apartments: acquisition
and rehabilitation of 125-unit property
• 2014, Arrowhead Vista: acquisition and
rehabilitation of 40-unit apartments
• 2014, Lugo Senior Apartments: acquisition
and rehabilitation 119-unit property
• 2013, Vintage at Kendall: acquisition and
rehabilitation of a 178-unit property
Taken together, these eight apartment projects
received monies from the State of California and
other sources to acquire and/or rehabilitate the properties and extend affordability covenants for 55 years. They not only upgraded the physical condition of the properties, but materially increased the housing security of more than 1,000 lower-income households in San Bernardino.

Foothill Villa Apartments
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Special Needs Progress and Evaluation
As a part of analyzing the progress of programs from the 2013-2021 Housing Element, the element must provide an explanation of the effectiveness of goals, policies, and related action in meeting the housing needs of special needs populations. The following narrative describes specific accomplishments, focusing on the number of units built, provided rental assistance, or rehabilitated for each special need group.

Senior Households
The City implemented programs to support seniors and senior households, including Program

3.2.5, Elderly/Special Needs Repair Grants; Program 3.4.1, Reasonable Accommodation Ordinance; and Program 3.4.2, Universal Design Features. Through these programs, the City used CDBG funds to perform emergency repairs to 109 homes as well as hire a consultant to support the update of the zoning code to reduce constraints to accessible housing and incentivize universal design. As of 2020, the Housing Authority provides rental assistance to eligible seniors. Of the 3,632 rental housing vouchers, 1,124 senior households used them. Additionally, the City approved the development of affordable senior properties that provide housing (140 units) and worked with existing property owners to preserve senior apartments, such as the Beautiful Light Inn, Lugo Senior Apartments, New Zion, Pioneer Place, and others in San Bernardino.

Persons with Disabilities
City Programs 3.2.5, Elderly/Special Needs Minor Repair Grants; 3.4.1, Reasonable Accommodation; and 3.4.2, Universal Design Features, supported the rehabilitation of 109 units.

With respect to new housing, the City approved 18 adult residential care facilities, providing housing for 229 disabled residents. Of the Housing Authority’s 3,632 vouchers, 1,572 were used by households with a disabled member. With both new housing and rental vouchers, housing needs for disabled people continue to be addressed. Additionally, the City established the Center for Individual Development (CID) that provides recreation programs for people of all ages with physical, developmental, and mental disabilities. The CID provides social events, water aerobics and therapy, a community center, and after-school program. The City also continued to outreach and advertise fair housing services provided by the Inland Fair Housing Mediation Board and provided fair housing services to reduce housing discrimination of persons with disabilities.

Families and Large Households
Programs 3.2.1, Single-Family Housing Acquisition and Rehabilitation Program; 3.2.2, SingleFamily Rental Property Inspection; and 3.2.4, Single-Family Rehabilitation Program, were implemented during the 5th cycle. The City also funded nonprofit partners to develop singlefamily homes and mobile homes on infill lots owned by the City’s former Redevelopment Agency.

These programs, among others, specifically benefited San Bernardino families, including large Packet Pg. 900
Program Evaluation
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 6-7 families, who may require single-family units to avoid overcrowding in smaller units. Through NPHS the City provided eight loans during the 5th cycle. The City also facilitated the development of housing for large households by approving and funding the Valencia Vista and Oliver Crest Apartments (138 units) and 52-unit Eastpointe Project. The City also assisted in facilitating longterm preservation of subsidized apartment properties.

Farmworkers
The City of San Bernardino’s farmworker population totals less than one percent of the City’s population, and there is no farmworker housing in the City. However, farmworkers are generally low- or very low-income households and the City is required to permit farmworker housing through the municipal code. During the 5th cycle, the City secured a consultant to update the General Plan and Development Code; this includes updating the definition, process, and requirements in the municipal code to allow farmworker housing. Additionally, through the Housing Authority, the City provides rental-based and project-based vouchers for rental assistance and supported the development of an estimated 950 units for lower-income households during the 5th cycle Housing Element planning period.

Homeless People
The City supported the conversion of the All Star Inn into 75 permanent supportive units. In 2020, the City also supported the completion of Mary’s Village—the first transitional housing complex for men experiencing homelessness—which provides short-term housing, vocational education, job training, comprehensive case management, and other services to facilitate self-sufficiency.

Additionally, throughout the 5th cycle, the City partnered with and supported local organizations such as Homeless Access Center, Time for Change Foundation for Homeless Women and Children, Operation Grace, Central City Lutheran Mission, Mary’s Mercy Center, and Guided Steps Transitional Homes. These organizations provide various programs that assist the unhoused population. As part of the federal ARPA funds, the City was also allocated funds for the Pacific Villages project in north central San Bernardino.

Military Personnel
The City supported development of a social service residential facility (Veteran’s Housing) consisting of 30 residential units for low-income military veterans. The facilities were approved in March of 2022. Support services such as medical benefits, education and vocational rehabilitation, home loan benefits, and other compensations are available to veterans through Veterans Affairs.

The city is also home to a network of services for veterans. This includes the San Bernardino Veteran Center, which provides a matrix of services for veterans dealing with mental health challenges, traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions. The County Veteran Affairs Center has an exemplary record of enrolling veterans and securing deserved benefits. The VARP continues to open facilities to address substance use treatment options for veterans.

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6.2 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Table 6-2 lists the progress in implementing the 2013-2021 Housing Element. It includes the program, goal, and accomplishments and future status for the 2021-2029 Housing Element.

Table 6-2 Progress in Implementing 2014-2021 Housing Element Programs

HOUSING

PROGRAM GOAL EVALUATION
Program 3.1.1
Downtown
Housing
Encourage and facilitate
the development of new
housing in Downtown
San Bernardino and along
transit lines through the
implementation of the
Downtown Core Vision.

Accomplishments
The City adopted a new vision to lay the
groundwork for a future downtown specific plan.

The City also executed a contract with National Core
to redevelop Waterman Gardens into the Arrowhead
Grove affordable housing project.

Appropriateness for 6th Cycle
This program will be continued in the Housing
Element. The City will complete the Downtown
Specific Plan and the Arrowhead Grove project.

Program 3.1.2
Transit District
Overlay
Publicize incentives
offered by the Transit
District Overlay beginning
in 2014. Provide technical
assistance to interested
developers and property
owners.

Accomplishments
The City adopted a transit district overlay around 13
transit stations along the SBX Route with the goal of
revitalizing station areas. Although the City was
available for technical assistance, development did
not occur due to the City’s economic status.

Appropriateness for 6th Cycle
This program will be continued in the Housing
Element as the City envisions the role of transit
districts increasing with the General Plan update.

Program 3.1.3
Residential
Standards for
Commercial
Zones
Update the Development
Code to identify clear and
objective development
standards for housing
and mixed-use
development in the CG-3
and CG-4 zones.

Accomplishments
The City did not update the Development Code;
work was postponed due to the impending update
of the General Plan and Development Code.

Appropriateness for 6th Cycle
The program will be continued in the element. To
comply with Govt Code § 65913.4, the ODDS will be
drafted as part of the Development Code update
after adoption of the updated General Plan.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 6-9 Table 6-2 Progress in Implementing 2014-2021 Housing Element Programs

HOUSING

PROGRAM GOAL EVALUATION
Program 3.1.4
Corridor
Improvement
Program
Facilitate investment and
intensification along
underutilized corridors
through codifying the
development and lot
consolidation incentives
proposed in the General
Plan Land Use Element.

Accomplishments
The City is implementing the Corridor Improvement
Program, which provides policy, regulations, and
incentives intended to stimulate investment and
development in the Corridor Strategic Areas.

However, limited progress has been made to date.

Appropriateness for 6th Cycle
This program can be an effective tool to encourage
needed reinvestment if incentives are appropriate.

The program will be continued and revised as part
of the Development Code update
Program 3.1.5
General Lot
Consolidation
Incentive
Amend the Development
Code to incentivize lot
consolidation for projects
committing to
management plans and
providing on-site
management.

Accomplishments
The City is in the process of amending the
Development Code to simplify development
regulations and processes. However, additional lot
consolidation incentives may be needed to stimulate
housing along corridors or focused areas of the City.

Appropriateness for 6th Cycle
This program will be continued. The City will update
the Development Code to implement the General
Plan and remove identified potential constraints to
facilitate new development.

Program 3.1.6
Density Bonus
Provisions
Facilitate higher density
and affordable housing
development by
amending the
Development Code to
reflect the latest
amendments to State
density bonus law.

Accomplishments
The City has received limited density bonus
requests, except for several affordable housing
projects. The density bonus ordinance was not
revised due to staff shortfall.

Appropriateness for 6th cycle:

This program will be continued in the Housing
Element and, specifically, the density bonus
ordinance will be updated as part of the update of
the Development Code.

Program 3.2.1
Single-Family
Housing
Acquisition and
Rehabilitation
Program
Acquire and rehabilitate
at least 50 abandoned
and foreclosed homes for
income-restricted resale
to lower-income
households.

Accomplishments
This program was used in prior cycles with NSP
funds, but no longer operational. Efforts are directed
at the development of single-family homes on infill
lots formerly owned by the City RDA. During the 5th
cycle, the City accomplished the following:

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Table 6-2 Progress in Implementing 2014-2021 Housing Element Programs

HOUSING

PROGRAM GOAL EVALUATION
• MECH completed 3 infill properties for sale to
eligible low income homebuyers—2060 E. 18th
Street, 938 N “G” Street, and 140 W 13th Street.
• Additionally, NPHS seeks to complete two
more phases (3 properties in Phase III and 4
properties in Phase IV) pending completion of
City transfer of sites to NPHS.

Appropriateness for 6th Cycle
This program is an important approach to
maintaining and improving housing stock and
quality as well as expanding single-family housing
opportunities within San Bernardino. The City will
continue to operate and augment the program as
financial resources become available.

Program 3.2.2
Single-Family
Rental Property
Inspection
Continue to identify code
violations and educate
owners and tenants about
their responsibilities
through single family
rental inspections. Refer
owners to appropriate
City programs to provide
technical and financial
assistance to address
code violations.

Accomplishments
The City spearheaded proactive code compliance
efforts and provided financial assistance to property
owners who cannot afford to maintain or rehab their
dwellings. The program was suspended in 2020 due
to funding but has now been reinstated with the
hiring of additional code enforcement staff.

Appropriateness for 6th Cycle
The program has been refunded and will be
implemented for the 6th cycle Housing Element.

Program 3.2.3
Crime-Free MultiFamily Housing
(CFMH)
Improve multi-family
housing conditions; refer
code violators to
rehabilitation assistance
programs on an asneeded basis.

Accomplishments
The City Attorney’s office is working on
amendments to the CFMH Program; however, the
program is in effect per the current municipal code.

To date, 65 properties are certified compliant.

Recent progress in the program has been affected
by budget constraints and staff turnover, but the
City will increase staffing for the 6th cycle.

Appropriateness for 6th Cycle
This program has been an effective deterrent for
crime and will be continued in the Housing Element.

Program 3.2.4
Single-Family
Rehabilitation
Program
Provide assistance to 20
lower- and moderateincome households
annually.

Accomplishments
This program was consolidated and operated under
Program 3.2.1. The consolidated program will
continue.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 6-11 Table 6-2 Progress in Implementing 2014-2021 Housing Element Programs

HOUSING

PROGRAM GOAL EVALUATION
Program 3.2.5
Elderly/Special
Needs Minor
Repair Grants
Program
On an annual basis,
provide home repair
grants for approximately
85 units occupied by
senior and disabled
households.

Accomplishments
The Old Timers Foundation, a local nonprofit
organization, used CDBG funds to perform minor
and emergency repairs to 109 homes owned by
seniors and disabled persons.

Appropriateness for 6th Cycle
This program was discontinued during the 5th cycle.

The program will not be reactivated; other rehab
programs will cover the scope of this program.

Program 3.2.6
Critical Repair
Program
Annually, provide
assistance to 10 lowerincome households to
make critical exterior
repairs.

Accomplishments
Due to funding shortages, this program is inactive
and is duplicated by existing home repair programs.

Appropriateness for 6th Cycle
The program is discontinued for the 6th cycle. Other
rehabilitation programs will cover this program.

Program 3.2.7
Preservation of
Assisted Multifamily Rental
Housing
Work with property
owners and qualifying
agencies to preserve
1,627 assisted multifamily rental units at risk
of converting to market
rents. Provide technical
assistance to assist
property owners to
secure funds that
preserve affordability of
their housing units.

Accomplishments
Ten projects totaling 1,257 units were at risk of
conversion to market rents. The City assisted in
conducting TEFRA hearings, issuing mortgage
revenue bonds, and allocating City funds to preserve
units, including City funds for fully replacing the
Waterman Gardens Public Housing project.

Appropriateness for 6th Cycle
The program is an important way to
maintain/increase affordable housing in the City of
San Bernardino and will be continued for the
present Housing Element.

Program 3.2.8
Multi-family
Rental Housing
Acquisition/
Rehabilitation
Acquire and rehabilitate
50 multi-family rental
units to benefit lowerincome households.

Accomplishments
The City contracted with MECH to rehabilitate the
52-unit Eastpointe Village. Working with county
partners, the Golden Apartments was also acquired
and rehabilitated for permanent supportive housing.

Appropriateness for 6th Cycle
The program is an effective way to maintain safe,
livable affordable housing in San Bernardino. While
funding is no longer available, the City will continue
to seek funds for projects that meet City objectives.

Program 3.2.9
Mobile Home
On an annual basis,
provide home
improvement grants to 20
Accomplishments
Program was previously done with Neighborhood
Housing Services of the Inland Empire (NHSIE) and
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Program Evaluation
6-12 July 2023
Table 6-2 Progress in Implementing 2014-2021 Housing Element Programs

HOUSING

PROGRAM GOAL EVALUATION
Grant Repair
Program
lower-income mobile
homeowners.

Inland Housing Development Corporation (IHDC),
but there is no current progress.

Appropriateness for 6th Cycle
The program will not be continued into the 6th cycle
given its current status. However, should staffing or
funding increase, the program may be
reimplemented.

Program 3.3.1
Homebuyer
Assistance
Program (HAP)
On an annual basis,
provide down payment
assistance to 50 lowincome first-time
homebuyers and
homebuyer/ homeowner
education to 300
households.

Accomplishments
The HAP program is implemented by NHPS. NPHS
assisted one household in 2021 with HAP funds.

Additionally, NPHS received $350,000 for acquiring
properties to develop for affordable homeownership
opportunities. In 2020 NPHS developed 2 infill
homes, with plans to develop 2 more.

Appropriateness for 6th Cycle
The program is an effective and important way to
maintain safe, livable affordable housing in San
Bernardino and will continue for the 6th cycle.

Program 3.3.2
Emergency
Shelter Assistance
Continue to support
emergency shelter
operations.

Accomplishments
The City continues to support the provision of
emergency shelters. Several projects (including
motel conversions) have been developed, expanded,
or approved for development. The following
projects will be completed in 2023:
• U.S.VETS Housing: 30 units of permanent
supportive housing and supportive services to
veterans and their families.

Appropriateness for 6th Cycle
While the City has made great strides in housing its
homeless residents, it remains a critical issue and the program will be continued in the Housing Element.

Program 3.3.3
Transitional
Housing
Continue to support
transitional housing
programs and identify
opportunities for
expanding the transitional
housing inventory to
benefit lower- and
extremely low-income
households.

Accomplishments
The City continues to provide funding to address the
transitional housing needs in the City. Approved
during the prior planning period, the following
residential projects will be completed in 2023:
• Mary’s Village: Opened the City’s first “men’s”
transitional project that provides housing,
behavioral health, medical services, supportive
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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 6-13 Table 6-2 Progress in Implementing 2014-2021 Housing Element Programs

HOUSING

PROGRAM GOAL EVALUATION
services, job training, GED attainment, and
wrap-around services.
• LSS Wellness Center: LSS will also provide
emergency shelter, transitional housing,
supportive housing, and wrap-around services.

Appropriateness for the 6th Cycle
The program continues to be an effective way to
address the City’s transitional housing needs; and
therefore, the program will continue in the 6th cycle.

Program 3.4.1
Reasonable
Accommodation
Ordinance
Reduce governmental
constraints to housing for
disabled persons through
adopting a Reasonable
Accommodation
Ordinance.

Accomplishments
The City completed a Development Code update in
May 2021, which included a Reasonable
Accommodation Ordinance (Chapter 19.63).

Appropriateness for the 6th Cycle
This program was completed during the 5th cycle.

The City will maintain a Reasonable Accommodation
Ordinance in compliance with state law and
continue to implement it in order to support
accessible housing development.

Program 3.4.2
Universal Design
Features
Explore amending the
Development Code or
program parameters to
incentivize or require
universal design features
in housing projects that
are assisted by City funds.

Accomplishments
The City is currently working on a comprehensive
update to the Development Code and has begun
work on a new General Plan, which is anticipated to
be completed by 2023/24.

Appropriateness for the 6th Cycle
This program is targeted to be implemented during
the 6th cycle Housing Element.

Program 3.4.3
Fair Housing
Mediation
Contract for fair housing
mediation services and
refer those in need.

Distribute fair housing
materials at City buildings
and on the City website.

Accomplishments
The City contracts with Inland Fair Housing
Mediation Board to provide education, dispute
resolution, and landlord/tenant mediation services
to property owners, landlords, and tenants.

Appropriateness for the 6th Cycle
The program will be continued during the 6th cycle.

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Program Evaluation
6-14 July 2023
Table 6-2 Progress in Implementing 2014-2021 Housing Element Programs

HOUSING

PROGRAM GOAL EVALUATION
Program 3.4.4
Transitional and
Permanent
Supportive
Housing
Update the Development
Code to adequately
define transitional and
permanent supportive
housing, and permit these
uses based on unit type,
in accordance with SB 2.

Accomplishments
While the City has permitted a considerable number
of facilities, it will amend the zoning code for
consistency with state law
Appropriateness for the 6th Cycle
This program is targeted to be complete in the
beginning of the 6th cycle as part of the
Development Code update.

Program 3.4.5
Special Needs
and Extremely
Low-Income
Housing
Provide expedited project
review and funding
priority for projects
available for special
needs or ELI/VLI
households. Continue to
refer those in need to
available services.

Accomplishments
The City continues to fund many projects for these
income groups and several are currently approved
and in the development pipeline.

Appropriateness for the 6th Cycle
This program will continue for the 6th cycle element.

Program 3.5.1
Priority Water
and Sewer
Service
Facilitate priority water
and sewer service to
affordable housing
proposals.

Accomplishments
The City prioritizes water and sewer services to
proposed affordable housing projects. Since there
was not a shortage of water and sewer, the City did
not have to activate its priority approval process.

Appropriateness for the 6th Cycle
The program will be continued during the 6th cycle
Housing Element because it is both important and
effective in supporting the development of
affordable housing.

Program 3.5.2
Application
Streamlining
Opportunities
Continue to explore ways
of streamlining residential
and mixed-use project
permits.

Accomplishments
The City continues to strive to streamline the
entitlement process, plan check review, and building
permit issuance for all development projects,
including residential and mixed-use projects. As of
2020, no applications have been submitted for
streamlined residential or mixed-use projects.

Appropriateness for the 6th Cycle
As a part of the Development Code update, the City
will update and include streamlining procedures
consistent with state law. Additional measures for
creating a one-stop shop will be included.

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Program Evaluation
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 6-15

6.3 HOUSING OUTREACH
State law requires "diligent effort" to achieve participation by all segments of the community. The City solicited input from the public throughout the Housing Element process—during development of the draft element, public review of the draft element, and the adoption process.

Note that the City’s outreach extended far beyond the General Plan Housing Element. Significant outreach was conducted as part of the 2020 Analysis of Impediments and ConPlan. The following presents outreach findings: first, for federal plans; and second, for state-mandated plans.

CONSOLIDATED PLAN
The City’s 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan conducted a robust public participation effort. The feedback provided through the community engagement process supported the development of this ConPlan, including the development of housing and community development needs, priorities, goals, and strategies for funding allocation. Venues included community survey, stakeholder interviews, and community housing meetings, among others.

Community Survey
San Bernardino administered a bilingual
survey, online and in paper, from December 9
to February 28, 2020. This survey was noticed in
the newspaper, City website, and flyers in
English and Spanish. Survey data provided
needs for housing, public facilities,
infrastructure, homelessness, economic
development, and community services. More
than 1,000 responses were received during the
two-month survey window. Eighty-eight percent
of the respondents were residents, with 55
percent homeowners and 40 percent renters.

Key findings are summarized into four
categories: housing, community services,
homelessness, and economic development.

Survey findings are on the City’s webpage. 1
1 San Bernardino’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and attachments is posted online at the following web address: https://cdn5- hosted.civiclive.com/ UserFiles
/Servers/Server_17442462/File/Government/Department/Community%20&%20Economic%20Development/Housing/Consolidated%20Plan.pdf Packet Pg. 909
Program Evaluation
6-16 July 2023
Stakeholder Consultations
The City conducted stakeholder meetings to
inform the overall consolidated plan update.

Stakeholders were selected to include a
broad array of interest groups, such as
neighborhood groups, faith-based groups,
nonprofit organizations, city-county
agencies, developers, and financial
institutions. A combination of in-person
meetings, phone conversations, and emails
were used to obtain feedback from various
service providers. The feedback was
especially helpful in identifying gaps in
services, trends in the local community, and
needs relating to specific services and
populations.

Stakeholders in attendance included:
• Dignity Health
• National Core | Hope Through Housing
• Neighborhood Partnership
• OmniTrans
• SB County Homeless Partnership
• SB County Behavior Health
• Project Fighting Chance
• Inland Fair Housing
• Salvation Army
• Center for Employment
• Inland Valley Recovery
• Inland Congregation
• United Violence Protection
• Community Action Partnership
• Habitat for Humanity
• Wells Fargo
• Community Education Partnership
• Housing Authority
• Catholic Charities
• Local Initiatives Support Corp
• Step up on Second Street
• Mary’s Mercy Center
• Neighborhood Housing Services
• Neighborhood Associations
• El Sol Neighborhood Education Cntr
Key Takeaways: Critical Needs
• Increases in housing inventory – an
increased supply will help all,
including the Latino and African
American population
• Improve perception of San
Bernardino (negative perception
deters private investment)
• Address discrimination, particularly
race and ethnicity
• Raise awareness about
homelessness using human stories
that go beyond the data
• Support a growing population of
homeless services
• Decrease dependency on
government and draw foundations
and corporations into the solutions
• Create pathways to employment
and living wages
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Program Evaluation
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 6-17 Housing Meetings
Six public meetings were held in San Bernardino during the ConPlan update. To maximize attendance, meetings were offered at various locations and times of the day. Three meetings were held during the day and three were held in the evening. Community meetings were attended by Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services, Executive Director of Akoma Unity Center, National CORE, Dignity Health, Accelerating Investment for Healthy Communities (AIHC), Housing Authority County of San Bernardino, Hope Through Housing Foundation, and Executive Director of Community Engagement for the San Bernardino City Unified School District.

Meetings were held at the following locations:
• St. Bernardine Medical Center, January 21, 2020
• Akoma Unity Center, January 18, 2020
• Maplewood (public housing), January 22, 2020
• Valencia Vista and Olive Meadows (public
housing), January 23, 2020
• San Bernardino Valley College January 24, 2020
Recurring themes raised during the meetings:

1. Affordable housing

2. Target areas for redevelopment and safety: downtown, Baseline Street, southern San Bernardino, and other areas

3. Community services needed: youth services, housing programs for special needs groups, particularly those with disabilities, and mental health services

4. Homeless/homeless prevention services: create jobs and programming, increase, and expand emergency low barrier shelters, and increase public housing

5. Infrastructure needs: school safety; lighting around schools, increase streetlights and sidewalk safety, update facilities and infrastructure to be accessible

6. City communications: increase city communications regarding spending and future projects

7. Jobs and employment: increase jobs, career opportunities, small business opportunities, expanded access to transit, etc.

8. Crime safety: reduce criminal activity, shooting, drug-related activity Packet Pg. 911
Program Evaluation
6-18 July 2023

HOUSING ELEMENT WORKSHOPS
In order to gather feedback and engage in meaningful discussion about housing and the Housing Element, the City of San Bernardino hosted three public workshops. As noted below, the three sites for the workshops are in different communities of San Bernardino and were chose to provide variation and promote accessibility to the workshops.
• Workshop 1: Monday, July 17, 2023 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm, Shandin Hills Golf Club, 3380 Little Mountain Dr, San Bernardino, CA 92405
• Workshop 2: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 @ 6:00pm – 8:00pm, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1575 West 17th Street, San Bernardino, CA 92411 • Workshop 3: Thursday, July 20, 2023 @ 6:00pm – 8:00pm, San Manuel Gateway College, 250 South G Street, Room #2, 3rd Floor San Bernardino, California 92410 The City advertised the workshops through various methods and platforms, including a formal public notice, on the City’s website, front page of the City’s website, and the General Plan Update website, and via email to all participants who attended past workshops, to contacts provided by HCD and litigants, and to all who commented on the draft document. Physical copies of the workshop notices were printed and mailed to those who left mailing addresses rather than emails.

Notices of the workshops were also provided in both Spanish and English Each workshop allowed for: 1) background on the Housing Element; 2) discussion of the draft Housing Element and its programs and policies; 3) opportunities for questions about the draft document; and 4) discussion of next steps. A Spanish translator was available at each meeting. A detailed description of comments shared from community members is below. » It’s important to focus on the inner city and moving outwards – create a place of community in downtown.
» Focus on downtown and make it viable, accessible and walkable. The city needs a home– a place that signifies the city and people recognize and associate with their community. » Focus on the housing and the unhoused – providing resources in the Downtown. » Focus on policy – a lot of the policies deal with organizations but participants wanted to know specific what policies the city follows.
» Participants wanted to know how the city is encouraging real estate developers when they come in.
» The city should focus more on “what can we do to make this work” rather than the role of regulator and regulating [the developer].

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Program Evaluation
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 6-19 » Increase densities – if you provide 20 percent affordable housing, then you can do two more stories etc. – the city then provided some discussion about concessions and incentives the affordable housing programs in the Housing Element. » Prioritize programs to help low-income individuals to purchase their first home. » Funding and staffing are key to success. The following comments were noted:
» Having staff to administer important programs and housing programs is a roadblock for the city – it’s challenging to find qualified people to fill open roles. » Participants asked if there are opportunities to have staff come talk to students about working in the city when they are older and studying public admin/planning/policy. » Discussion about Youth build and habitat for humanity which both have programs that partner with youth, someone at the city is needed to bring everyone together. » CFMH program should be deleted due to its potential to discriminate against residents.

The program is one-sided with no guarantees or restrictions for landlords. » Single-family housing rehabilitation program should be expanded to help more residents maintain the quality of their homes, particularly due to climate change. » Discussion about converting empty commercial/office space into housing. Options to encourage development include streamlining permits, faster processes from start to finish, and working with developers to accomplish housing goals. » The news and the media focus on the crime, drugs, and issues within the city and its hard for residents to understand all the good things happening. Find a way to disseminate the good news and reflect a more accurate narrative to the public. » Consider options for middle missing housing. With the City having many low-moderate income residents, different products like courtyard housing, townhomes, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes can be helpful to address the need for missing middle housing. » City should continue to use the receivership program to address blighted apartments and smaller rental products. The program has been helpful in demolishing blighted properties and revitalizing properties into affordable apartments. » The City has many faith-based organizations with unused properties that are interested in developing housing to complement their mission. City should facilitate this type of housing, which can be affordable to low-moderate income residents. » Flexibility is needed in development standards, lot configurations, infrastructure, and other features to facilitate creative housing products – missing middle housing and faithbased housing products. Revisions to the Development Code should assist in that effort.

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Program Evaluation
6-20 July 2023
General Plan Outreach
The City implemented a thorough and far reaching
public outreach and engagement plan to solicit and
incorporate views on the City’s future from the entire
community. Different venues, tools, and techniques
were used to solicit input. The full menu of outreach
tools and the results are recorded online on the City’s website at https://futuresb2050.com/. These efforts
were coordinated to inform subsequent steps in the
update of the General Plan and Housing Element.

Visioning 2050
Visioning San Bernardino’s future was the first phase
of involving the community in updating the General
Plan. The City engaged residents, local leaders, and
stakeholders regarding their perceptions of issues
and visions for the future of the City in 2021.

Participants were also asked to imagine the future of
their city in 2050. This was an essential step to solicit and draw out current issues that need to be
addressed in the update process.

Workshops were advertised through social media, e-blasts and emails, flyer distribution, and updates on the project website. The City publicized information about workshops on Facebook at least three weeks in advance. The City encouraged posting/re-sharing workshop flyers to neighborhood associations, elected officials, and stakeholders, including UPLIFTSB, SBCUSD Family Engagement Center, and SBC Police Department. The City sent bilingual e-blasts promoting the workshops to over 200 contacts and emailed bilingual flyers to 30 stakeholders representing CBOs, public service agencies, or other community initiatives. The City also provided flyers to elected and appointed officials for distributing among their networks.

Questions revolved around eight topics: land use and community character, neighborhoods and housing, circulation and mobility, fair and equitable city, economic vitality, public services and infrastructure, environment and climate, and public health and safety. A translator was used for the workshops and to direct the workshop activities and facilitate discussions with Spanishspeaking participants. Over 200 individuals participated in the workshops and provided nearly 1,500 written comments. Additionally, 186 community surveys were received and 9 focus groups interviews or roundtables were held. These comments informed the vision and the prologue paragraphs that further amplify the City’s 2050 vision for the community.

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Program Evaluation
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 6-21 General Plan Committee Meetings
A General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) was appointed to provide input, feedback, and recommendations to City staff, the Planning Commission, and City Council on key components of the General Plan and Housing Element update. GPAC members were appointed from each of the City’s seven wards to ensure representativeness. All GPAC meetings were duly advertised and open to the public. Over the course of more than one and one-half years, the GPAC discussed the Housing Element or issues during 12 meetings listed below in Table 6-3.

Table 6-3 GPAC Meetings Covering Housing Element

GPAC MEETING AND

DATE OF MEETING TOPICS DISCUSSED

RELATIONSHIP TO

HOUSING

ELEMENT
GPAC 3: Sep 16, 2021
Housing Needs
This GPAC meeting focused on preliminary results
for the housing needs assessment, including the
legal context, key housing need findings, discussion
of findings, and directions for further research.

Directly discussed
existing and future
housing needs
Visioning
GPAC 4: Oct 21, 2021
GPAC 5: Nov 18, 2021
GPAC 6: Dec 9, 2021
These GPAC meetings focused on vision concepts
that guide the General Plan, incl. housing, economy,
equity, community services and parks, mobility and
infrastructure, environment, safety, arts and culture.

Issues and vision
themes directly
related to housing
and fair housing
Land Use Planning This GPAC meeting focused primarily on identifying lands that are conserved and areas of intensification.

Housing needs for the next 25 years was brought up
as a key consideration of future land uses.

Directly discussed
where the City will
direct housing GPAC 7: Jan20, 2022
GPAC 8: Feb 17, 2022
GPAC 9: Mar 17, 2022
Fair Housing
This GPAC meeting focused on discussing the City’s
2021-2029 RHNA coupled with an overview of
Assessment of Fair Housing, resource opportunity
mapping, and identified fair housing issues.

Directly addressed
future housing
needs and fair
housing issues
Land Use Planning
GPAC 10: May 19, 2022
GPAC 11: Jun 9, 2022
GPAC 12: Jun 30, 2022
This GPAC meeting focused on findings of land use
workshops in each ward and discussion of proposed
land use changes, including mixed use corridors.

Meetings culminated in a preliminary land use plan.

Directly addressed
upzoning residential
land use and new
mixed use corridors
GPAC 13: Aug 11, 2022
Housing Sites Strategy
This GPAC meeting focused on the City’s RHNA
strategy—sites, projects, and relationship of density
and zoning. Also discussed priorities and ideas for
improving housing opportunities in the community.

Directly discussed
and confirmed City’s
RHNA strategy
GPAC 14: Feb 2023
Housing Goals, Policies,
and Programs
This GPAC meeting presented a draft housing goal
framework accompanied by existing programs and
new housing programs proposed for inclusion into
the 2021-2029 Housing Element.

Directly discussed
housing programs
Packet Pg. 915
Program Evaluation
6-22 July 2023
Stakeholder Meetings
To supplement the General Plan engagement activities, the City also conducted focus meetings with specific stakeholder groups to better understand the key issues facing the City and allow for more in-depth discussion. Of particular note, three sessions (December 2 and 12, 2022, and January 11, 2023 ) with the following groups were held to address housing needs and policy.

Table 6-4 Stakeholder Meeting Summary

FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANTS
Public Health Organizations • County of San Bernardino Public Health • Loma Linda University
• Common Spirit Health (hospitals)
• Inland Empire Health Plan
• Loma Linda Hospital
Faith-Based Organizations • Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches
• New Hope Church
• Greater New Jerusalem COGIC
• 16th St Church and Temple Church
• Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement
• Inland Congregations United for Change
Community-Based/Housing
Organizations
• Inland Equity Partnership
• Operation New Hope Youth Opportunity Centers
• Project Fighting Chance
• UPLIFT San Bernardino
• Housing Through Hope Foundation
• Community Action Partnership
• Job Corps and Urban Conservation Corps
• Habitat for Humanity
San Bernardino City Unified
School District
• Community Engagement Department
• School Police Chief
• School Facilities Planning & Development
• SBCUSD Family Engagement Center
Local Artists • The Little Gallery of San Bernardino
• Arts Connection and other local artists
• California Arts Project at CSUSB
• Greene; Music Changing Lives
• Garcia Center
• San Bernardino Symphony
Packet Pg. 916
Program Evaluation
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 6-23

6.4 OUTREACH FINDINGS
Forums held during the consolidated plan, analysis of impediments, General Plan update, Housing Element, and stakeholder meetings provided opportunities to communicate housing needs.

Insights and program responses provided by residents, organizations, developers, and businesses with respect to housing are summarized below. These are followed by a summary matrix of issues and potential program responses to address the comments provided.

Issue #1: Housing Opportunity
• Diversity of housing types that are affordable to residents: While many community members and residents mentioned the need for more affordable housing, a recurring theme included the variety of housing types that are affordable. In addition to traditional affordable apartments, residents also desired affordable single-family homes on standard-sized lots in neighborhoods where their children can play in private yards, rather than having to travel to a park to have a place to place. This includes special needs housing as well. • Greater focus on downtown as transit-oriented district with vibrant mix of uses: Many residents identified downtown as a potential focal point of the City. They consider downtown a place for gathering, entertainment, and community activities. As a focal point of the City, many community members want to see more vibrant mix of uses, pedestrian and bike friendly development, higher density in the downtown area, and live/work opportunities. Many participants noted they would also like to see a safer downtown with more transit. • Not Enough Affordable Housing. Residential projects are gradually built, but not fast enough. The number of lower income households unable to afford decent and affordable housing far exceeds the units built and the gap is increasing. More needs to be done to ensure all projects have a portion of units set aside for affordable rental and ownership housing.

Additional types of housing should also be explored such as ADUs, modular, and manufactured housing, which are less expensive to build and affordable. Participants recommended inclusionary housing.
• Constraints to development. While the City’s bankruptcy affected the market for housing, the City has significant governmental constraints to development that could be addressed.

These include development fees and exactions, staffing shortages, slow permitting process, and other issues that individually and cumulatively slow down the development of affordable housing and, if not addressed, are an impediment to development. Numerous municipal codes also need to be updated to reflect newly adopted legislation. Affordable housing should be fast tracked, and City staff need to work together to facilitate new housing production.

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Program Evaluation
6-24 July 2023
Issue #2: Housing and Neighborhood Quality
• More parks, green spaces, community services. Open space, parks and recreational areas, and playgrounds were frequently mentioned by community members. Many participants included the importance of proximity and safety of new parks or existing parks. Additionally, community members noted that playgrounds, water features, and gardens are all features that would improve future and existing parks and green spaces. Residents also noted the conditions of existing parks, citing encampments for unhoused people, poor infrastructure, and uncleanliness as primary reasons that parks or open spaces often feel unsafe. • Clean neighborhoods safe from crime, violence, and roadways. Cleanliness within the City were identified by residents as primary concern. Many residents noted an interest in policies and safeguards to reduce pollution, improve air quality, and help keep the City clean. In addition, community members noted safety as a concern; with many expressing concerns about continued high levels of crime, including gang activity. Participants identified traffic and street safety as a key issue infrastructure safety due to needed improvements. • Neighborhood preservation, especially northern San Bernardino. Participants expressed desires to maintain the historic areas of the City, including those in the downtown area, as well as the community character of various neighborhoods. Preservation of historic sites and buildings was noted by various community members, but more commonly people referenced the poor conditions of existing housing. Many residents identified rehabilitation of buildings and housing that are in poor or substandard condition as a primary issue to be addressed. • Environmental pollution and warehousing. The City’s industrial-based economy hearkens back for more than 100 years. Today, warehousing and transportation are important sectors of the City’s economy. However, residents identified warehouses as an environmental and health issue due to diesel emissions contributing to pollution. Additionally, citizens encouraged the City to provide open space when new warehouses are approved or to reduce the total number of warehouses that can be approved. Residents also recommended reusing old or vacant warehouses for housing opportunity or for shelters. • Housing conditions. Many apartments, even ones receiving Section 8, are in terrible physical condition. Landlords are not keeping up properties and tenants are afraid to complain since they may be reported to management and risk losing their housing unit due to eviction.

Landlords should be appreciative of the “guaranteed” federal funds for rents and make improvements. Code enforcement sometimes responds when tenants complain but the landlords can request multiple extensions of time to make repairs, and code enforcement staff do not regularly follow up. Eventually, many landlords sell to another LLC, who treat residents like “cattle.” Residents recommended proactive code enforcement.

Packet Pg. 918
Program Evaluation
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 6-25 Issue #3: Housing Affordability and Assistance
• High rates of poverty. Low-income housing was a priority to residents. People noted that there are a lot of low income households due to low paying jobs, low educational levels, and other socioeconomic conditions. Residents identified poverty as a key issue to be addressed through policies and economic improvements. As a part of these concerns, people recommended that the City provide more services, more employment training opportunities, medical and health support for individuals and families, and integrated housing opportunities. • Rent Increases. Rents are increasing faster than income, which especially hurts low income residents and those with special needs. Many apartment properties are not abiding by the AB 1492 rent increase cap of 10 percent annually. As a result, low income people are displaced who cannot find new “replacement” affordable housing because they lack either the income or funds to make the initial deposit. Residents are in situations where they cannot ask for any improvements from their property managers for fear of eviction. More education of property managers and enforcement of AB 1492 is needed. Participants recommended a Tenant Bill of Rights, housing quality standards, and greater enforcement of fair housing laws. • Housing for special needs groups. A variety of housing was identified as an important issue.

Specifically, many people noted housing for seniors, disabled, families, students, and those who are unhoused to be the most important. Many people cited the need for more accessible and affordable housing for students and young professionals. Additionally, safe accessible housing is needed for seniors, persons with special needs or those transitioning out of homelessness. Participants identified strategies such as adaptive reuse, conversion, and preservation of commercial buildings as opportunities to provide housing needed in the City. • Collaborative Partnerships. Much of the housing work in San Bernardino is done locally through homeownership programs, rehabilitation, rental assistance, and fair housing. The city’s greatest strength is its local nonprofits who understand the community, are connected to local resources, have the ability to effectively solve neighborhood problems, and can also access funding resources. The City needs to continue working with and communicating with its local housing partners, including faith based organizations, who are willing and able to tackle local housing problems. Participants recommended greater collaboration with partners. • Homelessness. Homelessness is increasing citywide and is affecting every neighborhood. The total number of unhoused people has more than doubled since 2020. The city requires more resources and focused programmatic efforts to reduce housing insecurity and existing homelessness. Considerable press has also raised the issue of the American University and the unapproved use of the dormitory for housing homeless people. The building is in substandard condition and is being addressed through code enforcement efforts. Displaced tenants are receiving relocation assistance to allow them to find housing at other rental properties.

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6-26 July 2023
Issue #4: Fair Housing Opportunity
• Past segregation and discrimination. San Bernardino has a long and acknowledged history of discriminatory and segregation practices that have left a legacy in San Bernardino. Fair housing opportunity and enforcement continues to be a need—in the offering of rental and homeownership opportunities, the treatment of residents of all income levels and status, access to community amenities and benefits, and addressing of environmental hazards.

Residents also need greater educational opportunities, homeownership opportunities, and other opportunities to build long-term generational wealth and stronger communities. • Equity in housing access and opportunities. In addition to concerns about health and pollution, residents also noted the spatial equity of residential development. Many stated that housing, specifically affordable housing, should not be developed near warehousing or in high pollution areas. Additionally, residents encouraged the City to control hazards around lowincome neighborhoods. Overall, social, health, economic, and housing equity were identified as a key issue by residents to be addressed by the General Plan and Housing Element. The City should prioritize and provide affordable housing to increase housing equity and opportunities. • Economic security, quality education, and good-paying sustainable jobs. Economic growth and job opportunity are key concerns. Many members wanted more live/work opportunities, growth in the tech industry, and more housing near jobs. Residents felt that partnerships with the university and large businesses would provide a greater variety of job opportunities. Additionally, many residents identified the lack of living wages offered by jobs in the City. With the increasing cost of housing, inflation, and overall rising cost of living, increased and living wages are critical to preventing and reducing housing insecurity. • Crime-free housing. As part of the crime-free multi-housing program, residents are required to sign a lease. However, in some cases, acquaintances of the tenant result in calls being placed with the police, fire department, or other community service entities. This can also happen in domestic violence situations. Landlords are then claiming that the tenant is violating the lease agreement and using it as cause for evicting tenants with cause. These types of situations discriminate against people who are disabled, have domestic situations, or rely on federal assistance. Participants recommended modifying the lease addendum for the CFMH program.

Table 6-5 on the following page summarizes key housing issues and lists a few of the many opportunities for modifying, adding, or tailoring programs in the Housing Element. Additional changes to current housing programs are also being proposed and detailed in the Housing Plan.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 6-27 Table 6-5 Summary of Comments and Program Responses

GOAL AREA

SYNPOSIS OF COMMENTS

AND ISSUES

HOUSING PROGRAM RESPONSE
Housing
Opportunity
City is in a housing crisis.

Housing cannot be built fast
enough to address the
unmet needs for different
types and affordability of
housing that is needed.

Creative alternatives are
needed to increase the level
of housing production.
• Amend SBMC to address the need for residential
care facilities for people with a disability
• Amend SBMC to address shelters, transition
housing, permanent supportive housing ,etc.
• Amend SBMC to facilitate the development of
accessory dwelling units
• Adopt mixed use standards to allow residential
and mixed uses along major corridors
• Update remaining specific plans that have not
been developed to add housing capacity
• Update SBMC to reflect upzoned densities
approved by the General Plan update
• Pursue revitalization of the Carousel Mall per the
adopted Downtown Specific Plan
Housing and
Neighborhood
Quality City neighborhoods and
housing have significant
deferred maintenance. The
City renters cannot afford to
repair their housing. Greater
accountability of owners and
landlords is needed through
proactive code enforcement.

Neighborhood amenities,
safety, beauty, and quality
must also be improved.
• Expand code enforcement program to address
housing and property maintenance needs
• Explore feasibility of rental inspection program to
address interior of apartments
• Add program to build parks and green space to
improve neighborhood livability
• Explore neighborhood and crime prevention
programs to make neighborhoods safer
• Enforce fair housing program to keep landlords
accountable to renters
• Greater focus on neighborhood preservation
programs to prevent decline of areas
• Add bicycle lanes, trails, and other opportunities
for walking, biking, and active living
Governmental
and Market
Constraints
The City’s past financial
bankruptcy caused shortfalls
in staffing and financial
resources. Development
processes became too slow,
unpredictable, and costly.

Coordination is needed to
facilitate housing. Greater
flexibility is needed to
• Review fees to be competitive, consistent with
state law, and to incentivize housing production
• Create more integrated one-stop shop process to
make development review more efficient
• City needs to setup work team with local utilities
public and private to streamline process
• Need knowledgeable city staff dedicated to
housing; not overburdened with multiple projects.

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6-28 July 2023
Table 6-5 Summary of Comments and Program Responses

GOAL AREA

SYNPOSIS OF COMMENTS

AND ISSUES

HOUSING PROGRAM RESPONSE
incentivize and remove
costly impediments to
residential development.
• City codes (Density Bonus, Design Review, etc.)
need to be updated to reflect to state law
• Update Development Code to implement General
Plan and facilitate more housing
• Permit processing needs updating to reflect state
law and provide greater predictability
• Need regulatory and site infrastructure
concessions to facilitate new housing
Housing
Assistance
The high price and rent for
housing, coupled with lowmoderate income residents,
has created housing
insecurity for many. Many
residents are living in
overcrowded situations,
housing needing repair, or
overpaying for their housing.
• Need to increase rental housing vouchers and
other rental assistance to meet the need
• Expand homeownership program so residents can
purchase homes and build long time wealth
• Need inclusionary housing so that affordable
housing is built in all residential projects
• Provide community services needed to allow
individuals and families to thrive
• Preserve publicly subsidized housing that is
affordable from conversion to market rents
• Consider program to further protect residents
from displacement due to rent increases
• Consider community land trust to provide for
permanent deed restricted housing
Fair Housing
City has many special needs
and lower income groups
with high unmet needs.

These groups include,
among others, seniors,
disabled people, families,
unhoused, students, etc. In
particular, homelessness is at
the highest level in decades.
• Maintain and increase fair housing education for
tenants, landlords, and property management
• Increase enforcement of rent increase limitations
to prevent evictions and displacement
• Modify crime free program and lease agreement
consistent with state & federal fair housing law
• Neighborhood safety needs improvement with
crime prevention and intervention strategies
• Job training and educational programs are
needed to lift individuals from poverty
• Tenants need better awareness of their rights,
particularly given statewide rent stabilization
• Neighborhood building programs are needed to
engage residents in shaping their future
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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-1

7.0 HOUSING PLAN
This chapter describes the City of San Bernardino’s housing strategy and policy plan for the 6th-cycle planning period (2021-2029). The goals, policies, and programs were developed using key data regarding community needs, input from the community and its local stakeholders, and a review of the City’s past performance in meeting its housing goals and objectives. The goals are intended to address the concerns and key findings identified in the Housing Element.

The City of San Bernardino’s housing policy and strategy plan is organized by goals, supported by policies, and implemented by programs. Goals are aspirational statements that indicate the City’s direction and intention on housing-related opportunities, challenges, and community need. A goal includes several policies; a policy is a statement that describes the City’s preferred course of action to work toward and reach the intended goal. A goal and its related policies also include programs, or specified efforts and actions the City will take to achieve its goals. Each program is implemented by specific actions that further the City’s policies and goals.

The housing goals and policies described in this housing plan support the State of California’s overarching goal of providing “decent housing and a suitable living environment for every Californian” (Government Code § 65580) and its goals for required local action (Government Code § 65583). Housing goals are consistent with other City plans, including the Consolidated Plan, Analysis of Impediment to Fair Housing Choice, General Plan, and implementing specific plans.

The City’s housing goals, policies, and programs address the following five topics:
» Housing Production. Facilitate the development of safe, high-quality housing that is diverse in type, size, price, tenure, and location for all residents. » Housing Constraints. Reduce, mitigate, or remove governmental and nongovernmental constraints to the production, maintenance, and improvement of housing. » Healthful Neighborhoods. Neighborhoods of well-maintained homes, public services and facilities, parks and open spaces, and infrastructure that offer quality places to reside. » Housing Assistance. Assist in the provision of affordable housing through homeowner and rental assistance, preservation of affordable housing, deed restricting new affordable housing, and other efforts to improve housing affordability and housing security. » Fair Housing. Affirmatively further fair housing opportunity for all residents in San Bernardino through policy, outreach and education programs, and funding.

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7.1 GOALS AND POLICIES

HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
San Bernardino strives to have a balanced supply
of housing, with options affordable for all income
levels, including groups with special needs. While
the City offers a broad variety of housing
opportunities, there is an acknowledged need for
even greater diversity in types of housing and
affordability levels that provide economic and
citywide benefits. This requires being intentional
and deliberate about zoning and development
decisions and use of limited municipal resources.

The intent of this goal is to assist in the provision
of housing to meet the community’s full needs for
housing its diverse residents.

Goal 1: Facilitate the development of safe, high-quality housing that is diverse in type, size, price, tenure, and location for all residents.

Policy 1.1 Balanced Housing. Maintain adequate land for a range of housing, including single-family attached and detached, multi-family housing, and mixed uses, including allowances for flexibility in development standards and lot designs.

Policy 1.2 Accessory Dwellings. Facilitate the development of well-designed accessory dwelling units that can expand rental housing opportunities for individuals and families seeking affordable housing.

Policy 1.3 Design Features. Require new and rehabilitated housing to be well designed, with appropriate attention to site planning, materials and colors, building treatments, landscaping, open space, parking, and sustainable green designs.

Policy 1.4 Mixed Uses. Support and facilitate mixed-use residential development along corridors, in the downtown, and major nodes that have appropriate on-site amenities, offers a cohesive and quality design, and is at the appropriate scale.

Policy 1.5 Affordable Component. Where City assistance is provided, require the integration of affordable housing in projects and throughout the City to promote an equitable distribution of affordable housing and further fair housing goals.

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Housing Plan
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-3

HOUSING CONSTRAINTS
San Bernardino has a long history with a wide
variety of rural and suburban settings and a
reemerging downtown core. Focused project
areas of the community are regulated by specific
plans. The City and the regulatory and market
environment in which development occurs has
changed over the past decade, with changes in
state law, the local economy, housing demand,
and the City’s organizational structure. As the City
seeks to intensify and change land uses in
focused areas of the community, the regulatory
context must be modified to accommodate new
housing constraints and opportunities. The
following goal and policies provide direction at reducing, mitigating, and removing potential and actual constraints to the development, maintenance, and improvement of housing.

GOAL 2: Reduce, mitigate, or remove governmental and nongovernmental constraints to the production, maintenance, and improvement of housing.

Policy 2.1 Regulatory Context. Ensure that City development regulations and permitting processes are routinely updated in accordance with changes in new statewide legislation, building codes, and best practices in the building industry.

Policy 2.2 Development Fees. Allow for developer impact, planning, and other fees to compensate the City for costs of providing services, ensure the proper construction of needed infrastructure, and fully address the impacts of development.

Policy 2.3 Development Incentives. Where appropriate, use regulatory incentives, such as density bonus, parking reductions, lot consolidation, modifications and exceptions, that encourage the production of housing, including affordable housing.

Policy 2.4 Infrastructure Improvements. Explore and create innovative and cost-effective means to provide and rehabilitate on- and off-site infrastructure; offer flexibility in cases where projects provide overriding community benefit.

Policy 2.5 Development Review. Maintain an efficient entitlement process with coordinated permit processing, objective design standards, and environmental clearance that provides certainty for developers and allows for appropriate review.

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SAFE, HEALTHFUL NEIGHBORHOODS
San Bernardino has over 50 neighborhoods, each
characterized by its age, history, geography,
predominant type of housing, location near major
infrastructure, amenities, demographics, and
other characteristics. Some neighborhoods are
well maintained with high quality housing, and
other neighborhoods are aging and evidence
disinvestment. Other are transitioning and
recycling to higher intensity uses, while other
neighborhoods are more rural in nature and have
limited infrastructure. The varied physical settings
require attention to all facets of neighborhood
quality and resident participation in
neighborhood decisions.

GOAL 3: Neighborhoods of well-maintained homes, public services and facilities, parks and open spaces, and infrastructure that provide safe, healthful, and quality places to reside.

Policy 3.1 Housing Rehabilitation. Facilitate and support the improvement and rehabilitation of housing (single-family detached, multi-family, and mobile homes) to maintain the property in a decent, safe, and sanitary condition.

Policy 3.2 Capital Improvements. Cause for the development of schools, parks, streets, sewers, storm drains, utilities, and other public facilities and capital improvements to support the conservation and maintenance of housing and neighborhoods.

Policy 3.3 Housing and Property Maintenance. Promote quality housing and property maintenance through education, information, periodic building inspections, code compliance and enforcement, and financial assistance where feasible.

Policy 3.4 Neighborhood Involvement: Encourage community participation in neighborhood organizations to identify needs and implement programs aimed at the beautification, improvement, and preservation of neighborhoods.

Policy 3.5 Healthy Neighborhoods. Maintain parks, open spaces, and parkways; plant trees and landscape public spaces; support access to healthy foods; and maintain pathways and trails that encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.

Policy 3.6 Public Safety. Strive to provide safe neighborhoods by addressing crime and violence, ensuring safe travel along roadways and managing traffic, providing recreational opportunities for youth, and enforcing safety regulations.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-5

HOUSING ASSISTANCE
San Bernardino will continue to see a high demand
for housing, and the underlying market and
economic forces have implications for residents,
particularly those with low and moderate incomes.

As housing costs continue to increase, lowerincome residents have limited relocation choices.

Moderate-income families with children can only
afford apartments and few single-family homes. At
the same time, the City’s housing is aging and
requires greater effort and resources to maintain
structural quality. These issues require a
multipronged effort to address homeownership and rental assistance, incentives to encourage the production of affordable housing, preservation of affordable housing, and collaborative and strong working partnerships with other housing and service entities.

Goal 4: Assist in the provision of affordable housing through homeowner and rental assistance, preservation of affordable housing, deed-restricting new affordable housing, and other efforts to improve housing affordability and housing security.

Policy 4. 1 Financial Assistance. Use and seek to leverage further public financial resources, to the extent feasible, to support provision of housing for lower-income and special-needs households.

Policy 4.2 Collaborative Partnerships. Participate in and support collaborative partnerships that provide funding and assistance for the development, improvement, and preservation of housing.

Policy 4.3 Affordability Tools. Explore the feasibility and implementation of affordable housing tools (e.g., inclusionary, land grants, land trusts, etc.) that require the integration of affordable units for rent or sale in residential projects.

Policy 4.4 Housing Assistance. Support County efforts to provide rental assistance and homeownership assistance to qualified households to expand the options of lowto moderate-income buyers and allow them to build equity.

Policy 4.5 Preservation of Affordable Housing. Support the preservation of mobile home parks, publicly subsidized housing, and other sources of affordable housing to reduce potential displacement and enhance housing security for residents.

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Housing Plan
7-6 July 2023

FAIR HOUSING
State law requires that all cities affirmatively further fair housing in the Housing Element. This provides broad protections to California residents, prohibiting housing discrimination through public or private land-use practices, decisions, and authorizations based on protected status.

Affirmatively furthering fair housing requires meaningful and deliberate actions to overcome segregation and disparities, promote fair housing choice, and foster inclusive communities free from discrimination and other barriers that restrict access to opportunity based on protected characteristics. Through the analysis undertaken for the Housing Element as well as its goals, policies, and programs, the City will continue to affirmatively further fair housing.

Goal 5: Affirmatively further fair housing opportunity for all residents in San Bernardino through policy, outreach and education programs, and funding.

Policy 5.1 Housing Services. Support the provision of fair housing services and tenant/ landlord mediation services to City residents, property owners, lenders, and others.

Provide resources and support organizations that offer counseling, mediation and dispute resolution, and education and knowledge about fair housing.

Policy 5.2 Homeless Services. Initiate and maintain a comprehensive homeless prevention and housing-first approach to address the needs of the City’s homeless residents and enable them to secure the resources needed to integrate back into society.

Policy 5.3 Senior Services. Support the development and maintenance of affordable senior housing and support services to facilitate maximum independence and the ability of seniors to remain in their homes or city.

Policy 5.4 People with Disabilities. Address the special needs of persons with disabilities through provision for supportive and group housing, homeowner accessibility grants, and reasonable accommodations.

Policy 5.5 Family Services. Support the provision of supportive family services, child development services, employment training, and other services designed to assist families in attaining self-sufficiency and furthering their well-being.

Policy 5.6 Municipal Practices. Continue to administer municipal programs and activities relating to housing and community development in a manner that is consistent with affirmatively furthering fair housing; proactively seek to remove barriers to housing and services based on protected characteristics.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-7

7.2 HOUSING PROGRAMS
Program 1.1 RHNA Site Inventory
This Housing Element provides an inventory of residential projects in the development pipeline and vacant sites that, taken together, will accommodate the City’s 2021-2029 RHNA. In addition to pipeline residential projects and accessory The City's land inventory contains: 1) surplus sites that allow for residential uses; 2) sites currently designated for residential uses under existing zoning; and 3) sites that will be upzoned for high density residential. The City will maintain an inventory and map of available sites for residential development and, in accordance with state law, will ensure that requirements for no-net loss and allowance by right for sites used from the prior two planning periods will be adhered to throughout the planning period.

Objective(s)
• 1.1a. Maintain site inventory to address the 2021-2029 RHNA; periodically review sites for compliance for no-net-loss. Comply with no-net loss requirements per state law. • 1.1b. Allow by-right residential projects consistent with zoning that offer 20 percent lowerincome affordable units on sites from the 2013-2021 Housing Element. • 1.1c. Upzone nine (9) RMH-designated sites totaling 16 acres to a maximum of 32 du/ac and three (3) RH-designated sites (4.4 acres) to a maximum of 80 du/ac (Per Table 4-10) Program 1.2 Downtown Housing
Downtown San Bernardino is the City’s core and central to economic, housing, entertainment, and transit opportunities for residents. The City’s Downtown Specific Plan will facilitate its transformation into a lively mixed-use and multipurpose node that is connected to City services, employment, housing, and educational facilities, within walking distance and through transit. The Specific Plan aims to: restore historic and cultural prevalence to the downtown and its structures; leverage existing transit and support continued transportation infrastructure; provide opportunity to restore and enhance civic life in the City’s multicultural urban core; and serve as an economic and cultural catalyst to increase jobs, retail opportunity, housing, and places of gathering.

Objective(s)
• 1.2a. Adopt the Downtown Specific Plan; make associated amendments to the Development Code as needed, and monitor plan effectiveness
• 1.2b. Issue RFP, comply with the Surplus Land Act, and select a developer(s) for catalytic housing sites (Carousel Mall, Seccombe Lake, and Meridian, among others). • 1.2c. Continue to work with residential developers until the catalytic projects are built on residential sites in the downtown.

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Program 1.3 Transit Overlay District
Established in 2012, the City’s Transit Overlay connects 13 areas with five transit stations. The five stations are Kendall Drive Neighborhood, E. Street Neighborhood, Village/Urban Center Station, Downtown Station Area, and Employment Center Station. The TOD was intended to provide guidance and incentives to facilitate transit-oriented development around the five transit stations.

However, the program has not been used to date, primarily due to market conditions, lack of byright higher densities available for mixed uses, and potentially the need for other incentives to recycle underutilized sites. To kick-start implementation, the City plans to evaluate the development standards and permitting process for the Transit Overlay to determine whether revisions are needed to support development in the TOD areas.

Objective(s)
• 1.3a. development standards and incentives available in the Transit Overlay; identify and evaluate options to stimulate development.
• 1.3b. Evaluate the impact of SB 6 and SB 2011 to determine whether changes to the Transit Overlay are needed for it to be consistent with State law. • 1.3c. Identify funding to support technical assistances to property owners and developers and publicize TOD incentives offered on the City’s website.

Program 1.4 Infill Housing Development
Single-family housing is often out of reach for lower- to moderate-income households due to the high price of housing coupled with the challenge of access financing and a down payment. Since 2016, the City has implemented an infill housing development program using City-owned land that provides affordable single-family housing units for low- and moderate-income families. The City is working with CommonSpirit Health, Uplift San Bernardino, and NPHS to install manufactured homes on donated infill lots that are income restricted to lower-income households. The City also works with Habitat for Humanity to facilitate homeownership opportunities and expand opportunities for San Bernardino veterans.

Objective(s)
• 1.4a. Develop six single-family homes for income-restricted resale to lower-income households, and provide households with financing and down payment assistance. • 1.4b. Dispose former RDA sites, advertise surplus land for sale on the City’s website for residential development; and consider bids in compliance with SLA requirements. • 1.4c. Work with Habitat for Humanity to facilitate the development of four affordable home sites in San Bernardino to provide housing for veterans.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-9 Program 1.5 Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory dwelling units (ADU) can be an effective strategy for providing affordable housing and reducing overcrowding and overpayment. In May 2021, the City Council adopted MC-1559, amending the municipal code to allow ADUs and JADUs in all residential zones, subject to development review and compatibility with materials and architecture of the primary unit.

Municipal code amendments updated the code in compliance with State law, resulting in a significant construction boom for both ADUs and JADUs. Based on a three-year trend, the City is projecting 1,200 ADUs over the planning period. However, further code amendments and monitoring programs are needed in accordance with State law.

Objective(s)
• 1.5a. Periodically review and revise ADU regulations for consistency with state law; adopt incentives to facilitate ADUs, e.g., restamped architectural plans, fee waivers, expedited procedures.
• 15b. Monitor and record progress in ADU production and affordability in the APR for the Housing Element by April 1 of each year; monitor annually to ensure that targets are met. • 1.5c. If ADU production or affordability levels fall 25 percent below target within a calendar year, initiate marketing citywide. If targets are not met for two consecutive years, rezone sites to address shortfall, as required by law.

Program 1.6 Mixed Use Corridors
San Bernardino is spanned by major corridors, such as Baseline Street, Highland Avenue, Mt. Vernon Avenue, Waterman Avenue, and D and E Streets. These corridors contain underperforming strip commercial, vacant or underutilized parcels, deteriorating structures, and inconsistent façades and signage; therefore, they are a key focus of the General Plan update. At the same time, there is a need to provide high quality housing, which can also stimulate retail commercial uses along corridors. New laws (e.g., SB 6, AB 2011) allow housing to be built by right on commercial sites. As draft regulations are published by HCD, the SBMC will be amended to encourage development consistent with the General Plan and State law along corridors.

Objective(s)
• 1.6a. Update the land use and zoning requirements for the City’s main corridors to provide guidance for future residential development.
• 1.6b. Evaluate the impact of SB 6 and AB 2011 to determine whether changes to the SBMC is needed to be consistent with State law.
• 1.6c. Review and amend municipal codes as needed to facilitate the production of housing along primary corridors and near retail and transit centers.

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Program 1.7 Land Use Element/Code Update
The City of San Bernadino is updating its comprehensive General Plan, including the Land Use Element. As part of the General Plan update, the Land Use Element will be amended to increase the allowable density range for all medium- and higher-density residential land use designations to leverage the demand for apartments and condominiums, both affordable and market rate.

Moreover, new mixed-use designations will be created along major east-west and north-south corridors to facilitate the conversion of underutilized sites to residential and/or mixed uses, create a more intense urban downtown, and support existing commercial uses (see Program 1.6). The General Plan update will provide a policy framework for updating specific plans and mixed-use corridors. To achieve these goals will require amendments of the land use designations and the San Bernardino Municipal Code (SBMC).

Objective(s)
• 1.7a. Complete comprehensive updates to the General Plan Land Use Element to further increase opportunities for new housing.
• 1.7b. Revise land use designations of medium- to high-density residential zones; create mixeduse zones to implement the General Plan. • 1.7c. Increase density ranges for medium-and-higher density zones, and draft density/intensity and development standards for residential and mixed-use projects.

Program 1.8 Design Standards
Design standards are an essential component of new development that ensures that residential projects built are of lasting value, provide communitywide benefits, and reduce visual blight.

Objective development and design standards (ODDS) are a key part of this process because they provide property owners and the development community with the community’s expectations for project design, and they improve predictability of the development review and approval process by offering quantifiable standards and regulations that need to be followed. The Development Review Committee, an interdepartmental committee of City staff, reviews all project applications and makes consistency recommendations to the approving body. However, SB 330 requires revisions to the design regulations in the municipal code to provide more specific design guidance for residential/mixed-use projects.

Objective(s)
• 1.8a. Revise, adopt, and implement ODDS (objective development and design standards) for residential and mixed-use projects to comply with State law. • 1.8b. Publicize and market the new objective development and design standards on the City’s economic and community development website.

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City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-11 Program 2.1 Regulatory Incentives
San Bernardino has many underutilized sites and opportunities for residential development.

However, small, individual lots offer limited development potential and generally cannot support on-site management when the lot is developed with residential uses. Residential development opportunities, particularly along corridors and infill on vacant and underused sites in existing neighborhoods, could be increased through a broader incentive program. While the City routinely grants minor modifications and exceptions to facilitate development, the program could be expanded to include lot consolidation incentives, such as density incentives. In tandem with other regulatory incentives, these tools will encourage a more efficient use of the land, offer flexibility for developers, and facilitate quality development. Moreover, such a program will further assist developers in revitalizing corridors given new state laws allowing for residential uses.

Objective(s)
• 2.1a. Amend Development Code to incentivize lot consolidation, merger, or lot line adjustments to encourage assemblage of lots into larger parcels to facilitate quality housing. • 2.1b. Allow for minor modifications and exceptions to facilitate and encourage the development of quality residential development.

Program 2.2 Density Bonus Provisions
Density bonus provisions reward developers providing affordable housing to seniors or families with an increase in density and reduced building requirements, such as reduced parking, reduced setbacks, and other factors that decrease the cost of housing production. Density bonus projects can be an important source of housing for lower- and moderate-income households and have been effectively used in many residential projects currently in the development pipeline. The SBMC Section 19.04.030 allows the City to grant a density bonus under three provisions:
• Affordability Bonus: Developments that provide affordable housing may receive a density bonus based on the total percentage of affordable units as per State law. • Amenity Bonus: Developments that provide amenities deemed beyond the minimum required by the City may receive a density bonus of no more than 15 percent. • Senior Bonus: The City allows senior housing built in multi-family zones to receive a density bonus of up to 50 percent with a market feasibility study and a conversion plan.

Objective(s)
• 2.2a. Revise density bonus provisions to reflect the latest amendments to State density bonus law in Gov't Code § 65915 et. seq.

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Program 2.3 Development Fee Study
Development fees support community services and benefits, such as public safety infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, affordable housing, environmental mitigation, libraries, parks, flood control, and other projects. However, if not carefully drafted, impact fees can make it infeasible for developers to build housing or can significantly increase home prices. Development fees can amount to anywhere from 6 to 18 percent of the median price of a home depending on location, according to the AB 602 Senate Floor Analysis. The City has hired a consultant and is reviewing the service and impact fees charged for residential development. The City will utilize the fee study to determine revisions to balance needed full-cost recovery, ensure proposed housing projects are adequately planned for, and consider the cumulative effect on housing development.

Objective(s)
• 2.3a. Study and implement development and impact fees in accordance with SB 319 and AB 602, as codified in Gov’t Code § 66000 et. seq.
• 2.3b. Complete development fee study to assess appropriateness and consistency with state law; revise fees based on the findings.
• 2.3c. Study the feasibility of offering selected fee reductions, where appropriate, to facilitate the development of housing that fills unmet housing need.

Program 2.4 Development Code Update
The SBMC defines and regulates the allowed uses, location and development, intensity, and design standards for residential and mixed-use projects. As part of the comprehensive General Plan update, the City has committed to: 1) update regulatory measures that allow a variety of housing types, including special needs housing, as per State law (Program 2.7); 2) update development and design standards to facilitate mixed-use products along major corridors and in the downtown (Programs 1.6 and 1.8); and 3) make amendments to facilitate consistency with the General Plan (Program 1.7). However, additional revisions to the Development Code are needed to address multi-family residential uses in more urban areas of the City, the requirements for a development permit, and other development standards.

Objective(s)
• 2.4a. Revise standards (open space, lot coverage, building spacing, and lot size) for multifamily housing to facilitate creativity in site design. • 2.4b. Review and revise the findings required for the review and issuance of development permits to allow for greater objectivity, clarity, and certainty. • 2.4c. Review and, if needed, revise other technical code requirements that could impede residential development in the community.

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Housing Plan
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-13 Program 2.5 Permit Facilitation
The City’s development review process has three tiers of permits (administrative, development, and conditional permits), each with different decision-making bodies that review, condition, and approve development applications. While the City meets its statutory requirements for processing development applications, conversations with the development community indicated that further actions, beyond augmenting staffing resources, can streamline, coordinate, and facilitate the processing of development permits. To that end, the City is developing a “one-stop shop” counter that will physically and virtually connect all phases of review for development applications.

Additional process requirements are being implemented, including the drafting of objective design standards and a permit-expediting process, as part of the Development Code update.

Objective(s)
• 2.5a. Establish a written policy or procedure to allow a streamlined approval process and standards for eligible projects, as set forth under Gov’t Code § 65913.4. • 2.5b. Create a one-stop-shop counter for project submittal and review to streamline the development review process, improve consistency, and improve development certainty.

Program 2.6 Site Improvements Assistance
Site improvements are necessary to prepare land for development and address potential impacts of development on- or off-site. Common improvements include grading, street lighting, and drainage; curb, gutter, and sidewalk installation; utility poles and connections; roadway improvements; etc. Financing site improvements can be a challenge for developers who propose affordable housing projects or small projects where infrastructure is lacking. To facilitate development and reduce the constraints and costs associated with site improvements, the City may, on a project-by-project basis, 1) allow developers to defer site improvements to a later date, 2) waive the requirement to underground utilities, or 3) waive or modify requirements for public street improvements if the improvements are cost prohibitive.

Objective(s)
• 2.6a. Require adequate site improvements for residential and mixed-use projects to ensure that impacts of development are addressed and mitigated. • 2.6b. Consider deferral, modification, or waiver of street improvements, undergrounding of utilities, and other features on a project-by-project basis. • 2.6c. Explore the feasibility of establishing an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District to assist in financing the cost of project infrastructure.

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Housing Plan
7-14 July 2023
Program 2.7 Constraints to A Variety of Housing
Government Code §§ 65583 and 65583.2 require all Housing Elements to provide for a variety of housing types to accommodate people of all income levels, household types, and disabilities. This includes housing such as single-family homes, multi-family rental housing, factory-built housing, accessory dwellings, mobile homes, housing for agricultural employees, single-room occupancy units, emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and low barrier navigation centers. The SBMC update will include the following revisions.

Objective(s)
• 2.7a. Amend the SBMC to define and permit employee housing as a by-right use in zones allowing single-family housing, in accordance with Health and Safety Code § 17021.5. • 2.7b. Amend SBMC to define and permit ADUs as a by-right use in all zones allowing residential uses or mixed uses, consistent with Gov’t Code § 65852.2. • 2.7c. Amend SBMC’s definition for transitional and supportive housing and permit by right in all zones allowing residential uses, and allow low barrier navigation centers as a by-right use in all zones allowing residential and mixed uses, per Gov’t Code § 65583(c)(3) and § 65660.

Program 2.8 Constraints to Housing for People with Disabilities In December 2022, HCD issued a technical memorandum that provides guidance on how cities should address group homes and housing for people with disabilities. This guidance addresses how such land uses are defined, permitted in zoning districts, subjected to local regulations, and allowed reasonable accommodation. In addition, AB 2339 requires additional changes to emergency shelters and other potential constraints to the development of suitable housing. These facilities may also house disabled individuals needing special accommodations.

Objective(s)
• 2.8a. Amend the SBMC to redefine the terms “family,” “dwelling unit, ”dwelling single,” and “disability” and incorporate the latest definitions of residential care facilities and community care facilities to comply with the latest fair housing guidance. • 2.8b. Amend the SBMC to allow group homes or small residential care facilities (RCF) serving six or fewer persons that operate as a single housekeeping unit and that do not provide licensable services in all zones allowing single or multiunit residences. • 2.8c. Amend the SBMC to allow RCFs operating as a single housekeeping unit that provide licensable services to more than six residents subject to a conditional use permit based on generally applicable, nondiscriminatory findings in all zones allowing residential/mixed uses.

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Housing Plan
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-15 Program 3.1 Housing Rehabilitation
The Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program is designed to assist income-eligible San Bernardino homeowners improve the living conditions of their homes. Only owner-occupied single-family detached dwellings, townhomes, and condominiums within the San Bernardino city limits qualify for this program. Health and safety, building code, accessibility, and some general propertyrelated repairs are eligible for reimbursement. Loans are all deferred loans at three percent interest per annum, with no payments due on the loan unless qualifying actions occur. Beyond singlefamily homes, however, the City also has a need for rehabilitation of mobile homes and apartments. Though there are fewer funding sources available, HCD will release a Multi-family Housing Program (MHP) Super NOFA in late 2023 to provide funding for rehabilitation activities.

Objective(s)
• 3.1a. Contract with NPHS to implement the owner occupied housing rehabilitation loan program and report on results annually.
• 3.1b. Consider opportunities to seek and secure funding to expand the housing rehabilitation program to mobile home parks and apartments.
• 3.1c. If program expansion is feasible and approved by council, authorize staffing and financial resources to expand program to cover mobile homes and apartments.

Program 3.2 Crime-Free Multi-housing
The City’s Crime Free Multi-housing (CFMH) ordinance mandates participation by all multi-family (4 or more units) rental property owners and managers. The program consists of three phases: 1) an eight-hour training class and inspection of the properties to verify implementation of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) elements; 2) maintenance of CPTED standards; and 3) active participation in the Neighborhood Watch Program. Tenants are required to sign a lease addendum that addresses consequences for criminal activity. Currently, the CFMH program issues notices to noncompliant properties, and property owners improve their properties. To maintain resident safety, maintain property values, and further fair housing, the City will continue to implement CFMH but modify the lease addendum to comply with fair housing law.

Objective(s)
• 3.2a. Implement the CFMH program to prevent crime in apartment properties. Consider expansion of the program to mobile-home projects.
• 3.2b. Improve multi-family housing conditions through periodic inspections; refer code violators to rehabilitation assistance programs on an as-needed basis. • 3.2c. Modify the ordinance, requirements, and associated lease agreement to comply with State (FEHA regulations) and Federal (HUD’s 2016 guidance) Fair Housing Law.

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Housing Plan
7-16 July 2023
Program 3.3 Code Enforcement
Code compliance is one of the most tangible ways to maintain housing and neighborhoods. The City’s Code Enforcement program enforces regulations codified in more than 20 municipal codes that are intended to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public; maintain quality neighborhoods; maintain quality housing; reduce crime; and ensure a high quality of life.

Following the City’s exit from bankruptcy and COVID health restrictions, the City has been increasing code enforcement staff to create greater capacity for responding to code violations and inspections. As part of the program, the City implements a single-family rental inspection program that requires all property owners and companies that rent or lease 9,000 single-family homes, duplexes, or triplexes in the City to be inspected annually for compliance with City codes.

Objective(s)
• 3.3a. Enforce code compliance; increase the number of code enforcement staff to improve capacity to respond to municipal code violations in a timely manner. • 3.3b. Require adherence to local housing, property, vehicle, and other local regulations to ensure the safety and health of residents.
• 3.3c. In conjunction with County Fire, Housing Division, or business licensing program, explore interventions to expand the inspection of multi-family housing.

Program 3.4 Multi-family Housing Inspection Program
Interior housing quality and maintenance are essential to safe and healthy living conditions. San Bernardino’s new Housing Compliance Specialist will perform housing and compliance checks on homes and apartments built or developed using federal funding or City assistance. The scope of this effort includes more than 24 projects with more than 2,500 affordable housing units. As part of this effort, the new housing compliance specialist will: 1) conduct on-site inspections of affordable apartment units, with assistance from City building inspectors, and review tenant files; 2) ensure monitoring and inspection deficiencies are addressed in a timely manner; and 3) take the lead in review and approval of affirmative marketing and tenant services plans. However, there remains a need to inspect projects in conjunction with code enforcement or business licensing.

Objective
• 3.4a. Inspect multi-family housing developed using City assistance; inspect 20% of projects each year, require compliance with housing quality standards • 3.4b. Study feasibility of a multi-family housing inspection program, either in conjunction with the CFMH program or annual fire department inspections. • 3.4c. Transition to the NSPIRE inspection standards to ensure consistency with local, state, and federal housing inspection criteria
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Housing Plan
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-17 Program 3.5 Violence Prevention/Intervention
The City’s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Program is intended to address 10 root (systemic) conditions that have driven community violence and crime in San Bernardino. The program is a partnership between the City, its police department, Loma Linda University Medical Center, H.O.P.E Culture, Young Visionaries, Urban Peace Institute, Urban Conservation Corps, and others. Allied efforts include gang-resistance education and training programs as well as school resource officers to help divert city youth from gangs. The City is seeking grants and funding to implement innovative programs. The City will continue to address violence as a public health issue and explore opportunities to reduce crime. See https://vimeo.com/705528524/0c1aeb4884.

Objective(s)
• 3.5a. Implement focused violence intervention services to reduce the prevalence of community crime and gang-related violence in all neighborhoods.
- $3.8 million VIP grant
• 3.5b. Continue to implement community - based policing– increase staffing resources and involving the community - to reduce crime and violence. » $1.0 million grant for reinvestment in at-risk youth
» $5.4 million grant to enhance community-based policing program • 3.5c. Explore the feasibility of implementing a citywide Neighborhood Watch Program to prevent and reduce crime and violence
Program 3.6 Park and Recreational Planning
San Bernardino’s 36 parks provide opportunities for residents to recreate, socialize, and exercise.

During the bankruptcy and following decade, many of these resources fell into disrepair due to the inability to fund maintenance and repair. These resources eventually became unsafe to occupy.

Since emerging from bankruptcy, the City has been repairing park and recreational facilities throughout the community. The City has worked to secure grants and/or collaborate with partners from the State of California, San Manuel Reservation, Kaboom, and other for-profit and non-profit agencies to fund the revitalization of park and recreational facilities.

Objective(s)
• 3.6a. Complete comprehensive update of the General Plan Parks and Recreation Element • 3.6b. Continue to secure funding, schedule and improve projects, including: Guadalupe, Speicher, Delmann Heights, Seccombe, Nicholson, and Encanto Center/Park. • 3.6c. Complete comprehensive update of the City’s Park and Recreation Master Plan; program recommendations into the CIP after adoption.

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7-18 July 2023
Program 3.7 Business and Employment Assistance
Emerging from the COVID pandemic, high levels of unemployment and the need for living-wage jobs continue to be pressing issues for San Bernardino. As part of its ARPA funds, the City will establish an Entrepreneurial Resource Center downtown, supported by IECE at CSUSB, that will provide resources and support for entrepreneurs and small business owners in the City. In 2022, the City was awarded a $4.2 million grant to hire 70 young and early-career staff members as part of the California Youth Jobs Program. In collaboration with the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, the City will dedicate $5 million in ARPA funds to assist businesses and organizations impacted by COVID-19 or qualifying as an “underserved small business.” Objective(s)
• 3.7a. Expend $5 million as working capital to assist small businesses and organizations that were adversely impacted by the COVD pandemic.
• 3.7b. Establish an Entrepreneurial Resource Center (ERC) to provide a central point for resources and support for entrepreneurs and small business owners in the City. • 3.7c. Implement Youth Workforce Development grant and employ and train San Bernardino youth for jobs with the City and CBOs to restore services curtailed during the COVID pandemic. • 3.7d. Prepare a citywide Broadband Master Plan that will position the City for implementation grants from the state and federal government.

Program 3.8 Capital Improvements
Each year the City adopts a Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) aligning with the 2020-2025 Key Strategic Targets and Goals established by the mayor and city council. The CIP provides a roadmap for developing and maintaining the City’s capital facilities and infrastructure to provide high quality services to residents and the community. Due to the cost and importance of capital projects, significant consideration goes into allocation of resources to these projects.

The City uses a comprehensive pavement management system to identify key replacement needs.

Projects in the CIP are evaluated against a four-point scale of priority and selected based on an assessment of community needs, mayor and city council priorities, and available funding.

Objective(s)
• 3.8a. Continue annual update of the CIP and implementation of scheduled projects, including accessibility improvements per the City’s Transition Plan. • 3.8b. Prioritize capital improvement projects where disinvestment or disadvantaged areas exist; pursue collaborate City-County efforts where feasible. • 3.8c. Request estimated $5 million in grant funding and, if approved, prepare an ADA Plan, Bridge Management Plan, Storm Drain Master Plan, and Facility Management Plan.

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Housing Plan
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-19 Program 3.9 Water and Sewer Planning
San Bernardino’s age and geographic diversity underscores the importance of water and sewer planning to address the needs of existing and future residential development. Gov’t Code 65589.7 requires that jurisdictions have a policy for prioritizing water and sewer services (will serve letters) for residential projects that provide affordable housing to lower income residents. While the City can provide adequate service, a priority policy needs to be adopted to comply with state law.

Furthermore, in compliance with state and county codes, infrastructure improvements are needed to: 1) protect the groundwater due to leaking from septic use in more rural areas; and 2) upgrade water lines to remove the potential for lead leaching in compliance with USEPA direction.

Objective(s)
• 3.9a. Implement septic conversion projects - convert 250 septic tanks in Arrowhead Farms upon receipt of $24.3 million SWCRB grant.
• 3.9b. Replace 400 lead water service connectors in the Cimmaron neighborhoods (Muscoy area) upon receipt of $5 million EPA grant
• 3.9c. Adopt a policy that grants priority for issuing will serve water and sewer service to proposed housing affordable to lower-income households.

Program 3.10 Community Health
For a large, industrialized community, improving and maintaining environmental quality is a high priority for the City. Of the City’s 43 tracts, 13 tracts (33 percent) are considered disadvantaged for pollution burden. Environmental health concerns are broad in type and include environmental justice, air quality, land use adjacency issues, heavy industrial uses, and legacy superfund sites.

Improving environmental conditions is complex and costly, oftentimes requiring multiagency cooperation. The Housing Element commits the City to do the following:

Objective(s)
• 3.10a. Complete a Health/Environmental Justice Element for the 2050 General Plan based on the findings of a technical report and community input. • 3.10b. Support implementation of the Community Emissions Reduction Plan in Muscoy/West San Bernardino to reduce exposure to pollution.
• 3.10c. Encourage and facilitate the cleanup of active contaminated sites and, for inactive projects, seek funding and partnerships to facilitate cleanup. • 3.10d. Complete installation of traffic signal improvements from $10 million grant from Caltrans’ Local Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP).

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Housing Plan
7-20 July 2023
Program 4.1 Preservation of Assisted Multi-family Rental Housing The City has a large inventory of assisted rental housing affordable to low-income households— 40 affordable rental housing developments in the City offer affordable housing for 3,600 households. Although the majority of affordable apartment properties have extended their affordability covenants in recent years, nine projects have subsidy contracts that are expiring by 2031. These projects are technically considered at risk of converting from affordable to marketrate housing. However, only two properties are at high risk of conversion during the planning period. Though the City has limited funds to assist in preserving these projects, it will facilitate the preservation of the remaining projects and improve housing security.

Objective(s)
• 4.1a. Monitor contract status of affordable housing and communicate the City's desire to preserve long-term affordability of properties.
• 4.1b. Coordinate with property owners to ensure conversion notices to tenants are sent out at three intervals: 3 years, 1 years, and 6 months.
• 4.1c. As feasible, provide financial and/or technical assistance to preserve publicly assisted affordable housing at risk of conversion by 2031
Program 4.2 Rent Control/Stabilization
In 1984, San Bernardino adopted a rent stabilization program that covered all of its 48 mobile home parks where units are not already covered by a lease. The goal of the program is to maintain the affordability of existing mobile home parks and ensure that mobile homes continue to be a viable option for affordable living, particularly for lower income seniors and families with children.

City provisions regulate rents, and HCD inspects the properties to ensure that State codes are met.

Annual rent increases are capped at 80 percent of the change in the consumer price index. In addition, AB1482 took effect on January 1, 2020, and imposes rent caps on multi-family apartment housing that was built more than 15 years ago. It also imposes “just cause” eviction requirements that apply after residents have occupied the unit for a certain period of time.

Objective(s)
• 4.2a. Continue the Mobile Home Rent Stabilization program and ensure that all increase requests go through the proper administrative and hearing process. • 4.2b. Contract with fair housing providers to educate tenants on their rights and responsibilities with respect to rent stabilization and just cause eviction.

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Housing Plan
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-21 Program 4.3 Housing Choice Voucher
The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino (HACSB) implements a federally funded rental housing choice voucher (HCV) program. The HCV program provides rental assistance to qualified extremely low- and very low-income households residing in San Bernardino or to properties offering affordable units to these income groups. The program offers a rent “voucher” that is equal to the difference between the current fair market rent for an apartment and what a tenant can afford to pay (based on 30 percent of their household income). A tenant may choose to live in housing that costs more than the normal payment standard if they pay the extra rent.

Housing vouchers can be allocated to projects (“project-based”) or to renters (“tenant-based”).

Presently, approximately 2,600 income-eligible households benefit from the tenant-based housing choice voucher program in San Bernardino.

Objective(s)
• 4.3a. Maintain use of at least 2,600 tenant-based rental vouchers for San Bernardino residents and support continued distribution of project-based vouchers. • 4.3b. Improve utilization of vouchers 10% by providing marketing and educational materials to residents, tenants, and property managers.
• 4.3c. Publicize the Housing Authority’s HCV program by posting fliers and distributing other educational materials at appropriate venues
Program 4.4 Emergency Rental Assistance
The City of San Bernardino and its residents were severely impacted by COVID, which resulted in loss of employment, evictions, and other economic hardships. In 2021, the City secured $11 million in Emergency Rental Assistance funding from the State of California to pay rent or utilities for tenants and landlords who did not receive revenues due to the impact of COVID-19. Through Resolution No. 2021-224, the City entered into a contract with the State for the program. The program allows past and current rent and utility bills to be paid. The program partners with Inland SoCal 211+ to provide information regarding the program’s available resources. As of January 2023, the program has approximately 6,950 applicants and disbursed $16.9 million in assistance.

The program is currently only serving existing clients because available funds are exhausted. More than 90 percent of households are Hispanic or African Americans with one to five members.

Objective(s)
• 4.4a. Provide emergency rental assistance to existing San Bernardino residents impacted by job or other financial losses due to COVID.
• 4.4b. Seek additional funding that may become available and, if funding becomes available, allocate rental assistance to residents most in need of housing support.

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Housing Plan
7-22 July 2023
Program 4.5 Homeownership Initiative
Creating generational wealth has been a reoccurring theme expressed by residents. As is the case statewide, African American, Hispanic, and Filipino residents have the lowest homeowner rates.

New homeownership programs have, until recently, declined due to the rapid escalation in prices and high subsidy required to make the cost of a home affordable to low- and moderate-income households. However, expanding homeownership is a key initiative in the San Bernardino Playbook. The City will initiate a homeownership effort that includes strategies to augment funding and increase partnerships to close the race and ethnic gap in homeownership. This issue is discussed later in Program 5.7, Investment Playbook of the Housing Plan.

Objective(s)
• 4.5a. Present homeownership gap closure program to City Council for consideration to improve homeownership for San Bernardino residents.
• 4.5b. If approved, apply for homeownership funding opportunities and grants as NOFAs are released. If approved, develop program and hire staff.
• 4.5c. Seek to leverage other homeownership initiatives, such as the San Bernardino Playbook, over the planning period.

Program 4.6 Assist in the Development of Extremely Low-Income Housing San Bernardino’s effort to assist in the development of extremely low-, very low-, and low-income housing leverages a variety of affordability tools, incentives, partners, and financing. The first component includes making sites available for affordable housing, including surplus sites. The second component includes regulatory and financial incentives (e.g., density bonus, administrative exceptions, and other regulatory relief) to improve project feasibility. The third component includes permit streamlining to expedite the review and conditioning of the project to reduce constraints to project approval. These components make it possible for the City to assist in the development of affordable housing for extremely low-, very low-, and low-income households.

Objective(s)
• 4.6a. Post and circulate surplus sites available for affordable housing per the Surplus Land Act; consider proposals from affordable housing developers per the SLA. • 4.6b. Reach out to and collaborate with local nonprofits to provide housing assistance, education and information, and other support and resources. • 4.6c. Complete processing, facilitation, funding and/or technical assistance of affordable housing in the pipeline and pursue other opportunities that arise.

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Housing Plan
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-23 Program 4.7 Inclusionary Housing Ordinance
With inflationary housing prices and rents in recent years, it has grown more challenging to finance and develop affordable housing. At the same time, new State law, referred to as “no net loss,” requires cities to find replacement sites or redesignate sites for affordable housing if the original affordable housing sites in the Housing Element are built with market-rate housing. As a result, cities are increasingly reexamining the feasibility of inclusionary housing ordinances (IHO), which mandate that new residential projects set aside a percentage of units as affordable to lowand/or moderate-income families. An IHO can help achieve multiple housing goals—achieving the RHNA mandate, preventing unnecessary rezoning, reducing housing insecurity, and integrating affordable housing options alongside market rate housing.

Objective(s)
• 4.7a. Contract with an affordable housing specialist to study, identify, and evaluate feasibility of inclusionary housing policies.
• 4.7b. Host study session(s) with the City Council and the development community to discuss opportunities for inclusionary housing.
• 4.8c. If approved by the City Council, conduct a nexus study, prepare inclusionary requirements and in-lieu fee options, and create an expenditure policy for funds.

Program 4.8 Housing or Land Trust
Community land trusts (CLT) are mechanisms for creating affordable housing units and maintaining the units as affordable over the long term. Traditionally, land trusts maintain housing affordability by retaining ownership of the land, allowing the owner to place permanent covenants on the prices or rents for homes on the land. There are various public and private land trust models and funding options that can help to provide resources beyond affordable housing, such as community revitalization, home preservation, and ownership opportunities. SBCTA has developed an initial CLT program that might offer the opportunity to join at a low initial cost. However, the City can also work with nonprofit organizations to develop a local CLT as well.

Objective(s)
• 4.8a. Explore the feasibility of a housing trust, either regional (e.g., SBCTA) or local, as a means of providing affordable housing in the City.
• 4.8b. Host a study session with the City Council to discuss housing land trust opportunities and their feasibility in the City of San Bernardino.
• 4.8c. If approved, develop a list of City land assets, funding sources, and interested parties and prepare a program for council consideration.

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Housing Plan
7-24 July 2023
Program 4.9 Investment Playbook
The City of San Bernardino, along with stakeholders, has been working with Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program (AILSP) and other entities to develop an investment playbook. This initiative targets six Latino-majority cities—including San Bernardino–spur economic growth in places where COVID-19 exacerbated long-existing inequities. An investment playbook is a tool designed to help the City prioritize transformational investments and match them to local, federal, state, private, and philanthropic funding opportunities. Investments can be in areas such as public infrastructure, housing, and economic development. The City recently completed a draft of the Playbook which will be leveraged to improve San Bernardino’s long-term sustainability. It can be found online at: https://www.sbinvestmentplaybook.com/.

Objective(s)
• 4.9a. Implement the Investment Playbook to guide the City’s future investment in strategic planning, development, and funding initiatives.
• 4.9b. Seek opportunities to complement the Housing Element and fund investment strategies to achieve the City’s housing goals and policies.

Program 5.1 Fair Housing Services
The Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board and other groups provide education, dispute resolution, and legal advising services to San Bernardino owners, landlords, and tenants. Fair housing services are particularly important for lower- and moderate-income households who cannot afford to retain counsel. The City refers persons with housing discrimination or other fair housing inquiries to these agencies for assistance. Fair housing education is available to persons of adult and high school age, property owners, mobile home park owners/residents, realtors, City staff, lenders, and staff of newspapers’ classified advertising departments. Outreach is conducted through radio, television, newspapers, public appearances, and brochure distribution.

Objective(s)
• 5.1a. Contract for fair housing mediation services, education, and enforcement; refer those in need to fair housing services; monitor results
• 5.1b. Distribute fair housing materials at City buildings and post on the City’s website and social media to ensure residents are aware of available resources. • 5.1c. Initiate pilot tenant protections program where Legal Aid serves City residents free of charge with direct legal representation on tenant rights to prevent displacement.

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Housing Plan
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-25 Program 5.2 Senior Housing and Services
San Bernardino’s seniors have specific needs related to housing affordability, accessibility, and supportive services. As the senior population grows, so will the need for housing that is affordable for those on fixed incomes or with mobility needs. To address the housing needs of senior households, the City permits and facilitates the development of senior apartments, senior (“agerestricted”) mobile home parks, assisted living, residential care, and other housing options. The City provides two senior centers (Fifth Street and Perris Hill) where social events and various programs are offered (nutrition; senior companion; AmeriCorps; health, fitness, and exercise; etc.).

The City provides a senior companion program and nutrition program (SCP/SNP) with $700,000 in grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service from 2022 through 2025.

Objective(s)
• 5.2a. Continue to seek and attract residential developers to provide, build, and expand the City’s inventory of affordable and market rate housing for seniors. • 5.2b. Sponsor and provide physical, social, health, and other support services for senior residents at San Bernardino’s senior centers and other locations. • 5.2c. Maintain the housing security of seniors through voucher advocacy, preservation of affordable housing, mobile home rent stabilization, housing assistance, and other programs.

Program 5.3 Housing for Persons with Disabilities
San Bernadino’s disabled population is diverse, representing different ages, abilities, medical conditions, and other life situations. The City’s approach to serving its disabled residents is multifaceted and designed to facilitate independent living options and provide supportive services so residents can live their fullest regardless of their ability. For new housing, the City requires that housing is accessible per ADA disability standards. For housed residents, the City provides procedures for residents to seek reasonable accommodation (SBMC Chapter 19.63) to modify their homes to improve accessibility. The City improves the accessibility of infrastructure and public facilities in accordance with its Transition Plan. The City also approves residential care facilities and other group housing for residents with a wide range of disabilities.

Objective(s)
• 5.3a. Continue to ensure compliance with all building accessibility codes. Review and revise the Reasonable Accommodation Ordinance to ensure it is consistent with State law. • 5.3b. Update and implement the City’s Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan and continue to schedule improvements to ensure accessibility to City streets, facilities, and public services. • 5.3c. Update the SBMC regarding residential care facilities, consistent with State requirements (Health and Safety Code § 1502 et seq).

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7-26 July 2023
• 5.3d. Support efforts to provide community, recreational, and social services to people with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities.

Program 5.4 Housing for Students
Cal State San Bernardino and San Bernardino Valley Community College are valued community assets, providing education, jobs, and enrichment opportunities. Though Cal State has some oncampus housing, both schools are predominantly commuter schools. As is the case statewide, college students often face precarious and uncertain housing situations; it is not uncommon for college students to double up to afford housing and tuition. Even for students who are adequately housed, the combined cost of college tuition and housing may result in some level of housing insecurity. In 2022, the San Bernardino Community College District was awarded a $1 million grant for a housing feasibility study. Should the feasibility study demonstrate the demand for housing, the college district can submit an additional application for an allocation from California’s pool of $1.5 billion to finance the development and construction of student housing.

Objective(s)
• 5.4a. Support local college and university efforts to explore the development of on- and offsite housing opportunities for their students and faculty.

Program 5.5 Housing for Families with Children
The Housing Element analysis found that families with children are the majority household type in the City. Additionally, most of the households in San Bernardino are considered lower income and live in low opportunity districts or neighborhoods. According to the Census Bureau, the needs of San Bernardino’s families with children are many, including housing problems (overpayment, overcrowding, substandard housing), the need for financial assistance for lower income families, the need for continued education and employment for youth and adults, the need for park and recreational programs, and other needs. Though the City is not positioned to address the full range of needs of families with children, it can provide housing and services when feasible and contract with other appropriate entities to address service gaps.

Objective(s)
• 5.6a. Seek and attract residential developers to provide, build, and expand the City's inventory of affordable and market rate housing for families with children. • 5.6b. Sponsor and provide at community centers physical, social, health, and other support services for families and children.
• 5.6c. Maintain the housing security of families with children through preservation of affordable housing, rent stabilization, housing assistance, etc.

Packet Pg. 948
Housing Plan
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-27 Program 5.6 Homeless Services
The City of San Bernardino is home to 40 percent of the county’s homeless population, and the City’s homeless population has increased 175 percent since 2017. Shelters in the City are at or near full capacity, and there is an inadequate supply of affordable housing. Moreover, homelessness is expected to increase. On February 1, 2023, the City Council issued an Emergency Homelessness Declaration. San Bernardino is committed to implementing a “housing first” strategy and provision of a full continuum of housing and services to address homelessness.

The City‘s strategy to address homelessness and the multiplicity of unmet needs is multilayered.

It begins with individual outreach and interaction, leading ultimately to comprehensive housing opportunities (e.g., shelters, navigation centers, transitional shelters, interim housing, permanent supportive housing) and the full range of health, social, and employment services needed to facilitate independence. The City is dedicating more than $20 million, not including additional noncity funds, to augment shelter capacity, outreach and engagement, and supportive services.

Objective(s)
• 5.5a. Convene a Homeless Task Force to review implementation of the City’s Homeless Action Plan and the expenditure of $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to finance the plan. • 5.5b. Revise SBMC provisions related to emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and low barrier navigation centers, consistent with State law. • 5.5c. Partner with County, for-profit, and nonprofit agencies to provide a comprehensive continuum of services to people who are homeless or residing temporarily in shelters. • 5.5d. Provide a street outreach team to assist individuals experiencing homelessness, direct them to services, and address issues with encampments.
• 5.5e. Complete the following projects:
» 170-bed Lutheran Social Services multiservice campus
» 30-unit U.S.VETS permanent supportive housing on E Street » 60-unit interim SBVC project on G Street for college students » 200-bed Salvation Army expansion
» 200-prefab-unit HOPE Navigation Center Campus on 6th Street • 5.5f. Work with the County to provide accurate counts of homeless people to document the need for services and success of City programs.
• 5.4g. Make code revisions needed to address AB 2339 and revise the emergency shelter overlay site to remove infeasible sites and include additional sites as warranted.

Table 7-1 summarizes the Housing Element programs described in this section.

Packet Pg. 949
Housing Plan
7-28 July 2023
Table 7-1 Program Summary, 2021–2029 Planning Period

PROGRAM AGENCY
/FUND

PROGRAM SPECIFICS AND PROGRESS
8-YEAR OBJECTIVES METRIC TIMING

HOUSING PRODUCTION/SITES

1.1 RHNA
Housing
Site
Inventory
Agency:

CDD
Funding:

GenFund
• a. Maintain inventory of residential sites to
address the 2021-2029 RHNA; periodically review
list of sites for compliance with no-net-loss law.

Complete
APR
Annually
• b. Allow by-right projects consistent with zoning
that offer 20% of lower income affordable units
on sites from the 2013-21 Housing Element.

Record on
the APR
Projects
proposed
• c. Upzone nine RMH-designated sites totaling 16
acres to a max density of 32 du/ac and three RHdesignated sites (4.4 acres) to a max 80 du/ac Rezone 12
sites (20
acres)
Concurrent
w/adoption
of the HEU

1.2 Downtown
Housing
Agency:

CDD
Funding:

GenFund
• a. Adopt the Downtown Specific Plan; make
associated amendments to the Development
Code as needed, and monitor plan effectiveness
Adopted
Specific
Plan
2023/24
• b. Issue RFP, comply with Surplus Land Act, and
select a developer(s) for catalytic sites (e.g.,
Carousel Mall, Seccombe Lake, Meridian, etc.)
Issued RFP,
Selected
Developer
2023/24
• c. Continue to work with residential developers
until the catalytic projects are built on residential
sites in the downtown.

Complete
Projects
2023 thru
2029

1.3 Transit
Overlay
District
Agency:

CDD
Funding:

GenFund
• a. Review development standards and incentives
available in the TOD Transit Overlay; identify and
evaluate options to stimulate development.

SBMC
Revision
End of 2024
• b. Evaluate the impact of SB 6 and SB 2011 to
determine whether changes to the TOD Transit
Overlay is needed to be consistent with state law.

CC Report End of 2024
• c. Identify funds to support technical assistance
to property owners and developers and publicize
TOD incentives offered on the City’s website.

Weblink for
incentives
End of 2024

1.4 SingleFamily Infill
Program
Agency:

CDD
Funding:

HOME
CALHFA
• a. Develop single-family homes for incomerestricted resale to lower-income households; provide financing and downpayment assistance.
6 infill
homes
By end of
2025
• b. Dispose former RDA sites, advertise surplus
land for sale on the City’s website, and consider
bids–in compliance with the Surplus Land Act.

Sites
pending
disposition
By end of
2024/2025
• c. Work with Habitat for Humanity to facilitate
the development of four affordable home sites in
San Bernardino for veterans.

Up to 4
infill homes
Through the
end of 2029
Packet Pg. 950
Housing Plan
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-29 Table 7-1 Program Summary, 2021–2029 Planning Period

PROGRAM AGENCY
/FUND

PROGRAM SPECIFICS AND PROGRESS
8-YEAR OBJECTIVES METRIC TIMING

1.5 Accessory
Dwelling
Units
Agency:

CDD
Funding:

GenFund
• a. Periodically review and revise ADU regulations
for consistency with state law; adopt incentives
to facilitate ADUs, e.g., restamped architectural
plans, fee waivers, expedited procedures.

Adopt
Incentives
By end of
2024
• b. Monitor and record progress in ADU
production and affordability on the APR; monitor
to ensure that annual ADU targets are met
Completed
APR
Annual by
April 1
• c. If ADU production or affordability levels fall 25
percent below target in a calendar year, initiate
marketing citywide. If targets are unmet for two
years, rezone sites to address shortfall.

Marketing
/Rezoning
if needed
If or when
shortfall
occurs

1.6 Mixed
Use
Corridors
Agency:

CDD
Funding:

GenFund
• a. Update the land use and zoning requirements
for the City's main corridors to provide guidance
for future residential development.

SBMC
Revision
By July 2024
• b. Evaluate the impact of SB 6 and SB 2011 to
determine whether changes to the mixed use
codes is needed to be consistent with state law.

SBMC
Revision
By July 2024
• c. Review and amend municipal codes as needed
to facilitate the production of housing along
primary corridors, near retail and transit centers.

SBMC
Revision
By July 2024

1.7 Land
Use Element
Update
Agency:

CDD
Funding:

GenFund
• a. Complete comprehensive updates to the
General Plan Land Use Element to further
increase opportunities for new housing.

GPLU and
SBMC
Revision
By July 2024
• b. Revise land use designations of medium- to
high-density residential zones; create mixed-use
zones to implement the General Plan.

SBMC
Revision
By July 2024
• c. Increase density for medium-to-higher density
zones; draft density/intensity and development
standards for housing and mixed-use projects.

SBMC
Revision
By July 2024

1.8 Design
Standards
Agency:

CDD
Funding:

GenFund
• a. Adopt, and implement objective development
and design standards (ODDS) for residential and
mixed-use projects to comply with state law.

Adopted
ODDS
End of 2024
• b. Publicize and market the new objective
development and design standards on the City’s
economic and community development website.

Website
posting
End of 2024
Packet Pg. 951
Housing Plan
7-30 July 2023
Table 7-1 Program Summary, 2021–2029 Planning Period

PROGRAM AGENCY
/FUND

PROGRAM SPECIFICS AND PROGRESS
8-YEAR OBJECTIVES METRIC TIMING

POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS

2.1 Regulatory
Incentives
Agency:

CDD
Funding:

GenFund
• a. Amend the Development Code to incentivize
lot consolidation, merger, or lot line adjustments.
• b. Allow for minor modifications and exceptions
to facilitate development of residential projects.

SBMC
Revision
By July 2024
As project
proposed

2.2 Density
Bonus
Provisions
• a. Revise density bonus provisions to reflect the
latest amendments to state density bonus law in
Gov’t Code § 65915 et. seq.
• Periodically review and amend SBMC for changes
to state law regarding density bonus ordinance
SBMC
Revision
By July 2024

2.3 Development Fee
Study
Agency:

CDD
• a. Study and implement development and
impact fees in accordance with SB 319 and AB
602 as codified in Gov’t Code § 66000 et. seq.

Fee
Revision if
needed
By end of
2024
Funding:

GenFund
• b. Complete development fee study to assess
appropriateness and consistency with state law;
revise fees based on the findings.

Completed
Fee Study
By end of
2024
• c. Study the feasibility of offering fee reductions,
where appropriate, to facilitate development of
housing that fills unmet housing need.

Staff
Report
By end of
2024

2.4 SBMC
Update
Agency:

CDD
• a. Revise standards (open space, lot coverage,
building spacing, and lot size) for multi-family
housing to facilitate creativity in site design.

SBMC
Revision
By July 2024
Funding:

GenFund
• b. Review and revise the findings required for the
review and issuance of the development permit
to allow for greater objectivity, clarity, certainty.

SBMC
Revision
By July 2024
• c. Review and, if needed, revise other technical
code requirements that could impede residential
development in the community.

SBMC
Revision
By July 2024

2.5 Permit
Facilitation
Agency:

CDD
• a. Establish a written policy or procedure to allow
a streamlined approval process and standards for
eligible projects, as set forth under GC § 65913.4.

SBMC
Revision By July 2024
Funding:

GenFund
• b. Create and implement a one-stop-shop
counter for project submittal and review to
streamline the development review process.

Physical
One-Stop
Counter
Early 2024
Packet Pg. 952
Housing Plan
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-31 Table 7-1 Program Summary, 2021–2029 Planning Period

PROGRAM AGENCY
/FUND

PROGRAM SPECIFICS AND PROGRESS
8-YEAR OBJECTIVES METRIC TIMING

2.6 Site
Improvements
Assistance
Agency:

CDD
Funding:

GenFund
• a. Require site improvements for residential and
mixed-use projects to ensure that impacts of
development are addressed and mitigated.

Req. Site
Improv’t
As projects
proposed
• b. Consider deferral, modification, or waiver of
street improvements, undergrounding of utilities,
and other features, on a project-by-project basis.

Req. Site
Improv’t
As projects
proposed
• c. Explore feasibility of establishing an Enhanced
Infrastructure Financing District to assist in
financing the cost of project infrastructure.

Report for
Council
Action
By mid 2024

2.7 Constraints
to A Variety
of Housing
Agency:

CDD
• a. Amend SBMC to define and permit employee
housing as a by-right use in zones allowing
single-family housing per HSC § 17021.5.

SBMC
Revision
By mid 2024
Funding:

GenFund
• b. Amend SBMC to define and permit ADUs as a
by-right use in all zones allowing residential uses
or mixed uses per Gov’t Code § 65852.2.

SBMC
Revision
By mid 2024
• c. Amend SBMC to incorporate new state law:
--transitional housing Gov’t Code §65583(c)(3)
--supportive housing a Gov’t Code §65583(c)(3)
--navigation centers Gov’t Code §65660
--emergency shelter Gov’t Code §65583(a)(4)(C)
SBMC
Revision
By mid 2024

2.8 Constraints
to Housing
for People
with
Disabilities
Agency:

CDD
• a. Amend the SBMC to redefine the terms
“family,” “dwelling unit, ”dwelling single,” and
“disability” and incorporate the latest definitions
of residential care (RCF) and community care
facilities to comply with fair housing guidance.

SBMC
Revision
By mid
2024
• b. Amend SBMC to allow group homes/small
RCFs serving six or fewer persons that operate
as a housekeeping unit and that do not provide
licensable services in all zones allowing housing
SBMC
Revision
By mid
2024
Funding:

GenFund
• c. Amend the SBMC to allow RCFs operating as
a single housekeeping unit that provide
licensable services to more than six residents
subject to a conditional use permit based on
generally applicable, nondiscriminatory findings
in all zones allowing residential/mixed uses.

SBMC
Revision
By mid
2024
Packet Pg. 953
Housing Plan
7-32 July 2023
Table 7-1 Program Summary, 2021–2029 Planning Period

PROGRAM AGENCY
/FUND

PROGRAM SPECIFICS AND PROGRESS
8-YEAR OBJECTIVES METRIC TIMING

SAFE, HEALTHY AND QUALITY HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOODS

3.1 Housing
Rehab.

Agency:

CDD
• a. Contract with NPHS to implement the owner
occupied housing rehabilitation loan program
and report on results annually.
4 Loans
Annually
Annual
Funding:

HOME
• b. Consider opportunities to secure funding to
expand the housing rehabilitation program to
mobile home parks and apartments.

Council
Report
As NOFAs
become
available
• c. If program expansion is feasible and approved
by Council, authorize staffing and funding to
cover mobilehomes and apartments.

Program
specs
If CC
approves

3.2 CrimeFree MultiHousing
Agency:

CDD
• a. Implement crime-free multihousing program
to prevent crime in apartments properties.

Consider expansion to mobile home projects.
10% more
enrollees
End of 2024
Funding:

GenFund
• b. Improve multi-family housing conditions
through periodic inspections; refer code
violators to rehab programs on as-needed basis.

As projects
referred
Ongoing
• c. Modify the ordinance, requirements, and lease
agreement to comply with FEHA regulations or
federal (HUD’s 2016 guidance) fair housing law.

Amended
ordinance
End of 2024

3.3 Code
Enforcement
Agency:

CDD
• a. Require adherence to local housing, property,
vehicle, and other local regulations to ensure
the safety and health of residents.
4,100 cases;
3400
inspects.

Annual
Funding:

GenFund
• b. Increase the number of code enforcement
employees to improve capacity to respond to
code violations in a timely manner.

Increase
staff to
25 FTE
Mid
2024
• c. In conjunction with County Fire, Housing
Division, or City licensing program, explore
expanding inspection to multi-family units.

Council
agenda
item
Mid 2024

3.4 MultiFamily
Inspection
Agency:

CDD
Funding:

GenFund
• a. Continue inspections on multi-family housing
developed using HUD funds or City assistance;
inspect 20 percent of all complexes each year.

Inspect
20% of
projects
Annual
• b. Study feasibility of a multi-family housing
inspection program, either in conjunction with
the CFMH or Fire Department inspections.

Report for
Council
Consider.

Mid 2024
• c. Transition to the NSPIRE inspection standards
to ensure consistency with local, state, and
federal housing inspection criteria.

New
Standards
Mid 2024
Packet Pg. 954
Housing Plan
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-33 Table 7-1 Program Summary, 2021–2029 Planning Period

PROGRAM AGENCY
/FUND

PROGRAM SPECIFICS AND PROGRESS
8-YEAR OBJECTIVES METRIC TIMING

3.5 Violence
Prevention
Agency:

CPD
• a. Implement violence intervention grant ($3.8
M) to reduce the prevalence of crime and gangrelated violence in all neighborhoods.

Reduce
crime 5%
annually
Hire 13 FTE
2023-2025
Funding:

ARPA
BOSCC
• b. Among others, complete the following grants:
- $1.0 million for reinvestment in at-risk youth
- $5.4 million for community-based policing
2023-2025
• c. Explore feasibility of implementing a citywide
Neighborhood Watch Program to prevent and
reduce crime and violence in neighborhoods.

Council
Report
End of
2024

3.6 Park &
Recreation
Planning
Agency:

PRCD
PWD
Funding:

GenFund;
Grants
• a. Complete comprehensive update of the
General Plan Parks and Recreation Element
Complete
Element
End of
2024
• b. Fund/or complete the following
improvements:
- Guadalupe Park/Center ($1 million)
- Speicher Park ($3 million)
- Delmann Heights ($6 million)
- Retrofit Seccombe ($9 million)
- Retrofit Nicholson Park ($9 million)
- Encanto Center and Park ($4 million)
Complete
Retrofits 2023/24
2023/24
2023/24
2024/25
2024/25
2024/25
• c. Complete the City’s Parks and Recreation
Master Plan; program recommended
improvements into the CIP after adoption
Final
Master
Plan
2024/25
2025-29

3.7 Youth
and Adult
Employment
Agency:

CDD
Funding:

ARPA
GenFund
CYJ Grant
• a. Expend $5 million to assist small businesses
and organizations with working capital that
were adversely impacted by COVD..

Assist 100
to 150
businesses
2023 thru
2025
• b. Establish an Entrepreneurial Resource Center
as a central point for resources and support for
entrepreneurs and small businesses in the City.

Serve up
to 2,500
people
2023 thru
2025
• c. Implement Youth Workforce Development
grant; employ and train San Bernardino youth
for jobs with the City and CBOs
Hire and
train 70
residents
End of
2024
• d. Prepare a citywide Broadband Master Plan
that will position the City for implementation
grants from the state and federal government.

Master
Plan
2024End
Packet Pg. 955
Housing Plan
7-34 July 2023
Table 7-1 Program Summary, 2021–2029 Planning Period

PROGRAM AGENCY
/FUND

PROGRAM SPECIFICS AND PROGRESS
8-YEAR OBJECTIVES METRIC TIMING

3.8 Capital
Improvements
Agency:

CDD,

PWD, PRD
• a. Annually update the CIP and implement
scheduled projects, including accessibility
improvements per City Transition Plan.

Adopted
CIP
Annual
Funding:

Grants
• b. Prioritize capital improvement projects where
disinvestment or long-neglected areas of the
community are identified.

Adopted
CIP
Annual
• c. Request estimated $5 million in grant funding
and, if approved, prepare an ADA Plan, Bridge
Management Plan, Storm Drain Master Plan,
and Facility Management Plan.

Adopted
Plans
2023-2029

3.9 Water
and Sewer
Service
Planning
Agency:

SBMWD
• a. Implement sewer system and septic
conversion to convert 250 septic tanks in the
Arrowhead Farms neighborhood. If awarded
SWRCB grant, complete $24.3 million project.

Convert
250 septic
tnaks
2023/2024
2024-2026
Funding:

SWCRB
CWSRF
• b. Fund, initiate, and complete $3.5 million
project to replace 300+ lead water service
connectors in the Cimmaron neighborhoods
Replace
300
services
By 2025
GenFund • c. Develop/adopt policy that grants priority for water and sewer service to proposed housing
affordable to lower-income households
Adopted
policy
Within one
year of HEU
adoption

3.10 Community
Health
Agency:

CCD
• a. Complete a Health/Environmental Justice
Element for the 2050 General Plan based on the
technical report and community input.

Complete
Element
End of
2024
Funding:

GenFund
Caltrans
DTSC
HSIP
DOT
• b. Support implementation of the CERP in
Muscoy/West San Bern. to reduce exposure to
pollution from stationary and fixed uses.

Implement
the recent
2022 CERP
Annual
• c. Encourage and facilitate cleanup of active
contaminated sites and, for inactive projects,
seek funding and partnerships to cleanup
Ramona
School;
Carousel
2024
2024
• d. Complete installation of traffic signal
improvements from $10 million grant from
Local Highway Safety Improvement Program
225
intersects.

End of
2023
• e. Apply for a $6.8 million "Safe Streets and
Roads for All" grant from the federal DOT. If
awarded, construction safety improvements.

TBD Apply 2023
Complete
end 2026
Packet Pg. 956
Housing Plan
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-35 Table 7-1 Program Summary, 2021–2029 Planning Period

PROGRAM AGENCY
/FUND

PROGRAM SPECIFICS AND PROGRESS
8-YEAR OBJECTIVES METRIC TIMING

HOUSING ASSISTANCE

4.1 Preserve
Assisted
Multifamily
Rental
Housing
Agency:

CCD
• a. Monitor contract status of affordable housing
and communicate the City's desire to preserve
long-term affordability of properties.

Preserve all
projects
Year prior to
expiration
date
Funding:

GenFund
• b. Coordinate with property owners to ensure
conversion notices to tenants are sent out at
three intervals: 3 years, 1 years, and 6 months.

Contract
Legal Aid
or IFHMB
As required
by state law
• c. As feasible, provide financial and/or technical
assistance to preserve publicly assisted
affordable housing at risk of conversion by 2031
Technical
or financial
assistance
Prior to
projects
opting out

4.2 Mobile
Home Parks
Agency:

Contract
Agency
Funding:

MHP fees
• a. Continue MH Rent Stabilization program and
ensure that all increase requests go through the
proper administrative and hearing process
Maintain
RS for all
MHPs
Annual
• b. Work with fair housing provider to educate
tenants on their rights and responsibilities re:
rent stabilization and just cause eviction.

Resident
Workshops
Quarterly

4.3 Housing
Choice
Voucher
Agency:

CDD
HASBC
• a. Maintain use of at least 2,600 tenant-based
vouchers for residents and support continued
distribution of project based vouchers.
2,600
vouchers
Annual
Funding:

Fed HCV
GenFund
• b. Improve use of vouchers 10% by providing
adequate marketing and educational materials
to residents, tenants, and property managers.
10%
increase
2023-2029
• c. Publicize the Housing Authority HCV program
through outreach materials, informational
sessions, workshops, and/or other venues.

Fliers;
website
Annual

4.4 Emergency
Rental
Assistance
Agency:

Socal 211
• a. Provide emergency rental assistance to
existing San Bernardino residents impacted by
job or other financial losses due to COVID.

Closeout
for 6,950
residents
End of
2023
Funding:

Federal
• b. Seek additional funding that may become
available and, if so, allocate rental assistance to
residents most in need of housing support.

Review
NOFAs
Annual

4.5 Homeown.

Initiative
Agency:

CDD
• a. Present homeownership gap closure program
to City Council for consideration to improve
homeownership for San Bernardino residents.

Staff
Report to
Council
Mid 2024
Funding:

GenFund
• b. If approved, apply for homeownership
funding grants as NOFAs are released. If
approved, develop program and hire staff.

Program
Regs.

Mid 2024
Packet Pg. 957
Housing Plan
7-36 July 2023
Table 7-1 Program Summary, 2021–2029 Planning Period

PROGRAM AGENCY
/FUND

PROGRAM SPECIFICS AND PROGRESS
8-YEAR OBJECTIVES METRIC TIMING
• c. Seek to leverage other homeownership
options, such as the San Bernardino Playbook
2023-2029

4.6 Assist in
Development of
Extremely
Low-Income
Housing
Agency:

CDD
• a. Post and circulate surplus sites available for
affordable housing; consider proposals from
affordable housing developers per the SLA.

List and
post sites
on web
As sites
become
surplus
Funding:

State and
federal
funds
• b. Reach out to and collaborate with local
nonprofits to provide housing assistance,
education and information, and other resources.

Contact Annual or
as projects
proposed
• c. Complete processing, facilitation, funding
and/or technical assistance of affordable
housing in the pipeline and pursue others
Pipeline
projects 2024-2026

4.7 Inclusionary
Housing
Agency:

CDD
• a. Contract with an affordable housing specialist
to study, identify, and evaluate feasibility of
inclusionary housing policies.

Feasibility
Report
Mid-2024
Funding:

GenFund
• b. Host study session(s) with the City Council
and the development community to discuss
opportunities for inclusionary housing.

Study
Session
Mid-2025
• c. If approved by City Council, conduct nexus
study, prepare inclusionary reqd. and in-lieu fee
options, and create expenditure policy for funds.

Nexus
Study
2026

4.8 Housing
Land Trust
Agency:

CDD
• a. Explore the feasibility of land trust, either
regional (e.g., SBCTA) or local, as a means of
providing affordable housing in the City.

Staff
Report
End of
2023
Funding:

GenFund
• b. Host a study session with the City Council to
discuss housing land trust opportunities and
their feasibility in the City of San Bernardino.

City
Council
Report
Early 2024
• c. If approved, develop a list of City land assets,
funding sources, and interested parties and
prepare program for Council consideration.

Program
parameters
Mid 2024

4.9 Investment
Playbook
Agency:

CDD
Funding:

GenFund
• Implement the Investment Playbook to guide
the City’s future investment in strategic
planning, development, and funding initiatives.

Implement
Plan
2023
• Seek opportunities to complement the Housing
Element and fund investment strategies.

TBD 2023-2029
•
Packet Pg. 958
Housing Plan
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-37 Table 7-1 Program Summary, 2021–2029 Planning Period

PROGRAM AGENCY
/FUND

PROGRAM SPECIFICS AND PROGRESS
8-YEAR OBJECTIVES METRIC TIMING

FAIR HOUSING

5.1 Fair
Housing
Services
Agency:

CDD
Funding:

Federal
funds
• a. Contract for fair housing mediation services,
education, and enforcement; refer those in need
to fair housing services; monitor results
Contract
Services
Annual
• b. Distribute fair housing materials at City
buildings, website, and social media to ensure
residents are aware of available resources.

Fliers /
brochures
posting
Annual
• c. Initiate pilot tenant protections program
where Legal Aid serves City residents free of
charge with direct legal representation on
tenant rights to prevent displacement.

Quarterly
workshop;
and consultations
2023-2025

5.2 Senior
Housing &
Services
Agency:

CDD
Funding:

GenFund
• a. Seek and attract residential developers to
provide, build, and expand the City's affordable
and market rate housing for seniors.

Issued
RFPs for
projects
Annual
• b. Sponsor and provide physical, social, health,
and other support services for senior residents
at senior centers and other sites.

Activities
per PRSD
Annual
• c. Maintain the housing security of seniors
through preservation of affordable housing, rent
stabilization, housing assistance, etc.

See
Programs

4.1–4.3
See
Programs

4.1–4.3

5.3 Housing -
Services for
Disabled
Residents
Agency:

CDD
PRCS
Funding:

GenFund
Grants
• a. Continue to ensure compliance with all
building accessibility codes. Review and revise
the Reasonable Accommodation Ordinance to
ensure it is consistent with state law.

Project
Plan
Checks
As Projects
proposed
• b. Implement the City’s Self-Evaluation and
Transition Plan to ensure accessibility to City
streets, facilities, and public services.

CIP
projects
2021-2029
• c. Update Development Code regarding
residential care facilities consistent with state
requirements (Health & Safety Code §1502.

SBMC
Revision
Within a
year of HE
adoption
• d. Support efforts to provide community,
recreational, and social services to people with
physical, mental, and developmental disabilities.

Activities
per PRSD
Annual

5.4 Housing for
Students
• a. Support local college efforts to explore the
development of on- and off-site housing
opportunities for its students and faculty.

Staff
Reports
for CC
As projects
proposed
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Housing Plan
7-38 July 2023
Table 7-1 Program Summary, 2021–2029 Planning Period

PROGRAM AGENCY
/FUND

PROGRAM SPECIFICS AND PROGRESS
8-YEAR OBJECTIVES METRIC TIMING

5.5 Housing for
Families
Agency:

CDD
• a. Seek and attract residential developers to
provide, build, and expand the City's affordable
and market rate housing for families.

Issued
RFPs for
projects
Annual
Funding:

Grants,
HUD
• b. Sponsor and provide physical, social, health,
and other support services for families and
children at community centers
Activities
per PRSD
Annual
• c. Maintain the housing security of families
through preservation of affordable housing, rent
stabilization, housing assistance, etc.

See
Programs

4.1–4.3
See
Programs

4.1–4.3

5.6 Homeless
Services
Agency:

CDD
PWD
• a. Develop and convene a Homeless Task Force
to review implementation of the City’s Homeless
Action Plan and the expenditure of $20 million
in American Rescue Plan Act to fund the plan.

Convene
Task Force
TBD
• b. Revise SBMC provisions related to emergency
shelter, transitional housing, permanent
supportive housing, and low barrier navigation
centers, consistent with State law.

SBMC
Revision
Within a
year of HE
adoption
Funding:

ARPA
HOME
ESG
GenFund
• c. Partner with county, for-profit and nonprofit
agencies to provide a comprehensive
continuum of services for people who are
homeless or residing temporarily in shelters.

Periodic
Consult
Ongoing
• d. Provide street outreach team to assist
homeless people, direct them to services, and
address issues with encampments.

Service
Contacts
Weekly/
Monthly
• e. Complete the following projects:
+ LSS multiservice campus
+ USVETS permanent supportive hsg
+ Expand Mary’s Village project
+ HOPE Navigation Center Campus
+ Salvation Army expansion
Complete
projects
2023-2029
• f. Work with the County to provide accurate
counts of homeless people to document the
need for services and success of City programs.

Accurate
count
Biennial
• g. Make code revisions to address new state law
(AB 2339) and revise the emergency shelter
overlay site to remove infeasible sites.

SBMC
Revision
Within a
year of HE
adoption
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Housing Plan
City of San Bernardino General Plan – Housing Element 7-39

7.3 QUANTIFIED OBJECTIVES
Government Code Section 65583(b) requires the Housing Element to establish quantified objectives for the maximum number of housing units that can be constructed, rehabilitated, and conserved over an eight-year time frame. However, if the total housing needs exceed available resources and the ability of a city to satisfy this need, the quantified objectives need not be identical to the total housing needs, as allowed by State law.

Three quantified objectives are defined and addressed:
• Housing Construction. The construction objective refers to the number of units that may be built during the 2021-2029 Housing Element period, given San Bernardino’s land resources, potential constraints, and proposed housing programs. The City has sufficient vacant and underutilized land for housing, and therefore can accommodate the RHNA. • Housing Rehabilitation. This objective sets the number of units expected to be rehabilitated with City assistance during the 2021-2029 period. The City’s housing rehabilitation objective is based on the anticipated amount of funding and historical number of loans extended to lower income homeowners in San Bernardino. Additional rehabilitation will take place in the community but will be funded through conventional or FHA-subsidized loans. • Housing Preservation. This objective refers to the preservation of public subsidized affordable units that will be at risk of converting to market rents by 2031. The City’s housing conservation/preservation objective is based on the estimated resources, dates for expiration of covenants on apartment properties, and number of affordable units at risk.

Table 7-2 shows the City’s quantified objectives for this Housing Element cycle.

Table 7-2 Housing Element Quantified Objectives

ACTIVITY

INCOME LEVEL

EXTREME
LOW
VERY
LOW

LOW MODERATE ABOVE
New Construction 708 707 1,097 1,448 4,163
Housing Rehabilitation 24 4 -0- -0- -0-
Housing Preservation 685 -0- -0-
Total 3,225 1,448 4,163
Sources: City of San Bernardino, 2023
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JULY 2023

SAN BERNARDINO

HOUSING ELEMENT
2021-2029
Packet Pg. 963
Public Comments
Public Review Period (May 12, 2023 – June 12, 2023)
Packet Pg. 964
Mayor Helen Tran and City Councilmembers
290 North D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
[email protected]
[email protected]
Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney
290 North D Street
Third Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92401
[email protected]
Charles McNeely, City Manager
290 North D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
[email protected]
Via Email: [email protected]
Re: Comments on City of San Bernardino’s Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element Dear Mayor Tran and City Councilmembers,
We write on behalf of the ACLU of Southern California to provide public comment on the City of San Bernardino (“City”) Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element (“Housing Element”).

Specifically, we write to correct certain factual and legal misstatements in the draft Housing Element regarding: (1) the Crime Free Multi-Housing (“CFMH”) Program and the City’s compliance with fair housing laws (see pages 1-7, below), and (2) the City’s plans concerning homeless services and enforcement of its anti-camping ordinance (see pages 7-9, below). Given the serious consequences that the CFMH Program and failure to adhere to Housing First best practices approaches will cause to our members and the communities we serve, we call on the City to terminate the CFMH Program and to amend its Homeless Services and anti-camping enforcement plans outlined in the draft Housing Element.

I. THE DRAFT HOUSING ELEMENT SHOULD BE REVISED TO ELIMINATE PROGRAM 3.2 – CRIME FREE MULTI-HOUSING PROGRAM
The draft Housing Element states that the City’s CFMH Program will be continued in the Housing Element. The sections of the draft Housing Element describing the CFMH Program contain multiple inaccuracies and conflict with the City’s Fair Housing Assessment. Further, the draft Housing Element proposes that the City increase the resources it dedicates to staffing the CFMH Program; these are public resources that could be more appropriately invested in housing Packet Pg. 965

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AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA instead, especially given that the draft Housing Element fails to propose sufficient housing to meet the needs of unhoused residents of the City (as discussed further below). For all the reasons discussed below, the draft Housing Element should be revised to eliminate the CFMH Program.

A. The Draft Housing Element Misstates How The CFMH Program Operates The draft Housing Element makes multiple claims about the City’s CFMH Program that are simply false. The draft Housing Element must be revised to remove these factually inaccurate statements so that the City does not provide false information to the California Department of Housing and Community Development and to the people of San Bernardino.

First, the draft Housing Element inaccurately claims: “In implementing the crime-free lease agreement, neither the City nor the Sheriff’s Department is involved in any way in a landlord's decision on whether or not to exercise the rights under the addendum.” However, the reality is that City Code Enforcement encourages law enforcement officers to complete “Crime Free Housing Referrals/Complaints” when “dealing with a tenant causing issues or [who are] not cooperative with law enforcement efforts,” which Code Enforcement then “handles” with landlords. See Attachment A. Additionally, as a condition of certification as a “Crime Free property,” the City requires landlords to “actively pursue the eviction of tenants who violate the terms of the lease and/or crime-free lease addendum.”1
Second, the draft Housing Element incorrectly claims, “Nothing in the City’s program sanctions or in any way condones any actions by a landlord that would violate any law related to fair housing or anti-discrimination, and the requirement applies equally to all tenants regardless of income or other household status.” However, the program only applies to tenants of multi-family rental properties, not tenants of single-family homes, which means it will likely be applied more often to lower-income and minority tenants.2 Moreover, the City’s “Crime-Free Multi-Housing Referral Card” indicates that the program encourages violations of state fair housing law, in that it not only ties potential housing consequences to “arrest information” but also specifically tracks whether the tenant identified is in Section 8 housing.
3 See Attachment B. And the CFMH
ordinance states that certification as a “Crime Free property” may be revoked “if there are 10 or more calls for service in a one-year period" associated with a property.4 By punishing landlords for calls for service originating from their properties, the CFMH ordinance violates the Right to a Safe Home Act, Cal. Gov. Code sec. 53165(b).

Further, the draft Housing Element self-contradictorily states “that neither the City's ordinance, nor the training program nor the City or Sheriff’s Department encourages or discourages property owners to conduct criminal background checks of tenants, although the potential benefits of doing so are discussed in the training.” By admitting that the CFMH Program training focuses on the benefits of criminal background checks, the draft Housing Element also admits that the program effectively encourages such background checks. Our review of the CFMH 1 San Bernardino Municipal Code sec. 15.27.060(a)(1)(d). 2 See Draft Housing Element at p. 5-7 (noting that affordable apartment properties and rent-stabilized mobile home parks are concentrated in an area of City with much higher prevalence of minorities than the rest of the County). 3 2 CCR § 12269(a)(1); 2 CCR § 12141. 4 San Bernardino Municipal Code sec. 15.27.060(b).

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AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA program training has confirmed that it encourages use of criminal history information to deny or encourage self-screening in housing applications, without providing adequate guidance on how such practices may violate fair housing laws.
5 Indeed, the sample rental application provided as
part of that training both describes its purpose as enabling the landlord to “accept potential residents who . . . do not have a criminal background” and specifically states that information about participation in a deferred entry of judgment program is considered as part of the rental application process, in violation of state housing regulations.6 B. Continuing The CFMH Program Conflicts With City Council Intent And Community Input
The draft Housing Element states that the CFMH Program is in effect per the current municipal code. However, at the April 5, 2023 City Council meeting, the Council voted to agendize a motion to repeal the Crime Free Multi Housing ordinance, at the urging of community members giving public comment at that meeting, and in recognition of multiple lawsuits and federal enforcement actions in the region challenging similar ordinances.7 No such motion has been
considered yet at any City Council meeting since. The CFMH Program should be removed from the Housing Element given this pending repeal process.

C. The CFMH Program Conflicts With The Draft Housing Element’s Fair Housing Assessment And With Fair Housing Laws
The draft Housing Element claims that the City complies with fair housing law and is committed to affirmatively furthering fair housing. However, it is well-established that nuisance and crimefree housing programs like the City’s CFMH Program conflict with state and federal fair housing laws.8
Indeed, the City has already been sued for the CFMH Program’s violations of the Fair Housing Act and the Violence Against Women Act. See Gracia v. City of San Bernardino, Case No. CIV SB 2301828 (filed Feb. 10, 2023).9 And the draft Housing Element itself notes that the California Department of Housing and Community and federal agencies have raised concern that the CFMH Program’s crime free lease agreement may violate CCR § 12264 and have a disparate impact on Latinos, African Americans, and other minorities. 5 See, e.g., 2 CCR § 12269(a)(3)-(5), (b); see also U.S. Dep’t of Housing & Urban Dev., Office of General Counsel Guidance on Application of Fair Housing Act Standards to the Use of Criminal Records by Providers of Housing and Real Estate-Related Transactions (Apr. 4, 2016),
https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/HUD_OGCGUIDAPPFHASTANDCR.PDF. 6 2 CCR § 12269(a)(2). 7 See Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council 4-05-2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_XtKunQkXM&t=9566s, at 2:39:34. 8 See Letter for Attorney General Rob Bonta to All Cities & Counties, Re: Crime-Free Housing Policies (“AG Letter”) (Apr. 21, 2023), https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/pressdocs/Crime%20Free%20Housing%20Guidance_4.21.23.pdf; Office of General Counsel Guidance on Application of Fair Housing Act Standards to the Enforcement of Local Nuisance and Crime-Free Housing Ordinances Against Victims of Domestic Violence, Other Crime Victims, and Others Who Require Police or Emergency Services (Sept. 13, 2016), https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/FINALNUISANCEORDGDNCE.PDF. 9 The draft Housing Element omits any discussion of this litigation in its section on “Findings, Lawsuits, Enforcement Actions, Settlements, or Judgments.”
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Mayor and City CouncilAugust 2, 2023

Mayor and City Council
August 2, 2023