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key stakeholders, that convened more than 30 groups. These stakeholders represented organizations that focused on:
• Building market-rate or affordable housing
• Addressing fair housing issues
• Advocating for affordable housing
• Providing housing services
San Carlos Housing-Element Focused Engagement
The Housing Element is being updated in conjunction with the City’s Safety Element and amendments to the Land Use Element and other elements in support of the Housing Element. The public engagement program initiated for this consolidated effort sought to use people’s time efficiently, so that an outreach activity could inform more than one element. However, the emphasis has been housing and the Housing Element. The program’s approach focused on helping people understand how these plans can impact their community and daily lives, with less emphasis put on explaining the legislative requirements and planning jargon.
The engagement program leveraged a variety of outreach and engagement strategies, tools, and methods to inform, educate, and engage stakeholders throughout the planning process. The update was called “San Carlos 2040” to highlight the initiative.
The planning process sought to engage many key audiences: the City Council Housing Subcommittee, Planning Commission, City Council, various other Commissions, a wide variety of
stakeholders (local agencies and housing groups, community organizations, housing developers, and student groups, etc.), and the general public (residents of the community) to ensure that all economic segments of the City were represented and invited to provide input.
Hundreds of residents, businesspeople, and other stakeholders participated across a series of activities. Outreach and participation for this Housing Element update was different than previous years because much of the update process occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meetings were promoted
through website updates, social media posts, mailers, and flyers posted in public spaces to advertise and invite the community to virtual workshops. SService organizations , such as HIP Housing and Vista Center, were directly contacted to solicit participation in the program, and included organizations representing lowerand moderate-income households, seniors, and youth, among others as a way to ensure hard to reach populations were included in the engagement process. . Through this robust outreach and engagement process, the strategies in the Housing Element were defined.
Stakeholder Interviews
At the outset of the engagement process, the City interviewed participants who represent different constituencies and various economic segments in the community to get input on housing issues and potential engagement strategies to reach the community. Stakeholders included the local Chamber of
Commerce, the City’s Recreation Division, the PTA Coordinating Council, and the San Carlos School District.
Community Workshops and Follow-Up Surveys
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MIG facilitated multiple virtual interactive community
workshops that addressed housing-related issues as part of the Housing Element update process. The workshops included a presentation, live polling, virtual whiteboard recording to collect input from the participants, and an interactive discussion.
City staff conducted robust community outreach to encourage maximum participation in the workshops and surveys that followed workshops. This included social media posts on Facebook, NextDoor, Instagram, and Twitter. Announcements about the project and workshop were made at public meetings including City Council, Planning Commission, Transportation & Circulation Commission, Economic Development Advisory
Council, and the Youth Advisory Council. In addition, the workshops were promoted through the City’s Spotlight
Newsletter, City Council Newsletter, Adult Community Center Newsletter, Chamber of Commerce Newsletters, and E-notify blasts. Grassroots efforts included booths at the San Carlos Farmer’s Market and flyers throughout the Downtown. Across all the workshops and surveys there were 370 stakeholders who participated.
Participants were invited to share housing and environmental safety ideas and concerns at all engagement activities. The first community survey focused on housing and environmental safety issues. The first workshop introduced the planning process for the Housing and Environmental Safety Elements and offered participants the opportunity to discuss housing concerns and ideas for solutions. A second survey launched just before the second workshop, which focused on defining key priorities to consider when defining where and how new housing might be built in San Carlos. The second workshop provided additional background information for the survey and the team introduced possible land use policy changes and strategies that would allow for additional housing to be constructed throughout the community.
The third workshop shared the estimated number of housing units that could be accommodated with existing zoning and policies, identified the anticipated housing shortfalls, and introduced new ideas and strategies to achieve housing targets.
The fourth workshop discussed and refined potential changes to accommodate San Carlos’ housing needs and collected input on possible zoning strategies for El Camino Real and other higher density residential areas.
Table 4.1-1: Community Workshops and Surveys
Community
Workshop
Date / Date
Range Topic Number of Participants
Survey #1
Mid-October to
December 7,
2020
Housing and
Environmental Safety 76
Workshop #1 November 30,
2020
Community Values,
Issues, and Concerns 65
Survey #2
January 11 –
February 12,
2021
Housing Priorities 75
Workshop #2 January 20, 2021 Values and Land Use
Strategies 75
Workshop #3 May 26, 2021 Housing Changes
and Solutions 37
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Table 4.1-1: Community Workshops and Surveys
Community
Workshop
Date / Date
Range Topic Number of Participants
Workshop #4 August 11, 2021
Housing Changes
and Zoning
Strategies
42 Community and Focus Group Meetings
To engage the City’s active interest groups, the City met with an existing neighborhood group (Greater East San Carlos; January 19, 2021), the Harbor Industrial Association (November 4, 2021), and the Chamber of Commerce (January 18, 2022). City staff also presented an update on the Housing Element to the Economic Development Advisory Commission on September 22, 2020 and August 24, 2021 and presented to the Transportation and Circulation Commission on November 17, 2020 to describe the project, answer questions, and receive feedback.
The City also convened a focus group representing local service providers that represent persons with special needs (June 13, 2022). The focus group meeting included representatives from a variety of community-based organizations. More than 25
organizations were invited to participate. Organizations that participated included:
• Caminar – Project Ninety
• Catholic Charities
• City of San Carlos Adult/Senior Programs
• HIP Housing
• Housing Choices
• Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County
• Project Sentinel
• Samaritan House
• San Carlos Elms
• Vista Center
At these meetings, the City shared information about the Housing Element Update process and solicited input on housing needs for various special needs groups.
City Council, Planning Commission, and Subcommittee Committee Study Sessions
The City held several study sessions with the City Council, Planning Commission, and City Council Housing Subcommittee to guide the direction of policy development and to provide additional opportunities for public input (Table 4.1-2).
Table 4.1-2: Study Sessions
Study Sessions Date Topic
Planning Commission Study Session October 19, 2020 Introduction to the Housing Element
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Table 4.1-2: Study Sessions
Study Sessions Date Topic
City Council Study Session September 27, 2021 Community Input and RHNA Planning Commission EIR Scoping Session January 12, 2022 Process Update and EIR Scoping City Council Subcommittee Meetings August 20, 2020; November 5, 2020; February 10, 2021; September 1, 2021;
November 10, 2021; March 15, 2021;
September 2022
Introduction to the Housing Element,
Community Input, Meeting the RHNA,
Housing Policies, and Public Review Draft
Housing Element
Planning Commission Study Session September 19, 2022 Public Review Draft Housing Element City Council Study Session September 26, 2022 Public Review Draft Housing Element Key Themes from Public Engagement
Key themes and recommended strategies that emerged from these engagement activities include:
• Coordination – The interdisciplinary nature of housing was a common theme, and the need to coordinate with
Caltrain, employers, and entities that provide supportive services and infrastructure for housing.
• Financial Partnerships – Recognizing the high cost
associated with affordable housing, partnerships were
identified as important, with an emphasis on
collaboration with nonprofits and the County to build
affordable housing.
• Decrease Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) – Avoid
increasing greenhouse gas emissions and ensure that new buildings use energy-efficient appliances and renovate
existing structures so that gas-fueled furnaces, water
heaters, or stoves are not used.
• Meeting the Housing Needs of Different Age Groups –
Create additional housing for seniors and provide
additional assisted living facilities, and at the same time recognize the housing needs of younger residents.
• Meeting the Housing Needs of Special Needs Groups –
Child care and developmental disabilities advocates
contributed information regarding the needs and
potential actions to support these special needs groups. • Increase Housing Options – Provide more housing
options (apartments, condominiums, duplex, triplex,
etc.), housing characteristics (increase building heights, unit density, and compactness) and increase options for specific groups (essential workers, local low-income
residents, seniors, and younger populations).
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o Implications of Single-Family Zoning – Note the
historical injustices and inequities amplified and
perpetuated by single-family zoning and consider the
equity implications of preserving single-family
zoning. Address historic housing injustices with
support for diversity and inclusive housing. Include
housing as a buffer between single-family homes and
large buildings/development.
o Increase Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Build
new ADUs and encourage new development to
subsidize ADUs.
o Balance Jobs:Housing - Provide affordable housing in
balance with number of local low-income jobs.
o Renovate and Update Existing Units - Upgrade old
properties, renovate older apartments into affordable
housing, and convert unused office buildings into
housing.
o Increase Transit Oriented Development – Build new
housing along high-quality transit corridors.
Encourage use of public transportation.
o Increase Multi-Family Housing – Support a variety
of multi-family housing unit sizes and types such as
duplexes, triplexes, high-density multi-family
developments, and micro-units. Consider rezoning
east of the freeway for multi-unit. Encourage familysized units. Support for higher building heights if there was more BMR (below market rate) housing in
the development.
o Ownership Opportunity – Promote diverse
ownership by prioritizing smaller development and
more opportunities for ownership.
• Increase Infrastructure Capacity – Expand and maintain the infrastructure capacity for water, waste, electricity, and transportation to support the new housing.
• Potential Scenarios – The planning team presented three potential land use scenarios that would accommodate
more housing than the current zoning would allow. The
community had a variety of questions regarding the
details and desires transparency regarding impact,
construction schedules, and design. In general,
participants favored six-story buildings at 75 ft. in height (i.e., support for higher heights was associated with the provision of more affordable housing) and transitioning buildings between districts.
• Diverse Opinions – While several participants supported the potential scenarios and overall housing growth,
participants noted the need for transparency and
compromise. Many suggested limiting building heights to 4-stories. Some suggested spreading growth in areas that have high densities and increasing multi-family and
mixed-use housing throughout San Carlos.
Comments from community workshops and correspondence
received during the update process have helped to identify housing needs and issues of concern in the community and possible strategies for the City to pursue in addressing housing needs.
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How Public Comments Were Considered
Comments from community workshops and correspondence
received during the update process have helped to identify housing needs and issues of concern in the community and possible strategies for the City to pursue in addressing housing needs.
Public Review Draft Housing Element
The Draft Housing Element was posted on the City’s website, made available at City Hall, at the Community Development Department, and at the San Carlos Library. The City advertised the availability of the Draft Housing Element for public review through email notifications to the City’s distribution list and on the City’s social media outlets. The Draft Housing Element was available on August 30, 2022 for a 30-day comment period.
During this time, an online comment form was available for the public to provide feedback on the Draft Element. The City scheduled two study sessions for September 19, 2022 and September 26, 2022 to receive verbal comments from
Councilmembers, Commissioners, stakeholders, and the public.
During the public comment period, the City received multiple comment letters and had discussions with local property owners, residents, and housing advocates. Based on comments from the public, the City (consistent with AB 215) took 10 business days to consider and incorporate public comments prior to submitting the Draft Housing Element to HCD. Revisions included new and revised policies and programs to protect tenants, new sites to meet the RHNA were added to the sites inventory, based on feedback from interested property owners, objectives were added to seek new funding sources for affordable housing, provide transparency in housing progress, and remove potential
constraints. Specific revisions include:
Comments from the public included:
• Clarify existing and proposed City policies and
procedures, including BMR Ordinance requirements,
open space requirements, parking, permit processing
timeframes
• Add sites as requested by property owners interested in developing housing to the sites inventory to meet the
RHNA
• Removal/adjusting realistic capacity of sites with
additional constraints in the sites inventory
• Adjusting estimated affordability of accessory dwelling units projected in the sites inventory
• Retain and implement transition zones between higher
density mixed-use and lower density residential zones to address privacy and neighborhood character concerns
• Incorporate climate change concerns and preserve creek preservation measures
• Reduce height on E. San Carlos Avenue
• Incorporate anti-displacement and tenant protection
measures
• Support for upzoning and additional housing capacity
• Support for childcare development impact fees and
implementation streamlining
• Use an equity lens to encourage more affordable housing throughout the community
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• Add implementation programs to further integrate and
provide opportunity for housing and remove
development constraints
In response to each of these comments, revisions were made to the Draft Housing Element.
The Draft Element, as revised with the public comments
mentioned above, was submitted to HCD on October 14, 2022 and was madewill remain available on the City’s website for additional public review and comment during the HCD review period. As revisions are made to respond to HCD comments, this information will also be posted on the City’s website. During the HCD review period, additional comment letters were received.
The following changes were made to the Housing Element in response:
• Adding new sites to the inventory from property owners who indicated they were interested in redeveloping their properties.
Following receipt of HCD’s review letter on January 6, 2023, the Draft Housing Element was revised to respond to the HCD’s Department’s comments. The revised draft was made available to the public for a 7-day review period onin January 13, 2023 prior to adoption.
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GENERAL PLAN 13
Contents
113Housing Goals, Policies, and Actions
3652 Summary of Quantified Objectives
Housing Goals, Policies, and Actions
San Carlos’ mission is to provide high-quality services and facilities to its residents in an equitable, sustainable, transparent, responsive, and friendly manner to foster an inclusive, safe, and healthy community now and in the future.
San Carlos takes its mission to heart in developing and implementing its Housing Element. San Carlos is committed to actively encouraging, supporting, and facilitating the creation of a safe, inclusive, diverse, and affordable supply of housing for all income levels. This includes implementing housing policies that expand and preserve its affordable housing stock, encourages greater access to housing, and minimizes the displacement of vulnerable residents. To that end, this Housing Element outlines an implementation plan through goals, policies, and
implementing actions. Goals are long-range, broad, and
comprehensive targets. They may not necessarily be measurable nor achievable in the lifespan of this General Plan; rather, they describe an intention for the future outcome the community would like to achieve. Policies are focused and specific instructional guidelines and are resources to draw upon during the City’s decision-making process. The goals and policies are implemented through a series of housing actions. Actions identify specific programs the City will undertake toward putting each policy into action as a means to achieve goals.
The goals, policies, and actions were intentionally developed and written in response to identified housing needs in the
community, constraints confronting the city, and resources
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available to address the housing needs. This Housing Element will guide San Carlos housing policy through the 2023-2031 planning period. San Carlos’ housing goals, policies, and actions address the major housing needs identified by State law (Government Code §65583[c]):
• Identify adequate sites, with appropriate zoning and
development standards and services to accommodate the
locality’s share of the regional housing needs for each income level;
• Assist in the development of adequate housing to meet the needs of extremely low, very low, low, and moderateincome households; • Address and, where possible, remove governmental
constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and
development of housing, including housing for people at all income levels, as well as housing for people with
disabilities;
• Preserve and improve the condition of the existing
affordable housing stock and preserve assisted (i.e.,
subsidized) housing developments at risk of conversion
to market-rate housing; and
• Promote equal housing opportunities for all people,
regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, color, familial status, or disability.
In addition, San Carlos’ two guiding principles supporting San Carlos’ mission statement for housing are:
• Housing in San Carlos supports an economically and
socially diverse population.
• Housing in San Carlos creates and supports vibrant
neighborhoods and a cohesive sense of community.
GOAL HOU-1: PRESERVATION AND
IMPROVEMENT OF THE QUALITY AND
LIVABILITY OF EXISTING HOUSING AND
NEIGHBORHOODS.
POLICIES
POLICY HOU-1.1
Existing Residential Neighborhoods. Preserve and improve the quality and livability of existing residential neighborhoods through neighborhood improvements and housing rehabilitation programs.
POLICY HOU-1.2
Lower Income Residents Displacement. Minimize potential displacement of existing lower income residents due to
increasing housing prices and rents.
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POLICY HOU-1.3
Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan. Pursue strategies identified in the Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan to be support housing that is resilient to climate change. ACTIONS ACTION HOU-1.1
Rental Inspection Program. Continue the Rental Inspection Program to preserve and improve existing housing stock and neighborhood quality.
Timeframe: Ongoing; annually conduct approximately 240
inspection visits
Responsible Agency: Building Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-1.2
Residential Rehabilitation Programs.
• As CDBG funds are available through San Mateo County
Consortium, provide grants or loans to low- and
moderate-income households for the rehabilitation of
residences. Examples of eligible repairs and
improvements include but are not limited to energy
efficiency and water conservation improvements,
removal of impediments and material barriers that
obstruct accessibility, roofing, plumbing repairs, electrical repairs, exterior painting, window replacement, seismic and flooding safety repairs/adaptations, and climate
resiliency adaptations.
• Promote the availability of home repair services for lowincome and special needs households available from private agencies in the county.
• The City will proactively outreach to low- and moderateincome households regarding available grants or loans for residential rehabilitation throughout the planning period.
Timeframe: Continue to participate in the San Mateo County Consortium; add information on home repair organizations to the City’s website in 2024, meet with affordable housing developers in 2024 to discuss rehabilitation opportunities; engage in proactive outreach to low-and-moderate income households annually..
Responsible Agency: Housing and Planning Divisions
Funding Sources: Community Development Department
Budget, CDBG, San Mateo County Consortium
ACTION HOU-1.3
Preservation of At-Risk Housing. Retention of subsidized (i.e., assisted) housing is a critical part of maintaining the supply of affordable housing in San Carlos. San Carlos will continue to monitor the affordability of existing deed-restricted units and coordinate with property owners to encourage the retention of affordability of these units. At this time, San Carlos has no units
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at-risk of converting to market rate in the next ten years; however, programs are included in the unforeseen event that affordable units become at-risk during or immediately following the Housing Element period.
• Annually monitor the affordability status of at-risk rental units.
• Maintain and update the City’s list of nonprofit and
community-based organizations to contact regarding
possible ownership and management of the at-risk units
if they are in imminent risk of conversion.
• In the event a project becomes at risk of converting to market-rate housing, work with property owners or other interested non-profit housing providers to preserve the units as affordable housing.
Timeframe: Ongoing; Annually monitor/report the affordability status of at-risk rental units as part of the Annual Progress Report process; Contact owners with expiring covenants two years in advance of the expiring covenant
Responsible Agency: Economic Development and Housing
Divisions
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-1.4
Code Enforcement. San Carlos encourages the maintenance and improvement of housing for all income levels through its Code Enforcement Program. The goal of code enforcement is to minimize deferred maintenance and eliminate health and safety problems.
• Continue to implement the Code Enforcement program to bring substandard housing units into compliance with
City building and property maintenance codes.
• Continue to refer eligible households to the available resources provided by nonprofits in the region, and as
feasible connect with local volunteer groups for
rehabilitation support.
• Continue to evaluate staffing and funding to ensure
adequate resources for the Code Enforcement Program.
Timeframe: Ongoing
Responsible Agency: Building Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget
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GENERAL PLAN 17
GOAL HOU-2: HIGH QUALITY, HIGHERDENSITY, MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING
LOCATED CLOSE TO TRANSIT, IN
DOWNTOWN, AND ALONG SAN CARLOS
AVENUE AND EL CAMINO REAL
POLICIES
POLICY HOU-2.1
Design Quality. Promote well-designed multi-family housing and mixed-use projects in the Downtown area and along San Carlos Avenue and El Camino Real.
POLICY HOU-2.2
Complete Streets. Promote development that supports the City’s Complete Streets Policy, Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, and a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly environment.
ACTIONS
ACTION HOU-2.1
Small Lot Development and Lot Consolidation Incentives— Citywide. As taller and denser housing developments are constructed as a result of the City Density Bonus and revisions to the Zoning Ordinance, determine whether additional incentives are necessary for the development of small and odd-shaped lots and/or lot consolidation. Incentives could include:
• Rounding up when calculating allowable units to
encourage lot consolidation.
• Providing technical assistance, such as land development counseling by Community Development staff, with
consolidation or development of small and odd-shaped
lots.
• Conduct proactive outreach by advertising lot
consolidation and potential site opportunities to existing property owners and prospective developers. Advertising efforts may include the preparation and distribution of a brochure with information about program incentives and
an invitation to attend a working session to discuss
opportunities for lot consolidation or the development of small and odd-shaped lots.
• Providing priority processing for affordable housing and projects that exceed minimum BMR requirements.
• Continue to provide fee deferrals and waivers for 100% affordable housing projects.
Timeframe: Ongoing; conduct a review to assess the City Density Bonus and density, height, and parking standards in the Zoning Ordinance in 2025; as needed identify additional incentives and present options to Council in 2026; review this action item on an annual basis to evaluate its effectiveness and make
recommendations as needed; conduct proactive outreach
annually.
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Responsible Agency: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-2.2
Small Lot Development and Lot Consolidation Incentives— Downtown. As part of the 2022-2024 Downtown Specific Plan project, identify new incentives for small lot development and/or lot consolidation. The program may include incentives for small lots such as:
• Increasing allowable zoning density
• Relaxed development standards (including parking
reductions for small lots)
• Streamlined permitting process
• City financial contributions, as well as other density bonuses, incentives and concessions that are otherwise
required by State density bonus law for the provision of higher levels of affordable housing.
• Rounding up when calculating allowable units to
encourage lot consolidation.
• Providing technical assistance, such as land development counseling by Community Development staff, with
consolidation or development of small and odd-shaped
lots.
• Conduct proactive outreach by advertising lot
consolidation and potential site opportunities to existing property owners and prospective developers. Advertising efforts may include the preparation and distribution of a brochure with information about program incentives and
an invitation to attend a working session to discuss
opportunities for lot consolidation or the development of small and odd-shaped lots.
• Providing priority processing for affordable housing and projects that exceed minimum BMR requirements.
• Continue to provide fee deferrals and waivers for 100% affordable housing projects.
Timeframe: Adopt a new Downtown Specific Plan with small lot development incentives by Decemberin 2025; review this action item on an annual basis to evaluate its effectiveness and make recommendations as needed; conduct proactive outreach
annually
Responsible Agency: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget
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GOAL HOU-3: ASSIST IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW HOUSING THAT IS
AFFORDABLE AT ALL INCOME LEVELS.
POLICIES
POLICY HOU-3.1
Housing Choices. Encourage a diversity of high-quality housing in various types, locations, and price ranges for present and future residents.
POLICY HOU-3.2
Affordable Housing. Provide financial and technical assistance or referrals to facilitate the development of affordable housing.
POLICY HOU-3.3
Home Ownership. Encourage home ownership opportunities for households of all income levels.
POLICY HOU-3.4
Rental and Owner Housing Balance. Encourage an even
distribution of rental and ownership properties throughout the city and ensure developers are aware of the City Density Bonus provisions that encourage rental housing developments.
POLICY HOU-3.5
Income Distribution of Lower Income Affordable Housing.
Encourage housing units affordable to extremely low, very low and low-income households, consistent with the identified regional housing need for San Carlos.
POLICY HOU-3.6
Housing Preferences. Provide housing policies and programs that give preferences, where allowable by law, to households with members who live or work in San Carlos or are employees of the City of San Carlos, and school, fire, and police districts that serve San Carlos.
ACTIONS
ACTION HOU-3.1
Housing Options for Special Needs and Extremely-Low Income Households. Extremely low-income households and households with special needs have limited housing options. To meet the needs of special needs groups, innovative housing options should also be implemented.
• Funding Low, Very Low, and Extremely Low-Income
and Special Needs Housing. Continue to apply the
commercial/housing linkage fee to fund affordable
housing and monitor fee amount to ensure it reflects
market conditions. Encourage concurrent production of
on or off-site affordable housing, in lieu of fee payment.
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Collaborate with existing and new major employers to
encourage the development and funding of more
affordable housing. Monitor and pursue county, state,
and federal funding programs and sources for the
creation of affordable housing.
• Offer financial and technical assistance for housing
development projects for persons with special needs.
• As part of the Housing Element Annual Progress Report, track and report the number of new affordable housing
units providing a preference for people with special
needs, including seniors, homeless, people with
developmental disabilities, etc. that are added to the
housing stock each year.
• Monitor and pursue county, state, and federal funding programs and sources for the creation of affordable
housing. Prioritize available housing funding to assist in the development of housing affordable to extremely lowincome households and other special needs populations.
Conduct annual proactive outreach to identify
development opportunities and funding and incentives
for special needs housing.
• Proactively contact non-profit service providers and
developers for persons with disabilities and other special needs groups and notify them about funding
opportunities, as they become available.
• Continue to consult with the San Mateo County Center on Homelessness to further align efforts and coordinate
homeless services.
Timeframe: Ongoing; re-evaluate opportunities for construction in-lieu of fee payment in 2024; collaborate with city’s 10 largest employers at least every other year; annually monitor and pursue funding and pursue opportunities through county, state, and federal funding programs and sources to leverage City funds; offer funding and technical assistance to projects as they are proposed, acquire property, or issue a Notice of Funding Availability when sufficient funds are acquired; conduct proactive outreach to identify development opportunities, funding, and incentives for housing affordable to extremely lowincome and other special needs households and report annually through the Housing Element Annual Report.
Responsible Agency: Planning, Economic Development, and Housing Divisions
Funding Sources: Community Development Department
Budget, San Carlos Housing Authority, City of San Carlos BMR Funds
ACITON HOU-3.2
Below Market Rate (BMR) Ordinance.
• Continue to implement the City’s Below Market Rate
(BMR) Ordinance requirements for rental and ownership
development.
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GENERAL PLAN 21
• Establish a process for granting priority permit processing status for approved housing projects that exceed the
City’sminimum BMR requirement.
• Evaluate the BMR Ordinance’s density bonuses,
incentives, and concessions to determine they continue to make the production of affordable housing feasible. As
part of this process, consult with local non-profit
affordable housing developers to identify potential
revisions that would better support development of
affordable housing, and especially Low-Income Housing
Tax Credit financed housing. Revise as necessary.
Timeframe: Ongoing; establish priority permit processing in 2024; re-evaluate the BMR Ordinance in 2024 and update as needed
Responsible Agency: Planning, Economic Development, and Housing Divisions
Funding Sources: Community Development Department
Budget, San Carlos Housing Authority, City of San Carlos BMR Funds
ACTION HOU-3.3
Facilitate the Legalization and Construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
• Support the development of accessory dwelling units
during the planning period and as new State laws modify accessory dwelling unit requirements, update the City’s ordinance to comply. The City last updated its ADU
ordinance in August 2022. The City will draft
amendments to address laws passed in 2022, including
AB 2221 and SB 897 to reflect an up-to-date ordinance
compliant with Government Code Section 65852.2.
• Collaborate with surrounding jurisdictions through the 21 Elements working group to determine best approach for
tracking affordability throughout the planning period.
• Encourage the legalization of unpermitted accessory
dwelling units to better ensure that they are safe and
habitable. As sunset date of San Carlos Municipal Code
Section 18.23.210(H) approaches, consider an extension, based on history of use of this provision and anticipated ongoing need.
• Work with other regional/agencies countywide
partnerships to identify potential funding sources for
ADU construction.
• Meet with three or four ADU builders to discuss needs and best practices. Review best practices from other cities for “pre-approved” ADUs and expedited review. Create
submittal materials with documentation to facilitate
expedited review. Update the City’s website and include links to “pre-approved” plans. Conduct ongoing outreach with community.
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• Review and as new information is available, update
public education materials on accessory dwelling units, including planning and building requirements,
streamline processing, funding possibilities, and other resources.
• Encourage local agencies, districts, and utility providers to reduce hook-up or other fees to facilitate the
development of accessory dwelling units.
• Prioritize ADU applications to be consistent with
Government Code Section 65852.2(a)(3) requirements for
approval/denial within 60 days from the date a
completed application is received.
Timeframe: Ongoing; update the ADU ordinance by June 2023; as new State laws modify accessory dwelling unit requirements, update the City’s ordinance within a timely manner (i.e., within six months); San Carlos Municipal Code Section 18.23.210(H) - 2028; work with 21 Elements – 2023; funding and pre-approved plans - 2024; establish priority process in development review in 2023 all others - Ongoing
Responsible Agency: Planning and Building Divisions
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-3.4
First-time Homebuyer Programs. Direct prospective first-time homebuyers to HEART or other County programs intended for first time homebuyers. Encourage the use of these programs though annual outreach and education. Maintain and provide information on local BMR ownership units that are resold.
Timeframe: Ongoing; update information on the City’s website at least annually; conduct outreach annually to direct prospective first-time homebuyers to available resources.
Responsible Agency: Economic Development and Housing
Divisions
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-3.5
Rental Voucher Program.
• Continue to implement the BMR ordinance, which
specifies Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) eligibility in the BMR program.
• Continue to work with the San Mateo County Department of Housing and nonprofit organizations to implement
Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance programs.
Continue to provide information on the Housing Choice
Voucher program, including new legal requirements
pursuant to SB 329, which prohibits housing
discrimination on the basis of source of income (including Housing Choice Vouchers).
• Continue to collaborate with other cities in San Mateo County, regional organizations, and/or nonprofit
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organizations to evaluate and quantify potential
discrimination against Housing Choice Voucher users or
other rental assistance voucher programs. Continue to
develop and act upon measures to address these issues.
Timeframe: Ongoing; update the City’s website annually
Responsible Agency: Economic Development and Housing
Divisions
Funding Sources: HUD
ACTION HOU-3.6
State Density Bonus Law Consistency.
• Monitor State legislation as changes are made to
Government Code §65915; update the City’s density bonus programs accordingly.
Timeframe: Ongoing; annually monitor State legislation and update the City’s ordinances as needed
Responsible Agency: Planning and Economic Development and Housing Divisions
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-3.7
No Net Loss. Government Code §65863 states that no jurisdiction shall “reduce, or require, or permit the reduction of, the residential density for any parcel to, or allow development of any parcel at, a lower residential density, or allow development at a lower residential density than projected” for properties identified in the Housing Element sites inventory unless the jurisdiction makes written findings that the reduction is consistent with the General Plan, and that the remaining sites identified in the Housing Element are adequate to accommodate the jurisdiction’s need.
• Develop and maintain a sites inventory throughout the planning period.
• Evaluate residential development proposals for
consistency with goals and policies of the General Plan and the 2023-2031 Housing Element sites inventory and
make written findings that any density reduction is
consistent with the General Plan and that the remaining sites identified in the Housing Element are adequate to accommodate the RHNA by income level.
• If a proposed reduction of residential density will result in the residential sites inventory failing to accommodate the RHNA by income level, identify and make available
additional adequate sites to accommodate its share of
housing need by income level within 180 days of
approving the reduced density project.
Timeframe: Sites Inventory – 2023, All Others - Ongoing Responsible Agency: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget
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ACTION HOU-3.8
Replacement of Units on Sites. Pursuant to Government Code §65583.2(g)(3), require the replacement of units affordable to the same or lower income level as a condition of any development on a nonvacant site identified in the Housing Element consistent with those requirements set forth in Government Code
§65915(c)(3). Replacement requirements shall be required for sites identified in the inventory that currently have residential uses, or within the past five years have had residential uses that have been vacated or demolished, and:
• Were subject to a recorded covenant, ordinance, or law that restricts rents to levels affordable to persons and families of low- or very low-income; or
• Subject to any other form of rent or price control through a public entity’s valid exercise of its police power; or • Occupied by low- or very low-income households
For the purpose of this program “previous five years” is based on the date the application for development was submitted.
Pursuant to Government Code §66300(d) (Chapter 654, Statutes of 2019 (SB 330)), the City shall not approve a housing development project that will require the demolition of residential dwelling units regardless of whether the parcel was listed in the inventory unless a) the project will create at least as many residential dwelling units as will be demolished, and b) certain affordability criteria are met.
To provide clarity in the development process, the City will modify the Zoning Ordinance to reference these requirements.
Timeframe: OngoingRoutinely as part of the housing
development approval process, require replacement of any of units if (a) they are planned to be demolished for purposes of building new housing, and (b) they are determined to be occupied by low-income households, require the provision of assistance to prevent displacement of lower-income households due to loss of affordable units. Draft an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to implement/reference replacement requirements of State law and bring to hearings by 2024.
Responsible Agency: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-3.9
Development on Nonvacant Sites. Promote residential
development on nonvacant sites by:
• Targeting nonvacant sites identified in the Housing
Element as priorities for fund allocation as funds are
available.
• Building on outreach conducted during the Housing
Element update, continue to proactively outreach to
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property owners with a survey on how the city can
support redevelopment/new housing efforts.
Timeframe: Ongoing; proactively outreach to property owners in 2023 and, in response to any additional identified constraints, draft amendments to existing policies and procedures and bring to hearings by 2024.
Responsible Agency: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Departmental Budget
ACTION HOU-3.10
Anti-Displacement Strategies. The City will take the following actions to reduce displacement risk due to discriminatory actions:
• Fair Housing Counseling. Ensure all tenants have access to legal counseling, and landlords are aware of their rights and responsibilities. Support coordination of biannual
workshops for landlords and property managers on
discriminatory practices, reasonable accommodation
requirements, and resources and an annual presentation
to staff on fair housing practices, beginning in 2023.
• Rental Audits. Provide support to fair housing providers to continue to conduct annual audits of housing providers to ensure compliance with fair housing laws.
• Fair Housing Case Monitoring. In 2027, upon completion of 2 iterations of biannual landlord and property manager workshops and 4 consecutive rental audits, meet with
local fair housing providers, including Project Sentinel, to assess effectiveness of fair housing programs and identify additional strategies if needed.
• Fair Housing Outreach Program. Include information or links to information on the City’s website in 2023 (with annual updates) and provide printed informational
materials in City buildings with information on the fair housing counseling program, tenant protections, and
other resources to reduce displacement risk.
• Additional Strategies. Based on the above efforts, if additional strategies are required, conduct a study to
Eexplore the following strategies to minimize resident
displacement: implementing
• Additional tTenant protection policies and
• Ssupport local efforts to create a community land trust or a housing preservation fund
Timeframe: Refer to individual bullets for specific timeframes.
Consult with tenants’ rights advocates and stakeholders, complete analysis, and hold a hearing with City Council to adopt anti-displacement strategies by 2026
Responsible Agency: Planning, Economic Development, and Housing Divisions
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-3.11
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Access to Opportunity. Noting historical inequities
amplified/perpetuated by single family zoning, encourage small units in residential neighborhoods through development of ADUs, JADUs, and SB 9 units.
• See Action HOU-3.3 for specific measures to incentivize ADUs in San Carlos.
• Review the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision
Ordinance and implement updatesamend as needed to
provide clarity and facilitate housing development under SB 9 in compliance with State law. These include adopting updated definitions, use regulations, development
standards, and ministerial processes based on the
outcome of a complete SB 9 analysis. As revisions to State law occur in the future, update the City’s Zoning
Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance accordingly.
Timeframe: Bring SB 9 ordinance for consideration by City Council in Fall 2023. Production and affordability will be monitored every two years thereafter and alternative actions will be implemented if necessary to meet the RHNA. Conduct
proactive outreach to housing developers and property owners to promote the SB 9 ordinance through information on the City’s website, the Good City newsletter (mailed to all property owners and renters), at least two times during the planning period.
Responsible Agency: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-3.12
Reduce Costs Associated With The Development Of
Affordable and Special Needs Housing. The City defers and waives fees for affordable housing developments to provide local match contributions and facilitate projects. The City will continue to rReduce or waive development impact fees to facilitate 100% affordable and special needs housing, including housing for extremely low-income and persons living with disabilities (including persons with developmental disabilities).
Timeframe: Ongoing
Responsible Agency: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU 3.13
Reevaluate the City Density Bonus Provisions. In 2022, the City amended its City Density Bonus program to allow rental projects to add bonus market rate units at a ratio of 4:1 for each very-low Income unit and 2:1 for each low-income unit that is included in a development project. This City Density Bonus program
currently applies citywide to rental housing developments, where multi-units and mixed-use projects are a permitted land use. In conjunction with the Housing Element update to meet the RHNA, modifications to allowable density, building height, and number of stories are proposed (see Action HOU-4.2), and it is understood that the State Density Bonus allows developments to
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GENERAL PLAN 27
go beyond the City’s height limits to fit all the units to which the project is entitled by the bonus. Under this action, staff will evaluate the City Density Bonus biannually to review use and implementation of the revised City Density Bonus and, as needed, to identify if the City Density Bonus should be revised to target particular areas rather than apply the Bonus uniformly throughout the City, based on place and in areas that are least impactful. Use an equity lens to ensure affordable housing and density bonuses are not concentrated in any one particular area of the community.
Timeframe: Ongoing; conduct a review to assess the City Density Bonus based on place and present options to Council in 2024; reevaluate biannually thereafter.
Responsible Agency: Economic Development, Housing, and
Planning Divisions
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget GOAL HOU-4: REMOVE OR MITIGATE
GOVERNMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
INHIBITING THE PROVISION OF
ADEQUATE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING
THROUGHOUT SAN CARLOS
POLICY
POLICY HOU-4.1
Remove and/or mitigate potential governmental constraints to the provision of housing at all income levels.
ACTIONS
ACTION HOU-4.1
Adequate Sites to Meet Regional Fair Share of Housing
Growth. The 2009 General Plan and accompanying 2011 Zoning Ordinance allows a variety of housing types, with densities ranging from one to six units per acre in single-family zoning districts, up to 59 units per acre along San Carlos Avenue, and up to 50 units to the acre in downtown San Carlos. In support of this 6th cycle Housing Element update, the City:
• proposes to create a new multifamily residential zoning category allowing a net density of up to 100 units per acre and proposes to increase mixed use densities up to 120
units per acre, and
• developed a parcel-specific inventory of sites suitable for future residential development
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The City will:
• Continue to provide appropriate land use designations and zoning districts consistent with regional housing
needs.
• Maintain an inventory of potential sites to provide to developers in conjunction with information on
development incentives for affordable units.
• As part of the Housing Element annual reporting process, evaluate project development against the sites inventory to ensure compliance with Government Code §65863.
• Continue to pursue implementation of the General Plan through completion and adoption of implementing
zoning regulations and specific plans.
• Encourage senior housing and housing suitable for
persons with disabilities and other special needs
(including assisted living). See Action HOU-3.1 for
specific commitments to encourage senior and other
special needs housing.
Timeframe: Ongoing; Establish new multifamily residential zones and upzoning of mixed-use zones as part of the Zoning Ordinance revisions to be adopted by January 2023
Responsible Party: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-4.2
Zoning Ordinance Revisions. Enact the following zoning
changes:
1) Create new zones; increase density, FAR, heights, number of stories; and provide minimum densities as shown in Table
4.2-1. Height limits maximum include both feet and stories (i.e. a three-story building must not exceed the height limit of 35 feet). A 35-foot height limit is considered ample to accommodate a three-story multi-family structure (floor-tofloor stories are generally 10 feet for residential). 2) Continue to allow ground floor residential uses in the MU-D100, MU-SC-120, and MU-SB-100 zones. Evaluate, as part of the new Downtown Specific Plan process, additional areas (on side streets and outside of the Downtown Core) where ground-floor residential uses may also be allowed.
3) Remove minimum private open space requirement for
residential in Mixed Use and Multi-unit zoning districts (retaining only the common/public open space requirement). 4) For residential only development, remove additional
required setbacks (i.e., removing requirement to follow RM-59 zoning setbacks) in Mixed Use zones.
5) Remove guest parking in all RM and Mixed-Use zones.
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6) Remove Section 18.05.030.C side and rear yard building wall stepback requirements for mixed use and multi-family
housing developments, specifically provisions pertaining to stepbacks associated with portions of the building wall containing and extending three feet on either side of any window in living rooms, primary rooms, sleeping rooms, and any other walls containing windows.
7) Allow multi-family residential use in the Public (P) zoning district as an accessory use to allowed uses such as onsite religious institutions and schools according to the
development standards of the RM-20 zone, but without
minimum density.
8) Strengthen incentives for transit-oriented development by updating the Zoning Ordinance to reference/incorporate the minimum parking prohibitions associated with AB 2097,
effective January 1, 2023, within 0.5 miles of public transit (as defined in AB 2097) in all zoning districts.
Timeframe: Identify areas appropriate for ground-floor
residential uses within the Downtown Specific Plan area and bring to City Council for consideration by summer 2024; all others January 2023; if the City is not on track to achieve housing goals by 2026, identify and bring to City Council for hearing additional revisions necessary to the Zoning Ordinance or other measures to encourage housing development
Responsible Agency: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget Table 4.4-5: Proposed Changes to Zoning Densities and Heights (2023) Zone Maximum Density
(du/ac)
Minimum Density
(du/ac)2
FAR Building Height (feet) Building Stories
(stories)
Existing Proposed Existing Proposed Existing Proposed Existing Proposed Existing Proposed Proposed Existing Proposed MU-N MU-N-40 20 40 n/a 30 2.0 2.5 50; 30
along East
San
Carlos
Avenue in
MU-N
District
50 35 along
East San
Carlos
Avenue in
MU-N
District
4 4(1)
MU-N MU-N-50 20 50 n/a 38 2.0 2.5 50 4 4
MU-N MU-N-120 20 120 n/a 90 2.0 3.0 75 4 6
MU-DC MU-DC10050 100 n/a 75 2.5 2.5 50 4 4
MU-D MU-D-100 50 100 n/a 75 2.5 3.0 60 4 5
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Table 4.4-5: Proposed Changes to Zoning Densities and Heights (2023) Zone Maximum Density
(du/ac)
Minimum Density
(du/ac)2
FAR Building Height (feet) Building Stories
(stories)
MU-D MU-D-120 50 120 n/a 90 2.5 3.0
30 within
40 ft of
an RS
district
40 within
50 ft of
an RS
district
75 35 within
40 ft of an
RS district
40 within
50 ft of an
RS district
4 6
MU-SC MU-SC12059 120 n/a 90 3.0 3.0 75 4 6
MU-NB MU-NB12050 120 n/a 90 2.5 3.0 75 4 6
MU-SB MU-SB10050 100 n/a 75 2.5 3.0 60 4 5
MU-SB MU-SB12050 120 n/a 90 2.5 3.0 75 4 6
RM-20 RM-20 20 20 n/a 15 0.75 0.75 35 35 3 3
RM-59 RM-59 59 59 n/a 45 2.0 2.0 50 50 4 4
-- RM-100 n/a 100 n/a 75 N/A 3.0 n/a 60 n/a 5
(1) 3 stories along E. San Carlos Ave. in MU-N-40 district (2) The City of San Carlos Zoning Ordinance does not have a minimum density requirement; with this update, a minimum density threshold is proposed.
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ACTION HOU-4.3
Outreach: New Development Standards. Prepare, publicize, and provide applicants and developers with materials highlighting the City’s revised zoning standards (Action HOU-4.2) intended to encourage the production of housing at all income levels.
Timeframe: New Zoning Standards’ Materials Preparation – 2023 Responsible Agency: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-4.4
Objectivity and Streamlining in Development Regulations.
Reduce the cost of building housing through, streamlining and clear and objective standards in development regulations. • Review the Zoning Ordinance and craft revisions that
support objective design standards consistent with the
Housing Accountability Act. Adoption of objective design standards will facilitate high-quality residential
development and compliance with State objectives.
• Revise the Design Review Criteriacriteria and findings to be fully objective and to provide local guidance on design and standards for by-right projects as allowed by state law, removing subjectivity from findings and approval
processes, thereby reducing permit review timeframes.
• Revise the Conditional Use Permit findings for any special residential uses that require a CUP but are also covered by the Housing Accountability Act to be fully objective and to provide local guidance on design and standards for by-right projects as allowed by state law, removing
subjectivity from findings and approval processes.
• Reduce the permitting time for residential projects
(especially 100% affordable projects) through
consideration of by-right approvals, reduced number of
hearings, and objective design standards.
• To accommodate future SB 35 applications and inquiries, create and make available an informational packet that
explains SB 35 streamlining provisions in San Carlos and provides SB 35 eligibility information.
Timeframe: Objective Design Standards – citywide, by end of 2023; Objective Design Standards - within the Downtown Specific Plan boundary, by spring 2024; develop informational materials on SB 35 in 2025by end of 2023; re-evaluate permit review times biennially; if review times do not decrease, implement additional measures to reduce processing time.
Responsible Agency: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget
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ACTION HOU-4.5
Water and Sewer Service Providers.
Immediately upon adoption, deliver the Housing Element to all providers of sewer and water service serving San Carlos, in accordance with Government Code §65589.7.
• As the local sewer provider, establish procedures to grant priority sewer service to developments with units
affordable to lower-income households.
Timeframe: Within one month of the Housing Element adoption deliver the Housing Element to providers; establish priority policy for sewer provision in 2024
Responsible Agency: Planning and Engineering Divisions
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-4.5
Noise. Align City noise policies in accordance with federal and State law.
Timeframe: Review citywide noise standards and ordinances to identify any necessary changes to reduce constraints to housing development; based on analysis, bring any necessary revisions to hearings by December 2024.
Responsible Agency: Housing and Planning Divisions
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget GOAL HOU-5: ADEQUATE HOUSING FOR
SPECIAL NEEDS POPULATIONS.
POLICIES
POLICY HOU-5.1
Special Needs Population Housing. Promote the development and rehabilitation of housing to meet the needs of special needs groups, including seniors, persons with disabilities, the homeless, people with illnesses, people in need of mental health care, single parent families, large families, farmworkers, and others.
POLICY HOU-5.2
Single-Room Occupancy and Efficiency Apartments. Support the inclusion of Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units and
efficiency apartments in higher density neighborhoods and mixed-use areas.
POLICY HOU-5.3
Emergency Shelters, Transitional, and Supportive Housing.
Support programs to provide for a continuum of care for persons who are homeless including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and supportive housing.
POLICY HOU-5.4
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Universal Design. Encourage the use of universal design principles to develop housing that is accessible to households with special needs.
POLICY HOU-5.5
Senior Housing. Provide for a variety of housing options and affordability levels for seniors, including independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care facilities, especially within walking distance of services and transit routes and in multifamily areas. Encourage senior housing that provides on-site recreational activities, medical care, and personal services that enhance the quality of life for residents.
POLICY HOU-5.6
Home Sharing. Support home sharing as a viable option to make efficient use of existing housing and as an alternative to building more housing in some areas to help address the housing needs of seniors, people living with disabilities, people at risk of homelessness, and homes with a female head of household.
ACTIONS
ACTION HOU-5.1
Emergency Shelters, Supportive and Transitional Housing. • Implement standards contained in the Zoning Ordinance to accommodate the need for emergency shelters,
supportive housing, and transitional housing.
• Review and modify the Zoning Ordinance as needed to
comply with AB 101 requirements. AB 101 requires that
Low-Barrier Navigation Centers be allowed by right in
areas zoned for mixed-use and nonresidential zones
permitting (by right or conditionally) multi-family uses. • Review and modify the Zoning Ordinance as needed to
comply with AB 2162 requirements to allow for
modifications for required parking for units occupied by supportive housing residents that are located within onehalf mile of a public transit stop. • Review and modify the Zoning Ordinance as needed to
comply with Government Code Section 65583(4)(a) to
subject emergency shelters only to those development
and management standards that apply to residential or
commercial development within the same zone. Revise
the Zoning Ordinance to require emergency shelter
parking only to be sufficient to accommodate all staff
working in the emergency shelter, provided that the
standards do not require more parking for emergency
shelters than other residential or commercial uses within the same zone.
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• Review and modify Zoning Ordinance development
standards related to the number of residents that can be accommodated at an emergency shelter facility, which
shall in no case be less than 20 beds.
Timeframe: Ongoing; review and amend the Zoning Ordinance in 2024
Responsible Agency: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-5.2
Large Rental Units and Supportive Services. Discuss with developers the ability to provide larger rental units appropriate for families with children, including the provision of supportive services.
Timeframe: Ongoing (as projects are proposed)
Responsible Agency: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-5.3
Residential Care Facilities and Group Homes. San Carlos encourages the development of residential care facilities and group homes. Consistent with State law, the City permits group homes with six or fewer residents in all residential zoning districts by right.
• Amend the Zoning Ordinance code to allow group homes
with seven or more residents as a permitted use in all
zones that allow multi-unit or single-unit dwellings.
• Facilitate discussions with neighborhoods and adjacent uses so that good neighbor relationships are fostered and impacts to adjacent uses are mitigated.
• Seek opportunities to assist nonprofit housing providers to acquire and/or rehabilitate residential housing for
group homes.
• Review and modify development standards for
residential care facilities and group homes to ensure the same standards apply for these uses as other residential uses of the same type in the same zone, specifically
standards related to parking requirements and distancing between similar facilities. No additional parking shall be required for group residential and residential care
facilities above what is required for residential uses.
Remove any subjectivity in any standards or required
findings to ensure residential care facilities and group homes are allowed objectively with approval certainty
similar to other residential uses.
Timeframe: Amend the Zoning Ordinance in 2023 to allow
group homes as a permitted use; coordinate with neighborhoods and nonprofit housing providers on an ongoing basis; amend the Zoning Ordinance by the end of 2023 to modify development
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standards for residential care facilities in conjunction with Action
4.4. Responsible Agency: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-5.4
Special Needs Service Providers Contributions.
• On an annual basis, provide financial contributions to non-profit organizations and outside agencies that serve the housing needs of special needs households in and
around San Carlos. These organizations and agencies may include but are not limited to: The Center for
Independence of the Disabled (CID), HIP Housing,
Shelter Network, Samaritan House, CALL Primrose, San
Mateo County Children’s Fund, and HEART, among
others.
• Evaluate City contributions to outside agencies to assess whether to continue funding and/or adjust funding
amounts or to consider other agencies for funding,
particularly those organizations and agencies that
provide housing with support services for persons with
disabilities. As part of the evaluation, require outside agencies receiving City contributions to submit annual
reports detailing how funds have been used and how
programs have benefited San Carlos residents.
Timeframe: Ongoing; provide contributions on an annual basis through the CDBG funding process
Responsible Agency: Economic Development and Housing
Divisions
Funding Sources: Community Development Department
Budget, CDBG
ACTION HOU-5.5
Revised Development Standards to Support Special Needs
Housing.
• Consider amending the Zoning Ordinance to clarify that development standards that allow for separate cooking
and/or bathroom facilities in home sharing programs,
and universal design (including “visitability”) in all new residential development and significant remodeling
projects.
• Encourage the development of well-designed new
accessory dwelling units in existing neighborhoods by
implementing objective standards for the approval of
accessory units. Include an ADA accessible design option in pre-approved ADU plans.
• Encourage unhoused service or navigation centers to be located within or near SROs, transitional, and
or/supportive housing.
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• Review the Zoning Ordinance and identify amendments
to ensure findings for reasonable accommodation
requests are limited to health and safety considerations and those allowed by State law.
Timeframe: Ongoing; complete a study on zoning needs for home sharing and universal design and bring to City Council for consideration in 2025; review/revise the Reasonable Accommodation Ordinance and bring appropriate amendments to the City Council for hearing by December 2024
Responsible Agency: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-5.6
Equal Access to City Services. Adopt an accessibility policy establishing standards and procedures for providing equal access to City services and programs to all residents, including persons with limited proficiency in English, and persons with disabilities.
Timeframe: Hold a hearing with City Council to consider the accessibility policy in 2024
Responsible Agency: Administration Division
Funding Sources: Administrative Services Budget
ACTION HOU-5.7
Community Governance. Conduct public meetings at suitable times, accessible to persons with disabilities, and near public transit. Resources will be invested to provide interpretation and translation services when requested at public meetings.
Timeframe: Ongoing
Responsible Agency: City Clerk and Administration Division Funding Sources: Administrative Services Budget
ACTION HOU-5.8
Furthering Integration. Promote fair housing by allowing multifamily residential uses on all sites in the P (Institutional Use) zone as an accessory use to allowed uses such as onsite religious institutions and schools. Reference/incorporate the minimum parking prohibitions associated with AB 2097, effective January 1, 2023, within 0.5 miles of public transit (as defined in AB 2097).
Timeframe: Amend the Zoning Ordinance in 2023
Responsible Agency: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget GOAL HOU-6: ELIMINATE
DISCRIMINATION IN THE PROVISION OF
HOUSING AND AFFIRMATIVELY FUTHER
FAIR HOUSING.
POLICY
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POLICY HOU-6.1
Fair Housing Law Enforcement and Discrimination
Complaints.
• Enforce fair housing laws to ensure that households
seeking housing are not discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, martial status, family composition, national origin, sexual orientation or other arbitrary factors, consistent with the Fair Housing Act.
• Refer discrimination complaints to the appropriate legal service, County, or State agency.
• Ensure that housing programs maximize choice and avoid unlawful discrimination.
ACTIONS
ACTION HOU-6.1
Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing. Fair housing laws prohibit housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. San Carlos has identified the following objectives/meaningful actions to affirmatively further fair housing (Table 4.2-2):
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Table 4.2-2: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Issues, Contributing Factors, and Actions Identified Fair Housing Issue
and Priority
(High, Medium, Low)
Contributing Factors Meaningful Actions
Insufficient and Inaccessible Housing
Options in High Opportunity
AreaCitywide for people who
identify with any protected class
(Fair Housing Education, Housing
Mobility)
Priority: [High]
• Location and type of affordable housing
• Lack of access to opportunity due to high
housing cost
• Lack of fair housing outreach and enforcement
• Availability of affordable housing
• Availability of affordable units in a range of
sizes.
Fair Housing Education
• Continue to support local agencies and organizations that provide fair housing services to San Carlos residents.
Geographic Target: Citywide
Timeframe: Annually through the San Mateo County Consortium, which distributes CBDG funding.
2023-2031 Metrics: Track funding support to fair housing providers through the County’s Annual Action Plan
• Include a fair housing presentation in City Council meetings. and continue to educate and train City staff regarding fair housing laws. As appropriate, partner with organizations such as Project Sentinel to provide resources.
Timeframe: at least once every other year.
Geographic Target: Citywide
2023-2031 Metrics: Provide an annual fair housing presentation to Council and biennially provide fair housing training for staff involved in housing
• Ensure that all development applications are considered, reviewed, and approved without prejudice to the proposed residents, contingent on the development application’s
compliance with all entitlement requirements.
Timeframe: Ongoing
Geographic Target: Citywide
2023-2031 Metrics: At random audit two applications per year to ensure compliance
• Require non-discrimination clauses in rental agreements and deed restrictions for affordable housing.
Timeframe: Ongoing
Geographic Target: Citywide
2023-2031 Metrics: Each new and continued affordable housing rental agreement/deed restriction
• Promote public awareness of federal, State, and local regulations regarding equal access to housing. Provide
information to the public on various state and federal
housing programs and fair housing law. Maintain referral
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Table 4.2-2: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Issues, Contributing Factors, and Actions Identified Fair Housing Issue
and Priority
(High, Medium, Low)
Contributing Factors Meaningful Actions
information on the City’s website and at a variety of other locations such as community and senior centers, local social service offices, in City utility bills, and at other public locations including City Hall and the library. Add resources and information in Spanish and make available to the public.
Continue to coordinate with other agencies and
organizations, including 21 Elements, to identify other means of informing residents about fair housing laws.
Timeframe: four times per year as part of fair housing
workshops by Project Sentinel and other housing related events.
Geographic Target: Citywide with focus on areas northwest of El Camino Real and along San Carlos Avenue with higher
proportions of non-White residents and north of Cherry Street and along El Camino Real with higher proportions of people with disabilities.
2023-2031 Metrics: Provide counseling and services to at least four San Carlos residents during the planning period
The three identified fair housing issues are closely related, as such, the meaningful action items address all issues.
Housing Mobility
• Require affordable housing developers receiving public funds to prepare an affirmative marketing plan, and
encourage private developers with affordable units in their projects to prepare affirmative marketing plans. The plan shall ensure marketing materials for new developments are designed to attract renters and buyers of diverse
demographics, including persons of any race, ethnicity, sex, handicap, and familial status.
Timeframe: As part of the entitlement process
Geographic Target: Residential and Mixed Use neighborhoods citywide
2023-2031 Metrics: All affordable housing developers receiving public funds should prepare an affirmative marketing plan
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Table 4.2-2: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Issues, Contributing Factors, and Actions Identified Fair Housing Issue
and Priority
(High, Medium, Low)
Contributing Factors Meaningful Actions
• Action 3.2: Continue to implement the City’s Below Market Rate (BMR) Ordinance requirements for rental and
homeownership development; establish a process for
granting priority permit processing status for approved housing projects that exceed the City’s minimum BMR
requirement; Evaluate the BMR Ordinance’s density
bonuses, incentives, and concessions to determine they
continue to make the production of affordable housing
feasible. As part of this process, consult with local nonprofit affordable housing developers to identify potential revisions that would better support development of
affordable housing, and especially Low-Income Housing Tax Credit financed housing. Revise as necessary.
Timeframe: Ongoing; establish priority permit processing in 2024; re-evaluate the BMR Ordinance in 2024 and update as needed
Geographic Target: Citywide, particularly in the City’s highest income areas
2023-2031 Metrics: Increase the development of affordable housing units through the BMR Ordinance by 15% of the
baseline
• Action HOU-3.3 (ADUs): Offer pre-approved plans, which support streamlining the permit review process; Promote additional pre-approved plans on the City’s website;
Provide homeowner/ applicant assistant tools by including and promoting State funding resources including the
CalHFA ADU grant program and Casita Coalition financing guide on the City’s website, and by promoting home sharing programs to connect ADU owners and renters, and
offering counseling with a City staff-ADU specialist; Explore and pursue funding options to support ADU construction
for lower-income homeowners
Timeframe: Offer pre-approved plans no later than 2024; ongoing ADU development support; monitor ADUs annually and
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Table 4.2-2: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Issues, Contributing Factors, and Actions Identified Fair Housing Issue
and Priority
(High, Medium, Low)
Contributing Factors Meaningful Actions
implement alternative strategies within one year of the annual report if assumptions are not met.
Geographic Target: Single-family residential neighborhoods citywide
2023-2031 Metric: Achieve 203 ADUs during the planning cycle • Action HOU-3.4: Proactively outreach to developers and homebuyers regarding available homeownership financing
options.
Timeframe: Annually conduct outreach and education efforts Geographic Target: Areas with residents who have historically faced barriers to homeownership such as areas in the northwest of El Camino Real and along San Carlos Avenue with higher proportions of non-White residents; north of Cherry Street and along El Camino Real with higher proportions of people with disabilities; and south of El Camino Real between Holly Street and Arroyo Avenue with higher proportions of low-to-moderate income households.
2023-2031 Metric: Provide homeownership financing options and resource information to at least 10 residents annually • Action 3.11: Noting historical inequities
amplified/perpetuated by single family zoning, encourage small units in residential neighborhoods through
development of ADUs, JADUs, and SB 9 units.
Timeframe: Bring SB 9 ordinance for consideration by City Council in Fall 2023. Production and affordability will be monitored every two years thereafter.
Geographic Target: Single-family neighborhoods citywide 2023-2031 Metrics: Achieve 203 ADUs and 160 SB 9 duplex construction during the planning period
• Action 5.2: Discuss with developers the ability to provide larger rental units appropriate for families with children, including the provision of supportive services.
Timeframe: Ongoing (as projects are proposed)
Geographic Target: Multi-family residential neighborhoods
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Table 4.2-2: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Issues, Contributing Factors, and Actions Identified Fair Housing Issue
and Priority
(High, Medium, Low)
Contributing Factors Meaningful Actions
2023-2031 Metrics: Complete at least one project that includes these types of units and services during the planning period • Action 5.8: Promote fair housing by allowing multi-family residential uses on all sites in the P (Institutional Use) zone as an accessory use to allowed uses such as onsite religious institutions and schools. Reference/incorporate the
minimum parking prohibitions associated with AB 2097,
effective January 1, 2023, within 0.5 miles of public transit (as defined in AB 2097).
Timeframe: Amend Zoning Ordinance by 2023
Geographic Target: Institutional Use Zone
2023-2031 Metrics: Complete at least one multi-family project in the Institutional Use Zone during the planning period Action Outcomes: An increased variety of housing options available to San Carlos residents throughout the city, including areas that have traditionally only had single-family ownership housing.
Provide adequate sites for over 1,164 lower income households, over 438 moderate income households, and over 1,133 above moderate income households, exceeding the City’s RHNA
requirements.Continue to support local agencies and organizations that provide fair housing services to San Carlos residents. Timeframe:
Annually through the San Mateo County Consortium, which distributes CBDG funding.
Require non-discrimination clauses in rental agreements and deed restrictions for affordable housing. Timeframe: ongoing for each new and continued affordable housing rental agreement/deed restriction Promote public awareness of federal, State, and local regulations regarding equal access to housing. Provide information to the public on various state and federal housing programs and fair housing law.
Maintain referral information on the City’s website and at a variety of other locations such as community and senior centers, local social service offices, in City utility bills, and at other public locations including City Hall and the library. Add resources and information in Spanish and make available to the public. Continue to coordinate
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Table 4.2-2: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Issues, Contributing Factors, and Actions Identified Fair Housing Issue
and Priority
(High, Medium, Low)
Contributing Factors Meaningful Actions
with other agencies and organizations, including 21 Elements, to identify other means of informing residents about fair housing laws.
Timeframe: four times per year as part of fair housing workshops by the Fair Housing Foundation and other housing related events.
Include a fair housing presentation in City Council meetings.
Continue to educate and train City staff regarding fair housing laws.
As appropriate, partner with organizations such as Project Sentinel to provide resources. Timeframe: at least once every other year.
Implement an accessibility policy that establishes standards and procedures for providing equal access to City services and programs to all residents, including persons with limited proficiency in English, and persons with disabilities. Timeframe: By 2024
Ensure that all development applications are considered, reviewed, and approved without prejudice to the proposed residents, contingent on the development application’s compliance with all entitlement requirements. Timeframe: Ongoing
Continue to use the Rental Inspection Program as a tool to monitor and address fair housing issues. Timeframe: Ongoing
Conduct public meetings at suitable times, accessible to persons with disabilities, and near public transit. Resources will be invested to provide interpretation and translation services when requested at public meetings. Timeframe: Ongoing
Prioritize community and stakeholder engagement during
controversial development decisions. Timeframe: Ongoing Continue to educate landlords on fair housing law, reasonable accommodations and disability rights, including posting reasonable accommodations on the website and at prominent location near the permit counter. Timeframe: Ongoing
Related actions in this Housing Plan meet multiple needs, including affirmatively furthering fair housing, including:
Action HOU-1.1: Rental Inspection Program
Action HOU-1.2: Residential Rehabilitation Programs
Action HOU-1.3: Preservation of At-Risk Rental Housing
Action HOU-3.1: Funding Low, Very Low-, and Extremely LowIncome and Special Needs Housing
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Table 4.2-2: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Issues, Contributing Factors, and Actions Identified Fair Housing Issue
and Priority
(High, Medium, Low)
Contributing Factors Meaningful Actions
Action HOU-3.2: BMR Ordinance
Action HOU-3-3: Accessory Dwelling Units
Action HOU-3.4: First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Action HOU-3.5: Rental Voucher Program
Action HOU-3.10: Anti-Displacement Strategies
Action HOU-3.11: Access to Opportunity
Action HOU-3.12: Affordable and Special Needs Incentives Action HOU-4.1: Adequate Sites to Meet the RHNA
Action HOU-4.2: Zoning Ordinance Revisions
Action HOU-4.3: Outreach: New Development Standards
Action HOU-5.2: Large Rental Units and Supportive Services Action HOU-5.3: Residential Care Facilities and Group Homes Action HOU-5.4: Special Needs Service Providers Contributions Action HOU-5.5: Revised Development Standards to Support Special Needs Housing
Action HOU-5.6: Equal Access to City Services
Action HOU-5.7: Community Governance
Action HOU-5.8: Furthering Integration
Action HOU-6.1: Fair Housing Law Enforcement and Discrimination Complaints
Action HOU-8.1: Partnership Programs
Protecting Existing Residents from
Displacement
(Displacement/Housing
Affordability)
Priority: [Moderate]
• Due to economic pressures
• Availability of affordable housing
• Availability of affordable units in a range of
prices
Displacement/Housing Affordability
• Action 1.1: Continue the Rental Inspection Program to preserve and improve existing housing stock and
neighborhood quality.
Timeframe: Annually
Geographic Target: Multi-family residential neighborhoods 2023-2031 Metric: Conduct 240 inspection visits annually • Action 1.2: As CDBG funds are available through San Mateo County Consortium, provide grants or loans to low- and
moderate-income households for the rehabilitation of
residences; Promote the availability of home repair services for low-income and special needs households available from private agencies in the county.
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Table 4.2-2: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Issues, Contributing Factors, and Actions Identified Fair Housing Issue
and Priority
(High, Medium, Low)
Contributing Factors Meaningful Actions
Timeframe: Annually or as funding becomes available
Geographic Target: Multi-family residential neighborhoods and south of El Camino Real between Holly Street and Arroyo Avenue with higher proportions of low-to-moderate income households.
2023-2031 Metrics: Assist 2 low-to-moderate-income
households annually.
• Action 1.3: San Carlos will continue to monitor the
affordability of existing deed-restricted units and coordinate with property owners to encourage the retention of
affordability of these units.
Timeframe: Annually monitor/report the affordability status of atrisk rental units as part of the Annual Progress Report process; Contact owners with expiring covenants two years in advance of the expiring covenant.
Geographic Target: Multi-family residential neighborhoods and areas south of El Camino Real between Holly Street and Arroyo Avenue with higher proportions of low-to-moderate income households.
2023-2031 Metric: Retain affordability of 137 units at 17 housing complexes
• Action 3.1: Continue to apply the commercial/housing
linkage fee to fund affordable housing and monitor fee
amount to ensure it reflects market conditions. Encourage concurrent production of on or off-site affordable housing, in lieu of fee payment. Collaborate with existing and new major employers to encourage the development and
funding of more affordable housing.
Timeframe: Re-evaluate opportunities for construction in-lieu of fee payment in 2024; collaborate with city’s 10 largest employers at least every other year; annually monitor and pursue funding opportunities through county, state, and federal funding programs and sources to leverage City funds
Geographic Target: Citywide
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Table 4.2-2: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Issues, Contributing Factors, and Actions Identified Fair Housing Issue
and Priority
(High, Medium, Low)
Contributing Factors Meaningful Actions
2023-2031 Metric: Contribute to the production and/or
preservation of at least 60 affordable housing units over the planning period
• Action 3.5: Continue to work with the San Mateo County Department of Housing and nonprofit organizations to
implement Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance
programs. Continue to provide information on the Housing Choice Voucher program, including new legal requirements pursuant to SB 329, which prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of source of income (including Housing Choice Vouchers). Continue to collaborate with other cities in San Mateo County, regional organizations, and/or nonprofit
organizations to evaluate and quantify potential
discrimination against Housing Choice Voucher users or
other rental assistance voucher programs. Continue to
develop and act upon measures to address these issues.
Timeframe: Annually
Geographic Target: Citywide
2023-2021 Metrics: Annually reach 100 individuals, as
measured in website hits, providing information about Housing Choice Vouchers
Action 3.10: Take actions to reduce displacement, including fair housing counseling, rental audits, fair housing case monitoring, outreach, and additional tenant protection
policies; Support local efforts to create a community land trust or a housing preservation fund
Timeframe: Consult with tenants’ rights advocates and
stakeholders, complete analysis, and hold a hearing with City Council to adopt anti-displacement strategies by 2026
Geographic Target: Multi-family residential neighborhoods and areas south of El Camino Real between Holly Street and Arroyo Avenue with higher proportions of low-to-moderate income households.
2023-2031 Metric: Partner with a community-based
organization to provide residents with informational materials
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Table 4.2-2: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Issues, Contributing Factors, and Actions Identified Fair Housing Issue
and Priority
(High, Medium, Low)
Contributing Factors Meaningful Actions
and workshops on latest anti-displacement strategies at least three times soon after adoption.
• Action 8.1: Continue to work with housing services
organizations, or other similar organizations, to increase housing opportunities in San Carlos. Explore partnerships with housing operators, non-profit organizations, and
developers to rehabilitate and convert existing market rate rental housing into affordable housing for extremely low, very low, low and moderate-income households.
• Timeframe: Discuss opportunities with developers that contact the City annually
• Geographic Targeting: Multi-family residential neighborhoods and areas south of El Camino Real between Holly Street and Arroyo Avenue with higher proportions of low-to-moderate income households.
• 2023-2031 Metric: Develop at least one new partnership with housing organizations annually.
Action Outcomes: Strategic tenant protection policy
recommendations will slow the pace and mitigate the impacts of displacement, and development of partnerships and strategies will preserve unsubsidized affordable housing (non-deed restricted).
Provide Access and Inclusion for
Persons with Disabilities
(Access to Housing and Resources)
Priority: [Moderate]i
• Lack of supportive services for persons with
disabilities
• Lack of access to resources, such as schools,
transportation, and other in home or
community resources for persons with
disabilities
• Implement an accessibility policy that establishes standards and procedures for providing equal access to City services and programs to all residents, including persons with limited proficiency in English, and persons with disabilities.
Timeframe: By 2024
Geographic Target: Areas with high proportions of non-native English speakers and north of Cherry Street and Along El Camino Real with higher proportions of people with disabilities 2023-2021 Metric: Upon adoption of accessibility policy, assist at 20 persons annually with disability needs
• Conduct public meetings at suitable times, accessible to persons with disabilities, and near public transit. Resources
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Table 4.2-2: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Issues, Contributing Factors, and Actions Identified Fair Housing Issue
and Priority
(High, Medium, Low)
Contributing Factors Meaningful Actions
will be invested to provide interpretation and translation services when requested at public meetings.
Timeframe: Ongoing
Geographic Target: Citywide
2023-2021 Metric: Provide at least one person at public meetings that can provide translation services.
• Continue to educate landlords on fair housing law,
reasonable accommodations and disability rights, including posting reasonable accommodations on the website and at prominent location near the permit counter.
Timeframe: Ongoing
Geographic Target: Citywide
2023-2031 Metric: Outreach to at least five landlords annually. • Action 3.12: Continue to reduce or waive development
impact fees to facilitate 100% affordable and special needs housing, including housing for extremely low-income and persons living with disabilities (including persons with developmental disabilities).
Timeframe: Ongoing
Geographic Target: Citywide
2023-2031 Metric: Waive or reduce development impact fees for at least one special needs project during the planning period. • Action 5.3: Continue to encourage the development of
residential care facilities and group homes.
Timeframe: Ongoing
Geographic Target: Citywide
2023-2031 Metric: Assist at least one nonprofit housing provider to acquire and/or rehabilitate residential housing with supportive services during the planning period.
• Action 5.4: On an annual basis, provide financial
contributions to non-profit organizations and outside
agencies that serve the housing needs of special needs
households in and around San Carlos. These organizations and agencies may include but are not limited to: The Center for Independence of the Disabled (CID), HIP Housing,
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Table 4.2-2: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Issues, Contributing Factors, and Actions Identified Fair Housing Issue
and Priority
(High, Medium, Low)
Contributing Factors Meaningful Actions
Shelter Network, Samaritan House, CALL Primrose, San
Mateo County Children’s Fund, and HEART, among others.
Timeframe: Annually
Geographic Target: Citywide
2023-2031 Metric: Provide financial contributions to at least one non-profit organization as funding becomes available.
Action Outcomes: Increased options for safe, high quality, accessible, and affordable housing for people with disabilities throughout the City that are located near critical community resources and infrastructure. Will help dissipate any existing concentrations of people with disabilities in the city and promote integration.
Timeframe: Identified in Table above for each Action
Responsible Agency: Economic Development, Housing, and
Planning Divisions
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget GOAL HOU-7: INCREASED ACCESS TO
CHILDCARE.
POLICY
Policy HOU-7.1
Access to Childcare. Increase access to childcare by including childcare facility siting opportunities and reducing regulatory and financial barriers to the creation and expansion of childcare facilities in San Carlos.
ACTIONS
ACTION HOU-7.1
Childcare development impact fee. Study and hold a hearing with City Council to consider establishing a childcare
development impact fee for new nonresidential developments.
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Timeframe: Complete study and hold a hearing with City
Council by spring 2023
Responsible Agency: Economic Development and Housing
Divisions
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget ACTION HOU-7.2
Childcare Zoning.
• Allow by-right the siting and development of family
childcare homes in all residential, mixed-use, and other zones where residences are permitted, for the
convenience of families. Consider modified zoning
standards, modified review procedures, and other
incentives to facilitate childcare centers’ development in mixed-use and commercial zones and as an accessory use
to religious/community facilities in residential zones. • Encourage the inclusion of space for childcare in new housing developments, including affordable housing
developments, as feasible.
• Ensure that zoning code and permitting practices are
consistent with State law that prohibits use permits,
business licenses, etc. for Large Family Child Care Homes. • In addition to the traffic impact fee exemption already provided, continue the discussion with decision makers
to consider potential incentives for developers to provide childcare facilities or services as part of new residential, commercial, and industrial developments, including but
not limited to: density bonuses, increases in floor area ratios, parking reduction, community benefits credit,
expedited entitlements, or other modifications to zoning regulations.
Timeframe: Complete study and hold a hearing with City
Council in 2025
Responsible Agency: Planning Division
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget GOAL HOU-8: INCREASING COMMUNITY
PARTNERSHIPS AND PUBLIC EDUCATION
POLICY
POLICY HOU-8.1
Partnerships. Further housing opportunities, affordability, and access throughout San Carlos and the region by partnering with other jurisdictions, community organizations, and jurisdictions while educating San Carlos residents, business community, and service providers about housing issues and opportunities.
ACTIONS
ACTION HOU-8.1
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Partnership Programs
Continue to work with the following organizations, or other similar organizations, to increase housing opportunities in San Carlos:
• HIP Housing – home sharing programs including
potential owners and renters matching;
• 21 Elements – funding sources for low-, very low-, and extremely low- income housing, funding sources for
special needs housing; rental voucher discrimination
claims, among others; funding sources for ADU
construction or remodels and best practices to encourage ADUs
• San Mateo County Consortium
• San Mateo Department of Housing – Section 8 housing
assistance
• HEART – first time home buyers programs
• Others as opportunities arise
Explore partnerships with housing operators, non-profit organizations, and developers to rehabilitate and convert existing market rate rental housing into affordable housing for extremely low, very low, low and moderate-income households.
Timeframe: Ongoing; discuss opportunities with developers that contact the City annually
Responsible Agency: Economic Development, Housing, and
Planning Divisions
Funding Sources: Community Development Department Budget
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Summary of Quantified Objectives
Table 4.2-3 summarizes San Carlos’ quantified objectives for the 2023-2031 Housing Element planning period.
• The Construction Objective represents the City’s 2023- 2031 RHNA.
• The Rehabilitation Objective represents the objective for the Rental Inspection Program over the eight-year
planning period; of the 240 annual inspection visits,
approximately one-third (80 units) require a
correction/rehabilitation annually.
• The Conservation/Preservation objective refers to the preservation of the existing affordable housing stock
throughout the planning period (as listed in Table 4.3-8:
Below Market Rate Housing Inventory in the Housing
Needs Assessment chapter).
Table 4.2-3: Housing Element Quantified Objectives
Income Level
Extremely Total
Low
Very
Low
Low Moderate
Above
Moderate
Construction Objective (RHNA) 370 739369 425 438 1,133 2,735 Rehabilitation Objective 107 640107 213 213 -- 640
At-Risk Affordable Housing Units to
Preserve 4020 20 57 32 -- 137
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Contents
5337 Population and Employment Trends
5741 Household Characteristics
5943 Housing Stock Characteristics
6746 Special Housing Needs
7452 Energy Conservation Opportunities
7452 At-Risk Housing Analysis
7755 Projected Housing Need (RHNA)
Population and Employment Trends
Housing needs are influenced by population and employment trends. This section provides a summary of current changes to the population size, age, and racial/ethnic composition, as well as current employment conditions of the City of San Carlos.
Current Population and Projected Population
Growth
Between 2010 and 2020, as reported by the California Department of Finance, the population of San Carlos grew approximately 6 percent, from 28,406 to 30,145 residents. Compared with the County of San Mateo, which experienced a 7.6 percent increase from 2010 to 2020, San Carlos’ growth rate was less. The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) growth forecasts predict a steady increase in population through 2030. From 2020 to 2030, ABAG estimates that San Carlos’ population will grow by 12.5 percent, while countywide population is expected to increase by 10.4 percent; however, both are forecasted to grow less from 2030 to 2040 than the previous decade (see Table 4.3-1).
In addition to population projections, several other demographic characteristics and trends inform housing needs. Among these characteristics are composition of age, race and ethnicity, and employment.
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Table 4.3-1: Population and Projected Growth
Area 2010 2020 2030 2040 Change
2010-2020
Projected
Change
2020-2030
Projected
Change
2030-2040
San Carlos 28,406 30,145 33,915 35,250 6.1% 12.5% 3.9%
San Mateo County 718,451 773,244 853,260 916,590 7.6% 10.4% 7.4% Source: CA Department of Finance E-5 Population and Housing Estimates, ABAG Growth Forecasts (Plan Bay Area Projections 2040) Age
Population age distribution serves as an important indicator of housing needs because housing needs and preferences change as individuals or households grow older. Young families tend to focus more on cost and the ability to become first-time homebuyers. Table 4.3-2 shows the age distribution of San Carlos residents. In 2018, the 45-64 age group constituted the largest age group at approximately 30 percent, followed by the 20-44 age group at 28 percent. Compared with 2010, persons between 45-64 age continued to be the largest age group at 31 percent followed by persons between 20-44 at 30 percent maintaining its position as the second largest age group. The median age in the city is 42.2 years. Compared with the County (39.6 years) and the State (36.3 years), San Carlos’s population is older. Since the age group 20- 44 is the second largest at 28 percent, the need for larger units, at a range of income levels young families grow is likely to increase.
Race and Ethnicity
Table 4.3-2 also shows the racial/ethnic distribution of population in San Carlos. White (75 percent) and Asian/ Pacific Islander (17 percent) residents make up most of the City’s population. Compared with the County of San Mateo, San Carlos has a higher percentage of White residents (75 percent compared to the County’s 51 percent) and lower percentage of
Asian/Pacific Islander residents (16 percent compared to 30 percent). Since 2010, the percentage of White residents and Asian/Pacific Islander residents have both increased by two percentage points, while Black and Hispanic residents have decreased (0.6 and two percent, respectively).
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Table 4.3-2: Age, Race and Ethnicity, and Employment by Industry Demographic Profile 2010 2018
Age
0-19 7,070 (25%) 7,754 (26%)
20-44 8,462 (30%) 8,522 (28%)
45-64 8,827 (31%) 9,146 (30%)
65+ 4,047 (14%) 4,658 (16%)
Median Age 42.6 42.2
Race/Ethnicity
White (non-Hispanic) 21,830 (73%) 22,612 (75%)
Hispanic 3,283 (11%) 2,579 (9%)
Black 394 (1.3%) 205 (0.7%)
Asian/Pacific Islander 4,378 (15%) 4,992 (17%)
Other 1,234 (4%) 466 (1.5%)
Employment by Industry
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 2,852 (20%) 3,344 (21%) Retail trade 1,282 (9%) 1,001 (6%)
Manufacturing 1,657 (12%) 1,785 (11%)
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services 3,019 (21%) 3,837 (24%) Construction 593 (4%) 672 (4%)
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services 709 (5%) 716 (4%) Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 1,192 (8%) 1,725 (11%) Other services, except public administration 577 (4%) 510 (3%) Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 286 (2%) 554 (3%) Public Administration 589 (4%) 493 (3%)
Wholesale Trade 482 (3%) 303 (2%)
Information 883 (6%) 1,174 (7%)
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Table 4.3-2: Age, Race and Ethnicity, and Employment by Industry Demographic Profile 2010 2018
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 0 (0%) 15 (0.1%) Source: US Census Bureau 2010, 2018 5-Year Estimates
Employment
Residents in San Carlos are primarily employed in professional, scientific, management, and administrative and waste
management services (24 percent), and educational services, health care and social assistance (21 percent). The average salary for professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services jobs is $126,060 a year while those in and educational services, and health care and social assistance make, on average, $66,359. A large salary gap between the two major industries occurs in San Carlos. Employment characteristics are important as they have a direct relationship with income. In San Carlos, the industries in which most residents work have high median earning potential.
According to the 2017 Economic Census prepared by the U.S.
Census Bureau, most (92 percent) employed residents work outside of San Carlos. In addition to the estimated 985 residents who live and work in San Carlos, over 13,000 workers commute into San Carlos for their jobs. Major employers in San Carlos are outlined in Table 4.3-3.
Table 4.3-3: Top 10 Employers in San Carlos
Employer Number of
Employees
Percent of Total
City
Employment
Natera Inc. 486 2.9%
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. 269 1.6%
The Home Depot #0628 263 1.6%
Recology San Mateo County 240 1.5%
Check Point Software Tech Inc. 210 1.3%
Delta Star Inc. 208 1.3%
Joby Aero Inc. 170 1.0%
Atreca Inc. 162 1.0%
Thought Stream 154 0.9%
Trader Joe’s #174 125 0.8%
Top 10 Employers 2,287 13.8%
Source: City of San Carlos Comprehensive Annual Financial Report July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021
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Household Characteristics
San Carlos household characteristics are summarized in Table
4.3-4. According to Census estimates, the number of households in San Carlos increased by 319 between 2010 and 2018. At the same time, the population has increased by an estimated 1,700 people, indicating an overall increase in household size.
Housing tenure refers to the occupancy of a housing unit— whether the unit is owner-occupied or renter-occupied. Housing tenure is influenced by demographic factors (e.g., household income, composition, and age of the householder), as well as housing cost. Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of San Carlos households own their homes.
Income
The median household income for San Carlos ($169,694 in 2018) is higher than the county of San Mateo median household income ($113,776). In San Carlos, on average, owner households have a significantly higher median income ($208,250) than renter households ($91,250), a trend that is also reflected in San Mateo County, where owner median income is $140,665 and renter median income is $84,298.
The Census estimates that in San Carlos, 3 percent of residents live in poverty. The poverty threshold is set by the U.S. government to indicate the least amount of income a person or family needs to meet their basic needs. Poverty thresholds are established based on family size and are updated annually in relation to the Consumer Price Index, but do not vary
geographically. In San Carlos, certain populations are much more likely to be living in poverty. For example, 24 percent of Black/African American residents, seven percent of Hispanic residents, and 11 percent of residents with less than a high school degree are living in poverty. The proportion of people living in poverty in San Carlos is lower than the county of San Mateo at large, where nearly 6 percent of residents live in poverty.
Because poverty thresholds do not differ based on geographic differences, a better measure to understand income disparities can be to identify various percentages compared to the median income for a particular area. For housing planning and funding purposes, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) uses five income categories to evaluate housing need based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county:
• Extremely Low-Income Households earn 0-30 percent of
AMI
• Very Low-Income Households earn 30-50 percent of AMI
• Low-Income Households earn 50-80 percent of AMI
• Moderate-Income Households earn 80-100 percent of
AMI (HCD uses 80 to 120 percent)
• Above Moderate-Income Households earn over 100
percent of AMI (HCD uses over 120 percent)
The number and percentage of residents within each of these categories is listed in Table 4.3-4. In San Carlos, above moderateincome households represent the largest share of all households (52 percent) and low-income households comprise the second
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largest category (11 percent). Moderate-, very low-, and extremely low-income households comprise 8 percent each of all households. Renters tend to be from lower-income households.
Nearly half (45 percent) of renter households are in the lower income categories (0-80 percent AMI) versus just; 20 percent of owners are lower income.
Table 4.3-4: Household Characteristic by Tenure
Household Characteristic Owner
Households
Renter
Households All Households
Number of Households1 8,148 (72%) 3,179 (28%) 11,327
Median Household Income1 $208,250 $91,250 $169,640
Household Income Categories2
Extremely Low Income (0-30% AMI) 500 (6%) 400 (12%) 900 (8%) Very Low Income (30-50% AMI) 470 (6%) 425 (13%) 895 (8%) Low Income (50-80% AMI) 610 (8%) 650 (20%) 1,260 (11%)
Moderate Income (80-100% AMI) 505 (6%) 395 (12%) 900 (8%) Above Moderate Income (100%+ AMI) 6030 (74%) 1,380 (42%) 7,410 (65%) Total number of projected Extremely Low-Income
Households (RHNA)2 N/A N/A 37025
Overpayment
All Households Overpaying for Housing2 1,940 (24%) 1,225 (38%) 3,165 (28%) Lower Income Households Overpaying for Housing2 970 (61%) 1,080 (73%) 2,050 (67%) Note 1 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2018 5-Year Estimates Note 2 Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) Tables 2013-2017
Extremely Low-Income Households
Households and individuals with extremely low incomes may experience the greatest challenges in finding suitable, affordable housing. Extremely low-income households often have a
combination of housing challenges related to income, credit status, disability or mobility status, family size, household characteristics, supportive service needs, or a lack of affordable housing opportunities. These households typically include seniors on Social Security, individuals with disabilities, single parents, and low-wage workers. Some extremely low-income individuals and households are homeless. Many extremely lowincome households seek rental housing and most likely face overpayment, overcrowding, or substandard housing conditions.
Some extremely low-income households could have members with mental or other disabilities and special needs. Extremely low-income households generally have the highest incidence of
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housing problems and tend to overpay for housing (paying 30 percent or more of their monthly income toward housing costs).
Households that earn 30 percent or less than the county’s median income (up to $55,900 for a family of four in 2022) are considered “extremely low-income.”
HUD’s 2013-2017 CHAS data set provides information on
households by income group for the City of San Carlos.
According to the CHAS data, in 2017, approximately 900
households (eight percent of total households) in San
Carlos earned extremely low incomes (see Table 4.3-5). Of the extremely low-income households, 66 percent were
owner-occupied, and 44 percent were renter-occupied
households, or 4.4 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively, of all households.Table 4.3-5: Extremely Low-Income
Households
Households Number
Percent of
Total
Households
Total occupied units (households) 11,327 100%
Total lower income (0-80% AMI) 3,055 27%
Extremely low income (0-30% AMI) households 900 8%
Extremely low-income renters 400 3.5%
Extremely low-income owners 500 4.4%
Lower income households paying more than 50% 1180 10%
Extremely Low Income paying more than 50% 580 5%
ELI Renter HH severely overpaying 260 2%
ELI Owner HH severely overpaying 325 3%
Lower income households paying more than 30% 2040 18%
Extremely Low Income paying more than 30% 695 6%
To address the needs of extremely low-income housing, the City has included Program Actions HOU-3.1, HOU-3.12, and HOU8.1. Additionally, the City permits single-room occupancy units, in compliance with Government Code Section 65583(c)(1).
Housing Overpayment
State and federal standards specify that households spending more than 30 percent of gross annual income on housing
experience a housing cost burden. Housing cost burdens occur when housing costs increase faster than household income. When a household spends more than 30 percent of its income on housing costs, it has less disposable income for other necessities such as health care, childcare, and food.
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Housing overpayment and overcrowding most often occur when a household cannot afford suitably sized and priced rental and ownership housing. In other cases, life changes (retirement, children moving back home, loss of job, etc.) can also cause housing problems. In these situations, a household can choose to either overpay for housing or double up with others into too small a unit in order to afford housing, which can result in overcrowding. In San Carlos, 28 percent of all households are overpaying for housing. Overpayment (also known as cost burden) is more prevalent in renter households than owner households; 38 percent of renter households are cost burdened versus 24 percent of owner households. However, because the average income San Carlos is significantly higher than other places in the state, overpayment among higher income
households (especially homeowners) leaves a significant amount of money for other essential needs and is not an identified concern.
On the other hand, iIn the event of unexpected circumstances such as loss of employment or health problems, lower-income households with a housing cost burden are more likely to become homeless or double up with other households. In San Carlos, In San Carlos, 28 percent of households are overpaying for housing. overpaymentThe situation is much starker for lower income households, where 67 percent are overpaying for housing. Of these lower income households, extremely low-income
households have the most prevalence of overpayment (77
percent), followed by very low-income households (73 percent), and low-income households (54 percent). Almost three-quarters (73 percent) of lower income renters are overpaying for housing, and 61 percent of lower income owners are overpaying for housing.
Housing Stock Characteristics
In 2020, the Department of Finance reported 12,385 housing units in San Carlos. Most of the City’s housing stock is made up of single-family attached and detached homes (72 percent) with the remaining 28 percent multi-family. Census data indicates that 4 percent of all housing units are vacant. Vacancy rates are lower for 0.2 percent of owner units (0.2 percent) thanand 3.1 percent of rental units are vacant(3.1 percent).
San Carlos was developed as a community of single-family dwelling units and has primarily remained as such. Single-family structures make up 72 percent of the City’s housing stock, with multi-family comprising 28 percent.
Vacancy Rate
The housing unit vacancy rate provides a useful indicator of the balance between housing supply and demand. As a rule of thumb, a 4.5-percent vacancy rate represents a healthy balance between supply and demand in a housing market. When there is a high vacancy rate, people searching for housing have more housing options and may be able to obtain lower rents. With a low vacancy rate, people selling or renting housing are able to raise prices and/or selectively choose their tenants. A low vacancy rate can lead to overcrowding and unsafe and unsanitary living conditions because lower-income households have fewer
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options and are unable to find suitable and affordable living arrangements. Low-income households, including people on a fixed income, large families with children, and households with special housing needs, are most likely to be negatively impacted by low vacancy rates. In addition, when there is high consumer demand for a limited housing supply, discrimination is more likely to occur.
Data shows that housing vacancy rates in San Carlos increased from 2010 to 2019 from 325 units to 466 units. According to the 2015-2019 ACS, 32 percent of the vacant units are for rent and two percent are for sale (Figure 4.3-1). Of the total rental housing stock (147 vacant and 3,179 occupied), approximately 4.4 percent are vacant, and of the total ownership housing stock, approximately
0.5 percent are vacant and for sale or sold but not yet occupied.
Of the vacant units in San Carlos, 48 percent (approximately 224 units) are simply vacant—neither for sale, rent, seasonal, or sold and awaiting occupancy.
The rental vacancy rate of 4.4 percent indicates a healthy balance of supply and demand; however the ownership market shows limited housing supply.
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F i g u r e 4 . 3 - 1 : V a c a n t U n i t s
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Overcrowding
Overcrowding occurs when the relatively high cost of housing either forces a household to double-up with another household or live in a smaller housing unit to afford food and other basic needs. The current housing crisis resulting from an inventory shortage and high costs of housing also necessitates many families or individuals to share housing arrangements, leading to potential overcrowding. According to both California and federal standards, a housing unit is considered overcrowded if it is occupied by more than one person per room (excluding kitchens, bathrooms, and halls). A standard of one person per room considers occupancy of the rooms that are generally not intended to be used as sleeping quarters, including living rooms and otherwise common areas). The Census Bureau considers units with more than 1.5 occupants per room to be severely
overcrowded.
Table 4.3-56: Owner and Renter Housing Characteristic
Housing Characteristic Owner
Households
Renter
Households
All Housing
Units/
Households
Total Housing units
N/A N/A
12,385
Single-Family Detached 8,394 (68%)
Single-Family Attached 540 (4%)
Multi-Family Units 3,419 (28%)
Mobile Home/Other 32 (.26%)
Median Household Size 2.57
Total Households1 69% 27%
Vacancy Rate2 0.2% 3.1% 516 (4%)
Overcrowded Units1 86 142 228
Units Needing
Replacement/Rehabilitation3
N/A N/A 2
Table 4.3-56: Owner and Renter Housing Characteristic
Housing Characteristic Owner
Households
Renter
Households
All Housing
Units/
Households
Median Housing Cost $1,624,5004 $2,2515 N/A
Sources:
1. US Census Bureau 2018 5-Year Estimates
2. 2020 CA Department of Finance E-5 Population and Housing Estimates
3. As reported by the San Carlos Building Department
4. CoreLogic June 2022
5. Census Bureau 2019 5-Year Estimates
In San Carlos, 2 percent of occupied housing units are
overcrowded. Of these, 37 percent are considered severely overcrowded. Overcrowding is more prevalent in rental units (6 percent) than owner occupied units (1 percent). Overcrowding disproportionally impacts low-income households and severe overcrowding is more likely to be experienced by renter households than it is for homeowner households, which is the case in San Carlos.
• 0%-30% of AMI: 0.0% overcrowded and 0.0% severely
overcrowded
• 31%-50% of AMI: 3.3% overcrowded and 0.0% severely
overcrowded
• 51%-80% of AMI: 3.2% overcrowded and 0.8% severely
overcrowded
• 81%-100% of AMI: 2.6% overcrowded and 3.2% severely
overcrowded
• Greater than 100% of AMI: 0.8% overcrowded and 0.4%
severely overcrowded
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Overcrowding is more likely to affect Hispanic/Latinx (4.9 percent) and residents that identify as “other race” or multiple races (8.4 percent), compared to the citywide average of two percent. The desire for multi-generational living or living with extended family members can also create overcrowded
conditions due to a lack of affordable larger units within the City.
Multi-generational living tends to be most common in Hispanic and Asian cultures, indicating that it may be a contributing factor in higher rates of overcrowding for these groups. Coupled with lower income levels, constraints related to immigration status, and discrimination can also make it difficult for multigenerational households to find appropriately sized, affordable housing.
Housing Condition
The age and condition of the housing stock in San Carlos is an indicator of potential rehabilitation needs. Commonly, housing over 30 years of age needs some form of major rehabilitation, such as a new roof, foundation work, plumbing, etc. The housing stock in San Carlos is aging, since a majority of the housing stock was built between 1940 and 1979 (73 percent). Only 27 percent of the City’s housing stock has been built since 1980, indicating a potential need for rehabilitation of the other 73 percent of housing units.
In the City of San Carlos, the median sales price in October 2021 was $2.32 million and the median income was estimated at 1 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2018 5-Year Estimates
approximately $170,000.
1 While this income is too low to afford a
new home at the median sales price without a cost burden, it is assumed that current property owners are most likely completing ongoing maintenance and repairs to maintain the values of their homes. Therefore, while the ACS reported that 73 percent of the homes in San Carlos need rehabilitation due to age, home values and resident incomes suggest that most of these units are not in need of rehabilitation. The City estimates that a more accurate percentage of housing in need of rehabilitation is less than a quarter of housing units. Four percent of occupied housing units in San Carlos have been identified as having substandard housing issues, which includes lacking or insufficient amenities including plumbing, a kitchen, or bathroom. Based upon
observations and experiences of the San Carlos Building Official, the City estimates that in 2022, fewer than two housing units are in severe need of replacement or substantial rehabilitation due to housing conditions.
While the City does not have funding to directly support home repair services, the City refers individuals to the Rebuilding Together Peninsula organization for renovation and repair services: http://rebuildingtogetherpeninsula.org. In addition, the City’s Code Enforcement is proactive in connecting various church groups, Boy Scouts, and other community groups such as the Lions Club and Kiwanis Clubs with homeowners in need.
Volunteers remove overgrown vegetation, remove trash and
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debris, and complete very minor repairs to structures for elderly residents.
Housing Cost
The cost of housing in a community is directly correlated to the number of housing problems and affordability issues. High housing costs can price low-income families out of the market, cause extreme cost burdens, or force households into
overcrowded or substandard conditions. The San Carlos median home price in October 2021 based on information provided by CoreLogic, was $2,320,000. This was 24.9 percent higher than the median price in October 2020. The October 2021 median home price was $795,000 higher than the median home price in San Mateo County at large.
More than a quarter (28 percent) of San Carlos households are renters. There are limited sources that provide median or average rents for a specific geography. The Census estimates the median gross rent between 2015 and 2019 in San Carlos was $2,251 per month. These estimates appear below current (2022) searches through search engines such as Zillow, Trulia, Zumper, etc.
Zumper.com provides a median rent by month for jurisdiction by unit type and reported an average rent of $3,300 in July 2022 for a studio apartment , ($2,339 for one-bedroom units, $3,152 for two-bedroom units, $4,920 for three-bedroom units, and $5,500 for four-bedroom units) in San Carlos. Table 4.3-6 7 shows that the HUD-determined fair market rents for San Mateo County for 2022. , to establish rental subsidy limits for Section 8 housing voucher recipients. (The FMRs reflect rents for similar housing units in the uncontrolled rental market. Under the Section 8 program, Section 8 recipients may rent units that cost more than the FMR, but the subsidy will only cover up to the amount of the FMR.) Studios and larger units in San Carlos exceed the fair market rents identified by HUD.
Table 4.3-67: Fair Market Rents in San Mateo County
Year Efficiency One-Bedroom Two-Bedroom Three-Bedroom Four-Bedroom FY 2022 FMRFair market Rents (HUD) $2,115 $2,631 $3,198 $4,111 $4,473 Average Rents $3,300 $2,339 $3,152 $4,920 $5,500
Source: FY2022 Fair Market Rents. U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); Zumper.com Affordability With the recent increase in rents in the Bay Area, affordable housing has become much harder for lower and moderate8.b January 23, 2023 Packet Pg. 1437
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income households to find. Table 4.3-8 identifies the maximum monthly housing costs affordable to households in San Carlos by income group. Income groups are established based on data published annually by HCD on household income for areas in the state. Affordability is calculated assuming a household can pay up to 30 percent of its monthly income toward housing.
Compared to the rental rates in Table 4.3-7, the average rent cost in San Carlos is not affordable to extremely low- and very lowincome households with four persons (approximately 16 percent of all households in San Carlos). However, average rents of a studio , one-bedroom, or two-bedroom are affordable to lowincome and moderate-income households with four or more persons (although this may lead to overcrowding in small units).A three-bedroom average rental is affordable to a fourperson moderate income family in San Carlos, but larger homes are unaffordable.
As housing prices rise in the Bay Area, homeownership becomes more elusive for many households, even those earning abovemoderate incomes.
Table 4.3-8 shows maximum affordable housing payments for different households (varying by income level) and their eligibility for federal housing assistance; a mortgage payment of $4,980 monthly equates to varying home prices, depending on the interest rate and amount of downpayment. However,
estimating a three percent interest rate and a minimal
downpayment, a mortgage payment of $4,980 equates roughly to a home purchase price of $ 1.2 million, just over half of the 2022 median home price in San Carlos. As interest rates increase, the cost increases dramatically. At a 6.25 percent interest rate, a $4,980 monthly payment can only afford a home purchase price of $828,000.
Table 4.3-8: Housing Affordability
Income Group
HCD
Income
Limit
Maximum
Monthly
Affordable
Housing Cost
Extremely Low Income (4 Person Family) $55,900 $1,398
Very Low Income (4 Person Family) $93,200 $2,330
Low Income (4 Person Family) $149,100 $3,728
Moderate Income (4 Person Family) $199,200 $4,980
Source: HCD State Income Limits, 2022
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Special Housing Needs
Housing Element law requires local governments to include an analysis of housing needs for residents in specific special needs groups and to identify resources available to address these needs.
Table 4.3-79: Special Needs Groups in San Carlos
Special Needs Category Count Percent
Persons with Disabilities 1,988 persons 7% of residents Persons with Developmental Disabilities1 123 persons 0.4% of residents Elderly (65+ years) 4,658 persons
2,773 households
15% of residents
24% of households
Large Households (5+ members) 697 households 6% of households Farmworkers 15 persons 0.1% of labor force
Female Headed Households 906 households 8% of households People Experiencing Homelessness 30 persons 0.001%
Note 1: Reflects the consumer count by ZIP Code (94070) as reported by the California Department of Development Services All Other Rows Source: US Census Bureau 2018 5-Year Estimates, California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Persons with Disabilities including Persons with
Developmental Disabilities
Persons with disabilities face housing access and safety challenges. Disabled people, in most cases, are of limited incomes and often receive Social Security income only. As such, most of their monthly income is often devoted to housing costs. In addition, disabled persons may face difficulty finding accessible housing (housing that is made accessible to people with disabilities through the positioning of appliances and fixtures, the heights of installations and cabinets, layout of unit to facilitate wheelchair movement, etc.) because of the limited number of such units. People with developmental disabilities have a disability that emerged before age 18, is expected to be lifelong, and is of sufficient severity to require a coordinated program of services and support in order to live successfully in the community. Developmental disabilities include intellectual disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and other disabling conditions similar in their functional impact to an intellectual disability.
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Residents with Disabilities
Many San Carlos residents have disabilities that may prevent them from working, restrict their mobility, or make it difficult to care for themselves. There are 1,988 residents with disabilities in San Carlos, representing 7 percent of total residents. Many residents with disabilities are 75 years and older (41 percent). A total of 689 people with disabilities live in poverty representing (78 percent of those living in poverty, and) 2.3 percent of the total resident population.
Many factors limit the supply of housing available to households of persons with disabilities. In addition to the need for housing that is accessible or ADA-compliant, housing affordability is a key limitation as many persons with disabilities live on disability incomes or fixed income. Location of housing is also an important factor for many persons with disabilities, as they often rely upon public transportation to travel to necessary services and shops.
For those living in single-family homes, residents can benefit from accessibility improvements such as wider doorways and hallways, access ramps and railings, larger bathrooms with grab bars, lowered countertops, and other features common to “barrier free” housing. According to the State Department of Social Services, 3 residential care facilities with capacity to support 52 residents, and 11 residential care facilities for the elderly to support 237 residents, are located in San Carlos.
Residents with Developmental Disabilities
Under California’s Developmental Disabilities Services Act and the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1999 decision in Olmstead v. L.C., people with developmental disabilities are entitled to receive community-based services that allow them to live in the least restrictive community setting. This shift to de-institutionalization has led to the closure of the most restrictive segregated settings and to the requirement that local jurisdictions in their Housing Elements assess and plan specifically for the housing needs of people with developmental disabilities who receive services from the Regional Center to live in their home community.
The State Department of Developmental Services (DDS) currently provides community-based services to persons with
developmental disabilities and their families through a statewide system of 21 regional centers. The Golden Gate Regional Center serves residents in San Carlos. The center is a private, non-profit community agency that contracts with local service providers to offer a wide range of services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. There are 123 residents with developmental disabilities in San Carlos (as represented by ZIP Code 94070) that receive services from the Golden Gate Regional Center, representing 0.41 percent of total residents. The following trends affect the housing needs of people with developmental disabilities in San Carlos and have been addressed in the Housing Plan:
• The Developmental Disabilities population in San
Carlos is growing faster than the general population.
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The Regional Center reports an increase of 25 percent over the 98 San Carlos residents with developmental
disabilities who were reported in the last Housing
Element. During that same period, the city’s general
population grew by less than one percent. Seventy-one (56 percent) of San Carlos’s residents with developmental
disabilities are adults. Growth in the San Carlos adult population with developmental disabilities correlates
with a significant annual increase in the diagnosis of
autism that began in the mid-1980s and did not level out until after 2015. Many of the adults may desire housing outside the family home in the coming years.
• Decline in Licensed Care Facilities. The California
Department of Developmental Services reports that
between September 2015 and June 2021, San Mateo
County lost five percent of its supply of licensed care facilities for people with developmental disabilities
(including Community Care Facilities, Intermediate Care Facilities, and Skilled Nursing Facilities). This is reflected in the decline of San Carlos residents living in licensed care facilities since last reported in the 2015-2023 Housing Element. The greatest contributing factor to this loss of supply is the high cost of housing making it more
financially beneficial for retiring owners to sell the
facilities as residences rather than as a business, thereby increasing the need for affordable housing options
coordinated with supportive services
• Longer Life Spans. Between September 2015 and June
2021, the California Department of Developmental
Services reports that the number of San Mateo County
residents with developmental disabilities age 62 and older grew by 33 percent. This is not due to migration of senior citizens with developmental disabilities to high-cost San Mateo County, but rather to well-documented gains in life span among people with developmental disabilities. With longer life expectancy, more adults with developmental
disabilities will outlive their parents and family members who are the single largest source of housing for adults with developmental disabilities in San Carlos. Longer life spans also slow the pace of resident turnover in the
county’s shrinking supply of licensed care facilities, which further reduces opportunities for people with
developmental disabilities to secure a space in a licensed care facility.
• Displacement. The California Department of
Developmental Services has documented a 12 percent
decline in the age group 42 to 51 and a 10 percent decline in the age group 52 to 61 in San Mateo County between
September 2015 and June 2021. Considering gains in life expectancy, this loss can reasonably be attributed to
displacement from the county because of the lack of
residential living options when an elderly parent
caregiver passes away or becomes unable to house and
care for the adult. Displacement takes a particular toll on adults with developmental disabilities who depend on
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familiarity with transit routes, shopping and services, as well as support from community-based services and
informal networks built up over years of living in San
Carlos.
• Higher Rates of Physical Disabilities. People with
developmental disabilities are more likely than the
general population to have an accompanying physical
disability. Twenty-seven percent of San Mateo County
residents with developmental disabilities have limited
mobility, and 13 percent have a vision or hearing
impairment. The need for an accessible unit coupled with the need for coordinated supportive services compounds
the housing barriers faced by those with co-occurring
intellectual and physical disabilities.
• Ineligibility for Many Affordable Rental Units. Some
adults with developmental disabilities depend on
monthly income of around $1,000 from the Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) program, pricing them out of even the limited number of Extremely Low Income affordable
housing units in San Carlos. Those with employment tend to work part-time in the lowest paid jobs and also struggle to income-qualify for many of the affordable housing
units for rent in San Carlos.
• Transit-Dependent. Many adults with developmental
disabilities do not drive or own a car and rely on public transit as a means to integration in the larger community.
Provision of Housing for Persons with Disabilities
Accommodating a sufficient quantity and quality of housing for people with disabilities of any kind is a significant challenge in these times due to the lack of funding and complexity of housing and service needs involved. San Carlos supports the provision of housing for persons with disabilities and has provisions in the Zoning Ordinance to enable group housing through the
residential care facility process. The City also prioritizes supportive housing, a mix of unit sizes, locations near public transit, and housing for extremely low-income households to support the needs of persons with disabilities:
● Integration of housing for persons with disabilities in typical affordable housing helps affirmatively further fair housing for a group that has historically experienced no alternative to segregated living.
● Coordination of housing with onsite supportive services provide a supported pathway for people with developmental disabilities to apply for and retain an affordable apartment and are as beneficial to a person with a developmental
disability as a physically modified unit is to a person with a mobility impairment.
● A mix of unit sizes at inclusive housing properties help address the needs of those who require live-in aides, want to live with roommates, or have children.
● Location near public transit helps accommodate the transitdependency of most adults with developmental disabilities. ● Deeply affordable housing, targeting extremely lowincome households, also supports housing choices for persons with developmental disabilities.
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The City has in place a reasonable accommodation procedure that complies with Section 504 of the Fair Housing Amendments Act and other applicable local, state, and federal laws to ensure equal opportunity and access for people with disabilities. The procedure accommodates physical improvements, program
flexibility, and other modifications or adjustments necessary to allow people with disabilities the same opportunity to housing, programs, and services as non-disabled people.
Elderly (65+ years)
Many senior-headed households have special needs due to their relatively low incomes, disabilities or limitations, and dependency needs. Specifically, many people aged 65 years and older live alone and may have difficulty maintaining their homes, are usually retired and living on a limited income, and are more likely to have high health care costs and rely on public transportation, especially those with disabilities. The limited income of many elderly persons often makes it difficult for them to find affordable housing.
There are 4,658 elderly residents in San Carlos, representing 16 percent of the population. Nearly one-quarter (24 percent) of San Carlos households are headed by elderly residents (2,773 households). Four percent of seniors (194 elderly residents) live in poverty. In San Carlos, 878 people of all ages live in poverty (three percent of the total population).
Seniors with limited incomes may have difficulty finding affordable housing. The San Mateo County Housing Authority is responsible for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program in San Carlos. Priority is given to senior (62 years old or older), or disabled residents that meet the income guideline limits established by the federal government. Many local seniors reside in conventional single-family homes. Senior homeowners who need maintenance assistance can apply to Rebuilding Together Peninsula’s Safe at Home Minor Repair or National Rebuilding Day Programs, which provides free home repair and
modification to eligible low-income homeowners. Additionally, low-income, senior homeowners or renters who need free
accessibility modifications can apply to the Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities’ Housing
Accessibility Modification Program.
Large Households (5+ members)
Large households, defined by HCD as households containing five or more persons, have special housing needs due to the limited availability of adequately sized, affordable housing units. Larger units can be very expensive; as such, large households are often forced to reside in smaller, less expensive units or double-up with other families or extended family to save on housing costs, both of which may results in unit overcrowding.
In San Carlos, there are 697 large households (six percent of total households). The majority (86 percent) of these households own their homes (600 households) while 14 percent are renters. An estimated 1.5 percent of families living in poverty; it is estimated that none of these are large families. Action HOU-5.2 is included
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in the Housing Plan to encourage the development of larger rental units.
Farmworkers
Due to the high cost of housing and low wages, a significant number of migrant farm workers have difficulty finding
affordable, safe, and sanitary housing. In San Carlos, 15 residents work in agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining occupations, and can be assumed to be farmworkers. This represents only 0.09 percent of the workforce. Maps from the State of California Department of Conservation Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program show no farmland in San
Carlos.
The United States Department of Agriculture periodically completes a census of farms and their characteristics. The most recent data (2017) provides an overview of farm operations in San Mateo County.
• There are 241 farm operations with hired workers in San Mateo County.
• Two thirds (67.22 percent) of these farms are owned by individuals or families, while 17.43 percent are owned by corporations.
• A total of 1,321 farmworkers were estimated to live and work in San Mateo County, including 978 permanent
workers and 343 seasonal workers.
• The vast majority (88.38 percent) of farm operations have access to internet.
• In 2017, 58.52 percent of all hired farm workers were working less than 150 days, while 41.48 percent of all farm workers worked more than 150 days out of the year.
• The average age of a farm producer in San Mateo County in 2017 was 59 years of age.
Farmworkers in San Carlos are actually more similar to very low or extremely low-income households than traditional migrant workers. This is because today’s farmworkers are more settled and typically live in one location, rather than following the crops.
As noted above, almost 75 percent of farmworkers in San Mateo County are permanent workers. They are also more likely to have families and are looking for schools, employment for a
spouse/partner, and a location to live in that provides a community. Because of this, they will benefit from the existing and proposed affordable housing program and actions in San Carlos. Due to the low number of agricultural workers in the city, the housing needs of migrant and/or farm worker housing need can be met through general affordable housing programs.
Throughout the county, the housing needs of farmworkers can be supported with additional affordable housing. The State and Community Development Department administers more than 20 programs that award loans and grants to local public agencies, private non-profit and for-profit housing developers, and service providers every year. This money supports the construction, acquisition, rehabilitation and preservation of affordable rental and ownership housing, childcare facilities, homeless shelter and transitional housing, public facilities and infrastructure, and the
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development of jobs for low-income workers. Many of these programs and funding sources can be utilized to provide housing for farmworkers.
Single-Parent, e.g., Female Headed Households
Single-parent households require special consideration and assistance because of the greater need for childcare, health care, and other services. In particular, female-headed households with children tend to have lower incomes and a greater need for affordable housing and accessible childcare and other supportive services. The relatively low incomes earned by female-headed households, combined with the increased need for supportive services, can severely limit housing options.
In San Carlos, 906 female-headed households represent 8 percent of total households. Of these, 58 percent own their home and 42 percent rent. A greater proportion of female-headed households are renters compared to the city as a whole (42 percent and 28 percent, respectively). Of all households living in poverty, 0.8 percent (67 households) are female-headed households.
Providing housing opportunities for families in San Carlos is a challenging task. The primary need for female-headed
households is for more affordable housing and supportive services, including childcare. The City recognizes the importance of high-quality childcare and preschool programs to both residents and workers in our community. Program Actions HOU7.1 and 7.2 further address this need.
People Experiencing Homelessness
Population estimates for people experiencing homelessness can be difficult to quantify. Census information is often unreliable due to the difficulty of efficiently counting a population without permanent residences. Given this impediment, a point-in-time count is conducted throughout many jurisdictions in the country every other year during the last week in January. In 2019, 30 unsheltered individuals were identified in San Carlos during the point-in-time count, which is 3.3 percent of the total number of unsheltered individuals in San Mateo County. In 2017, 28 unsheltered individuals were counted in San Carlos.
No homeless count was conducted in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, a count was conducted in 2022. While the total unsheltered population of the county went up 21 percent, from 901 to 1,092, during the point-in-time count in January 2022 the homeless population in San Carlos decreased to 14 unhoused individuals.
There are no homeless shelters in the San Carlos; however, there are shelters and resources in cities nearby. The closest resources are in Redwood City about three miles away. Action HOU-5.1 is included in the Housing Plan to facilitate additional emergency and transitional housing in San Carlos through changes to the Zoning Ordinance.
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Energy Conservation Opportunities
Energy-related housing costs can directly impact the affordability of housing. While California Building Code standards contain mandatory energy efficiency requirements for new development, the City and utility providers are also important resources to encourage and facilitate energy conservation and to help residents minimize energy-related expenses. Policies addressing climate change and energy conservation are integrated into the San Carlos General Plan, including ACTION EM-3.1: Implement Climate Action Plan measures to require tree planting. The City adopted a new Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan
(“CMAP”) on September 27, 2021 that will set greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets for 2030 and 2050 and identify strategies to meet the new targets and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
San Carlos residents have access to resources that support energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BAYREN) provides free energy evaluations that
connect owners with qualified contractors and rebates for energy upgrades. The HomeIntel program is a part of PG&E; this program provides customers with plans to reduce wasted energy in their homes. The Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing (PACE) program allows residents to borrow loans for energy upgrades, which are then paid back through property taxes.
There are also three programs to help residents utilize solar energy: Bay Area SunShares, LetsGoSolar, and PG&E Solar Education Opportunities.
San Mateo County and all 20 of its cities and towns formed Peninsula Clean Energy, a community-controlled, not-for-profit, joint powers agency. Peninsula Clean Energy serves all of San Mateo County with cleaner energy at low rates. Residents may enroll in a program drawing 50 percent of electricity from renewables, or for an additional fee, 100 percent of electricity from renewables.
At-Risk Housing Analysis
State housing law requires an inventory and analysis of government-assisted dwelling units eligible for conversion from lower income housing to market rate housing during the next ten years. Reasons for this conversion may include expiration of subsidies, mortgage pre-payments or pay-offs, and concurrent expiration of affordability restrictions.
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Table 4.3-810: Below Market Rate Housing Inventory
Address Affordable Units Unit Mix Building Type Expiration San Carlos Elms
707 Elm St 21 21 very low (12 Studio, 9 1BR) seniors Rent 2039 Trestle Apartments/ Transit Village
20 10 low (4 1BR, 6 2BR), 10 mod (4 1BR, 6 2BR) Rent 2074 333 El Camino Real
1001 Laurel St 17 5 low (2 Studio, 3 1BR), 12 moderate (7 1BR, 5 2BR) Own 2054* Laureola Oaks
907 East San Carlos Ave 16 16 low (4 1 BR, 6 2BR, 6 3BR) Rent 2040 Pacific Hacienda
Elm and Walnut St 13 7 low (7 1BR), 6 moderate (6 1BR) Own 2049* Cherry Street Apartments
1244 Cherry St 6 1 very low (1BR), 3 low (3 2BR), 2 mod (2 2BR) Rent Expired** Laurel Theatre Apartments
1500 Laurel St 4 4 low (2 Studio, 1BR, 2BR) Rent 2057
777 Walnut St 3 1 very low (1 BR), 2 low (2BR, 3BR) Own 2061* 641 Cedar St 2 1 very low (2BR), 1 low (2BR) Own 2055*
625 Cedar St 2 1 low (2BR), 1 moderate (2BR) Own 2043
977 Laurel 1 1 very low (1BR) Rent 2072
577 Laurel St 1 1 median (2BR) Rent 2049
1580 Laurel St 1 1 low (1BR) Rent 2068
409 Walnut St 1 1 low (BR) Rent 2041
Robbins Nest
717 Cedar St 6 6 low (Shared house) House 2049
Walnut Studios
817 Walnut St 23 23 very low (23 studio) Rent 2096
Total 137
* Affordability expiration date vary by unit. Affordability period restarts as unit is sold to a new BMR household. ** Restrictive Covenant has expired. In process for redevelopment (to be combined with the recently acquired lot next door) for additional affordable units and the introduction of a new Restrictive Covenant.
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Based on City records and information from the California Housing Partnership Corporation, in the next 10 years (2023- 2033), no assisted housing developments in San Carlos are at risk of losing affordability. The Cherry Street Apartments covenant has expired; the City is working with HIP Housing who owns the property to develop a new affordable housing development that will combine 1244 Cherry Street with 1232 Cherry Street, which was recently acquired by the City, to create a new housing project with 34 total units, all affordable to low- income and below households.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65863.11, the state maintains a list of “Entities Interested in Participating in California's First Right of Refusal Program” at
https://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy-research/docs/HPD-00-
01.xlsx. This list includes various entities working in San Mateo County and several entities interested in properties located in any county. If a development becomes at risk of conversion to marketrate housing, the City will maintain contact with local organizations and housing providers who may have an interest in acquiring at-risk units and will assist other organizations in applying for funding to acquire at-risk units.
The City also has a significant number of affordable housing units in the pipeline, which will increase the local inventory by nearly 50 percent. Projects that are currently in the pipeline and are anticipated to be developed during the planning period include those that are in the entitlement process (e.g., 1232 Cherry and 806 Alameda de las Pulgas), or have received a planning approval (e.g., 626 Walnut), or are under construction but have not received a Certificate of Occupancy/Final Inspection (e.g., 1525 San Carlos Avenue):
• 1501 Cherry (3 very low- and 1 low-income unit; recently completed)
• 560 El Camino Real (1 low- and 1 moderate-income unit) • 520 El Camino Real (1 moderate-income unit)
• 808 Alameda De Las Pulgas (3 low-income and 7
moderate-income units)
• 626 Walnut (3 low- and 1 moderate-income unit)
• 1232 Cherry (35 lower-income units)
• 1240 El Camino Real (1 moderate-income unit)
• 1525 San Carlos (1 low- and 2 moderate-income units)
The City will continue to monitor and track the affordability of these units, the majority of which result from the City’s Below Market Rate (BMR) Ordinance. The City requires all buyers of BMR units to sign a Resale Restriction Agreement along with other deed restrictions, as required by Zoning Ordinance Section
18.16.090.B. Deed restrictions are required as a condition of sale for all owner-occupied BMR units and include, but are not limited to, the City’s purchase option, resale restrictions, and procedures and policies regarding changes in title to ensure that owneroccupied BMR units remain affordable in perpetuity.
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Projected Housing Need (RHNA)
Housing Element law requires a quantification of each
jurisdiction’s share of the regional housing need as established in the plan prepared by the jurisdiction’s council of governments.
The California Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD), in conjunction with the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), determine a projected housing need for the Bay Area, including the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma. This share, known as the Regional Housing Needs Determination (RHND), is 441,176 new housing units for the 2023-2031 planning period throughout the ABAG region.
ABAG has, in turn, allocated this share among its constituent jurisdictions, distributing to each a Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) divided into income levels. The City of San Carlos has a RHNA of 2,735 housing units to accommodate in the housing element period. The income distribution is as shown in Table 4.3-911.
Table 4.3-911: Regional Housing Needs Allocation 2023-
2031
Income Group % of County
AMI
Number of
Units
Allocated
Percent of
Total
Allocation
Very Low1 0-50% 739 27%
Low >50-80% 425 16%
Moderate >80-120% 438 16%
Above Moderate 120%+ 1,133 41%
Total --- 2, 735
Note 1: Pursuant to AB 2634, local jurisdictions are also required to project the housing needs of extremely low-income households (0-30% AMI). In estimating the number of extremely low-income households, a jurisdiction can use 50% of the very low-income allocation or apportion the very low-income figure based on Census data. Therefore, the City’s very low-income RHNA of 739 units can be split into 370 extremely low-income and 369 very low-income units.
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Contents
7957 Non-Governmental Constraints
8462 Governmental Constraints
Non-Governmental Constraints
The availability and cost of housing is strongly influenced by market factors over which local government has little or no control. State law requires that the housing element contain a general assessment of these constraints, which can serve as the basis for actions that local governments might take to offset their effects. The primary non-governmental constraints to the development of new housing are land costs, construction costs, and environmental constraints.
Development Costs
Price of Land
Land costs include acquisition and the cost of holding land throughout the development process. These costs can account for as much as half of the final sales prices of new homes in small developments or in areas where land is scarce. Land costs in single-family residential neighborhoods of San Carlos range from Government policies and regulations impact the price and availability of housing and the provision of affordable housing. Constraints include residential development standards, fees, and permitting procedures. Providing infrastructure and services also increases the cost of producing housing. Not every constraint to housing production is governmental.
Other constraints include the housing market and other non-governmental limitations. This chapter addresses governmental and non-governmental constraints as they relate to housing.
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$340,000 to $5.9 million per acre.1 The diminishing supply of land available for residential construction, combined with increasing demand for such development, has served to keep the cost of land high and rising across the Bay Area. Among the variables affecting the cost of land are the size of lots, location and amenities, the availability and proximity of public services, its development potential, and the financing arrangement between the buyer and seller.
On behalf of 21 Elements, Century Urban2 conducted an
independent countywide study of single-family land sales and multi-family land sales in the last three years, inclusive of both rental apartment and for-sale (condos/townhomes) units. For single-family land sales countywide, of parcels up to one acre in size, the land cost ranged between $582,000 to $8 million, with an average of $1,030,000 per unit. For multi-family land sales in San Mateo County, Century Urban’s report shows the average land cost is $1,000,000 for small multi-family and $10,000,000 for large multi-family properties, respectively, with an ultimate land cost of approximately $100,000 per unit for both small and large developments. In San Carlos, the study included four data points 1 A review of vacant residential land sales on Zillow.com on 8-20-2020 provided two vacant lots for sale within the City. Land costs were estimated from this sample and may not be representative of general land costs in the City. 2 Century Urban’s San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties Development Costs & San Mateo County Unit Mix Research, April 2022,
http://www.21elements.com/constraints
ranging from a land cost of $33,000 per unit to $333,000 per unit, with an average land cost of $222,000 per unit.
Cost of Construction
Construction cost is determined by the combined cost of labor and materials—these are the most significant cost components of developing residential units, and both of these costs have grown dramatically in recent years. According to data from the California Construction Cost Index, hard construction costs in California grew by 44 percent between 2014 and 2018, equivalent to an additional $80 per square foot.3 Between 2020 and 2021 alone, construction costs increased 13.4 percent.
Construction costs are estimated to account for upwards of 60 percent of the production cost of a new home, especially for multi-unit residential buildings, which can require the use of more expensive materials, like steel, and need additional amenities such as parking structures.4 Variations in the quality of materials, type of amenities, labor costs, and the quality of building materials could result in higher or lower construction costs for a new home. Pre-fabricated factory built housing, with variation on the quality of materials and amenities, may also 3 Hayley Raetz, Teddy Forscher, Elizabeth Kneebone and Carolina Reid, The Hard Costs of Construction: Recent Trends in Labor and Materials Costs for Apartment Buildings in California, The Terner Center for Housing Innovation, University of California Berkeley, March 2020, p.8,
http://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/uploads/Hard_Construction_Costs_March_ 2020.pdf
4 Ibid., Raetz et al, p.4.
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affect the final construction cost (per square foot) of a housing project.
The relative importance of labor versus materials is a function of the complexity of the construction job and the desired quality of the finished product. The price paid for material and labor at any one time will reflect short-term considerations of supply and demand. Future costs are difficult to predict given the cyclical fluctuations in demand and supply that in large part are created by fluctuations in the larger state and national economies. Such factors unilaterally impact construction in a region and therefore do not deter housing construction in any specific community more so than another.
An indicator of construction costs is Building Valuation Data compiled by the International Code Council (ICC). The unit costs compiled by the ICC include structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work, in addition to interior finish and normal site preparation. The data is national with the regional difference for California running generally 20 percent higher based on the most recent (2020) analysis cited from the Terner Center for Housing.5 The construction index does not include the price of the land upon which the buildings are built. The August 2021 national averages for costs per square foot of apartment units and singlefamily homes are as follows:
5 https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/research-and-policy/the-cost-of-buildinghousing-series/ • Type I or II, Multi-Family (Steel/Concrete): $79 to $203 per sq. ft.
• Type V (Wood Frame), Multi-Family: $137 to $142 per sq. ft. • Type V (Wood Frame), One- and Two-Family Dwelling: $148 to $158 per sq. ft.
The City's ability to mitigate high construction costs is limited without direct subsidies. Another factor related to construction cost is development density. With an increase in the number of units built in a project, overall costs generally decrease as builders can benefit from economies of scale. Throughout California, builders have remarked on high construction costs in 2021 and 2022, which are driven both by labor and materials costs.
Availability of Financing
The availability of capital to finance new residential development is a significant factor that can impact both the cost and supply of housing. Two types of capital are involved in the housing market:
1) capital used by developers for initial site preparation and construction and 2) capital for financing the purchase of units by homeowners and investors. Interest rates substantially impact home construction, purchase, and improvement costs. A
fluctuation in rates of just a few percentage points can make a dramatic difference in the annual income needed to qualify for a
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loan. In general, financing for new residential development is available at reasonable rates. However, economic fluctuations due to COVID-19 have caused caution among lenders and may have lasting effects through this Housing Element planning period. And while interest rates are low, lenders are considering applicants much more closely than in the past, leading to credit tightening despite affordable interest rates.
Competition for affordable housing funding also affects overall housing production. Affordable housing often relies on multiple sources of funding to complete projects. The Terner Center conducted a study on the cost to build low-income housing found that each additional funding source increases the cost to build.
Some properties use six or more funding sources to complete a project, each of which is becoming increasingly competitive and difficult to secure.6 Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) represent the primary funding source for new affordable housing. Historically the 9% tax credit (which is designed to subsidize 70 percent of the project cost) has been extremely competitive. Affordable housing developers are indicating that 4% tax credits (designed to subsidize 30 percent of the project) are becoming increasingly competitive, resulting in a longer project timeline (up to two additional years, as they must apply multiple times before they are able to secure tax credits).
6 U.C. Berkeley, The Terner Center for Housing Innovation. The Costs of Affordable Housing Production: Insights from California’s 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program. March 30, 2020.
Government Code 65583(a)(6) Development Analysis.
Government Code section 65583(a)(6) requires an analysis of potential and actual nongovernmental constraints upon the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing for all income levels, including requests to develop housing at densities below those allowed and the length of time between receiving approval for housing development and submittal of an
application for building permit.
Requests for Lower Development Densities
San Carlos has an active housing market, with development occurring at a range of densities. For mid-sized projects where the maximum allowed densities would result in between seven units to approximately 12 units, most developers have in recent years opted to stay below seven units, providing six units instead thereby avoiding the City’s requirement that all residential developments of seven or more units set aside 15 percent of the units as below market rate housing. An estimated 90 percent of these mid-size projects over recent years were proposed at less than the maximum densities, generally to avoid triggering the requirements of the BMR Ordinance. In some instances,
developers also indicated that parking minimums resulted in a reduction in density below the allowed maximum densities because surface parking space was limited, and it was too expensive to construct podium or underground parking. To address this constraint, the City has initiated a Zoning Ordinance https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/research-and-policy/development-costslihtc-9-percent-california/
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amendment (Action HOU-4.2), to remove the requirement for guest parking in all RM and Mixed-Use zones. In addition, with the passing of AB 2097, parking requirements will be removed for a significant component of the San Carlos community. Pursuant to AB 2097, no parking is required within a half mile of public transit in all zoning districts. Given the proximity to transit for all of Downtown and the mixed use zones, this can be seen as a significant removal of this constraint. Action HOU-4.2 includes an update to the Zoning Ordinance to make these new
regulations clear and indicate that no parking is required within a half mile of high frequency public transit.
Larger projects with a maximum allowable density that would yield 15 units or more generally maximize the allowable density and use the City’s Density Bonus Ordinance or the State Density Bonus Ordinance options, providing additional affordable units consistent with these Ordinances and the City’s BMR Ordinance.
In 2022, the City updated the BMR Ordinance to lower the threshold for constructing affordable units from a minimum of seven units to a minimum of five units for all ownership projects; the threshold for rental projects remains at seven units. In addition, through the City’s efforts to support more housing in the community, Action HOU-4.2 implements Zoning Ordinance revisions which will include not only an increase in density for higher density residential neighborhoods and mixed-use areas, but also will institute a new minimum density requirement (approximately 75 percent of maximum density) to ensure anticipated housing densities are achieved. The minimum density requirement is triggered for new development projects only, not for minor additions or improvements.
Building Permit Timeframe
In San Carlos, the turnaround time between receiving entitlement approvals for a housing development and submittal of an application for building permit varies widely. Some applicants have plans complete in advance and submit the next day, while others take a few months. The majority of larger projects apply within two to three months after receiving entitlement approval.
A multi-family residential project with complex grading and drainage plans may take longer than usual to submit permits.
Also, developers may struggle with feasibility analyses, financing, or negotiations with design professionals which are outside the control of the City.
Local Efforts to Remove Nongovernmental
Constraints
Government Code 65583(a)(6) also requires a review of local efforts to remove nongovernmental constraints that create a gap in the jurisdiction’s ability to meet the RHNA by income category. The primary non-governmental constraint is the overall cost of affordable housing development (associated with both high land and development costs) in most parts of California. In general, constructing 100% affordable housing, especially for low and very-low income households, is not profitable to housing developers. Therefore, deed-restricted affordable units require subsidies beyond available density or financial incentives. This
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places the construction burden on non-profits and similar grant or tax-credit funded housing developers and may result in affordable projects that are not always dispersed throughout the region but are concentrated in limited areas with lower development costs. While the City can offer developer incentives such as expedited permit processing or fee deferrals, local funding sources do not exist to fully mitigate the high cost of development for affordable housing developments.
The City has two Housing Funds that can support affordable housing: the Housing Asset Fund (Housing Successor) and the Housing In-Lieu Fund. The Housing Asset Funds has an
approximate cash balance of $3 million in June 2022, which is fully encumbered to support future housing projects. The Housing In-Lieu Fund has an approximate cash balance of $12.4 million in June 2022, of which $3.6 million is encumbered. The main sources of this funding are commercial linkage fees and to a lesser extent Below Market Rate (BMR) in-lieu fees. These funds help support gap financing for affordable housing projects; however, the City’s ability to support projects is limited by available funds. For example, the Walnut Studios (817 Walnut) 100% affordable project was made possible by a sizeable investment of $7.3 Million from the City of San Carlos, and a generous partnership with Charities Housing, the local nonprofit organization that developed the property and will continue to manage the 23-unit building. The City of San Carlos will continue to facilitate housing development by providing funding from both Housing Funds to support additional affordable housing (Action HOU-3.1).
Governmental Constraints
Although local governments have little influence on market factors such as interest rates and availability of funding for development, local governmental policies and regulations can affect both the amount of residential development that occurs and the affordability of housing. Since governmental actions can constrain development and affordability of housing, State law requires the Housing Element to “address and, where
appropriate and legally possible, remove governmental
constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing.”
Governmental constraints are policies, development regulations, standards, requirements, or other actions imposed by various levels of government upon land and housing ownership and development. Land use controls, building codes, processing procedures, and development fees are all factors that may hamper the maintenance, improvement, and/or development of housing. State and federal regulations such as those related to environmental protection, building codes, and other topics can also have significant and often adverse impacts on housing costs and availability. While constraints exist at all levels of government, this section emphasizes policies and regulations that can be mitigated by the City.
Land Use Controls
The City’s primary policies and regulations that affect residential development and housing affordability include the Envision 2030 General Plan (adopted 2009), Title 18 Zoning, and Title 17
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Subdivisions. Table 4.4-1 summarizes the General Plan land use designations and the zoning districts that allow residential development as a permitted use or a conditionally permitted use, as of 2022.
Table 4.4-1: Residential General Plan Land Use Designations and Zoning Districts General Plan Land Use Designations
Density
(units/acre) Corresponding Zoning Districts
Single-Family 3 RS-3
Single-Family 6 RS-6
Multiple-Family, Low Density 20 RM-20
Multiple-Family, Medium Density 59 RM-59
Mixed Use, Medium Density 50 MU-DC Mixed-Use Downtown Core Mixed Use, Medium Density 50 MU-D Mixed-Use Downtown
Mixed Use, Medium Density 50 MU-SA Mixed-Use Station Area Mixed Use, Medium High Density 59 MU-SC Mixed-Use San Carlos Avenue Neighborhood Retail/Mixed Use, Medium Density 50 MU-NB Mixed-Use North Boulevard Mixed Use, Medium Density 50 MU-SB Mixed-Use South Boulevard Mixed Use, Low Density 20 MU-N Neighborhood Mixed Use
Sources: San Carlos Envision 2030 General Plan; Title 18 Zoning Ordinance.
Proposed General Plan and Zoning District Changes
In conjunction with the process of updating the Housing Element, the City proposes to increase allowed densities and heights to facilitate housing development in residential and mixed use areas. Table 4.4-2 summarizes the proposed General Plan designations and corresponding zoning districts. As indicated in Action HOU-4.2, these new and revised zoning districts and General Plan designations are scheduled for adoption in January 2023.
Density Bonus
Chapter 18.17 of the Zoning Ordinance provides a variety of affordable housing incentives. Section 18.17.030 provides City incentives for BMR units and Section 18.17.040 provides for
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density bonuses consistent with State Density Bonus law (Government Code Section 65915). Section 18.17.030 (City Density Bonus) was comprehensively updated in 2022 to provide additional incentives for rental projects to provide affordable housing, exceeding the bonuses provided by the State Density Bonus law. Section 18.17.040 (State Density Bonus) was also updated in 2022 and is consistent with State law.
Table 4.4-2: Proposed General Plan and Zoning Districts Residential and Mixed Use
General Plan Designations Zoning Districts
Single-Family, 3 du/ac RS-3
Single-Family, 6 du/ac RS-6
Multi-Family, Low Density (15-20 du/ac) RM-20
Multi-Family, Medium Density (45-59 du/ac) RM-59
Multi-Family, Medium High Density (75-100 du/ac) RM-100 Mixed Use, Low Density (30-40 du/ac) MU-N-40
Mixed Use, Medium Density (38-50 du/ac) MU-N-50
Mixed Use, Medium High Density (75-100 du/ac) MU-DC-100, MU-D-100, MU-SB-100 Mixed Use, High Density (90-120 du/ac)
MU-D-120, MU-SC-120, MU-NB-120, MU-SB-120, MU-N120
Action HOU-3.6 is included in the Housing Plan to monitor state legislation as changes are made to the State Density Bonus law and update as needed. Action HOU-3.2 is also included to continue to monitor the effectiveness of the City’s BMR Ordinance, including incentives inherent in the Ordinance such as density bonuses and update as needed.
Zoning Ordinance
The San Carlos Zoning Ordinance implements the General Plan by establishing standards and regulations for all development in San Carlos. Table 4.4-3 summarizes the housing types permitted by zoning district. Each use is designated by a letter denoting whether the use is allowed (“P”), permitted with a conditional
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use permit (“C”), permitted with a minor use permit (“M”) or not allowed (“-“).
Table 4.4-3 Permitted Land Uses by Zoning District
Land Uses RS-3 RS-6 RM-20 RM59/100
MUDC100MUD-100/
120
MUNB-120MUSC-120
MUMUSB-100/
120
MU-N40/50/12
0 Single-unit Dwelling P P - - - - - - - -
Multi-unit Dwelling - - P P P P P P P P
Small Lot Single-Unit
Development - C P C - - - - - -
Bungalow Court - C P C - - - - - -
Duplex P1 P1 P - - - - - - -
Townhouse Development - C P P - - - - - -
Accessory Dwelling Units P P P P P P P P P P
Emergency Shelter - - - - - - P - P -
Transitional/Supportive
Housing P P P P P P P P P P
Single Room Occupancy - - C C C C C C C C
Residential Care Facilities
General (+6 persons) - - M M - M - M - -
Limited (6 or less
persons) P P P P P P P P P P
Senior (for residents 60+
years of age) - - M M - M - M - -
“P” Permitted Use
“M” Minor Use Permit (Zoning Administrator)
“C” Conditional Use Permit (Planning Commission)
“- “ Use is not permitted
Note 1: Per SB 9
Source: San Carlos Zoning Ordinance, 2021.
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In addition to the residential and mixed use zoning districts, the Zoning Ordinance also has a Planned Development (PD) District, which is an option developer’s can choose that allows for deviation from development standards provided the
development is superior than what could be achieved under the zoning and that it be consistent with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan. Planned Developments require a development plan and standards to be reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by the City Council.
Development Standards
Table 4.4-4 summarizes key development standards for the residential and mixed-use zoning districts. Development standards for housing can affect the ability of property owners to construct and modify housing. Residential development
standards established in the Zoning Ordinance are designed to provide orderly development of the city and to protect and promote the health, safety, and welfare of local residents, as well as implement the policies of the General Plan.
Table 4.4-4: Residential Development Standards (2022)
Development
Standard RS-3 RS-6
RM20 RM-59 MU-DC MU-DMUSAMUSC
MUNB/MU
-SB
MUN
Min. Lot Size (sq. ft.) 10,000 5,000 6,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 Min. Lot Width 75’ 40’ 60’ 100’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ Corner Lots 75’ 60’ 70’ 100’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’
Density (units per
acre) 3 6 20 59 50 50 50 59 50 20
Setbacks (feet)
Front 20’
1st Story:
15’
2nd Story:
19’
15’ 15’
Varies depending on street frontage (5’-15’ min.)
All-residential development in MU districts must conform to RM-59 front setback standards.
Interior Side
1st Story:
10’
2nd Story:
14’
1st Story:
5’
2nd Story:
9’
First two stories:
5’
10’; thereafter
0’ min; 10’ min. abutting to RS district for all MU uses.
All-residential development in MU districts must conform to RM-59 front setback standards.
Street Side
1st Story:
10’
2nd Story:
1st Story:
7.5’ 10’ 10’ All-residential development in MU districts must conform to RM-59 front setback standards.
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Table 4.4-4: Residential Development Standards (2022)
Development
Standard RS-3 RS-6
RM20 RM-59 MU-DC MU-DMUSAMUSC
MUNB/MU
-SB
MUN
14’ 2nd Story:
11.5’
Rear 20’ 15’ 15’ 15’
0 min; 30 min adjacent to RS district for all MU districts All-residential development in MU districts must conform to RM-59 front setback standards.
Height Limit 28’ 28’
35’
Max. 3
storie
s
50’
Max. 4
stories
Maximum: 50’
30’ along East San Carlos Ave in MU-N District,
30’ within 40’ of an RS District
40’ within 50’ of and RS District
Lot Coverage 25% (1) or
35% 50% 65% 75% N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Maximum Floor Area
Ratio N/A N/A .75 2.0 2.5(2) 2.5(2) 2.5(2) 2.5(2) 2.5(2) 2.5(2) Source: San Carlos Zoning Ordinance, 2022
Notes:
1. 25% within H Overlay District
2. Max. FAR could be increased by .1 through a conditional use permit under conditions outlined in Zoning Ordinance Section 18.05.030.A
3. Residential-only development in MU districts must conform to RM-59 district setback standards.
Zoning Ordinance Amendments (January 2023)
The City’s standards for minimum lot sizes, setbacks, lot coverage, and floor area ratio were not identified as constraints to housing development. However, while the City’s zoning
regulations are not considered overly excessive and are on par with those being used by surrounding jurisdictions and to a great extent throughout San Mateo County, the City has identified significant changes that will further encourage housing and affordable housing development in the community in response to the City’s 2,735 RHNA requirement. In order to provide
additional opportunities to meet the City’s regional housing needs, the City initiated a comprehensive update to the Land Use Element and Zoning Ordinance in 2020 (culminating in 2023), instituting new zoning districts and allowing significant increases in density, as well as new required minimum densities. Table 4.4- 5 summaries the changes, including new zoning districts, maximum densities, minimum densities, and height limits.
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Table 4.4-5: Proposed Changes to Zoning Densities and Heights (2023) Zone Maximum Density
(du/ac)
Minimum Density
(du/ac)
FAR Building Height (feet) Building Stories
(stories)
Existing Proposed Existing Proposed Existing Proposed Existing Proposed Existing Proposed Proposed Existing Proposed MU-N MU-N-40 20 40 n/a 30 2.0 2.5 50; 30
along
East San
Carlos
Avenue
in MU-N
District1
30 within
40 ft of
an RS
district
40 within
50 ft of
an RS
district
50 35 along
East San
Carlos
Avenue in
MU-N
District
35 within
40 ft of an
RS district
40 within
50 ft of an
RS district
4 4(1)
MU-N MU-N-50 20 50 n/a 38 2.0 2.5 50 4 4
MU-N MU-N-120 20 120 n/a 90 2.0 3.0 75 4 6
MU-DC MU-DC-100 50 100 n/a 75 2.5 2.5 50 4 4
MU-D MU-D-100 50 100 n/a 75 2.5 3.0 60 4 5
MU-D MU-D-120 50 120 n/a 90 2.5 3.0 75 4 6
MU-SC MU-SC-120 59 120 n/a 90 3.0 3.0 75 4 6
MU-NB MU-NB-120 50 120 n/a 90 2.5 3.0 75 4 6
MU-SB MU-SB-100 50 100 n/a 75 2.5 3.0 60 4 5
MU-SB MU-SB-120 50 120 n/a 90 2.5 3.0 75 4 6
RM-20 RM-20 20 20 n/a 15 0.75 0.75 35 35 3 3
RM-59 RM-59 59 59 n/a 45 2.0 2.0 50 50 4 4
-- RM-100 n/a 100 n/a 75 N/A 3.0 n/a 60 n/a 5
(1) Height is limited to 3 stories along E. San Carlos Ave. in the MU-N-40 district Another important change to the Zoning Ordinance is to remove the private open space and guest parking requirements for all multi-family uses in residential and mixed-use zones.
Eliminating this requirement, along with significant increases in height and density are anticipated to provide a significant incentive for housing development in San Carlos, where existing land prices are high and vacant land is rare. Action HOU-4.2 in the Housing Plan summarizes the Zoning Ordinance changes and timeline that the City proposes to address the housing crisis.
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Heights
In San Carlos, the maximum building height ranges from 28 feet in low density residential zones to 50 feet with a maximum of three to four stories in high density residential zoning districts. In mixed-use zoning districts, height limits are 50 feet. To provide for appropriate transitions between zones, heights are limited to 30 feet for any portion of a building within 40 feet of an RS zoned property and 40 feet within 50 feet of an RS zoned property.
Maximum stories in mixed-use zones are four stories. To achieve neighborhood compatibility in an objective way, these transition standards are important. Where the height limit includes a number of stories as well as a height limit in feet, both standards must be achieved.
As part of the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments
scheduled for adoption in January 2023, the City has increased heights limits to further promote the production of higher density housing in conjunction with an increase in density. Heights are proposed to increase from 50 feet to 75 feet in most zones, as shown in Table 4.4-5. Transition standards between higher density areas and the RS zone remain in place.
The new heights are intended to allow residential development in these new zones to achieve close to or exceed the maximum permitted densities. Height limits in RM-20 (35 feet) and RM-59 (50 feet) zones are not proposed to be amended, as these standards are fairly typical in zones with these types of densities (20 du/ac in RM-20 and 59 du/ac in RM-59), as seen in various cities across the Bay Area. In general, the RM-20 zoning district, with a maximum density of 20 units to the acre, facilitates the development of three-story townhomes and other three-story apartment style homes. This type of development can be achieved within a 35-foot height limit, and no constraint is identified.
For the new RM-100 zoning district proposed, building height is increased to 60 feet. These heights are intended to facilitate the increased densities.
Lot Coverage
Maximum lot coverage standards vary from 25 to 50 percent in low density residential zones to 65 to 75 percent in higher density residential zones. Mixed use zones have no maximum lot
coverage standard. These standards are typical in many Bay Area cities and in San Carlos have not historically been considered restrictive to the production of housing. As an example, the City of Alameda included a program in its Housing Element to increase lot coverage from existing levels to 60 percent in higher density zones. San Carlos’s existing lot coverage standards exceed these increased standards.
Density
The City’s existing density maximums range from three dwelling units per acre to six dwelling units per acre for low density residential zones. Higher density residential zones have densities that range from 15 dwelling units per acre to 59 dwelling units per acre. In mixed use zones (as of 2022), densities range from 20 dwelling units per acre to 59 dwelling units per acre. As part of the Zoning Ordinance amendments scheduled for adoption in
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January 2023, the City will not only increase density for higher density residential neighborhoods and mixed-use areas, but also will institute a new minimum density requirement
(approximately 75 percent of maximum density) to ensure anticipated housing densities are achieved. The new densities will have a maximum range of 40 to 120 dwelling units per acre and a minimum range of 30 to 90 dwelling units per acre. The City initiated these Zoning Ordinance amendments to achieve the necessary density to encourage housing production citywide and to meet its regional housing needs. The minimum density requirements are intended to preserve and protect multi-family zones for higher intensity housing by avoiding the development of single-family homes or large townhome project types in even the lowest-density multi-family zone. In higher income
communities such as San Carlos, such provisions may limit housing variety in higher density zones (precluding single family development), but are crucial to preserve these areas for their intended use, which provides space for multi-family
developments intended to increase citywide housing choice and meet the regional housing needs.
While there is no zone identified that allows densities at a range of six to 15 dwelling units per acre, it is expected that housing at these densities can be met through accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and development that will be facilitated by SB 9. In San Carlos, the median size for a residential lot is 6,600 square feet.
The addition of an ADU to an existing single-family residence results in a density of 13 dwelling units per acre, allowing individuals interested in developing housing at this range to do so.
Cumulative Impacts of Land Use Controls
As a part of the Housing Element update and proposed Zoning Amendment process, prototypical development sites were
analyzed to identify development standards that would support the new maximum densities, including height, open space, parking, etc. without undue cost or impacts to housing supply or housing choice. Higher density residential and mixed-use zones allow for significant variety in housing choice and type and the increased densities support additional affordability. The proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments (summarized in
Action HOU-4.2) reflect that analysis and are intended to support development meeting allowed densities without constraints. In addition, Action HOU-4.4 is included in the Housing Plan to address approval certainty through objective design standards and streamlining of the approval process.
Parking Requirements
City parking standards for residential development are based on the type of residential land use and vary based upon the zoning district. Table 4.4-6 summarizes residential parking standards for the residential and mixed-use zoning districts.
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Table 4.4-6: Residential Parking Standards (2022)
Mixed-Use Districts Required Spaces Additional Regulations Studio / 1-bedroom units 1 space per unit One covered space per unit. One additional guest parking space per 4 units in Two or more bedrooms 1.5 spaces per unit developments greater than 10 units.
Residential Districts Required Spaces Additional Regulations Single-Unit Residential 2 spaces per unit RS-6 Districts require two covered parking, or one covered and one on 20 foot-wide driveway.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) 1 space per for each ADU (unless otherwise exempt per State ADU law) Affordable Housing Development (Moderate Income and Below [BMR]) Studio .75 spaces per unit One additional guest parking space per 4 units in developments greater than 10 units.
Number of total covered spaces shall equal number of units. Reductions pursuant to Affordable Housing Incentives granted to developments with at least 1 BMR unit 1- or 2-bedrooms 1 space per unit
3+ bedrooms 2 spaces per unit
Multi-Unit Residential
Studio 1 space per unit
1- or 2-bedrooms 1.5 spaces per unit 1 covered space for each unit; 1 guest parking per two units 3+ bedrooms 2 spaces per unit
Elderly and Long-Term Care 2 spaces for the owner-manager plus 1 for every 5 beds and 1 for each nonresident employee Group Residential 1 per bed plus 1 for every 10 beds
Residential Care, Limited None in addition to base requirement Residential Care, General and Senior 2 spaces for owner-manager plus 1 for every 5 beds and 1 for each nonresident use Single Room Occupancy 0.5 spaces per unit
Emergency Shelter 1 per 200 sq. ft. of floor area
Note: 1. As part of the Housing Element update to reduce constraints on development, minimum guest parking requirements are proposed to be removed. 2. AB 2097, in effect January 1, 2023, prohibits the City from imposing any minimum parking requirement on any residential, commercial, or other development project, as defined, that is located within 1/2 mile of public transit, as defined.
Less parking is required in mixed-use zoning districts and for affordable housing developments. These parking standards are generally consistent with other jurisdictions throughout San Mateo County. In San Carlos, housing developers may instead pay an in-lieu fee to a parking exception fund for projects within an established parking assessment district. The City also allows
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for reduced parking, as outlined in Chapter 18.20.050 of the Zoning Ordinance (which can be used cumulatively as
applicable). These reduction provisions include:
• Transportation Demand Management: The number of
required parking spaces for any project subject to
Chapter 18.25, Transportation Demand Management (i.e.,
multi-unit development with 10 or more units), shall be reduced by twenty percent of the normally required
number of spaces.
• Transit Accessibility: For any land use except residential single-unit and duplex development, if any portion of the lot is located within one-quarter mile of a transit stop with regular, scheduled service during the weekday hours of
seven a.m. to nine a.m. and five p.m. to seven p.m., the number of required parking spaces may be reduced by 20
percent of the normally required number of spaces. This parking reduction does not apply in the mixed-use or the industrial arts districts because parking requirements for these districts already reflect transit accessibility.
• Motorcycle Parking: Motorcycle parking may substitute for up to five percent of required automobile parking.
Each motorcycle space must be at least four feet wide and seven feet deep.
• Shared Parking: Where a shared parking facility serving more than one use will be provided, the total number of required parking spaces may be reduced by up to forty
percent with Planning Commission approval of a
conditional use permit, if the Commission finds that:
o The peak hours of use will not overlap or coincide to the degree that peak demand for parking spaces from
all uses will be greater than the total supply of spaces; o The proposed shared parking provided will be
adequate to serve each use;
o A parking demand study prepared by an independent
traffic engineering professional approved by the City
supports the proposed reduction; and
o In the case of a shared parking facility that serves more than one property, a parking agreement has been
prepared consistent with the provisions of off-site
parking facilities.
• Other Parking Reductions: Required parking for any use may be reduced through Planning Commission approval
of a conditional use permit, accompanied by a parking
study showing reduced parking needs.
Parking costs are often absorbed into the sale or rental price of residential and commercial uses, thereby hiding the true cost of parking and encouraging driving. By unbundling parking, property owners can charge residents and tenants separately for leasing a parking space. Unbundled parking saves money for households that do not wish to park a vehicle. Residents recognize the cost of parking and can determine if it is a worthwhile expense, as opposed to it being incorporated into the overall price of renting or buying a home regardless of whether the resident owns a vehicle. San Carlos has adopted an ordinance
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that allows for residential projects with 10 or more units to unbundle parking with approval of a Minor Use Permit.
Proposed Parking Changes
While the parking requirements in San Carlos are typical of communities in San Mateo County, developers have indicated that minor modifications to existing standards would facilitate additional housing, including removing guest parking space requirements. As such, (Action HOU-4.2 is included in the Housing Plan to remove this potential constraint and guest parking requirements for multi-family housing). In addition, Action HOU-4.2 will strengthen incentives for transit-oriented development by updating the Zoning Ordinance to
reference/incorporate the minimum parking prohibitions
associated with AB 2097, effective January 1, 2023, within 0.5 miles of high frequency public transit (as defined in AB 2097) in all zoning districts. In San Carlos, areas within 0.5 miles of high frequency public transit represent a significant portion of the City’s multi-family development capacity. Public transportation services include local and regional routes provided by the San Mateo Transit District and CalTrain’s commuter rail. The San Carlos Caltrain stop is located at the intersection of El Camino Real and San Carlos Avenue, and El Camino Real is served by bus routes with 15-minute headways. These public transit routes generally parallel the location of local mixed use zoning districts, which are, in turn, often adjacent to higher density multi-family zoning districts. All areas zoned mixed-use and RMF-100 are located within 0.5 mile of El Camino Real and 84 percent of the area zoned MF-59 is located within 0.5 mile of El Camino Real. As such, these areas have no parking requirements and parking is not considered a constraint to housing development.to further incentivize higher density housing and to ensure impediments are removed if they are identified, Action HOU-2.1 and Action HOU-2.2 is included in the Housing Element to continue to analyze parking standards and as needed pursue reduced
parking requirements and other measures such as reductions in parking for small lot projects to ensure feasibility.
Open Space Requirements
To enhance the living environment of multifamily residential and mixed-use neighborhoods, communities typically require
housing developments to have a certain amount of open space, comprised of private areas such as patios, fenced yards, or balconies; and common or public outdoor spaces. In San Carlos, both of the multifamily zoning districts and all of the mixed-use zoning districts are subject to a per square foot standard by unit for private open space, and a percentage of the overall development site for common open space. Once the amount of open space is calculated, San Carlos has minimum standards regulating dimensions, usability, and accessibility. These types of standards are fairly general in nature and similar to that required by surrounding communities. Additionally, San Carlos lists a reduction in the usable open space requirement as a type of concession and/or incentive to developments providing
affordable housing. Table 4.4-7 identifies the different open space requirements for residential and mixed-use zones.
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Table 4.4-7: Open Space Standards for Multifamily Residential and Mixed-Use (2022) Open Space Type by District RM-20 RM-59 MU-DC, MU-D
MU-SA, MU-SC, MU-NB,
MU-SB, MU-N
Minimum Private Open Space
(Sq Ft Per Unit) 150 100 100 150
Minimum Common Open Space
(Percent of Site Area) 15 101
Source: San Carlos Zoning Ordinance, 2021
Notes:
1. Applicable only to mixed-use and nonresidential development on lots > than 15,000 sq ft
2. As part of the Housing Element update to reduce constraints on development, minimum private open space requirements are proposed to be removed.
Proposed Open Space Changes
Overall, the requirements imposed by San Carlos for open space in multifamily residential and mixed-use neighborhoods are similar to surrounding communities. However, to further reduce constraints on housing development as densities are increased, the City is reducing open space requirements (Action HOU-4.2).
Specifically, the City is proposing to eliminate the requirement for private open space and instead require only the amount of open space that was previously required as common/public open space; this open space may be met through common open space, private open space, or a combination thereof. Open space may be provided at grade, at podium levels, via balconies, or on rooftops.
In residential zones, the requirement for private open space in the RM-20 and RM-59 zoning districts will be removed, leaving only the one open space requirement based on a percentage of the site, which may be met through common open space, private open space, or a combination thereof. The new RM-100 zone must provide 10 percent of the site area as open space (common, private, or a combination thereof).
On-/Off-Site Improvements
Due to the built-out character of San Carlos, the City typically requires only minimal on-and off-site improvements as a condition of approval for new residential development. Most new housing development occurs on existing lots that are already served by necessary infrastructure. The City of San Carlos requires that developers complete certain minimum site
improvements in conjunction with new housing development.
Required on-site improvements include grading and installation of water, sewer, storm drainage, storm drainage retention, gas, electricity and cable utilities. Required off-site improvements include curbs, gutters, sidewalks, sewer lateral, drainage structures, full street sections, and street lighting. The City also
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requires that developers install landscaping and irrigation systems when necessary.
Per the City of San Carlos subdivision ordinance, proposed new streets in subdivisions must meet the specific size standards articulated in the Subdivisions Ordinance. (Given the built-out nature of San Carlos, very few developments require construction of new streets.) The Ordinance allows for a minimum width of two lanes with sidewalks for a total width of 50 feet, to allow space for on street parking and adequate pedestrian
accommodations. Alleys may be 30 feet in width. Some
developers have proposed privately maintained streets and alleys as narrow as 20 feet. For example, a project is currently proposed at 308-310 Phelps that would construct nine single family homes accessed via a 20-foot wide private road. At 2811 San Carlos Avenue, 11 new single-family homes were approved and constructed with a 25-foot wide private street. 808 Alameda de las Pulgas (not yet approved) is proposed with one 50-footwide public roadway central to the development and several private streets ranging from 21 feet to 30 feet in width to access 87 units. The City of San Carlos will consider such proposals provided that adequate access is provided for fire safety.
The on- and off-site improvement standards imposed by the City are typical for most communities and do not pose unusual constraints for housing development. The community is entirely built-out and as such, new development is not required to complete vast infrastructure improvements. Conditions of approval to complete on- and off-site improvements are provided to applicants in a timely manner and do not have a significant impact on project timing. While these improvements may
increase the cost of production, adequate sewer, water, and street infrastructure is a necessary component of a healthy and productive city. These costs are not considered excessive and often represent a small fraction of a project’s development costs.
Developers have not indicated that on- or off-site improvements are a significant constraint. Based upon recent proposals submitted, approved, and constructed by the development community for a variety of housing sites throughout San Carlos, off-site improvements required for housing development are not considered a constraint on housing development.
Locally Adopted Ordinances
State law requires that cities include an analysis of any locally adopted ordinance that directly impacts the cost and supply of residential development, such as inclusionary housing
ordinances and short-term rental ordinances. The only locally adopted ordinance that directly impacts the cost and supply of housing is the City of San Carlos Below Market Rate Housing Program. The City does not have a short-term rental ordinance, growth controls, crime free ordinances, or similar programs and regulations.
Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing Program
To encourage the development of affordable housing throughout the City, San Carlos adopted Chapter 18.16 “Affordable Housing Programs” and Chapter 18.17 “Affordable Housing Incentives”
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into the San Carlos Zoning Code. Chapter 18.16 is an
"inclusionary housing" ordinance, which requires a specified share of new residential construction be affordable at below market rate (“BMR”) to households at lower- and moderateincome levels.
In 2021, the City Council directed an update to the BMR ordinance to actively encourage the creation of affordable housing at all income levels and to meet regional housing requirements. In 2022, the City adopted an update that supports affordable housing opportunities and is not a constraint to housing development. In sum, this update (1) adjusted the City density bonus to provide an additional incentive for developers, (2) increased inclusionary housing requirements for ownership units, and (3) extended affordability periods in perpetuity (previously 45 years for ownership units and 55 units for rental units). With this recent update, the affordability requirement for ownership projects is triggered for projects of five units or more (instead of seven) and requires 20 percent of the units to be affordable at low income (70% AMI). For rental projects, to retain development feasibility no changes were proposed—projects of seven units or more are required to provide 15 percent of the units as BMR units (with 10% very low and 5% low), or projects can provide 15% very low income units (this alternative allows projects to achieve a greater density bonus through the State Density Bonus law).
These changes were comprehensively analyzed to ensure that they do not unduly constrain housing development. The City hired an economist to prepare financial pro formas reflecting the expected costs of new development, and compared those costs to the revenues that could be generated from the projects given various mixes of market-rate and affordable housing. These pro formas were then analyzed to find a scenario that resulted in more affordable units and/or units at deeper income levels, while not inhibiting a developer’s return on investment to the point that such projects would no longer be feasible. With regard to ownership projects, the analysis revealed that there is room to both increase the proportion of units required and lower the income level required, while retaining financial feasibility. These changes further incentivize use of the State Density Bonus or the City’s density bonus.
Regarding rental projects, it was discovered that developments are already facing feasibility challenges with the current requirement of 10% at very low income and 5% low income.
Rental developments are generally considered feasible when they are projected to achieve greater than a 5% yield on cost. Under the City’s current inclusionary requirements, a medium sized rental development is estimated to achieve a 4.9% yield on cost.
In an effort to determine the impact the City’s inclusionary requirement is having on rental developments, EPS also ran a scenario under which no requirement existed and a developer was not required to build any affordable units. Under this scenario the estimated yield on cost increased to 5.2%, suggesting that the City’s inclusionary requirement plays a smaller impact
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on project feasibility than broader market conditions such as land, labor, and construction costs.
As a result, the only change made to rental projects of the inclusionary ordinance is to add an additional option for developers to construct 15 percent of units at the very low-income level. A project that meets this alternative inclusionary standard would be entitled to a 50 percent density bonus under State law, whereas a project that meets the City’s current inclusionary standard would only be entitled to a 32.5 percent bonus. The analysis as well as observed developer preferences demonstrate the significant value of density bonus units. Technically this would already be allowed under the City’s current requirements, but highlighting the 15 percent very low-income option will help draw attention to the maximum State Density Bonus of 50 percent that projects are entitled to pursue.
The above inclusionary requirements are made much more
feasible by the existence of California’s State Density Bonus. The State Density Bonus Law mandates that cities provide an increase in the maximum density allowed by local zoning regulations for developments that include certain amounts of affordable housing units. For example, under the inclusionary level for ownership units of 20 percent at low income, a project would be entitled to a 35 percent density bonus, greatly increasing the profitability of the project.
However, even with the State Density Bonus many rental
developments in San Carlos face an upward battle in terms of feasibility. For this reason, the City adopted additional incentives through an improved City Density Bonus, specifically for rental developments. San Carlos previously implemented a City
Density Bonus Program, which granted one additional marketrate unit for every unit at low income or lower that is included in a project. This City Density Bonus was generally less favorable than the State Bonus and as a result is rarely utilized. However, the City has elected to increase this City Density Bonus for rental units to help improve their feasibility and produce more affordable units.
This amended City Density Bonus is a fixed bonus rate that exceeds the highest rates provided by the State, equivalent to 4:1 for each very low-income unit and 2:1 for each low income unit, and allowing all of the affordable base units to trigger bonus units rather than requiring the developer to select only one income level to apply. Under this program, a 100-unit rental project meeting the City’s current inclusionary ordinance would qualify for 50 bonus units as seen in Table 4.4-8 below:
Table 4.4-8: Example Density Bonus
100-Unit Rental
Project State Density Bonus City Density Bonus
Base Units 100 100
BMR Units 10 Very Low Income
5 Low Income
10 Very Low Income
5 Low Income
Bonus Units 33 50
Total Units 133 150
Developers that utilize the City Density Bonus would still be able to use certain provisions of the State Density Bonus. As a result,
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some may choose to utilize the City Bonus to obtain additional units and the State Bonus for concessions on height, parking, or other areas.
In addition to the above changes, the City also decreased the threshold requiring that a BMR unit be built for ownership units from seven to five units. This aligns with the increased requirement that 20 percent of units be designated low income.
This was an important change as well, since projects are not always achieving maximum densities by building below this required threshold. Lowering the threshold (in addition to the City’s recent change to add minimum required densities) will address this issue. The threshold remains seven units for rental developments.
Building Codes and Enforcement
San Carlos implements the 2019 edition of the California Building Code, and 2019 edition of the California Green Building Standards Code. The City intends to adopt the 2022 California Building Code series (including the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code [CALGreen]) in 2022, which will become effective January 1, 2023.
These codes establish standards and require inspections at various stages of construction to ensure code compliance and minimum health and safety standards. Although these standards and the time required for inspections increase housing
production costs and may impact the viability of rehabilitation of older properties, the codes are mandated for all jurisdictions in California and are necessary to ensure the safety of structures.
The City has adopted minor modifications to both the California Building Code and the California Green Buildings Standards Code. The California Building Code modifications include administrative and technical modifications that are related to fences and lattice, retaining walls, and construction methods for concrete structures. Modifications to the California Green Buildings Standards Code related to one- and two-family dwellings expand the code’s scope to include “Residential Reconstruction projects” in addition to new projects. Developers have not indicated that these minor revisions constitute a constraint. Several affordable and market rate projects have been developed under the revised Building Code and have not been impacted by these revisions.
Enforcement of the adopted codes focuses primarily on review of new construction proposals to ensure that they comply with minimum health and safety standards. The City of San Carlos’s Building Division and the San Carlos Fire Department provide inspection and review to ensure all development projects comply with Building Codes. Like many jurisdictions, San Carlos’s resources to mount proactive code enforcement are limited.
The City achieves code compliance through complaint based measures. Residents may register suspected code violations to the Building Department for further investigation and inspection by phone, email, or through an online portal. . The Building
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Department also maintains a shared agreement with the County of San Mateo to address these complaints. The City’s proactive code compliance is provided through aAdditional compliance checks that are administered by the City’s Apartment Inspection Program to ensure proper maintenance and safety for occupants of residential units in San Carlos. As part of this program, building officials conduct inspections of residential rental buildings at least once every two years or whenever necessary to remedy ongoing Code violations. Typical items checked by the program include site conditions, electrical, plumbing,
mechanical, water heaters, and housing code violations. If any violations are found during the inspection, the property owner will work with building officials to correct any issues within 30 days of receipt of the correction notice. The enforcement of these codes does not add significantly to the cost of housing. These regulations help guard against the deterioration of residential properties, which helps protect the condition of existing housing stock and ongoing availability.
Zoning for a Variety of Housing Types
State housing element law requires that jurisdictions facilitate and encourage a range of housing types for all economic segments of the community. The following paragraphs describe how the City makes provisions for a variety of housing types.
Multifamily Rental Housing
Multi-family developments are permitted by-right in the Residential Multifamily (RM) and Mixed-Use (MU) zoning
districts. Stand-alone multi-family residential developments located in mixed-use zoning districts are subject to RM-59 development standards for building setbacks and the maximum allowed density permitted by the MU zoning district. Mixed-use developments (the integration of residential and commercial uses on one site) are allowed by-right in all MU zoning districts. As part of the Zoning Ordinance amendments (Action HOU-4.2), stand-alone residential development will no longer require a Conditional Use Permit in some areas along El Camino Real and objective development standards (including modifications to required setbacks) will be crafted to allow developments to achieve maximum densities.
Housing for Agricultural Employees (permanent and seasonal) The Employee Housing Act (Government Code Section 17021.5 and 17021.6) requires that any employee housing occupied by six or fewer employees shall be considered a single-family structure within a residential land use and must be treated the same as a single-family dwelling of the same type in the same zoning district. In addition, employee housing consisting of no more than 36 beds in a group quarters, or 12 units or separate rooms or spaces designed for use by a single-family or household, must be considered an agricultural land use and be treated the same as any other agricultural activity in the same zoning district.
The urban nature of development in the Bay Area is incongruous to agricultural uses. No zoning districts in San Carlos allow for agricultural uses (beyond community gardens). The City
complies with State Health and Safety Code Sections 17021.5,
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which concerns employee housing that serves six or fewer employees, which would include farmworkers.
Emergency Shelters
Government Code Section 65583 requires jurisdictions to permit emergency shelters without a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or other discretionary permit in at least one zoning district with adequate capacity to serve the unsheltered population.
Emergency shelters are allowed without discretionary review in the Mixed Use North Boulevard (MU-NB) and Mixed Use South Boulevard (MU-SB) zoning districts. There are 6.2 acres of land designated MU-NB and 17.4 acres of land designated MU-SB.
These areas are located at the north and south gateways of the El Camino Real (State Route 82) corridor in San Carlos. Both zoning districts allow for a variety of uses and are located in close proximity to local services and transit. This zoning district has a number of underutilized properties as well as a mix of mediumsized buildings that could transition to reuse as homeless shelters.
Based on the size of the zoning districts identified, opportunities for adaptive reuse of existing buildings, and ready access to services and transportation, the zone has sufficient capacity to accommodate the City’s homeless need in at least one year-round shelter. (In 2019, there were 30 homeless individuals in San Carlos, as reported by the San Mateo County One Day Homeless County and Survey.) San Carlos supports the distribution of emergency shelters and transitional housing in areas of the city where appropriate support services and facilities are available in close proximity.
The development and management standards for emergency
shelters in the Zoning Ordinance (Section 18.23.110) were drafted to be consistent with State law. Specific provisions for emergency shelters in San Carlos specify:
• Number of Residents. The number of adult residents, not including staff, who may be housed on a lot that is smaller than one acre shall not exceed the number of persons that may be accommodated in any hospital, elderly and longterm care facility, residential, transient occupancy, or similar facility allowed in the same district.
• Length of Occupancy. Occupancy by an individual or
family may not exceed one hundred eighty consecutive
days unless the management plan provides for longer
residency by those enrolled and regularly participating in a training or rehabilitation program.
• Outdoor Activities. All functions associated with the shelter, except for children’s play areas, outdoor
recreation areas, parking, and outdoor waiting must take place within the building proposed to house the shelter.
Outdoor waiting for clients, if any, may not be in the
public right-of-way, must be physically separated from
the public right-of-way, and must be large enough to
accommodate the expected number of clients.
• Minimum Hours of Operation. At least eight hours every day between seven a.m. and seven p.m.
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• Supervision. On-site supervision must be provided at all times.
• Toilets. At least one toilet must be provided for every fifteen shelter beds.
• Management Plan. The operator of the shelter must
submit a management plan for approval by the Director.
The plan must address issues identified by the Director, including transportation, client supervision, security, client services, staffing, and good neighbor issues.
The standards listed above are common across many cities in California and do not constrain the production of emergency shelters. However, while State law does allow jurisdictions to regulate the number of beds provided at emergency shelters, the City’s current standard could limit the capacity to less than 20 beds, which is considered a constraint by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Action HOU-5.1 is included in the Housing Plan to review and modify capacity standards for emergency shelters.
State law (Government Code Section 65583(4)(a)) requires emergency shelters to only be subject to those development and management standards that apply to residential or commercial development within the same zone, except that a local
government may apply written, objective standards that include sufficient parking to accommodate all staff working in the emergency shelter, provided that the standards do not require more parking for emergency shelters than other residential or commercial uses within the same zone. The City’s parking standards for residential development are based on the type of residential land use and vary based upon the zoning district. In residential and mixed-use zoning districts, the City requires parking for emergency shelters to be provided at one space per 200 square feet of floor area. According to RentCafe, a nationwide apartment listing website, the average size of a studio in San Carlos is 260 square feet, which is of similar size to the 200 square foot minimum per person required by State law for emergency shelters. The City’s parking requirements for emergency shelters is on par with those required for similar residential uses within the same zones, which is one space per studio unit, 1.5 spaces per one- or two-bedroom unit, and 2 spaces per three- or more bedroom unit. However, the parking required for emergency shelter is more restrictive than what is required for commercial uses, which is one space per 450 square feet for office, one space per 400 square feet for retail, and one space per 250 square feet for restaurant. Action HOU-5.1 is included in the Housing Plan to comply with State law.
Recent State Law (AB 101) requires that Low-Barrier Navigation Centers be allowed as a by right use in areas zoned for mixed-use and nonresidential zoning districts permitting (as an allowed use or conditionally) multi-family uses. The City will revise the Zoning Ordinance to ensure that the City meets the requirements of AB 101 (Action HOU-5.1).
Transitional and Supportive Housing
State law requires cities to allow transitional and supportive housing as a residential use in all zoning districts that allow
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similar residential uses (SB 2). In San Carlos, transitional and supportive housing are considered single-family or multi-family uses and are permitted by right in all residential and mixed-use zoning districts.
Effective January 1, 2019, AB 2162 (Supportive Housing
Streamlining Act) requires supportive housing to be considered a use by right in zoning districts where multi-family and mixed uses are permitted, including nonresidential zoning districts permitting multi-family uses, if the proposed housing
development meets specified criteria. The law prohibits the local government from imposing any minimum parking requirement for units occupied by supportive housing residents if the development is located within one-half mile of a public transit stop. AB 2162 also require local entities to streamline the approval of housing projects containing a minimum amount of supportive housing by providing a ministerial approval process, removing the requirement for CEQA analysis, and removing the
requirement for a CUP or other similar discretionary
entitlements. The City of San Carlos is currently in compliance with this law as it allows by right transitional and supportive housing in all RS, RM and MU districts in San Carlos. Action HOU-5.1 is included in the Housing Plan to ensure compliance with the processing and parking requirements associated with AB 2162.
Single-Room Occupancy (SRO)
Single-room occupancy hotels and/or boarding homes are
collectively referred to as SROs. SRO units are one-room units intended for occupancy by a single individual. It is distinct from a studio or efficiency unit, in that a studio is a one-room unit that must contain a kitchen and bathroom. Although SRO units are not required to have a kitchen or bathroom, many SROs have one or the other. Buildings that provide SRO dwellings are
conditionally permitted in Residential Multifamily and MixedUse zoning districts, but may not be located on the ground floor along Laurel Street and San Carlos Avenue frontages.
Manufactured/Factory-built housing
State law requires that factory built/manufactured homes be considered a single-family dwelling and permitted in all zoning districts that allow single-family housing. Manufactured housing can be subject to design review, the same single-unit dwellings, as shown in Table 4.4-12 (Timelines for Permit Procedures).. The San Carlos Zoning Ordinance includes individual manufactured housing units installed on a foundation system pursuant to Section 18551 of the California Health and Safety Code under the definition of a single-unit dwelling, in compliance with State law.
Manufactured homes are subject to the same development
standards as conventional single-unit dwellings, and are allowed in the same manner and in the same zones as conventional or stick-built structures through the common definition of “dwelling”.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a residential dwelling unit that is detached from, attached to, or located within the living area of an existing primary dwelling unit on the same site. ADUs
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provide independent living facilities for one or more persons with a kitchen and bathroom facility and can be an important source of affordable housing since they are smaller than primary units and do not have direct land acquisition costs. ADU development expands housing opportunities for very low-, low-, and moderate-income households by increasing the number of rental units available within existing neighborhoods.
The State Legislature has passed numerous changes to the ADU requirements (previously known as second units) to promote the development of ADUs. These include allowing ADUs to be built concurrently with a single-family home, opening areas where ADUs can be built to include all multi-family and mixed-use zones, modifying fees from utilities such as special districts and water corporations, and reducing parking requirements. The City updated the ADU ordinance to comply with recent changes to State law in November 2020. In San Carlos, consistent with the Government Code Section 65852.2, ADUs are permitted by right in all single-family, multi-family, and mixed-use zoning districts.
Action HOU-3.3 is included in the Housing Element to ensure continued compliance with State laws as they may change over the course of the planning period and identifies additional measures to encourage and incentivize ADUs in the community.
Housing for Persons with Disabilities
Housing element law requires that, in addition to the needs analysis for people with disabilities, the Housing Element must analyze potential governmental constraints to the development, improvement, and maintenance of housing for people with disabilities; demonstrate local efforts to remove any such constraints; and provide for reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities through programs that remove
constraints.
Zoning and Land Use
A residential care facility is a single-family dwelling unit or multiunit facility licensed or supervised by a Federal, State, or local health/welfare agency that provides 24-hour nonmedical care of unrelated persons who are handicapped and in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual in a family-like environment. Under State Lanterman
Developmental Disabilities Services Act (“Lanterman Act”), small State-licensed residential care facilities for six or fewer persons must be permitted in all zoning districts that allow single- or multi-family uses, subject to the same permit processing requirements and development standards; San Carlos is compliant with the Lanterman Act. The Zoning Ordinance subclassifies residential care facilities as follows:
• General – More than six persons
• Limited – Six or less persons
• Senior – Voluntary housing arrangement serving persons aged 60+; includes “continuing care” and “life care”
facilities.
Limited Residential Care Facilities are permitted by-right in all residential and mixed-use zoning districts. General and Senior
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residential care facilities are permitted with a minor use permit in the RM-20, RM-59, MU-D-100 and 120, and MU-SC-120 zoning districts. All residential care facilities are subject to provisions of Section 18.23.200 of the San Carlos Municipal Code:
• Minimum distance between residential care facilities shall be 300 feet
• A six-foot-high fence shall be required to screen outdoor recreational areas
• All residential care facilities must be licensed and certified by the State of California.
• Drug and alcohol use on-site by staff and/or residents shall be prohibited.
Additionally, parking requirements for General and Senior Residential Care Facilities differ from those of single and multifamily residential developments as they are based on the number of employees rather than units. Limited Residential Care Facilities follow the same parking standards as the base requirement. Imposing differing development standards, such as parking or minimum distance between facilities, than those required for other similar residential uses within the same zone can be a constraint on housing for persons with disabilities.
Action HOU-5.3 is included in the Housing Plan to review and revise development standards for residential care facilities and group homes to ensure the same standards are required for these uses as other residential uses of the same type in the same zone.
Requiring a Conditional (or Minor) Use Permit for residential care facilities for seven or more persons is viewed by the State as a potential constraint to housing for persons with disabilities. To address this constraint, the City will remove the requirement for a Minor Use Permit and allow residential care facilities for seven or more persons (both senior and limited) in all zoning districts where multi-family uses are allowed (Action HOU-5.3).
Definition of Family
The definition of “family” may limit access to housing for persons with disabilities when municipalities narrowly define the word, illegally limiting the development of group homes for persons with disabilities, but not for housing similar sized and situated families. “Family”, as defined in the San Carlos Municipal Code, means: one or more persons occupying a dwelling unit and living together as a single nonprofit housekeeping unit and sharing common living, sleeping, cooking and eating facilities. Members of a family need not be related by blood but are distinguished from a group occupying a hotel, club, fraternity, or sorority house. This definition does not discriminate nor limit access to housing for persons with disabilities or other household types.
Reasonable Accommodation
Both the Federal Fair Housing Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act direct local governments to
provide reasonable accommodation to rules, policies, practices, and procedures where such accommodation may be necessary to afford individuals with disabilities equal housing opportunities.
While fair housing laws intend that all people have equal access
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to housing, the law also recognizes that people with disabilities may need extra tools for equity. Reasonable accommodation is one of the tools intended to further housing opportunities for people with disabilities. For developers and providers of housing for people with disabilities who are often confronted with siting or use restrictions, reasonable accommodation provides a means of requesting from the local government flexibility in the application of land use and zoning regulations or, in some instances, even a waiver of certain restrictions or requirements because it is necessary to achieve equal access to housing. Cities and counties are required to consider requests for
accommodations related to housing for people with disabilities and provide the accommodation when it is determined to be “reasonable” based on fair housing laws and the case law interpreting the statutes.
The City adopted a reasonable accommodation ordinance in 2011 (Chapter 18.33 - Waivers of the San Carlos Municipal Code). This chapter outlines applicability, procedures, required findings, conditions of approval, and appeals in the process of applicants obtaining waivers and a reasonable accommodations.
Applications are reviewed for approval by the Planning Director.
The City allows for waivers of 10 percent from standards for any project that can meet required findings: Required findings include:
• The waiver is necessary due to the physical characteristics of the property and the proposed use or structure or other circumstances, including, but not limited to, topography, noise exposure, irregular property boundaries, or other unusual circumstance.
• There are no alternatives to the requested waiver that could provide an equivalent level of benefit to the
applicant with less potential detriment to surrounding
owners and occupants or to the general public.
• The granting of the requested waiver will not be
detrimental to the health or safety of the public or the occupants of the property or result in a change in land use or density that would be inconsistent with the
requirements of this title.
• In the RS districts, the review authority must also make the following findings in addition to any other findings that this chapter requires:
o There are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances
related to the design of the existing house or Uniform
Building Code compliance or other code compliance
that make it difficult of impossible to enlarge the
house within the base requirements, and the addition
is of superior design quality and compatible with the
existing neighborhood character;
o The change is only intended to increase the
habitability and function of the structure;
o Granting the waiver is desirable for the preservation of an existing architectural style or neighborhood
character which would not otherwise be
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accomplished through the strict application of the
provisions of the regulations; and
o It can be demonstrated that the design of the proposed addition is of superior quality; compatible with the
existing neighborhood character, effective in
minimizing the perceived size of the dwelling, not
overly intrusive to the privacy of neighboring
dwellings and is in substantial compliance with the RS
district regulations.
o If the request for accommodation is to provide fair access to housing, the following findings are required:
• That the housing or other property which is the subject of the request for reasonable accommodation will be used by an individual or organization entitled to protection;
• If the request for accommodation is to provide fair access to housing, that That the request for accommodation is necessary to make specific housing available to an individual protected under State or Federal law;
• That the conditions imposed, if any, are necessary to further a compelling public interest and represent the
least restrictive means of furthering that interest; and • That denial of the requested waiver would impose a
substantial burden on religious exercise or would conflict with any State or Federal statute requiring reasonable
accommodation to provide access to housing.
• The first set of findings identified above (for waivers) do not apply to reasonable accommodation requests. Only the second set of findings apply to reasonable accommodation requirements. The finding pertaining to a “compelling public interest” allows for subjectivity in the approval of a reasonable accommodation request, which could pose as a constraint for persons with disabilities. Action HOU-5.5 is included in the housing plan to review and modify as necessary to remove subjectivity within the approval findings.
Fees and Exactions
Housing construction imposes certain short- and long-term costs upon local government, such as the cost of providing planning services and inspections. As a result, the City relies upon various planning and development fees to recoup costs and ensure that essential services and infrastructure are available when needed.
Impact fees are also charged to cover the cost or providing municipal services or mitigating project impacts. These fees are summarized in Table 4.4-9. The total amount of fees varies from project to project based on type, existing infrastructure, and the cost of mitigating environmental impacts. Most cities do not control school and water impact fees. These services are managed by separate districts.
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Table 4.4-9: Development Fees
Fee Category Fee Amount
Planning Application Fees
Variance $11,983 (per project)
Conditional Use Permit – Planning Commission $8 ,987 (per project) Minor Use Permit – Zoning Administrator $4,493 (per project) Use Permits (Development Standards) $3,595 (per project) Design Review – Single Family
Single Family, New Home (RDRC) $8,216 (per project)
Single Family, First Floor Addition (RDRC) $5,689(per project) Single Family, Second Floor Addition (RDRC) $8,216 (per project) Single Family, First Floor Addition (Staff) $1,959 (per project) Single Family, Second Floor Addition (Staff) $3,161 (per project) Design Review – Multi-Family/Mixed-Use
New Building – Planning Commission $13,483 (per project) Major Alteration – Planning Commission $9,101 (per project) Minor Alteration – Planning Commission $6,573 (per project) Below Market Rate Housing Plan or Builder Alternative $2,097 (per project) Below Market Rate Housing Agreement $2,696 (per project) Plan Check for Building Permits
Major (New Multi-Family/Mixed Use) $3,035 (per project) Moderate (New Single-Family) $1,265 (per project)
Minor (Single-Family Additions, ADUs) $399 (per project) Pre-Application Development Review
Major $6,500 (per project)
Minor $3,500 (per project)
Architectural Peer Review $3,000 initial deposit (per project)
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Table 4.4-9: Development Fees
Fee Category Fee Amount
General Plan Amendment $11,983 (per project)
Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Major Rezone/PD/Map and Text $23,965 (per project)
Moderate Rezone/PD/Map and Text $11,983 (per project)
Minor Rezone/PD/Map and Text $5,991 (per project)
Subdivision Fees
Subdivision, major (5 or more lots) $23,965 (per project) Subdivision, minor (up to 4 lots) or for Condominium
Maps
$3,595 (per project)
Lot Line Adjustment, Parcel Mergers $1,198 (per project) Conditional Exceptions $5,991 (per project)
Lot Verification $599 (per project)
Map Extension $1,198 (per project)
Building Fees
Building Permit Fee Based on valuation and square footage Plan Check Fee Based on valuation and square footage
Electrical Permit – Multiple Family $206 plus $0.08 for each square foot over 1,700 Plumbing Permit – Multiple Family $206 plus $0.08 for each square foot over 1,700 Mechanical Permit – Multiple Family $206 plus $0.08 for each square foot over 1,700 Capital Facilities Fees
SFR MFR
Parks (1)
Park Facility Development Fee $2,651per bedroom
In-Lieu Fee In-lieu fee:
Units in proposed subdivision
X
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Table 4.4-9: Development Fees
Fee Category Fee Amount
Acreage req. per dwelling unit within subdivision for
park / rec. facilities
X
Fair market value per acre of land in subdivision
Sewer Capacity Charges $13,242 per dwelling unit $6,125 per dwelling unit Traffic Impact Fee $7,243 per dwelling unit $4,097 per dwelling unit Affordable Housing Impact Fee Incremental and applied only to rental projects with fewer than 7 units and ownership projects with fewer
than 5 units
Technology Fee 0.4% of total permit fee amount
Notes:
(1): Not divided by single-family or multi-family development types.
Source: City of San Carlos, 2020. Effective 2020-2021
The City’s Below Market Rate (BMR) Ordinance requires either the building of affordable housing units or the payment of in-lieu fees. Rental projects with seven or more units and ownership projects with five or more units must build the affordable units on site. Projects smaller than this threshold pay an in-lieu fee.
Projects that result in a fractional unit of less than 0.5 can opt to pay an in-lieu instead of providing an additional unit. Any calculation that results in a fraction greater than 0.5 is required to build the additional unit.
Government Code Section 65940.1(a)(1) requires jurisdictions to post all up-to-date fees on their website. San Carlos’ latest fee schedule can be accessed on the City’s website at
https://www.cityofsancarlos.org/government/departments/a dministrative-services/finance/city-fees-cost-of-services. In addition to fees, all zoning and development standards are posted on the website, along with inclusionary requirements, and as fee schedules are updated, the City’s website is updated as well. To determine fees charged by San Carlos and the other jurisdiction in San Mateo County, the 21 Elements Working Group conducted a survey of all jurisdictions in the county, asking that each provide fee information for various types of residential developments.
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Table 4-4.10: Total Fees (Includes Entitlement, Building Permits, and Impact Fees) per Unit Single Family Small Multi-Unit Large Multi-Unit
Atherton $15,941 No Data No Data
Brisbane $24,940 $11,678 No Data
Burlingame $69,425 $30,345 $23,229
Colma $6,760 $36,590 $17,030
Daly City $24,202 $32,558 $12,271
East Palo Alto $104,241 No Data $28,699
Foster City $67,886 $47,179 $11,288
Half Moon Bay $52,569 $16,974 No Data
Hillsborough $71,092 No Data No Data
Millbrae $97,756 $6,824 $55,186
Pacifica $33,725 $40,151 No Data
Portola Valley $52,923 No Data No Data
Redwood City $20,795 $18,537 $17,913
San Bruno $58,209 $72,148 $39,412
San Carlos $72,046 $29,137 $18,182
San Mateo $89,003 $60,728 $41,547
South San Francisco $81,366 $76,156 $32,471
Unincorporated San Mateo $36,429 $15,088 $3,344
Woodside $70,957 $82,764 No Data
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Jurisdiction-imposed fees represent a small percentage of the overall cost to develop new housing. However, there are situations in which fees or permitting processes may pose a constraint on housing production. If a jurisdiction’s fees are significantly higher than neighboring or peer jurisdictions, the fees could have the impact of discouraging projects within the jurisdiction. With construction costs high, it is difficult (near impossible) for moderate- or low-income housing to be
profitable. High fees can be a constraint to housing development.
This is particularly challenging for deed restricted affordable housing developers.
Most, if not all, developers consider any fee a significant constraint to the development of affordable housing. For 100% affordable housing projects, financing generally includes some form of state or federal assistance, with rents set through the funding program. As such, fees cannot and do not increase the rents. Although the various fees account for a significant portion of the development cost, the fees collected are necessary to pay for much needed infrastructure and to help mitigate new growth throughout the city. San Carlos provides impact fee reductions and waivers to help support 100% affordable housing projects.
For example, all development impact fees were waived for 817 Walnut (unless the fees were collected by an agency other than the City of San Carlos).
Out of the jurisdictions that provided data, San Carlos’ fees are fifth highest for single family development (out of 19
jurisdictions), but sixth lowest for small multifamily development (out of 15 jurisdictions) and sixth lowest for large multifamily development (out of 12 jurisdictions). If fees (per dwelling unit) are higher for multi-family construction than for single family construction within a jurisdiction, this could be seen as a constraint on naturally affordable multi-family housing and also a fair housing issue. This is not the case in San Carlos. Fees for both small and large multi-family construction are lower than for single family development. Similarly, a permitting process that is more onerous or uncertain for multi-family units than for single family may present a fair housing concern and could be
considered a constraint on multi-family housing. In San Carlos, permitting times for multi-family projects are not significantly longer than for single family projects when accounting for the size and scope of the project.
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Table 4-4.11: Total Fees as a Percentage of Total Development Costs Single family Small Multi-Family Large Multi-Family
Atherton 0% No Data No Data
Brisbane 1% 1% No Data
Burlingame 3% 4% 3%
Colma 0% 4% 2%
Daly City 1% 4% 2%
East Palo Alto 4% No Data 4%
Foster City 3% 6% 2%
Half Moon Bay 2% 2% No Data
Hillsborough 3% No Data No Data
Millbrae 2% 8% 7%
Pacifica 1% 5% No Data
Portola Valley 1% No Data No Data
Redwood City 1% 2% 2%
San Bruno 2% 8% 5%
San Carlos 3% 4% 3%
San Mateo 3% 7% 5%
South San Francisco 3% 9% 4%
Unincorporated San Mateo 1% 2% 0%
Woodside 2% 9% No Data
Note: Calculations use average soft costs (including an average of jurisdiction charged fees) and average land costs for the county.
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Compared to other jurisdictions in San Mateo County, San Carlos’ fees were found to be comparable and do not to pose a significant constraint to housing development in the community.
Processing and Permit Procedures
Processing and permit procedures may pose a considerable constraint to the production and improvement of housing.
Common constraints include lengthy processing time, unclear permitting procedures, layered reviews, multiple discretionary review requirements, and costly conditions of approval. These constraints increase the final cost of housing, uncertainty in the development of the project, and overall financial risk assumed by the developer.
Processing Timelines
The City of San Carlos’s development review process is designed to accommodate housing development applications of various levels of complexity and requiring different entitlements.
Processing times vary with the complexity of the project. The tables below outline the typical timelines for various residential projects in the City of San Carlos. Table 4.4-12 focuses more specifically on the individual entitlement approvals that may be required, providing estimated processing timelines for each as well as identifying the approving body. Table 4.4-13 generally identifies the typical approvals required for single-family and multi-family projects along with the estimated processing times of the planning and building divisions.
Table 4.4-12: Timelines for Permit Procedures
Type of Approval, Permit, or Review Typical Processing Time These time periods begin when a complete application is submitted and are extended when additional information is requested by the City. The timeframes below are target issuance date—when the applicant can expect a decision on their application.
Ministerial Review 30 days
Conditional Use Permit 45-120 days
Zoning Amendment (Zone Change) 9-12 months
General Plan Amendment 9-12 months
Site Plan Review 30 days
Design Review - Single Family
Design Review - Multi-Family (small)
Design Review - Multi-Family (large)
Design Review - Mixed Use
3-5 months
5-8 months
7-12 months
7-12 months
Tract Map 4-6 months
Parcel Map 2-4 months
Initial Environmental Study 2-3 months
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Table 4.4-12: Timelines for Permit Procedures
Type of Approval, Permit, or Review Typical Processing Time Environmental Impact Report 6-8 months
Building Permits
New Multi-Family 6-8 weeks
New Single Family Residence 4-6 weeks
Single-Story Addition 2-4 weeks
Second-Story Addition 3-5 weeks
Single-family dwelling unit applications typically take three to five months to receive planning approval for a single residential unit on one lot; and four to six weeks for building permit issuance. Subdivisions to obtain a tentative map are typically processed within six to nine months; building permits are generally issued within three to five months. Review time always varies based upon response time of the applicant to plan review comments. Most projects typically receive Building Division Plan Review comments within 15 to 20 working days, and rechecks are always performed within 10 to 15 working days. Because
planning permits are processed concurrently (i.e., Design Review is processed concurrently with any required Use Permit or Grading Certificate) the timeframe for Design Review indicated in Table 4.4-12 is essentially the same amount of time that it takes from application submittal to receive entitlement approval. As such, small mMulti-family development applications generally receive entitlements within five to eight months and large multifamily applications receive entitlements within seven to twelve months; followed by building permits which are typically issued within six to eight weeks. The processing timelines for multifamily residential and mixed-use projects are not significantly longer than what is typical for single-family residential projects; however, the longer timeframes reflect significantly more complicated projects. As shown in Table 4-4.14, the overall processing times for residential development in San Carlos are comparable to surrounding jurisdictions. To address the slightly longer relative timeframes for multi-family development, when compared with surrounding jurisdictions, the City has added Action HOU-4.4 to the Housing Plan to revise design review criteria to be fully objective, removing subjectivity from the findings and approval processes. This effort is anticipated to reduce overall permit review timeframes. Action HOU-4.4 also includes biennial evaluations to ensure processing timeframes are reduced, and calls for additional actions if necessary to reduce timelines if identified measures do not sufficiently address the constraint.
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Table 4.4-13: Permitting Requirements per Development Type Single-Family Residential Multi-Family Residential and/or MixedUse District Typical Approval Requirements
Staff Level Design Review Design Review Permit
Residential Design Review
Committee (RDRC) Review (1)
Residential Design Review Committee (RDRC)
or Planning Commission Review
Planning Commission (2) Planning Commission (2)
Est. Total Processing Time Planning = 34-56 monthsweeks Building Permits = 43-6 weeks
Planning = 56-128 months
Building Permits = 6-8 weeks
Notes:
1. New homes and projects that result in greater than 3,000 square feet in area and meets or exceeds FAR thresholds identified in Table 18.29.030-A(1)
2. Planning Commission conducts design review for projects requiring Planning Commission approval, such as conditional use permits and variances.
Projects that exceed the minimum BMR requirements receive priority permit processing status. This means the project is assigned to senior staff and is expedited and placed as a priority on the case planner’s workload. These projects are often vetted with a two-member City Council Housing Subcommittee early on for support and program development. City planners then work closely with the applicant and the City’s Economic Development and Housing Manager as part of the BMR Housing Agreement Plan to determine levels of affordability and concessions. The Community Development Director is also involved throughout the process to ensure expedited review.
Long permitting processing times and permit processes that have a high degree of uncertainty (i.e., discretionary reviews or processes with multiple public meetings) increase the cost of housing development for developers, either by increasing their carrying costs as they wait for permits, or by increasing the chance that a project will be rejected after significant costs toward design and waiting have been incurred. In either case, a developer working in a jurisdiction with an onerous permitting process will generally demand higher profits to account for the increased risk, thereby increasing the overall development cost.
The processing times in San Carlos are comparable to
surrounding jurisdictions (Table 4-4.14). The City has worked to establish transparent and streamlined procedures for processing and permitting development applications.
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Table 4-4.14: Permit Processing Times (in Months) – San Mateo County Jurisdictions Jurisdiction ADU Process Ministerial ByRight
Discretionary ByRight
Discretionary
(Hearing Officer if
Applicable)
Discretionary
(Planning
Commission)
Discretionary
(City Council)
Atherton 1 to 2 1 to 3 2 to 4 N/A 2 to 4 2 to 6
Brisbane 1 to 2 2 to 6 N/A N/A 4 to 12 6 to 14
Burlingame 1 to 2 2 to 3 2 to 3 N/A 3-4; 12 if major 13 months Colma 1 to 2 1 to 2 1 to 3 2 to 4 N/A 4 to 8
Daly City 1 to 2 2 to 4 N/A N/A 4 to 8 8 to 12
East Palo Alto 1 to 3 8 to 12 6 to 14 20 to 40 20 to 40 20 to 40 Foster City 1 to 2 1 to 2 1 to 2 3 to 6 6 to 12
Half Moon Bay 1 to 2 2 to 4 3 to 6 4 to 12 6 to 15
Millbrae 0 to 2 3 to 6 1 to 3 3 to 8 3 to 8 4 to 9
Pacifica 1 to 2 2 to 3 4 to 5 5 to 6 5 to 6 7 to 8
Redwood City 2 to 3 3 to 4 N/A 8 to 10 12 to 18 18 to 24 San Bruno 2 3 to 6 N/A 3 to 6 9 to 24 9 to 24
San Carlos 1 to 3 1 to 3 2 to 4 6 to 12 6 to 12 8 to 12 San Mateo 4 to 8 1 to 2 4 to 7 N/A 9 to 12 9 to 13
South San Francisco 1 1 2 to 3 2 to 3 3 to 6 6 to 9
Unincorporated San
Mateo
1 to 3 3 to 6 4 to 9 6 to 12 6 to 18 9 to 24
Woodside 1 to 2 1 to 2 N/A N/A 2 to 6 3 to 8
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The permit process only increases in complexity and duration when the circumstances of individual projects warrant extra consideration on the part of local staff and officials. This is especially true of the environmental review component of the process. However, the City has little flexibility to change this, since the California Environmental Quality Act specifies procedures that local jurisdictions must observe in reviewing the impacts of development projects. To extent possible, categorical exemptions or other statutory exemptions and streamlining are prioritized.
Ministerial Review
Planning review of routine over the counter permits includes zoning clearances, interpretations, modifications to existing permits, and accessory dwelling units. Ministerial actions are approved by either the Zoning Administrator or the Director.
Design Review
Most development projects in San Carlos are subject to Design Review, either by the Director, the Residential Design Review Committee, or the Planning Commission. The Design Review Permit process begins with the submittal of an application that is filed with the Planning Division. The application is checked for completeness within 30 days of submittal and fee payment.
Additions to single-family residences that result in less than 3,000 square feet of total floor area (including garages) are reviewed by the Director. All new homes in the RS zoning district, additions that result in floor area greater than 3,000 square feet on lots less than 7,500 square feet, projects on sloped lots that pass FAR thresholds, and projects that require additional review at the direction of the Community Development Director require review by the Residential Design Review Committee. The
Residential Design Review Committee (RDRC) is comprised of three members: a Planning Commissioner appointed by the Planning Commission; a resident volunteer appointed by the City Council; and an architect or design professional appointed by the City Council. New single-family homes in the RS zoning district involve a public hearing with the RDRC.
Projects in Multi-Family and Mixed-Use districts require a Design Review Permit and are approved by the Planning Commission, including standard public hearing requirements. Projects are reviewed against standards and provisions within the following:
• Title 18, Zoning, of the San Carlos Municipal Code;
• The General Plan and any applicable specific plans the City Council has adopted;
• Any applicable design guidelines adopted by the City
Council;
• Any approved tentative map, use permit, variance, or
other planning or zoning approval that the project
required; and
• Design review criteria (Chapter 18.29.060 of the San
Carlos Municipal Code):
o The overall design of the project including its scale, massing, site plan, exterior design, and landscaping
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will enhance the appearance and features of the
project site and surrounding natural and built
environment.
o The project design is appropriate to the function of
the project and will provide an attractive and
comfortable environment for occupants, visitors,
and the general community.
o Project details, materials, signage and landscaping
are internally consistent, fully integrated with one
another, and used in a manner that is visually
consistent with the proposed architectural design.
o The project has been designed to be compatible with
neighboring development by avoiding big
differences in building scale and character between
developments on adjoining lots in the same zoning
district and providing a harmonious transition in
scale and character between different districts.
o The project contributes to the creation of an
attractive and visually interesting built environment
that includes a variety of building styles and designs
with well-articulated structures that present varied
building facades, roof lines, and building heights
within a unifying context that encourages increased
pedestrian activity and promotes compatibility
among neighboring land uses within the same or
different districts.
o The design of streetscapes, including street trees,
lighting, and pedestrian furniture, is consistent with
the character of activity centers, commercial districts and nearby residential neighborhoods.
o The proposed design is compatible with the
historical or visual character of any area recognized
by the City as having such unified character.
o The project design preserves major public views and
vistas from major public streets and open spaces and
enhances them by providing areas to stroll, benches
to rest and enjoy views, and similar amenities.
o Parking areas are designed and developed to buffer
surrounding land uses; complement pedestrianoriented development; enhance the environmental quality of the site, including minimizing stormwater
run-off and the heat-island effect; and achieve a safe, efficient, and harmonious development.
o Lighting and lighting fixtures are designed to
complement buildings, be of appropriate scale,
provide adequate light over walkways and parking
areas to create a sense of pedestrian safety, and
avoid creating glare.
o The proposed building design and landscaping
supports public safety and security by allowing for
surveillance of the street by people inside buildings
and elsewhere on the site.
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o Landscaping is designed to be compatible with and
enhance the architectural character and features of
the buildings on site, and help relate the building to
the surrounding landscape. Proposed planting
materials avoid conflicts with views, lighting,
infrastructure, utilities, and signage.
The review authority may only approve a design review
application if it finds that the application is consistent with the purposes of the chapter (the chapter establishes the design review procedure to ensure that new development supports the General Plan’s goal of creating a vibrant pedestrian- and transit-oriented core and distinctive neighborhoods and districts with a diversity of building types that provide continuity in scale and character with appropriate transitions, where needed. The specific purposes of the design review process are to:
A. Promote excellence in site planning and design and the harmonious appearance of buildings and sites;
B. Ensure that new and modified uses and development will be compatible with the existing and potential development of the surrounding area; and
C. Supplement other City regulations and standards in order to ensure control of aspects of design that are not otherwise addressed) and with the following:
• The applicable standards and requirements of the Zoning Ordinance;
• The General Plan and any applicable specific plans the City Council has adopted;
• Any applicable design guidelines adopted by the City
Council;
• Any approved tentative map, use permit, variance, or
other planning or zoning approval that the project
required; and
• The applicable design review criteria in Section 18.29.060, Design review criteria.
Design review projects may be appealed through the City’s standard appeal process.
The Housing Accountability Act (Government Code Section 65589.5) states that local jurisdictions may not deny, reduce the density of, or make infeasible housing development projects, emergency shelters, or farmworker housing that are consistent with objective local development standards and contribute to meeting housing need unless, based on a preponderance of evidence, adverse health or safety impacts exist. Objective standards and review processes that remove subjectivity from findings improves development certainty and can mitigate cost impacts. In order to ensure compliance with the Housing Accountability Act, Action HOU-4.4 is included to ensure
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compliance with the Housing Accountability Act requirements, through a study of the City’s Design Review process, procedures, findings, and standards, ensuring that subjectivity is removed from the process for those projects that comply with objective standards..
Conditional Use Permits
The Conditional Use Permit (CUP) review process is intended to apply to uses that are generally consistent with the purposes of the district where they are proposed but require special consideration to ensure that they can be designed, located, and operated in a manner that will not interfere with the use and enjoyment of surrounding properties or adversely affect the city’s infrastructure, the built or natural environment, city resources, or the City’s ability to provide public services. As indicated in Table
4.4-3 (Permitted Land Uses by Zoning District), no Conditional Use Permit is required for multi-family dwellings in residential zones (RM-20 and RM-59/100) and mixed-use zones (MU-D100/120, MU-NB-120, MU-SC-120, MU-SB-100/120, MU-N40/50/120). Supportive and transitional housing are also uses that are allowed by right. Residential uses subject to
discretionary review that require a Conditional Use Permit (reviewed by the Planning Commission) and a Minor Use Permit (reviewed by the Director) are outlined in Table 4.4-2 (Permitted Land Uses by Zoning District). Processing for CUP applications normally does not exceed six months. Required findings for approval of Use Permits include:
• The proposed use is allowed within the applicable zoning district and complies with all other applicable provisions of this title and all other titles of the municipal code; • The proposed use is consistent with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan;
• The proposed use will not be adverse to the public health, safety, or general welfare of the community, nor
detrimental to surrounding properties or improvements;
• The proposed use complies with any design or
development standards applicable to the zoning district or the use in question unless waived or modified pursuant to the provisions of this title;
• The design, location, size, and operating characteristics of the proposed activity are compatible with the existing and reasonably foreseeable future land uses in the vicinity; and
• The site is physically suitable for the type, density, and intensity of use being proposed, including access, utilities, and the absence of physical constraints.
A CUP is not required for multi-family development in San Carlos. As such, these findings do not apply. CUPs are only required for single-room occupancy developments and for bungalow court/small lot subdivisions in the RM-59 and RM-100 zones, with the intent of preserving these zones for higher intensity development. Action 4.4 is included in the Housing Plan to amend the Zoning Ordinance to include CUP findings for any
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applicable special residential uses to ensure that findings are objective and result in project approval certainty, consistent with Housing Accountability Act requirements.
Environmental Review
State regulations require environmental review of discretionary project proposals (e.g., subdivision maps, design review, use permits, etc.). Design review of residential projects generally result in exemptions for single-unit dwellings and accessory dwelling units. Most multi-unit and mixed-use projects are found exempt based on the Infill exemption allowed by State law. In rare circumstances for complex projects, an Initial Study (and related Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration) or even an Environmental Impact Report may be warranted. The timeframes associated with environmental review are regulated by CEQA. In compliance with the Permit Streamlining Act, City staff ensures that non-legislative proposals are heard at the Planning Commission within 60 days of receipt of an application being deemed complete.
SB 35 Approval Process
SB 35 requires cities and counties to streamline review and approval of eligible affordable housing projects by providing a ministerial approval process and exempting such projects from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). When the state determines that jurisdictions have insufficient progress toward their lower-income RHNA (very low and low income), these jurisdictions are subject to the streamlined ministerial approval process (SB 35 [Chapter 366, Statutes of 2017] streamlining) for proposed developments with at least 50 percent affordability. If the jurisdiction also has insufficient progress toward their above-moderate-income RHNA, then they are subject to the more inclusive streamlining for developments with at least 10 percent affordability. SB 35 will automatically sunset on January 1, 2026.
As of 2022, the City of San Carlos was determined to be subject only to SB 35 streamlining for proposed developments with 50 percent or greater affordability. The City has not received any applications or inquires for SB 35 streamlining. To accommodate any future SB 35 applications or inquiries, Action HOU-4.4 calls for the City to create and make available to interested parties an informational packet that explains the SB 35 streamlining provisions in San Carlos and provides SB 35 eligibility information. The development standards and regulations in the Zoning Ordinance are objective; however, Design Review
Criteria are subjective. Action HOU-4.4 also specifies that City will revisit the Design Review Criteria to provide local guidance on design and standards for by-right projects as allowed by state law.
Environmental Constraints
The City of San Carlos is bounded by San Francisco Bay to the east and the coastal range foothills. The hillside areas of San Carlos are subject to special seismic and structural engineering issues, which can raise the cost of housing in those areas. Most of the East Side and Downtown are in a floodplain or have a highwater table, which can hinder development, particularly if underground parking is being considered. Areas in the hillsides are in very high fire severity zones.
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The most serious constraints would be related to the City’s proximity to major earthquake faults and liquefaction potential.
Unfortunately, this constraint is common to most urban areas in the State of California. The San Francisco Bay Area contains numerous active faults and is considered seismically active.
Numerous small earthquakes occur every year in the San
Francisco Bay Region, and larger earthquakes have been recorded and can be expected to occur in the future. The Monte Vista – Shannon, San Andreas, and Pilarcitos are the major faults in the vicinity of San Carlos. The San Andreas Fault System, which is located about one mile west of the western border of the City, is the closest active fault system to the City. Other major earthquake faults in the San Francisco Bay Area include: the Hayward Fault, which is approximately 14 miles to the northeast, the Calaveras Fault, which is approximately 21 miles to east, and the San Gregorio Fault, approximately 10 miles to the west. There are no Alquist-Priolo earthquake fault zones within the City. The City has added various goals, policies and actions in the new Environmental Safety and Public Services Element related to seismic safety for the City.
The potential impacts from slope instability in San Carlos is low.
Most of the capacity on identified sites is located on relatively flat areas of the City and as such has a low risk of landslides and liquefaction. Liquefaction potential in the western hilly areas is low, while the flatlands and bay margins area have high liquefaction potential. Landslides occur on some of the upper hilly slopes, more commonly in the northwestern area of the City.
Flooding can be caused by heavy rainfall, long periods of moderate rainfall, or clogged storm drains during periods of rainfall. In rare instances, a break in a water pipe or water tank can also cause flooding. Storm drainage systems throughout San Carlos collect stormwater runoff from streets and convey flows to discharge points at local receiving waters to prevent flooding, although the capacity of these systems is designed based the frequency interval of a typical heavy winter storm (i.e., a 10-year storm) and may not be designed to accommodate more intense storms anticipated under climate change conditions. The inland flood hazard areas are primarily located along the Bay shore, Pulgas Creek, Cordilleras Creek, and Belmont Creek. Localized flooding can occur during peak flow times, mainly in the industrial/commercial areas of town which are located within the 100-year flood zone. Flooding in the 100-year flood zone would not be expected to be more than a few feet deep. The City has identified specific flooding issues associated with Pulgas, Cordilleras, and Brittan Creeks. Some of the prior flooding problems near Pulgas Creek may have been solved by
improvements at the Pulgas Creek culvert under the railroad track. Upstream erosion from Cordilleras Creek deposited at El Camino Real is a major contributor to flooding. The new Environmental Safety and Public Services Element (2023) contains goals, policies, and actions that would reduce potential flooding impacts. Chapter 15.56 of the Code (Floodplain Management) establishes construction requirements for
development that would minimize flood hazard risks, including anchoring, elevation, and flood-proofing, and standards for utilities, subdivisions, residential, and non-residential
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construction. Environmental Management Element Action EM5.10 requires implementation of the NPDES permit or preparation of a stormwater prevention plan and proposed ESPS Element Policies ESPS-2.4 and ESPS-2.10 (see Chapter 4.8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials) increase flood protection through reductions in impervious surface area and by requiring new development projects to incorporate storm drain systems that control runoff rates and volumes thereby preventing increases in downstream flooding potential.
San Carlos fire service is provided under contract by the City of Redwood City Fire Department. It provides fire protection, hazardous materials response, disaster preparedness, and emergency medical response. According to the updated
Environmental Safety and Public Services Element, the foothill neighborhoods west of Alameda de las Pulgas are designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFSZ) by CAL FIRE.
The Heather Elementary School and many homes in the western hills are also located within the VHFSZ designation. The vast majority of proposed housing sites to meet the RHNA and properties proposed for rezoning are not located within these VHFSZ-designated areas. In fact, only 22 of the 2,970 (or 0.7 percent) units identified in the sites inventory are in potential Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The updated Environmental Safety and Public Services Element (2023) contains the following goals,, policies, and actions to address potential impacts related to wildland fires citywide.
Goal ESPS-3 Agency Coordination: A resilient San Carlos is well prepared to minimize risks associated with wildfire.
Policy ESPS-3.1 Promote and improve, as necessary,
inter-jurisdictional fire prevention assessment, planning, and projection; and consultation and communication
regarding disaster or emergency plans of San Carlos and Mutual Aid with adjacent agencies including but not
limited to San Mateo County, Redwood City, Belmont,
and CAL FIRE.
Action ESPS-3.1 Maintain participation in the Joint
Powers Authority Agreement with all fire departments in San Mateo County to ensure required response times for
initial emergency deployment personnel and equipment.
Action ESPS-3.2 Preserve the local government
agreement with California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for responses in the Mutual
Threat Zone (MTZ) within the Wildland Urban Interface
(WUI) areas of the city. Continue to provide equipment
and personnel under the mutual aid agreement, with the
State of California Office of Emergency Service (OES)
Region II. This continued “reverse support” enables the City of San Carlos to receive “no cost” statewide mutual aid in the event of a declared large-scale emergency.
Action ESPS-3.3 Collaborate with the regional fire
agencies on strategies available to maintain defensible
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space, diverse plant composition (e.g., less combustible native plants), undertake appropriate thinning of
vegetation, and maintain fuel breaks without
permanently damaging native habitat.
Policy ESPS-3.2 Conduct annual training for fire,
emergency medical, and police staff including cross
training with adjacent automatic or mutual aid
emergency response departments. Regularly maintain,
test, and update training and equipment to meet current standards.
Policy ESPS-3.3 Ensure adequate Fire Department
resources (fire stations, personnel, and equipment) to
meet response time standards, keep pace with growth,
and provide a high level of service to the community
Action ESPS-3.4 Continue to work with the Redwood
City Fire Department to ensure that fire services are
maintained at adequate levels. With subsequent Safety
Element updates, assess and project future emergency
service needs. Continue to monitor service area to ensure that all San Carlos areas have fire service. Monitor the City of San Carlos’ fire protection rating and work with the Redwood City and San Mateo County Fire Departments
to correct deficiencies and to ensure ongoing training, including cross training is conducted.
Action ESPS-3.5 Train and educate public volunteers in
basic fire safety response.
Policy ESPS-3.4 Locate essential public facilities out of high-risk, wildfire-prone areas including the VHFHSZ
unless mitigation measures, above the minimum fire
protection standards, are installed.
Policy ESPS-3.5 Prioritize infill development
opportunities to prevent increased development in the
WUI and Very High Fire Severity Zones (VHFSZ).
Policy ESPS-3.6 Minimize new development (residential
and nonresidential) within the VHFSZ.
Policy ESPS-3.7 Consider the preservation of
undeveloped ridgelines to reduce fire risk and improve
fire protection.
Policy ESPS-3.8 Regularly review and confirm the City’s re-development policy for all structures in VHFSZs after large fires. If the City has an unwritten policy, adopt a written re-development policy.
Policy ESPS-3.9 Incorporate or require the incorporation of fire safety features in new development and redevelopment.
Policy ESPS-3.10 Require new residential developments
to: have adequate fire protection; and be more wildfire
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resistant by establishing greenbelt zones for fire resistant landscaping.
Policy ESPS-3.11 Require new residential development to be designed in such a manner that reduces wildfire
hazard and improves defensibility (e.g. clustering lots, managed greenbelts, water storage, fuel modification
zones, and vegetation setbacks.)
Action ESPS-3.6 Discourage critical facilities being in the VHFSZ.
Action ESPS-3.7 Periodically re-evaluate the City’s policy allowing rebuilding in the VHFSZ. If the policy is
unwritten, adopt a formal written policy.
Action ESPS-3.8 When a fire has occurred in the VHFSZ,
evaluate if street design and size can be reconfigured to improve emergency access and evacuation efficiency.
Action ESPS-3.9 If development is permitted within the
VHFSZ, require:
• a Fire Protection Plan addressing: risk analysis,
fire response capabilities, fire safety requirements
(defensible space, infrastructure, and building
ignition resistance), mitigation measures and
design considerations for non-conforming fuel
modification, and wildfire education maintenance
and limitations;
• landscape/fuel modification installation,
incorporating open areas to complement
defensible spaces, identifying possible refuge
areas, and mapping and providing multiple
ingress and egress routes;
• resident evacuation plans and ways to effectively
communicate those plans, including identifying
the location and direction of evacuation routes and
at least two points of ingress and egress; and
• a roadside fuel reduction plan to prevent fires
along public roads caused by vehicles.
Action ESPS-3.10 Enforce fire standards and regulations while reviewing building plans and conducting building
inspections.
Policy ESPS-3.12 Ensure adequate water supply is
available.
Action ESPS-3.12 Require new development projects
have adequate water supplies to meet the firesuppression needs of the project without compromising existing fire suppression services to existing uses.
Action ESPS-3.13 Work with water suppliers (Cal Water)
to:
• maintain and ensure the long-term integrity of
future water supply for fire suppression needs;
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• ensure that water supply infrastructure
adequately supports existing and future
development and redevelopment;
• provide adequate water flow to combat structural
and wildland fires, including during peak
domestic demand periods. Water systems shall
equal or exceed the standards of the latest edition
of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
1142, “Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban
and Rural Fire-Fighting.”;
• ensure water infrastructure can provide for peak
fire flow; and
• identify where water infrastructure does not allow
for peak fire flow and develop a plan to mitigate
the deficiencies.
Policy ESPS-3.13 Ensure new and existing public and
privately owned properties are constructed and
maintained in a manner that minimizes and reduces fire
hazard threats and has adequate fire protection.
Action ESPS-3.14 Condition all new development and
redevelopment to have adequate fire protection,
incorporate and maintain fire safe design, including fuel modification zones, defensible space, two ingress/egress points, emergency vehicle access, and visible home
addressing and street signage.
Action ESPS-3.15 Require the use of fire-retardant roofing material for all new construction and major remodels
involving roof additions. Encourage property owners
with shake shingle roofs to upgrade to fire-retardant
materials.
Action ESPS-3.16 Continue to enforce the brush
clearance/weed abatement program for both private and
public roads as well as City-owned open spaces.
Action ESPS-3.17 Continue code enforcement programs
requiring private and public property owners to maintain buildings and properties to prevent blighted conditions, remove excessive or overgrown vegetation (e.g., trees,
shrubs, weeds), and remove litter, rubbish, and illegally dumped items from properties.
Action ESPS-3.18 Seek grants and other funding sources
to assist low-income residents with home hardening
efforts.
Action ESPS-3.19 Adopt an ordinance or update existing
ordinances to require development standards that meet or exceed title 14, CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 2, articles 1-5 (commencing with section 1270) (SRA Fire Safe Regulations) and title 14, CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 3, article 3 (commencing with section 1299.01) (Fire Hazard Reduction Around Buildings and Structures
Regulations) for SRAs and/or VHFHSZs.
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Action ESPS-3.20 Within the VHFSZ, the City’s building
and planning departments will work with local fire
departments, community organizations, and other
responsible organizations to require and ensure:
• the installation of fire protection water system for
all new construction projects including fire
hydrant instillation, fire sprinkler, or suppression
systems, and providing adequate fire flow;
• the long-term maintenance of defensible space
clearances around structures, subdivisions, and
fire breaks; and
• all structures rebuilt/re-developed after a large
fire to comply with building and fire codes in
effect at the time of the re-development.
Action ESPS-3.21 Conduct a survey of existing residential structures (including vegetation) within the VHFSZ
identifying buildings that do not comply with fire safety standards. Consult with property owners to bring those
properties into compliance with the most current building and fire safety standards.
Action ESPS-3.22 Consider developing or improving
structure hardening standards for community refuges
(such as schools, hospitals, evacuation centers).
Action ESPS-3.23 Evaluate the City’s roadways regarding access, alignments, etc. to facilitate fire, police, and ambulance access and resident egress in case of an
emergency.
Policy ESPS-3.14 Provide adequate evacuation routes and access for fire and emergency service vehicles to all San Carlos areas.
Policy ESPS-3.15 Identify and implement measures to
mitigate the single access roads and non-conforming
roadways, as feasible.
Action ESPS-3.24 Identify streets and key intersections that, due to pavement width, hairpin turns, and tight
curves, if not cleared of vehicles, may interfere with
emergency vehicle access and/or resident evacuation
during a fire.
Action ESPS-3.25 Identify the potential for street
widening and improvement during regular Capital
Improvement project maintenance, e.g., emergency
access, utility undergrounding, resurfacing, and
American with Disabilities (ADA) compliance.
Action ESPS-3.26 Prohibit parking on one or both sides of a street identified as having the potential to interfere with emergency vehicle access and/or resident evacuation
during a fire, when Red Flag alerts have been issued.
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Action ESPS-3.27 In conjunction with the use of the
Zonehaven system, supplement the evacuation plan as
shown in Figure 8-12, with special emphasis placed on the areas that do not have sufficient access and egress
identified on Figure 8-13. Recommend improvements to
ensure adequate evacuation capabilities.
Action ESPS-3.28 Conduct a study to review evacuation
routes, their capacity, safety, and viability under a range of emergency scenarios as set forth in AB 747. Determine remedial actions, as appropriate. Update evacuation plans with each update of the Safety Element to address
changes in at-risk areas and populations.
Goal ESPS-4 Develop a community that proactively prevents wildfires and protects life, property, and infrastructure from urban and wildfire impacts.
Policy ESPS-4.1 Provide public education to promote
community awareness and preparedness for self-action in the event of a major disaster or emergency.
Action ESPS-4.1 Partner with Redwood City Fire
Department, San Mateo Sheriff Department, neighboring
cities, regional agencies, local school districts, local businesses, and community organizations to:
• conduct emergency and disaster preparedness
exercises that test operational and emergency
response plans (including evacuation routes); and
• prepare and conduct public outreach regarding
evacuation procedures and routes and defensible
space.
Action ESPS-4.2 Identify at-risk populations that would be vulnerable during wildfire evacuations and provide
information to the at-risk residents regarding defensible space and evacuation routes.
Action ESPS-4.3 Prepare and make available to the public a current map of areas subject to wildland fires as
provided by the California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protect (CAL FIRE).
Action ESPS-4.4 Implement a fire hazards education
program to minimize risk for residential, commercial, and institutional uses.
• Provide training opportunities for residents for
fuel modification methods, practices, and
materials.
• Prepare and distribute two vegetation lists – one
identifies recommended vegetation in the VHFSZ
and the other identifies prohibited vegetation in
the VHFSZ.
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Action ESPS-4.5 Create and promote enrollment in a San
Carlos emergency reverse dial program. Work with
vulnerable populations to ensure enrollment.
Action ESPS-4.6 Consider establishing an outdoor
warning system in the VHFSZ designed to alert residents about possible fire danger
San Carlos is a “built-out” city with scarce land available for development. The City of San Carlos has pursued a public investment strategy to create a pedestrian-friendly environment and encourage private residential investment on El Camino Real (the City’s designated Priority Development Area — PDA), in Downtown, and along San Carlos Avenue, within priority infill development areas.
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Contents
133 Availability of Sites of Housing
17063 Administrative and Financial Resources
Availability of Sites for Housing
A critical component of the Housing Element is the identification of sites for future housing development, and evaluation of the ability of these sites to accommodate the City’s share of regional housing needs as determined by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). San Carlos is a highly urbanized
community that has very little vacant, uncommitted land for new development. Sites along El Camino Real and San Carlos Avenue provide an opportunity to develop high density housing in proximity to high quality transit. The following discussion summarizes the residential growth potential areas along these corridors and concludes with an assessment of how these sites can address the City’s share of regional housing needs.
Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA)
California State law requires that each city and county has land zoned to accommodate its fair share of regional housing need. To determine whether a jurisdiction has sufficient land to This section analyzes the resources available for the development, rehabilitation, and preservation of housing in San Carlos. This includes an evaluation of the availability of land resources, the City’s ability to satisfy its share of the region’s future housing needs, the financial resources available to support the provision of affordable housing, as well as the administrative resources available to assist in implementing the City’s housing programs.
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accommodate its share of regional housing needs for all income groups, that jurisdiction must identify “adequate sites.” Under State law (California Government Code §65583[c][1]), adequate sites are those with appropriate zoning and development standards to facilitate and encourage the development of a variety of housing types suitable for all income levels.
The California Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) is responsible for determining the regional housing needs determination (RHND) (segmented by income levels) for each region’s planning body. ABAG is responsible for adopting a methodology to distribute the RHND to jurisdictions in the Bay Area. This process is referred to as the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). The RHNA for the ABAG
region covers an 8.5-year projection period (June 30, 2022 – December 15, 2030) and is divided into four income categories:
very low, low, moderate, and above moderate. HCD determined that the projected housing need for the Bay Area region is 441,176 new housing units for this Housing Element planning period.
ABAG allocated this projected growth to the various cities and unincorporated county areas within the ABAG region, creating the RHNA. San Carlos’ RHNA for the sixth cycle planning period is 2,735 housing units, with the units distributed among the four income categories as shown in Table 4.5-1. As illustrated in this 1 Pursuant to AB 2634, local jurisdictions are also required to project the housing needs of extremely low-income households (0-30% AMI). In estimating the number of extremely low-income households, a jurisdiction can use 50% of the very low-income allocation or apportion the very low-income figure based on chapter, San Carlos has sufficient capacity under existing land use policy to meet its 2023-2031 RHNA obligations.
Table 4.5-1 San Carlos RHNA
Income Group % of County MFI RHNA
(Housing Units)
Percentage
of Units
Very Low1 0-50% 739 27.0%
Low 51-80% 425 15.5%
Moderate 81-120% 438 16.0%
Above Moderate 120% + 1,133 41.4%
Total 2,735 100%
Progress towards RHNA
The “projection period” is the time period for which the RHNA is calculated (Government Code Section 65588(f)(2)). Projects that have been approved, permitted, or received a certificate of occupancy since the beginning of the RHNA projected period may be credited toward meeting the RHNA allocation based on the affordability and unit count of the development.
Proposed and approved residential development projects
credited toward the 2023-2031 include a variety of affordable and market rate projects. Many of these projects are concentrated Census data. Therefore, the City’s very low-income RHNA of 650 739 units can be split into 325 370 extremely low-income and 325 369 very low-income units.
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within and around the City’s Priority Development Area and Downtown, which provides a high level of opportunity for access to services and transit. As of 2021, the City is in the process of reviewing applications and preliminary plans for over 350 new units in San Carlos (Table 4.5-2). These units have not completed construction prior to June 30, 2022.
Projects providing affordable units are either 100-percent affordable housing developments with related deed restrictions or are providing a portion of the units affordable to comply with the City’s Below Market Rate (BMR) Ordinance. The BMR
Ordinance requires that 15 percent of units in market rate developments are provided at affordable rates (10 percent moderate- and 5 percent low-income for ownership projects; 10 percent very low and 5 percent low-income for rental projects).
Projects that include seven or more units must provide these units on site; projects with fewer units may pay in in-lieu fee. Revisions to the BMR Ordinance were adopted in June 2022. Revisions to the Ordinance lower the threshold for constructing units on site for ownership projects to 5 units; the threshold remains at seven for rental developments. The revisions also require ownership projects to provide 20 percent low-income units and provide an option for rental projects to provide 15 percent very low-income units, to correlate with State density bonus law.
Approved Projects
Approved projects have been reviewed for compliance with applicable Codes and regulations and have received planning entitlement approval. Projects will proceed through the building permit application review, issuance, and construction process in 2022.
626 Walnut (approved in 2020) will provide 3 low-income, 1 moderate-income, and 35 market-rate units
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Table 4.5-2 Approved and Proposed Projects
Project Project Status
Extremely/
Very LowIncome (0-
50% AMI)
LowIncome
(50-
80%
AMI)
ModerateIncome
(80-120%
AMI)
Above
ModerateIncome
(+120%)
Total
626 Walnut Planning Approval 0 3 1 35 39
782 Elm Planning Approval 0 0 0 4 4
1257 Magnolia Planning Approval 0 0 0 9 9
616 Cedar Planning Approval 0 0 0 4 4
560 El Camino Real Under Construction (2023) 0 1 2 21 24 1525 San Carlos Ave Under Construction (2023) 0 1 2 15 18 1240 El Camino Real Under Construction (2023) 0 0 1 7 8 1232 Cherry City Project/Design Phase 0 35 0 0 35
155-160 Vista Del Grande Submitted/Under Review 0 11 0 78 89 308 Phelps Submitted/Under Review 1 2 1 10 14
808 Alameda de las Pulgas Submitted/Under Review 0 10 0 77 87 1360 Cherry Submitted/Under Review 0 0 0 6 6
1383 Laurel Submitted/Under Review 2 0 0 13 15
Total 3 63 7 279 352
Remaining RHNA 736 362 431 854 2,383
All approved and proposed projects are either approved, proposed, or under construction as of 2023. None of these projects have completed construction prior to June 30, 2022.
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626 Walnut
This five-story mixed-use project located in the Mixed-Use Downtown (MU-CD) zone on a .61-acre lot will include 2,303 square feet of commercial space, and 35 units including three low-income and one moderate (as required by the City’s BMR Ordinance), resulting in a density of 58 du/ac. The applicant has submitted plans for a building permit, which is under review with the City. Previously, the site was occupied by an 8-unit apartment building, a two-story commercial building, and a one-story commercial building containing a restaurant and office space.
782 Elm
This four-story residential project located in the Medium Density (RM-59) zone on a .16-acre lot will include four units (25 du/ac). The applicant applied for and was issued a building permit in 2020. The property was sold, which resulted in a project delay, but is now moving forward. The property was previously occupied by one single-unit residence.
1257 Magnolia
This four-story residential project located in the RM-59 zone on a .22-acre lot will include nine units (42 du/ac). The applicant submitted plans for a building permit (under review as of June 2022). The property was previously occupied by one single-unit residence and an accessory dwelling unit. This project is conservatively counting only above moderate-income units; however, it will be subject to the BMR ordinance upon conversion to ownership units.
616 Cedar
Approved in 2019, this three-story infill project (0.18 acre) in the RM-59 zone will provide four above moderate condominium units with at grade covered parking (22 du/ac). A building permit was approved, but has not yet been issued as of June 2022. The property was previously occupied by two single-unit residences.
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Under Construction Projects
These projects are under construction, with anticipated completion and building permits finaled after June 30, 2022. 560 El Camino Real
This four-story mixed-use project located in the Mixed-Use Downtown (MU-D) zone on a .43-acre lot will include 2,756 square feet of commercial space, and 24 condominium units, including one low-income and one moderate income unit, consistent with the City’s BMR Ordinance (55 du/ac). Building permits were approved, but not issued yet as of June 2022. Property was sold and will move forward with a new owner.
The property was previous occupied by two commercial buildings containing restaurant/bar uses. 1525 San Carlos Ave
This four-story mixed-use project located in the Mixed-Use San Carlos Avenue (MU-SC) district on a .3- acre lot will include 740 square feet of commercial space, and 18 residential units, including one lowincome and 2 moderate income units consistent with the City’s BMR Ordinance (60 du/ac). Under construction as of June 2022, the property was previously occupied by one single-unit residence and an accessory dwelling unit.
1240 El Camino Real
This four-story mixed-use project located in the Mixed-Use South Boulevard (MU-SB) district on a .15-acre lot will include 6,683 square feet of commercial space, and 8 residential units, including one moderate income unit consistent with the City’s BMR Ordinance, resulting in a density of 53 du/ac. Under construction as of June 2022, the property was previously occupied by a single-story commercial building containing a bakery/restaurant.
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Proposed Projects
Proposed projects listed here are either City-initiated projects or have an active submitted planning entitlement application under review with the Community Development Department.
1232 Cherry
In 2021, the City acquired the property at 1232 Cherry Street through eminent domain. Concept plans are being developed. This project will combine two parcels, one currently owned and operated by HIP Housing with six units of affordable housing and the other underutilized retail, to create a new housing project with 35 total units, all affordable to low- income households. The City’s uniform relocation policy will apply for the existing affordable units.
150 - 160 Vista Del Grande
This low density residential development in the RS-6 zone is slated to develop 89 townhomes. Consistent with the City’s BMR Ordinance, 11 units will be reserved for low-income households. With a lot size of
12.2 acres, the resulting density will be 7.3 du/ac. As of June 2022, the application was deemed incomplete and City staff is awaiting the applicant’s resubmittal. The applicant is working with the City to develop more specifics for the BMR plan. The site was previously vacant. 308 Phelps
This low density residential development in the RS-3 zone is slated to develop nine single family residences and five accessory dwelling units. With a lot size of three acres, the resulting density will be approximately 3 du/ac (not including the accessory dwelling units). The site was previously vacant.
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808 Alameda de las Pulgas
This low density residential development in the RS-6 zone is slated to develop 87 townhomes, including 10 below market rate units. With a lot size of 11.43 acres, the resulting density will be 7.7 du/ac. The site was previously vacant. The application is under review as of October 2022 with release of the EIR anticipated in November and hearings in early 2023.
1360 Cherry
This four-story mixed-use project located in the Mixed-Use Downtown (MU-CD) district on a 0.18-acre lot will include 937 square feet of commercial space, and 6 condominium units, resulting in a density of 34 du/ac. The application is under review as of June 2022. The site was previously occupied by a single-unit residence.
1383 Laurel
This four-story mixed-use project replaces a one-story auto-service and parts shop and includes groundfloor retail, a parking garage, and three levels of residential units above (15 units; including two very lowincome units in compliance with the City’s BMR Ordinance). The planning application is currently (as of June 2022) under review.
The City’s development trends provide additional assurance regarding the likelihood of redevelopment. The City has seen a significant increase in housing development over the past decade, with projects both large and small. With the upcoming increase in allowable density associated with the Zoning Ordinance amendment (Action HOU-4.2), the City anticipates demand to continue to increase. With regard to smaller projects, very few projects “drop out” of the development process without being constructed. In general, nearly all small projects proposed have developed. Those few small projects that are not completed have less experienced developers or are owner builders, and when construction costs are realized, the applicant withdraws. With regard to large projects, the vast majority of these types of projects, when they are at a formal application or approval phase (like the projects in Table 4.5-2) come to fruition. For example, of the four projects listed with Planning Approval in Table 4.5-2, all are moving forward. One is under construction as of January 2023 (782 Elm), one is for sale with the entitlements included (626 Walnut) by a developer who has multiple other active projects in San Carlos, one is requesting a condominium map, which will
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result in activating the requirement for on-site affordable housing (1257 Magnolia), and one has building permit approval and partial fees paid (616 Cedar). All proposed projects in Table 4.5-2 are moving forward as well.
The units are expected to be available during the planning period.
If any of any of the following units are not constructed, the site inventory reflects a generous surplus to ensure that adequate sites are available and the RHNA can be met. The City will continue to support housing development projects through technical assistance and will track progress toward the RHNA on these sites through Action HOU-3.7 (No Net Loss).
Sites Inventory
The Housing Element Sites Inventory consists of accessory dwelling unit (ADU) projections , SB 9 duplex construction projections, and vacant and underutilized sites in residential and mixed-use areas. Together, these sites ensure that the remaining RHNA can adequately be accommodated during the planning period. The sites have no identified constraints that would prevent development or reuse during the Housing Element period. The addition of minimum density requirements also ensures that sites will develop to their fullest potential. Table 4.5- 3 summarizes the sites inventory, which is graphically
represented in Figures 4.5-1. Appendix A includes site specific information for each identified site.
Table 4.5-3: Sites to Meet the RHNA
Project
Extremely/
Very LowIncome (0-
50% AMI)
Low-Income
(50-80%
AMI)
ModerateIncome
(80-120%
AMI)
Above
ModerateIncome
(+120%)
Total
RHNA After Approved/Proposed Projects
are credited (Table 4.5-2) 736 362 431 854 2,383
Projected ADU construction 10 61 102 30 203
Projected SB 9 duplex construction -- -- -- 160 160
Vacant/Underutilized Residential Sites 3149 180 81147 238172 368368 Vacant/Underutilized Mixed-Use Sites 9861,490 5840 293481 739520 2,6022,491 Total Sites 10271,549 66361 476730 1007882 3,1733,222
RHNA Status (+surplus/-deficit) +813291 -+301 +29945 +28153 +839790 Redistributed RHNA Status (+surplus/-deficit) +512 +299 +28 +839
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Table 4.5-3: Sites to Meet the RHNA
Project
Extremely/
Very LowIncome (0-
50% AMI)
Low-Income
(50-80%
AMI)
ModerateIncome
(80-120%
AMI)
Above
ModerateIncome
(+120%)
Total
Notes:
AMI: Area Median Income
Estimated ADU production is credited toward the RHNA consistent with HCD guidelines and ABAG affordability distribution assumptions (ABAG Affordability of Accessory Dwelling Units, 2021)
Sites identified to meet the very low-income RHNA are also qualified to meet the low-income RHNA. As such, the redistributed RHNA is intended to show how the City is meeting the lower income RHNA, inclusive of both the very-low and low-income RHNA.
ADU Projections
Since 2017, the Legislature has passed a series of new laws that significantly increase the potential for development of new ADUs and Junior ADUs (JADUs) by removing development barriers, allowing ADUs through ministerial permits, and requiring jurisdictions to include programs in their housing element that incentivize their development. Interest in constructing ADUs is high in San Carlos and continues to grow. In 2018, 19 ADUs received building permits; in 2019, 14 ADUs received building permits; in 2020, 29 ADUs received building permits; and in 2021, 33 ADUs received building permits. Although there was a 26 percent decrease between 2018 and 2019, there was a 107 percent increase between 2019 and 2020, and a 13 percent increase between 2020 and 2021. The City estimates that interest will continue to increase over the next few years before leveling off.
San Carlos’s diverse built environment includes many singlefamily neighborhoods; as such there is ample capacity for additional ADUs. As of 2021, there were 8,228 parcels zoned R-3 and R-6, totaling 1,542 acres. In addition, ADUs are permitted in multi-family developments and mixed-use developments, which are allowed within a significant share of San Carlos, including Downtown, the neighborhoods surrounding Downtown, and
large portions of the major corridors. The ongoing increase in ADU development experienced in recent years is likely to be representative of ADU production moving forward, based on trends in San Carlos, new and pending favorable legislation that creates new incentives and streamlined processes to build ADUs, and the pent-up demand for additional housing in San Carlos and the Bay Area region at large. While it is impossible to predict with certainty the exact number of ADUs that will be developed in the planning period (2023-2031), the City conservatively estimates:
• An average of 24 ADUs per year will be constructed
throughout the planning period. This reflects the average number of building permits issued for ADUs between
2018 and 2021. Given the anticipated increase in ADUs
over the near term, this is a conservative estimate.
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• Between July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022, an estimated 12 units are anticipated (as the RHNA planning period
starts July 1, 2022).
• In 2030, an estimated 23 units are anticipated (as the RHNA planning period ends December 15, 2030).
• A total of 203 ADUs can be predicted to be constructed during the planning period.
The affordability assumptions for the ADUs are based on the ABAG Housing Technical Assistance Team ADU affordability analysis for the 6th cycle RHNA, which was pre-certified by HCD.
This analysis used a conservative interpretation that assumes more moderate and above moderate ADUs than the research found and as such represent a conservative assumption of affordability for San Carlos.
In general, ABAG2 estimates an affordability breakdown of ADUs in the Bay Area as follows:
• 30% extremely low- and very low-income
• 30% low-income
• 30% moderate-income
• 10% above moderate-income.
Although ADUs are often affordable, the analysis conducted by ABAG notes that many ADUs are affordable to lower and
moderate-income households because they are rented to family 2 ABAG Housing Technical Assistance Team: Affordability of Accessory Dwelling Units: A report and recommendations for RHNA 6, September 8, 2021. and friends of the homeowners. If minorities are
underrepresented among homeowners, the families and
potentially friends of the homeowners will be primarily white.
Therefore, relying too heavily on ADUs could inadvertently exacerbate patterns of segregation and exclusion. Conversely, ADUs accomplish an important fair housing goal by adding new homes in parts of the city that are more likely to be areas of opportunity. As such, jurisdictions with concentrated areas of affluence (as noted in Figure 4.6-23, all of San Carlos is identified as an area of affluence) may want to use more conservative assumptions based on open market rentals, excluding units made available to family and friends. As such, the San Carlos Housing Element conservatively estimates an affordability of ADUs for the planning period as follows:
• 5% extremely low- and very low-income
• 30% low-income
• 50% moderate-income
• 15% above moderate-income.
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SB 9 Projections
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In September 2021, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill
(SB) 9 into law, with an effective date of January 1, 2022. SB 9 (1) mandates ministerial approval of duplexes on lots zoned for a single-family residence and (2) requires ministerial approval of subdivisions of a single-family lot into two lots, creating the theoretical possibility of four units on each singlefamily parcel in the state (with some exceptions). The Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley conducted
extensive analysis statewide to determine how many parcels could feasibly utilize the provisions of SB 93 and found that approximately seven percent of single-family parcels
throughout the State may redevelop in this way. In San Carlos, the Terner Center identified 8,100 single-family parcels, of which 6,400 are eligible for SB 9 development. The Terner Center eliminated parcels where market feasibility would deter SB 9 use and concluded that approximately 500 new units were market feasible under SB 9 regulations (rounded to nearest 100). The Terner analysis does not set a horizon year for this buildout. A GIS analysis shows that there are 8,229 parcels zoned for single family development (RS-3 and RS-6).
Assuming that larger parcels would be easier to develop with additional units or split lots, the City identified 2,136 parcels greater than or equal to 0.2 acres (greater than the average lot size for the RS-3 and RS-6 zones of 0.18 acres). Removing parcels that contain any use other than a single-family home or vacant, and removing parcels located in fire severity zones yields 1,068 remaining parcels, shown on Figure 4.5-2.
Conservatively estimating that 15 percent of this ultimate projection could occur in the next eight years, a projection for an additional 160 housing units through SB 9 lot splits and duplex provisions are assumed for the next planning period.
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Because the affordability of such units is unknown at this time, they are allocated to the above-moderate income category. In 2022, the City adopted an urgency ordinance to align with State law for SB 9 units and lot splits and has initiated the drafting of objective design standards.
Density, Capacity, and Affordability Assumptions
Consistent with HCD guidelines, methodology for determining realistic capacity on each identified site must account for land use controls and site improvements. To estimate of the number of units for each site, the City considered applicable the land use controls and site improvements, and trends related to market feasibility and typical densities of existing or approved residential developments at a similar affordability level in that jurisdiction. The Housing Element sites inventory surveyed large-scale residential and mixed-use development projects approved since 2015 to develop estimates related to potential development. Most recent projects have achieved built densities very near maximum densities, particularly those in mixed use areas. Some projects have exceeded maximums due to the use of density bonuses in exchange for the provision of affordable housing. Combined, all approved residential and mixed-use projects since 2015 had an average density of 86 percent of the maximum allowable density (Table 4.5-4). Residential zones had a lower average, of 53 percent of allowed capacity. Mixed use 3 Ben Metcalf, David Garcia, Ian Carlton, Kate MacFarlane. “Will Allowing Duplexes and Lot Splits on Parcels Zoned for Single-Family Create New zones had an actual density of 107 percent of allowed density, due to extensive use of the State Density Bonus law.
In residential zones, many zoning changes will be implemented concurrently with the Housing Element that will encourage higher levels of density in the zones. In particular, the maximum density of multifamily zones is being increased and a minimum density requirement is being implemented. As such, for realistic capacity of future sites, the minimum required density is used for capacity calculations.
In mixed use zones, past precedence in San Carlos shows a density of 107 percent of allowed density. Because of the City’s Below Market Rate Ordinance and the high cost of land in mixeduse zones, developers have opted to maximize development potential and use the Density Bonus to achieve development beyond maximum levels, which is reflected in the development trends. In conjunction with the Housing Element, Action HOU4.2 implements Zoning Ordinance amendments which will include not only an increase in density for mixed-use zoning districts, but also will institute a new minimum density requirement (approximately 75 percent of maximum density) to ensure anticipated housing densities are achievedthe zones are also being revised to increase the maximum densities. To be conservative, rather using 107 percent of allowed density, the Homes? Assessing the Viability of New Housing Supply Under California’s Senate Bill 9.” A Terner Center Report, July 2021.
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realistic capacity calculations assume 100 percent of density for mixed use zones. In addition,85 percent of maximum allowable density to account for the potential that a site in a mixed-use zone may develop with nonresidential uses, and an additional multiplier of 85 percent for mixed use sites was applied to determine realistic capacity. The sections that follow provide more detail on these assumptions.
Affordability
Based on state law (California Government Code Section
65583.2[c][3]), sites that allow development densities of at least 30 units per acre are credited toward the lower-income RHNA. The Government Code states that if a local government has adopted density standards consistent with the population-based criteria set by state law (at least 30 units per acre for San Carlos), HCD is obligated to accept sites with those density standards (30 units per acre or higher) as appropriate for accommodating the jurisdiction’s share of regional housing need for lower-income households. To reflect the distribution of the lower income RHNA (63 percent extremely/very low-income and 37 percent low-income), sites appropriate for accommodating the
jurisdiction’s share of regional housing need for lower-income households are split between the extremely/very low- and lowincome categories (63 percent and 37 percent respectively).
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Table 4.5-4: Recent/Active Projects’ Density
Year
Approved Project Name Zone
Ex/Very
LowIncome
Units
LowIncome
Units
ModerateIncome
Units
Above
ModerateIncome
Units
Units Acres Allowed
Density
Actual
Density
% of
Allowed
Density
2015 1312 Laurel Street MU-N 0 0 0 2 2 0.11 20 18.99 95% 2015 1501 San Carlos Ave MU-SC 0 0 0 6 6 0.16 59 36.55 62% 2015
1525 San Carlos
Avenue MU-SC 0 1 2 15 18 0.30 59 60.31 102%
2015 530 Walnut Street RM-59 0 0 0 9 9 0.20 59 46.01 78% 2015 545 Walnut Street MU-D 0 0 0 9 9 0.17 50 52.04 104% 2015 657 Walnut Street PD 0 0 0 109 109 2.90 N/A 37.59 N/A 2015 977 Laurel Street MU-D 1 0 0 7 8 0.14 50 58.08 116% 2016 520 El Camino Real MU-DC 0 0 1 8 9 0.19 50 46.73 93% 2017
1667 San Carlos
Avenue MU-SC 0 0 0 6 6 0.18 59 33.91 57%
2017 500 Walnut Street RM-59 0 0 0 4 4 0.12 59 33.19 56% 2018
1040-1052 Laurel
Street MU-N 0 0 0 6 6 0.28 20 21.78 109%
2018
1257 Magnolia
Avenue RM-59 0 2 0 7 9 0.22 59 41.79 71%
2018
549 Prospect
Avenue* RM-59 0 0 0 4 4 0.15 59 26.84 45%
2018
575 Prospect
Avenue* RM-59 0 0 0 3 3 0.13 59 23.93 41%
2018 782 Elm Street RM-59 0 0 0 4 4 0.16 59 24.89 42%
2019 1240 El Camino Real MU-SB 0 0 1 7 8 0.15 50 52.14 104% 2019 560 El Camino Real MU-DC 0 1 2 22 2425 0.43 50 55.46 111% 2019 616 Cedar Street RM-59 0 0 0 4 4 0.18 59 22.50 38% 2019 817 Walnut Street MU-DC 23 0 0 1 24 0.24 50 99.15 198% 2020 626 Walnut Street MU-DC 0 3 1 31 35 0.61 50 57.52 115%
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Table 4.5-4: Recent/Active Projects’ Density
Year
Approved Project Name Zone
Ex/Very
LowIncome
Units
LowIncome
Units
ModerateIncome
Units
Above
ModerateIncome
Units
Units Acres Allowed
Density
Actual
Density
% of
Allowed
Density
Approved Projects Total Average: 86%
Approved Projects Residential Zone Average: 53%
Approved Projects Mixed-Use Zone Average: 107%
In Review 1360 Cherry Street MU-DC 0 0 0 6 6 0.18 50 33.96 68% In Review 1383 Laurel Street MU-SB 2 0 0 13 15 0.19 50 78.57 157% In Review 308 Phelps Road RS-3 0 0 1 13 14 3.00 3 4.67 156% In Review
808 Alameda De Las
Pulgas RS-6 0 3 7 77 87 11.24 6 7.74 129%
In Review Vista Del Grande RS-6 0 11 0 78 89 12.20 6 7.30 122% Anticipated
Project 11 El Camino PD-17 23 12 0 196 231 2.20 N/A 105.00 N/A Anticipated
Project 1232 Cherry MU-DC 32 0 0 1 3433
0.32 50 106.25 213%
* Projects were approved but have not applied for building permits.
Sites that can qualify for 100 percent affordable units based on the allowed density but do not meet the size parameters established by AB 1397 (0.5-10 acres) are split evenly between the moderateand above moderate-income categories. To reflect the distribution of the upper income RHNA (28 percent moderateincome and 72 percent above moderate-income), sites identified in the moderate-income category are split between the moderateand above moderate-income categories (28 percent and 72 percent respectively).
Opportunities and affordability for renting and ownership differ in San Carlos. Historically, many cities throughout the State have actively discouraged the provision of multi-family or entry-level housing. As a result, San Carlos has disproportionately accommodated single family homeowners and provided fewer opportunities for renters (28 percent of San Carlos households are renters). As noted in Chapter 3 (Needs Assessment), average rents are within the fair market rent for the region, but median home sale prices in San Carlos are $500,000 more than the median for San Mateo County. Due to the significantly higher housing costs in San Carlos relative to other San Mateo County
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communities, the City has decided to upzone residential zones in proximity to major corridors up to 100 dwelling units per acre and mixed-use zones up to 120 dwelling units per acre (doubling existing densities) to facilitate the development of affordable housing for all households.
Residential Zones - Site Assumptions
The analysis of land for residential sites utilized City Geographic Information System (GIS) data to identify vacant and
underutilized parcels in the four residential zones: RS-3, RS-6, RM-59, and RM-100. To calculate realistic potential units in residential areas, potential site constraints and applicable development standards were considered. In residential areas, underutilized parcels generally are occupied by only one or two single-family homes, parking lots, and nonconforming uses. Sites in the RS-6 (maximum density of six units per acre) and RS-3 (maximum density of 3 units per acre) zones are identified to meet the above moderate-income RHNA. Sites in the RM-59 and RM-100 (maximum density of 59 and 100 units per acre
respectively) are identified to meet the lower-income RHNA.
Small sites (less than one-half acre) are credited toward the moderate- and above-moderate income categories to account for a potential variety of types, sizes, and amenity levels in future higher-density development projects.
The Housing Element sites inventory surveyed large-scale residential and mixed-use development projects approved since 2015 to develop estimates related to potential development.
Combined, all approved residential and mixed-use projects since 2015 had an average density of 86 percent of the maximum allowable density (Table 4.5-4). Residential zones had a lower average, of 53 percent of allowed capacity. Two significant initiatives are anticipated to revise the trend in residential zoning districts which resulted in production of housing that was less than the maximum allowable density. First, previously, the City’s Below Market Rate Ordinance required compliance for all residential developments of seven or more units. For mid-sized projects where the maximum allowed densities would result in between seven units to approximately 12 units, most developers (estimated at 90 percent) were opting to stay below seven units, providing six units instead and sometimes substantially below density (but with much larger units). In 2022, the City updated the BMR Ordinance to lower the threshold for constructing affordable units from a minimum of seven units to a minimum of five units for all ownership projects; the threshold for rental projects remains at seven units. Second, Action HOU-4.2 implements Zoning Ordinance amendments which will include not only an increase in density for higher density residential neighborhoods and mixed-use areas, but also will institute a new minimum density requirement (approximately 75 percent of maximum density) to ensure anticipated housing densities are achieved. As such, to provide a conservative estimate of realistic capacity for the sites inventory, minimum densities are used to calculate realistic capacity in the RM-59 and RM-100 zones. Due to the already low intensity of single-family zones, maximum density is used to calculate realistic capacity in the RS-3 and RS-6 zones.
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Table 4.5-5: Recent/Active Projects on Residential Land Project Name Zone Acres # of
Units
Allowed
Density
(du/ac)
Developed
Density
(du/ac)
Year
Approved
Affordability
Level Previous Use
530 Walnut Street RM-59 0.20 9 59 46.0 2015 AM Single family home 500 Walnut Street RM-59 0.12 4 59 33.2 2017 AM Single family home 1257 Magnolia Avenue RM-59 0.22 9 59 41.8 2018 AM Single family home and ADU 549 Prospect Avenue RM-59 0.15 4 59 26.8 2018 AM Single family home 575 Prospect Avenue RM-59 0.13 3 59 23.9 2018 AM 1 residential unit, plus 1 commercial office unit 782 Elm Street RM-59 0.16 4 59 24.9 2018 AM Single family home 616 Cedar Street RM-59 0.18 4 59 22.5 2019 AM 2 single family homes 808 Alameda De Las Pulgas RS-6 11.24 87 6 7.74 In Review L, AM 3 single family homes 155-160 Vista Del Grande RS-6 12.20 74 6 6.1 In Review L, AM Vacant 308 Phelps Road RS-6 3.00 14 3 4.66 In Review AM Vacant Action HOU-3.8 is included in the Housing Plan requiring the replacement of units affordable to the same or lower income level as a condition of any development on a nonvacant site consistent with those requirements set forth in Government Code section 65915(c)(3). These assumptions are considered realistic and based on trends, evidence, and minimum density requirements.
Due to the predominantly built-out nature of San Carlos, most development occurs as infill development and replaces less intense uses. The scarcity of land makes higher-density development highly cost effective in the RM-59 and RM-100 zones. Recycling to higher intensity uses is expected to continue.
Even so, the City acknowledges that small lot development in residential areas may be more difficult and thus has only identified properties that have the potential for sufficient added capacity to make recycling of land economically feasible.
In the multifamily zones, 19 of the 26 24 parcels (73 79 percent) are currently developed with single family homes and the zoning allows for an increase in units that ranges from 600 800 percent to 2,600 500 percent. The calculations presented in Tables 4.5-7 and
4.5-8 do not include potential density bonus units. Many of the sites identified in the RM-59 and RM-100 zone offer opportunities for lot consolidation. For lower income sites identified to meet the lower income RHNA, consolidation is only assumed if the properties are under common ownership.
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Existing Uses
Demand for higher density housing in San Carlos is high even for sites developed with residential uses. Tables 4.5-5 shows that in residential zones, redevelopment of sites has occurred
throughout the city, often replacing single-unit residential, with or without accessory dwelling units already on site. As indicated in Table 4.5-5, several residential projects were developed below the allowable densities in recent years. To encourage higher density construction, the City is implementing multiple mechanisms:
• By January 2023, the Zoning Ordinance will be revised to add a new residential zone that allows up to 100 units per acre.
• Concurrent with the Housing Element, the Zoning
Ordinance will be revised to add minimum densities to
all residential zones, at approximately 75 percent of
maximum density.
• In June 2022, the City revised the Below Market Rate
Ordinance to reduce the threshold for providing
inclusionary units on site for ownership projects from
seven to five units.
Mixed-Use Zones - Site Assumptions
The potential for development of residential units in mixed-use areas is predicated on the interest from developers and on the limited opportunities for higher-density development elsewhere in the immediate surrounding areas. Most projects in mixed-use areas occur at or near maximum density and several have utilized density bonuses to exceed maximum densities. Demand for housing is high in mixed-use zones; at the same time there is to a lesser degree demand for office and hotel space. To determine realistic capacity in mixed-use zones, two factors are considered:
(1) estimated average densities of residential and mixed-use development and (2) the likelihood that nonresidential
development may occur rather than residential development.
To determine average densities, a review of all approved projects in mixed use zones since 2015 was conducted. Residential and mixed-use projects in Mixed Use Zones averaged 107 percent of the allowed capacity for the zone, due to extensive use of the State Density Bonus law. Even when analyzing the average
development buildout without including density bonus units, projects in Mixed Use Zones averaged 92 percent of the allowed capacity for the zone (See Table 4.5-4.). To consider the potential for nonresidential development, the City reviewed all projects (residential and nonresidential) in mixed-use zones since 2015.
During that time, 20 projects were developed (Table 4.5-6), of which three (15 percent) were nonresidential. The remaining 17 projects (85 percent) were residential or mixed-use. To provide a conservative estimate of realistic capacity for the sites inventory, an 85 percent multiplier is applied in mixed-use zones to account for the potential redevelopment with nonresidential uses. Of the fifteen mixed-use projects in Table 4.5-4, twelve (or 80 percent of mixed-use projects) had actual densities that exceeded 85 percent of maximum allowable density. Larger mixed-use projects were able to achieve the highest densities. Only three (of fifteen total mixed-use projects since 2015) had densities less than 85 percent
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of maximum allowable density. The average size of those projects was 6 units. In the inventory, 84 of 134 sites (parcels) or 63 percent had a realistic capacity higher than six units. In fact, the average size of mixed-use sites was 19 units.
These higher density trends are a result of the extensive use of density bonus provisions. In addition to the State’s density bonus law, the City has enacted a local density bonus program. The City’s zoning code (18.17.030) allows residential owner-occupied developments with one or more on-site below market rate units that are affordable to low-income households, or to a lower income category to be granted one additional unit for each unit affordable to low-income households or to a lower income category. Residential rental developments with one or more onsite below market rate units that are affordable to low-income households may be granted two additional units for each unit affordable to low-income households. Residential rental developments with one or more on-site below market rate units that are affordable to very low-income households, or to a lower income category, may be granted four additional units for each unit affordable to very low-income households or to a lower income category. More than half (60 percent or nine) mixed use projects in Table 4.5-4 include affordable (below market rate) units. Realistic capacity assumption in this Element do not reflect the potential use of density bonus programs but the availability of the state and local programs ensures that a high proportion of future development will reach actual densities higher than what is assumed in the inventory (85 percent of maximum). Based on the City’s strong history of mixed-use developments exceeding maximum allowable densities (and recent amendments to the City’s Below Market Rate Ordinance to reduce the threshold of compliance from seven units to five units for ownership product (the majority of projects), the use of 85 percent of maximum densities for mixed use sites is realistic, reasonable, and attainable.
The City has undertaken a comprehensive zoning update
(anticipated adoption in January 2023), whereby the City will increase housing capacity by revising zoning standards for mixed-use areas to allow up to 120 units per acre and minimum densities at approximately 75 percent of maximum. All mixeduse sites are in zones that will have adopted minimum densities that range from 30 units per acre to 90 units per acre. State guidance indicates that if the jurisdiction has adopted a law, policy, procedure, or other regulation that requires the development of a site to contain at least a certain minimum residential density, the jurisdiction can utilize that minimum density to determine the capacity of a site. In this inventory, the capacity calculation used is slightly higher than the minimum density because on average previous projects have occurred at 107 percent of the allowed capacity for the zone. In addition, a significant surplus of sites has been identified well beyond the City’s required RHNA.
Previous and pipeline projects in mixed use areas have
accommodated a mix of incomes. For example, 817 Walnut Street (approved in 2019) includes 23 very low-income units and one moderate/caretaker unit. In addition, projects comply with the
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City’s BMR Ordinance to provide a portion of housing affordable to lower-income households throughout the city. These trends indicate that sites in mixed use areas are appropriate for accommodating the very low, low, and moderate-income RHNA.
Small sites (less than one-half acre) are credited toward the moderate- and above-moderate income categories to account for a potential variety of types, sizes, and amenity levels in future higher-density development projects.
The summary of recent projects where residential development is currently occurring (Table 4.5-6) shows that there are a variety of existing uses that are being recycled and replaced with more intense housing, ranging from single-unit residential, small apartment buildings, commercial buildings, offices, and parking lots.
Site Selection
To identify additional sites with potential for new development or recycling opportunities, the following criteria were used:
• Parcel is currently vacant; or
• If parcel is not vacant:
o Property owner has expressed interest in
redevelopment. In December 2022, the City surveyed
property owners of sites included in the inventory as
well as owners of potential sites not included. Several property owners indicated that they were not
interested in redevelopment, and those sites have
been removed from the inventory. As a result of the
survey, several sites that had been previously
identified as potential but not included as a site to
meet the RHNA, were added to the inventory based
on property owner interest. Overwhelmingly site
owners showed varying degrees of interest and many
inquired about the extent of residential development
that could be allowed.
o Existing uses are multi-family residential
(condominiums or apartments) only if the additional
potential capacity is at least three times the existing number of uses and no developments with more than
10 units.
o Characteristics of existing uses such as older or
declining uses or uses developed significantly below
potential realistic capacity.
o Land values vs. improvement values. In some cases, a
parcel is included with a higher improvement value if
the structure is older or shows obvious signs of
deferred maintenance or if the site is underutilized
(characterized by large surface parking or unused
surface area on the site or have a significant increase in capacity potential). On residential sites, most sites with higher improvement values are developed with
single-family homes on properties designated for
multi-family uses at densities of 45 to 59 units per acre.
These sites have the potential for at least a seven-fold increase in capacity.
o No recent, significant enhancements have been made
(exempt enhancements include site cleanup or paint)
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Identifying potential sites must balance available information on the site with a visual and contextual assessment. While data pointing at older structures or high improvement value can give a good sense of the redevelopment potential, for many sites visual cues are important. There are a few sites where the data indicates a higher improvement value or a newer structure, but a visual assessment shows that a structure shows signs of disrepair or is underdeveloped in comparison with development nearby. On the other hand, a site with older structures and a very high land value may not be an ideal site due to a new tenant that has invested in façade improvements such as paint and signage or the nature of the use limits the redevelopment potential, such as a convalescent home. While any of these properties can redevelop, this sites inventory presents the City’s good faith effort to identify sites that show the most potential for redevelopment.
Small Sites
The scarcity of land makes higher-density development very cost-effective, and development most often occurs on small lots in San Carlos. As indicated in Table 4.5-4, very few projects occur on sites that are over 0.50 acres. Of the 26 major development projects that have occurred in recent years, half occurred on lots that were 0.19 acres or less, with projects occurring on lots as small as 0.11 or 0.12 acres. 100-percent affordable housing developments have also been constructed/are being proposed on small lots, including 817 Walnut (23 affordable units on 0.24 acres) and 1232 Cherry (34 affordable units on 0.32 acres). In the inventory, 65 percent of parcels used to meet the lower-income RHNA are greater than 0.5 acres and can be stand-alone sites (no consolidation needed). Eleven of the 31 lower income sites are smaller than 0.5 acres, but these sites are included because combined with adjacent, commonly-owned parcels the sites exceed the 0.5 acre threshold. With common ownership, the parcels function together as one site without consolidation constraints.
Lot Consolidation Potential
Many of the sites identified in the RM-59 and the new RM-100 zonein the inventory offer opportunities for lot consolidation.
Nevertheless, lot consolidation assumptions in the inventory are minimal. Only adjacent parcels that are under common
ownership are assumed to have lot consolidation potential. Of the 169 parcels in the inventory, only 44 (or 26 percent) assume lot consolidation potential, all of these due to common ownership.
Because of common ownership, these function as one larger site.
As density increases, the likelihood of lot consolidation increases as well. For example, the City has received a request for a lot consolidation for a potential residential project at 240-260 El Camino Real. For lower income sites, consolidation is only assumed if the properties are under common ownership.
Existing Uses on Non-Vacant Sites and Development of NonResidential Uses Much of the City’s housing capacity is on sites with zoning that allows both residential and non-residential uses. It is difficult for the City to forecast how properties with zones that permit both stand-alone residential uses, mixed use with a residential component, and stand-alone non-residential uses, such as
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commercial or office, will develop. However, the City has seen significant numbers of development projects in the City that mirror many of the characteristics of development opportunities in the site inventory.
San Carlos is a primarily built out community. However, the City recognizes that it must provide opportunities for new residential uses throughout the City. The City has seen an increased interest in residential development in non-residential and mixed-use zoning districts due to the scarcity of redevelopable residential land and the acute demand for new residential which has made residential development more lucrative. Residential uses in proximity to services and transportation corridors will also be in demand due to AB 2097, a new state law that prohibits parking minimums near transit corridors and transit stops.
The City anticipates increased residential developments in the City’s mixed-use zones for the following reasons:
• There is a general lack of developable residential land in the City.
• There has been a significant level of development of
residential uses in mixed-use zoning districts. Table 4.5-4 shows that since 2015 among the 27 approved or in
process residential projects, more than half (15 or 55
percent) are in mixed-use zoning districts. Table 4.5-6 shows that most of the recent mixed-use projects involve the conversion of non-residential uses. Uses on the
projects identified in Table 4.5-6 are similar and consistent with uses on sites allowing a mix of uses identified in the sites inventory as well as similar size (greater than half an acre), and locations.
• There is a marked increase in inquiries and expressed interest by property owners to redevelop non-residential sites into residential uses, a trend seen in the surrounding region. In December 2022, the City surveyed property
owners of sites included in the inventory as well as
owners of potential sites not previously included. Several property owners indicated that they were not interested in redevelopment, and those sites have been removed
from the inventory. As a result of the survey, several sites previously identified as potential but not included, were added to the inventory based on property owner interest.
Overwhelmingly site owners showed varying degrees of
interest and many inquired about the extent of residential development that could be allowed.
• Revisions to the General Plan land use categories and Zoning Ordinance amendments (Action HOU-4.2) will
significantly incentivize mixed use development by
allowing more intense residential development. Due to
the significantly higher housing costs in San Carlos
relative to other San Mateo County communities, the City has decided to increase housing capacity by revising
zoning standards for mixed-use areas to allow up to 120 units per acre and minimum densities at approximately
75 percent of maximum.
• The City is strengthening incentives for transit-oriented development by updating the Zoning Ordinance to
reference/incorporate the minimum parking prohibitions
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associated with AB 2097, effective January 1, 2023, within
0.5 miles of public transit (as defined in AB 2097) in all zoning districts. Over 80 percent of parcels in the site inventory are located within 0.5 miles of public transit, including bus service on El Camino Real (State Route 82) and the Caltrain regional rail line.
• For residential only development in Mixed Use zones, the City will remove additional required setbacks (i.e.,
removing requirement to follow RM-59 zoning setbacks),
which will remove constraints to development.
• The City will remove guest parking in Mixed-Use zones. • The City has committed to building on outreach
conducted during the Housing Element update and will
continue to proactively outreach to property owners with a survey on how the city can support redevelopment/new
housing efforts.
• Existing uses: The existing site uses in Table 4.5-6 mirror that of the City’s current inventory. In the Downtown and along major corridors, historically non-residential areas, the sites have a mix of older stand-alone commercial uses some with surface parking areas. Mixed-use sites are
characterized by having a variety of commercial uses, but the site selection focused on smaller scale uses such as small stores or buildings. Large multi-story buildings and sites that showed signs of improvement were not
included.
• Size: Mixed-use sites (most are stand-alone parcels) in the inventory have an average size of 0.25 acres. Table 4.5-6 shows that most mixed-use projects with residential
components on sites with existing uses and with the
potential for development of non-residential uses, have a median size of 0.23 acres. Close to two-thirds of mixeduse projects are 0.25 acres in size or smaller. Sites that are less than 0.5 acres in size are identified to meet the
moderate and above moderate-income RHNA.
• Location: The example projects resemble the sites
included in the inventory in that they are located along major commercial corridors or in areas that have
historically been developed with non-residential uses. In response to increased interest in residential development along this corridor, the City has decided to increase
housing capacity by revising zoning standards for mixeduse areas to allow up to 120 units per acre and minimum densities at approximately 75 percent of maximum. More
than three-quarters of parcels in the site inventory are located within 0.25 mile of El Camino Real.
In general, the market in San Carlos and the surrounding region supports housing as the highest and best use of property, yielding highest returns for property owners, especially in existing neighborhoods, along corridors, and in Downtowns with access to goods, services, and high-quality transit. Based on this analysis and future efforts undertaken through the Housing Plan, the City concludes that likelihood that the identified units will be developed as noted in the inventory in zones that allow 100 percent nonresidential uses is high and that existing uses will not impede additional residential development.
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Table 4.5-6: Recent/Active and Anticipated/Conceptual Projects in Mixed Use Zones Project Name Zone Acres # of
Units
Allowed
Density
(du/ac)
Developed
Density
(du/ac)
Year
Approved
Affordability
Level Previous Use
545 Walnut Street MU-D 0.17 9 50 52 2015 AM Single family home 977 Laurel Street MU-D 0.14 8 50 58 2015 VL,AM 7-unit multifamily building 1312 Laurel Street MU-N 0.11 2 20 19 2015 AM Single-story commercial building; sandwich spot 657 Walnut Street PD 2.90 109 50 37.6 2015 AM public parking lot and commercial buildings 1525 San Carlos Avenue MU-SC 0.30 18 59 60 2015 L,M,AM Single family home and ADU 1501 San Carlos Avenue MU-SC 0.16 6 59 37 2015 AM Single family home and ADU 520 El Camino Real MU-DC 0.19 9 50 47 2016 M,AM Vacant
644-685 Laurel Street MU-DC 0.25 Office 50 -- 2016 -- Retail 26 El Camino Real MU-NB 0.63 Hotel 50 -- 2017 -- Hotel
1040-1052 Laurel Street MU-N 0.28 6 20 21 2018 AM 2 single family homes 1240 El Camino Real MU-SB 0.15 8 50 52 2019 M,AM Single-story commercial building with restaurant/bakery
560 El Camino Real MU-DC 0.43 24 50 55 2019 L,M,AM 2 commercial buildings; 1 bar and 1 restaurant 817 Walnut Street MU-DC 0.24 24 50 99 2019 VL 7-unit multifamily building 1667 San Carlos Avenue MU-SC 0.18 6 59 34 2017 AM 3-unit multifamily building 626 Walnut Street MU-DC 0.61 35 50 58 2020 L,M 2-story commercial building, 1-story commercial building, 2-story residential building (8 units)
993 Laurel MU-D 0.21 Office 50 -- 2020 -- Hair Salon
1360 Cherry Street MU-DC 0.18 6 50 34 In Review AM Single family home 1383 Laurel MU-SB 0.19 15 50 78.95 In Review Auto Repair 11 El Camino Real MU-NB 2.2 231 50 105 Anticipated TBD CVS store 1232 Cherry MU-DC 0.32 34 50 106 Anticipated L
6-unit affordable multi-family building, 1 storycommercial
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Residential Sites Inventory
State law requires that jurisdictions demonstrate in the Housing Element that the land inventory is adequate to accommodate that jurisdiction’s share of the region’s projected growth. As a fully built-out community, very little vacant land remains in the city.
A total of 13.56 1 acres of vacant and underutilized parcels in residential zones were identified.
Combined, there is the potential to yield 368 new dwelling units on vacant and underutilized land in residential zones (Table 4.5- 7). All but one site zoned for lower density (RS-3 and RS-6) are vacant. In the multifamily zones, 19 of the 24 parcels (79 percent) are currently developed with single family homes and the zoning allows for an increase in units that ranges from 800 percent to 2,500 percent.
Table 4.5-7: Vacant and Underutilized Residential Land
General Plan
Designation Zoning Density
# of
Parcels Acres
Potential
Dwelling Units
Affordability
Level*
Single Family - 3 RS-3 3 du/acre 3 4.1 13 Above Moderate Single Family - 6 RS-6 6 du/acre 108 4.410 2524 Above Moderate Multiple Family - 59 RM-59 45 to 59 du/acre 41 1.491 6749 Above Moderate/ Moderate/Very Low/Low
Multiple Family - 100 RM-100 75 to 100 du/acre 2023 3.59 263282 Above Moderate/ Moderate/Very Low
Total 3735 13.561 368
*Note: Based on state law (Government Code Government Code Section 65583.2(c)(3)), sites that allow development densities of at least 30 units per acre are credited toward the lower-income RHNA. Sites that can qualify for 100 percent affordable units based on the allowed density but do not meet the size parameters established by AB 1397 (0.5-10 acres) are split evenly between the moderate- and above moderate-income RHNA categories.
Given the scarcity of developable land in San Carlos and the continuing demand for housing in the Bay Area, nearly all the recent residential construction in the city has involved infill development on underutilized properties. The analysis of residential capacity on recyclable land included in this section includes underutilized parcels in the RS-6, RM-59, and the newly upzoned RM-100 residential zones. One of the parcels identified in the RS-6 zone has a nonconforming commercial use and is a large site. Parcels identified in the RM-59 and RM-100 zones are underutilized based on presence of single-family homes and can significantly increase the number of units on the site.
Ten of the residential parcels are vacant. For the remaining nonvacant sites with available land and improvement value data, 56 68 percent have land values that equal or exceed site
improvement values. In most cases these are sites with single family homes on properties designated for multi-family uses at densities of up to 100 units per acre.
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Mixed-Use Sites Inventory
Nearly all of San Carlos is developed; there is an extremely limited amount of vacant land within City limits. The City’s Mixed Use zoning districts facilitate the redevelopment of underutilized properties to create vibrant, walkable centers and corridors. New housing in these areas is an integral part of the vision for San Carlos; a balance of housing opportunities for both affordable and market-rate housing is essential to meet this goal.
A survey of land was conducted in areas that permit mixed-use development, and a total of 31.533.4 acres of underutilized parcels in mixed-use zones was identified, with the potential to yield 2,491 602 new dwelling units (Table 4.5-8).
There are several underutilized properties along the major corridors that allow mixed use. The sites chosen are significantly underutilized given their size and given the development potential under the mixed-use development standards. All the sites with existing residential uses provide the opportunity to more than double the unit capacity. Over two-thirds of sites have land values that exceed site improvement values.
Most of the mixed-use sites are located within one block of El Camino Real (State Route 82), San Carlos Avenue, and/or the San Carlos Caltrain station. The rail line connects San Carlos to San Francisco and the Silicon Valley region. Several new and under construction projects in this area demonstrate the interest in developing housing in proximity to these major transportation corridors (see Table 4.5-6).
Site Suitability, Realistic Capacity and Re-use of
Sites (Assembly Bill [AB] 1397)
Consistent with updated Housing Element law (Assembly Bill 1397) related to the suitability of small and large sites, the lowerincome sites inventory presented in this section is limited to sites of between 0.5 and 10 acres in size, as HCD has indicated these size parameters best accommodate lower-income housing. In this inventory, several sites include multiple parcels that are less than one-half acre in size, however when consolidated with adjacent parcels are more than 0.5 acres. Small lot development is very common in San Carlos, and Actions HOU-2.1 and HOU-2.2 are included to identify additional incentives as needed. Small sites (less than one-half acre) are credited toward the moderate- and above-moderate income categories to account for a potential variety of types, sizes, and amenity levels in future higher-density development projects. For very low and low-income sites, all but two of the parcels in the inventory are at least 0.5 acres in size.
The two parcels that are smaller are included only because they have the potential for lot consolidation with an adjoining parcel that is under common ownership and make up a site over 0.5 acres in size.
AB 1397 also adds specific criteria for assessment of the realistic availability of non‐vacant sites during the planning period. If non-vacant sites accommodate half or more of the lower-income need, the Housing Element must present “substantial evidence” that the existing use does not constitute an impediment for additional residential use on the site. Due to the built-out nature of San Carlos, most sites have existing uses.
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Table 4.5-8: Mixed-Use Sites by Zone (see Figure H-4.5-1 Sites Inventory Map) General Plan Designation Zoning Density
# of
Parcels Acres
Potential
Dwelling
Units Affordability Level*
Mixed Use, Medium High MU-D-100 75 to 100 du/acre 1 0.1 6 Above Moderate/
Moderate
Mixed Use , High MU-D-120 90 to 120 du/acre 1421 3.75.2 376522 Above Moderate/
Moderate/Low/Very
Low
Mixed Use, Medium High MU-DC-100 75 to 100 du/acre 914 1.92.6 160210 Above Moderate/
Moderate/ Low/Very
Low
Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 30 to 40 du/acre 3534 8.07.9 274248 Above Moderate/
Moderate/ Low/Very
Low
Mixed Use, Medium MU-N-50 38 to 50 du/acre 7 2.01.7 8569 Above Moderate/
Moderate/ Low/Very
Low
Mixed Use, High MU-N-120 90 to 120 du/acre 56 2.14 217238 Above Moderate/
Moderate/ Low/Very
Low
Mixed Use, High MU-NB-120 90 to 120 du/acre 6 6.1 619615 Low/Very Low Mixed Use, Medium High MU-SB-100 75 to 100 du/acre 14 1.9 161152 Above Moderate/
Moderate/ Low/Very
Low
Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 90 to 120 du/acre 27 4.03.8 411370 Above Moderate/
Moderate/ Low/Very
Low
Mixed Use, High MU-SC-120 90 to 120 du/acre 5 1.8 182178 Above Moderate/
Moderate/Low/Very
Low
Total 121134 31.533.
4 2,491602
*Note: Based on state law (Government Code Government Code Section 65583.2(c)(3)), sites that allow development densities of at least 30 units per acre are credited toward the lower-income RHNA. Sites that can qualify for 100 percent affordable units based on the allowed density but do not meet the size parameters established by AB 1397 (0.5-10 acres) are split evenly between the moderate- and above moderate-income RHNA categories.
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Non-vacant sites included in the inventory have been chosen due to their location, existing uses, and potential for intensification.
To ensure that appropriate sites have been chosen, properties that show recent investments or updates or that contain uses of local importance are not included, and clear criteria were used to evaluate all sites within San Carlos, as described above. In addition, through the public engagement process, sites identified to have additional constraints were removed.
AB 1397 also requires that specific parameters be placed on sites that were used in previous planning cycles but did not develop and are now used in the current Housing Element to meet the lower income RHNA. However, as noted in HCD guidance
documents, due to updates in the prior planning period to the general plan or other planning activities, such as the creation of a specific plan, some sites previously identified in the housing element may have been rezoned allowing a higher density, and therefore increasing the potential housing capacity of the site.
Because the zoning characteristics of this site have changed, it can be considered a new site for the purposes of the housing element inventory. All of the lower-income sites in the Housing Element have been rezoned to significantly increase densities and thus none are subject to the reuse provisions of AB 1397.
Moderate-Income and Above Moderate-Income
Housing (AB 725)
For jurisdictions that are considered Metropolitan, the element must identify at least 25 percent of the remaining moderate and above moderate RHNA on sites that allow at least four units of housing (e.g., four plex or greater). (Gov. Code, § 65583.2, subd.(c)(4).) Of the 169 parcels in the sites inventory, 138 are used to address the moderate- and above moderate-income RHNA. Of those 138 parcels, 116 (or 84 percent) allow for development of 4 or more units.
No Net Loss Provision
Government Code Section 65863 stipulates that a jurisdiction must ensure that its Housing Element inventory can
accommodate its share of the RHNA by income level throughout the planning period. If a jurisdiction approves a housing project at a lower density or with fewer units by income category than identified in the Housing Element, it must quantify at the time of approval the remaining unmet housing need at each income level and determine whether there is sufficient capacity to meet that need. If not, the city must “identify and make available” additional adequate sites to accommodate the jurisdiction’s share of housing need by income level within 180 days of approving the reduced-density project. Program HOU-3.7 is included in the Housing Element to set up a process for compliance.
Comparison of Sites Inventory and RHNA
Table 4.5-9 shows Approved that approved and proposed project credits and the sites inventory identified in this chapter total 3,574 525 units, 1,676 756 of which are in the lower-income RHNA categories. Overall, the City can adequately accommodate—and have excess capacity for—the RHNA. Table 4.5-9 shows a
shortfall of low-income units but those can be addressed with the surplus of site capacity in the very low-income category.
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The identified sites and the densities allowed will provide opportunities to achieve remaining RHNA goals for all income categories as well as provide surplus of units, which help support no net loss provisions consistent with State law.
The identified sites can realistically be redeveloped with residential units during the planning period. These areas are considered highly likely to experience recycling for two key reasons: 1) the high demand for more affordable housing throughout San Mateo County, and 2) the availability of underutilized land in areas designated for mixed-use, with the potential for high-density residential development. The sites chosen are significantly underutilized given their size and location and recent development trends. Interest is especially high in areas identified in this Housing Element, including mixed-use areas. San Carlos makes every effort to support development that contributes to the city and facilitates a walkable, pedestrian-oriented community, consistent with land use policy. Developers continue bring forward new projects in San Carlos, due to the city’s convenient location, available transit, maximum allowable densities, and livable community. As
market forces continue to push toward higher densities, recycling of underutilized land is expected to occur at an increasing rate.
Given the newly increased densities associated with new zones in residential and mixed-use areas, the City can anticipate increased recycling of land, particularly in higher-density areas where economies of scale can be realized.
Table 4.5-9: Comparison of Sites, Pipeline Projects, and RNHA Project
Extremely/
Very LowIncome (0-
50% AMI)
LowIncome
(50-80%
AMI)
ModerateIncome (80-
120% AMI)
Above
ModerateIncome
(+120%) Total
2023-2031 RHNA 739 425 438 1,133 2,735
Approved and Proposed Projects 3 63 7 279 352
Projected ADU construction 10 61 102 30 203
Projected SB 9 duplex construction -- -- -- 160 160
Vacant/Underutilized Residential Sites 3149 180 81147 238172 368368 Vacant/Underutilized Mixed-Use Sites 9861,490 5840 293481 739520 2,6022,491 Total 1,0301,552 726124 483737 1,2861,161 3,5253,574
RHNA Status (+surplus/-deficit) +813291 +-301 +29945 +28153 +839790 Redistributed RHNA Status (+surplus/-deficit) +512 +299 +28 +839
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F i g u r e 4 . 5 - 1
S i t e s I n v e n t o r y
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Consistency with Affirmatively Furthering Fair
Housing (AFFH)
State law requires that sites to meet the RHNA must be identified throughout the community in a manner that affirmatively furthers fair housing opportunities (Government Code Section 65583(c)(10)). Affirmatively furthering fair housing means taking meaningful actions that address significant disparities in housing needs and in access to opportunity. For purposes of the Housing Element sites inventory, this means that sites identified to accommodate the lower-income need are not concentrated in low-resourced areas (for example, with a lack of access to high performing schools, proximity to jobs, location
disproportionately exposed to pollution or other health impacts) or areas of segregation and concentrations of poverty.
HCD and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee
(TCAC) coordinated efforts to produce opportunity maps that evaluate specific economic, environmental, and educational characteristics that have been shown by research to support positive economic, educational, and health outcomes for lowincome families. Figure 4.5-2 shows the TCAC opportunity areas in San Carlos, with the exception of a small area in the northeast corner of the city, all of the city categorized as highest and high resource.
Racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty (R/ECAPs) are HUD-designated Census tracts with relatively high
concentrations of non-white residents living in poverty. There are no R/ECAPs within San Carlos. The distribution of identified sites improves fair housing and equal opportunity conditions because sites are mostly distributed in highest and high resources areas.
A thorough AFFH analysis based on the City’s most current Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice is included in the Housing Constraints section of this Housing Element.
Table 4.5-10: Sites and TCAC/HCD Opportunity Areas
Affordability Level
TCAC/HCD Opportunity Areas Lower Income Units Moderate Income Units Above Moderate
Income Units Total Units
High Resource 1,217 75% 159 43% 402 41% 1,778 60%
Highest Resource 402 25% 215 57% 575 59% 1,192 40%
Total Sites 1,619 100% 374 100% 977 100% 2,970 100%
55% 13% 33% 100%
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Table 4.5-11: Sites and Segregation/Integration and Disproportionate Housing Needs Affordability Level
Census Tracts
Lower
Income Units
Moderate
Income
Units
Above
Moderate
Income
Units Total Units
% Low/
Mod
HH
%
NonWhite
Pop
% Persons
with
Disabilities
%
Renter
HHs
%
Children
in
FemaleHeaded
HHs
% Overcrowded
HHs
Census Tract 6091 73 5% 17 5% 42 4% 132 4% 45% 42% 10% 25% 4% 9% Census Tract 6092.01 353 22% 146 39% 364 37% 863 29% 31% 30% 7% 42% 6% 1% Census Tract 6092.02 1,110 69% 140 37% 356 36% 1,606 54% 45% 39% 12% 73% 7% 0% Census Tract 6093 83 5% 71 19% 178 18% 332 11% 25% 24% 7% 17% 12% 0% Census Tract 6094 - - - - - - - - 16% 23% 5% 10% 18% 0% Census Tract 6095 - 0% - 0% 5 1% 5 0% 18% 35% 5% 14% 6% 0% Census Tract 6096.01 - 0% - 0% 29 3% 29 1% 34% 32% 3% 32% 17% 3% Census Tract 6096.02 - - - - - - - - 14% 31% 8% 7% 5% 0% Census Tract 6096.03 - 0% - 0% 3 0% 3 0% 19% 26% 6% 9% 12% 0% Total 1,619 100% 374 100% 977 100% 2,970 100% 27% 31% 7% 27% 8% 2% Segregation and Integration
Most census tracts in San Carlos are largely comprised of White, non-Hispanic residents (68%). However, one tract, census tract 6092.02, indicates a relatively higher concentration of non-White residents (43%); this tract is located between Magnolia Ave and Cherry St. Sites included in the inventory located within this region are largely lower-income housing with a 1,061-unit capacity (low and very low income), a moderate-income capacity of 140 units, and an above moderate-income capacity of 356 units.
These new housing sites help further an integrated mixed-income community, which helps address overconcentration of affordable housing in areas with lower income housing.
Any concerns of displacement as a result of the integration of high-income housing could be addressed with anti-displacement strategies. For this, the City will implement the following program, Action HOU-3.10 Anti-Displacement Strategies. The
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program will adopt tenant protection policies, as well as support local efforts to establish land trusts, or housing preservation funds.
Persons with Disabilities
In San Carlos, there is a generally low percentage of the population living with disabilities (7%). Of all tracts in the City, tract 9062.02 has a relatively higher concentration of residents living with disabilities (12%). The housing sites identified in the inventory are similar to that which were described in the previous ‘Segregation and Integration’ section of the Constraints chapter of the Housing Element. The abundance of housing options located primarily in a high density/ multi-family area of the Ccity that is concentrated around public transit makes it easier for those with disabilities (namely independent living disabilities) to access services and resources.
Access to Opportunity
Most of the City is designated as a high to highest resource areas, according to the TCAC Composite Score map shown in Figure
4.5-2. A greater portion of the sites identified in the site inventory are located within the area of “highest resource”, while the remainder can be found in “high resource” areas. Of all the new sites considered in the “highest resource” areas, a total of 485 units are designated as lower income sites (very low and low income), most of which are located in mixed-use zones, with good access to local transit and services. These sites provide opportunities for low-income housing in predominantly highincome areas, which helps to create more economically integrated areas citywide. The inclusion of lower income sites in higher income areas also helps improve housing mobility and access to opportunity for low-income households.
Disproportionate Housing Needs
Compared to surrounding cities, San Carlos has relatively lower rates of cost burden for both homeowners and renters, however some tracts see a greater percentage of renters experiencing housing cost burden. The majority of the City also has
overcrowding rates that are lower than the California average (8.2%), with the exception of the tract located northeast of El Camino Real (Tract 6091.00), where nine percent of the
population experiences overcrowding. Additionally, 60 percent of renter-households within this tract experience cost burden. The sites identified in the inventory within this tract are largely verylow to low-income units (73 units). The increase availability of affordable housing could potentially alleviate the housing problems associated with overcrowding and overpayment for some residents. The addition of affordable rental units does not present an overconcentration or significant addition of lowerincome housing to the area, where the median income is upwards of $126,000.
Infrastructure Capacity
The sites inventoried in this Housing Element all lie within urban areas well served by street and utility infrastructure. As part of the environmental analysis completed for the Housing Element update, the availability of sufficient water supply and wastewater
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treatment capacity to meet the demand for San Carlos’ General Plan projections and the current RHNA was analyzed. Aside from the non-governmental and governmental constraints
discussed in Chapter 4 (Constraints), no additional constraints would impede the development of new housing units in the future on the identified sites.
Drinking water in San Carlos is provided by Cal-Water. Cal Water’s Individual Supply Guarantee (ISG) is 35.68 MGD (39,993 acre-feet per year; AFY), which is shared among its Bear Gulch, Mid-Peninsula, and South San Francisco Districts (also referred to as the “Peninsula Districts”). The 2020 UWMP estimates the Peninsula Districts’ demand will increase over time to 36,396 AF in 2045. Therefore, the Peninsula Districts are expected to have adequate water supplies during normal years to meet its projected demands through 2045 (including capacity on
identified sites). However, like most districts across the State, the District is expected to experience significant shortfalls during single dry and multiple dry year conditions. Cal Water has developed a Water Shortage Contingency Plan to address
potential water shortage conditions. The Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) addresses water shortage conditions resulting from any cause (e.g., droughts, impacted distribution system infrastructure, regulatory-imposed shortage restrictions, etc.). The WSCP identifies a variety of actions that Cal Water would implement to reduce demands and further ensure supply reliability at various levels of water shortage.
The San Carlos Public Works Department provides wastewater collection service for San Carlos. The City owns and operates a sanitary sewer collection system consisting of approximately 104 miles of sewer pipelines and six sewer lift stations. Wastewater originating in San Carlos is treated by the South Bayside System Authority (SBSA). Wastewater generated within the City is treated at a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operated by a joint powers authority called Silicon Valley Clean Water (SVCW), which serves the communities of Belmont, Redwood City, San Carlos, and the West Bay Sanitary District. The SVCW WWTP has a capacity to treat 29.5 MGD, but currently receives approximately 20.0 MGD from customers in the SVCW service area. As described in the General Plan EIR, of the total capacity, the City of San Carlos is allocated a total treatment capacity of
4.47 MGD. The San Carlos flow wastewater projection for residential and existing non-residential uses is 3.16 MGD, which would result in 1.31 MGD of capacity remaining within San Carlos allocation. Therefore, the City’s wastewater collection system is expected to have adequate capacity to meet its projected demands through 2045 (including capacity on
identified sites).
San Carlos is fully developed, and full urban-level services are available to each site in the inventory. Specifically, water, sewer, and dry utility services are available for all the sites included in the inventory. To ensure that infrastructure needs of specific projects are addressed, the City requires that project applications for new development be reviewed for adequate infrastructure.
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F i g u r e 4 . 5 - 3 2
O p p o r t u n i t y
A r e a s a n d S i t e s
I n v e n t o r y M a p
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Applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure the capacity exists to service new developments.
Administrative and Financial Resources
Financial Resources
Most projects that are exclusively affordable housing (especially for extremely low- and very low-income households) cannot be developed without financing and other subsidies required to write down the cost of land or other development incentives necessary to reduce construction costs. Funding sources include U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
funds, Tax Credits, and other loans and grants.
Federal Resources
CDBG/HOME: Through the Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) program, HUD provides funds to local
governments for a wide range of community development
activities. These funds can be used for the acquisition of land for affordable housing units, rehabilitation through a nonprofit organization for housing, development of infrastructure and facilities, and public service activities. Another source of HUD funds is available under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). These funds can be used to assist tenants or homeowners through acquisition, construction, reconstruction, or the rehabilitation of affordable housing. A federal priority for use of these funds is preservation of the at-risk housing stock. The City is a participating jurisdiction in the San Mateo County Consortium to receive CDBG and HOME funds
Housing Choice Voucher Program: The Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo administers the HUD Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program for San Carlos residents. The program provides rental subsidies to low-income families who spend more than 30 percent of their gross income on housing costs. The program pays the difference between 30 percent of the recipients’ monthly income and the federally approved payment standard.
The voucher allows a tenant to choose housing that may cost above the payment standard, but the tenant must pay the extra cost.
State Resources
Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC): Created by the 1986 Tax Reform Act, the LIHTC program encourages the construction and rehabilitation of rental housing for lower-income
households. The program allows investors an annual tax credit over a 10-year period, provided that the housing meets the following minimum low-income occupancy requirements: 20 percent of the units must be affordable to households at 50 percent of AMI or 40 percent of the units must be affordable to those at 60 percent of AMI. The total credit over the 10-year period has a present value equal to 70 percent of the qualified construction and rehabilitation expenditure. The tax credit is typically sold to large investors at a syndication value.
Additional State housing resources include:
• Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities
(AHSC)
• CalHFA Single and Multi-Family Program
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2023 - 2 0 3 1 H o u s i n g E l e m e n t
• CalHome Program
• Homekey
• Housing-Related Parks Grant
• Infill Infrastructure Grant (IIG)
• Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF)
• Multifamily Housing Program (MHP)
• No Place Like Home
• Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA)
Local Resources
Housing Endowment and Regional Trust of San Mateo County (HEART): HEART was formed in 2003 as a public/private
partnership among the San Mateo cities and county, and the business, nonprofit, education, and labor communities. HEART raises funds from public and private sources to meet critical housing needs in San Mateo County.
Affordable Housing (BMR) Ordinance: The City’s Below
Market Rate (BMR) Housing Ordinance requires that 15 percent of units in market rate rental developments are provided at affordable rates (10 percent moderate- and 5 percent low-income for ownership projects; 10 percent very low- and 5 percent lowincome for rental projects). Revisions to the BMR Ordinance were adopted in June 2022 to lower the threshold for constructing units on site for ownership projects to from 7 to 5 units; the threshold remains seven for rental developments. The revisions also require ownership projects to provide 20 percent low-income units and provide an option for rental projects to provide 15 percent very low-income units, to correlate with State density bonus law.
Projects smaller than this threshold pay an in-lieu fee. Projects that result in a fractional unit of less than 0.5 can opt to pay an inlieu instead of providing an additional unit. Any calculation that results in a fraction greater than 0.5 is required to build the additional unit.
The City of San Carlos has also adopted a Commercial
Development BMR Housing Program that requires developers of commercial projects to mitigate their impact on affordable housing by paying a Commercial Linkage Fee. The Linkage Fee applies to commercial projects including changes in use, additions in floor area and new development as follows:
• Restaurant, & Personal Service $5.00 per square foot
• Hotel: $10.00 per square foot
• Office, Medical Office, Research & Development: $20.00 per square foot
• Since the commercial linkage fee went into effect in 2017, the City has collected over $6.5 million to fund affordable housing projects. The City anticipates these funds to continue to grove over the next few years.
San Mateo County Affordable Housing Fund: To date, the San Mateo County Affordable Housing Fund, together with its Preservation sub-fund, has allocated over $120 million to assist 2,761 units in San Mateo County—supporting development of 2,403 new affordable rental and homeownership units, and preservation as affordable housing of 358 multifamily rental units.
Redevelopment Agency: When the City’s Redevelopment
Agency was dissolved on Feb. 1, 2012, in accordance with California State law, the city formed a Successor Agency to
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handle the unfinished business of the former Redevelopment Agency. The former Redevelopment Agency had a
geographically defined Project Area where a portion of the property taxes from the properties within the area went to support the activities of the Agency, including capital projects, economic development and affordable housing. The City
adopted a last and final Recognized Obligation Payment
Schedule (ROPS) filed for July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2035, totaling in approximately $18 million.
Administrative Resources
The following agencies and organizations contribute to the goal of preserving and increasing affordable housing in San Carlos.
Both government agencies and partnerships with nonprofit agencies and for-profit developers are necessary to implement many housing programs.
San Carlos
Community Development Department: The Community
Development Department is home to the Building, Economic Development and Housing, and Planning Divisions which help advance the city’s housing needs. The Economic Development and Housing Division manages the City’s housing efforts, participating in both local and regional housing efforts as well as evaluation of housing opportunities as they become available, programs to increase the supply of workforce housing, and funding support for key housing programs. The Planning
Division is responsible for advance planning, current planning (ensuring that development projects are consistent with the General Plan, the Development Code, and State codes), and land use regulation.
San Mateo County
The Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo administers the HUD Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program for San Carlos residents. In addition, the San Mateo County Housing & Community Development (HCD) Division coordinates
homelessness response for the County and serves as the
organizing agency for local jurisdictions.
Partnerships
Creative approaches and partnerships are often necessary in order to finance and build affordable housing. Nonprofit and forprofit organizations provide housing, including affordable housing, and a wide range of supportive services for residents with special housing needs throughout the county. Partners also help manage homeownership programs and assist in other
housing and community development activities. Some of these local partners include:
• Bridge Housing (designs, develops, and manages
affordable housing)
• Center for Independence of the Disabled (provides
support services, community awareness, and advocacy
for people with disabilities)
• Eden Housing (designs, develops, and manages
affordable housing)
• First Community Housing (designs, develops, and
manages affordable housing)
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• HIP Housing: Human Investment Project (supports
home sharing, self-sufficiency, and property
development/housing rehabilitation)
• Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco (builds and rehabilitates homes for affordable purchase)
• Lesley Senior Communities (senior living provider)
• LifeMoves (homeless services provider)
• Mercy Housing (designs, develops, and manages
affordable housing)
• MidPen Housing (designs, develops, and manages
affordable housing)
• Mental Health Association of San Mateo County
(housing and services provider)
• PARCA (services provider for people with
developmental disabilities)
• Rebuilding Together Peninsula (housing renovation and repair services)
• Samaritan House (homeless services provider)
For-profit developers also provide affordable units in larger-scale projects in San Carlos, both through density bonuses and the City’s BMR Ordinance requirements.
The Housing Element Goals, Policies, and Implementation Programs outline the City’s plan to continue to work with a network of nonprofit and for-profit organizations to build affordable housing, rehabilitate and preserve housing, and provide an extensive menu of supportive services to San Carlos residents, families, and persons with special needs. Moreover, the Housing Element sets forth policies and programs to continue to facilitate the development and maintenance of housing, remove constraints to housing development and housing access, and to form partnerships to meet housing needs.
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Fair Housing Assessment
Contents
132176 Primary Findings
135179 Fair Housing Enforcement and Capacity
141185 Integration and Segregation
181232 Displacement Risk
183234 Disproportionate Housing Needs
200256 Fair Housing Issues, Contributing Factors, and
Action Plan
1 California Department of Housing and Community Development Guidance, 2021, page 9.
AB 686 requires all public agencies to “administer programs and activities relating to housing and community development in a manner that affirmatively furthers fair housing and take no action inconsistent with this obligation.”1 AB 686 also makes changes to Housing Element Law to incorporate requirements to AFFH as part of the housing element and general plan to include an analysis of fair housing outreach and capacity, integration and segregation, access to opportunity, disparate housing needs, and current fair housing practices.
Fair housing is a condition in which individuals of similar income levels in the same housing market have like ranges of choice available to them regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, ancestry, age, marital status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, sexual orientation, source of income, or any other arbitrary factor. The State of California’s 2018 Assembly Bill (AB 686) requires that all public agencies in the state affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH) beginning January 1, 2019. Public agencies receiving funding from the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are also required to demonstrate their commitment to AFFH.
The federal obligation stems from the fair housing component of the federal Civil Rights Act mandating federal fund recipients to take “meaningful actions” to address segregation and related barriers to fair housing choice.
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Primary Findings
This section summarizes the primary findings from the Fair Housing Assessment for San Carlos.
• San Carlos residents filed only two fair housing
complaints and made four fair housing inquiries to the
state in the past 5 to 7 years (Figure 4.6-2).
• The City’s Housing Resources & Information webpage
includes guidance on housing discrimination and how to
file a fair housing complaint, intended to help current and prospective residents who have fair housing concerns
find needed resources more quickly.
• San Carlos’ demographics do not represent the
demographics of the county or Bay area overall (Figure
4.6-3): 68 percent of San Carlos residents are White
(compared to 39 percent in the county and Bay area); 16 percent are Asian (compared to 30 percent in the county and 27 in the Bay area); one percent are Black/African
American (versus 6 percent in the Bay area); and 9 percent are Hispanic/Latinx (versus 24 percent in the county and Bay area). The city in on par with the county and Bay area for other and mixed-race residents.
• Mapping conducted by HCD shows the city is nearly
entirely predominantly White, an unusual pattern for
cities in San Mateo County, as most have some pockets of diversity.
• Like most of the county, San Carlos is aging—although the city’s youth are also increasing. The largest drop
between 2000 and 2019 is in residents aged 35 to 44,
Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
“Affirmatively furthering fair housing” means taking
meaningful actions, in addition to combating discrimination, that overcome patterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to
opportunity based on protected characteristics. Specifically, affirmatively furthering fair housing means taking meaningful actions that, taken together, address significant disparities in housing needs and in access to opportunity, replacing
segregated living patterns with truly integrated and balanced living patterns, transforming racially and ethnically
concentrated areas of poverty into areas of opportunity, and fostering and maintaining compliance with civil rights and fair housing laws. The duty to affirmatively further fair housing extends to all of a public agency’s activities and programs relating to housing and community development. (Gov. Code, § 8899.50, subd. (a)(1).)”
This history of segregation in the region is important not only to understand how residential settlement patterns came
about—but, more importantly, to explain differences in
housing opportunity among residents today. In sum, not all residents had the ability to build housing wealth or achieve economic opportunity. This historically unequal playing field in part determines why residents have different housing needs today.
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followed by 25 to 34. This could indicate that the city has trouble retaining working age residents.
Sixteen percent of San Carlos households earn less than 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) compared to 24 percent in the county. All but one block group in the city has a median income of greater than $125,000, and no areas of the city have concentrated poverty.
• The city has few disparities in housing access among
racial and ethnic groups, likely due to the high barriers to entry in the housing market. Lower income households
have few opportunities to rent and buy in San Carlos.
• The largest disparities that exist are in education.
Proficiency gaps exist by race and ethnicity:
Black/African American students attending both San
Carlos Elementary and Sequoia High have some of the
lowest rates of mathematics proficiency in the county.
Black/African American students represent one percent
of the San Carlos Elementary District and two percent of the Sequoia High district. Hispanic students also have
proficiency gaps, but they are not as pronounced. Only
three percent of English language learners and nine
percent of students with disabilities in the Sequoia Union High School District meet or exceed math standards—
some of the lowest proficiency among schools in the
county.
• In the regional context, San Carlos represents a high opportunity area with relatively low accessibility to lowand moderate-income households, which are more likely to be racial/ethnic minorities. The City should continue to look for opportunities to increase affordable housing
supply in the community.
History of segregation in the region. The United States’ oldest cities have a history of mandating segregated living patterns—and Northern California cities are no exception. ABAG, in its recent Fair Housing Equity Assessment, attributes segregation in the Bay Area to historically discriminatory practices—highlighting redlining and discriminatory mortgage approvals—as well as “structural inequities” in society, and “self segregation” (i.e., preferences to live near similar people).
Redlining is the process used by lenders to restrict certain land areas from ownership by Black residents primarily, but also by Black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) generally.
Although currently illegal, redlining was historically practiced throughout the Bay Area, including in San Mateo County.
Specifically, it was a federally backed process that denied creditworthy applicants loans for housing in certain
neighborhoods due to their ethnicity. The term was coined from the red or “hazardous” areas of cities that were deemed risky to invest in, due to their specific racial demographics. Redlining led to cycles of disinvestment even after the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which officially banned redlining.
Local realtors report that such redlining practices were limited to cities of over 40,000 in population. Although few cities in San Mateo County were that size when redlining was rampant
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(notably Redwood City, San Mateo and Daly City may have been large enough), there were plenty of other ways in which cities could restrict who lived where. For example, a real estate appraiser could mention that a certain house being considered for a mortgage was in an area of “hazard” (code for non-white areas), which had the same impact as redlining.
Researcher Richard Rothstein’s 2017 book The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America chronicles how the public sector contributed to the segregation that exists today. Rothstein highlights several significant developments in the Bay Area region that played a large role in where the region’s non-White residents settled. Rothstein’s research—and other sources of past discriminatory acts in Peninsula—are featured in the 21 Day Social & Racial Equity Challenge sponsored by the Community Foundation of San
Carlos.2 Examples of these discriminatory behaviors are summarized below.
Pre-civil rights San Mateo County faced resistance to racial integration, yet it was reportedly less direct than in some Northern California communities, taking the form of
“blockbusting” and “steering” or intervention by public officials.
These local discriminatory practices were exacerbated by actions of the Federal Housing Administration which excluded lowincome neighborhoods, where the majority of people of color lived, from its mortgage loan program.
2 https://cfsancarlos.org/21-day-11
According to the San Mateo County Historical Association. San Mateo County’s early African Americans worked in a variety of industries, from logging, to agriculture, to restaurants and entertainment. Expansion of jobs, particularly related to shipbuilding during and after World War II attracted many new residents into the Peninsula, including the first sizable migration of African Americans. Enforcement of racial covenants after the war forced the migration of the county’s African Americans into neighborhoods where they were allowed to occupy housing— housing segregated into less desirable areas, next to highways, and concentrated in public housing and urban renewal
developments.
The private sector contributed to segregation through activities that discouraged (blockbusting) or prohibited (restrictive covenants) integrated neighborhoods. In the City of San Mateo, builders of the Hillsdale neighborhood in the mid-1900s recorded deeds that specified that only “members of the Caucasian or White race shall be permitted” to occupy sold homes—the exception being “domestics in the employ[ment] on the
premises.”3 This developer went on to develop many racerestricted neighborhoods in the Bay Area, became president of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), became national president of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), and was inducted into California’s Homebuilding Foundation Hall of Fame.
3 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/14/opinion/sunday/blm-residentialsegregation.html
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The segregatory effect of blockbusting activities is welldocumented in East Palo Alto. In 1954, after a White family in East Palo Alto sold their home to an African American family, the then-president of the California Real Estate Association set up an office in East Palo Alto to scare White families into selling their homes (“for fear of declining property values”) to agents and speculators. These agents then sold these homes at over-inflated prices to African American buyers, some of whom had trouble making their payments. Within six years, East Palo Alto—initially established with “whites only” neighborhoods—became 82
percent African American. The FHA prevented re-integration by refusing to insure mortgages held by White buyers residing in East Palo Alto.
Throughout the county, neighborhood associations and city leaders attempted to thwart integration of communities.
Although some neighborhood residents supported integration, most did not, and it was not unusual for neighborhood
associations to require acceptance of all new buyers. Builders with intentions to develop for all types of buyers (regardless of race) found that their development sites were rezoned by planning councils, required very large minimum lot sizes, and/or were denied public infrastructure to support their developments or charged prohibitively high amounts for infrastructure.
As shown in the timeline of major federal Acts and court decisions related to fair housing choice and zoning and land use (Figure 4.6-1), exclusive zoning practices were common in the early 1900s. Courts struck down only the most discriminatory, and allowed those that would be considered today to have a “disparate impact” on classes protected by the Fair Housing Act.
For example, the 1926 case Village of Euclid v. Amber Realty Co. (272 U.S. 365) supported the segregation of residential, business, and industrial uses, justifying separation by characterizing apartment buildings as “mere parasite(s)” with the potential to “utterly destroy” the character and desirability of neighborhoods. At that time, multifamily apartments were the only housing options for people of color, including immigrants.
The Federal Fair Housing Act was not enacted until nearly 60 years after the first racial zoning ordinances appeared in U.S. cities. This coincided with a shift away from federal control over low-income housing toward locally-tailored approaches (block grants) and market-oriented choice (Section 8 subsidies)—the latter of which is only effective when adequate affordable rental units are available.
Fair Housing Enforcement and Capacity
Fair Housing Legal Cases and Inquiries
The San Mateo County Regional Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) serves as the fair housing planning document for the San Mateo County region. The AFH is completed on behalf of the county and local cities that receive U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds directly from HUD. HUD provides annual funding allocations through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG); HOME Investment
Partnerships (HOME); and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG). The four largest cities in San Mateo County (Daly City, South San Francisco, San Mateo, and Redwood City) meet HUD’s definition of “entitlement” cities, and each receive their own separate CDBG
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grant from HUD. HOME funds are received by the County as a “HOME Consortium,” which consists of the Urban County and the City of South San Francisco and San Mateo, which are entitlement cities and could receive their own HOME allocations but have chosen to remain with the Urban County in the HOME Consortium. San Carlos is part of the Urban County and receives CDBG and HOME funds through the County as the entitlement jurisdiction.
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 1
M a j o r P u b l i c a n d L e g a l A c t i o n s t h a t I n f l u e n c e F a i r A c c e s s t o H o u s i n g
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The purpose of the AFH is to help communities analyze
challenges to fair housing choice and establish their own goals and priorities to address fair housing barriers in their communities. Additionally, the report aims to help communities move toward an “access to opportunity philosophy” when
making planning and housing policy decisions. The “access to opportunity” focus of the AFH is rooted in the text of the 1968 Fair Housing Act (FHA). According to the July 2015 Final Rule establishing the AFH, “The Fair Housing Act not only prohibits discrimination, but, in conjunction with other statutes, directs HUD’s program participants to take significant actions to overcome historical patterns of segregation, achieve truly balanced and integrated living patterns, promote fair housing choice, and foster inclusive communities that are free from discrimination.” Many court decisions have supported this interpretation of the FHA.
The California Department of Fair Employment in Housing (DFEH) was established in 1980 and is now the largest civil rights agency in the United States. According to their website, the DFEH’s mission is, “to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations (businesses) and from hate violence and human trafficking in accordance with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Unruh Civil Rights Act, Disabled Persons Act, and Ralph Civil Rights Act”.4
DFEH receives, evaluates, and investigates fair housing complaints. DFEH plays a particularly significant role in 4 https://www.dfeh.ca.gov/aboutdfeh/
investigating fair housing complaints against protected classes that are not included in federal legislation and therefore not investigated by HUD. DFEH’s website provides detailed
instructions for filing a complaint, the complaint process, appealing a decision, and other frequently asked questions.5 Fair housing complaints can also be submitted to HUD for
investigation.
Additionally, San Carlos residents have access to several local organizations active in fair housing law. These include Project Sentinel, Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, and
Community Legal Services of East Palo Alto, all of which receive funding from the County and participating jurisdictions. The San Francisco Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) office of HUD and in the State of California Department of Fair
Employment and Housing also investigate fair housing
violations and allegations of discrimination based on a person’s status as a member of one of the State or Federally protected categories.
These organizations investigate allegations of discrimination based on a person’s status as a member of one of the State or Federally protected categories.
From 2017 to 2021, 57 fair housing complaints in San Mateo County were filed with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), two of which were from San Carlos residents. Most complaints countywide cited disability status as the bias (56 percent) followed by race (19 percent), and familial 5 https://www.dfeh.ca.gov/complaintprocess/
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status (14 percent). In San Carlos, the two complaints were based on disability and familial status. Countywide, no cause determination was found in 27 complaints followed by successful conciliation or settlement with 22 complaints.
Fair housing complaints filed with HUD by San Mateo County residents have been on a declining trend since 2018, when 18 complaints were filed. In 2019, complaints dropped to five, increased to 11 in 2020, and had reached six by mid-2021.
Fair housing inquiries made to the state in 2020 were primarily submitted to HCD from the City of San Mateo, Redwood City, Daly City, and Menlo Park.
Nationally, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) reported a “negligible” decrease in the number of complaints filed between 2019 and 2020. The primary bases for complaints nationally were nearly identical to San Mateo County’s: disability (55 percent) and race (17 percent). Familial status represented eight percent of complaints nationally, whereas this basis comprised 14 percent of cases in the county.
NFHA identifies three significant trends in 2020 that are relevant for San Mateo County:
• First, fair lending cases referred to the Department of Justice from federal banking regulators has been
6 https://nationalfairhousing.org/2021/07/29/annual-fair-housing-reportshows-increase-in-housing-harassment/ declining, indicating that state and local government
entities may want to play a larger role in examining fair lending barriers to homeownership.
• Second, NFHA identified a significant increase in the number of complaints of harassment—1,071 complaints
in 2020 compared to 761 in 2019.
• Finally, NFHA found that 73 percent of all fair housing complaints in 2020 were processed by private fair housing organizations, rather than state, local, and federal
government agencies—reinforcing the need for local,
active fair housing organizations and increased funding for such organizations.6
In 2018, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing
(DFEH) settled a disability discrimination lawsuit against a San Carlos apartment landlord who refused to grant their tenant’s request for a reasonable accommodation for an
exception to the property’s no-pets policy for an emotional support animal unless they paid a pet deposit and signed a pet addendum. The complaint was filed in 2016 and DFEH
filed a civil complaint in 2017 in San Mateo Superior Court alleging violations of California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Unruh Civil Rights Act. The settlement requires the landlords to pay $27,500 to the tenants. The landlords are also required to undergo annual fair housing
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training, post materials, and submit compliance reports to DFEH.
Outreach and Capacity
San Carlos has information about how to find affordable housing in the city on its website but there is not specific information or resources for residents experiencing discrimination in housing or the Fair Housing Act. Program HOU-6.1 is included in the Housing Plan to improve access to fair housing information by providing contact information for local fair housing
organizations, legal assistance, and general information about the Fair Housing Act and discrimination.
F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 2
F a i r H o u s i n g C o m p l a i n t s / I n q u i r i e s
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Housing Specific Policies Enacted Locally
San Carlos has implemented the following housing policies that promote housing production, funding for housing affordability, and stabilizing neighborhoods:
Reduced parking requirements. Constraints associated with parking requirements in mixed use and residential zones are addressed through Program HOU-4.2 to remove guest parking requirements. Affordable housing projects can request the jurisdiction reduce parking requirements for projects near qualifying transit areas that are applying for a density bonus.
Inclusionary housing ordinance. The City has a Below Market Rate Housing Ordinance that requires developers to set aside a share of units in new housing developments for affordable housing. The ordinance was updated in 2022 to encourage the development of more affordable housing.
Condominium Conversion. Regulates conversion of apartment buildings into condominiums and generally provides tenant protections.
City Density Bonus. The City Density Bonus was updated in 2022 to provide additional incentives for affordable rental housing with density bonuses that exceed the State Density Bonus.
Uniform Relocation Policy. The City requires a minimum one-to-one replacement of any housing units demolished due to public action.
Objective Design Standards. The City has initiated the process to complete objective design and development standards for all multi-family residential and mixed-use development, to streamline review and provide certainty in the development process.
Financial Assistance. Funds from the Housing in-lieu fee and the Commercial Linkage fee are pooled to support affordable housing construction in the city.
Commercial development impact fee. Levies a per square foot development fee levied on non-residential development that is used to develop or preserve affordable housing.
Reduced fees of waivers. Reduces fees or permit waivers for 100% affordable housing development.
Acquisition/Preservation. The City has acquired existing affordable housing to preserve long-term affordability.
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According to the California Department of Housing and
Community Development AFFH Data Viewer (HCD data
viewer), San Carlos does not have any public housing buildings.
However, the city does have one census tract with a moderate share of households using housing vouchers (5 percent to 15 percent). Most other areas of the city have no data on voucher usage.
Integration and Segregation
This section discusses integration and segregation of the population by protected classes including race and ethnicity, disability status, familial status, and income status. The section concludes with an analysis of racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty and affluence.
Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development Guidance, 2021, page 31.
Race and Ethnicity
The ethnic and racial composition of a region is useful in analyzing housing demand and any related fair housing concerns as it tends to demonstrate a relationship with other characteristics such as household size, locational preferences, and mobility. San Carlos’ demographics do not represent the demographics of the county or Bay area overall (Figure 4.6-3). More than two thirds (68 percent) of San Carlos residents are White (compared to 39 percent in the county and Bay area); 16 percent are Asian (versus 30 percent in the county and 27 percent in the Bay area); one percent are Black/African American (versus 6 percent in the Bay area); and 9 percent are Hispanic/Latinx (compared to 24 percent in the county and Bay area). The city is on par with the county and Bay area for other and mixed-race residents. Since 2000, however, San Carlos has grown more diverse (Figure 4.6-4), primarily due to the growth of Asian and other and mixed-race residents.
Figure 4.6-5 shows the distribution of non-White residents in San Carlos. Most of the City block groups show a population that is 20 percent or less non-White. Overall, concentrations of nonWhite residents in San Carlos are minimal. Block groups northwest of El Camino Real, and along San Carlos Ave. and Cherry St. have non-White populations that are in the 41 to 60 percent. Compared to neighboring jurisdictions, San Carlos has less concentrations of non-White residents than cities of Redwood City, Belmont, San Mateo, and Foster City.
Integration generally means a condition in which there is not a high concentration of persons of a particular race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, or having a disability or a particular type of disability when compared to a broader geographic area.
Segregation generally means a condition in which there is a high concentration of persons of a particular race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, or having a disability or a type of disability in a particular geographic area when compared to a broader geographic area.”
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Along El Camino Real and San Carlos Ave, which has a higher concentration of multi-family units, there is a larger percentage of non-white residents, with median gross rents that are less than $2,000 a month (relatively lower rates than majority of the City).
This area also includes census tracts where the median household income is roughly $74,000 (according to 2018 ACS data), despite the majority of the City having median household incomes that are greater than $125,000. The greater availability of multi-family housing that is relatively affordable compared to other areas of San Carlos, will provide additional housing opportunities at various income levels. Residents living in this area also were more likely to be using housing vouchers.
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 3
P o p u l a t i o n b y R a c e a n d E t h n i c i t y , 2 0 1 9 Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 4
P o p u l a t i o n b y R a c e a n d E t h n i c i t y , S a n C a r l o s 2 0 0 0 - 2 0 1 9 Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
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N o n - W h i t e P o p u l a t i o n
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Poverty rates are fairly consistent across races and ethnicities except for Hispanic/Latinx residents (7.3 percent live in poverty versus 2.7 percent for White residents) and other and mixed race residents (12 percent poverty rate).
San Carlos has much less racial diversity than surrounding communities. Mapping conducted by HCD shows the city is nearly entirely predominantly White (Figure 4.6-7). This is an unusual pattern for cities in San Mateo County. HCD maps also show much of San Carlos’ neighborhoods with Asian/White segregation (Figure
4.6-8). The city is one of the least diverse, as measured by the HCD diversity index (Figure 4.6-9 and 4.6-10)—less so than Belmont, Hillsborough, and Burlingame.
F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 6
P o v e r t y R a t e b y R a c e a n d E t h n i c i t y , 2019
Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
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F I G U R E 4. 6 - 7
W h i t e M a j o r i t y C e n s u s T r a c t s
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N e i g h b o r h o o d S e g r e g a t i o n b y C e n s u s T r a c t
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D i v e r s i t y I n d e x b y B l o c k G r o u p , 2 0 1 0
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Dissimilarity Index
According to HUD, “The dissimilarity index (or the index of dissimilarity) is a commonly used measure of community-level segregation. The dissimilarity index represents the extent to which the distribution of any two groups (frequently racial or ethnic groups) differs across census tracts or block groups. The values of the dissimilarity index range from 0 to 100, with a value of zero representing perfect integration between the racial groups in question, and a value of 100 representing perfect segregation between the racial groups.” Dissimilarity index values between 0 and 39 generally indicate low segregation, values between 40 and 54 generally indicate moderate segregation, and values between 55 and 100 generally indicate a high level of segregation. The dissimilarity index compares a particular racial group’s distribution in the county against the distribution of White, non‐ Hispanic residents.
While data is not available at the city level, the San Mateo County Regional Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) provides
countywide information. As reported in the 2017 AFH, African Americans are the only racial group facing consistently high segregation in the county. This segregation, as measured by the dissimilarity index, has decreased over time and was
approaching a moderate level in 2017. African American/White segregation decreased, or was stable, in all participating jurisdictions. In contrast, Hispanic and Asian residents are more segregated (relative to White, non‐Hispanic residents) today than 7 More diverse communities usually have higher dissimilarity indices—and less diverse communities, lower indices. This is due to a number of factors, including settlement in 1990. These groups have also experienced the strongest growth in the county. Residential settlement patterns of these two groups during the past 25 years appear to have influenced segregation.
In general, San Mateo County is relatively well integrated— particularly given its racial and ethnic diversity.7 Compared to the San Francisco/Oakland/Hayward regional dissimilarity index (see Table 4.6-1), San Mateo County has lower or similar levels of segregation.
Table 4.6-1: Racial/Ethnic Dissimilarity Trends-San Mateo County Consortia Jurisdictions, 2017
Racial/Ethnic
Dissimilarity Index
San Mateo County Consortia
Jurisdictions (Urban County)
San FranciscoOaklandHayward
Region
1990
Trend
2000
Trend
2010
Trend Current
Non-White/White 42.06 42.27 40.66 43.86 45.89
Black/White 64.58 58.70 49.75 56.78 63.49
Hispanic/White 44.44 51.30 49.36 53.36 51.24
Asian or Pacific
Islander/White
38.73 38.80 39.70 42.17 48.21
The Bay area is one of the least affordable housing markets in the country. All types of households, except for very high-income households and households who have owned property in the area for decades, have difficulty finding affordable housing. A variety of factors present even greater challenges in securing patterns and formation of ethnic enclaves, historical practices and policies leading to segregation, and limited housing choices.
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affordable housing, such as households with very low incomes or needing to secure housing in certain locations to accommodate jobs or schools and/or housing with special features. As employment continues to expand in the region, larger households and households with special needs are likely to experience greater housing pressures than households with fewer housing needs. This could lead to greater segregation of certain households if housing accommodating a variety of residents is not available.
In sum, in the county and the greater region, continued growth and demand for housing – especially naturally occurring affordable rental housing – could lead to increased segregation.
This segregation is mostly likely to occur in areas where affordable housing can still be found, such as Redwood City or East Palo Alto. It is also logical to assume that residents with the lowest incomes, special needs households, and larger household sizes will be most affected.
Persons with Disabilities
In San Carlos, 1,988 residents (7 percent) are living with a disability. Many of these residents with disabilities are 75 years and older (41 percent). Figure 4.6-11 shows the population of persons with a disability by census tract (2015-2019). At a regional level, San Carlos is generally similar to neighboring cities and the county as a whole where eight percent of residents have disabilities. In the Bay area at large, 10 percent of residents have a disability. Overall concentration of residents living with disabilities in San Carlos is minimal. In the area north of Cherry St and along El Camino Real, there is a higher percentage of residents with disabilities (10 to 20 percent of residents). While the concentration of residents in this area living with a disability is not significant, compared to the rest of the City, it is worth considering some of the factors which may contribute to the concentration of disabilities. In San Carlos, majority of residents living with disabilities are 75 years of age or older; among the various classifications of disabilities, majority of residents in the City living with disabilities have either an ambulatory or independent living disability. The area identified in Figure 4.6-11 also includes San Carlos Elms and Retirement Plus-San Carlos, both of which are assisted living/senior living facilities. Which can infer that the concentration of disabilities in the area, could be due to residents living in assisted living facilities, due to their independent living disabilities. The concentration of residents living with disabilities is consistent at a regional level, the various tracts across San Mateo county have similar levels of residents living with disabilities (10 to 20 percent).
Familial Status
Familial status can indicate specific housing needs and preferences. A larger number of nonfamily or single person households could indicate a higher share of people living alone and an increased need for one- and two-bedroom units. Figure
4.6-12 shows that most households in San Carlos are made up of married couples (61 percent), which is moderately higher than for the county (55 percent) and Bay area overall (51 percent). The city’s distribution of residents by household size resembles the county and Bay area (Figure 4.6-13). Figure 4.6-14 shows the percentage of children in married couple households is fairly consistent throughout the city, and Figure 4.6-15 parallels this, instead showing the percentage of children in female-headed (no spouse) households. Single-parent households require special
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consideration and assistance because of the greater need for daycare, health care, and other services. In particular, femaleheaded households with children tend to have lower incomes and greater need for affordable housing and accessible daycare, and other supportive services. Within San Carlos, there is no one census tract that has a concentration of children living in married or single female headed households.
San Carlos’ renters are mostly spilt between being marriedcouples and living alone (Figure 4.6-16). While owners most commonly occupy homes with 2 to 4 bedrooms (Figure 4.6-17), renters typically live in 1 and 2 bedroom homes. The city’s household sizes and types and bedroom distributions appear to be consistent.
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F I G U R E 4. 6 - 11
P o p u l a t i o n w i t h a D i s a b i l i t y , 2 0 1 9
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 12
S h a r e o f H o u s e h o l d s b y T y p e , 2 0 1 9 Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 13
S h a r e o f H o u s e h o l d s b y S i z e , 2 0 1 9 Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
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F I G U R E H - 4. 6 - 14
P e r c e n t o f C h i l d r e n i n M a r r i e d - C o u p l e H o u s e h o l d s , 2 0 1 9
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 15
P e r c e n t o f C h i l d r e n i n F e m a l e H e a d e d H o u s e h o l d s ( N o S p o u s e / P a r t n e r ) , 2 0 1 9
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 1 6
H o u s i n g T y p e b y T e n u r e , S a n C a r l o s , 2 0 1 9 Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 1 7
H o u s i n g U n i t s b y N u m b e r o f B e d r o o m s a n d T e n u r e , S a n C a r l o s , 2 0 1 9 Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
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Household Income
The household income distribution by percent of area median income (AMI) skews higher in San Carlos than in the county. Sixteen percent of San Carlos households earn less than 50 percent AMI compared to 24 percent in the Ccounty (Figure 4.6-18). Nearly all block groups within the City have a median income that is greater than $125,000, with the exception of two block groups that are in the $91,000 - $112,000 range.All but one block group in the city has a median income of less than $125,000 (Figure 4.6-19 and Figure 4.6- 20). These block groups, located in the central part of the city, also correspond with census tracts where 30 to 40 percent of households are of low to moderate income levels (LMI). As previously mentioned, residents living in this area have a median income that is lower compared to the rest of the city, however, the median incomes are still well above the median state income of 2020 ($78,672). The relatively higher percentage of low to moderate income levels across these tracts can also be attributed to the higher availability of multi-family housing, which generally attracts lower income residents, due to its affordability. At a regional level, San Carlos has less tracts that are of low to moderate income levels, in comparison to other large cities such as Redwood City, San Mateo, East Palo Alto, San Bruno, and South San Francisco. Still, nNo areas of the city have concentrated poverty (Figure 4.6-21).
The California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) in collaboration with HCD developed a series of opportunity maps that help to identify areas of the community with good or poor access to opportunity for residents. These maps were developed to align funding allocations with the goal of improving outcomes for lowincome residents—particularly children.
The California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) in collaboration with HCD developed a series of opportunity maps that help to identify areas of the community with good or poor access to opportunity for residents. These maps were developed to align funding allocations with the goal of improving outcomes for lowincome residents—particularly children.
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 18
S h a r e o f H o u s e h o l d s b y A r e a
M e d i a n I n c o m e ( A M I ) , 2 0 1 9
The opportunity maps highlight areas of highest resource, high resource, moderate resource, moderate resource (rapidly changing), low resource and high segregation and poverty. TCAC provides opportunity maps for access to opportunity in quality education, employment, transportation, and environment , as well as a composite map. Opportunity scores are presented on a scale from zero to one and the higher the number, the more positive the outcomes.
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F I G U R E 4. 6 - 20
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S e g r e g a t i o n a n d I n t e g r a t i o n S u m m a r y
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F I G U R E 4. 6 - 2 3 A
L o c a l R a c i a l l y C o n c e n t r a t e d A r e a s o f A f f l u e n c e ( R C A A ' s) , 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 9
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 2 3 B : R e g i o n a l R a c i a l l y C o n c e n t r a t e d A r e a s o f A f f l u e n c e ( R C A A s ) , 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 9
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Education. TCAC’s education score is based on math proficiency, reading proficiency, high school graduation rates, and the student poverty rate. According to TCAC’s educational
opportunity map (Figure 4.6-24), all census tracts in San Carlos score higher than 0.75—indicating strong educational
environments. Opportunity scores are presented on a scale from zero to one and the higher the number, the more positive the outcomes.
San Carlos is served by the Sequoia Union High School District; San Carlos Elementary School is the local elementary school.
Sequoia Union gained students between the 2010-2011 and 2020- 2021 period, and had the largest increase in student body among schools serving the county. San Carlos Elementary’s enrollment was stable. During the pandemic, the high school enrollment was stable; San Carlos Elementary declined by four percentage points.
The Sequoia Union district enrollment by race and ethnicity is less likely to be Asian and more likely to be Hispanic and White than all students in the county (Table 4.6-2). San Carlos Elementary school differs from the high school district in that it is more likely to be Asian and White, and less likely to be Hispanic. Compared to the county overall, both Sequoia Union and San Carlos Elementary have fewer English Language Learners. San Carlos Elementary has far fewer students qualifying for free and reduced lunch (six percent in the elementary district compared to 30 percent for the high school district and 29 percent
countywide).
Educational proficiency among Sequoia Union High School students and San Carlos Elementary School students exceeds or matches countywide proficiency except for English language arts for boys. San Carlos Elementary students have high rates of proficiency across the board (Table 4.6-3). Yet proficiency gaps exist by race and ethnicity: Black/African American students attending both San Carlos Elementary and Sequoia High have some of the lowest rates of mathematics proficiency in the county:
just 11 percent (elementary) and 18 percent (high school) of Black/African American students are proficient in math, compared to 22 percent in Redwood Elementary, 36 percent in Las Lomitas Elementary, and 40 percent in Menlo Park
Elementary (Table 4.6-4). The same differences occur for English language proficiency: In San Carlos Elementary School District, 80 percent of the student body met or exceeded English testing standards, but only 19 percent of Black/African American students met or exceeded testing standards—a 61 percentage point gap (Table 4.6-5). Hispanic students also have proficiency gaps, but they are not as severe. Only three percent of English language learners and 9 percent of students with disabilities in the Sequoia Union High School District meet or exceed math standards—some of the lowest proficiency among schools in the county (Table 4.6-6).
Employment. San Carlos’ job opportunities have changed
significantly since 2002 due to a large decline in Manufacturing jobs and a rapid increase in Professional & Managerial Service jobs (Figure 4.6-25). The city’s jobs to household ratio mirrors the county and Bay area (Figure 4.6-26) and the unemployment rate is slightly lower (4.9 percent in San Carlos compared to 5.9 percent in the county and 6.6 percent in the Bay area).
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F I G U R E 4. 6 - 2 4
T C A C O p p o r t u n i t y A r e a s E d u c a t i o n S c o r e b y C e n s u s T r a c t , 2 0 2 1
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Table 4.6-2: Student body by Race and Ethnicity, 2020-2021 School District
Unified School Districts
Cabrillo Unified 1% 0% 1% 52% 0% 40% 5%
La Honda-Pescadero 0% 0% 1% 63% 0% 35% 1%
South San Francisco 14% 1% 23% 48% 2% 6% 6%
High & Elementary School Districts
Jefferson Union High School 15% 1% 29% 31% 1% 14% 7%
Bayshore Elementary 19% 3% 21% 41% 4% 3% 8%
Brisbane Elementary 20% 1% 12% 28% 0% 24% 11%
Jefferson Elementary 19% 2% 25% 36% 1% 11% 5%
Pacifica 8% 1% 9% 26% 0% 39% 16%
San Mateo Union High School 23% 1% 5% 32% 2% 28% 10%
Burlingame Elementary 27% 0% 3% 16% 0% 41% 9%
Hillsborough Elementary 32% 0% 2% 5% 0% 48% 12%
Millbrae Elementary 46% 1% 6% 20% 2% 16% 8%
San Bruno Park Elementary 16% 1% 10% 41% 5% 15% 1%
San Mateo-Foster City 26% 1% 3% 37% 2% 21% 9%
Sequoia Union High School 9% 2% 1% 45% 2% 35% 5%
Belmont-Redwood Shores 32% 1% 3% 12% 1% 34% 14%
Las Lomitas Elementary 18% 1% 1% 13% 0% 53% 14%
Menlo Park City Elementary 13% 1% 1% 17% 1% 55% 11%
Portola Valley Elementary 6% 0% 0% 14% 0% 66% 13%
Ravenswood City Elementary 0% 5% 0% 84% 7% 1% 2%
Redwood City Elementary 4% 1% 1% 70% 1% 19% 4%
San Carlos Elementary 18% 1% 1% 14% 0% 49% 13%
Woodside Elementary 4% 2% 0% 16% 1% 64% 11%
Total 17% 1% 8% 38% 2% 26% 8%
Asian White
Two or
Black Filipino Hispanic more races
Pacific
Islander
Note: In almost all school districts, less than 1% of students were Native American, so they are not included in this table.
Source: California Department of Education and Root Policy Research
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Table 4.6-3: Students who Met or Exceeded Testing Standards, by Gender and District, 2018-2019 Source: California Department of Education, California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, and Root Policy Research District
Unified School Districts
Cabrillo Unified 48% 41% 55% 34% 31% 38%
La Honda-Pescadero 43% 36% 49% 31% 34% 28%
South San Francisco 52% 45% 60% 44% 42% 45%
High & Elementary School Districts
Jefferson Union High School 57% 52% 63% 37% 38% 35%
Bayshore Elementary 27% 24% 31% 27% 27% 28%
Brisbane Elementary 64% 56% 72% 54% 56% 53%
Jefferson Elementary 48% 43% 54% 37% 39% 35%
Pacifica 60% 55% 65% 57% 57% 57%
San Mateo Union High School 70% 66% 76% 50% 50% 50%
Burlingame Elementary 80% 75% 84% 78% 78% 78%
Hillsborough Elementary 85% 81% 89% 85% 86% 84%
Millbrae Elementary 63% 57% 70% 58% 58% 58%
San Bruno Park Elementary 50% 47% 53% 41% 43% 38%
San Mateo-Foster City 62% 58% 67% 56% 56% 56%
Sequoia Union High School 68% 64% 72% 50% 50% 50%
Belmont-Redwood Shores 82% 78% 86% 79% 78% 80%
Las Lomitas Elementary 86% 84% 88% 82% 84% 80%
Menlo Park City Elementary 84% 81% 87% 83% 82% 83%
Portola Valley Elementary 87% 83% 91% 83% 84% 82%
Ravenswood City Elementary 22% 20% 23% 15% 16% 13%
Redwood City Elementary 54% 49% 59% 46% 46% 46%
San Carlos Elementary 80% 77% 83% 75% 76% 74%
Woodside Elementary 88% 85% 91% 84% 85% 83%
Total 62% 57% 67% 52% 52% 52%
English Language Arts/Literacy Mathematics
Total Boys Girls Total Boys Girls
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Table 4.6-4: Students who Met or Exceeded Mathematics Testing Standards, by Race/Ethnicity and District, 2018-2019 Table 4.6-5: Students who Met or Exceeded English Testing Standards, by Race/Ethnicity and District, 2018-2019 School District
Unified School Districts
Cabrillo Unified 34% 65% (no data) 38% 16% (no data) 54% La Honda-Pescadero 31% (no data) (no data) (no data) 20% (no data) 46% South San Francisco 44% 75% 19% 60% 29% 33% 46%
High & Elementary School Districts
Jefferson Union High School 37% 75% (no data) 36% 17% (no data) 42% Bayshore Elementary 27% 44% (no data) 38% 17% 14% (no data) Brisbane Elementary 54% 67% (no data) 65% 38% (no data) 60% Jefferson Elementary 37% 61% 15% 42% 23% 20% 30%
Pacifica 57% 74% 38% 48% 38% (no data) 66%
San Mateo Union High School 50% 84% (no data) 46% 22% 20% 63% Burlingame Elementary 78% 92% 53% 66% 50% (no data) 81% Hillsborough Elementary 85% 92% (no data) (no data) 76% (no data) 82% Millbrae Elementary 58% 75% 31% 63% 27% 11% 51%
San Bruno Park Elementary 41% 69% 23% 64% 25% 27% 50%
San Mateo-Foster City 56% 87% 30% 61% 23% 27% 69%
Sequoia Union High School 50% 81% 18% 53% 22% 11% 76%
Belmont-Redwood Shores 79% 92% 37% 77% 52% 43% 79%
Las Lomitas Elementary 82% 93% 36% (no data) 44% (no data) 87% Menlo Park City Elementary 83% 94% 40% (no data) 55% 35% 88% Portola Valley Elementary 83% 89% (no data) (no data) 56% (no data) 89% Ravenswood City Elementary 15% (no data) 9% (no data) 15% 11% (no data) Redwood City Elementary 46% 92% 22% 76% 34% 44% 75%
San Carlos Elementary 75% 91% 11% 85% 51% (no data) 78% Woodside Elementary 84% 92% (no data) (no data) 52% (no data) 89% Total 52% 82% 18% 50% 27% 21% 71%
Overall Asian Black Filipino Hispanic White
Pacific
Islander
Source: California Department of Education, California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, and Root Policy Research
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Source: California Department of Education, California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, and Root Policy Research School District
Unified School Districts
Cabrillo Unified 48% 78% (no data) 54% 28% (no data) 71% La Honda-Pescadero 43% (no data) (no data) (no data) 27% (no data) 61% South San Francisco 52% 76% 36% 66% 38% 44% 56%
High & Elementary School Districts
Jefferson Union High School 57% 81% (no data) 60% 43% (no data) 59% Bayshore Elementary 27% 49% (no data) 33% 20% 14% (no data) Brisbane Elementary 64% 63% (no data) 75% 51% (no data) 79% Jefferson Elementary 48% 62% 28% 59% 34% 33% 43%
Pacifica 60% 65% 32% 52% 45% (no data) 68%
San Mateo Union High School 70% 88% 55% 79% 50% 34% 81% Burlingame Elementary 80% 88% 61% 73% 55% (no data) 83% Hillsborough Elementary 85% 89% (no data) (no data) 77% (no data) 83% Millbrae Elementary 63% 74% 46% 68% 42% 23% 61%
San Bruno Park Elementary 50% 72% 39% 76% 36% 31% 56%
San Mateo-Foster City 62% 85% 41% 68% 34% 37% 77%
Sequoia Union High School 68% 87% 44% 92% 47% 31% 88%
Belmont-Redwood Shores 82% 91% 44% 81% 64% 61% 83%
Las Lomitas Elementary 86% 91% 45% (no data) 65% (no data) 89% Menlo Park City Elementary 84% 92% 60% (no data) 62% 40% 88% Portola Valley Elementary 87% 92% (no data) (no data) 58% (no data) 93% Ravenswood City Elementary 22% (no data) 24% (no data) 21% 18% (no data) Redwood City Elementary 54% 91% 35% 73% 43% 47% 83%
San Carlos Elementary 80% 90% 19% 76% 60% (no data) 83% Woodside Elementary 88% 92% (no data) (no data) 58% (no data) 92% Total 62% 82% 34% 64% 40% 31% 79%
Overall Asian Black Filipino Hispanic White
Pacific
Islander
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Table 4.6-6: Students who Met or Exceeded Math Testing Standards, by Special Case and District, 2018-2019 F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 2 5
School District
Unified School Districts
Cabrillo Unified 34% 4% 5% 4% 9%
La Honda-Pescadero 31% 4% (no data) (no data) 2%
South San Francisco 44% 20% 25% 4% 18%
High & Elementary School Districts
Jefferson Union High School 37% 5% (no data) (no data) 6% Bayshore Elementary 27% 11% (no data) (no data) 9%
Brisbane Elementary 54% 4% (no data) (no data) 12%
Jefferson Elementary 37% 15% 36% (no data) 11%
Pacifica 57% 22% (no data) (no data) 17%
San Mateo Union High School 50% 10% (no data) (no data) 13% Burlingame Elementary 78% 40% (no data) (no data) 29%
Hillsborough Elementary 85% (no data) (no data) (no data) 48% Millbrae Elementary 58% 26% 16% (no data) 25%
San Bruno Park Elementary 41% 12% (no data) (no data) 9% San Mateo-Foster City 56% 11% 15% (no data) 14%
Sequoia Union High School 50% 3% 33% (no data) 9%
Belmont-Redwood Shores 79% 42% (no data) (no data) 43%
Las Lomitas Elementary 82% 54% (no data) (no data) 28%
Menlo Park City Elementary 83% 31% (no data) (no data) 38% Portola Valley Elementary 83% 14% (no data) (no data) 39% Ravenswood City Elementary 15% 5% 11% (no data) 2%
Redwood City Elementary 46% 14% (no data) 29% 14%
San Carlos Elementary 75% 24% (no data) (no data) 21%
Woodside Elementary 84% 27% (no data) (no data) 41%
English
Learners
Experiencing
homelessness Migrant
With
Overall Disabilities
Source: California Department of Education, California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, and Root Policy Research
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J o b s b y I n d u s t r y , S a n C a r l o s , 2 0 0 2 - 2 0 1 8 Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 2 6
J o b s t o H o u s e h o l d R a t i o , S a n C a r l o s , 2 0 0 2 - 2 0 1 8 Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
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TCAC’s economic opportunity score is comprised of poverty, adult educational attainment, employment, job proximity, and median home value. The vast majority of the city ranks very high on economic opportunity, with the areas around Highway 101 offering moderate opportunity (Figure 4.6-27). The jobs proximity index quantifies the accessibility of a neighborhood to jobs in the region by measuring the physical distances between jobs and places of residence. This index varies from 0-100 as demonstrated in Figure 4.6-28, with higher scores point to better accessibility to employment opportunities. The areas abutting Highway 101, however, offer the best job proximity (Figure 4.6-28). Located within this high proximity region is also the downtown area, which spans along Laurel St. The downtown area is home to a diverse set of retail and commercial centers, serving as a very prominent employment center for the various residents of San Carlos, as well as residents from other cities. At a regional level, cities throughout San Mateo county (namely those along the San Francisco Bay), have similar proximity index levels, where cities like Burlingame, Redwood City, South San Francisco, and East Palo Alto have a very close proximity index. Cities with the furthest proximity include Pacifica and Daly City.
Transportation. This section provides a summary of the
transportation system that serves the broader region including emerging trends and data relevant to transportation access. The San Mateo County Transit District acts as the administrative body for transit and transportation programs in the county including SamTrans and the Caltrain commuter rail. SamTrans provides bus services in San Mateo County, including Redi-Wheels paratransit service.
In 2018, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), which covers the entire Bay Area, adopted a coordinated public transit and human services transportation plan. While
developing the coordinated plan, the MTC conducted extensive community outreach about transportation within the area. That plan—which was developed by assessing the effectiveness of how well seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans, and people with low incomes are served—was reviewed to determine gaps in services in San Mateo County. Pertinent feedback in that plan included:
“San Mateo’s [Paratransit Coordinating Council] PCC and County Health System, as well as the Peninsula Family Service Agency provided feedback. The most common themes expressed had to do with pedestrian and bicycle needs at specific locations throughout the county, though some covered more general comments such as parked cars blocking sidewalk right-of-way and a desire for bike lanes to accommodate motorized scooters and wheelchairs. Transportation information, emerging mobility providers, and transit fares were other common themes.
While some comments related to the use of car share, transportation network companies (TNCs), or autonomous vehicles as potential
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solutions, other comments called for the increased accessibility and affordability of these services in the meantime.”8
A partnership between the World Institute on Disability and the MTC created the research and community engagement project TRACS (Transportation Resilience, Accessibility & Climate Sustainability). The project’s overall goal is to, “stimulate connection and communication between the community of
seniors and people with disabilities together with the
transportation system– the agencies in the region local to the San Francisco bay, served by MTC.”9
8 https://mtc.ca.gov/sites/default/files/MTC_Coordinated_Plan.pdf 9 https://wid.org/transportation-accessibility/
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F I G U R E 4. 6 - 2 7
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As part of the TRACS outreach process, respondents were asked to share their compliments or good experiences with MTC transit.
One respondent who had used multiple services said, “it is my sense that SamTrans is the best Bay Area transit provider in terms of overall disability accommodation.”
The San Mateo County Transit District updated their Mobility Plan for Older Adults and People with Disabilities in 2018.
According to the district, the county’s senior population is expected to grow more than 70% over the next 20 years and the district is experiencing unprecedented increases in paratransit ridership. The plan is targeted at developing effective mobility programs for residents with disabilities and older adults including viable alternatives to paratransit, partnerships, and leveraging funding sources.10 MTC also launched Clipper START—an 18-month pilot project— in 2020 which provides fare discounts on single transit rides for riders whose household income is no more than double the federal poverty level.11 Access to transportation is extremely important to households affected by low incomes and rising housing prices, especially because lower income households are often public transit dependent. Public transit should strive to link lower income residents to major employers where job opportunities exist.
Access to employment via public transportation can reduce welfare usage and increase housing mobility, which enables 10 https://www.samtrans.com/Planning/Planning_and_Research/Mobility_Pla n_for_Older_Adults_and_People_with_Disabilities.html
residents to locate housing outside of traditionally low-income neighborhoods.
Public transit in the City of San Carlos is somewhat accessible, given that public transit such as bus routes are limited to routes along major roads such as Brittan Ave., and Alameda de las Pulgas. Other transit routes include the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) routes, as well as the Cal Train systems which run parallel to the El Camino Real. These methods of transit allow residents of the City of San Carlos to ride beyond the city limits, to other major economic centers. It is worth mentioning that some areas of the city, or areas that can best be characterized as single-family neighborhoods see less public transit accessibility compared to those living in high density corridors. The lack of route coverage is possibly due to there being more access to private modes of transportation (i.e., personal vehicles) among residents living in these areas, as they tend to be homeowners with higher incomes.
Though given that some residents experience disability in the form of independent living, the lack of public transportation availability can make it difficult for these residents to travel away from home to visit grocery stores or other services.
Environment. TCAC’s opportunity areas environmental scores are based on the CalEnviroScreen 3.0 indicators, which identify areas disproportionately vulnerable to pollution sources such as ozone, PM2.5, diesel PM, pesticides, toxic release, traffic, cleanup 11 https://mtc.ca.gov/planning/transportation/access-equitymobility/clipperr-startsm
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sites, groundwater threats, hazardous waste, impaired water bodies, and solid waste sites. In addition to environmental factors (pollutant exposure, groundwater threats, toxic sites, and hazardous materials exposure) and sensitive receptors (seniors, children, persons with asthma, and low birth weight infants), CalEnviroScreen also takes into consideration socioeconomic factors. These factors include educational attainment, linguistic isolation, poverty, and unemployment. Research has shown a heightened vulnerability of people of certain ethnicities and lower socioeconomic status to environmental pollutants. In San Carlos, there are more significant disparities in environmental outcomes than in other opportunity indicators (Figure 4.6-29).
The neighborhoods aligning Highway 101 have low to moderate outcomes, while the balance remainder of the city has moderate outcomes (but for two census tracts with more positive
outcomes). Other cities throughout the region receive similar environmental scores; tracts that are in close proximity to Highway 101 also have less positive environmental scores. Once again, possibly due to the exposure to air pollutants from vehicle emissions. The east end of the 101 also tends to be more industrial and commercial in its uses, as can be seen in cities such as Redwood City, Burlingame, San Mateo, and South San Francisco.
Disparities in access to opportunity
TCAC’s composite opportunity score for San Carlos shows census tracts along Highway 101 fall within high resource areas while the rest of the city is within the highest resource areas (Figure 4.6-30). The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC)—ranks census tracts based on their ability to respond to a disaster—includes four themes of socioeconomic status, household composition, race or ethnicity, and housing and transportation. Nearly all of the city has the lowest vulnerability, with one tract, in the northeast part of the city abutting Belmont, as low to moderate vulnerability (Figure
4.6-31).
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San Carlos does not have any disadvantaged communities as defined under SB 535 as, “the top 25 percent scoring areas from CalEnviroScreen along with other areas with high amounts of pollution and low populations.”12
State law requires that for housing elements due on or after January 1, 2021, sites must be identified throughout the community in a manner that affirmatively furthers fair housing opportunities (Government Code Section 65583(c)(10)). Figure H5.3 in Chapter 4.5 (Housing Resources) shows that capacity for multi-family residential development is fairly evenly distributed among the high and highest resources areas and that no
concentration of lower income sites exists.
Racially/Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Affluence
Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence (RCAAs) are defined by the HUD as, communities with a large proportion of affluent and non-Hispanic White residents. According to a policy paper published by the HUD, non-Hispanic Whites are the most racially segregated groups in United States. In the same way
neighborhood disadvantage is associated with concentrated poverty and high concentrations of people of color, distinct advantages are associated with residence in affluent, White communities. Figure 4.6-23 demonstrates that the entire city of San Carlos is considered an RCAA, given its predominantly White population, as well as its median income level above $125,000. Among the various cities in San Mateo County, San 12 https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/sb535
Carlos is among the few cities that are entirely comprised of RCAAs, along with Woodside, Menlo Park, and Portola Valley.
San Carlos and other predominantly RCAA communities in San Mateo County have a history of being known as affluent
communities. These communities also translate into areas of high resource/opportunity, with high performing schools, low crime rates, and low levels of housing problems such as substandard housing and overpayment.
San Carlos has a very limited number (137 units) of deedrestricted or publicly assisted affordable units (see Table 4.3-10 in the Needs Assessment). To address a history of a lack of affordable housing, the City instituted a Below Market Rate Ordinance to require provision of on-site affordable housing units for new construction projects, along with a Commercial Linkage fee to fund future affordable housing development. In 2022, the City updated the Below Market Rate Ordinance to remove loopholes and effectuate more affordable housing development. The Commercial linkage fee was adopted in 2017 and as of 2023 the City has collected over $6.5 million to support affordable housing. In 2022, the City completed a city-sponsored 100% affordable project at 817 Walnut. In 2023, the City is pursuing a second 100% affordable project at 1232 Cherry Street, exemplifying the City’s recent meaningful efforts to increase the historically low number of BMR units in San Carlos.
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Disparities Specific to the Population Living with a Disability Seven percent of the population in San Carlos is living with at least one disability, compared to eight percent in the county. The most common disabilities in the city are ambulatory (3.3 percent), independent living (2.7 percent), and cognitive (also 2.7 percent).
For the population 65 and over, the share of the population with a disability: 15.6 percent of seniors have an ambulatory disability,
12.1 percent have an independent living disability, and 12 percent have hearing difficulty. As mentioned above under access to transportation, San Mateo County is rapidly aging; therefore, this population with a disability is likely to increase.
Displacement Risk
Displacement refers to instances where a household is forced or pressured to move from their home against their wishes. Areas with high demand for homes drive up housing costs and
increases pressure for redevelopment, resulting in the potential for displacement. A report produced by the University of Berkeley (UC Berkeley)’s Institute of Government Studies “Displacement in San Mateo County, California” in 2017
indicated that there are a variety of outcomes of displacement.
Key findings included:
• Displacement can take many forms. Formal eviction is not the only way households become displaced. Landlords
may refuse to make improvements and engage in
negative behavior to discourage tenants from staying.
About 14 percent of survey respondents reported this
type of experience. Sometimes tenants are “code
enforced” out of their units, a result of neighbors
repeatedly complaining about conditions in the unit or
complex.
• Displaced households commonly end up in substandard
or overcrowded housing conditions.
• Displaced households are five times more likely to
become homeless than non‐displaced households.
• After being displaced, just 20 percent of households
remained in their neighborhoods (defined by the study as within one mile of their former home). Thirty‐three
percent left the county, generally moving to the Central Valley or East Bay communities.
• Two out of three children in displaced households
changed schools.
• These moves resulted in displaced households residing in neighborhoods with fewer job opportunities on average,
leading to lengthened commutes. These neighborhoods
also had more environmental challenges and lower access to health care.
UC Berkeley’s Urban Displacement Project also examines
patterns of gentrification in the region. In 2015, the project released a tool that provides an early warning sign for displacement. The tool combines current signs of displacement Disability
“Disability types include hearing difficulty, vision difficulty, cognitive difficulty, ambulatory difficulty, self-care difficulty, and independent living difficulty.”
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with indicators that are part of past neighborhood
transformations to “paint a comprehensive picture of the extent and nature of displacement” in the Bay Area. As of 2017, the Urban Displacement Project found that more than half of lowincome households in the region live in neighborhoods at risk or already experiencing displacement and gentrification. At that time, displacement was occurring for moderate to high-income neighborhoods, as well as traditionally lower-income
neighborhoods (Figure 4.6-33). In San Carlos at the time, much of the city was either in the very early stages of displacement or undergoing displacement. However, as of 2021, the city is mostly experiencing stages of advanced exclusion, as a result of rapidly increasing housing costs. Today housing is mostly affordable to high or mixed high-income households (Figure 4.6-34). The areas near Big Canyon Park and east of El Camino Real are stable and have a mix of moderate and high-income households.
Given the changing diversity in the region, employment
expansion, and rapidly increasing home prices, it can be difficult to determine which populations are most affected by
displacement pressures. The Urban Displacement Project
compared the racial and ethnic makeup of residents in 2010 and 2015 by neighborhood and revealed that in the region:
• The largest loss of African American residents by
neighborhood occurred in two Census tracts in East Palo Alto. This was offset by growth in White and Hispanic
households.
• Patterns in the loss of Hispanic residents by neighborhood are far less distinct. Many neighborhoods show declines in Hispanic households – and many show increases.
• Neighborhoods that lost Asian residents sometimes
gained White and Hispanic residents, although there is no clear pattern of displacement.
• Neighborhoods with losses in families were commonly
those that experienced losses in Hispanic residents.
According to the Urban Displacement Project, communities were designated sensitive if they met the following criteria:
• They currently have populations vulnerable to
displacement in the event of increased redevelopment
and drastic shifts in housing cost. Vulnerability is defined as:
➢ Share of very low income residents is above 20%, 2017, and
➢ The tract meets two of the following criteria:
− Share of renters is above 40%, 2017
− Share of people of color is above 50%, 2017
− Share of very low-income households (50% AMI
or below) that are severely rent burdened
households is above the county median, 2017
− They or areas in close proximity have been
experiencing displacement pressures.
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Displacement pressure is defined as percent
change in rent above county median for rent
increases, 2012-2017.
OR
• Difference between tract median rent and median rent for surrounding tracts above median for all tracts in county (rent gap), 2017
No census tract in the city areis vulnerable to displacement.
The State of California has some of the strongest residential housing and fair housing regulations in the country. These regulations are intended to mitigate the negative effects that land use, zoning, and siting of housing can have on affordability and access to opportunity. In general, because of these laws, California cities generally have more in their “affordability toolkit” than comparably sized communities in other western states. Yet citizen opposition, lack of political will, and the lag between identifying housing affordability challenges and implementing housing policy can reduce the effectiveness of the best-intentioned regulations.
One frequently criticized policy is the limited enforcement (in lieu of advocacy pressure or legal action) of Housing Elements, which require that communities identify and plan for affordability gaps.
In San Mateo County, Housing Elements are produced
collaboratively. This approach not only provides transparency, it facilitates coordinated planning and regional affordability goalsetting.
According to the 2016 San Mateo County Hazard Mitigation Plan, the City of San Carlos has seen two major hazard events since 1989. In October of 1989, residents experienced the 6.9 magnitude Loma Prieta earthquake, and in January of 2010, the city experienced a significant flooding event which impacted the cities airport.
These disasters pose a substantial safety risk to residents, and threaten vital infrastructure and property throughout the city.
For this reason, the city and county have implemented a variety of measures that aim to help residents effectively respond and prepare for any such disasters.
As mitigation actions addressing these issues are included in the County Hazard Mitigation Plan, as well as the City’s Climate Action Plan, the risk of displacement due to disaster is expected to be minimal. The risks of displacement due to disinvestment are also anticipated to be minimal or nonexistent. San Carlos is experiencing demand for non-residential and residential development throughout the city, with no significant areas of disinvestment or concern.
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Disproportionate Housing Needs
Disproportionate housing need generally refers to a condition in which there are significant disparities in certain groups of residents experiencing a category of housing need when
compared to the total population experiencing that category of housing need in the applicable geographic area. This section discusses disparate housing needs for protected classes including cost burden and severe cost burden, overcrowding, substandard housing conditions, homelessness, and other considerations.
Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development Guidance, 2021, page 39.
Disproportionate Housing Needs
“Disproportionate housing needs generally refers to a
condition in which there are significant disparities in the proportion of members of a protected class experiencing a category of housing need when compared to the proportion of members of any other relevant groups, or the total population experiencing that category of housing need in the applicable geographic area. For purposes of this definition, categories of housing need are based on such factors as cost burden and severe cost burden, overcrowding, homelessness, and
substandard housing conditions.”
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D i s p l a c e m e n t R i s k i n S a n M a t e o C o u n t y a n d C i t y o f S a n C a r l o s , 2 0 1 7 Source: San Mateo County Regional Assessment of Fair Housing
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Cost Burden (Overpayment)
State and federal programs define whether a household
experiences a housing cost burden (or is considered overpaying) as any household spending more than 30 percent of its gross annual income on housing. When a household spends more than 30 percent of its income on housing costs, it has less disposable income for other necessities such as health care or education. In the event of unexpected circumstances such as loss of
employment or health problems, lower-income households with a housing cost burden are more likely to become homeless or double up with other households. Cost burden is an issue that is seen throughout the region.
In San Carlos, 28 percent of households are overpaying for housing. The situation is exacerbated for lower income
households, where 67 percent are overpaying for housing.
Almost three-quarters (73 percent) of lower income renters are overpaying for housing, and 61 percent of lower income owners are overpaying for housing. Figure H-4.34 shows the distribution of housing overpayment by homeowners, and Figure H-4.35 shows the distribution of housing overpayment by renters in the city. San Carlos homeowners generally experience lower levels of cost burden than renters. The map indicates that the levels of housing overpayment fall in the 20 to 40 percent range, while there is one tract that has a range less than 20 percent, which means that these households experience even less cost burden than majority of the city. As for renters in the city, the map demonstrates that there are higher levels of cost burden throughout the tracts, some tracts reach levels in the range of 40- 60 percent of homeowners.
Cost burden in San Carlos is lower than in the County and the Bay area overall, largely due to the high barriers to entry in the City’s market (Figure 4.6-37). Lower income households—who generally have the highest levels of burden—have few
opportunities to rent and buy in San Carlos.
There are few disparities in housing cost burden in San Carlos by race and ethnicity and family size. Hispanic/Latinx households face the highest level of burden at 35%--which is still relatively low compared for the county. Large family households—
considered households with five or more persons—face lower levels of burden than other household types.
At a regional level, renter-occupied households living in cities all along the San Francisco Bay, experience similar levels of cost burden. With the exception of cities such as East Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Mateo, San Bruno and South San Francisco, where 40 to 80 percent of most tracts experience housing cost burden. As for homeowners within the same region, the severity of housing cost burden diminishes. The majority of tracts seen throughout these cities reach levels of up to 60 percent or less of housing overpayment.
Overcrowding
In response to a mismatch between household income and
housing costs in a community, some households may not be able to buy or rent housing that provides a reasonable level of privacy and space. Overcrowding can occur when housing costs are so high relative to income that families double up or reside in smaller units, which tend to be more affordable, to devote income to other basic living needs. Households with more than one
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person per room are considered overcrowded. According to both California and federal standards, a housing unit is considered overcrowded if it is occupied by more than one person per room (excluding kitchens, bathrooms, and halls). Overcrowding of residential units, in which there is more than one person per room, can be a potential indicator that households are
experiencing economic hardship and are struggling to afford housing.
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 3 7
O v e r p a y m e n t ( C o s t B u r d e n ) b y J u r i s d i c t i o n , 2 0 1 9 Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 38
O v e r p a y m e n t ( C o s t B u r d e n ) b y T e n u r e , S a n C a r l o s , 2 0 1 9 Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 39
O v e r p a y m e n t ( C o s t B u r d e n ) b y R a c e a n d E t h n i c i t y , S a n C a r l o s , 2 0 1 9 Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 4 0 A
O v e r p a y m e n t ( C o s t B u r d e n ) b y F a m i l y S i z e , S a n C a r l o s , 2 0 1 9 Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
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Figure H-4.37 identifies the levels of overcrowding across census tracts in the city, and it demonstrates that households across the city experience very low levels of overcrowding. Areas southwest of El Camino Real are generally below 8.2 percent overcrowded, while tracts east of El Camino Real experience more
overcrowding with levels between 8.2 and 12 percent. The vast majority of households (98 percent) in San Carlos are not overcrowded—indicated by more than one occupant per room.
However, renter-occupied households are more likely to be overcrowded than owner households. Hispanic households
(4.9%) and households with other or mixed races (8.4%) have the highest levels of overcrowding. San Carlos households are less likely to experience overcrowding than the county and Bay area as a whole.
At a regional level, overcrowding can be seen most significantly in cities such as Daly City, South San Francisco, San Bruno, San Mateo, Redwood City, and East Palo Alto, where more than 20 percent of several tracts experience overcrowding. These cities are much larger in population in comparison to San Carlos (with the exception of East Palo Alto). Despite the high levels it is also worth considering that in some instances the data may still be undercounted.
Substandard Housing
Data on housing condition are very limited, with the most consistent data available across jurisdictions found in the American Community Survey (ACS)—which captures units in substandard condition as self-reported in Census surveys. In San Carlos, renter households are also more likely to have
substandard kitchen and plumbing facilities compared to owner households. Generally, a low share of households arelack lacking kitchen or plumbing. For renters, 0.2 percent are lacking kitchen facilities while 2.9 percent are lacking plumbing. For owners, less than one percent are lackinglack either a proper kitchen or plumbing facilities.
The Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) developed by the Census for HUD provides detailed information on housing needs by income level for different types of households in San Mateo County. Severe Housing problems considered by CHAS include:
• Severe housing cost burden, including utilities, exceeding 50 percent of gross income;
• Overcrowded conditions (housing units with more than
1.5 persons per room); and
• Units with physical defects (lacking complete kitchen or bathroom/plumbing facilities)
According to the 2015-19 CHAS data, less than 15 percent of all households (homeowners and renters) in the City of San Carlos experience any of the four previously mentioned severe housing problems. At a county-level, 23 percent of households experience severe housing problems.
There is no concentration of substandard housing issues or areas where housing is more likely to need rehabilitation. Given the general affluence of the community, substandard housing is not a significant issue. However, when there is a report of a
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substandard housing concern, the issue is readily addressed and resolved by the City's Code Enforcement Officer.
Homelessness
In 2019, 30 unsheltered individuals were identified in San Carlos during the point-in-time count, which is 3.3 percent of the total number of unsheltered individuals in San Mateo County. In 2019A total of , 1,512 people were experiencing homelessness in the county during the One-Day Count, with 40% of people in emergency or transitional shelter while the remaining 60% were unsheltered. Throughout the county, the majority of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness were in households without children. The majority of people in transitional housing were in households with children.
People who identify as American Indian or Alaskan Native (six percent of the homeless population compared to less than one percent of the total population), Black (13 percent, 2 percent), White (67 percent, 51 percent), and Hispanic (38 percent, 28 percent) are overrepresented in the homeless population compared to their share of the general population. People struggling with chronic substance abuse (112 people), severe mental illness (305), and domestic violence (127) represented a substantial share of the homeless population in 2019. In San Carlos, 30 persons experiencing homelessness were identified as unsheltered in 2019. Demographic information on these persons individuals is not available.
The 2022 One-Day Count reported a 21 percent increase in the number of unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness countywide (1,092 persons) as compared to the 2019 One-Day Count and an increase in 17 percent in the number of individuals living in group shelters and hotels that have been converted to interim housing (716 persons) for a total of 1,808 persons.
However, in San Carlos, the number of homeless individuals decreased to an estimated 14 persons in 2022. Additional geographic and demographic information is not yet available for 2022.
Most homeless individuals are generally located near Highway 101, in Downtown or in vacant open space areas, but are not concentrated in any one location. Downtown provides ample access to transportation and services.
The City of San Carlos is working collaboratively with the Home for All San Mateo County initiative to promote more housing in San Mateo County. Housing and shelter resources are provided on the City’s website and upon request from interested
individuals.
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GENERAL PLAN 247
4 2023 HOUSING ELEMENT:
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 4 1
O v e r c r o w d e d H o u s e h o l d s , 2 0 1 9
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4 2023 HOUSING ELEMENT:
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 4 2
O c c u p a n t s p e r R o o m b y J u r i s d i c t i o n , 2 0 1 9 Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
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4 2023 HOUSING ELEMENT:
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 4 3
O v e r c r o w d i n g b y R a c e a n d E t h n i c i t y , S a n C a r l o s , 2 0 1 9 Note: Overcrowding is indicated by more than 1 person per room.
Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
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4 2023 HOUSING ELEMENT:
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 4 4 A
S h a r e o f G e n e r a l a n d H o m e l e s s P o p u l a t i o n s b y R a c e , S a n M a t e o C o u n t y , 2 0 1 9
Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 4 4B
C o u n t y w i d e H o m e l e s s P o p u l a t i o n b y E t h n i c i t y Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 4 4 C
C o u n t y w i d e H o m e l e s s P o p u l a t i o n b y E t h n i c i t y Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
Sheltered - Emergency Shelter 46 0 70 31 10
Sheltered - Transitional Housing 46 3 46 4 14
Unsheltered 20 0 189 34 103
Chronic
Substance Abuse HIV/AIDS
Severely
Mentally Ill Veterans
Victims of Domestic
Violence
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Displacement
In San Carlos, no assisted rental units are at risk for displacement due to expiring affordability covenants during the next 10 years.
Access to Mortgage Loans
Disparities by race and ethnicity are also prevalent for home mortgage applications to buy in San Carlos, particularly in denial rates. Except for American Indian/Alaskan Native applicants and Black/African American applicants, denial rates are similar across races and ethnicities (Figure 4.6-46).
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GENERAL PLAN 253
4 2023 HOUSING ELEMENT:
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 4 5
M o r t g a g e A p p l i c a t i o n s b y R a c e a n d E t h n i c i t y , 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 1 9 Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
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4 2023 HOUSING ELEMENT:
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F I G U R E 4 . 6 - 4 6
M o r t g a g e A p p l i c a t i o n D e n i a l R a t e b y R a c e a n d E t h n i c i t y , S a n C a r l o s , 2018 - 2 0 1 9
Source: ABAG Housing Needs Data Workbook
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Other Relevant Factors
Early attempts to develop San Carlos began in the late 1800s.
These early efforts were generally not successful until 1917, when the Mercantile Trust Company hired Fred Hugh Drake, a
prominent real estate and business promoter to oversee the development of the city. Drake expanded infrastructure, established a chamber of commerce, encouraged the
development of housing and gave the city the motto “The City of Good Living.”
The Devonshire Hills subdivision was one of the first
neighborhoods in San Carlos and was established by Drake in 1924, one year before the City’s incorporation in 1925. This subdivision used principles from the Garden City urban planning movement, establishing dog-leg cul-de-sacs and pass-through walkways.
Commercial development followed soon after the establishment of residential neighborhoods. Support businesses, such as gas stations, grocery stores and a pharmacy were established by 1926 along El Camino Real. Industrial activity also came to San Carlos at this time when Fred Hugh Drake helped to bring about a Southern Pacific spur track between San Francisco and
Sunnyvale. This rail connection led to the creation of the city’s first industrial area, located east of the railroad.
After World War II, the population in San Carlos rapidly expanded, especially after the establishment of the Dalmo Victor and Eitel McCullough electronics plants in 1944. The population quadrupled between 1940 and 1950, largely due to the presence of these two electronics plants. The electronics industry grew and by 1958 it comprised a substantial portion of the industrial area.
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Also in the late 1940s, the San Carlos Airport moved from its former location between Brittan and San Carlos Avenues to its present site, east of Highway 101. Additional residential development in areas east of El Camino Real and north and south of Holly Street also occurred at this time.
As the city grew in the 1950s, residential growth was focused in the western hills, above Arguello Park and west of both Alameda de las Pulgas and San Carlos Avenue. In 1956, the City annexed 500 acres west of the Alameda so that the area could be subdivided to provide an additional 1,300 homes, including apartments. In the East Side of San Carlos, growth in the service, supply and electronics industries fueled the City’s economic development. More recently, high-tech and biotechnology firms have contributed to economic growth and transformation in San Carlos. A more recent trend (within the past 20 years) has been the redevelopment of infill parcels with mixed-use and multifamily family housing in areas near Downtown and the El Camino Real transit corridor.
The City’s historic zoning regulations have resulted in a community where the vast majority of residential units are singlefamily detached units (72 percent), with only 28 percent multifamily housing. However, multi-family housing is the fastest growing housing type in San Carlos. Between 2010 and 2020, multi-family housing units increased more rapidly than singlefamily units, with single-family detached units increasing by only one percent while single-family attached (townhomes) increased by two percent, small multi-family housing complexes (2-4 units) increased by three precent, and multi-family units (5+ units) increased by 10 percent over the same period. The percentage of multifamily housing units is expected to continue to increase due to infill development.
Like most communities throughout California, San Carlos’s historical policies, zoning, and investment strategies did not prioritize affordable housing. Today, the San Carlos City Council values diversity in our community and recognizes that the housing crisis is a barrier that must be overcome to ensure the community remains diverse and thriving. The Council
established a number of strategic objectives addressing affordable housing and diversity. To begin overcoming the housing crisis, we all need to understand the forces driving the rise in housing prices, examine the San Carlos housing market, and recognize the persistent need for more affordable housing.
Fair Housing Issues, Contributing Factors and Fair
Housing Action Plan
The disparities in housing choice and access to opportunity discussed above stem from historical actions, the inability of the broader region to respond to housing demand, regional barriers to open housing choice, and limited resources to respond to needs. Three fair housing issues have been identified in San Carlos. The contributing factors to each are discussed below.
In prioritizing contributing factors, San Carlos gave highest priority to factors that:
• Limit or deny fair housing choice,
• Limit or deny access to opportunity, or
• Negatively impact fair housing or civil rights compliance.
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The City also gave consideration to how much influence/ability to change a factor the City has, in order to identify priorities that are feasible and meaningful.
• High Priority items will be prioritized for more near-term investments and City policy changes.
• Moderate Priority items are generally issues of concern but where the City’s impact may not be as broad.
• Low priority items remain issues of concern, but over which the City has limited power to address directly.
Items in the high priority and moderate priority
categories are intended to address these items as well, although indirectly.
As such, the following issues of concern, priority contributing factors, and actions are established:
Insufficient and Inaccessible Housing Options in High Opportunity AreaCitywide
The County’s 2020 AI and the Fair Housing Assessment found there was a need to expand access to opportunity for people who identify with any protected classes. The analysis described in this chapter also found that the City as a whole is highest resource, high median income, and a concentrated area of affluence, which lacks affordable housing options. Contributing factors affecting the lack of sufficient and accessible housing options housing choices and affordability in high opportunity areas include: the City include:
• Location and type of affordable housing [High]
• Lack of access to opportunity due to high housing cost [High]
• Lack of fair housing outreach and enforcement [High]
• Availability of affordable housing [High]
• Availability of affordable units in a range of sizes [High] The City of San Carlos is nearly entirely an area of opportunity.
In order to address historic growth patterns and allow additional access to areas of opportunity for people of color and other protected classes, the City identified a multi-faceted approach to provide additional opportunities. The Housing Plan contains multiple13 program actions specifically targeted to encourage and facilitate housing mobility and the development of
affordable housing units in the city, including a significant upzoning of higher density neighborhoods and corridors. This effort will increase the number of affordable housing units thereby alleviating the lack of housing choice and affordability.
These programs include the following:
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ACTION HOU-3.1: Funding Low-, Very Low-, and Extremely
Low- Income; and Special Needs Housing.
• Continue to apply the commercial/housing linkage fee to fund affordable housing. Identify ways to encourage onor off-site production of affordable housing, in lieu of fee payment.
• Collaborate with existing and new major employers to
encourage the development of more affordable housing to balance the jobs:housing ratio.
• Monitor and pursue funding for housing that meets the needs of low-, very low-, and extremely low- income
households. Monitoring of funding availability will be
done on an ongoing basis through coordination with 21
Elements and by City staff.
• Offer financial and technical assistance for housing
development projects for persons with special needs.
• Continue to apply the commercial/housing linkage fee to fund affordable housing and monitor fee amount to
ensure it reflects market conditions. Encourage
concurrent production of on or off-site affordable
housing, in lieu of fee payment. Collaborate with existing and new major employers to encourage the development
and funding of more affordable housing.
• Offer financial and technical assistance for housing
development projects for persons with special needs.
• As part of the Housing Element Annual Progress Report, track and report the number of new affordable housing
units providing a preference for people with special
needs, including seniors, homeless, people with
developmental disabilities, etc. that are added to the
housing stock each year.
• Monitor and pursue county, state, and federal funding programs and sources for the creation of affordable
housing. Prioritize available housing funding to assist in the development of housing affordable to extremely lowincome households and other special needs populations.
Conduct annual proactive outreach to identify
development opportunities and funding and incentives
for special needs housing.
• Proactively contact non-profit service providers and
developers for persons with disabilities and other special needs groups and notify them about funding
opportunities, as they become available.
• Continue to consult with the San Mateo County Center on Homelessness to further align efforts and coordinate
homeless services.
ACTION HOU-3.2: Below Market Rate (BMR) Ordinance.
• Continue to implement the City’s Below Market Rate
(BMR) Ordinance requirements for rental and ownership
development.
• Establish a process for granting priority permit processing status for approved housing projects that exceed the
City’s minimum BMR requirement.
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• Evaluate the BMR Ordinance’s density bonuses,
incentives, and concessions to determine they continue to make the production of affordable housing feasible. As
part of this process, consult with local non-profit
affordable housing developers to identify potential
revisions that would better support development of
affordable housing, and especially Low-Income Housing
Tax Credit financed housing. Revise as necessary.
ACTION HOU-3.3: Accessory Dwelling Units Construction
Facilitation.
• Support the development of 203 accessory dwelling units during the planning period and as new State laws modify accessory dwelling unit requirements, update the City’s ordinance to comply. The City last updated its ADU
ordinance in August 2022. The City will draft
amendments to address laws passed in 2022, including
AB 2221 and SB 897 to reflect an up-to-date ordinance
compliant with Government Code Section 65852.2
• Collaborate with surrounding jurisdictions through the 21 Elements working group to determine best approach for
tracking affordability throughout the planning period.
• Encourage the legalization of unpermitted accessory
dwelling units to better ensure that they are safe and
habitable. As sunset date of Section 18.23.210(H)
approaches, consider an extension, based on history of use of this provision and anticipated ongoing need.
• Work with 21 Elements to identify potential funding
sources for ADU construction and offer pre-approved
construction plans.
• Review and as new information is available, update
public education materials on accessory dwelling units, including planning and building requirements,
streamline processing, funding possibilities, and other resources.
• Encourage local agencies, districts, and utility providers to reduce hook-up or other fees to facilitate the
development of accessory dwelling units.
• Prioritize ADU applications to be consistent with
Government Code Section 65852.2(a)(3) requirements for
approval/denial within 60 days from the date a
completed application is received.
ACTION HOU-3.4: First-time Homebuyer Programs. Direct
prospective first-time homebuyers to HEART or other County programs intended for first time homebuyers. Encourage the use of these programs though outreach and education. Maintain and provide information on local BMR ownership units that are resold.
ACTION HOU-3.5: Rental Voucher Program.
• Continue to implement the BMR ordinance, which
specifies Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) eligibility in the BMR program.
• Continue to work with the San Mateo County Department of Housing and nonprofit organizations to implement
Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance programs.
Continue to provide information on the Housing Choice
Voucher program, including new legal requirements
pursuant to SB 329, which prohibits housing
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discrimination on the basis of source of income (including Housing Choice Vouchers).
• Continue to work with 21 Elements, other regional
organizations, and/or nonprofit organizations to evaluate and quantify potential discrimination against Housing
Choice Voucher users or other rental assistance voucher programs. Continue to develop and act upon measures to
address these issues.
ACTION HOU-3.9: Development on Nonvacant Sites. Promote residential development on nonvacant sites by:
• Targeting nonvacant sites identified in the Housing
Element as priorities for fund allocation as funds are
available.
• Building on outreach conducted during the Housing
Element update, continue to proactively outreach to
property owners with a survey on how the city can
support redevelopment/new housing efforts.
ACTION HOU-3.11: Access to Opportunity. Noting historical inequities amplified/perpetuated by single family zoning, encourage small units in residential neighborhoods through development of ADUs, JADUs, and SB 9 units.
• See Action HOU-3.3 for specific measures to incentivize ADUs in San Carlos.
• Review the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision
Ordinance and implement updatesamend as needed to
provide clarity and facilitate housing development under SB 9 in compliance with State law. These include adopting updated definitions, use regulations, development
standards, and ministerial processes based on the
outcome of a complete SB 9 analysis. As revisions to State law occur in the future, update the City’s Zoning
Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance accordingly.
ACTION HOU-3.12: Reduce Costs Associated With The
Development Of Affordable and Special Needs Housing. The City defers and waives fees for affordable housing developments to provide local match contributions and facilitate projects. The City will continue to rReduce or waive development impact fees to facilitate 100% affordable and special needs housing, including housing for extremely low-income and persons living with disabilities (including persons with developmental disabilities).
ACTION HOU-4.1 Adequate Sites to Meet Regional Fair Share of Housing Growth.
The City will:
• Continue to provide appropriate land use designations and zoning districts consistent with regional housing
needs for mixed-use and infill development near transit and other amenities.
• Maintain an inventory of potential sites to provide to developers in conjunction with information on
development incentives for affordable units.
• As part of the Housing Element annual reporting process, evaluate project development against the sites inventory to ensure compliance with Government Code Section
65863.
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• Continue to pursue implementation of the General Plan through completion and adoption of implementing
zoning regulations and specific plans.
• Encourage senior housing and housing suitable for
persons with disabilities and other special needs
(including assisted living). See Action HOU-3.1 for
specific commitments to encourage senior and other
special needs housing.
ACTION HOU-4.2: Zoning Ordinance Revisions. Enact the
following zoning changes:
1) Create new zones; increase density, FAR, heights, number of stories; and provide minimum densities as shown in Table
4.2-1.
2) Continue to allow ground floor residential uses in the MU-D100, MU-SC-120, and MU-SB-100 zones. Evaluate, as part of the new Downtown Specific Plan process, additional areas (on side streets and outside of the Downtown Core) where ground-floor residential uses may also be allowed.
3) Remove minimum private open space requirement for
residential in Mixed Use and Multi-unit zoning districts (retaining only the common/public open space requirement). 4) For residential only development, remove additional
required setbacks (i.e., removing requirement to follow RM-59 zoning setbacks) in Mixed Use zones.
5) Remove guest parking in all RM and Mixed-Use zones.
6) Remove Section 18.05.030.C side and rear yard building wall stepback requirements for mixed use and multi-family
housing developments, specifically provisions pertaining to stepbacks associated with portions of the building wall containing and extending three feet on either side of any window in living rooms, primary rooms, sleeping rooms, and any other walls containing windows.
7) Allow multi-family residential use in the Public (P) zoning district as an accessory use to allowed uses such as onsite religious institutions and schools according to the
development standards of the RM-20 zone, but without
minimum density.
8) Strengthen incentives for transit-oriented development by updating the Zoning Ordinance to reference/incorporate the minimum parking prohibitions associated with AB 2097,
effective January 1, 2023, within 0.5 miles of public transit (as defined in AB 2097) in all zoning districts.
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Table 4.4-5: Proposed Changes to Zoning Densities and Heights (2023) Zone Maximum Density
(du/ac)
Minimum Density
(du/ac)2
FAR Building Height (feet) Building Stories
(stories)
Existing Proposed Existing Proposed Existing Proposed Existing Proposed Existing Proposed Proposed Existing Proposed MU-N MU-N-40 20 40 n/a 30 2.0 2.5 50; 30
along East
San
Carlos
Avenue in
MU-N
District
30 within
40 ft of
an RS
district
40 within
50 ft of
an RS
district
50 35 along
East San
Carlos
Avenue in
MU-N
District
35 within
40 ft of an
RS district
40 within
50 ft of an
RS district
4 4(1)
MU-N MU-N-50 20 50 n/a 38 2.0 2.5 50 4 4
MU-N MU-N-120 20 120 n/a 90 2.0 3.0 75 4 6
MU-DC MU-DC10050 100 n/a 75 2.5 2.5 50 4 4
MU-D MU-D-100 50 100 n/a 75 2.5 3.0 60 4 5
MU-D MU-D-120 50 120 n/a 90 2.5 3.0 75 4 6
MU-SC MU-SC12059 120 n/a 90 3.0 3.0 75 4 6
MU-NB MU-NB12050 120 n/a 90 2.5 3.0 75 4 6
MU-SB MU-SB10050 100 n/a 75 2.5 3.0 60 4 5
MU-SB MU-SB12050 120 n/a 90 2.5 3.0 75 4 6
RM-20 RM-20 20 20 n/a 15 0.75 0.75 35 35 3 3
RM-59 RM-59 59 59 n/a 45 2.0 2.0 50 50 4 4
-- RM-100 n/a 100 n/a 75 N/A 3.0 n/a 60 n/a 5
(1) 3 stories along E. San Carlos Ave. in MU-N-40 district (2) The City of San Carlos Zoning Ordinance does not have a minimum density requirement; with this update, a minimum density threshold is proposed.
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ACTION HOU-4.3: Outreach: New Development Standards.
Prepare, publicize, and provide applicants and developers with materials highlighting the City’s revised zoning standards (Action HOU-4.2) intended to encourage the production of housing at all income levels.
ACTION HOU-4.34: Objectivity and Streamlining in
Development Regulations. Reduce the cost of building housing through, streamlining and clear and objective standards in development regulations.
• Review the Zoning Ordinance and craft revisions that
support objective design standards consistent with the
Housing Accountability Act. Adoption of objective design standards will facilitate high-quality residential
development and compliance with State objectives.
• Revisit the Design Review Criteria criteria and findings to provide local guidance on design and standards for byright projects as allowed by state law, removing subjectivity from findings and approval processes.
• Revise the Conditional Use Permit findings for any special residential uses that require a CUP but are also covered by the Housing Accountability Act to be fully objective and to provide local guidance on design and standards for by-right projects as allowed by state law, removing
subjectivity from findings and approval processes.
• Reduce the permitting time for residential projects
(especially 100% affordable projects) through
consideration of by-right approvals, reduced number of
hearings, and objective design standards.
• To accommodate future SB 35 applications and inquiries, create and make available an informational packet that
explains SB 35 streamlining provisions in San Carlos and provides SB 35 eligibility information.
ACTION HOU-5.8: Furthering Integration. Promote fair
housing by allowing multi-family residential uses on all sites in the P (Institutional Use) zone as an accessory use to allowed uses such as onsite religious institutions and schools.
Reference/incorporate the minimum parking prohibitions
associated with AB 2097, effective January 1, 2023, within 0.5 miles of public transit (as defined in AB 2097).
Protecting Existing Residents from Displacement
San Carlos has become a town that is largely affluent and has limited existing affordable housing. As of 2021, the city is mostly experiencing stages of advanced exclusion, as a result of rapidly increasing housing costs. Efforts listed above to provide more affordable housing in San Carlos are intended to increase access to opportunity. The analysis found no Census tracts in the city with concentrations of households vulnerable to displacement.
However, households that are most vulnerable to displacement are where more rental housing is located. Overpayment by renters is identified in areas north of U.S. 101 and in the southeastern portion of the city. Contributing factors affecting potential displacement include:
• Displacement of residents due to economic pressures
[Moderate]
• Availability of affordable housing [High]
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• Availability of affordable units in a range of sizes
[Moderate]
In order to address the potential displacement of existing lower income households, the City identified 12 program actions to provide additional housing opportunities and further encourage more affordable housing in the community, as described above.
The Housing Plan also contains Program HOU-3.10 specifically targeted to identify anti-displacement strategies for San Carlos:
ACTION HOU-3.10: Anti-Displacement Strategies. EThe City will take the following actions to reduce displacement risk due to discriminatory actions:
• Fair Housing Counseling. Ensure all tenants have access to legal counseling, and landlords are aware of their rights and responsibilities. Support coordination of biannual
workshops for landlords and property managers on
discriminatory practices, reasonable accommodation
requirements, and resources and an annual presentation
to staff on fair housing practices, beginning in 2023.
• Rental Audits. Provide support to fair housing providers to continue to conduct annual audits of housing providers to ensure compliance with fair housing laws.
• Fair Housing Case Monitoring. In 2027, upon completion of 2 iterations of biannual landlord and property manager workshops and 4 consecutive rental audits, meet with
local fair housing providers, including Project Sentinel, to assess effectiveness of fair housing programs and identify additional strategies if needed.
• Fair Housing Outreach Program. Include information or links to information on the City’s website in 2023 (with annual updates) and provide printed informational
materials in City buildings with information on the fair housing counseling program, tenant protections, and
other resources to reduce displacement risk.
• Additional Strategies. Based on the above efforts, if additional strategies are required, conduct a study to
explore implementing Additional tenant protection
policies and support local efforts to create a community land trust or a housing preservation fund
xplore the following strategies to minimize resident
displacement:
Tenant protection policies
Support local efforts to create a community land trust or a housing preservation fund
Access and Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities
In San Mateo County, the most common fair housing complaint cited disability status as the bias (56 percent of complaints).
Contributing factors affecting access and inclusion for persons with disabilities include:
• Lack of supportive services for persons with disabilities [Moderate]
• Lack of access to resources, such as schools,
transportation, and other in-home or community
resources, for persons with disabilities [Low]
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In 2011, the City adopted a Reasonable Accommodation
Ordinance to provide persons with disabilities equal access to housing opportunities. The City identified six implementation programs in the Housing Plan to increase services, housing, and support for persons with disabilities, including:
ACTION HOU-5.2: Large Rental Units and Supportive
Services. Discuss with developers the ability to provide larger rental units appropriate for families with children, including the provision of supportive services.
ACTION HOU-5.3: Residential Care Facilities and Group
Homes. San Carlos encourages the development of residential care facilities and group homes. Consistent with State law, the City permits group homes with six or fewer residents in all residential zoning districts by right.
• Amend the Zoning Ordinance code to allow group homes
with seven or more residents as a permitted use in all
zones that allow multi-unit or single-unit dwellings.
• Facilitate discussions with neighborhoods and adjacent uses so that good neighbor relationships are fostered and impacts to adjacent uses are mitigated.
• Seek opportunities to assist nonprofit housing providers to acquire and/or rehabilitate residential housing for
group homes.
• Review and modify development standards for
residential care facilities and group homes to ensure the same standards apply for these uses as other residential uses of the same type in the same zone, specifically
standards related to parking requirements and distancing between similar facilities. No additional parking shall be required for group residential and residential care
facilities above what is required for residential uses.
Remove any subjectivity in any standards or required
findings to ensure residential care facilities and group homes are allowed objectively with approval certainty
similar to other residential uses.
ACTION HOU-5.4: Special Needs Service Providers
Contributions.
• On an annual basis, provide financial contributions to non-profit organizations and outside agencies that serve the housing needs of special needs households in and
around San Carlos. These organizations and agencies may include but are not limited to: The Center for
Independence of the Disabled (CID), HIP Housing,
Shelter Network, Samaritan House, CALL Primrose, San
Mateo County Children’s Fund, and HEART, among
others.
• Evaluate City contributions to outside agencies to assess whether to continue funding and/or adjust funding
amounts or to consider other agencies for funding,
particularly those organizations and agencies that
provide housing with support services for persons with
disabilities. As part of the evaluation, require outside agencies receiving City contributions to submit annual
reports detailing how funds have been used and how
programs have benefited San Carlos residents.
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ACTION HOU-5.5: Revised Development Standards to
Support Special Needs Housing.
• Consider amending the Zoning Ordinance to clarify that development standards that allow for separate cooking
and/or bathroom facilities in home sharing programs,
and universal design (including “visitability”) in all new residential development and significant remodeling
projects.
• Encourage the development of well-designed new
accessory dwelling units in existing neighborhoods by
implementing objective standards for the approval of
accessory units. Include an ADA accessible design option in pre-approved ADU plans.
• Encourage unhoused service or navigation centers to be located within or near SROs, transitional, and
or/supportive housing.
• Review the Zoning Ordinance and identify amendments
to ensure findings for reasonable accommodation
requests are limited to health and safety considerations and those allowed by State law.
ACTION HOU-5.6: Equal Access to City Services. Adopt an accessibility policy establishing standards and procedures for providing equal access to City services and programs to all residents, including persons with limited proficiency in English, and persons with disabilities.
ACTION HOU-5.7: Community Governance. Conduct public
meetings at suitable times, accessible to persons with disabilities, and near public transit. Resources will be invested to provide interpretation and translation services when requested at public meetings.
In addition, Housing Action HOU-6.1 outlines the City’s Fair Housing Plan. The City has identified multiple actions to implement that will increase affordable housing in the
community, curtail displacement, and provide opportunities for special needs households, achieving multiple goals and
simultaneously affirmatively furthering fair housing. See page 35 37 for more information.
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Contents
26709 Housing Element Program Accomplishments
28021 Quantified Objectives
Housing Element Program
Accomplishments
State housing element law requires communities to assess their achievements under adopted housing programs as part of the update of an existing housing element. These results should be quantified where possible but may be qualitative where
necessary. Past accomplishments are compared with what was projected or planned as part of the earlier housing element.
Where significant shortfalls exist between what was planned and what was achieved, the reasons for such differences must be discussed.
This evaluation helps San Carlos identify the extent to which adopted programs have been successful in achieving stated objectives and addressing local needs, and how such programs continue to be relevant in addressing current and future housing needs. The evaluation provides the basis for recommended modifications to policies and programs in the updated element and provides meaningful guidance for establishing new
objectives.
The 2015-2023 Housing Element contains a series of
Implementation Programs. Table 4.7-1 provides a program-byprogram review considering progress to date in implementation of these program actions, and the continued appropriateness of identified programs. The results of this analysis form the basis for developing the comprehensive housing program strategy
presented in the Housing Plan.
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San Carlos made great strides in efforts to create more affordable housing, including implementing the Below Market Rate (BMR) housing ordinance, affordable housing impact fee, and linkage fee for new job-generating uses to support affordable housing during the 2015-2022 planning period. San Carlos continues to support land use and development standards that facilitate housing and has, as part of the efforts toward the 2023 Housing Element, identified significant areas in multi-family and mixeduse zones to increase allowable densities significantly, to further encourage housing and especially affordable housing.
The City has also made considerable progress in addressing the housing needs of special needs populations (e.g., elderly, persons with disabilities, large households, female headed households, farmworkers, and persons experiencing homelessness), guided by the goals, policies, and related actions of the 2015-2022 Housing Element. In particular:
• The City coordinated with HIP Housing to promote home sharing with local seniors.
• The City provided funding to two group homes for
persons with disabilities during the planning period,
through PARCA (Partners & Advocates for Remarkable
Children & Adults) and HIP Housing.
• The City contributed $7.3 million to support the
construction of Walnut Studios, a 4-story 100% affordable housing development, consisting of 23 studio units and 2- bedroom staff unit. Of the 23 studios, six are restricted for tenants at or below 30% AMI, six at 40% AMI, six at 50% AMI, five at 60% AMI, and two for formerly homeless
tenants. Catholic Charities will provide service
coordination for the residents and case management for
the formerly homeless tenants.
• The City acquired property at 1232 Cherry Street through eminent domain to support affordable housing
development at this site. This project is expected to
include 34 affordable units, 9 of which will be 3-bedroom units.
The City provided funding to LifeMoves and Samaritan
House for the purpose of supporting overnight shelter,
case management, transitional housing, and other
homelessness prevention services.
• In 2020, the City established a Tenant Assistance Program to provide direct assistance to renters at risk of eviction with initial funding of $112,000. In 2021, the City
appropriated an additional $151,000 to this program.
• Annually, the City typically receives one or two
reasonable accommodation requests for accessibility for persons with disabilities (often ramps for wheelchair
access) which are prioritized for approval.
• As of 2022, City staff is working with PARCA/HIP to
entitle two additional units on an existing housing site. • The City updated the BMR ordinance in 2022 to further encourage more affordable housing, especially at very
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low-income levels, which supports housing development
for special needs populations. Changes included
increasing the affordable housing requirement for
ownership projects to 20% low-income; including an
option for rental projects to provide 15% very low-income units; decreasing the threshold requiring a BMR unit be built (rather than payment of an in-lieu fee) from seven to five units for ownership projects; changing affordability periods to run in perpetuity; and increasing incentives associated with the City Density Bonus for rental projects to exceed those provided by the State Density Bonus.
Table 4.7-1 outlines the City’s progress toward meeting objectives identified in the 2015-2022 Housing Element. Following Table 4.7- 1, Table 4.7-2 summarizes quantified objective performance.
Table 4.7-1: 2015-2022 Program Accomplishments
2015-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness Program H-1.1: Continue the Rental Inspection Program. Continue the Rental Inspection Program as provided in San Carlos Municipal Code Chapter 15.34, as implemented by the Building Division.
The City’s Rental Inspection Program supports ongoing property maintenance of critical rental housing stock and provides a process to address tenant complaints of Code violations. Approximately 110 housing units are inspected annually. The Building Division oversees and implements this program, including the mandatory deck inspection.
Continued Appropriateness: The program remains important and is updated to focus on preserving and improving existing housing stock and neighborhood quality and continued in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-1.2: Promote Home Repair Assistance. Promote the availability of free or inexpensive home repair services for low-income households, including households with special needs, provided by the most suitable organizations. Organizations providing such services may include but are not limited to:
• North Peninsula Neighborhood Services Center, Inc.
• Community Action Agency of San Mateo County, Inc. (CAA) • Center for the Independence of the Disabled (CID)
• Rebuilding Together Peninsula
• Generating Renewable Ideas for Development Alternatives (GRID Alternatives)
• Promote the preservation and improvement of the quality of existing housing and neighborhoods.
While the City does not have funding to directly support home repair services, the City refers individuals to the Rebuilding Together Peninsula organization for renovation and repair services: http://rebuildingtogetherpeninsula.org. In addition, the City’s Code Enforcement is proactive in connecting various church groups, Boy Scouts, and other community groups such as the Lions Club and Kiwanis Clubs with homeowners in need. Volunteers remove overgrown vegetation, remove trash and debris, and complete very minor repairs to structures for elderly residents.
Continued Appropriateness: Continued residential rehabilitation ensures the longevity of the local housing stock. This program will be consolidated with existing Program H-1.3 and H-1.4 and continued in the Housing Element, with a focus on identification of new funding sources and providing clear information to the public about regionally available resources.
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Table 4.7-1: 2015-2022 Program Accomplishments
2015-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness Program H-1.3: Identify and Implement Residential Improvement Programs. Evaluate residential improvement programs that are or could be made available and consider re-establishing and expanding the City’s Life Safety Home Repair Grant program.
The City will continue to evaluate opportunities as they arise; during the planning period, no additional funding sources were identified to support this program.
Continued Appropriateness: This program will be consolidated with existing Program H-1.2 and H-1.4 and continued in the Housing Element, with a focus on identification of new funding sources and providing clear information to the public about regionally available resources.
Program H-1.4: Publicize Rehabilitation Loan Programs. Promote the availability of any city, county, State or federal housing rehabilitation loan programs for San Carlos residents, including San Mateo County’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Programs. As part of this outreach program, the City will identify rehabilitation opportunities linked to improving seismic safety in older multi-family housing developments in San Carlos.
San Carlos is a participating city within the San Mateo County Consortium Consolidated Plan. The 2018-2022 Consolidated Plan identified a goal to explore a multifamily rehabilitation and accessibility improvement program using CDBG revolving loan or other public funds to provide an incentive for landlords to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program; however, CAPERs indicate this has not yet been completed.
Continued Appropriateness: This program will be consolidated with existing Program H-1.2 and H-1.4 and continued in the Housing Element, with a focus on identification of new funding sources and providing clear information to the public about regionally available resources.
Program H-1.5: Require Replacement Housing. Require the adoption of a minimum one-to-one replacement requirement of any housing units demolished due to public action.
The City adopted a Uniform Relocation Policy in 2017.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is complete and removed from the Housing Element; replaced with a program to comply with Government Code Section 65583.2(g)(3), requiring the replacement of units affordable to the same or lower income level as a condition of any development on a nonvacant site identified in the Housing Element.
Program H-1.6: Publicize Weatherization and Water
Conservation Programs. Promote low-income weatherization assistance and water reduction programs.
The City provides links and information on the City website pertaining to water conservation and housing rehabilitation. Water conservation is an important goal for the City and is directed by the City’s Sustainability Office and Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan (CMAP).
Continued Appropriateness: This program is complete and will be removed from the updated Housing Element.
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Table 4.7-1: 2015-2022 Program Accomplishments
2015-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness Program H-1.7: Undertake Actions to Reduce the Potential for Displacement of Lower Income Residents. Quantify, develop and evaluate potential strategies to address displacement of lower income residents. Based on this evaluation, measures will be developed and the City will implement programs, as appropriate, to address the risk of displacement of existing lower income residents. Once actions are identified and actions taken by the City, the City will monitor such programs annually for effectiveness and make adjustments as necessary. If possible, the City will coordinate with other jurisdictions in San Mateo County, under the umbrella of work to be undertaken by 21 Elements.
The City collaborates with 21 Elements, which prepared a report on displacement strategies most effective for San Mateo County jurisdictions in 2017. To address potential displacement of lower income residents, the City adopted a Uniform Relocation Policy in 2017. In 2019, the City adopted Ordinance No. 1556 to approve just cause eviction protections in the interim before the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 went into place.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is removed and replaced with programs to continue to identify special circumstances where existing affordable housing can be acquired and preserved and to continue collaboration with 21 Elements to enhance the exchange of information and identification of solutions to regional housing issues.
Program H-2.1: Implement the California Green Building Standards Code. Implement and promote incentive programs that encourage the use of green-building techniques in the development of all new housing and remodels, especially in affordable housing. This includes implementation of the California Green Building Standards (CALGreen) Code for new residential buildings, additions or alterations.
The City implements green-building techniques through implementation of CALGreen, consistent with State requirements. In 2021, San Carlos adopted an all-electric Reach Code Ordinance. A reach code is a local building energy code that “reaches” beyond the state minimum requirements for energy use in building design and construction, creating opportunities for local governments to lead the way on clean air, climate solutions, and the renewable energy economy.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is complete and be implemented as a matter of regular business; as such it will be removed from the Housing Element.
Program H-2.2: Funding for Green Building. Leverage federal, State and regional funding sources to subsidize incentive programs for green building.
Funding for green building opportunities remains limited. The City has focused the limited available funding to support affordable housing development, and encourages projects to implement sustainable features, seeking additional sources as opportunities are available.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is removed from the Housing Element.
Program H-2.3: Implement Energy Conservation. Continue to implement, suggest and promote up-to- date energy conservation policies, energy-efficient materials and devices as part of housing development projects and remodels of existing housing stock.
The City's Zoning Ordinance offers an increase in FAR for mixed use projects that include car share, electric car facilities, green roofs, solar panels, and other green building measures. Several mixed-use projects have incorporated one or more of these in recently approved projects. In addition, the City continues to implement CALGreen and in 2021, San Carlos adopted an all-electric Reach Code Ordinance.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is complete and will be removed from the updated Housing Element.
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Table 4.7-1: 2015-2022 Program Accomplishments
2015-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness Program H-3.1: Implement Complete Streets Policies and Programs.
Continue to implement the Complete Streets Policy of the City of San Carlos (Resolution 2012-066), including infrastructure up-grades such as streetscape improvements, and “Complete Streets” programs, to create a pedestrianfriendly environment and encourage private residential investment in Planning Areas 1, 2, and 3, including El Camino Real (Grand Boulevard Initiative).
The City adopted a complete streets policy in 2012. Successful, completed projects include El Camino Real Grand Boulevard Initiative, East Side Connect, El Camino Real Landscaping and Lighting. Ongoing projects include removal of Eucalyptus trees along San Carlos Avenue and installation of new sidewalks to facilitate safe, walkability into the downtown and Caltrain. Projects underway are contributing towards sidewalk and pedestrian enhancements. In addition, San Carlos completed and adopted on June 9, 2020 its first pedestrian plan, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is complete and will be removed from the updated Housing Element.
Program H-3.2: Provide Incentives for Higher-Density, Mixed-Use Development That Include Affordable and Special Needs Units.
Reduce or waive development impact fees where necessary and appropriate to make infill higher-density, mixed-use development that includes affordable and special needs housing, including housing for extremely low income and persons living with disabilities (including persons with developmental disabilities) to be feasible in the Downtown area and along El Camino Real. The City will strive to incentivize development, such as allowing height limit bonuses, for projects that exceed the affordability levels or number of BMR units required by the BMR Program, (2) accommodate BMR units for special needs households, or (3) include Single Room Occupancy units.
The City provides Financial Assistance for qualifying projects through the BMR ordinance (SCMC 18.17.030, F.). In addition, funds from the Housing in-lieu fee and the Commercial Linkage fee are pooled to support affordable housing construction in the city. Cumulatively, for fiscal year 19/20 and 20/21, $4.37M and $2.37M in revenues were collected, respectively. The City also provides density bonuses and concessions to projects that include affordable housing units. For example, the affordable housing project at 817 Walnut received a density bonus and concession and the City waived all impact and processing fees. The City has also provided funding to support services for a group home for persons with disabilities.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is continued in the updated Housing Element and is updated to establish a priority permit process for projects exceeding the City’s BMR requirements.and continued in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-3.3: Develop Incentives for Lot Consolidation. Develop a lot consolidation program for owners of small and odd-shaped lots in Planning Areas 1, 2, and 3. The program may include incentives for lot consolidation such as:
• Relaxed development standards
• Streamlined permitting process
• City financial contributions, as well as other density bonuses, incentives and concessions that are otherwise required by State density bonus law for the provision of higher levels of affordable housing.
The City continues to evaluate the ability to consolidate lots in the downtown and best practices and incentives for consolidation of small lots, as well as ways to support development on small lots. Since 2015, the City has approved seven residential or mixed use projects on small lots in Downtown, such as 977 Laurel Street (0.14 acres), 520 El Camino Real (0.19 acres), and 993 Laurel (0.21 acres).
As part of the 2023 Housing Element update, the City increased the allowable density on parcels throughout the multi-family and mixed use zones, which is a key mechanism to encouraging/facilitating housing on small lots.
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Table 4.7-1: 2015-2022 Program Accomplishments
2015-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness The City will review the program on an annual basis to evaluate its effectiveness and revise as needed.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is continued in the updated Housing Element and modified to address the removal of constraints for small lot development and the City’s upcoming Downtown Specific Plan.
Program H-4.1: Develop Second Unit (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Information Materials. Develop informational materials to educate the public on second accessory dwelling units, including alternatives to the affordable housing impact fee as compared to the construction of a second unit.
The Planning and Building Divisions provide information to the public regarding the provisions for accessory dwelling units. During this Housing Element cycle, there has been significant change to State laws and resulting growth in the number of applications for ADUs. For example, in 2015 only 5 ADUs were approved; in 2016, there were 6; in 2017 there were 8; and in 2018 the numbers more than doubled to 19 ADUs permitted in San Carlos. In 2019, 14 ADUs were permitted and in 2020, 29 ADUs received building permits.
Continued Appropriateness: Accessory dwelling units remain an important component of the housing stock in San Carlos; this program will be consolidated with other ADU programs and continued in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-4.2: Modify Second Unit Development Standards.
Eliminate the 400-foot distance standard currently required between secondary dwelling units and continue to review the effectiveness of second unit development standards on a periodic basis.
The 400-ft distance standard has been eliminated. In 2020, San Carlos adopted an Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance, permitting ADUs and JADUs consistent with State law.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is complete and will be removed from the updated Housing Element.
Program H-4.3: Identify Possible Sources of Funding for Secondary Dwelling Units. Identify potential funding sources for remodels of existing homes to create an autonomous second unit within the existing structure.
In 2020, San Carlos adopted an Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance, permitting ADUs and JADUs consistent with State law.
Continued Appropriateness: The City participates in regional efforts to encourage and facilitate accessory dwelling units; this program is modified accordingly and consolidated with other ADU programs in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-4.4: Legalize Existing Unpermitted Secondary Dwelling Units. Extend and promote the amnesty program to legalize existing unpermitted second units. Encourage the legalization of unpermitted second units to better ensure that they are safe and habitable.
In 2020, San Carlos adopted an Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance, allowing for previously constructed ADU property owners to apply for a delay of correction to building standard violations for five years, if the building standard violation is not necessary to protect health and safety (Section 18.23.210, H.) Continued Appropriateness: This program is complete and will be consolidated with other ADU programs in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-4.5: Undertake Design Review of Secondary Dwelling Units. Continue to evaluate the design of second unit applications through the In 2020, San Carlos adopted an Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance, establishing a ministerial review process for ADUs.
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Table 4.7-1: 2015-2022 Program Accomplishments
2015-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness minor design review process, which establishes objective standards for application review and approval of secondary dwelling units. Continued Appropriateness: This program is obsolete and will be removed from the updated Housing Element.
Program H-4.6: Establish a Process and Standards to Allow the Conversion of Accessory Buildings and Structures to a Secondary Dwelling Unit. Allow converted accessory buildings/structures that do not comply with the current secondary dwelling unit ordinance to be reviewed through a new process that establishes an allowance for one or more exceptions from the secondary dwelling unit development regulations. Modify the existing development regulations of accessory buildings/structures to more clearly distinguish how accessory buildings/structures can be used (such as modifying the regulations to prohibit living areas without main dwelling unit setbacks and/or the number of plumbing fixtures) and consider reduction or waiver of fees. Reevaluate the effectiveness of this program in producing secondary dwelling units and consider other options after one year from adoption of the ordinance.
In 2020, San Carlos adopted an Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance, permitting ADUs and JADUs conversions consistent with State law.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is obsolete and will be removed from the updated Housing Element.
Program H-5.1: Implement Below Market Rate (BMR) Requirements.
Continue to implement the City’s Below Market Rate (BMR) Ordinance and revise the ordinance to change the length of time for very low and low-income unit affordability from 30 to 55 years, as is standard practice in most BMR ordinances.
The City's BMR Ordinance requires deed restrictions of 45 years for for-sale units and 55 years for rentals. In 2022, the City updated the BMR Ordinance to encourage more affordable housing in the community.
Continued Appropriateness: The BMR Ordinance remains an important component of the City’s affordable housing strategy and is included in the updated Housing Element as an ongoing program.
Program H-5.2: Implement First-time Homebuyer Programs. Direct prospective first-time homebuyers to County programs intended for first time homebuyers. Encourage the use of these programs though outreach and education.
The City continues to refer interested homeowners to HEART, which provides first-time homebuyer programs and loans. As a condition of sale for all owneroccupied below market rate units, deed restrictions are required and include the City’s purchase option, resale restrictions, and procedures and policies regarding changes in title to ensure that owner-occupied below market rate units remain affordable for not less than 45 years.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is continued in the updated Housing Element and will be updated and to include information on local BMR ownership units that are resold, and included in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-5.3: Encourage the Use of the HUD Section 8 and Other Rental Voucher Programs. Encourage the use of federal, state and local rental housing programs and encourage nonprofit service providers to refer The City refers eligible clients to appropriate resources and continues to implement its BMR Ordinance, which specifies Section 8 eligibility in BMR projects.
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Table 4.7-1: 2015-2022 Program Accomplishments
2015-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness eligible clients, especially those with extremely low incomes, to the Section 8 program for assistance.
Continued Appropriateness: This program will be continued in the updated Housing Element and consolidated with existing Program H-5.4 and H-5.5.
Program H-5.4: Work with the San Mateo County Department of Housing to Publicize Available Rental Assistance and Other Programs. Continue to publicize the availability of rental assistance and other assistance programs and work with the San Mateo County Department of Housing to implement the Section 8 Rental Assistance Programs effectively in San Carlos and, as appropriate, assist non-profit housing rental assistance efforts.
The City publicizes information on its website and partners with the County and local nonprofit housing providers.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is consolidated with existing Program H5.3 and H-5.5 and included in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-5.5: Study and Consider Measures to Address Potential Discrimination Against Section 8 Voucher Recipients. Conduct an evaluation to quantify, develop and evaluate potential strategies to address the potential for discrimination against Section 8 or other rental assistance voucher programs. Based on this evaluation, measures will be developed and the City may implement programs, as appropriate, to address this issue. If possible, the City will coordinate with other jurisdictions in San Mateo County, under the umbrella of work to be undertaken by 21 Elements.
During the planning period, the City participated in the regional collaboration with 21 Elements. During this time, new Statewide legal requirements were enacted pursuant to SB 329, which prohibit housing discrimination on the basis of source of income (including Housing Choice Vouchers).
Continued Appropriateness: This program will be consolidated with existing Program H-5.3 and H-5.4 and included in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-5.6: Work with the Business Community to Address Workforce Housing Needs. Publicize and promote affordable workforce housing programs to the business community and to City, school and other local government employees and recruits.
On the City’s website, local affordable housing resources are publicized. San Carlos also has in place a commercial linkage fee to support affordable housing in tandem with new nonresidential construction projects. The Linkage Fee applies to commercial projects including changes in use, additions in floor area and new development with variations in cost based on use:
Retail, Restaurant, & Personal Service: $5/SF; Hotel: $10/SF; Office, Medical Office, R&D: $20/SF.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is consolidated with programs pertaining to affordable housing funding sources and City’s commercial linkage fee, and continued in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-5.7: Explore Opportunities to Rehabilitate and Convert Existing Housing to Affordable Housing. Explore partnerships with housing operators, non-profit organizations and developers to rehabilitate and convert existing market rate rental housing into affordable housing for extremely low, very low, low and moderate income households.
The City continues to engage developers and affordable housing providers on this issue. The upcoming program at 1232 Cherry Street will redevelop six existing affordable units and, in combination with the adjacent lot housing a retail building, result in 34 affordable units.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is consolidated with programs pertaining to partnerships and collaboration and continued in the updated Housing Element.
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Table 4.7-1: 2015-2022 Program Accomplishments
2015-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness Program H-5.8: Establish Priority Processing Procedures. Establish a process for granting priority permit processing status for approved housing projects that exceed the City’s minimum BMR requirement.
The Planning Division continues to work with applicants who propose affordable housing at deeper levels for fast tracking.
Continued Appropriateness: This program will be consolidated with a program to pursue review streamlining, especially through adoption of objective design standards, and continued in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-5.9: Maintain an Inventory of Sites Eligible for LIHTC Funding. Identify locations and encourage projects that will score well based on the criteria set forth for Low Income Housing Tax Credit funding.
During the planning period, the City maintained an inventory of sites to meet the RHNA. Sites in the previous Housing Element were identified in transit and service rich areas, consistent with LIHTC funding criteria. During the planning period, 817 Walnut which includes 23 affordable studio units, received LIHTC funding and was constructed.
Continued Appropriateness: This program will be modified to indicate that the City will maintain the inventory of sites throughout the planning period, and address no-net loss provisions of State Housing Element law.
Program H-5.10: Update for Consistency with State Density Bonus Law. Update the Zoning Ordinance to be consistent with the latest changes to State Density Bonus Law, including modifications to comply with AB 2222, which requires replacement of pre-existing affordable units to be eligible for the bonuses, incentives and waivers provided under State Density Bonus Law.
While the Density Bonus portion of the City’s Zoning Ordinance was not updated, the City complied with State Density Bonus law throughout the planning period.
In 2022, the City updated Chapter 18.16 (Affordable Housing Programs) and Chapter 18.17 (Affordable Housing Incentives) to encourage more affordable housing in the community, including an update to provide additional incentives through the City’s density bonus ordinance. Since 2015, eight projects in mixed use zones have used the Density Bonus to produce a combined total of 132 units.
Continued Appropriateness: A program to update the City’s Density Bonus Ordinance to reflect State law is included in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-5.11: Pursue Funding for Lower Income Housing. Monitor and pursue funding for housing that meets the needs of lower income households. Monitoring of funding availability will be done on an ongoing basis through coordination with 21 Elements and by City staff. At least annually, the City will take actions to pursue specific funding sources for lower income housing either alone or in coordination with other jurisdictions or entities involved in the provision of lower income housing.
The City has implemented a commercial linkage fee and an in-lieu fee for smaller affordable housing projects to comply with the BMR Ordinance. These funding sources are important to provide a local match for projects seeking other affordable housing funds.
Continued Appropriateness: This program will be updated and consolidated with other programs pertaining to affordable housing funding sources.
Program H-6.1: Evaluate Incentives for BMR Housing. Periodically evaluate the density bonuses, incentives and concessions in the BMR Ordinance The City updated the BMR Ordinance in 2022 to comprehensively evaluate its effectiveness and parameters.
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Table 4.7-1: 2015-2022 Program Accomplishments
2015-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness to determine whether they are adequate to make the production of affordable housing feasible.
Continued Appropriateness: This program will be continued in the updated Housing Element, with a focus on implementation and tracking of the BMR Ordinance.
Program H-6.2: Adopt Priority Procedures for Providing Water and Sewer Service to Affordable Housing Developments. Consistent with SB 1087 (Government Code Section 65589.7), the City will provide a copy of the adopted Housing Element to water and sewer providers immediately upon adoption and will work with water and sewer providers to adopt written policies and procedures that grant priority for service allocations to proposed developments that include housing units affordable to lower income households.
The City delivered a copy of the adopted Housing Element to water and sewer providers after adoption.
Continued Appropriateness: This program remains a requirement of State law and will be included in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-7.1: Contribute to Special Needs Service Providers. On an annual basis, provide financial contributions to non-profit organizations and outside agencies that serve the housing needs of special needs households in and around San Carlos. These organizations and agencies may include but are not limited to:
• The Center for Independence of the Disabled (CID)
• HIP Housing
• Shelter Network
• Samaritan House
• CALL Primrose
• San Mateo County Children’s Fund
• HEART
The City supports organizations that serve special needs persons through the allocation of Housing In-Lieu Fees. Grants to seven organizations totaled:
FY 18/19: $105,000
FY 19/20 $105,000
FY 20/21: $154,500
FY 21/22: $157,600
Continued Appropriateness: This program is an important resource and will be continued in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-7.2: Evaluate the Effectiveness of City Contributions to Special Needs Service Providers. Evaluate City contributions to outside agencies to assess whether to continue funding and/or adjust funding amounts or to consider other agencies for funding, particularly those organizations and agencies that provide housing with support services for persons with disabilities.
The City tracks funding by cost/household served and units preserved/assisted.
Continued Appropriateness: This program will be updated will be and consolidated with Programs H-7.1 and H-7.3 and continued in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-7.3: Require Annual Reports from Special Needs Service Providers. Require outside agencies receiving contributions from the City to submit annual reports detailing how funds have been used and how programs have benefited San Carlos residents.
The City requires annual reports for grants issued.
Continued Appropriateness: This program will be updated and consolidated with Programs H-7.1 and H-7.3 and continued in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-7.4: Maintain an Inventory of Sites for Senior and Other Special Needs Housing. Identify locations and encourage senior housing, including assisted living facilities, in multi-family areas, and maintain an inventory of suitable sites for senior housing and for persons with disabilities or other special needs.
The Housing Element included ample sites to accommodate the RHNA and provide for a variety of housing options for special needs groups, seniors, and those with disabilities.
8.b
January 23, 2023 Packet Pg. 1649
4 2023 HOUSING ELEMENT: PREVIOUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS
278 GENERAL PLAN
Table 4.7-1: 2015-2022 Program Accomplishments
2015-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness Continued Appropriateness: This program is consolidated with the Adequate Sites program (Program 5.9) and included in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-7.5: Provide Assistance to Projects for Persons with Special Needs Housing. Offer financial and technical assistance for housing development projects for persons with special needs. Financial support may come in the form of redevelopment housing set- aside funds, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and other State and federal sources that the City will continue to pursue in partnership with local developers and agencies. On an annual basis, contact developers and agencies to discuss the City’s ability to support special needs housing development projects. Evaluate the effectiveness of this program twice within the planning period.
The City no longer has redevelopment housing set-aside funds to support local projects. The City participates in the San Mateo County Consolidated Plan and is distributed CDBG funds through the County Consortium.
Continued Appropriateness: This program will be consolidated within a funding program in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-7.6: Facilitate Home Sharing and Tenant Matching Opportunities. Work with non-profit groups (including HIP Housing — hiphousing.org/programs/home-sharing-program) to create home sharing/matching opportunities for renters as a means of efficiently using the existing housing stock. Tasks would include:
• Assist in outreach in identifying potential owners, such as seniors who wish to remain in their home or new buyers who could afford singlefamily homes with the extra income potential. • Assist in publicizing and helping to identify potential renters interested in home sharing opportunities.
• Consider opportunities for renters who do not have vehicles to be matched at locations that have limited parking available. • Coordinate with HIP Housing and develop standards that would allow separate cooking facilities if tied to a home sharing program.
The City continues to work with HIP Housing and promotes its home sharing program with flyers and information to the public.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is combined with other partnership programs and updated/continued in the updated Housing Element.
Program H-8.1: Ensure Fair Housing in City Policies and Procedures.
Continue to review City policies and procedures to ensure that the City is promoting fair housing goals to the fullest extent possible.
The City continues to explore opportunities to promote fair housing. As part of the 2023-2031 Housing Element Update and State law requirements, the City prepared an analysis evaluating fair housing issues locally and regionally. Based on this analysis the City developed milestones and metrics to address fair housing issues and their contributing factors. The City also participates in San Mateo County’s Regional Assessment of Fair Housing, which is updated every five years.
8.b
January 23, 2023 Packet Pg. 1650
2023 HOUSING ELEMENT: PREVIOUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS 4
GENERAL PLAN 279
Table 4.7-1: 2015-2022 Program Accomplishments
2015-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness Continued Appropriateness: This program is consolidated with Programs H-8.2 – 8.6 and continued in the updated Housing Element under an Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing program.
Program H-8.2: Provide Public Handouts on Fair Housing. Provide information to residents about service providers that assist with fair housing complaints and violations, including, but not limited to, providing materials at City Hall and the San Carlos Library, as well as links on the City’s website.
The City provides information and has links on the City'’s website pertaining to affordable housing and staff makes referrals to Project Sentinel.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is updated to provide additional information on the City’s website about fair housing and consolidated with Programs H-8.1 – 8.6 and continued in the updated Housing Element under an Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing program.
Program H-8.3: Provide Education and Training on Fair Housing Laws. Provide education and training on fair housing laws to City staff who interact with residents on housing matters.
Staff is educated and trained on fair housing and uses Project Sentinel as a resource to those in need.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is consolidated with Programs H-8.1 – 8.6 and continued in the updated Housing Element under an Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing program.
Program H-8.4: Conduct Community Outreach on Fair Housing Laws. Broaden public knowledge of fair housing laws through outreach efforts by including information in City newsletters and on the City’s website. The City will also coordinate annually with other agencies and organizations, including 21 Elements, to identify other means of informing residents about fair housing laws.
The City will also provide non-English language translation of all fair housing information provided to the public on an as-needed basis.
The City provides information and has links on the City's website pertaining to affordable housing and makes referrals to Project Sentinel.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is consolidated with Programs H-8.2 – 8.6 and continued in the updated Housing Element under an Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing program.
Program H-8.5: Refer Discrimination Complaints. Refer discrimination complaints to the appropriate legal service, County or State agency.
The City provides information and has links on the City's website pertaining to affordable housing and makes referrals to Project Sentinel.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is consolidated with Programs H-8.2 – 8.6 and continued in the updated Housing Element under an Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing program.
Program H-8.6: Provide Funding for Fair Housing Counseling Agencies. Continue to provide funding to agencies that provide free counseling to San Carlos residents on issues relating to fair housing.
The City participates in the San Mateo County Consortium, which distributes CDBG funds. Through this mechanism, Project Sentinel is provided grant funds for operation.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is consolidated with Programs H-8.2 – 8.6 and continued in the updated Housing Element under an Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing program.
8.b
January 23, 2023 Packet Pg. 1651
4 2023 HOUSING ELEMENT: PREVIOUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS
280 GENERAL PLAN
Table 4.7-1: 2015-2022 Program Accomplishments
2015-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness Program H-8.7: Implement Employee Housing Requirements. On an ongoing basis, ensure that the City is in compliance with State Health and Safety Code Sections 17021.5, which concerns employee housing that serves six or fewer employees.
The City treats employee housing located in single-family homes and occupied by six or fewer employees as a single-family use, consistent with State law.
Continued Appropriateness: This program is implemented and removed from the Housing Element.
Quantified Objectives
Table 4.7-2 summarizes San Carlos’s quantified objectives for the 2015-2022 Housing Element planning period and the progress the City has made, including progress meeting the City’s fifth cycle RHNA. Through 2021, although total construction exceeded the full RHNA allocation, this was largely due to the development of above-moderate income units. Only 11 percent of very lowincome units, 13 percent of low-income units, and 13 percent of moderate-income units were built during this period.
The City established rehabilitation objectives for 36 units during the planning period. While funding was more limited than anticipated, each year the City funded maintenance and repairs at the 100%-affordable Laureola Oaks property (16 units). In addition, the City refers individuals to the Rebuilding Together Peninsula organization and Code Enforcement has proactively connected homeowners in need with community groups to
support minor repair work.
The conservation goal was to preserve existing affordable housing projects; no units were at risk of converting to market rate due to expiration of deed restrictions. No deed restricted affordable units converted to market rate during the planning period.
8.b
January 23, 2023 Packet Pg. 1652
2023 HOUSING ELEMENT: PREVIOUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS 4
GENERAL PLAN 281
Table 4.7-2: Summary of 2015-2023 Housing Element Quantified Objectives Objectives
Income Level
Total
Extremely
Low Very Low Low Moderate
Above
Moderate
Construction Objectives (RHNA)
Goal 195 107 111 183 596
Progress (through 2021) 22 14 14 572 622
Rehabilitation Objectives
Goal 16 8 10 10 36
Progress -- 16 -- -- 16
Conservation and Preservation Objectives
Goal 90 50 20 20 140
Progress* 90 50 20 20 140
*No affordable housing was converted to market rate during the planning period.
8.b
January 23, 2023 Packet Pg. 1653
4 2023 HOUSING ELEMENT: PREVIOUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS
282 GENERAL PLAN
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8.b
January 23, 2023 Packet Pg. 1654
2023 HOUSING ELEMENT: APPENDIX A
A-1
GENERAL PLAN
4 4
Table 4.A-1: San Carlos Housing Element 2023-2031 Sites Inventory APN Address General Plan Zoning Acres
Max
Density
Min
Density
Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Realistic Capacity
Existing Uses
Very
Low Low Mod
Above
Mod Total
045316140 260 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-N-120 0.73 120 90 Yes
Owner A 74 0 0 0 74 retail
045316130 240 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-N-120 0.36 120 90 Owner A 37 0 0 0 37 restaurant 050054320 366 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, Medium MU-N-50 0.22 50 38 Yes
Owner A 0 0 4 5 9 restaurant
050054330 356 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, Medium MU-N-50 0.15 50 38 Owner A 0 0 3 3 6 office/commercial 050074160 1188 SAN CARLOS AVE Mixed Use, Med High MU-DC-100 0.08 100 75 Yes
Owner A 0 0 3 4 7 hair salon
050074150 1178 SAN CARLOS AVE Mixed Use, Med High MU-DC-100 0.07 100 75 Owner B 0 0 3 3 6 hair salon 050074170 577 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Med High MU-DC-100 0.09 100 75 Owner C 0 0 4 4 8 jewelry store 050074140 1156 SAN CARLOS AVE Mixed Use, Med High MU-DC-100 0.05 100 75 Owner D 0 0 2 2 4 lighting store 050074130 1148 SAN CARLOS AVE Mixed Use, Med High MU-DC-100 0.11 100 75 Owner E 0 0 4 5 9 office/commercial 046124110 1064 CHERRY ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.12 40 30 Yes
Owner A 0 0 2 2 4 industrial
046124290 681 OLD COUNTY RD Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.12 40 30 Owner B 0 0 2 2 4 auto repair shop 046124280 663 OLD COUNTY RD Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.23 40 30 Owner C 0 0 4 4 8 warehousing 046126300 1070 HALL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.09 40 30 Yes
Owner A 0 0 1 2 3 single family residential
046126320 713 OLD COUNTY RD Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.12 40 30 Owner A 0 0 2 2 4 warehousing 046126290 701 OLD COUNTY RD Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.18 40 30 Owner A 0 0 3 3 6 warehousing 046128240 749 OLD COUNTY RD Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.18 40 30 Yes
Owner A 0 0 3 3 6 auto repair shop
046128280 Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.19 40 30 Owner B 0 0 3 3 6 vacant 050034230 1660 SAN CARLOS AVE Mixed Use, High MU-SC-120 0.13 120 90 Yes
Owner A 0 0 6 7 13 office/commercial
050034090 1622 SAN CARLOS AVE Mixed Use, High MU-SC-120 0.11 120 90 Owner B 0 0 6 6 12 office/commercial + 1 residential unit 050034080 1620 SAN CARLOS AVE Mixed Use, High MU-SC-120 0.11 120 90 Owner C 0 0 6 6 12 office/commercial 050033130 525 SYCAMORE ST Multi-Family, Medium RM-59 0.13 59 45 Yes
Owner A 0 0 3 3 6 single family residential
050033140 529 SYCAMORE ST Multi-Family, Medium RM-59 0.13 59 45 Owner B 0 0 3 3 6 single family residential 050034120 575 PROSPECT ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.13 100 75 Yes
Owner A 0 0 5 5 10 office/commercial
050034130 565 PROSPECT ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.14 100 75 Owner B 0 0 6 5 11 single family residential 050034140 557 PROSPECT ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.14 100 75 Owner C 0 0 6 5 11 single family residential 050062070 508 ELM ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.13 100 75 Yes
Owner A 0 0 5 5 10 single family residential
050062090 510 ELM ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.12 100 75 Owner A 0 0 5 4 9 single family residential 050133420 628 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.16 120 90 Yes
Owner A 0 0 8 9 17 realty office
050133310 620 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.13 120 90 Owner A 0 0 6 7 13 massage/wellness services 050133460 638 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.08 120 90 Yes
Owner A 0 0 4 4 8 retail
050133450 638 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.08 120 90 Owner A 0 0 4 4 8 retail 050133330 634 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.05 120 90 Owner A 0 0 2 3 5 smoke shop 050133320 630 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.06 120 90 Owner A 0 0 3 3 6 eye lash studio 050133170 648 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.08 120 90 Yes
Owner A 0 0 4 4 8 restaurant
050133440 640 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.08 120 90 Owner B 0 0 4 5 9 hair salon 050154130 777 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Med High MU-DC-100 0.16 100 75 Yes
Owner A 0 0 7 7 14 catering company
050154140 769 - 773 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Med High MU-DC-100 0.16 100 75 Owner B 0 0 7 7 14 restaurant 050164270 888 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.37 120 0 Yes
Owner A 38 0 0 0 38 retail
050164060 880 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.25 120 90 Owner A 25 0 0 0 25 auto works body shop and parking 051358200 964 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.08 120 90 Yes
Owner A 0 0 4 4 8 office/commercial
051358310 980 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.28 120 90 Owner B 0 0 14 15 29 car wash 051357160 920 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.12 40 30 Yes
Owner A 0 0 2 2 4 single family residential
051357170 926 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.12 40 30 Owner B 0 0 2 2 4 single family residential
8.b
January 23, 2023 Packet Pg. 1655
2023 HOUSING ELEMENT: APPENDIX A
A-2 GENERAL PLAN
4 4
Table 4.A-1: San Carlos Housing Element 2023-2031 Sites Inventory APN Address General Plan Zoning Acres
Max
Density
Min
Density
Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Realistic Capacity
Existing Uses
Very
Low Low Mod
Above
Mod Total
051347080 1036 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.14 40 30 Yes
Owner A 0 0 2 3 5 office/commercial
051353070 1028 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.14 40 30 Owner B 0 0 2 3 5 office/commercial 051347140 1200 BRITTAN AVE Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.08 40 30 Yes
Owner B 0 0 1 2 3 office/commercial
051347130 1074 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.09 40 30 Owner C 0 0 1 2 3 single family residential 051343140 1140 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.22 40 30 Yes
Owner A 8 0 0 0 8 office/commercial
051343130 1100 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.58 40 30 Owner A 20 0 0 0 20 office/commercial 051343170 1176 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.11 40 30 Yes
Owner A 0 0 2 2 4 hair salon
051343160 Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.11 40 30 Owner B 0 0 2 2 4 parking lot 051343150 1158 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.11 40 30 Owner C 0 0 2 2 4 restaurant 051336130 1224 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.08 120 90 Yes
Owner A 0 0 4 4 8 spa
051336120 1216 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.08 120 90 Owner B 0 0 4 4 8 retail 051336110 1200 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.17 120 90 Owner C 0 0 9 9 18 retail 051344480 1188 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.27 120 90 Yes
Owner A 0 0 13 14 27 retail
051344350 1168 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.23 120 90 Owner B 0 0 11 12 23 retail 051364060 1494 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.07 120 90 Yes
Owner A 0 0 3 4 7 retail
051364170 1482 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.34 120 90 Owner B 0 0 17 18 35 Trader Joes parking lot 051368030 1524 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.06 120 90 Yes
Owner A 0 0 3 3 6 restaurant
051368020 1510 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.06 120 90 Owner B 0 0 3 3 6 salon + 1 unit 051368010 1500 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.11 120 90 Owner C 0 0 5 6 11 dry cleaners + 2 units 051373250 1696 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.17 40 30 Yes
Owner A 0 0 3 3 6 restaurant
051373090 1682 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.06 40 30 Owner B 0 0 1 1 2 office/commercial 051372170 1665 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Med High MU-SB-100 0.06 100 75 Yes
Owner A 0 0 2 3 5 restaurant
051372180 1659 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Med High MU-SB-100 0.06 100 75 Owner B 0 0 2 3 5 dog spa 051372120 Mixed Use, Med High MU-SB-100 0.12 100 75
Yes
Owner A 0 0 5 5 10 parking
051372130 1689 LAUREL AVE Mixed Use, Med High MU-SB-100 0.06 100 75 Owner B 0 0 2 3 5 office/commercial 051372140 1683 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Med High MU-SB-100 0.06 100 75 Owner C 0 0 2 3 5 tobacco club 051372110 1692 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.17 120 90 Yes
Owner A 0 0 9 9 18 mixed use
051372290 1682 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.06 120 90 Owner B 0 0 3 3 6 flower shop 051372280 Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.06 120 90 Owner B 0 0 3 3 6 retail 051372090 1670 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.06 120 90 Owner C 0 0 3 3 6 retail 051372080 1668 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.06 120 90 Owner D 0 0 3 3 6 office/commercial 051375060 1792 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.08 120 90 Yes
Owner A 0 0 4 4 8 retail
051375050 1784 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.07 120 90 Owner B 0 0 3 4 7 office/commercial 051375040 1776 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.06 120 90 Owner C 0 0 3 3 6 mixed use 051379030 Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.20 120 90
Yes
Owner A 20 0 0 0 20 parking
052061998 Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.20 120 90 Owner A 20 0 0 0 20 parking 051379020 Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.10 120 90 Owner A 11 0 0 0 11 parking 051379010 1800 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.29 120 90 Owner A 30 0 0 0 30 Carl's Jr 051379100 1209 EATON AVE Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.27 40 30 Yes
Owner A 0 0 4 5 9 office/commercial
051379220 Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.19 40 30 Owner A 0 0 3 4 7 parking 051379060 Mixed Use, Med High MU-SB-100 0.07 100 30
Yes
Owner A 0 0 3 3 6 parking
051379050 1131 EATON AVE Mixed Use, Med High MU-SB-100 0.07 100 30 Owner A 0 0 3 3 6 office/commercial 051379040 Mixed Use, Med High MU-SB-100 0.08 100 30 Owner A 0 0 3 4 7 parking
8.b
January 23, 2023 Packet Pg. 1656
2023 HOUSING ELEMENT: APPENDIX A
A-3
GENERAL PLAN
4 4
Table 4.A-1: San Carlos Housing Element 2023-2031 Sites Inventory APN Address General Plan Zoning Acres
Max
Density
Min
Density
Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Realistic Capacity
Existing Uses
Very
Low Low Mod
Above
Mod Total
051375030 1768 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.06 120 90 Yes
Owner A 0 0 3 3 6 retail
051375020 1748 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.29 120 90 Owner A 0 0 15 15 30 restaurant 051376170 MU-N-40 0.31 40 30
Yes
Owner A 10 0 0 0 10 one story office
051376060 MU-N-40 0.06 40 30 Owner B 2 0 0 0 2 restaurant 051376160 MU-N-40 0.12 40 30 Owner B 4 0 0 0 4 hair salon 051376180 MU-N-40 0.17 40 30 Owner B 6 0 0 0 6 permanent makeup, insurance office 051376010 MU-N-40 0.11 40 30 Owner B 4 0 0 0 4 dentist office 050512050 Single Family RS-6 0.33 6 6 0 0 0 2 2 vacant
049430020 735 CRESTVIEW DR Single Family - Low RS-3 0.23 3 3 0 0 0 1 1 vacant 049080290 Single Family - Low RS-3 3.75 3 3 0 0 0 11 11 vacant 050204290 Single Family RS-6 0.19 6 6 0 0 0 1 1 vacant
049101080 Single Family - Low RS-3 0.17 3 3 0 0 0 1 1 vacant 049221130 Single Family RS-6 0.11 6 6 0 0 0 1 1 vacant
049133460 Single Family RS-6 0.08 6 6 0 0 0 0 0 vacant
049234160 Single Family RS-6 0.24 6 6 0 0 0 1 1 vacant
049341410 Single Family RS-6 0.25 6 6 0 0 0 1 1 vacant
049341390 Single Family RS-6 0.23 6 6 0 0 0 1 1 vacant
049372010 5 - 9 CORONADO AVE Single Family RS-6 2.69 6 6 0 0 0 16 16 retail 049342050 Single Family RS-6 0.15 6 6 0 0 0 1 1 vacant
049373020 Single Family RS-6 0.13 6 6 0 0 0 1 1 vacant
050121100 1785 SAN CARLOS AVE Multi-Family, Medium RM-59 1.10 59 44 49 0 0 0 49 medical office 050033160 560 PROSPECT ST Multi-Family, Medium RM-59 0.13 59 45 0 0 3 3 6 single family residential 050034150 549 PROSPECT ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.15 100 75 0 0 6 5 11 single family residential 050034160 543 PROSPECT ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.15 100 75 0 0 6 5 11 single family residential 050122060 606 CEDAR ST Mixed Use, High MU-SC-120 0.17 120 90 0 0 8 9 17 single family residential 050123090 1524 CHERRY ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.16 100 75 0 0 6 6 12 single family residential 050141290 774 CHESTNUT ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.11 100 75 0 0 4 4 8 single family residential 050123070 664 CHESTNUT ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.17 100 75 0 0 7 6 13 single family residential 050124080 621 CHESTNUT ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.35 100 75 0 0 14 13 27 multifamily residential 8 or more units 050062180 575 CHESTNUT ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.14 100 75 0 0 6 5 11 single family residential 050151260 1427 CHERRY ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.17 100 75 0 0 7 6 13 single family residential 050151060 768 ELM ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.18 100 75 0 0 7 6 13 single family residential 050151030 722 ELM ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.18 100 75 0 0 7 6 13 single family residential 050063100 1360 HOLLY ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.12 100 75 0 0 5 4 9 single family residential and duplex 050163050 1341 OLIVE ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.35 100 75 0 0 13 13 26 single family residential 050063090 1338 HOLLY ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.24 100 75 0 0 9 9 18 multifamily residential 2 units 050064290 1324 SAN CARLOS AVE Mixed Use, High MU-SC-120 1.25 120 90 128 0 0 0 128 CVS pharmacy 050152100 750 - 752 WALNUT ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.19 100 75 0 0 7 7 14 multifamily residential 3 to 4 units 050152060 720 WALNUT ST Multi-Family, Med High RM-100 0.18 100 75 0 0 7 6 13 single family residential 051347110 1058 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.14 40 30 0 0 2 3 5 single family residential 051357280 990 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.49 40 30 0 0 8 9 17 office/commercial 050163450 810 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Med High MU-DC-100 1.08 100 75 91 0 0 0 91 Bianchini's Market 051334010 1365 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Med High MU-SB-100 0.17 100 75 0 0 7 8 15 hair salon
8.b
January 23, 2023 Packet Pg. 1657
2023 HOUSING ELEMENT: APPENDIX A
A-4 GENERAL PLAN
4 4
Table 4.A-1: San Carlos Housing Element 2023-2031 Sites Inventory APN Address General Plan Zoning Acres
Max
Density
Min
Density
Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Realistic Capacity
Existing Uses
Very
Low Low Mod
Above
Mod Total
051334200 1313 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Med High MU-SB-100 0.50 100 75 43 0 0 0 43 office/commercial 051375010 1700 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.22 120 90 0 0 11 12 23 auto repair shop 051348010 1178 - 1186 BRITTAN AVE Mixed Use, Med High MU-SB-100 0.12 100 75 0 0 5 5 10 office/commercial 051348260 Mixed Use, Med High MU-SB-100 0.28 100 75 0 0 12 12 24 parking lot 051368050 1580 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.25 120 90 0 0 13 13 26 retail 051348050 1055 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Med High MU-SB-100 0.14 100 75 0 0 6 6 12 office/commercial 051348190 Mixed Use, Med High MU-SB-100 0.09 100 75 0 0 4 4 8 parking lot 051358020 987 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Med High MU-D-100 0.07 100 75 0 0 3 3 6 office/commercial 051336200 1264 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.32 120 90 0 0 16 17 33 retail 050154190 745 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Med High MU-DC-100 0.08 100 75 0 0 3 4 7 shoe repair 051358190 950 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.46 120 90 0 0 23 24 47 hotel 050164350 850 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.64 120 90 65 0 0 0 65 flooring store 050154280 796 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.67 120 90 68 0 0 0 68 older small scale retail 045315200 40 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-NB-120 0.61 120 90 62 0 0 0 62 retail 045316080 100 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-N-120 0.30 120 90 0 0 15 15 30 office/commercial 050133350 676 - 680 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.11 120 90 0 0 5 6 11 mixed use 045316050 129 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, High MU-N-120 0.07 120 90 0 0 3 4 7 one-story income/real estate office 050133410 656 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.11 120 90 0 0 5 6 11 commercial showroom 045316060 180 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-N-120 0.67 120 90 69 0 0 0 69 restaurant 050054310 378 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, Medium MU-N-50 0.19 50 38 0 0 4 4 8 office/commercial 050054290 380 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, Medium MU-N-50 0.38 50 38 0 0 8 8 16 office/commercial 050054370 300 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, Medium MU-N-50 0.55 50 38 24 0 0 0 24 preschool/daycare 045320200 81 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-NB-120 0.88 120 90 90 0 0 0 90 dry cleaner 045320240 259 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-NB-120 0.93 120 90 94 0 0 0 94 1 story shopping center, restaurant, parring 045320230 21 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-NB-120 1.40 120 90 142 0 0 0 142 1 story shopping center, restaurant 045320220 11 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-NB-120 1.17 120 90 120 0 0 0 120 CVS and parking 045320170 11 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-NB-120 1.09 120 90 111 0 0 0 111 CVS and parking 046122150 615 OLD COUNTY RD Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.29 40 30 0 0 5 5 10 warehousing 046112260 555 OLD COUNTY RD Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.38 40 30 0 0 6 7 13 warehousing 046112530 535 OLD COUNTY RD Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.84 40 30 28 0 0 0 28 warehousing 046111250 495 OLD COUNTY RD Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.86 40 30 29 0 0 0 29 retail 046112950 501 OLD COUNTY RD Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.50 40 30 17 0 0 0 17 warehousing 050073110 491 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Medium MU-N-50 0.12 50 45 0 0 3 2 5 1 story convenience store 050073180 1159 BUSH ST Mixed Use, Medium MU-N-50 0.39 50 45 0 0 8 9 17 institutional
8.b
January 23, 2023 Packet Pg. 1658
2023 HOUSING ELEMENT: APPENDIX A
A-5
GENERAL PLAN
4 4
Table 4.A-1: San Carlos Housing Element 2023-2031 Sites Inventory APN Address General Plan Zoning Acres
Max
Density
Min
Density
Lot
Consolidation
Realistic Capacity
Existing Uses
Very
Low Low Mod
Above
Mod Total
051376010 1201 ST FRANCIS WAY Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.11 40 30 Yes
0 0 1 2 3 dentist office
051376180 1724 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.17 40 30 0 0 1 4 5 permanent makeup, insurance office 051348010 1178 BRITTAN AVE Mixed Use, Med High MU-SB-100 0.12 100 75 Yes
0 0 3 6 9 office/commercial
051348190 Mixed Use, Med High MU-SB-100 0.09 100 75 0 0 2 5 7 parking lot 045320170 11 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-NB-120 1.09 120 90 Yes
69 41 0 0 110 CVS and parking
045320220 11 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-NB-120 1.17 120 90 75 44 0 0 119 CVS and parking 046126290 701 OLD COUNTY RD Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.18 40 30 Yes
0 0 2 4 6 warehousing
046126300 1070 HALL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.09 40 30 0 0 1 1 2 single family residential 046126320 713 OLD COUNTY RD Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.12 40 30 0 0 1 3 4 warehousing 045316130 240 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-N-120 0.36 120 90 Yes
23 13 0 0 36 restaurant
045316140 260 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-N-120 0.73 120 90 47 27 0 0 74 retail 050133310 620 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.13 120 90 Yes
0 0 4 9 13 massage/wellness services
050133420 628 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.16 120 90 0 0 4 12 16 realty office 050054320 366 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, Medium MU-N-50 0.22 50 38 Yes
0 0 3 6 9 restaurant
050054330 356 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, Medium MU-N-50 0.15 50 38 0 0 2 4 6 office/commercial 050133320 630 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.06 120 90 Yes
3 2 0 0 5 eye lash studio
050133330 634 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.05 120 90 3 2 0 0 5 smoke shop 050133450 638 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.08 120 90 5 3 0 0 8 retail 050133460 638 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.98 120 90 63 37 0 0 100 retail 050164060 880 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.25 120 90 Yes
16 9 0 0 25 auto works body shop and parking
050164270 888 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.37 120 90 23 14 0 0 37 retail 051343130 1100 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.58 40 30 Yes
12 7 0 0 19 office/commercial
051343140 1140 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.22 40 30 4 3 0 0 7 office/commercial 051372280 Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.06 120 90
Yes
0 0 2 4 6 retail
051372290 1682 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.06 120 90 0 0 1 4 5 flower shop 050074060 542 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.09 120 90 Yes
0 0 2 6 8 mixed use
050074070 548 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.08 120 90 0 0 2 6 8 mixed use 051379010 1800 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.29 120 90 Yes
18 11 0 0 29 Carl's Jr
051379020 Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.10 120 90 6 4 0 0 10 parking 051379030 Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.20 120 90 13 7 0 0 20 parking 052061998 Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.24 120 90 15 9 0 0 24 parking 051379100 1209 EATON AVE Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.27 40 30 Yes
0 0 3 6 9 office/commercial
051379220 Mixed Use, Low MU-N-40 0.19 40 30 0 0 2 4 6 parking 051379040 Mixed Use, Low MU-SB-100 0.08 100 75
Yes
0 0 2 4 6 parking
051379050 1131 EATON AVE Mixed Use, Low MU-SB-100 0.07 100 75 0 0 2 4 6 office/commercial 051379060 Mixed Use, Low MU-SB-100 0.07 100 75 0 0 2 4 6 parking 051375020 1748 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.29 120 90 Yes
0 0 8 21 29 restaurant
051375030 1768 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-SB-120 0.06 120 90 0 0 1 4 5 retail 050133340 680 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.11 120 90 Yes
0 0 3 8 11 mixed use
050133350 676 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-D-120 0.11 120 90 0 0 3 8 11 mixed use 045320200 81 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-NB-120 0.88 120 90 Yes
56 33 0 0 89 dry cleaner
045320230 21 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-NB-120 1.40 120 90 89 53 0 0 142 1 story shopping center, restaurant 045315200 40 EL CAMINO REAL Mixed Use, High MU-NB-120 0.61 120 90 38 23 0 0 61 retail 045316050 129 LAUREL ST Mixed Use, High MU-N-120 0.07 120 90 0 0 2 4 6 one-story income/real estate office