August 3, 2023 By Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested (Article No.________) Honorable Michael T. Smyth, Presiding Judge
Superior Court of California, San Diego County
Central Courthouse
1100 Union Street, Tenth Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
Subject: City of San Marcos Response to Grand Jury Report: ‘Housing in San Diego County’ Dear Judge Smyth,
On July 3, 2023, the City of San Marcos (San Marcos) submitted an initial response to the San Diego County Grand Jury Report entitled “Housing in San Diego County” which was issued on May 4, 2023. Please accept the following addendum to the July 3, 2023 San Marcos response.
In accordance with Penal Code § 933.05, the following are responses to Grand Jury Recommendations 23-01 through 23-06, and 23-08 as applicable to San Marcos:
Grand Jury Recommendations
Response
23-01
Consider, if they have not done so, using specific plans (as defined by the Governor’s Office of Planning Research) to facilitate the permitting and development of housing, particularly affordable housing, in their jurisdictions.
Recommendation has been implemented. The San Marcos 2021 Certified Housing Element identifies 106 acres of vacant land in Mixed-Use Specific Plan areas, which allow for residential development with the potential to yield at least 1,592 new units. This includes the University District Specific Plan Area and the Creek Specific Plan Area.
Grand Jury Recommendations
Response
23-02
Consider working with school districts and community college districts within their jurisdictions to identify developable land for housing, particularly affordable housing.
Recommendation has been implemented. The San Marcos Housing and Neighborhood Services Program has met with Palomar College and Cal State San Marcos to discuss opportunities for affordable housing partnerships and future developments. The Planning Division meets with the San Marcos Unified School District on a quarterly basis to discuss development activity in San Marcos. Representatives from the School Board, Palomar College, and Cal State San Marcos currently serve on the City’s General Plan Advisory Committee. 23-03
Consider working with religious institutions within their jurisdictions to identify land developable for housing, particularly affordable housing.
Recommendation has been implemented. The Housing and Neighborhood Services Program has informed affordable housing development partners to identify and present development opportunities including partnerships with religious institutions. One development partner has been in discussion with a local religious institution to create affordable housing. 23-04
Consider drafting revenue-generating legislation at the jurisdiction level, if feasible and legal e.g., the Seattle Jumpstart Tax. Monies generated by such a tax to fund or assist in funding the construction of housing, particularly affordable housing.
Recommendation has been implemented. Pursuant to the San Marcos Municipal Code and applicable Specific Plans, San Marcos collects and utilizes in-lieu fees to support the Affordable Housing Fund. In-Lieu fees are spent to provide housing opportunities for extremely low, very low, low and moderate-income households.
Grand Jury Recommendations
Response
23-05
Consider providing legislative support to re-introducing in the State Legislature SB1105, or similar legislation, to create a San Diego County agency that could raise revenue for housing.
Recommendation will be considered by City Council at its next legislative update by the end of 2023. 23-06
Consider providing legislative support to SB4, which is currently before the legislature. This bill makes it easier to provide affordable housing on land owned by religious institutions.
Recommendation will be considered by City Council at its next legislative update by the end of 2023. 23-08
Continue working with the North County Transit to identify land suitable for development of housing, particularly affordable housing, at major transit stops including Coaster and Sprinter train and bus lines as appropriate.
Recommendation has been implemented.
San Marcos has recently worked with North County Transit District (NCTD) and identified a lot adjacent to the San Marcos Civic Center Sprinter Station as a potential site for an affordable housing development. San Marcos is in the process of submitting a grant application for a feasibility study on the site. San Marcos is also working with NCTD on an RFP for development of District-owned property adjacent to the Palomar College Sprinter Station for a potential affordable housing project.
San Marcos appreciates the review of housing issues by the Grand Jury, as well as the opportunity to respond to its recommendations. Please contact Housing & Neighborhood Services Manager at [email protected] or 760- 744-1050 x3124, if you have follow up questions or would like to discuss the City’s response to the May 2023 Grand Jury Report on housing in the San Diego County region.
Sincerely,
Michelle Bender
Acting City Manager
Cc: Helen Peak, City Attorney
4 Administration
[email protected]