RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA
MARIA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR
THE ADOPTION OF THE 2023 SIXTH-CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT,
PURSUANT TO STATE GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65580 ET
SEQ. CITYWIDE
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria initiated an amendment to the Housing Element of the General Plan, in accordance with Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 3, Article 10.6 of the California Government Code; and
WHEREAS, the proposed review and update is necessary for public necessity, convenience, and general welfare in that it identifies the housing needs of the community and programs to achieve the housing goals, policies, and objectives of the City of Santa Maria; and
WHEREAS, the City is required to submit a revised Housing Element for the 2023- 2031 planning period for certification by the State Department of Housing and Community Development Review for the next eight-year cycle (the “sixth cycle”); and
WHEREAS, as provided in Government Code Section 65350 et. seq., adoption of the Housing Element constitutes a General Plan Amendment; and
WHEREAS, the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA), Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et. seq., as amended, require the evaluation of environmental impacts of said projects; and
WHEREAS, an Initial Study and Negative Declaration for the draft 2023 Sixth Cycle Housing Element was prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15070, assessing the potential environmental impacts that might result from the adoption of the Housing Element for the 2023-2031 sixth cycle; and
WHEREAS, the required notices were published, and the Negative Declaration was circulated for public review, sent to every responsible agency with jurisdiction over the project, and placed in a public location; and
WHEREAS, the City mailed a public notice to all California Native American tribes provided by the Native American Heritage Commission and to other entities listed; and
WHEREAS, No California Native American tribe requested consultation; and
WHEREAS, on December 15, 2022, the City released the draft Init ial Study and Negative Declaration for a public comment period of 30 days, concluding on January 17, 2023, and the City considered all public comments received; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Maria held a regularly scheduled public hearing on November 15, 2023, for the purpose of receiving evidence and considering the Initial Study and Negative Declaration and the proposed draft 2023 Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, after considering all evidence, the Planning Commission , in Resolution No. 2822, recommended to the City Council the adoption of a Negativ e Declaration for the Project; and
WHEREAS, notices of said public hearing were made at the time and in the manner required by law; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Maria has reviewed and considered the Initial Study / Negative Declaration (Attachment C of the City of Santa Maria Council Agenda Report dated December 5, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference) for the 2023 Sixth Cycle Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, there is no substantial evidence in the whole record before the City Council supporting a fair a rgument that the project as described in the Initial Study / Negative Declaration will have a significant effect on the environment; and
WHEREAS, at the completion of the public hearing, the City Council heard and duly considered all evidence, including evidence presented in the staff report and all written and oral testimony; and
WHEREAS, the Initial Study / Negative Declaration reflects the City Council’s independent judgment and analysis.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California as follows:
1. The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
2. The City Council adopt s the Negative Declaration for the project (Attachment C of the City of Santa Maria Council Agenda Report dated December 5, 2023, incorporated herein by reference) for the Sixth Cycle Housing Element.
3. The records of these proceedings are located in the Planning Division of the City of Santa Maria, 110 South Pine Street #101, Santa Maria, California 93458.
4. The Chief Deputy City Clerk is hereby authorized to make minor changes herein to address clerical errors, so long as substantial conformance to the intent of this document is maintained. In doing so, the Assistant City Clerk shall consult with the City Manager and the City Attorney concerning any changes deemed necessary.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, held this day December 5, 2023.
ATTEST:
Chief Deputy City Clerk
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
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Department Director
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Interim City Manager