Taft City Council
September 3, 2024

7.2.1 Land Constraints
Factors associated with land (i.e., availability, costs, and title issues) represent by far the most important constraints to the development of housing in the Taft area. These factors are further described below.

Land Availability
The amount of land available for the development of housing is crucial in considering methods of meeting housing needs. There must be sufficient vacant residentially zoned land or land that could be developed residentially within the City limits to meet the projected housing needs. In the central part of the City, land assembly needs to be encouraged to maximize the unit output of multi-family housing.

As discussed in Chapter 6 SITES INVENTORY AND RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, the land area currently under review on the adequate sites list for possible residential development is approximately 688 acres. This land area could generate 4,250 housing units (maximum density is not used for calculation).

A RHNA number and demand for 504 residential units by the year 2031 are being projected. This has the potential to add approximately 1,214 people to the City’s population. There is more than sufficient acreage adjacent to existing residential neighborhoods to satisfy this need.

Economic development efforts in Taft in the last several years have been largely offset by the lack of suitable land for housing. One landowner (Chevron/Texaco) controlled a large portion of land; although, this situation has changed with the sale of a three (3) square mile section to West Side Economic Development to be used for development in and around the city. Most of this land is zoned and planned residential development.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 216
Costs of Land
Land cost in Taft can vary depending on location, zoning (allowable density), availability of improvements, and proposed land use of the site. In general, entitled single-family subdivisions with infrastructure extension plans command higher prices than raw undeveloped land. Available improvements can consist of improvements to streets, sidewalks, water and sewer, drainage, curbs and gutters, street signs, park dedications, utility easements, and landscaping. Improvement standards establish infrastructure or site requirements to support new residential development. Land costs and value are difficult to average on a countywide basis as land value is assessed based on the characteristics unique to each property.

The cost of developable land creates a direct impact on the cost of a new home. A higher cost of land raises the price of a new home because developers consider the cost of land while evaluating the feasibility of a development. When land costs are high, developers must ask for higher rent or sales prices to make their development feasible. Based on a search of Zillow.com, there is only one (1) undeveloped parcel for sale that could accommodate residential development. The parcel is approximately 9,583 square feet and is zoned Mixed Use. The parcel has been on Zillow for 362 days and is priced at $150,000.

Land Contamination
Land in and around Taft has been heavily used by oil and gas service companies, which may have resulted in some level of soil contamination. Approximately 46 acres of land located in the downtown area, including 82 sites within the Downtown Taft Specific Plan (DTSP), once owned by the Sunset Railway and Union Pacific Railroad Companies, may be contaminated with low concentrations of contaminants from past industrial and railroad operations. If the City identifies contaminated soil, it can require the property owners to clean up and remediate the site.

Since 2008, the City has completed a Phase 1 environmental site investigation for all 46 acres. The investigation found soil samples containing traces of lead, arsenic, and hydrocarbons from oil and gas and industrial business activities. Supplemental site investigations, of approximately 5 acres of land cleared for development, have found through soil sample analytical testing that the concentrations of each chemical are in trace amounts that do not appear to be a hazard to human health or the environment.

Construction was completed for a new 60-room hotel in 2015, a Transit Center and Park-n-Ride in 2017, and commercial developments of a Dollar General (2019) and Grocery Outlet (2021) on the former railroad land.

Oil Company Privately Owned Property
The City is surrounded by major land holdings that are owned by oil companies, such as Chevron, Berry Petroleum, and California Resources Corporation (CRC). The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) continues to own sizable acres of land around the City as the land was previously under control of the U.S.

Navy during World War II. Over the years, land has rarely been made available for sale only when not needed for oil extraction or related uses. Until recently, release of oil company property for land sales was extremely difficult to obtain. However, much of the oil and BLM land has not had oil and gas production activities for some time and should be made available to the public for sale and development.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 217
Substandard Parcels
Efforts to assemble smaller residentially zoned parcels (less than 50-foot frontages) in the central part of Taft would create opportunities for high-density housing or rehabilitation. Most substandard units within the City are in this central area. The City has worked with each individual property owner to maximize development of their residential zoned lot. Infill single-family and ADU development has been permitted on lots that do not meet the minimum lot size requirements.

Substandard Housing Not Within City Limits
Many substandard housing units are not within City limits but are in the unincorporated areas surrounding and adjacent to the Taft community: South Taft, Taft Heights, and Ford City. Development in these areas has been accomplished in conformance with County standards, which include some higher density allowances than the City's standards.

South Taft with a concentration of substandard units is under a single ownership by South Taft Properties, formerly known as the Jamison Trust. Nearly all the houses are located on land leased on a month-tomonth basis. As a result, many occupants see little benefit from investing in building maintenance.

Because of the lease situation, some of the housing units may not show up in the Census Tables, as they are "unsecured personal property" and these residents do not qualify for most government assistance programs for rehabilitation. The best aspect of this situation is that it provides housing at very affordable prices. South Taft Properties is negotiating the sale of parcels to individuals who own the building, but not the land, thereby creating a title in fee.

The County completed a Community Needs Study to explore possibilities to rehabilitate South Taft and, in 2007, began an assessment of the cost of needed infrastructure. An early estimate is approximately $50 million in infrastructure improvements are necessary and, to incorporate all three (3) unincorporated areas, the infrastructure liability will likely exceed $100 million. The cost burden has resulted in an unmitigated barrier to annex the three County communities.

Housing Developed Below Densities
There is the potential for market demands to lead to properties being developed below the anticipated density for a site. These types of requests could be a potential constraint to housing development, particularly when lower density development is proposed on a site that allows higher density. No requests have been received by the City to develop sites contained in the 5th Cycle Housing Element Sites Inventory below the anticipated density.

7.2.1 Construction and Labor Costs
The International Code Council estimated in August 2023 that the national average cost per square foot for good-quality housing was approximately $148.28 to $221.32 for multi-family housing, $165.67 to $209.61 for single-family homes, and $187.73 to $262.22 for residential care/assisted living facilities.

This has increased from approximately $86.73 per square foot in 2007 and $119.73 per square foot in 2015. This increase may be in step with the larger urban areas in the state, and even Bakersfield, but this has made building of low and moderate-income housing difficult, if not impossible, in the City without some form of financial assistance.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 218
There are no homebuilders currently active in Taft. However, a search of home builders and new singlefamily homes for sale in the Kern County region shows that the closest new communities with homes for sale are in Bakersfield. The communities, sale prices, sizes, and price per square foot for these new homes are shown in Table 7-13. The lowest average price per square foot is $199 and the highest average price per square foot is $276 for new construction homes. The smallest home is 1,230 square feet, selling for $351,490 or $285 per square foot. The largest home is 3,278 square feet, selling for $559,000 or $170.53 square feet.

The price depends on the size and quality of construction. If labor or material costs continue to increase, then increased construction costs have the potential to constrain new housing construction and rehabilitation of existing. These averages are significantly higher than the national average ($165.67 to $209.61), which could pose a significant constraint to housing development. Geographically isolated communities like Taft may lack specialized personnel in construction-related professions and are further from construction materials and products, which could increase the need for transportation and trade services and thereby increase costs associated with development. "Front-End" Development Costs
Installation of sewer, water, roadways, under grounding all utilities and project-carrying costs contribute a major portion of overall new housing costs – the City estimates this could cost approximately $8,850 per single family lot. These costs are the same for and can be burdensome for low- and moderate-income housing. This makes building affordable single-family housing more restrictive for the developer without some form of financial assistance or flexibility in City requirements. The dissolution of redevelopment agencies across the state in 2012 has taken away a valuable tool from cities to be proactive and provide such assistance. On- and off-site improvements are discussed in Section 8.1.4. ON- AND OFF-SITE IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 219
Table 7-13: New Home Communities Sale, Size, and Price Per Square Foot, Kern County, 2024 Builder Community Name Sale Price ($) Size (Square Feet) Price Per Square Foot ($) Min. Max. Avg. Min. Max. Avg. Min. Max. Avg.

Lennar Fox Meadow - Choral Series 423,500 559,000 491,250 1,856 3,278 2,567 228.18 170.53 199.35 Lennar Fox Meadow - Solana Series 428,500 499,000 463,750 1,820 2,589 2,205 235.44 192.74 214.09 DR Horton East Village 391,490 486,490 438,990 1,509 2,814 2,162 259.44 172.88 216.16 John Balfanz Homes Mills Ranch 355,000 410,000 382,500 1,441 2,120 1,781 246.36 193.40 219.88 DR Horton Canterbury Heights 396,990 498,990 447,990 1,509 2,814 2,162 263.08 177.32 220.20 DR Horton Brooke Pointe 400,490 500,490 450,490 1,509 2,814 2,162 265.40 177.86 221.63 DR Horton Sterling Manor 420,990 521,490 471,240 1,509 2,814 2,162 278.99 185.32 232.15 DR Horton West Village 351,490 456,490 403,990 1,230 2,554 1,892 285.76 178.74 232.25 DR Horton Westdale Pointe 431,490 538,390 484,940 1,509 2,814 2,162 285.94 191.33 238.63 K Hovanian Homes Sendero Ranch 532,990 568,990 550,990 1,896 2,705 2,301 281.11 210.35 245.73 LGI Homes Harvest Grove 384,900 509,900 447,400 1,106 2,488 1,797 348.01 204.94 276.48 Source: NewHome Source, newhomesource.com

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 220

7.2.2 The Availability Of Financing
Development Financing
The availability of development financing options directly affects the feasibility of housing development.

Financing is available from a variety of sources including financial institutions, insurance companies, and pension plans (such as CalPERS). The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) administers grants which can assist developers, local governments, and nonprofits in constructing housing units. The following programs were available in 2024:
 Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME): The HOME program is a federal program that provides formula grants to states and localities that communities use often in partnership with local nonprofit groups – to fund a wide range of activities including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people. HOME funds are awarded annually as formula grants. The program’s flexibility allows states and local governments to use HOME funds for grants, direct loans, loan guarantees or other forms of credit enhancements, or rental assistance or security deposits.  Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) Program: The LHTF program is a state program that provides matching grants (dollar for dollar) to local and regional housing trust funds dedicated to the creation, rehabilitation, or preservation of affordable housing, transitional housing, and emergency shelters. The matching grants are funded on an ongoing basis from both private and public contributions, or public sources. Eligible applicants are a local or regional housing trust fund that is a public, joint public and private, or charitable nonprofit organization organized as a 501(c)(3).  Multi-family Housing (MH) Program: The MH program is a state program that makes low-interest, long-term deferred-payment permanent loans for new construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of permanent and transitional rental housing for lower-income households.  Predevelopment Loan (PDL) Program: The PDL program is a state program that makes short-term loans for activities and expenses necessary for the continued preservation, construction, rehabilitation, or conversion of assisted housing primarily for low-income households.  Joe Serna, Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant (FWHG) Program: The FWHG program is a state program that helps fund new construction, rehabilitation, and acquisition of owner-occupied and rental units for agricultural workers, with a priority for lower income households. Financial assistance is available as deferred-payment loans for multi-family housing new construction or rehabilitation and grants for single-family new construction or owner-occupied rehabilitation units. The FWHG program supports development projects involving multiple home ownership units, including single-family subdivisions, for lower-income agricultural employees and their families, and programs that assist lower-income agricultural employees and their families to become or remain homeowners.  Infill Infrastructure Grant (IIG) Program: The IIG program is a state program that promotes infill housing development by providing financial assistance for capital improvement projects that are an integral part of, or necessary to facilitate the development of affordable and mixed-income housing.

Under the IIG program, grants are available as gap funding for infrastructure, Factory-Built Housing components, and Adaptive Reuse necessary for specific residential or mixed-use infill developments.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 221
Applications will be accepted and evaluated for threshold requirements and eligibility on a continuous basis via an over-the-counter process, on the merits of the individual applications. Eligible applicants are nonprofit or for-profit developer of a qualifying infill project.  Project Homekey: Homekey is an opportunity for state, regional, and local public entities to develop a broad range of housing types, including but not limited to hotels, motels, hostels, single- family homes and multi-family apartments, adult residential facilities, and manufactured housing, and to convert commercial properties and other existing buildings to Permanent or Interim Housing for the Target Population.

Depending on the type of financing used (e.g., tax credits, bonds, federal funds), other requirements such as the inclusion of certain accessibility accommodations and the use of prevailing wage versus DavisBacon wage can affect development costs significantly. 28 Mortgage and Rehabilitation Financing
Generally, there are two “types” of loan programs – conventional loan programs and government-backed loan programs. Conventional loans are not insured or guaranteed by Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Veterans Affairs (VA), or USDA Rural Housing Service of Farm Service Agency (RHS or FSA), whereas, government-backed loans are insured or guaranteed by FHA, VA, RHS, or FSA. Governmentbacked loan programs include:
• Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loan: The FHA loan program was designed to make it easier for first-time homebuyers to get financing and afford a home. FHA loans are only allowed on one (1) to four (4) living-unit properties. These properties can be purchased with an FHA loan if the owner occupies one of the units. In 2024, prospective homebuyers in Kern County could receive a loan of up to $498,257 for a single-family home and $958,350 for a four-plex through an FHA loan. 29
• Veterans Affairs (VA) Loan: A VA loan is a mortgage loan available through a program established by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. With VA loans, veterans, service members, and their surviving spouses can purchase homes with little to no down payment and no private mortgage insurance and generally get a competitive interest rate. • Farm Service Agency/Rural Housing Service (FSA/RHS) Loan: FSA/RHS loans are designed to help low-income rural residents qualify for a conventional mortgage and are guaranteed by the USDA’s Rural Housing Service. These loans often come with zero down payment and lower interest rates.

The availability of financing affects a person’s ability to purchase or improve a home. Under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA), lending institutions are required to disclose information on the disposition of loan applications and the income, gender, and race of loan applicants. The primary concern 28 The Davis-Bacon Act of 1931 is a federal law which established the requirement for paying prevailing wages on public works projects. All federal government construction contracts, and most contracts for federally assisted construction over $2,000, must include provisions for paying workers on-site no less than the locally prevailing wages and benefits paid on similar projects. 29 FHA. (2023). FHA Limits for 2024. Accessed April 29, 2024, https://www.fha.com/lending_limits_state?state=CALIFORNIA

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 222
in a review of lending activity is to determine whether home financing is available to a city’s residents.

The HDMA data presented in this section applies to the census tracts in the City of Taft.

In 2022, a total of 448 households in Taft applied for a home loan. The occupancy type for most households was principal residence (366 or 82%) compared to investment property (77 or 17%) or second residence (5 or 1%). In addition, a majority (418 or 93%) of households were single-family units versus multi-family units (30 or 7%).

Of the 448 households, 247 applied for home purchase loans, 15 for home improvement, 162 for refinancing, and 24 for other as shown in Table 7-14. Out of the 448 households that applied for a home loan, 267 applied for a conventional loan and 181 applied for a government-backed loan. A majority (88%) of conventional home loans were for home purchase (48%) and refinancing (40%). Similarly, a majority (97%) of government-backed loans were for home purchase (66%) and refinancing (31%).

Table 7-14: Home Loan Purpose and Home Loan Type, City of Taft, 2022 Loan Purpose Total Loans Conventional Government Backed Home purchase 247 (55%) 127 (48%) 120 (66%)
Home improvement 15 (4%) 15 (6%) 0 (0%)
Refinance 162 (36%) 106 (40%) 56 (31%)
Other 24 (5%) 19 (7%) 5 (3%)
Total 448 (100%) 267 (60%) 181 (40%)
The overall rate of loan denial for all types of home loan applications in Taft was 15% (Table 7-15).

Approximately 16% of conventional loans and 14% of government-backed loans were denied in Taft. Of the denied loans, approximately 9% were for home purchase, 13% for home improvement, 25% for refinancing, and 17% for other purposes (Table 7-16). The primary reason for loan denial is shown in Table 7-17. The top reasons for loan denial across all loan types were credit history (15 or 22%), debt-toincome ratio (14 or 21%), and incomplete credit applications (13 or 19%). Incomplete credit application was the top reason for loan denial for conventional loans (11 or 26%) and debt-to-income ratio was the top reason for government-backed loans (10 or 40%).

Table 7-15: Home Loan Type and Application Action, City of Taft, 2022 Loan Type Total
Loans
Loan
Originated
(percent of
total)
Application
Approved
but not
Accepted
(percent of
total)
Application
Denied
(percent of
total)
Application
Withdrawn
(percent of
total)
Other
(percent
of total)
Conventional
Loan 267 143 (53%) 7 (3%) 42 (16%) 48 (18%) 27 (10%)
Government
Backed Loan 181 79 (44%) 7 (4%) 25 (14%) 28 (15%) 42 (23%) Total 448
(100%)
222
(50%)
14 (3%)
67 (15%)
76 (17%)
69 (15%)
Source: FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. 2022 Dataset, https://ffiec.cfpb.gov/databrowser/data/2022?category=counties&items=06029

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 223
Table 7-16: Home Loan Purpose and Application Action, City of Taft, 2022 Loan
Purpose
Total
Loans
Loan
Originated
(percent of
total)
Application
Approved
but not
Accepted
(percent of
total)
Application
Denied
(percent of
total)
Application
Withdrawn
(percent of
total)
Other
(percent
of total)
Home
purchase 247 144 (58%) 7 (3%) 21 (9%) 37 (15%) 38 (16%) Home
Improvement 15 9 (60%) 2 (13%) 2 (13%) 0 (0%) 2 (13%)
Refinancing 162 59 (36%) 5 (3%) 40 (25%) 36 (22%) 22 (14%) Other 24 10 (42%) 0 (0%) 4 (17%) 3 (12%) 7 (29%)
Total 448 (100%) 222
(49%)
14 (3%)
67 (15%)
76 (17%)
69 (15%)
Source: FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. 2022 Dataset, https://ffiec.cfpb.gov/databrowser/data/2022?category=counties&items=06029 Table 7-17: Primary Reasons for Loan Denial, City of Taft, 2022 Reason for Denial Total Loans Conventional Government Backed Debt-to-income ratio 14 4 10
Employment history 0 0 0
Credit history 15 8 7
Collateral 10 8 2
Insufficient cash 5 4 1
Unverifiable
information 7 5 2
Credit application
incomplete 13 11 2
Mortgage insurance
denied 0 0 0
Other 3 2 1
Total 67 42 25
Source: FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. 2022 Dataset, https://ffiec.cfpb.gov/databrowser/data/2022?category=counties&items=06029

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 224
Table 7-18 compares home purchase loans and actions for Kern County and Taft in 2022 across all loan types. There are no major differences between loan origination and denial rates between Kern County and Taft.

Table 7-18: Home Purchase Loan and Action–- County and City Comparison Loan Action Kern County Taft
Home Purchase, Loan
Originated 10,969 (57%) 144 (58%)
Home Purchase, Application
approved but not accepted 540 (3%) 7 (3%)
Home Purchase, Application
denied 1,539 (8%) 21 (9%)
Home Purchase, Application
withdrawn by applicant 2,574 (13%) 37 (15%)
Other 3,641 (19%) 38 (16%)
Total 19,263 (100%) 247 (100%)
Source: FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. 2022 Dataset, https://ffiec.cfpb.gov/databrowser/data/2022?category=counties&items=06029 According to conversations with homebuyers in Taft, another limitation is that the mortgage financing businesses are, for the most part, located in Bakersfield. Judging from the sales prices of housing in Taft, which have ranged from $100,000 to over $300,000, there seems to be no major gap in financing availability. An exception to this might be the South Taft area where, because these homeowners do not own their lots, they have trouble financing sales and home improvements.

Since the subprime mortgage crisis more than 10 years ago, it continues to have a significant affected in financing for the low to moderate income families. Tightening of requirements to get financing has also affected many people, while escalating interest rates on the subprime ARM’s has resulted in many foreclosures. During the recession of the late 2000s, one in 47 homes ended up in foreclosure in Kern County, with the County consistently ranking in the top ten in foreclosure rates.

Builders, traditionally more constrained by the lack of land than the availability of financing, have found themselves in the opposite position. Approximately 500 homes were planned for Taft, but due to the prior mortgage crisis, falling real estate values, and the subsequent recession, all of the planned subdivisions had their tentative maps expire with no options for extending their approval life. The City will be seeking new home builders to reignite housing development. However, the increasing interest rates have cooled the housing market, as intended, but housing prices have continued to rise. This combination of higher costs has priced many people out of local housing options.

The City will promote first-time home buyer opportunities through Program 3.a. First-Time Home Buyer Program (Funding and Assistance), Program 3.b. First-Time Homebuyer Program (Education), and Program 3.d. Market Rate Entry Level Homes (Pipeline Project).

Costs Associated With Borrowing Money
When you get a loan, there are generally two costs you must pay: fees and interest. Interest is the amount of money a financial institution charges for letting you use its money. The rate of interest can be either

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 225
fixed or variable. Fixed rate means the interest rate stays the same throughout the term of the loan. These costs have trended substantially higher, but these costs can discourage many residents from actively pursuing home improvements or buying new homes. Low and moderate-income groups such as the elderly, singles, and young couples are most affected by this cost factor.

Insufficient Household Income
Meeting income requirements for lending has hindered many from finding the necessary financing to improve housing units identified as needing rehabilitation. From 2010 to 2020, the County wide median income increased from $47,089 to $54,851, while the City’s median income has remained static from $46,324 to $46,980. Most homes requiring rehabilitation are occupied by low and moderate-income families and residents with fixed incomes. This income constraint also may restrict future maintenance activities directed at conserving sound housing.

7.3 Summary of Constraints
The identified constraints are summarized below with the Housing Program proposed to address such constraints. Housing Programs are further described in Chapter 9 – GOALS, POLICIES, OBJECTIVES, & PROGRAMS.
• Multi-Family Rental Housing: the lack of definition and redundant use of two (2) or more units could cause confusion for both the potential developer/builder and for City staff and requiring a conditional use permit for multi-family dwellings may constitute a barrier to multi-family rental housing development and thereby limit the variety of housing choice and opportunities (Program

5.a. Multi-Family Housing).
• Housing for Agricultural Employees: as currently written, the City’s Zoning Ordinance does not comply with the Employee Housing Act including Health and Safety Code Sections 17021.5 (“Small” Employee Housing), 17021.6 (“Large” Employee Housing), and 17021.8 (Agricultural Employee Housing), which may constitute a barrier for development of such housing (Program

5.b. Housing for Agricultural Employees).
• Low Barrier Navigation Centers: the City’s Zoning Ordinance does not define LBNCs, nor does it explicitly permit LBNCs as a use. Therefore, as currently written, the City’s Zoning Ordinance does not comply with applicable State Law (Government Code Sections 65660 et. seq.), which may constitute a barrier for development of such housing (Program 5.d. Low Barrier Navigation Centers).
• Transitional Housing: as currently written, the City’s Zoning Ordinance generally complies with applicable State Law (Government Code Sections 65582 and 65583); however, there are some changes that could be made to ensure the Zoning Ordinance does not constitute a barrier for development of such housing (Program 5.e. Transitional Housing). • Supportive Housing: as currently written, the City’s Zoning Ordinance does not comply with applicable State Law (Government Code Sections 65582 and 65651 et. seq.), which may constitute a barrier to the development of such housing (Program 5.f. Supportive Housing).

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 226
• Single Room Occupancy Units: not explicitly permitting SROs could constitute a barrier to the development of such housing (Program 5.g. Single Room Occupancy Units). • Manufactured Housing: these uses are not currently included as use classifications in the Zoning Ordinance use tables, which may constitute a barrier for development of such housing (Program

5.h. Manufactured Housing).
• Mobile Homes: as currently written, the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Downtown Taft Specific Plan may constitute a barrier to the development of such housing (Program 5.i. Mobile Homes). • ADUs: as currently written, the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Downtown Taft Specific Plan may constitute a barrier for development of such housing (Program 6.a. ADU Ordinance). • Unit Size Requirements: The unit size requirements of the Zoning Ordinance may constrain residential development from reaching the residential densities prescribed in the General Plan. (Program 5.j. Unit Size Requirements).
• Setbacks: there are two potential constraints in the Zoning Ordinance that could be a barrier to site planning a residential project (Program 5.k. Setbacks). • SB 35: the City will establish and implement an expedited permit process for qualified housing development projects pursuant to SB 35 to encourage housing production (Program 9.i.

Streamlined Ministerial Approval (SB 35)).
• AB 2011: the City will establish and implement an expedited permit process for qualified housing development projects pursuant to AB 2011 to encourage housing production (Program 9.k.

Multi-Family Housing on Commercially Zoned Property (AB 2011)). • AB 2234: the City will implement the provisions of AB 2234 (Program 5.l. Post-Entitlement Phase Permits (AB 2234)).
• Definition of Family: the definition of Family does not comply with Fair Housing Law (Program

5.m. Definition of Family).
• Residential Care Facilities: as currently written, the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Downtown Taft Specific Plan do not comply with applicable State Law (Health and Safety Code Section 1566.3), and the lack of definitions and potential inconsistencies across uses may cause confusion, which may constitute a barrier to the development of Residential Facilities and Group Homes (Program 5.n. Residential Care Facilities).
• Reasonable Accommodation Procedure: As currently written, the Reasonable Accommodation review procedures and findings contain subjective language, i.e., the potential impact on surrounding uses, which is a potential constraint (Program 5.o. Reasonable Accommodation).

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 227
8 AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING

8.1 Purpose and Introduction
Assembly Bill 686 (AB 686) was signed into law in 2018
(codified in Government Code Section 65583) with the purpose of establishing an independent state mandate that expands the duty of all California’s public agencies to affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH). Importantly, AB 686 creates housing element requirements related to AFFH including an assessment of fair housing practices, an analysis of the relationship between available sites and areas of high or low resources, and concrete actions and programs to affirmatively further fair housing. The purpose of this assessment is to replace segregated living patterns with truly integrated and balanced living patterns and to transform racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty (E/ECAP) into areas of opportunity.

Specifically, Government Code Section 65583 requires an assessment of fair housing to include all the following components:
• A summary of fair housing issues in the jurisdiction and an assessment of the jurisdiction’s fair housing enforcement and fair housing outreach capacity. • An analysis of available federal, state, and local data and knowledge to identify integration and segregation patterns and trends, racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty, disparities in access to opportunity, and disproportionate housing needs within the jurisdiction, including displacement risk.
• An assessment of the contributing factors for the fair housing issues identified under Government Code Section 65583 (10)(A)(ii).
• An identification of the jurisdiction’s fair housing priorities and goals, giving highest priority to those factors identified in Government Code Section 65583 (10)(A)(iii) that limit or deny fair housing choice or access to opportunity, or negatively impact fair housing or civil rights compliance, and identifying the metrics and milestones for determining what fair housing results will be achieved.
• Strategies and actions to implement those priorities and goals, which may include, but are not limited to, enhancing mobility strategies, and encouraging development of new affordable housing in areas of opportunity, as well as place-based strategies to encourage community revitalization, including preservation of existing affordable housing, and protecting existing residents from displacement.

8.2 Fair Housing Assessment Methodology
Community Development (HCD)’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Guidance for All Public Entities and for Housing Elements provides guidance on the preparation of housing elements and ensures 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.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 228
statutory requirements are satisfied, pursuant to Government Code Section 65583(c)(10). The AFFH analysis in this Section identifies the patterns and trends at both the local and regional scale. The AFFH analysis evaluates fair housing issues on the following topics:
• Fair Housing Enforcement and Outreach Capacity
• Integration and Segregation
• Racially and Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty • Disparities in Access to Opportunity
• Disproportionate Housing Needs

8.2.1 Geography
The AFFH analysis is organized into the following geographies:
• Taft City: Taft City is incorporated and within City Limits. Taft City can be further distinguished between Central Taft, West Taft, and East Taft.
• Ford City: Most of Ford City is unincorporated. There is a portion of Ford City that is within City Limits. This portion is north of State Route 33, which can be considered Northwest Taft. Northwest Taft is uninhabited and mostly comprises oil uses. Therefore, the analysis focuses on the unincorporated portion of Ford City.
• South Taft: South Taft includes unincorporated County neighborhoods, including “South Taft” proper and Taft Heights. The western portion of Taft Heights is within City Limits. For the purposes of this analysis, the western portion of Taft Heights that is within City Limits is identified as Southwest Taft.

8.2.2 Data Sources
The AFFH analysis utilizes data from the following sources. • AllTransit: AllTransit is an online database that examines factors related to transit access and produces a performance score that reveals the social and economic impact of transit, such as connectivity and access to jobs.
• CalEnviroScreen: The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment developed a screening methodology to identify communities disproportionately burdened by multiple sources of pollution. This tool, called the California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool (CalEnviroScreen), utilizes existing environmental, health, and socioeconomic data to rank census tracts based on 20 distinct indicators. In general, if a community has a high score for that indicator, it is more likely to have greater degree of pollution burden and a higher rate of residents vulnerable to the effects of that pollution exposure as compared to census tracts statewide. Designated disadvantaged communities are those with CalEnviroScreen percentile scores of 75 or higher, meaning that they scored within the highest 25% of census tracts for pollution and other social and economic burden indicators across California.
• California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTAC) Opportunity Maps: To assist fair housing analysis, HCD and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) created the

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 229
California Fair Housing Task Force to provide research, evidence-based policy recommendations, and other strategic recommendations to HCD and related state agencies/departments to further the fair housing goals. 30 The California Fair Housing Task Force created Opportunity Maps to identify resource levels across the state to accompany new policies aimed at increasing access to high opportunity areas for families with children. Opportunity mapping is a way to measure and visualize place-based characteristics linked to critical life outcomes, such as educational attainment, earnings from employment, and economic mobility. Opportunity Maps reflect scores in three different domains made up from a set of indicator data shown in Table 8-1, as well as a composite score combining all three (3) domains.

Table 8-1: Domains and List of Indicators for Opportunity Maps Domain Indicator
Economic Poverty, Adult Education, employment, Job proximity, median home value Environmental CalEnviroScreen 3.0 pollution indicators and values Education Math proficiency, reading proficiency, high school graduation rates, student poverty rates Source: California Fair Housing Task Force, Methodology for the 2020 TCAC/HCD Opportunity Maps, December 2020
• Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy: Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data from HUD demonstrates the extent of housing problems and housing needs, particularly for low-income households. CHAS data is estimated by the number of households that have certain housing problems and have income low enough to qualify for HUD’s programs (primarily 30%, 50%, and 80% of median income). It is also important to consider the prevalence of housing problems among different types of households, such as the elderly, disabled, minorities, and different household types.
• HCD’s AFFH Data Viewer: The AFFH Data Viewer is a tool developed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) that features census block group level and census tract level data from an expansive collection of sources including the US Census Bureau, HUD, California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC), Urban Displacement Project (UDP), and Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS). The Data Viewer tool serves as a resource for local and regional governments and provides the ability to explore spatial data patterns concerning fair housing enforcement, segregation, and integration, racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty, and disparities in access to opportunities and housing. The Data Viewer is intended to assist in the creation of policies that alleviate disparities, combat discrimination, and increase access to safe and affordable homes. The resolution of the data used in this section’s analysis includes census tracts and block groups. Census tracts generally have a population size between 1,200 and 8,000 people, with an optimum size of 4,000 people. Block groups are smaller than census tracts, with a population between 600 and 3,000. Block groups consists of clusters of blocks within the same census tract. 30Office of The State Treasurer (2023). Methodology for the 2023 TCAC/HCD Opportunity Map. https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/ctcac/opportunity/2023/methodology.pdf

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 230
• Urban Displacement Project: The Urban Displacement Project (UDP) was developed to track neighborhood change and identify areas that are vulnerable to gentrification and displacement in California. Indicators of gentrification and displacement are measured at the census tract level based on data from the 2015 ACS. UDP indicators examine census tracts to identify areas that qualify as disadvantaged neighborhoods. Additionally, census tracts identified as disadvantaged neighborhoods by UDP’s criteria are further analyzed to explore changes in the percentage of college educated residents, non-Hispanic White population, median household income, and median gross rents over time to determine levels of gentrification and displacement risk. • U.S. Census American Community Survey (ACS): The ACS, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, is an ongoing survey that collects information on demographic, social, economic, and housing characteristics of the US population. ACS uses independent monthly samples, each with a sample size of 250,000 addresses (consisting of housing units and group quarters), surveyed via internet, mail, telephone, and personal visit. ACS data uses one-year and five-year estimates. The one-year data is collected over a period of 12 months and is useful for showing year-to-year fluctuations in data for geographic areas with at least 65,000 people. The five-year estimates represent data collected over a period of 60 months (five years) and are considered statistically more reliable than the one-year estimates, particularly for less populated areas and small population subgroups.

8.3 Assessment of Fair Housing

8.3.1 Fair Housing Enforcement and Outreach Capacity
Fair housing enforcement and outreach capacity generally means the ability of a locality and fair housing entities to disseminate fair housing information and provide outreach and education to insure community awareness of fair housing laws and rights. In addition, enforcement and capacity also includes the ability to address compliance with fair housing laws (e.g., complaint investigation, remedies, and fair housing testing). The following section addresses:
• Findings, lawsuits, enforcement actions, settlements, or judgments related to fair housing or civil rights in Taft.
• City compliance with existing fair housing laws and regulations. • Fair housing enforcement and outreach capacity in Taft. • Conclusion and findings including a summary of fair housing issues related to enforcement and outreach capacity and relationship to other fair housing issues.

Findings, Lawsuits, Enforcement Actions, Settlements, or Judgments Related to Fair Housing and Civil Rights in Taft
The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) maintains a record of housing discrimination cases filed in local jurisdictions. Table 8-2 shows the record of Title VII fair housing cases filed in Kern County between 2006 and present. During this time, a total of 232 Title VII fair housing cases were filed by FHEO on the basis of alleged discriminatory acts. The Federal bases are race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and retaliation for filing a fair housing complaint.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 231
Table 8-2: FHEO Filed Title VII Cases, Kern County, 2006 - Present Year
Total
Filed
Cases
Basis of Filed Cases
Race or
Color
National
Origin Disability Familial Status Religion Sex Retaliation 2006 to 2009 56 14 4 22 11 5 12 3
2010 to 2019 167 52 27 76 24 4 18 34
2020 to present 9 6 4 2 0 0 1 0
Total 232 72 35 100 35 9 31 37
Source: FHEO Filed Title VII Cases, Kern County, 2006 to present The City of Taft staff have not received any complaints related to Title VII fair housing discrimination in the last 10 years. Further, the City has not been involved in any past lawsuits, consent decrees or other related fair housing legal matters.

City Compliance with Existing Fair Housing Laws and Regulations A review of relevant City policies, regulations, and ordinances shows that the City is in compliance with Federal and State Fair Housing Laws including:
• Fair Housing Act; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The City complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by ensuring actions and programs related to housing are not discriminatory through non-discriminatory protocols, procedures, and requirements.
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973: The City does not discriminate based on disability in programs receiving Federal finance assistance by ensuring actions and programs related to accessibility are not discriminatory through non-discriminatory protocols, procedures, and requirements. The City has also developed a transition plan as required by Federal regulations to implement the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In this plan, the City Manager designates the Building Official as the ADA Coordinator to be responsible for ensuring that all programs, services, and activities of the City are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. • American Disabilities Act (ADA): In accordance with the ADA, the City meets all administrative requirements including designation of a person who is responsible for overseeing compliance (Building Official), development of an ADA complaint procedure, completion of a self-evaluation, and development of a transition plan if the self-evaluation identifies any structural modifications necessary for compliance. Compliance with these requirements is described in the City’s transition plan that is available to the public on the City’s website. • California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) (Part 2.8 commencing with Section 12900 of Division 3 of Title 2) and California FEHA Regulations (California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 2, Sections 12005-12271): The City complies with the FEHA and its regulations through protocols, decision making, legal counsel, and advertisement. • California Government Code Sections 8899.50 (Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing), 65008 (Low Income Housing and Emergency Shelters), and 11135 (Discrimination): The City compliance with AFFH is discussed in this chapter. The City does not discriminate against lowincome housing and emergency shelters, nor does the City discriminate against any person on the

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 232
basis of sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, or sexual orientation. The City also complies with anti-discrimination requirements through Human Resources and procurement protocols.
• Density Bonus Law (Government Code Section 65915): The City implements density bonus provisions in compliance with the Density Bonus Law. The City’s compliance with Density Bonus Law is discussed further in Chapter 8. Housing Constraints. • Housing Accountability Act (Government Code Section 65589.5): The City complies with the Housing Accountability Act. The City’s compliance with the Housing Accountability Act is discussed further in Chapter 7 – HOUSING CONSTRAINTS.
• No-Net-Loss Law (Government Code Section 65863): The City has documented compliance with sufficient capacity for RHNA. The City’s compliance with the No-Net-Loss Law is discussed further in Chapter 7 – HOUSING CONSTRAINTS.
• Least Cost Zoning Law (Government Code Section 65913.1): As discussed throughout this document, the City has designated and zoned sufficient vacant land for residential use with appropriate standards, in relation to zoning for nonresidential use, and in relation to growth projections of the General Plan to meet housing needs for all income categories. • Excessive Subdivision Standards (Government Code Section 65913.2): The City does not impose criteria for design or improvements for the purpose of rendering infeasible the development of housing for any and all economic segments of the community, nor does the City impose standards and criteria for public improvements which exceed the standards and criteria being applied by the City at that time to its publicly financed improvements located in similarly zoned districts within the city.
• Limits on Growth Controls (Government Code Section 65302.8): The City’s adopted growth controls – Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) – are discussed in Chapter 7 – HOUSING CONSTRAINTS. As written, the UGB provisions allow amendments for residential use to implement the Housing Element. The UGB does not limit the number of permits issued or the amount of land available for housing. With these provisions in place, the UGB does not constrain housing development.
• Housing Element Law (Government Code Section 65583, esp. subds. (c)(5), (c)(10): The City does not currently have any local laws, ordinances, agreements, or programs related to fair housing, such as local rent control or rent freezes, voter initiatives to fund affordable and/or supportive housing, limits to rent increases and late fees, community land trusts and tenant opportunities to purchase multi-family housing, prevention of displacement for mobile home residents, relocation, tenant protection, inclusionary housing, use of local housing funds, eviction protection, or rental relief programs.

Fair Housing Enforcement and Outreach Capacity in Taft
To date, the City has not actively disseminated information related to fair housing, nor has the City provided outreach and education to assure community members are aware of fair housing laws and rights.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 233
In addition, the City does not have the capacity to investigate complaints, obtain remedies, or engage in fair housing testing. Therefore, there is an opportunity for the City to become more active in information sharing, outreach, and education, with the potential to seek partnerships with fair housing organizations and other nonprofits to increase its enforcement and outreach capacity.

The following organizations conduct fair housing activities and outreach throughout Kern County with the capacity to collaborate with localities in the region to assist with fair housing enforcement and outreach capacity. To date, the City of Taft has not directly engaged these organizations.

Collectively, these organizations provide the following services:
• Fair housing education and counseling
• Fair housing testing and investigations
• Fair housing mediation and enforcement
California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc.

California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA) is a nonprofit law firm founded in 1966 to provide free civil legal services to low-income residents of California’s rural counties. CRLA operates a state-wide Fair Housing and Foreclosure Prevention Program under the guidance of HUD that assists victims of housing discrimination. CRLA became a HUD-approved agency in 2001 and has worked on fair housing cases across the state with a focus on the needs of farmworker communities, those living in unincorporated areas and underserved areas of California that have been the subject to segregation and historic patterns of discriminatory housing and lending practices.

Fair Housing Council of Central California
The Fair Housing Council of Central California (FHCCC) is a professional, nonprofit, civil rights organization dedicated to the elimination of discrimination in housing and the expansion of housing opportunities for all persons. FHCCC accomplishes its goal through the advocacy of equal housing opportunities, assisting victims of housing discrimination, and enforcing compliance with fair housing laws including the Community Reinvestment Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. FHCCC provides a multifaceted program of private enforcement, education and outreach, research, and advocacy to affirmatively further the goal of equal housing opportunity.

Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Inc.

Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Inc. (GBLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers free legal services in civil matters to low-income persons residing in its service area within Kern County.

GBLA Fair Housing Law Project (FHLP) aids Kern County residents who have been the victims of illegal housing discrimination. Services include the following:
• Fair Housing Education: FHLP speakers are available at no cost to make presentations to housing providers, community service organization, and residents. FHLP can make presentations and provide fair housing educational materials in English and Spanish throughout Kern County. To request a speaker or fair housing literature, email [email protected].

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 234
• Fair Housing Investigations: FHLP can assist victims of illegal housing discrimination with filing a housing discrimination complaint or lawsuit. If FHLP accepts the case for investigation, they can review documents, interview witnesses, survey residents, and conduct fair housing tests to gather evidence. If the evidence persuades FHLP that illegal housing discrimination did occur, then they will explain how the victim can stand up for their rights. FHLP can also act as the victim’s attorney in a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) complaint or a lawsuit in federal or state court. Victims of illegal housing discrimination can submit a Request for Assistance Form:
www.gblafairhousing.org/request-assistance.
• Fair Housing Enforcement: FHLP can assist clients with all types of enforcement, which can include any activity intended to obtain relief for a victim of housing discrimination or to assure that a housing provider acts in accordance with fair housing laws. Enforcement activities include informal negotiation with housing providers; formal housing discrimination complaints submitted to HUD, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), DFEH, or other government agencies with fair housing enforcement responsibilities, and lawsuits filed in federal or state court.

Housing Authority of the County of Kern
The Housing Authority of the County of Kern (Housing Authority) is an independent, local government agency providing safe, affordable housing to thousands of Kern County residents through special programs serving families, individuals, senior citizens, veterans, the disabled, homeless persons, farmworkers, and emancipated foster youth. In addition to meeting the housing needs of nearly 20,000 low-income Kern County residents, the Housing Authority partners with other local agencies to help residents become self-sufficient. The Housing Authority is an active developer of affordable housing, acquiring and building housing to help meet the affordable housing needs in Kern County.

The Housing Authority’s Housing Counseling Program offers a wide variety of services including counseling clients and assisting them with obtaining the information needed to find rent subsidies, access to affordable housing, budgeting for rent payments, education on client and landlords rights, and by explaining the eviction process.

Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department
The Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department operates a Fair Housing Program with a Fair Housing Coordinator under Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 aimed at combating illegal discrimination in housing. Services include:
• Education Activities: The Fair Housing Coordinator provides brochures, posters, presentations to the public, poster/essay contest in the schools, public service announcements, community outreach activities. Various brochures are available on the webpage including the California Tenant/Landlord Handbook, Disability Discrimination, Fair Housing Information, Sexual Harassment, Tenant Repayment Plan, and more.
• Kern County Information Line: The Fair Housing Coordinator provides a Hotline number, (661) 862-5299, both in English and Spanish. Any person who believes they are discriminated against

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 235
unfairly in the matter of housing issues may call the hotline number. County and City will take calls from people in their respective jurisdiction.
• Investigation/Testing: The Fair Housing Coordinator investigates the validity of a discrimination complaint.
• Mediation: The Fair Housing Coordinator serves as a mediator and offers a resolution to the conflict between two parties. The program is not an enforcement agency, but an impartial third party.
• Coordination: The Fair Housing Coordinator provides connecting links between groups, agencies, individuals, and private enterprises that are involved in fair housing that will enhance the delivery of fair housing services.

Local Data and Knowledge
There’s a large population of Hispanic/Indigenous residents in the Taft area. Many Hispanic/Indigenous residents lack legal status or are part of a mixed-status family or household. Many of these residents also have limited English proficiency. In its organizing and resource work, Faith in the Valley has heard from these residents about issues with tenant rights. Many residents are experiencing notices of eviction and others feel they are being taken advantage of by landlords because they don’t speak English, lack legal status, and/or don’t know their rights as tenants. In these instances, it can be challenging to find legal representation. There is an opportunity to work with community-based and faith-based organizations within the community to help refer and connect residents to resources and provide a conduit to finding solutions to these issues.

Findings and Conclusion
Based on the analysis, key findings and fair housing issues are summarized as follows. • Findings, Lawsuits, Enforcement Actions, Settlements, or Judgments: The City of Taft staff have not received any complaints related to Title VII fair housing discrimination in the last 10 years. Further, the City has not been involved in any past lawsuits, consent decrees or other related fair housing legal matters.
• Compliance with Existing Fair Housing Laws and Regulations: The City is in compliance with Federal and State Fair Housing Laws.
• Fair Housing Enforcement and Outreach Capacity: There is an opportunity for the City to become more active in information sharing, outreach, and education, with the potential to seek partnerships with fair housing organizations and other nonprofits to increase its enforcement and outreach capacity.

Based on these findings, the following contributing factors that may limit or deny fair housing choice or access to opportunity, or negatively impact fair housing or civil rights compliance, have been identified. • Lack of capacity for local fair housing outreach.
• Lack of capacity for local fair housing enforcement.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 236

8.3.2 Segregation and Integration
The following section analyzes integration and segregation, including patterns and trends, related to people with protected characteristics, including:
• Race and ethnicity.
• Income.
• Familial status.
• Persons with disabilities.

The analysis addresses integration and segregation for these characteristics at a local and regional level to evaluate the patterns and practices and better identify and prioritize contributing factors to fair housing issues.

Race and Ethnicity
The racial and ethnic composition of a region relates to fair housing concerns such as household size, locational preferences, and economic opportunity. Historic exclusionary governmental policies, biased mortgage lending practices, and other tactics have caused racial and ethnic segregation and spatial inequities.

Regional Trends
Race and ethnicity for Kern County is discussed in Section 5.2.3 Race and Ethnicity. Approximately 41% of the County’s population is White with 55% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino (Table 5-6). This is significantly higher than the State, where 41% of the population is White with 40% identifying as Hispanic or Latino.

The distribution of Kern County’s non-White population is shown in Figure 8-1, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The distribution is shown as a percentage of the non-White population by block group for 2020. As shown, there are variations in the distribution of the non-White population in the unincorporated county versus incorporated cities. The largest percentages of the County’s non-White population are in the unincorporated areas in the northwest and central southeast followed by pockets of incorporated cities to the north, west, south, and east (i.e., Shafter, Wasco, McFarland, Delano, Arvin, Tehachapi, and California City). Incorporated cities to the south and west (i.e., Taft and Maricopa) and north and east (i.e., Ridgecrest) tend to be less diverse than incorporated cities to the north and west and south and east, with non-White populations generally below 40%.

The distribution of Kern County’s predominant (i.e., most numerous) race/ethnicity living in an area is shown in Figure 8-2, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The distribution is shown as gap percentages by Census tract for 2020, with gaps larger than 50% indicating the most numerous concentrations of the specific race/ethnicity. As shown, there are variations in the distribution of predominant populations throughout the County for each racial ethnic group. Hispanic populations comprise a majority of the northwestern portion, including the incorporated cities of Delano, McFarland, Wasco, and Shafter, southeastern portion, including southeast Bakersfield, Tehachapi, and California City,

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 237
of the County. White populations comprise most of the remaining unincorporated portions of the County, including portions of incorporated cities including Ridgecrest, Taft, and Maricopa.

The distribution of predominant racial/ethnic composition for Kern County populations is shown in Figure 8-3, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The distribution is shown by Census tract for 2020. As shown, the predominant racial/ethnic composition of the County is LatinxWhite, followed by mixed groups, mostly Latinx, mostly White, and Asian-Latinx. The Latinx-White populations are distributed in the unincorporated areas in addition to portions of incorporated cities (i.e., Bakersfield, Tehachapi, Ridgecrest, Taft, Maricopa, Wasco).

Local Trends
Race and ethnicity for the City of Taft is discussed in Section 5.2.3 Race and Ethnicity. Taft has become more diverse in the past four (4) decades (Table 5-5). However, compared to Kern County and California, Taft has a substantially higher percentage of White population and a lower percentage of Black or African American and Asian populations (Table 5-6). The Hispanic or Latino population in Taft is lower than Kern County, but higher than California.

The distribution of Taft’s non-White population is shown in Figure 8-4, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The distribution is shown as a percentage of the non-White population by block group for 2020. The data is summarized in Table 8-3 by location (or tract). Ford City has the highest percentage of non-White population (60.9%), followed by South Taft (52.8%), and Taft City (39.8%).

Table 8-3 Racial Demographics, Taft, Greater Taft (West), Ford City, South Taft 2020 Race/Ethnicity Taft City Ford City South Taft
Total Population 6,686 4,380 3,827
Total Non-White Population 2,663 2,669 2,021
Total White Population 4,023 1,711 1,806
% Total Non-White Population 39.8% 60.9% 52.8%
% Total White Population 60.2% 39.1% 47.2%
Source: U.S. Census, Racial Demographics, 2020
The distribution of Taft’s predominant (i.e., most numerous) race/ethnicity living in an area is shown in Figure 8-5, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The distribution is shown as gap percentages by Census tract for 2020, with gaps larger than 50% indicating the most numerous concentrations of the specific race/ethnicity. The data is summarized in Table 8-4 by location (or tract).

The predominant population for Taft City and South Taft is White alone, not Hispanic or Latino while the most common race/ethnicity in Ford City is Hispanic or Latino.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 238
Table 8-4 Predominant Population, Taft, 2021
Race/Ethnicity Taft City Ford City South Taft
Total Population 8,189 4,327 4,082
White alone 5,059 1,829 2,208
Hispanic or Latino 2,600 2,293 1,794
Asian alone 201 85 0
American Indian and Alaska Native alone 0 25 11
Two or more races 271 85 63
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 6 10 0
Some other race 0 0 6
Source: ACS 2017-2021, Predominant Population
The distribution of predominant racial/ethnic composition for Taft is shown in Figure 8-6, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The distribution is shown by Census tract for 2020. As shown, the predominant racial/ethnic composition of the City is Latinx-White.

Local Data and Knowledge
Ford City, Central Taft, and South Taft have neighborhoods considered to be concentrated minority communities, whereas West Taft and Southwest Taft are considered to have particularly low concentrations of minority residents. There appears to be some correlation between concentrations of minority residents, income levels, and when housing was built in the community. For example, Central Taft, South Taft, and Ford City are considered “historic” Taft, or where the community originated more than 100 years ago. These areas have the oldest housing stock, that tends to be smaller homes that are in substandard condition. These areas also have higher proportions of non-White residents and low-income households than other parts of the city. As the City “sprawled” from the central area to the west and southwest starting in the 1970s, new construction housing brought larger homes and higher sales prices.

Today, these “newer” areas, West Taft and Southwest Taft, have higher proportions of White residents and higher-income households.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 239
Figure 8-1 Percent of Total Non-White Population, Kern County, 2020

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 240
Figure 8-2 Predominant Populations, Kern County, 2020

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 241
Figure 8-3 Neighborhood Segregation, Kern County, 2019

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 242
Figure 8-4 Percent of Total Non-White Population, Taft, 2020

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 243
Figure 8-5 Predominant Populations, Taft, 2020

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 244
Figure 8-6 Neighborhood Segregation, Taft, 2019

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 245
Income and Poverty
Household income is connected to being able to afford housing. The higher the income, the greater the likelihood of owning rather than renting housing. As household income drops, the proportion of income spent on housing and the number of persons sharing housing tend to increase, which can lead to overcrowded and substandard housing conditions.

Regional Trends
Household income for Kern County is discussed in detail in Section 5.4.6 Household Income. The median household income for Kern County as of 2022 is $63,883 (Table 5-17). Owner occupied households in Kern County earn significantly more ($85,503) than renter-occupied households ($41,689).

From 2000 to 2022, Kern County’s median household income increased from $35,446 in 2000 to $47,089 in 2010, $54,851 in 2020, and $64,883 in 2022 (Table 5-18).

The distribution of Kern County’s households by median household income is shown in Figure 8-7, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The median household income is shown by block group for the American Community Survey (ACS) 2015-2019 five (5)-year estimates. As shown, there are variations in the distribution of households by median household income in the unincorporated County versus incorporated cities. Areas in Kern County with a concentration of higher incomes (i.e., greater than the 2020 State Median Income of $87,100) are unincorporated areas southeast of Bakersfield, areas north of Tehachapi, and areas in the northeastern portion of the County. While there are some pockets of higher incomes in incorporated cities (i.e., Bakersfield, Ridgecrest), most of the incorporated cities have a larger concentration of households earning less than the 2020 State Median Income.

Income disparities can also be shown through data for low-to-moderate income (LMI) populations. HUD.

HUD defines an LMI area as a census tract or block group where over 51% of the population is LMI. The definition of low or moderate income is based on HUD income definitions of up to 80% of the AMI. The distribution of LMI populations in Kern County is shown in Figure 8-7. Areas in Kern County with a concentration of higher LMI populations (i.e., greater than 75%) are unincorporated areas in the eastern portion of the County, in addition to several block groups in incorporated cities including Delano, McFarland, Wasco, Arvin, Ridgecrest, Taft, and others.

Local Trends
Household income for the City of Taft is discussed in detail in Section 5.4.6 Household Income. The median household income for the City of Taft as of 2022 is $52,414 (Table 5-17). The median household income for Taft is approximately 22% lower than Kern County and 75% lower than California. Owner occupied households in the City of Taft earn significantly more ($68,570) than renter-occupied households ($44,721). From 2000 to 2022, the City of Taft’s median household income increased from $33,361 in 2000 to $46,324 in 2010, $46,980 in 2020, and $52,414 in 2022 (Table 5-18). Households earning more than $150,000 saw the greatest increase over time, from 81 households to 356 households.

The distribution of Taft’s households by median household income is shown in Figure 8-9, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The median household income is shown by block

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 246
group for the American Community Survey (ACS) 2015-2019 five (5)-year estimates. As shown, there are variations in the distribution of households by median household income. Central areas of the city have the lowest median household income (< $30,000). The rest of the city is generally within the $55,000 to $87,100 (2020 State Median Income) median income group. The data is summarized in Table 8-5 by location (or tract). South Taft has the lowest median household income ($32,099), followed by Ford City ($35,718), and Taft City ($41,904).

Table 8-5 Median Household Income, Taft, 2022
Location (Tract) Median Income ($)
Taft City 41,904
Ford City 35,718
South Taft 32,099
Source: Urban Displacement Project, 2022
The distribution of LMI populations in Kern County is shown in Figure 8-10. The highest concentration of LMI populations (i.e., greater than 75%) is in the central area of the city. Other areas of the city have a considerably smaller percentage of LMI populations, with the lowest occurring west of the central area.

The distribution of Taft’s population with income is below the poverty level in 2014 and 2021 are shown in Figure 8-11 and Figure 8-12, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The percentage of population is shown by tract for the ACS 2010-2014 and 2017-2021 five (5) year estimates.

The data is summarized in Table 8-6 by location (or tract). In 2021, Ford City had the highest percentage of the population living below the poverty line (39%), followed by South Taft (30%), and Taft City (30%).

Over time, Taft City and South Taft have seen an increase in the percentage of the population living below the poverty line, whereas Ford City and has seen a slight decrease, from 40.20% to 39.50%.

Table 8-6 Poverty Status, Taft, 2014 versus 2021
Population Taft City Ford City South Taft
2014 2021 2014 2021 2014 2021
Total Population 6,248 7,942 4,153 4,327 4,825 4,069
Population below poverty line 1,329 2,349 1,668 1,710 1,005 1,243 % of population below poverty line 21.30 29.60 40.20 39.50 20.80 30.50 Source: ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2010-2014, 2017-2021
Local Data and Knowledge
Ford City, Central Taft, and South Taft have neighborhoods considered to be lower-income poverty areas.

In general, Ford City, Central Taft, and South Taft comprise the oldest portions of town, with Central Taft and South Taft being the original subdivision of the area. Most homes in these portions were built from the 1910s to the 1950s, before new shopping centers to the north and west facilitated new housing starting around the 1970s. Central Taft and South Taft comprise smaller lots with smaller homes as well as duplexes and triplexes.

Of note, South Taft has the least amount of physical infrastructure of the area, lacking sidewalks, curb, gutter, storm drainage, and sewer. Because South Taft is not connected to sewer, the area comprises many small lots connected to onsite septic. Because South Taft does not have storm water infrastructure,

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 247
drainage cuts right through the streets and across lots. South Taft also has some of the oldest homes in the area with over 60% of its units built before 1960. There are also several vacant lots in South Taft due to structure fires; if these lots were developed with housing, the population would probably be much higher.

West Taft and Southwest Taft are considered higher-income areas as seen visually by the condition of the homes, the home sale listing prices, and purchase prices over the past 10-20 years. Generally, the homes in West Taft were built in the 1980s to 1990s and consist of standard tract homes. Because these homes are “newer,” they are in better condition than housing in the older neighborhoods and have sold for around $400,000 in recent years. Homes in Southwest Taft that were built in the 1990s to 2000s are larger homes that have sold for more than $500,000 in recent years. These areas also have relatively newer infrastructure compared to the older neighborhoods. It is likely that oil industry workers or employees of the area school districts reside in these areas, given the typical wage and income of these industries.

In terms of subsidized housing, the City is unaware of the location of Housing Choice Vouchers/Section 8 rentals within City Limits but there are currently 15 voucher participant households in Taft according to the Housing Authority. There is also a 60-unit, affordable senior living apartment complex, Heritage Park, located at 8th Street and North Street in Central Taft. According to recent listings, rent is subsidized and is approximately $288 to $640 a month. The apartment complex was developed in 1998 using CDBG, HOME, and LIHTC funds.

Lastly, as mentioned in Chapter 4 – COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT residents and stakeholders feel the homes and apartments are too expensive, the rent is too high and not affordable, home prices are increasing, and the salary and pay do not patch the price of housing.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 248
Figure 8-7 Median Household Income, Kern County, 2019

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 249
Figure 8-8 Low-to-Moderate Income Populations, Kern County, 2019

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 250
Figure 8-9 Median Household Income, Taft, 2019

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 251
Figure 8-10 Low-to-Moderate Income Populations, Taft, 2019

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 252
Figure 8-11 Poverty Status, Taft, 2014

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 253
Figure 8-12 Poverty Status, Taft, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 254
Familial Status
Familial status refers to the presence of at least one child under 18 years old and the marital status of the head of the household (e.g., married couple, single, etc.). Fair housing issues related to familial status can arise when an individual, couple, or group of people are treated differently because they have children under the age of 18 years old. Examples of differential treatment may include limiting family size or confining households with children to a specific location, unit type, or unit size which could have implications for housing affordability. In addition, single-parent households with children typically require special needs and assistance such as daycare, healthcare, and other supportive services.

Regional Trends
Familial status for Kern County is discussed in detail in Section 5.6.5 Female Headed Households.

Family households, either married-couple or “other family” (e.g., single-parent households), comprise 74% of the County’s total housing units (210,632 out of 283,510 households) (Table 5-59).

Approximately 49% of family households are married couples and 25% are other family households.

Nonfamily households account for 26% (72,878) of total households. Female-led households in the County comprise a majority (65%, or 46,759 out of 71,617 households) of other family households where roughly half of female-led households (56%, or 26,460 out of 46,759 households) have own children of the householder under 18 years of age. Overall, female-headed households comprise 24% of households.

The distribution of Kern County’s female-headed households with children is shown in Figure 8-13 using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The distribution of households is shown by census tract for the American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 five (5)-year estimates. As shown, in most parts of the County, less than 20% of children live in female-headed, single-parent households. Areas with higher percentages of children living in female-headed, single-parent households are in some portions of the unincorporated County (i.e., northwest, north, northeast, and southeast), incorporated cities (i.e., Bakersfield, Delano, McFarland, Ridgecrest), and on the southern boundary of Kern County, where more than 20% of children live in female-headed, single-parent households.

Local Trends
Familial status for the City of Taft is discussed in detail in Section 5.6.5 Female Headed Households.

Family households, either married-couple or “other family” (e.g., single-parent households), comprise 64% of the City’s total housing units (1,702 out of 2,674 households) (Table 5-58). Approximately 40% of family households are married couples and 24% are other family households. Nonfamily households account for 36% (972) of total households. Female-led households in the City comprise a minority (43%, or 276 out of 643 households) of other family households where roughly half of female-led households (55%, or 152 out of 276 households) have own children of the householder under 18 years of age. Overall, female-headed households comprise 30% of households.

The distribution of the City of Taft’s female-headed households with children is shown in Table 8-7. The distribution of the City of Taft’s female-headed households with children is shown in Figure 8-14 using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The distribution of households is shown by census

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 255
tract for the American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 five (5)-year estimates. The data is summarized in Table 8-7 by location (or tract). Ford City has the highest percentage of children in femaleheaded households (39%), followed by Taft City (19%) and South Taft (14%).

Table 8-7 Percentage of Children in Female-headed Households, Taft, 2021 Location (Tract) % of Children in Female Householder
Taft City 19.5%
Ford City 39.2%
South Taft 14.3%
Source: ACS 2017-2021
The distribution of the City of Taft’s married-couple families is shown in Figure 8-15 using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The distribution of households is shown by census tract for the American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 five (5)-year estimates. The data is summarized in Table 8-8 by location (or tract). Taft City has the highest percentage of married-couple families (39%), followed by South Taft (36%) and Ford City (32%).

Table 8-8 Percentage of Married-Couple Families, Taft, 2021 Location (Tract) % of Married-Couple Families
Taft City 39.5%
Ford City 32.5%
South Taft 36.8%
Source: ACS 2017-2021
Local Data and Knowledge
There is no clear distinction between areas or neighborhoods with concentrations of families or nonfamilies. The size of homes in West Taft that were built in the 1980s to 1990s as well as homes in Southwest Taft that were built in the 1990s to 2000s could suggest a higher proportion of family households. However, the more affluent areas in Southwest Taft could also comprise “empty nester” retirees, likely from the oil industry. There are some homes in Central Taft and East Taft where the City is seeing more permits for renovations or additions for bedrooms, which could suggest more family households. The smallest homes are generally located in Central Taft and East Taft, or in the unincorporated County communities of Ford City or South Taft. These areas have the oldest homes, that are smaller and often in substandard conditions, with higher proportions of low-income households which could indicate a higher likelihood of overcrowded living conditions. Of note, there are no commercial childcare facilities in Taft, but services are offered through the Taft College Children’s Center and the Taft Head Start Program, both of which are in Central Taft.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 256
Figure 8-13 Female-headed Households with Children, Kern County, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 257
Figure 8-14 Female-headed Households with Children, Taft, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 258
Figure 8-15 Married Couple Households with Children, Taft, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 259
Persons with Disabilities
Individuals living with a disability may experience housing instability because they have a condition that may warrant special needs that may not be available or affordable. Disabilities may impact an individual’s ability to work, thus further impacting their cost burden for adequate housing facilities. Further, for persons with disabilities, fair housing choice and access to opportunity includes access to housing in integrated settings appropriate to an individual’s special needs and disability-related services as required by Federal Law.

High spatial segregation of persons with disabilities may indicate fair housing issues related to not only physical needs, but also economic disparities. According to the 2020 Annual Report on People with Disabilities in America, more than 25% of persons with disabilities (including physical, intellectual, and developmental; sensory; and other disability categories) live below the Census Bureau-designated poverty line, which is 14.5 percentage points higher than people without a disability. Persons with disabilities may be more reliant than persons without disabilities on fixed incomes or access to public transit.

Regional Trends
Disability characteristics of Kern County residents are discussed in detail in Section 5.6.3 People with Disabilities. Approximately 12% of the County’s population lives with one or more disabilities, which is a significantly lower proportion than Taft (12% versus 22%). As shown in Table 5-51, the under 18 years age group primarily experiences cognitive and vision difficulties, while the 18 to 64 years age group predominately experiences cognitive, ambulatory, and independent living difficulties and the senior population predominately experiences ambulatory, independent living, and hearing difficulties.

The distribution of Kern County residents with a disability is shown in Figure 8-16 using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The distribution is shown by the population percentage within each census tract for the American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 five (5)-year estimates. Generally, the eastern portion of the County has larger shares of residents with disabilities, either 20% to 30% or 30% to 50% with three (3) areas within the County that have the largest share of residents with disabilities.

These three (3) areas are unincorporated areas in the northeastern southeastern portions of the County, in addition to the area to the northeast of Bakersfield.

Local Trends
Disability characteristics of Kern County residents are discussed in detail in Section 5.6.3 People with Disabilities. Approximately 22% of Taft’s population lives with one or more disabilities (Table 5-48).

As shown in Table 5-49, the under 18 years age group primarily experiences vision and ambulatory difficulties, while the 18 to 64 years age group predominately experiences cognitive, independent living, and ambulatory difficulties and the senior population predominately experiences ambulatory, hearing, cognitive, and independent living difficulties.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 260
The distribution of Kern County residents with a disability is shown in Figure 8-17 using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The distribution is shown by the population percentage within each census tract for the American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 five (5)-year estimates. Generally, most of the city has 20% to 30% of its residents living with a disability. The data is summarized in Table 8-9 by location (or tract). Taft City has the highest percentage of the population living with a disability (23%), followed by South Taft (11%) and Ford City (9%).

Table 8-9 Disability Characteristics, Taft, 2021
Population Taft City Ford City South Taft
Total Civilian Population 8,189 4,327 4,082
Population with a Disability 1,879 391 465
% of Population with a Disability 22.9% 9.0% 11.4%
Source: ACS 2017-2021, Disability Characteristics
Local Data and Knowledge
There is no clear distinction between areas or neighborhoods with concentrations of persons with disabilities. Due to the prevalence of the oil industry, it is presumed that several persons with disabilities are former oil workers. The oil industry is a labor-intensive industry that is likely to result in physical ailments and long-term disabilities. The City also has nearly 100 veterans, a population group that is more likely to have a disability.

The City has zero group homes or residential care facilities, but there are other resources for persons with disabilities in Taft, including the Transition to Independent Living (TIL) Program at Taft College and ARC-Taft’s Adult Day Program. These facilities are in Central Taft.

The City approximates 10 permits in the past 10 years issued for construction of ramps or other accessibility modifications to homes in the area. Modifications have included ramps, pathways, and bathroom renovations to accommodate persons with disabilities. No requests for reasonable accommodation have been made during this timeframe.

There is no apparent locational difference in terms of disabilities or areas in need of improvements.

However, based on the age and condition of the City’s housing stock, the City anticipates that there are several older homes and apartments that were built with raised foundations. Raised foundations require steps to entrances which may necessitate ramps and other modifications depending on the slope of the property. This differs from newer homes, which are typically built with a slab on grade. Therefore, it is likely that the older portions of town with older homes need accessibility improvements.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 261
Figure 8-16 Percent of Population with a Disability, Kern County, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 262
Figure 8-17 Percent of Population with a Disability, Taft, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 263
Findings and Conclusion
Findings are summarized in Table 8-13. Findings consider both Census data and local data and knowledge.

In conclusion, the following trends and patterns have been identified. • Race and Ethnicity: There are higher concentrations of minority, non-White populations in Central Taft, Ford City, South Taft, and Taft Heights compared to West Taft and Southwest Taft.

The concentration of minority residents could exacerbate fair housing concerns such as household size, locational preferences, and economic opportunity. • Income and Poverty: There are higher proportions of lower-income households in Central Taft, Ford City, South Taft, and Taft Heights compared to West Taft and Southwest Taft. It is likely that lower-income households spend more income on housing and have an increased number of persons sharing housing, which can lead to overcrowded and substandard housing conditions. • Familial Status: It is likely that more family households live in West Taft and Southwest Taft than Central Taft, Ford City, South Taft, and Taft Heights, due to the larger sized homes. However, the number of permits in Central Taft and East Taft for renovations or additions in living space, suggests there are family households in this area as well. • Persons with Disabilities: There is a higher proportion of persons with disabilities in Taft City, including Central Taft and West Taft, compared to Ford City, South Taft, and Taft Heights. The concentration of persons with disabilities has implications for housing affordability, physical needs, economic disparities, and access to public transit.

Based on these findings, the following contributing factors that may limit or deny fair housing choice or access to opportunity, or negatively impact fair housing or civil rights compliance, have been identified. • Lack of public or private investments, including services or amenities. • Lack of regional cooperation between City of Taft and County of Kern. • Location and type of affordable housing.
• Lack of tenant protections.
• Lack of language access.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 264
Table 8-10 Segregation and Integration: Summary of Findings Location (Tract) Data Comparison Summary Local Data and Knowledge Taft City • Predominately White population (60%)
• White alone (not Hispanic or Latino) is the most
common race/ethnicity.
• Highest median household income in the area ($41,904). • Second highest percentage of population living below
poverty line (30%).
• Significantly lower percentage of children in femaleheaded households (14%). • Second highest percentage of married-couple families
(39%).
• Highest percentage of population with a disability in the area (23%).

Central Taft
• Incorporated City neighborhood
• Concentrated minority community
• Higher proportions of non-White residents
• Higher proportions of low-income households
• Community originated here 100+ years ago
• Oldest housing stock, 1910s – 1950s
• Smaller homes in substandard conditions
• Only subsidized housing development in City
• Older homes likely in need of accessibility improvements West Taft
• Incorporated City neighborhood
• Low concentrations of minority residents
• Higher proportions of White residents
• Lower proportions of low-income households
• “Newer” area with development starting in 1980s
• Newer housing stock
• Larger homes in better conditions
• Higher home sale prices and purchase prices
• Likely more families due to larger homes
Ford City • Predominately Non-White population (61%)
• Second to lowest median household income in the area
($35,718).
• Highest percentage of population living below poverty line (39%).
• Significantly higher percentage of children in femaleheaded households (39%). • Unincorporated County neighborhood
• Concentrated minority community
• Higher proportions of non-White residents
• Higher proportions of low-income households
• Old housing stock
• Smaller homes in substandard conditions
• Older homes likely in need of accessibility improvements

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 265
• Lowest percentage of married-couple families (32%).
• Lowest percentage of population with a disability in the area (9%).

South Taft • Predominately Non-White population (53%)
• White alone (not Hispanic or Latino) is the most
common race/ethnicity.
• Lowest median household income in the area ($32,099). • Second highest percentage of population living below
poverty line (30%).
• Significantly lower percentage of children in femaleheaded households (14%). • Lower percentage of married-couple families (36%).
• Lower percentage of population with a disability in the area (11%).

South Taft and Taft Heights
• Unincorporated County neighborhood
• Concentrated minority community
• Higher proportions of non-White residents
• Higher proportions of low-income households
• Community originated here 100+ years ago
• Oldest housing stock, 1910s to 1950s
• Smaller homes in substandard conditions
• Least amount of physical infrastructure available
• Older homes likely in need of accessibility improvements Southwest Taft
• Incorporated City neighborhood
• Low concentrations of minority residents
• Higher proportions of White residents
• Lower proportions of low-income households
• “Newer” area with development starting in 1990s
• Newer housing stock
• Larger homes in better conditions
• Highest home sale prices and purchase prices in area
• Likely more families due to larger homes

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 266

8.3.3 Racially and Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty and Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence
Racially and Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty
According to HCD, to assist communities in identifying racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty (also known as R/ECAPs), HUD developed a definition that relies on a racial and ethnic concentration threshold, as well as a poverty test. For an area to be identified as having a racial and ethnic concentration, the threshold is that a RCAP or ECAP have a non-White population of 50 percent or more, within metropolitan or micropolitan areas. In locations outside these areas, where the non-White populations are likely to be much smaller than 50 percent, the threshold is set at 20 percent. The poverty test defines areas of “extreme poverty” as those where 40 percent or more of the population lives at or below the federal poverty line, or those where the poverty rate is three times the average poverty rate in the metropolitan area, whichever is less. An area that meets either the racial or ethnic concentration and also meets the poverty test would be considered a RCAP or ECAP; broadly referred to as R/ECAPs.

Regional Trends
In the Kern County region, R/ECAPs are concentrated in parts of Bakersfield and Delano and scattered throughout the western and eastern parts of Kern County (Figure 8-18). The R/ECAPs areas overlap with areas that are predominantly Hispanic/Latino (Figure 8-2) and have a lower median household income.

According to the 2022 ACS 5-year estimates, the percentage of the population living below the poverty line in Kern County is 19.3 percent, which is much higher than the state (12 percent). Kern County’s percentage is similar to Fresno (19.5 percent) and Tulare (18.5 percent) counties. Areas of high poverty rates, where more than 30 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, are concentrated in the northeastern part of the county, and scattered in some parts of Bakersfield, Delano, Taft, Wasco, McFarland, and Shafter (Figure 8-19). Poverty rates are higher in some parts of Bakersfield, where more than 40 percent of the population is living below the poverty line. Areas of low poverty rates are concentrated in the southeastern and northern parts of the county and near Bakersfield, with less than 10 percent of the population living below the poverty line.

The Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) identifies census tracts that have both a poverty rate over 30 percent and that are designated as being racially segregated and filtered into the “High Segregation and Poverty” section. Areas of high segregation and poverty are concentrated in the eastern part of Kern County and within the cities of Bakersfield, Delano, and Wasco (Figure 8-20). This overlaps with areas that are predominately Hispanic/Latino (Figure 8-2).

Local Trends
In Taft, there are no R/ECAP areas (Figure 8-21). This corresponds with the racial or ethnic composition comprising 62.3 percent White and 43.6 percent Hispanic/Latino. Since Taft’s racial or ethnic concentration is below 50 percent, it does not pass the test for an R/ECAP area.

According to the 2022 ACS 5-year estimates, the percentage of the population living below the poverty line in Taft is 21.8 percent. Poverty rates in Taft range from 10 to 30 percent, with the central part of Taft

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 267
having higher poverty rates, where the percentage of the population living below the poverty rate is less than 30 percent (Figure 8-22). Areas with low poverty rates are concentrated in the eastern half of the city with 10 to 20 percent of the population living below the poverty line. This overlaps with areas zoned for industrial, agricultural, and natural land.

The TCAC areas of high segregation and poverty are non-existent in Taft (Figure 8-23). This correlates with the absence of R/ECAP areas in Taft and the relatively low poverty rates. The areas in Taft do not meet the racial or ethnic concentration and poverty test that would consider an area as an R/ECAP.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 268
Figure 8-18 R/ECAP Areas, Kern County 2022

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 269
Figure 8-19 Poverty Status, Kern County, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 270
Figure 8-20 Areas of High Segregation and Poverty, Kern County, 2023

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 271
Figure 8-21 R/ECAP Areas, Taft, 2022

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 272
Figure 8-22 Poverty Status, Taft, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 273
Figure 8-23 Areas of High Segregation and Poverty, Taft, 2023

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 274
Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence
In addition to studying R/ECAPs as the focus of fair housing policies, Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence (RCAAs) must be analyzed. For an area to be identified as an RCAA the threshold is a census tract where 1) 80% or more of the population is white and 2) the median household income is $125,000 or greater. In these areas, residents experience less overcrowding, housing cost burden on renters, and are less susceptible to displacement.

Regional Trends
In Kern County, RCAAs are concentrated in suburban areas near Bakersfield, Tehachapi, and a small area in the southeastern part of the county (Figure 8-24). RCAAs in Kern County are predominately White (Figure 8-1) and have a median household income greater than the county average of $63,883.

Local Trends
In Taft, there are no RCAA areas (Figure 8-25). The predominant population in Taft is White, with some areas having a higher percentage of White residents (50 percent). The median household income is less than $87,100, the state median income. Taft does not fit the threshold for areas to be considered RCAAs as only 50 percent of the population is White, and the median household income is below $87,100.

Findings and Conclusion
R/ECAP and RCAAs in Kern County are concentrated in suburban areas near Bakersfield, Delano, and scattered near small cities. In comparison, there are no R/ECAP and RCAAs in Taft. The household median income and racial/ethnic composition of the city do not meet the thresholds to be categorized as an R/ECAP or RCAA area.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 275
Figure 8-24 RCAAs, Kern County, 2019

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 276
Figure 8-25 RCAAs, Taft, 2019

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 277

8.3.4 Disparities in Access to Opportunities
In the past, urban planning and land use policies have created exclusionary tactics to encourage spatial inequality impacting the ability of residents to access neighborhoods of opportunity. The limits on housing choice and access experienced by people within protected classes, such as race, sexual orientation, or disability, have far-reaching impacts on access to job opportunities, quality education, and mental and physical health.31 The following section analyzes significant disparities in access to opportunity for 1) education, 2) transportation, 3) economic development, and 4) environment at a local and regional level based on socio-economic characteristics (e.g., race, income, familial status, disability, income, poverty).

Transportation Access
Access to reliable public and active transportation options such as biking and walking are crucial in connecting low-income residents and/or persons with disabilities to employment opportunities. Without a variety of transportation options, the barriers for low-income communities to access housing and employment opportunities continue to exist.

Regional Trends
There are several transit opportunities available in Kern County, offering fixed bus services to residents.

The Kern Transit provides 11 fixed regional transit routes between Bakersfield and rural communities of Kern County. Kern Transit offers intercity/regional fixed routes and a Dial-A-Ride (DAR) service equipped with wheelchair lifts within many communities. Kern Transit offers connections to Arvin, Bakersfield, Buttonwillow, California City, Delano, Lancaster, Ridgecrest, and Taft. Delano Area Rapid Transit (DART) provides four (4) fixed-route bus services within the city and immediate county areas.

Additionally, there are several Dial-A-Ride services operated by Arvin, California City, Delano, Ridgecrest, McFarland, Shafter, Taft, Tehachapi, and Wasco. The Consolidated Transportation Services Agency and GET Bus operated in Bakersfield cater to qualifying individuals with disabilities.

Kern County received an AllTransit Performance Score of 3.1, which indicates a low combination of trips per week and the number of jobs accessible by transit. 32 Nearby counties received slightly higher performance scores, such as Tulare County (4.1) and Fresno County (3.2). Transit stops in Kern County are concentrated within the larger cities of Bakersfield and Delano (Figure 8-26). Smaller cities and rural areas have fewer transit stops and limited access to transit.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a walkability index that ranks block groups according to their relative walkability. 33 The National Walkability Index scores areas within Bakersfield as aboveaverage walkable. Other areas within Kern County are below-average to least walkable (Figure 8-27). 31 California Department of Housing and Community Development. (April 2021). Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing: Guidance for All Public Entities and for Housing Elements. Accessed May 2, 2024, https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/affh/docs/AFFH_Document_Final_4-27-2021.pdf 32 AllTransit.Org. (2024). AllTransit Metrics. Accessed April 30, 2024, https://alltransit.cnt.org/metrics/ 33 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). National Walkability Index User Guide and Methodology. Accessed April 30, 2024, https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/national-walkability-index-user-guide-and-methodology

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 278
Local Trends
The City of Taft operates Taft Area Transit (TAT) which provides Dial-A-Ride (DAR) services within the City Limits and portions of neighboring communities: Ford City, South Taft, and Taft Heights. TAT provides paratransit service for those with disabilities and operates 6 days/week with shorter service on Saturdays. In addition, the Maricopa-Taft Route offers 3 trips per day, 5 days/week throughout the cities of Taft and Maricopa.

Most of Taft City is within a quarter-mile access of a transit stop (Figure 8-28). This corresponds with areas that have a higher percentage of the population with disabilities (Figure 8-17). The developed portions of Ford City and South Taft are also within a quarter-mile access of a transit stop. Portions of West Taft and Southwest Taft are between a quarter mile and half-mile from a transit stop. These areas have a lower housing density. Taft received an AllTransit Performance Score of 1.1, which indicates a very low combination of trips per week and the number of jobs accessible by transit. AllTransit estimates about two (2) percent of commuters use transit.34
Walk Score is a private company that offers a walkability index that measures pedestrian friendliness by analyzing population density and road metrics (block length and intersection density). 35 For any given location, points are awarded based on the distance to amenities. According to Walk Score, the most walkable areas in the city are in the northwestern/central part of Taft (walk score of 82) which is considered “very walkable,” and areas in the eastern part of Taft (walk score of 37) are considered “car dependent.” According to the National Walkability Index, Central Taft and West Taft are considered above-average walkable. There are some portions of Ford City and South Taft that are below-average walkable. Other areas in Taft are considered the least walkable (Figure 8-29).

Local Data and Knowledge
The regional transit and local Dial-a-Ride (DAR) systems appear to work well in conjunction to provide residents with different transportation modes and ample access to routes and locations. The Taft Transit Center was designed to serve both the regional and local systems, allowing for stops at a central location, but the Transit Center serves more of a “main stop” for regional system than the local system. The Transit Center opened in 2017 when there was still a local fixed route serving Taft. The fixed route served as a circular route that covered City Limits, South Taft, Taft Heights, and Ford City. The route was switched to an entirely Dial-a-Ride service in 2019 due to low demand.

Residents without access to a car can generally utilize the regional transportation system or DAR to travel to work or access resources like medical care if within the service area. The regional system has stops at Taft College, Taft Union High School, the senior apartments (Heritage Park), and the Transit Center before leaving town. While there are no stops in Ford City or South Taft, residents in these areas are typically within a few blocks walking distance to a stop or can utilize DAR. There is a Westside Healthcare District clinic building in the area that can be accessed using DAR. DAR has a mini-van and larger vehicle, both 34 AllTransit.Org. (2024). AllTransit Metrics. Accessed April 30, 2024, https://alltransit.cnt.org/metrics/ 35 Walk Score. (2024). Walk Score Methodology. Accessed April 30, 2024, https://www.walkscore.com/methodology.shtml

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 279
equipped with accessibility accommodations. It’s also common for oil and gas industry workers to carpool to job sites utilizing the Park-n-Ride lot next to the Taft Transit Center. The Public Works Department also conducts a transit needs assessment every year, with community outreach and engagement to understand the current needs and provide notice of modifications.

The only traffic lights in the City are in Caltrans’ rights-of-way along Kern Street (State Route 33). The rest of City intersections are stop signs. The Taft Rails to Trails class I facility is the only formalized bicycle facility in the area. However, the city has several low-volume, low-speed streets that are generally suitable for bicycling.

The city has a consistent sidewalk network in both commercial and residential areas. Major thoroughfares – 10th Street, 6th Street, and Kern Street (State Route 33) have standard-width sidewalks. Outside City Limits, Ford City has consistent sidewalks on both sides of Harrison Street which is the major corridor that connects Ford City to Central Taft. However, residential streets in Ford City generally lack sidewalks except near Jefferson Elementary School where there are faded yellow crosswalks and pedestrian crossing signs. In South Taft, sidewalks are severely lacking on all residential streets.

The City is not aware of high-collision corridors or areas of high traffic on a regular basis. A search of the Transportation Injury Mapping System by UC Berkeley shows approximately 334 total crashes from 2012 to 2023 (i.e., all dates for which data is available). Of these crashes, there were 472 victims injured and 14 victims killed. Most (49%) crashes took place on/near Kern Street (State Route 33). Drivers accounted for a majority (72%) of crashes with about 50% of crashes due to drivers failing to yield right-of-way to pedestrians at a marked or unmarked crosswalk. In the recent past, the City has worked with Caltrans to install speed limit feedback signs and crosswalk flashers at most crosswalks along Kern Street (State Route 33) in City Limits. These were installed and are maintained by the City.

The City does not have formal Safe Routes to Schools plans for programs in place. Within City Limits, there are no gaps in the sidewalk network within 1,000 feet of schools. There are also numerous highvisibility continental crosswalks at intersections and mid-block crossings near schools. The City is working to improve ramps at intersections and alley crossings as close to the schools as possible. These improvements are ongoing and based on funding.

The only major infrastructure investments in the recent past have been the Taft Transit Center, completed in 2017, improvements to the capacity and efficiency of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Taft Rails to Trails Project. There are no other major infrastructure projects planned for the next 10 years, other than road maintenance and paving. The City does not have a formally adopted Capital Improvement Program or project list.

As mentioned in Chapter 4 – COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT residents and stakeholders feel there is a lack of services, amenities, and resources in Taft and a lack of transportation access to get to areas where there are services. Without the amenities and resources needed, residents must waste gas to drive to Bakersfield to get things they need to be able to provide for themselves and their families. According to the residents’ feedback, the town is big enough to have amenities and resources, especially with all the empty storefronts. In addition, residents and stakeholders pointed to the condition of streets and roads, and the need for repair.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 280
Figure 8-26 Kern Transit System Map
Source: https://kerntransit.org/routes-and-schedules/

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 281
Figure 8-27 National Walkability Index, Kern County

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 282
Figure 8-28 Access to Transit Within a Quarter Mile, Taft

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 283
Figure 8-29 National Walkability Index, Taft

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 284
Education Access
TCAC education domain scores are calculated using the following indicators: math proficiency, reading proficiency, high school graduation rates, and student poverty rates. The education domain scores provide information relating to educational opportunities at the census tract level. The score ranges from (<0.25) less positive educational outcomes to (>0.75) more positive educational outcomes.

Regional Trends
Education outcomes vary in Kern County. More positive education outcomes are generally located near Delano, Shafter, Bakersfield, and Tehachapi regions (Figure 8-30). This corresponds to areas with a higher median household income (Figure 8-7). Less positive education outcomes are located on the borders of Kern County and to the north and south of Bakersfield.

Local Trends
Taft is served by the Taft City School District consisting of three TK-3 sites, one K-3, one 4th and 5th grade school site, and one junior high school site (grades 6 through 8). The Taft City School District has a student population of 2,400 students from the city, communities of South Taft, Ford City, Taft Heights, communities of Dustin Akers and Valley Acres, and open grounds surrounding Taft and other communities. 36
Greatschools.org is a non-profit organization that provides ratings of schools to showcase how schools serve children. The Great Schools Summary Rating is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating. 37 The ratings follow a 1-10 scale, (1-4)
indicating that the school is “below average,” (5-6) indicating “average” and (7-10) are “above average”.

The schools in Taft were given scores between 2 and 5. This indicates that the schools fall within the below-average to the average rating. The TCAC education domain score ranges from 0.25 to 0.75, indicating that Taft has average education outcomes (Figure 8-31). Less positive education outcomes are generally located in Central Taft, while areas located near the southeast border have slightly higher education outcomes. Areas with positive education outcomes correspond to areas with a lower percentage of people with disabilities (Figure 8-17) and a predominantly White population (Figure 8-5).

In contrast, areas with less positive education outcomes correspond with areas with a higher percentage of poverty status (Figure 8-22) and a higher percentage of individuals with disabilities. Higher poverty rates negatively impact the education domain score. Disabilities can affect how students function and learn in schools, affecting the educational outcome.
36 Taft City School District. (2024). District Overview. Accessed April 25, 2024, https://www.taftcity.org/District/Portal/district-overview37 Greatschools.org. (2024). Find a great school. Accessed April 25, 2024, https://www.greatschools.org

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 285
Local Data and Knowledge
There are elementary schools within each corner of the Greater Taft Area including South Taft, Taft Heights, Central Taft, and Ford City. There is one junior high school, Lincoln Junior High School, and one high school, Taft Union High School. The junior high and high schools are located across the street from one another in Central Taft. Taft College, a community college, is located adjacent to the high school.

With the central location, the furthest corner parts of the Greater Taft Area are generally no more than one and a half miles in distance to any school site.

The Greater Taft Areas has some resources to improve access to education opportunities for those pursuing a traditional educational path or vocational opportunities. Aside from educational programming, Taft College has several career technical education (CTE) programs that provide affordable education and hands-on occupational training, with options to pursue a degree or certificate program. Taft Union High School’s Oil Technology Academy provides a college and career readiness program for high school students wanting to explore careers related to the petroleum industry, science, math and engineering. The West Kern Adult Education Network (WKAEN) is a state-funded program located in Taft that provides support for adult education in West Kern County through a consortium of schools, including Taft Union High School and Taft College. WKAEN provides program areas in ESL, GED, adults with disabilities, incarceration, apprenticeships, parent education, food service and forklift certifications, and CTE.

Community members have the opportunity to select the schools that their students attend. Schools are not assigned by geography. There are no private or charter options in the community. There does not appear to be higher-demand schools in the community; however, the City is aware that McKittrick Elementary School located approximately 15 miles northwest of the city is in higher demand. There is no bus available to McKittrick, so students can only access the school by vehicle. One of the reasons for higher demand is a smaller teacher to student ratio. Otherwise, a majority of students in the area attend one of the local schools accessible by bus, walking, bicycling, or vehicle.

The prevalence of the oil and gas industry to Taft is one known factor that may influence the current rates of high school graduation or college attendance. The industry has a long-standing importance to Taft residents and is a quick pathway to make a six (6) figure income without requiring higher education.

The City is unaware of any organizations that provide services like tutoring that could help improve educational outcomes, other than programs and resources provided by the school district, Taft College, and WKAEN. There are no known differences between neighborhoods in terms of access to these programs and resources.

There are approximately 300 lots, at Sandy Creek Estates, planned for development in addition to the potential identified in the Sites Inventory of this Housing Element. The City is holding conversations with the school district to discuss preparations for population growth and resulting student enrollment generation. In particular, the City and school district are discussing the process for notifying the school district when development is proposed, land dedications, and the need for master planning growth areas.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 286
Figure 8-30 TCAC Opportunity Map-Education, Kern County, 2023

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 287
Figure 8-31 TCAC Opportunity Map-Education, Taft, 2023

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 288
Access to Economic Development Opportunities
Increasing access to economic opportunities lowers disparities in opportunities. The access to high-quality employment and affordable housing shortens commute times and increases access to better amenities. The TCAC economic indicators and HUD Jobs Proximity Index are used to analyze economic opportunities.

The TCAC measures economic opportunities using poverty, adult education, employment, job proximity, and median home value in each census tract. The higher economic domain score reflects more positive economic outcomes. The score ranges from (<0.25) less positive economic outcomes to (>0.75) more positive economic outcomes. The HUD Jobs Proximity Index measures accessibility to job opportunities at the census block group level. The index score ranges from 0 to 100. The higher the index score, the closer the proximity to jobs.

Regional Trends
The economic opportunities vary in Kern County. More positive economic outcomes are generally located near Shafter, Bakersfield, and clustering near Tehachapi (Figure 8-32). This corresponds to areas that are predominately white in Kern County (Figure 8-2), as well as areas that have a higher median household income (Figure 8-7). In contrast, areas bordering Kern County (northwestern, western, and eastern parts) have less positive economic outcomes.

According to the 2022 ACS Estimates, Kern County has a labor force participation rate of 58.5 percent. 38 The California Employment Development Department estimates that the average salary in Kern County in 2022 was $59,114. The highest average salaries in Kern County include management occupations, computer and mathematical occupations, architecture and engineering occupations, legal occupations, and healthcare and technical occupations, all with an average salary of over $100,000 (Table 8-11).

Occupations with the lowest average salary in Kern County include healthcare support occupations, food preparation, and serving-related occupations, building and grounds cleaning, personal care and service occupations, and farming, fishing, and forestry occupations at less than $41,000.

Table 8-11 Mean Salary by Occupation, Kern County
Occupational Title Mean Annual Wage
Management Occupations $123,892
Business and Financial Operations Occupations $85,474
Computer and Mathematical Occupations $105,027
Architecture and Engineering Occupations $111,061
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations $84,986
Community and Social Service Occupations $61,673
Legal Occupations $114,976
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations $71,756 Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations $61,569 Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations $111,580 38 U.S. Census. (2022). ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2017-2022. Accessed May 1, 2024, https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2022.S2301?q=labor%20force%20participation%20kern%20county

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 289
Occupational Title Mean Annual Wage
Healthcare Support Occupations $36,676
Protective Service Occupations $73,572
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations $35,485 Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations $40,627 Personal Care and Service Occupations $40,261
Sales and Related Occupations $46,756
Office and Administrative Support Occupations $48,229
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations $34,787
Construction and Extraction Occupations $65,979
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations $63,093 Production Occupations $50,335
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations $45,099
All Occupations $59,114
Source: 2022 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey Local Trends
In 2022, Taft had a labor force participation rate of 47.4 percent. The economic opportunities in Taft range from <0.25 to 0.50, with less than 0.25 having the least positive economic outcomes. Ford City and South Taft have the lowest economic opportunity scores. Taft City has a slightly higher economic opportunity score. This corresponds to areas that have a sizable White population in Taft (Figure 8-33).

Job proximity refers to the accessibility to different employment locations. HUD’s Jobs Proximity Index utilizes origin-destination employment statistics to assess the accessibility to job opportunities. According to the Jobs Proximity Index, locations in Taft City closest to the Taft Kern County Airport and areas zoned for public, industrial, and agricultural uses have a higher proximity to jobs (Figure 8-34). Areas with the lower job proximity are in areas zoned primarily for residential uses, including Central Taft, West Taft, and Southwest Taft. Ford City, East Taft, and a portion of South Taft have the lowest job proximity.

Local Data and Knowledge
Most employment opportunities are in Central Taft. Commercially zoned parcels are primarily concentrated along major thoroughfares, such as Kern Street (State Route 33) and at key intersections surrounded by residential, public institutional, or industrially zoned lands. Industrially zoned lands are primarily located to the northwest and southeast adjacent to State Route 33. Public institutional zoned parcels are located in Central Taft (i.e., where the junior high, high school, and community college are located), in East Taft (i.e., municipal airport), and near residential areas (i.e., elementary schools). There are also several parcels within the Downtown Taft Specific Plan Area that allow commercial, light industrial, and office/medical uses.

Major regional employers are discussed in Section 5.3.3 Major Regional Employers. No major regional employers are located in Taft. Major local employers are discussed in Section 5.3.4 Major Local Employers. As of 2023, approximately 25% of total employment in Taft is in the Education sector. The

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 290
locations of the major employers are shown in Table 8-12. All major employers are located in city limits with the exception of Total Western which is located approximately four (4) miles northwest of Taft.

Table 8-12 Location of Major Employers, Taft, 2023
Business Location
General Production Services 1333 Kern Street
Taft City School District 820 6th Street
Taft College 29 Cougar Court
Taft Union High School District 701 Wildcat Way
Total-Western 26871 Henry Road (not in city limits)
Albertsons 1044 Kern Street
Oil-Dri-Taft Production Company 950 Petroleum Club Road Snow Well Services 1400 Kern Street
City of Taft 209 E Kern Street
Accelerated Environmental Services 814 Center Street
Of note, the list of major local employers includes three (3) employers from 2014 that are not included in the 2023 list – Kmart, NTS, and Jerry Melton. Kmart closed in 2018, which was part of a larger national trend of the company’s liquidation. Kmart’s closure marked a significant employment and retail loss for Taft. However, a development proposal for Tractor Supply Company Store has been approved by the City.

The store is being built within a portion of the old Kmart building, bringing employment and retail opportunities back to this shopping center. Of the other employers, NTS has since left the area and Jerry Melton has fewer employees in 2023 than it did in 2014, moving the company off the top 10 list.

Employment trends, including employment status, place of work, and mean travel time to work are discussed in Section 5.3.1 Employment Trends. Almost all (95%) of workers residing in Taft work within Kern County and 57% of workers residing in Taft work within the city limits (Table 5-8). The mean travel time to work is 21.0 minutes, with a majority (63%) of employed residents commuting less than 20 minutes to work (Table 5-9). The commute time aligns closely to the proportion of employed residents working within city limits (57%). Based on the average commute time, it can be assumed that a majority of Taft residents work in or near Taft.

High-speed internet and cell signal access are available in the area and have improved over the last 10 years. In particular, two (2) cell towers were constructed in the city. Prior to that, cell towers were only located in or near the oil fields so the addition of cell towers in city limits has greatly improved cell signal.

High speed internet has been extended within city limits throughout the same time period. The City has received fewer complaints about connectivity and signals, and it appears that a majority of the city has full service – internet and phone.

The City of Taft has had to demonstrate to each new potential commercial developer that the City has low fees, no impact fees, and more expedited processing times for entitlement and building permits. Taft is too small and has an insufficient budget resource to employ economic development programs or incentives.

Taft presents itself as business friendly with far less red tape to wade through to complete a new development project.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 291
As mentioned in Chapter 4 – COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT residents and stakeholders feel there are many people that drive from Bakersfield toward Taft for work (e.g., oil workers, educators, etc.) that would probably live in Taft if there was more housing, resources, and retail opportunities. There are also many people who drive from Taft to Bakersfield for work, who could otherwise work in Taft if there were more local jobs, resources, and retail opportunities.

In addition, there are upcoming challenges in the oil and gas industry due to changes at the State level.

The State is not allowing oil drilling or issuing permits for abandoning wells. This is leading to mass layoffs and company acquisitions. Residents and stakeholders expect many of the long-standing oil and gas companies to close or relocate in the near future. This poses a significant challenge to a community with strong ties to the oil and gas industry. Many of the oil workers are 40-50 years old without secondary education or training outside the oil and gas industry. These workers may find themselves out of work, or with lower paying positions, which could have major implications related to housing affordability, income, displacement, and homelessness.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 292
Figure 8-32 TCAC Opportunity Map-Economic, Kern County

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 293
Figure 8-33 TCAC Opportunity Map-Economic, Taft, 2023

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 294
Figure 8-34 Jobs Proximity Index, Taft, 2017

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 295
Access to Healthy Environment
The Healthy Environment analysis in AFFH addresses disparities in access to environmentally healthy neighborhoods in protected class groups. The assessment of environmentally healthy neighborhoods can include air and water quality, safety, environmental hazards, social services, and cultural institutions.

Environmental justice is an important factor in addressing housing issues. Hence, there are federal/state regulations requiring jurisdictions to analyze environmental justice to ensure people have access to safe and equal housing. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment developed CalEnviroScreen, a mapping tool that identifies communities that are affected by many sources of pollution and where people are vulnerable to pollution’s effects. CalEnviroScreen measures the cumulative impacts of multiple sources of pollution. The dataset uses a methodology to identify communities disproportionately burdened by exposures to pollution, and environmental effects of existing pollutants in communities, among other indicators of sensitive populations or socioeconomic factors.39 Areas with high scores experience a much higher pollution burden than areas with low scores. The census tracts receiving the highest 25 percent of overall scores are identified as “disadvantaged communities”.

These communities are disproportionately burdened by pollution and are more vulnerable.

Regional Trends
The CalEnviroScreen map identifies the degree to which communities are burdened by pollution. Areas with the highest pollution burden were concentrated in the central and western parts of Kern County Region, to the northeast of Bakersfield in the Lake Isabella area, and in the high desert region of eastern Kern County (Figure 8-35). This corresponds to the areas CalEnviroScreen identified as disadvantaged communities. The areas with the lowest pollution burden were concentrated in northwest Bakersfield, the foothills below Lake Isabella, and in the greater Tehachapi area.

The TCAC environmental domain score varies in Kern County. Similarly to the CalEnviroScreen map, areas in the northern and western parts of Kern County, south Bakersfield, and the southeast corner of the county have the least positive environmental outcome (Figure 8-36). The southern parts and a few areas within the central part of Kern County, Bakersfield metro, have a more positive environmental outcome.

Local Trends
Taft has a high pollution burden throughout the city (Figure 8-37). The highest pollution burden is concentrated in the eastern half of Taft with a CalEnviroScreen percentile of more than 80. The Census tract that contains this area is more than 400 square miles with more than 3,000 residents (no residents of this tract live in Taft City Limits). The urbanized area of Taft, Ford City, Taft Heights, and South Taft have a slightly lower pollution burden in the 60 to 80 percentiles. 39OEHHA. 2024. CalEnviroScreen Indicators. Accessed April 30, 2024, https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/indicators -

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 296
TCAC’s environmental score for Taft indicates a more positive environmental outcome (Figure 8-38).

The eastern half of Taft has a less positive environmental outcome similar to the CalEnviroScreen map.

However, TCAC scores the urbanized portion of Taft and Ford City as having a positive environmental outcome, with South Taft and Taft Heights scoring highest.

Local Data and Knowledge
The City of Taft does not have public safety reports regarding local water quality, sewer, or streets. The West Kern Water District is responsible for local potable water service. The local sewer system is split into two sets of sewer lines. One set of sewer system lines services the incorporated boundaries of the City of Taft. Aside from some industrial properties to the west and east edges of the city, all properties are connected to sewer. The second system services the county neighborhoods of Ford City and Taft Heights.

However, it does not service South Taft as all properties are still on septic. The two sewer systems work by gravity flow to the northeast corner of the City and both outflow into the Taft Wastewater Treatment Plant. All damage, deterioration, or other needed servicing is done in a timely manner.

As the City of Taft is in the central valley of California, it is part of the nonattainment designation that the valley has from the Valley Air District. The air pollution is a combination of local activities such as farming activities (harvesting, churning the soil, and removing the farm product and going fallow), local personal and commercial vehicle trips, cross state vehicle trips along I-5 and Highway 99, and the oil gas activity throughout the valley floor of Kern County. There are also the prevailing winds that could be transmitting poor air quality from southern California and the central coast.

Regarding the oil and gas industry in Taft, the soils in Taft all have traces of hydrocarbons from the local and regional oil and natural gas extraction. There are no indications from soil sample testing that areas within the city limits may have had oil and gas activity that it was at such toxic levels that it could not be used for urban development. Any properties that have soil toxicity have been due to early to mid-20th century industrial activities with chemical materials introduced to the soil. Other soil issues came with above ground and underground storage tanks. All such tanks have been removed and soil remediated to state standards. The City is not aware of any designated brownfields within city limits.

The oil and gas activity in the City of Taft and Greater Taft Area began in 1909. The oil deposits beneath the soil have always been at the same levels as the water table in the area. Oil processing requires a significant amount of separating the water and oil contents. The City has not had potable groundwater for most of its existence as a city. The West Kern Water District (which has a service area far greater than just the city limits) provides potable water from the state water project canal that is about 12 miles east of the City. The City has not received reports or claims on lead paint issues with its older housing stock.

However, the City has always performed asbestos testing and lead paint testing on each of the demolitions performed during the 2015-2023 housing element period and will continue to do so.

As mentioned previously, soils testing in recent years has not found a site with such toxicity that urban development would be prohibited. All sites either had low levels of soil contaminants or had small areas

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 297
of concentrated contaminants so that soil remediation and removal was all that was necessary. Further, there are no designated brownfields in the City of Taft. The downtown area of Taft does have some sites that had former industrial uses that were demolished and removed from the properties. However, those industrial uses have left indications in some areas that the toxicity level may be that residential uses may need to be prohibited. However, at such a time development is proposed on these vacant sites, a followup Phase 2 analysis will be performed to determine the current toxicity levels of the soil. At that time a remediation plan will be determined.

Most residential properties within the Taft city limits are within a half mile of either Veterans Park next to City Hall, A Street Park on the west side of the city, or the Rails to Trails Class I path that bisects the central area of the City. Ford City has the Ford City park, a 2-acre recreational facility with grass open space, picnic tables, and playground equipment. The A Street Park at A and Hillard Streets services both the west side of the city and the Taft Heights neighborhood. Veterans Park provides an open space amenity to the central and eastern Taft residents with picnic tables, playground equipment, and veterans memorial displays honoring Taft area veterans. South Taft has Conley Elementary School, but not any other park space for their residents. Park space along Rails to Trails is close to the northern blocks of South Taft, but the southern edge of South Taft is more than a half mile away.

There are no other active subdivisions in the City other than TTM 7227 and 7230 on the west side of the City and on the inventory list. A segment of the Rails to Trails splits the two tracts and provides the park space amenity needed. Also, A Street Park borders the southeast corner of the yet to be developed TTM 7230. The large lot properties in the southeast area of the City identified on the inventory list have the best potential of providing the City with additional parks and open space for residents. There are no proposed tracts or master plans currently, but zoning is in place for such a master development. The open space requirements discussed in Chapter 7 ANALYSIS OF CONSTRAINTS will be enforced to provide park space for those potential new residents.

Most of the commercial, retail, and shopping centers are within the city limits of Taft, particularly along Kern Street. All city residents and county residents of Ford City, South Taft, and Taft Heights shop are mostly within the City of Taft. However, most residents of these areas are less than a mile from small, medium, and large grocery stores and convenient stores that offer grocery items. The local grocers are Albertson’s, Grocery Outlet, and SaveMore. The other retail markets that offer grocery items are two Dollar Generals in the city, one Dollar General in Ford City, a Family Dollar in the city, and a Dollar Tree in the city.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 298
Figure 8-35 CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Percentile Scores, Kern County

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 299
Figure 8-36 TCAC Opportunity Map-Environment, Kern County, 2023

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 300
Figure 8-37 CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Percentile Scores, Taft, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 301
Figure 8-38 TCAC Opportunity Map-Environment, Taft, 2023

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 302
Findings and Conclusion
Findings are summarized in Table 8-13. Findings consider both Census data and local data and knowledge.

In conclusion, the following trends and patterns have been identified. • Transportation Access: Given the presence of the Taft Transit Center, complete sidewalk network, and class I facility, Taft City experiences the greatest transportation access in the area.

Ford City generally lacks sidewalk infrastructure and South Taft severely lacks sidewalk infrastructure, except for the incorporated portion of Southwest Taft. Ford City and South Taft are within a quarter mile to half-mile of transit stops and one-mile of parks and the class I facility. The Greater Taft Area is served by dial-a-ride. Transportation links residents to better resources, which can increase education and economic outcomes. Further, lack of access to public/active transportation methods correlates with low economic opportunities as low-income residents are unable to find reliable transportation options.
• Education Access: The Greater Taft Area has a below-to-below-average school performance rating and less positive education outcomes. Schools are dispersed throughout the community, with the junior high school, high school, and community college located in Central Taft. Ford City and South Taft are within a quarter to half mile of the junior high, high school, and community college. Less positive educational outcomes may result in the lack of opportunities to gain better education and access to high-quality employment. However, as indicated by local data and knowledge, the prevalence of the oil industry has led to a large proportion of high school students entering the oil industry following graduation, as many positions are high-paying jobs that do not require higher education.
• Access to Economic Development Opportunities: Taft City has a slightly higher economic opportunity score and a moderate jobs proximity index whereas Ford City and South Taft have low economic opportunity scores and moderate to furthest jobs proximity indexes. Most employment opportunities are located in Taft City. The areas without access to public transportation may result in less access to employment opportunities. Less positive economic outcomes result in the lack of opportunities to gain better education and access to high-quality employment.
• Access to Healthy Environment: The Greater Taft Area generally has negative environmental factors. The urbanized area of Taft, Ford City, South Taft, and Taft Heights have more positive environmental factors. The eastern portion of Taft and beyond have less positive environmental outcomes and high CalEnviroScreen percentiles that indicate a high pollution burden which impacts the health of residents; however, as indicated by local data and knowledge, the Census tract that contains the eastern portion of Taft is more than 400 square miles with more than 3,000 residents (no residents of this tract live in Taft City Limits).

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 303
Based on these findings, the following contributing factors that may limit or deny fair housing choice or access to opportunity, or negatively impact fair housing or civil rights compliance, have been identified. • The availability, type, frequency, and reliability of public transportation. • Lack of public and private investments, including services or amenities. • Location and type of affordable housing.
• Location of environmental health hazards.
• Location of employers.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 304
Table 8-13 Disparities in Access to Opportunities: Summary of Findings Location (Tract) Data Comparison Summary Local Data and Knowledge Taft City • Mostly within quarter-mile of a transit stop (local and regional).
• Central and West Taft are Very walkable (Walk Score)
• Above-Average walkable (National Walkability Index)
• Below- to below-average rating (Great Schools)
• Less positive education outcomes
• Location of junior high, high school, and community college • Slightly higher economic opportunity score (TCAC)
• Moderate Jobs Proximity Index (20-40)
• Negative environmental factors (CalEnviroScreen 4.0)
• Less positive environmental factors (0.50 – 0.75) (TCAC) Central Taft
• Incorporated City neighborhood
• Fixed routes and Dial-a-Ride available
• Rails to Trails class I facility
• Consistent sidewalk network
• Connected to and served by City sewer system
• Negative environmental factors (CalEnviroScreen 4.0)
• Less positive environmental factors (0.50 – 0.75)
(TCAC)
• Within quarter-mile of parks and Rails to Trails class I facility
• Mix of residential uses and employment opportunities
West Taft
• Incorporated City neighborhood
• Dial-a-Ride available
• Rails to Trails class I facility
• Consistent sidewalk network
• Connected to and served by City sewer system
• Negative environmental factors (CalEnviroScreen 4.0)
• Less positive environmental factors (0.50 – 0.75)
(TCAC)
• Within quarter-mile of parks and Rails to Trails class I facility
• Mix of residential uses and employment opportunities
Ford City • Mostly within quarter-mile of a transit stop (local and regional).
• Somewhat walkable (Walk Score)
• Below Average Walkable to Least Walkable (National
Walkability Index)
• Unincorporated County neighborhood
• Dial-a-Ride available
• Residential streets generally lack sidewalks except near Jefferson Elementary School
• Connected to and served by sewer system

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 305
Location (Tract) Data Comparison Summary Local Data and Knowledge • Below- to below-average rating (Great Schools)
• Less positive education outcomes
• Within quarter to half mile of junior high, high school, and community college
• Lowest economic opportunity score (TCAC)
• Furthest Jobs-Proximity Index (<20)
• Negative environmental factors (CalEnviroScreen 4.0)
• Less positive environmental factors (0.50 – 0.75) (TCAC) • Mostly residential uses
South Taft • Mostly within quarter-mile of a transit stop (local and regional).
• Car-dependent (Walk Score)
• Least Walkable (National Walkability Index)
• Below- to below-average rating (Great Schools)
• Less positive education outcomes
• Within quarter to half mile of junior high, high school, and community college
• Lowest economic opportunity score (TCAC)
• Moderate to Furthest Jobs-Proximity Index (<20-40)
• Negative environmental factors (CalEnviroScreen 4.0)
• More positive environmental factors (> 0.75) (TCAC)
South Taft and Taft Heights
• Unincorporated County neighborhood
• Dial-a-Ride available
• Severely lacking sidewalks
• Septic systems
• Within one mile of parks and Rails to Trails class I
facility
• Mostly residential uses
Southwest Taft
• Incorporated City neighborhood
• Dial-a-Ride available
• Consistent sidewalk network
• Connected to and served by City sewer system
• Within one mile of parks and Rails to Trails class I
facility
• Mostly residential uses

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 306

8.3.5 Disproportionate Housing Needs
According to HCD, “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. Categories of housing need are based on such factors as cost burden and severe cost burden, overcrowding, homelessness, and substandard housing conditions.

This analysis is important to understand how some groups of persons experience severe housing needs when compared to other populations within a local level and when compared to a region. Particularly important to this analysis is local data and knowledge, since some areas could be impacted by market conditions that put households at risk of displacement, or pending or upcoming planning decisions may exacerbate displacement risk.

Cost Burden and Severe Cost Burden
Cost burden is a fraction of a household’s total gross income spent on housing costs. There are two (2) levels of cost burden: 1) “cost burden” refers to the number of households for which housing cost burden is greater than 30% of their income; and 2) “severe cost burden” refers to the number of households paying 50% or more of their income for housing. The higher the housing cost burden, the more likely residents are to live in overcrowded and substandard conditions and are less likely to afford to relocate. Low-income households and persons in protected classes disproportionately experience severe housing problems.

Regional Trends
The cost burden of Kern County households is discussed in detail in Section 5.5.6 Overpayment for Housing. Approximately 36% of County households pay more than 30% of their income on housing (Table 5-39). Additionally, 21% of renter-occupied households experience overpayment compared to 15% of owner-occupied households in the County. Twenty-eight percent (28%) of lower-income households in the County are overpaying compared to eight percent (8%) of moderate and above moderate-income households.

For owner-occupied households, 10% of lower-income households are overpaying compared to six percent (6%) of moderate- and above-moderate income households. For renter-occupied households, 18% of lower-income households are overpaying compared to two percent (2%) of moderate and above moderate-income households. This indicates that lower income households are disproportionally impacted by overpayment compared to other income levels.

In addition, 17% of Kern County households have severe overpayment issues, paying more than 50% of their income on housing (Table 5-40). This includes 15% of households in the lower-income category compared to one percent (1%) in the moderate and above-moderate income categories. Overall, these data indicate that lower-income households are disproportionately burdened by housing costs compared to their moderate and above-moderate income counterparts. Renter-occupied households are also disproportionately burdened by housing costs compared to owner-occupied households.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 307
The distribution of Kern County owner-occupied households paying more than 30% of their income on housing is shown in Figure 8-39, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The percentage is shown by Census Tract for the American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 five (5)- year estimates. As shown, there are variations in the distribution of households, with the highest percentages (more than 80%) shown in Bakersfield, followed by 60% to 80% in Bakersfield, Arvin, and unincorporated areas in the northeastern portion of the County, then 40% to 60% in unincorporated areas within the northwestern, southwestern, northeastern, and south-central portions of the County. Portions of Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, Arvin, Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Shafter, and Taft have 20% to 40% of households. Other areas have less than 20% of households overpaying for housing.

The distribution of Kern County renter-occupied households paying more than 30% of their income on housing is shown in Figure 8-39, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The percentage is shown by Census Tract for the American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 five (5)- year estimates. As shown, there are variations in the distribution of households, with the highest percentages (more than 80%) shown in Bakersfield and Wasco, followed by 60% to 80% in McFarland, Bakersfield, Arvin, and unincorporated areas in the northeastern and southwestern portions of the County, then 40% to 60% in portions of Delano, McFarland, Wasco, Shafter, Bakersfield, Arvin, Tehachapi, Ridgecrest, and various unincorporated areas, and 20% to 40% east of State Route 99 and north of Highway 58. The lowest percentages of households (less than 20%) are outside Delano, Wasco, Bakersfield, and Tehachapi.

Local Trends
The cost burden of Taft households is discussed in detail in Section 5.5.6 Overpayment for Housing.

Approximately 35% of Taft households pay more than 30% of their income on housing (Table 5-38).

Additionally, 23% of renter-occupied households experience overpayment compared to 12% of owneroccupied households in the city. Twenty-eight (28) percent of lower-income households in Taft are overpaying compared to seven (7) percent of moderate and above moderate-income households.

For owner-occupied households, nine (9) percent of lower-income households are overpaying compared to two (2) percent of moderate- and above-moderate income households. For renter-occupied households, 17% of lower-income households are overpaying compared to five (5) percent of moderate and above moderate-income households. This indicates that lower income households are disproportionally impacted by overpayment compared to other income levels.

In addition, 11% of Taft households have severe overpayment issues, paying more than 50% of their income on housing, all of which are in the lower-income category (Table 5-40). Overall, these data indicate that lower-income households are disproportionately burdened by housing costs compared to their moderate and above-moderate income counterparts. Renter-occupied households are also disproportionately burdened by housing costs compared to owner-occupied households.

The distribution of owner-occupied households in Taft paying more than 30% of their income on housing is shown in Figure 8-431, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The percentage

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 308
is shown by Census Tract for the American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 five (5)-year estimates.

As shown, cost burden among homeowners is prevalent throughout the city with 40% to 60% of households experiencing overpayment. The data is summarized in Table 8-15 by location (or tract). Ford City has the highest percentage (28%) of owner-occupied households paying more than 30% on housing, followed by Taft City (26%) and South Taft (21%).

Table 8-14 Overpayment by Tenure, Taft, 2014
Tenure Taft City Ford City South Taft
Renter-occupied households (%) 54 50.3 38
Owner-occupied households (%) 25.9 28 20.8
Source: ACS 2010-2014, Overpayment
The distribution of renter-occupied households in Taft paying more than 30% of their income on housing is shown in Figure 8-432, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The percentage is shown by Census Tract for the American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 five (5)-year estimates.

As shown, cost burden among renters is prevalent throughout the city with 40% to 60% of households experiencing overpayment. The data is summarized in Table 8-14by location (or tract). Taft City has the highest percentage (54%) of renter-occupied households paying more than 30% on housing, followed by Ford City (50%) and South Taft (38%).

Local Data and Knowledge
Housing costs are discussed in detail in Section 5.5.3 Housing Costs. Generally, Taft residents have experienced an increase in housing costs for both home values and rentals in the past decade. As previously discussed, the median home value in California and Kern County has continued an upward trend since 2013, reaching 2010 levels of median home values in 2018. In contrast, Taft’s median home values didn’t reach 2010 levels until 2022. This indicates a much slower growth post-2008 recession. Additionally, compared to California and Kern County, Taft’s median home value is significantly lower and has experienced minimal increases since 2010.

Rent prices and home prices have increased similarly to the region and the state. However, prices are still much lower than Kern County. There are still instances of much lower sales prices or indicated price drops on single family homes, which suggests that the market is cooling and/or the home may be older and in need of upgrades. Rent prices also see the occasional lower offers like prices of just a few years ago. Rent and sales prices will be lowest in the South Taft neighborhood as nearly all properties do not have completed streets lacking curb, gutter, and sidewalk. The neighborhood has no drainage improvements that probably results in visible flood damage or foundation issues. The central area of the City of Taft and Ford City are the next lowest rent and sale prices in the area, followed by Taft Heights. The east side of Taft, east of 1st Street and east of Highway 119, along with the southwest corner of Taft have the highest sales prices in the City and the area.

The City of Taft does not monitor or track evictions or foreclosures. The City is not aware of any residents that have come forward with eviction and foreclosure issues that would signal a trend in any neighborhood.

Around 2018, there were some homeowners that struggled with possible foreclosures due to installing

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 309
residential rooftop solar and financing it on their yearly property taxes. The yearly property taxes plus the financing cost of the solar panel installation caused financial burdens on the homeowners. It is believed that some homeowners did go into foreclosure due to the inability to pay the entire tax bill and solar panel financing costs. There was no trend as to which neighborhood was most affected.

Faith in the Valley conducted a community survey and received 200 responses. Faith in the Valley estimates that most respondents are Hispanic/Indigenous. Surveys were taken in person at two (2) events held in the community in coordination with the Mexican Consulate. One (1) event was held at Taft College and the other was held in Ford City. The purpose of the events was to discuss parks and recreation, but the survey indicated several housing issues. Eighty percent (80%) of respondents shared they are paying more than 30 percent of their salary on housing. More than 80 percent of respondents have experienced an increase in rent over the last two (2) years. Sixty seven percent (67%) of respondents had to sacrifice food and health needs [to afford rent]. Forty percent (40%) of respondents are in danger of losing their home. Ninety percent (90%) of respondents want to be part of finding a solution to the housing crisis.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 310
Figure 8-39 Overpayment by Homeowners, Kern County, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 311
Figure 8-40 Overpayment by Renters, Kern County, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 312
Figure 8-41 Overpayment by Homeowners, Taft, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 313
Figure 8-42 Overpayment by Renters, Taft, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 314
Overcrowding
Households having more than 1.01 to 1.5 persons per room are considered overcrowded and those having more than 1.51 persons per room are considered severely overcrowded. The person per room analysis includes dining and living rooms, but excludes bathrooms, porches, foyers, halls, or half-rooms.

Household overcrowding reflects various living situations, including housing units that are inadequately sized to meet a household’s needs; the necessity or desire to have extended family members reside in an existing household; or unrelated individuals or families that share a single housing unit. Fair housing issues may arise from policies aimed to limit overcrowding that have a disparate impact on specific racial or ethnic groups with different preferences for housing size and/or ability to pay according to the household size standards identified.

Regional Trends
Overcrowding for Kern County households is discussed in detail in Section 5.5.7 Overcrowding. As of 2022, approximately seven (7) percent of Kern County households are considered overcrowded with approximately two (2) percent of households considered severely overcrowded (Table 5-43). In 2022, among owner-occupied units, approximately four (4) percent of the units are considered overcrowded, and one (1) percent are considered severely overcrowded. Among renter-occupied housing, 15% are considered overcrowded and five (5) percent are severely overcrowded.

The distribution of overcrowded Kern County households is shown in Figure 8-43, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The percentage is shown by Census Tract for the American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 five (5)-year estimates. As shown, there are variations in the distribution of overcrowded households with the largest percentages of overcrowded households (greater than 15%) near Wasco, Bakersfield, and Arvin. Approximately 10% to 15% of households in unincorporated areas to the northwest, northeast, and southeast experience overcrowding, including communities north of Taft, west of Tehachapi, and south of Ridgecrest.

The distribution of severely overcrowded Kern County households is shown in Figure 8-434, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The percentage is shown by Census Tract for the American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 five (5)-year estimates. As shown, there are variations in the distribution of severely overcrowded households with the largest percentages of overcrowded households (10% to 15%) near Bakersfield, Arvin, and southwest of Tehachapi. Approximately 10% to 15% of households in unincorporated areas generally between and around Interstate 5 and State Route 99 are severely overcrowded, with some pockets in incorporated areas of Delano, Wasco, Bakersfield, Arvin, and Ridgecrest.

Local Trends
Overcrowding for Taft households is discussed in detail in Section 5.5.7 Overcrowding. As of 2022, approximately three (3) percent of Taft households are considered overcrowded with less than one (1) percent of households considered severely overcrowded (Table 5-41). In 2022, among owner-occupied units, approximately 1.3% of the units are considered severely overcrowded. Among renter-occupied

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 315
housing, 5.5% are considered overcrowded and none are severely overcrowded. Of the overcrowded households, approximately 91 Hispanic/Latino households are overcrowded compared to 0 NonHispanic/Latino households being overcrowded (Table 5-43).

The distribution of overcrowded Taft households is shown in Figure 8-45, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The percentage is shown by Census Tract for the American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 five (5)-year estimates. As shown, less than five (5) percent of households within the developed portions of the city are overcrowded. The data is summarized in Table 8-15 by location (or tract). Ford City has the highest percentage (10%) of overcrowding, followed by South Taft (5%) and Taft City (3%).

Table 8-15 Occupants Per Room, Taft, 2021
Occupants Per Room Taft City Ford City South Taft
1 to 1.5 96 124 64

1.51 or more 31 55 30
Total Occupied Housing Units 3,010 1,252 1,329
% overcrowded 3.19 9.90 4.82
% severely overcrowded 1.03 4.39 2.26
Source: ACS 2017-2021, Overcrowding
The distribution of severely overcrowded Taft households is shown in Figure 8-46, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The percentage is shown by Census Tract for the American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 five (5)-year estimates. As shown, less than five (5) percent of all households in Taft and surrounding County neighborhoods experience severe overcrowding.

Local Data and Knowledge
As mentioned in Chapter 4 – COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT the City of Taft learned from representatives of social and special interests that there is a lot of homelessness, but not in the form of the unhoused. Rather, there has been an increase in migration over the years that has resulted in several families that live together under one (1) roof. This trend has also been observed by the school district. This has led to overcrowding and substandard housing conditions that may not be adequately reflected in the Census data. The location of these overcrowded homes is unknown but is expected to be in lower-income, higher poverty areas.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 316
Figure 8-43 Percent of Overcrowded Households, Kern County, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 317
Figure 8-44 Percent of Severely Overcrowded Households, Kern County, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 318
Figure 8-45 Percent of Overcrowded Households, Taft, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 319
Figure 8-46 Percent of Severely Overcrowded Households, Taft, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 320
Housing Conditions
Generally, housing is considered “standard” if it complies with California state or local health and safety codes. Using this definition, “substandard” housing would be housing that does not comply with these codes. Further, the U.S. Census defines substandard housing problems as households without hot and cold piped water, a flush toilet and a bathtub or shower and households with kitchen facilities that lack a sink with piped water, a range or stove, or a refrigerator. While units that meet these definitions would be considered substandard, there are other indicators that should be considered when assessing the condition of housing. These include the age of housing stock and overcrowding conditions. Therefore, the following analysis considers 1) substandard housing problems, 2) age of housing stock, and 3) overcrowding.

Regional Trends
Housing problems for Kern County are discussed in Section 5.5.2 Housing Conditions/Units in Need of Repair of Replacement. Using HUD CHAS data, approximately 41% of Kern County households experience at least one (1) housing problem, with renter-occupied households experiencing housing problems at a greater proportion than owner-occupied households (Table 5-23). In Kern County, 57% of renter-occupied households experience at least one (1) housing problem compared to 43% of owneroccupied households.

Substandard housing problems as defined by the U.S. Census for Kern County households are summarized in Table 8-16. As shown, approximately 0.40% of occupied housing units in the County lack complete plumbing and 1% lack complete kitchen facilities.

Table 8-16 Substandard Housing Problems, Kern County, 2021 Housing Problem Number of Households
Lacking complete plumbing 1,220
Lacking complete kitchen 2,662
Total Occupied Housing Units 274,705
% lacking complete plumbing 0.40
% lacking complete kitchen 1.0
Source: ACS 2017-2021, DP04, Selected Housing Characteristics The age of housing stock in Kern County is discussed in Section 5.5.1 Age of Housing Stock.

Approximately 61% of housing structures were built prior to 1980 with approximately 28% of housing units built over 50 years ago (severely aged) (Table 5-21). Compared to the County, Taft has a significantly higher proportion of severely aged structures (28% versus 45%).

Overcrowding is discussed in Section 5.5.7 Overcrowding as well as Section 8.3.5 Disproportionate Housing Needs. Approximately seven (7) percent of Kern County households are considered overcrowded with approximately two (2) percent of households considered severely overcrowded (Table 5-43). Renter-occupied units experience a significantly higher proportion of overcrowding than owneroccupied units (15% versus 4%).

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 321
Local Trends
Housing problems for Taft are discussed in Section 5.5.2 Housing Conditions/Units in Need of Repair of Replacement. Using HUD CHAS data, approximately 37% of Taft households experience at least one (1) housing problem, with renter-occupied households experiencing housing problems at a greater proportion than owner-occupied households (Table 5-23). In Taft, 62% of renter-occupied households experience at least one (1) housing problem compared to 38% of owner-occupied households.

Substandard housing problems as defined by the U.S. Census for Taft households are summarized in Table 8-16 by location (or tract). Taft City has the highest percentage (2%) of substandard housing problems, followed by South Taft (<1%), then Ford City (<1%). Based on these percentages, Taft has minimal substandard housing problems as defined by the U.S. Census.

Table 8-17 Substandard Housing Problems, Taft, 2021
Housing Problem Taft City Ford City South Taft
Lacking complete plumbing 17 8 0
Lacking complete kitchen 36 0 12
Total Occupied Housing Units 3,010 1,252 1,329
% lacking complete plumbing 0.56 0.64 0.00
% lacking complete kitchen 1.20 0.00 0.90
Source: ACS 2017-2021, DP04, Selected Housing Characteristics The age of housing stock in Taft is discussed in Section 5.5.1 Age of Housing Stock. Approximately 45% of Taft’s housing stock is over 30 years old and 45% is severely aged (i.e., built over 50 years ago) (Table 5-20). The age of structures in Taft is shown in Figure 8-47, using the HUD AFFH Data Viewer and Mapping Resources. The percentage of total units built prior to 1960 is shown by Census Tract for the American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 five (5)-year estimates. The data is summarized in Table 8-18 by location (or tract). South Taft has the highest percentage (66%) of units built prior to 1960, followed by Ford City (51%), then Taft City (42%).

Table 8-18 Age of Structure by Location, Taft, 2021
Age of Structure Taft City Ford City South Taft
Units built 2020 or later 0 0 0
Units built 2010 to 2019 74 104 0
Units built 2000 to 2009 93 96 145
Units built 1990 to 1999 20 59 70
Units built 1980 to 1989 748 211 29
Units built 1970 to 1979 725 110 102
Units built 1960 to 1969 212 134 203
Units built before 1960 1,351 742 1,059
Total Housing Units 3,223 1,456 1,608
% units built prior to 1960 42 51 66
Source: ACS 2017-2021, Age of Structures

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 322
Overcrowding is discussed in Section 5.5.7 Overcrowding as well as Section 8.3.5 Disproportionate Housing Needs. Approximately three (3) percent of Taft households are considered overcrowded with less than one (1) percent of households considered severely overcrowded (Table 5-41). Renter-occupied units experience a significantly higher proportion of overcrowding than owner-occupied units (5% versus 1%). Ford City has the highest percentage (10%) of overcrowding, followed by South Taft (5%), and Taft City (3%) (Table 8-15).

Local Data and Knowledge
The central area of Taft between 1st and 10th Streets, and Oak Street to Ash Street is the oldest area of the city. The area was part of the original plat maps that laid the street network of Taft shortly after incorporation in 1910. The homes in this central area are almost all over 50+ years old. It is most noticeable in the central area of Taft to see homes and apartment buildings with chipped paint, deteriorated siding, sagging roof lines, and possible foundation issues. Homes west of 10th Street were all built after 1970, but that still makes some homes pushing 50 years of age. Those neighborhoods have seen the least amount of code enforcement concerns regarding dilapidation or structural issues.

In the City of Taft, there does not seem to be a difference in the number of poor housing conditions between single-family or multi-family housing. The single most common factor in housing conditions is age. Older single family and multi-family residential in the central part of the city both have concerns due to their age. The newer housing is mostly all single-family residential homes. Poor soil conditions exist throughout the City, and it affects single- and multi-family residential alike.

As stated previously, the central area of Taft contains the oldest housing units in the City. There doesn’t seem to be as much reinvestment in the homes to help combat the age of the structures. However, this is not a chronic condition of poorly maintained housing. The City has received dozens of permit requests for reroofs, water heater changeouts, HVAC replacements, foundation and home rehabilitations.

There has been only one active subdivision development in the City of Taft in the last 10 years. The subdivision involves two tract maps totaling approximately 122 gross acres, 104 net acres, and 394 lots.

The typical single-family lot in both subdivisions is between 5,500 and 7,200 square feet in size. The older subdivisions in Taft are typically around 6,250 square feet in size as the typical lot was 50-feet by 125-feet. These older subdivisions and lots also had alleyways that provide flexible use of the properties for parking, driveways, and possible accessory dwelling units having their own clear access from the alleyways. These newer subdivisions have no alleys requiring all parking and driveways to be from the front property line. There are no master planned communities in Taft. Older neighborhoods are generally more affordable than newer market rate housing.

Taft lacks affordable and market rate rental apartments of all sizes and scales, and lacks attached for sale residences such as condominiums. Downtown Taft has some mixed-use residential housing above ground floor retail stores. However, there are many vacant unused second stories in downtown Taft. The maintenance and upkeep of these older downtown buildings resulted in vacant unused spaces. They are

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 323
lacking proper access, accessibility, and more current electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems to operate efficiently and safely. Adaptive reuse of these upper floors could provide more housing units downtown, instead of the potential nuisances they are today.

The central area of Taft with older housing and more typically vacant housing and does have more code enforcement issues. Vacant structures and residences welcome vagrants that can result in nuisances for adjacent properties and the neighborhood. Typically, these vacant structures are broken into resulting in the need to board over broken windows and doors. Overgrown lawns and the visible stockpiling of trash and debris on the property are the typical signs of code issues. Also, vigilant neighbors that report unusual activity at these vacant structures have helped the City be more proactive and secure the properties from continuing issues.

As mentioned in Chapter 4 – COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT housing is in fair to poor condition, many improvements need to be made, apartment complexes are deteriorating, and there is dilapidated housing all over the city. Further, landlords do not make necessary improvements to their units (e.g., change carpets) and not giving permission to the tenant to make necessary improvements to improve their health. Residents and stakeholders also indicate the need for more housing, including apartments, affordable housing, farmworker housing, senior housing, and single-family homes for families. Stakeholders in the development community suggested the City incentivize nonprofit developers to build – this could be a fiscal incentive or reduction in permit fees or costs to attract affordable builders.

In addition, stakeholders suggested the City work with builders to pool resources to impact entire neighborhoods – focus on multiple lots in the same neighborhood to build housing and also provide home repair and rehabilitation.

Lastly, as previously mentioned, there is a large population of Hispanic/Indigenous residents in the Taft area. Many Hispanic/Indigenous residents lack legal status or are part of a mixed-status family or household. Many of these residents also have limited English proficiency. In its organizing and resource work, Faith in the Valley has heard from these residents about issues with tenant rights. Many residents are experiencing notices of eviction and others feel they are being taken advantage of by landlords because they don’t speak English, lack legal status, and/or don’t know their rights as tenants. These factors could exacerbate already poor housing conditions, leading to increased overcrowding and higher potential for eviction, displacement, or homelessness.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 324
Figure 8-47 Percentage of Units Buit Prior to 1960, Taft, 2021

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 325
Homelessness
Includes individuals or families who lack or are perceived to lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, or who have a primary nighttime residence in a shelter, on the street, in a vehicle, or in an enclosure or structure that is not authorized or fit for human habitation. People experiencing homelessness are vulnerable to violence and criminalization due to their unhoused status.

Regional Trends
Homelessness in Kern County is discussed in detail in Section 5.6.7 People Experiencing Homelessness.

The most recent Point in Time (PIT) count for unhoused people countywide was published by the Bakersfield-Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative in 2024. The PIT count covered three (3) days, from January 24, 2024, to January 27, 2024, comprising a single night shelter count and a three (3)-day unsheltered count. According to the 2024 PIT count, the number of unhoused people in the County has increased over time from 1,603 in 2022, to 1,948 in 2023, and 2,669 in 2024 (Table 5-64). Of the 2024 unhoused populations, 38% are sheltered (1,006 individuals) and 62% are unsheltered (1,663 individuals).

Most homeless populations (sheltered and unsheltered) in Kern County identify as non-Hispanic/Latino (59%) and White (77%) (Table 5-65).

Local Trends
Homelessness in Taft is discussed in detail in Section 5.6.7 People Experiencing Homelessness.

According to the 2024 PIT count, there are approximately 39 unhoused people in Taft (Table 5-64). For comparison, the 2023 PIT count found 10 unhoused people in Taft. Between 2023 and 2024, the unhoused population in Taft increased by 290%. Because there are no shelters in Taft, it can be assumed that the 39 unhoused people are unsheltered. Of note, unsheltered populations in the County represent higher percentages of chronically homeless, veterans, and youth.

Local Data and Knowledge
The homeless community members in Taft are quite nomadic. They do not congregate in any one area for too long. The many alleyways in central Taft provide the pedestrian pathway through the City without being on the main streets. Some encampment areas have been found on the far east and far west edges of the City. These encampment locations tend to be in the dry Sandy Creek beds away from the main urban area of Taft. Some homeless encampments have been set up in the drainage box culverts of Sandy Creek that pass under the major streets of Taft. The homeless community does spend some time in city parks and along the Rails to Trails path, particularly to find shade during the warmer months of the year.

Homeless individuals do not tend to congregate at public facilities such as schools or libraries, though some visit City Hall which is adjacent to Veterans Park. The homeless community does not use the local Dial-a-Ride transit in and around Taft as one can walk across the City quite easily. However, some do use the regional transit buses that will get them to downtown Bakersfield.

There are no local programs for emergency rental assistance. Due to the loss of Taft’s redevelopment agency and insufficient financial resources, Taft has not had the means to implement such programs.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 326
As mentioned in Chapter 4 – COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT residents and stakeholders feel there is a lack of programs like legal aid services, tenant rights and protection, and rental assistance programs that help keep families in their homes and figure out how to improve their situations.

Community priorities include tenant protection (e.g., eviction prevention, right to counsel), tenant/landlord education, and homebuyer education. There is a need for these types of programs to be provided in multiple languages to increase language access, and to be available to undocumented and mixed-status families. Lastly, residents and stakeholders indicated a need to prioritize helping the unhoused transition to affordable housing, drug and alcohol counseling, or rehabilitation. This includes having a local emergency shelter or supportive housing.

Displacement
For the purposes of this assessment, displacement is used to describe any involuntary household move caused by landlord action or market changes that are fueled by a combination of rising housing costs, rising income inequality, stagnant wages, and insufficient market-rate housing production. Further, displacement is generally understood to be caused by disinvestment, investment-fueled gentrification, or a process combining the two, where:
• Disinvestment-driven displacement occurs when the value of a property does not justify investing in its maintenance, often resulting in abandonment and decay. • Investment-driven displacement occurs when a neighborhood undergoes a process of gentrification. Gentrification means a process of neighborhood change that includes economic change in a historically disinvested neighborhood —by means of real estate investment and new higher-income residents moving in - as well as demographic change, not only in terms of income level, but also in terms of changes in the education level or racial make-up of residents.

There are other considerations associated with risk of displacement and neighborhood change, including:
• Public Infrastructure Investments: government investments in physical infrastructure such as rail transit, schools, parks, highways can be associated with increasing home values and subsequent displacing forces.
• Historically Disinvested Areas: redlining, racially restrictive covenants, implicitly racist zoning, racialized public housing policies, urban renewal.
• At-Risk Affordable Units: the conversion of federally and state subsidized affordable rental developments.

Lastly, there are income, demographic, and housing variables associated with displacement as summarized in Table 8-19.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 327
Table 8-19 Variables Associated with Displacement
Income variables
Variable Displacement Association
Income diversity Higher income diversity is associated with higher risk of neighborhood change
Percentage of renters paying more than 35% of
income on housing
Higher share of rent-burdened tenants is associated
with higher risk of displacement
Percentage of owners paying more than 35% of
income on housing
Higher share of over-burdened owners associated with
higher risk of displacement
Demographic variables
Variable Displacement Association
Percentage of non-family households Larger share of non-family households associated with higher risk of displacement
Percentage of non-Hispanic whites Larger share of non-Hispanic whites associated with lower risk of displacement
Educational attainment Increasing share of high educational attainment associated with active displacement
Housing variables
Variable Displacement Association
Percentage of dwelling units in buildings with 3+
units
Higher share of multi-unit buildings is associated with higher risk of displacement
Percentage of renter-occupied housing Higher share of renter-occupied housing is associated with higher risk of displacement
Median gross rent Lower median gross rent compared to nearby higher rents is associated with higher risk of displacement
Overcrowding Higher rates of overcrowding are associated with higher risk of displacement
Source: HCD, AFFH Guidance, April 2021 Update
Regional Trends
The distribution of the estimated displacement risk for Kern County renters is shown in Figure 8-48, using data from the Urban Displacement Project for 2022. Most of the County unincorporated areas have a lower displacement risk. Areas at risk of displacement include areas in the northwest along State Route 33 and State Route 46, in addition to portions of Delano, Wasco, Bakersfield, Arvin, Mojave, and Ford City.

There are also specific income groups within specific areas with elevated displacement – shown as 1 income group or 2 income groups displacement. These areas are mainly in the Bakersfield area.

The distribution of sensitive communities in Kern County is shown in Figure 8-49, using data from the Urban Displacement Project for 2022. Communities are designated sensitive if the share of very lowincome residents is greater than 20% and have any of the two (2) following characteristics: the share of renters is above 40%, the share of people of color is above 50%, the share of very low-income households that are severely rent burdened is above the county median, the percent change in rent is above the county median for rent increases. There are several identified sensitive communities in Kern County including

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 328
unincorporated areas around State Route 33 and State Route 46, and portions or areas surrounding Delano, McFarland, Wasco, Bakersfield, Lake Isabella/Wofford Heights, Arvin, Mojave, Ridgecrest, California City, Taft, and Frazier Park.

Local Trends
The distribution of the estimated displacement risk for Taft renters is shown in Figure 8-48, using data from the Urban Displacement Project for 2022. Most of the City has a lower displacement risk. However, Ford City is identified as being at risk of displacement. The data is summarized in Table 8-20 by location (or tract). As shown, Ford City has the greatest proportion of low-income households (62%) and residents that speak English less than very well (25%) and the housing market is “hot,” meaning there is low inventory combined with high demand for housing.

Table 8-20 Demographics and Housing Variables, Taft, 2022 Demographics and Housing Taft City Ford City South Taft Population (#) 8,292 4,762 4,194
Households (#) 3,187 1,316 1,441
Renter occupied (%) 46 56 57.3
Median income ($) 41,904 35,718 32,099
Low-income households (%) 49.5 61.7 55
Speak English less than very well (%) 9 25.5 13.5
Median Rent ($) 713 825 789
Rent Gap ($) (compared to nearby
markets)

87.87 lower 92.02 higher 55.59 higher
Hot Market (Yes or No) No Yes No
Displacement Risk Low At risk Low
Source: Urban Displacement Project, 2022
The distribution of sensitive communities in Taft is shown in Figure 8-51, using data from the Urban Displacement Project for 2022. Most of the city is considered a sensitive community, which means there are populations vulnerable to displacement in the event of increased redevelopment and drastic shifts in housing cost.

The variables associated with displacement are summarized in Table 8-21 for Taft. The data for income variables indicates there may be a higher risk of neighborhood change and displacement due to higher income diversity. Higher-income households have increased at a greater rate than lower-to-moderate income households. The data for demographic variables suggest a lower risk for displacement: most households are family households, there is a larger share of Non-Hispanic Whites, and the high educational attainment rate is low. Lastly, the data for housing variables indicates a higher risk of displacement: there are lower median gross rents compared to nearby higher rents.

Local Data and Knowledge
Increases in rents and sales prices have been consistent with Kern County and statewide increases. The state Department of Finance report in 2023 stated that Taft lost some population during the 2022 year.

This was the first household population loss in more than 10 years. It is presumed that the loss of population may have been from oil and gas workers losing their jobs due to increased pressure from the

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 329
state to use less oil and natural gas. Although prices have increased, it does not appear that home and rental listings last long as there are still sufficient tenants and buyers looking to move.

There does not appear to be one area or neighborhood in the City of Taft more susceptible to environmental damage due to their building age or design. As mentioned previously, Central Taft contains older housing that requires more maintenance efforts but is not being done. Ford City and South Taft lack complete streets with no curb gutter or sidewalk along most streets. Both neighborhoods also lack drainage infrastructure beyond the lack of street improvements. This can result in water intrusion onto properties that in turn can result in affecting the foundations of structures. The soils in Taft are known to have liquefaction and settling issues. Overwatering of yards and landscaping and flooding during heavier rain years can affect foundations and structure walls in Ford City and South Taft.

The City does not have a formal process for inspecting defensible spaces. Should a property owner have concerns about a structure, the Building Department does offer compliance inspections. These inspections provide an hour of the inspector’s time to perform a code enforcement review of the structure and property.

This can result in a formal response from the City regarding property and structural concerns that can become nuisances or unsafe. The Building Department performs about 10 or less of these inspections per year. Typically, the inspections either coincide with a structure fire or the sale/purchase of a property.

Taft experiences one of the lowest average rainfall totals in the entire state. The storms that do produce rainfall in Taft tend to be short and do not produce much rainfall. Recent years have seen heavier than typical rainfall during the winter season. The City streets, curb, and gutters seemed to have served their role in diverting the rainwater into Sandy Creek away from structures.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 330
Figure 8-48 Risk of Displacement, Kern County, 2022

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 331
Figure 8-49 Sensitive Communities, Kern County, 2022

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 332
Figure 8-50 Risk of Displacement, Taft, 2022

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 333
Figure 8-51 Sensitive Communities, Taft, 2022

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 334
Table 8-21 Assessment of Variables Associated with Displacement, Taft, 2022 Income Variables
Variable Association Data Findings and Implications
Income Diversity1 Higher income diversity is
associated with higher risk of
neighborhood change.
• Households earning more than
$150,000 increased by 340%
from 2010 to 2022.
• Households earning $50,000 to
$74,999 increased by 6% from
2010 to 2022.

The increase in higher-income
households could suggest a higher
risk of neighborhood change.

Percentage of renters paying more
than 35% of income2
A higher share of rent-burdened
tenants is associated with higher
risk of displacement.
• 65% of renters pay less than
35% of their income on rent.
• 35% of renters pay 35% or
more of their income on rent.

Most renters are paying less than
35% of their income on rent.

Therefore, the risk of displacement
is likely lower.

Percentage of owners paying more
than 35% of income2
A higher share of over-burdened
owners is associated with higher
risk of displacement
• 83% of homeowners pay less
than 35% of their income on
housing.
• 17% of homeowners pay more
than 35% of their income on
housing.

Most homeowners pay less than
35% of their income on housing.

Therefore, the risk of displacement
is likely lower.

Demographic Variables
Variable Association Data Findings and Implications
Percentage of non-family
households3
A larger share of non-family
households is associated with
higher risk of displacement.
• 64% of households are family
households.
• 36% of households are nonfamily households.

Most households are family
households. Therefore, the risk of
displacement is likely lower.

Percentage of non-Hispanic whites4 A larger share of non-Hispanic Whites is associated with lower risk
of displacement.
• 31% Hispanic or Latino
• 69% Non-Hispanic White
There is a larger share of NonHispanic Whites. Therefore, the risk of displacement is likely lower.

Educational Attainment5 An increasing share of high
educational attainment associated
with active displacement.
• 83% of the population 25 years
and over have earned a high
school degree or higher. For
The educational attainment rate for a
high school degree or higher is
significantly higher than the County.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 335
comparison, 77% of the
County’s population 25 years
and over have earned a high
school degree or higher.
• 10% of the population 25 years
and over have earned a
bachelor’s degree or higher. For
comparison, 18% of the
County’s population 25 years
and over have earned a
bachelor’s degree or higher.

However, only 10% of the
population 25 years and over have
earned a bachelor’s degree or higher,
which is significantly lower than the
County’s educational attainment
rate for bachelor’s degree or higher.

Therefore, the risk of displacement
is likely lower.

Housing Variables
Variable Association Data Findings and Implications
Percentage of dwelling units in
buildings with 3+ units6
A higher share of multi-unit
buildings is associated with higher
risk of displacement
• 83% of total housing units have
2 or fewer units.
• 17% of total housing units have
3 or more units.

Most housing units have 2 or fewer
units. Only 17% of total housing
units have 3 or more units.

Therefore, the risk of displacement
is likely lower.

Percentage of renter-occupied
housing6
A higher share of renter-occupied
housing is associated with higher
risk of displacement.
• 50% of total housing units are
owner-occupied.
• 50% of total housing units are
renter-occupied.

The share of owner-occupied
housing and renter-occupied
housing is equal. Therefore, the risk
of displacement is likely lower.

Median gross rent6 A lower median gross rent compared
to nearby higher rents is associated
with higher risk of displacement.
• Median gross rent of occupied
units paying rent is $713 which
is $87.87 lower than nearby
rents.

The median gross rent is lower
compared to nearby rents.

Therefore, the risk of displacement
is likely higher.

Overcrowding6 Higher rates of overcrowding are
associated with higher risk of
displacement.
• 3% of occupied housing units
have 1.01 to 1.50 occupants per
room.
• Less than 1% of occupied
housing units have 1.51 or more
occupants per room.

The city has low rates of
overcrowding. Therefore, the risk of
displacement is likely lower.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT #1 (JUNE 2024) 6.0 - 336
Source:

1. ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2017-2022, Table B25118: Tenure by Households Income in the Past 12 Months

2. ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2017-2022, Table DP04: Selected Housing Characteristics

3. ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2017-2022, Table B25115: Tenure by Household Type and Presence and Age of Own Children

4. ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2017-2022, Table DP05: Demographic and Housing Estimates

5. ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2017-2022, Table S21501: Educational Attainment

6. ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2017-2022, Table DP04: Selected Housing Characteristics

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 337
Findings and Conclusion
Findings are summarized in Table 8-22. Findings consider both Census data and local data and knowledge.

In conclusion, the following trends and patterns have been identified. • Cost Burden and Severe Cost Burden: There are higher proportions of owner-occupied households paying more than 30% of income on housing in Ford City and Taft City, than South Taft. Taft City has the highest proportion of renter-occupied households paying more than 30% of income on housing. The higher the housing cost burden, the more likely residents are to live in overcrowded and substandard conditions and are less likely to afford to relocate. • Overcrowding: Ford City experiences the highest percentage of overcrowded households. There are lower percentages of overcrowded households in South Taft and Taft City. Overall, Taft lacks affordable and market rate rental apartments of all sizes and scales that could accommodate varying household sizes and incomes.
• Housing Conditions: Taft City has the highest percentage of substandard housing problems, but the lowest percentage of severely aged housing units compared to Ford City and South Taft.

Central Taft, specifically downtown Taft, has the oldest housing stock within city limits with poorest conditions, which are visibly apparent.
• Homelessness: The unhoused population in Taft fluctuates in number. Because there are no shelters in Taft, it can be assumed that most of the unhoused population are unsheltered. The unhoused population in Taft is nomadic, with no centralized congregation area. • Displacement: Most of the Greater Taft Area has a lower risk of displacement, except for Ford City which is identified as being at risk due to the proportion of low-income households, percentage of residents that speak English less than very well, and a “hot” housing market. Most of the Greater Taft Area is considered a sensitive community, which means there are populations vulnerable to displacement in the event that redevelopment occurs or there are drastic shifts in the cost of housing. There are income variables and housing variables present in Taft that could indicate a higher risk of displacement.

Based on these findings, the following contributing factors that may limit or deny fair housing choice or access to opportunity, or negatively impact fair housing or civil rights compliance, have been identified. • The availability of affordable units in a range of sizes. • Displacement of residents due to economic pressures (i.e., oil and gas industry challenges). • Lack of private and public investments, including services and amenities. • Lack of renter protections.
• Lack of rental relief programs for people at risk of homelessness.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 338
Table 8-22 Disproportionate Housing Needs: Summary of Findings Location (Tract) Data Comparison Summary Local Data and Knowledge Taft City • Second highest percentage of owner-occupied households paying more than 30% (26%).
• Highest percentage of renter-occupied households paying more than 30% (54%).
• Lowest percentage of overcrowding (3%).
• Highest percentage of substandard housing problems (2%). • Lowest percentage of severely aged housing units (42%).

Central Taft
• Incorporated City neighborhood
• Moderate rental and home sale prices
• Majority of housing built before 1970
• Oldest area of city located between 1st and
10th streets and Oak Street to Ash Street
• More code enforcement issues related to
vacant and dilapidated structures
• Presence of homeless encampments
West Taft
• Incorporated City neighborhood
• Moderate rental and home sale prices
• Newer homes, but many still approaching 50
years in age
• Fewer code enforcement issues
• Presence of homeless encampments
Ford City • Highest percentage of owner-occupied households paying more than 30% (28%).
• Second highest percentage of renter-occupied households paying more than 30% (50%).
• Highest percentage of overcrowding (10%).
• Low percentage of substandard housing problems (<1%). • Second highest percentage of severely aged housing units (51%). • Unincorporated County neighborhood
• Lower rental and home sale prices
• Lacking infrastructure
South Taft • Lower percentage of owner-occupied households paying more than 30% (21%).
• Lower percentage of renter-occupied households paying more than 30% (38%).
• Lower percentage of overcrowding (5%).
• Low percentage of substandard housing problems (<1%). • Highest percentage of severely aged housing units (66%).

South Taft and Taft Heights
• Unincorporated County neighborhood
• Lower rental and home sale prices
• Lacking infrastructure
Southwest Taft
• Incorporated City neighborhood
• Highest rental and home sale prices

6. 0
Ho

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 339

8.3.6 Sites Inventory
The purpose of the housing element’s sites inventory is to identify and analyze specific sites that are available and suitable to accommodate the regional housing need by income group. The Sites Inventory helps determine if there are sufficient and adequate sites to accommodate the RHNA by income category.

The Sites Inventory is provided in Chapter 6 - SITES INVENTORY AND RESOURCE ASSESSMENT.

AB 686 requires a sites inventory to be used to identify sites throughout the community, consistent with its duty to affirmatively further fair housing. The identified sites must be evaluated relative to the assessment of fair housing, including segregation and integration, racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty and affluence, access to opportunities, and housing needs. In addition to mapping the location of sites and indicating the number of projected units and assumed affordability, the sites inventory must evaluate the sites relative to socio-economic patterns, especially regarding protected classes.

To evaluate Taft’s Sites Inventory’s consistency with the obligation to affirmatively furthering fair housing, the sites inventory analysis addresses:
• Improved Conditions: how the identified sites would better integrate the community. • Exacerbated Conditions: how the identified sites would impact existing patterns. • Isolation of the RHNA: whether the RHNA is concentrated in specific areas. • Local Data and Knowledge: consider current, planned, and past developments, investment, policies, practices, demographic trends, public comment, and other factors.

Table 8-23 provides an overview of the distribution of RHNA units of Taft’s 6th Cycle Housing Element Sites Inventory as well as additional information on AFFH indicators, including access to opportunities, overcrowding, and overpayment. Overall, sites within each income category are allocated to most areas to facilitate mixed income communities, reduce concentrations of poverty and affluence, and provide housing opportunities in each area. Some census tracts are mostly outside of city limits, such as 33.03,

33.04, and 36. There are two (2) existing single-family residential units within Census Tract 33.03 and none in 33.04 that are within the City of Taft. As such, data from Tract 33.04 is not utilized for the Northeast area. It should also be noted that no existing residential units are within Southeast Taft, so data from all Tracts are listed as a reference.

6. 0
Ho

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 340
Table 8-23 RHNA Units by Census Tract within Taft
Area Central West Northeast Southeast
Census Tract 35 35, 36 33.04*, 35 33.03*, 33.04*, 36
RHNA Capacity
Lower Income Units 103 0 0 217
Moderate Income Units 703 21 118 544
Above-Moderate Income
Units 25 39 519 1,961
AFFH Indicators
Median Household Income $16,241 $59,375 - $63,417 $64,595 $22,027 - $41,500 Racial Segregation/
Integration
Low-Medium
Segregation
Low-Medium
Segregation
Low-Medium
Segregation
Racially Integrated,
High White
Segregation, LowMedium Segregation
% Non-White 53.7% 26.1% - 26.9% 30.1% - 34.1% 32.8% - 36.0% % with Disability 22.9% 11.4% - 22.9% 10.7% - 22.9% 10.7% - 14.2% Access to Opportunity
(TCAC Composite) No Data
Low Resource
Moderate Resource Low Resource No Data
CalEnviroScreen Percentiles 82.26 72.50 - 82.26 80.87 - 82.26 72.50 - 82.26 Displacement Risk Lower Risk Lower Risk Lower Risk Lower Risk % Overpayment Renters 49.3% 49.3% - 53.4% 22.8% - 49.3% 22.8% - 53.4% % Overpayment
Homeowners 46.0% 34.8% - 46.0% 21.3% - 46.0% 21.3% - 46.5% % Overcrowding 3.2% 3.2% - 4.8% 3.2% - 7.0% 4.7% - 7.0% Sensitive Communities Vulnerable Vulnerable Mostly
Vulnerable
Mostly Not
Vulnerable
Segregation and Integration
Central Taft is considered to be the lower-income poverty area compared to other areas within Taft. As shown in Table 8-23, Central Taft has a significantly lower median household income compared to the West, Northeast, and Southeast Taft. Income levels are found to correlate between concentrations of minority residents, disability, fixed-income seniors, and when housing was built in the community. There is no clear distinction between areas with concentrations of familial status.

According to the TCAC/HCD Opportunity Map, no areas within Taft are categorized as “High Segregation and Poverty”. Taft is dominated by White populations, with increasing diversity since 1990.

Central Taft is considered to have concentrated minority communities, whereas West Taft is considered to have particularly low concentrations of minority residents. There are minimal residents living in Northeast Taft and none in Southeast Taft.

In terms of subsidized housing, the City is unaware of the location of Housing Choice Vouchers/Section 8 rentals within City Limits but there are currently 15 voucher participant households in Taft according to

6. 0
Ho

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 341
the Housing Authority. There is also a 60-unit, affordable senior living apartment complex, Heritage Park, located in Central Taft, adjacent to West Taft. The apartment complex was developed in 1998 using CDBG, HOME, and LIHTC funds.

Overall, Central Taft also has the oldest homes, which are smaller and often in substandard conditions, with higher proportions of low-income households, and higher concentration of non-White populations.

Taft’s Sites Inventory accommodated a total of 831 RHNA units in the Central area, with 103 units affordable to lower-income households. The location of these units will provide more housing near existing amenities, within a quarter mile of public transit, and high walkability. This is an important factor for persons with mobility restrictions and lower-income populations who rely on public transportation.

The Sites Inventory allocates a mix of lower-, moderate-, and above moderate-income units in Central Taft, as such, the Sites Inventory will not contribute to segregation based on race/ethnicity, income level, or persons with disability, and is not expected to exacerbate existing fair housing issues.

Racially and Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty and Affluence According to the HCD, there are no Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty (R/ECAP) or Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence (RCAA) within the City of Taft.

Disparities in Access to Opportunity
Most of Taft is categorized as the SB 535 disadvantaged communities, which represents areas with the least positive outcomes according to CalEnviroScreen indicators, which takes into consideration environmental, transportation, educational, and economic factors. According to the TCAC Opportunity Map, Taft is mostly categorized as Low Resource or has No Data for categorization. The only area categorized as Moderate Resource is in the southern part of the West area, where 39 RHNA units are allocated. To better understand Taft, a qualitative analysis is provided for each area of Taft to further understand access to opportunities in the City. The following lists each area of Taft, providing an analysis of the location of RHNA capacity by income group relative to access to opportunities, including education, transportation, employment, and environment.
• Central Taft is more walkable, is mostly within a quarter mile of public transit, and closer to jobs compared to other areas in the City. Transportation links residents to better resources, which elevates education and economic outcomes. According to CrimeGrade.org, Taft city has a higher rate of crime compared to the national average, having a higher crime rate than 81% of cities in the United States. Central Taft is categorized as the most dangerous area in Taft. As shown in Table 8-23, RHNA units allocated to Central Taft includes 103 lower income units, 703 moderate income units, and 25 above-moderate income units. These provide housing for all income groups as well as different populations, e.g., students, seniors, people with disabilities, in the Central area where access to opportunities is relatively higher.
• West Taft is primarily characterized by residential uses. According to Taft residents from Workshop #1, West Taft experiences lack of amenities, services, lack of public transit, longer

6. 0
Ho

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 342
commutes, and are further from schools. Grocery stores, offices, and most restaurants are located east of 10th Street, in the Central area of Taft. Some of the developed areas in West Taft are within walking distance (i.e., a quarter mile) from public transit stops. Amenities in West Taft include Parkveiw Elementary School, two (2) public parks, and a portion of Taft’s Rails to Trails. Parkveiw Elementary School is a K-3 school, with a 50.2% minority enrollment, 79% economically disadvantage students, ranking #3 of the five (5) elementary schools in Taft. 40 Taft’s pipeline project, Sandy Creek Estates, is located within this area and is expected to provide 346 abovemoderate income units. RHNA units allocated to West Taft includes 0 lower income units, 21 moderate income units, and 39 above-moderate income units. The 21 moderate income units are within an existing mobile home park and are within walking distance of public transit stops. These units are also closer to the Central area, where most existing amenities are. The 39 above-moderate income units are within an existing single-family subdivision and are adjacent to South Taft. All sites are located within existing development.
• Northeast Taft is located east of Taft Highway and largely occupied by the Taft-Kern County Airport. This area, similar to the Southeast Taft, is a suburban area at the edge of the city. There are no schools, public transit, grocery stores, or restaurants in this area. According to the HCD, Inventory sites in this area have the furthest proximity to economic development opportunities (i.e., job opportunities). RHNA units allocated to Northeast Taft includes 0 lower income units, 118 moderate income units, and 519 above-moderate income units. The Inventory sites are located in an area with safe to moderately safe crime rates. All Inventory sites are large lot properties (LLP), which are expected to be developed with master planned communities. Based on the permitted densities, lower income units are not expected to be developed in this area. Consequently, the Sites Inventory would not concentrate lower income units in this area, which have less access to opportunities.
• Southeast Taft is largely vacant, with no existing residential dwellings. Compared to Northeast Taft, this area is closer to existing services and amenities since Inventory sites are within 5 minutes of driving distance from downtown Taft, where schools, grocery stores, and most restaurants are located. According to Taft residents from Workshop #1, Southeast Taft is close to jobs, services, amenities and is a good location for oil workers. According to the HCD, Inventory sites in this area that are along Gardner Field Road have the closest proximity to economic development opportunities (i.e., job opportunities) compared to other areas of the City. However, these sites also have the least positive environmental outcome compared to other areas of the City. RHNA units allocated to Southeast Taft includes 217 lower income units, 544 moderate income units, and 1,961 above-moderate income units. Similar to Northeast Taft, all Inventory sites are large lot properties (LLP), which are expected to be developed with master planned communities. However, 40 U.S. News and World Report. Parkview Elementary. Accessed May 22, 2024, https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/california/parkview-elementary251380

6. 0
Ho

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 343
this area is planned for mixed use development, which could provide additional services and amenities in the future. Development of the Inventory sites will provide Southeast Taft with a mixed housing stock at a variety of price levels, allowing a diverse population to live in this area.

Disproportionate Housing Needs
As shown in Table 8-23, Central and West Taft have a higher percentage of renters and homeowners that are cost burdened. Overcrowding, on the other hand, is minimal (less than 5%) in areas where housing is present in Taft. According to the Taft City school district, increases in migration over the years have resulted in overcrowding in Taft; however, it is not clear where this is occurring.

All areas of Taft are identified to have a low risk of displacement according to UC Berkeley’s Urban Displacement Project in 2022. However, most of Taft is considered a sensitive community, which means there are populations vulnerable to displacement in the event that redevelopment occurs or there are drastic shifts in the cost of housing. This increases vulnerability in Central Taft, especially downtown areas, where the oldest housing stock within city limits lies. The housing in this area is largely substandard and in the poorest conditions, requiring maintenance efforts.

Findings and Conclusion
A summary of the findings is listed below.
• Segregation and Integration: Central Taft has the highest concentration of non-White residents, lower-income households, residents living below the poverty line, and persons with disabilities. • Disparities in Access to Opportunity: Central Taft is most accessible to services and amenities, despite having a higher crime rate. Southeast Taft is most accessible to economic opportunities but has the least positive environmental outcome.
• Disproportionate Housing Needs: Central Taft is most vulnerable due to its high percentage of substandard housing stock. The highest percentage of renters and homeowners are also within Central and West Taft.

Based on these findings, the following contributing factors that may limit or deny fair housing choice or access to opportunity, or negatively impact fair housing or civil rights compliance, have been identified.

These factors are tied to areas within Taft to develop geographically targeted programs. • Racial and social-economic segregation concentrated in Central Taft. As mentioned above, Central Taft has the highest concentration of non-White residents, lower-income households, residents living below the poverty line, and persons with disabilities. The Sites Inventory allocated units of all income levels in this area. Additional efforts can be made to diversify and expand the housing stock of Central Taft to accommodate varied housing needs of different groups. • Lack of availability of affordable housing units. This is one of the main causes of households with disproportionate housing needs and fair housing issues, since nearly half of the households located in the Central and West area of the City, both renters and homeowners, are cost burdened. Some

6. 0
Ho

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 344
reasons behind this issue are 1) the lack of resources for affordable housing agencies and organizations in this region, 2) land constraints (see Section 7.2.1), and 3) high development costs.

Additionally, Taft is not identified by the TCAC as a High Resource area, which leads to more difficulty in obtaining grants for subsidized housing.
• Substandard housing issues in Central Taft. This is another cause of disproportionate housing needs in Central Taft. Compared to other parts of Taft, substandard housing increases the vulnerability of Central Taft. As mentioned in previous analysis, Taft has code enforcement issues related to vacant and dilapidated structures. Place-based strategies to encourage revitalization and rehabilitation of Central Taft can be considered.

8.4 Meaningful Actions to Address Fair Housing Issues
Based on the prior efforts and analysis (e.g., outreach, assessment of fair housing, and site inventory), Table 8-24 below highlights the prominent fair housing issues and contributing factors that create, contribute to, perpetuate, or increase fair housing issues, and identifies meaningful actions to affirmatively further fair housing by:
• Enhancing housing mobility strategies.
• Encouraging development of new affordable housing in high resource areas. • Improving place-based strategies to encourage community conservation and revitalization, including preservation of existing affordable housing; and • Protecting existing residents from displacement.

The meaningful actions, metrics, and milestones are incorporated into the Housing Programs in Chapter 9 – GOALS, POLICIES, OBJECTIVES, & PROGRAMS.

6. 0 Ho

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 345
Table 8-24 Fair Housing Issues, Contributing Factors, and Meaningful Actions Fair Housing Issue Contributing Factors (Ranked) Priority (Low/Medium/High)
Meaningful Actions Action Areas
Enforcement and
Outreach Capacity

1. Lack of capacity for local fair
housing outreach.

2. Lack of capacity for local fair
housing enforcement.

Medium • Fair Housing (Assistance and
Support) (Program 7.a)
• Fair Housing (Information)
(Program 7.b)
• Code Enforcement (Information and
Monitoring) (Program 2.d)
• Preserve Affordable Units (Program

4.c)
Protecting existing residents
from displacement
Segregation and
Integration

1. Lack of public or private
investments, including services or
amenities.

2. Location and type of affordable
housing.

3. Lack of tenant protections.

4. Lack of language access.

5. Lack of regional cooperation
between City of Taft and County of
Kern.

High • First-Time Home Buyer Program
(Funding and Assistance) (Program

3.a)
• First-Time Home Buyer Program
(Education) (Program 3.b)
• Housing Choice Vouchers (Program

4.a)
• Rental Assistance (Program 4.b)
• Code Enforcement (Information and
Monitoring) (Program 2.d)
• Housing Choice Voucher (Program

4.a)
• Multi-Family Rental Housing
(Program 5.a)
• Housing for Agricultural Employees
(Program 5.b)
• Manufactured Housing (Program

5.h)
• Mobile Homes (Program 5.i)
• Unit Size Requirements (Program

5.j)
• Definition of Family (Program 5.m)
• Residential Care Facilities (Program

5.n)
• ADU Pre-Approved Plans (Program

6.b)
• Promote and Monitor ADU
Development (Program 6.c)
New housing choices and
affordability in areas of
opportunity

6. 0 Ho

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 346
Fair Housing Issue Contributing Factors (Ranked) Priority (Low/Medium/High)
Meaningful Actions Action Areas
• Streamlining Ministerial Approval
(SB 35) (Program 9.i)
• Funding for New Low-Income
Housing Developments (Program

9.e)
• Multi-Family on CommerciallyZoned Property (Program 9.k) • Developmental Disabilities
(Program 9.g)
Disparities in
Access to Opportunities

1. Location and type of affordable
housing.

2. Lack of public and private
investments, including services or
amenities.

3. The availability, type, frequency,
and reliability of public
transportation.

4. Location of employers.

5. Location of environmental health
hazards.

Low • Water and Sewer Priority (Program

5.p)
• Multi-Family Housing Project
(Program 9.a)
• In-Fill Housing (Program 9.b)
• Self-Help Housing (Program 9.c)
• Senior Housing Project (Program

9.d)
• Infrastructure Assistance (Program

9.f)
Place-based strategies to
encourage community
conservation and
revitalization
Disproportionate
Housing Needs

1. The availability of affordable units
in a range of sizes.

2. Displacement of residents due to
economic pressures (i.e., oil and
gas industry challenges).

3. Lack of private and public
investments, including services and
amenities.

4. Lack of renter protections.

5. Lack of rental relief programs for
people at risk of homelessness.

High • Code Enforcement (Information and
Monitoring) (Program 2.d)
• Emergency Shelters (Program 5.c)
• Low Barrier Navigation Centers
(Program 5.d)
• Transitional Housing (Program 5.e)
• Supportive Housing (Program 5.f)
• Single Room Occupancy Units
(Program 5.g)
• Unit Size Requirements (Program

5.j)
• Homeless Services (Program 8.a)
Protecting existing residents
from displacement

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 347
9 GOALS, POLICIES, OBJECTIVES, & PROGRAMS

9.1 Appropriateness of Policies, Goals, and Objectives
The current Housing Element is viewed as having an appropriate set of objectives, based on those objectives set in the 2008-2013 Housing Element, which are being carried forward onto subsequent element updates. Housing rehabilitation will remain an important program. The following goals, policies and objectives are retained with renewed emphasis.

GOAL 1

PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT, IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

OF HOUSING IN LOCATIONS BEST SERVED BY THE COMMUNITY'S

FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE, AND THAT ARE COMPATIBLE
WITH SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS.

POLICIES IN SUPPORT OF GOAL 1
Policy 1.A Assist the private sector to provide a balance of zoned land to accommodate needed residential development.

Policy1.B Coordinate the City's housing and development program with other levels of government.

OBJECTIVES

1.1 Keep development standards and building code requirements high while encouraging the achievement of the stated housing goals.

1.2 Use the present housing stock to satisfy the needs of all economic segments of the community whenever possible.

1.3 Rehabilitate existing housing for low and moderate-income households as much as housing funding permits.

1.4 Distribute and provide information to property owners concerning housing rehabilitation, home financing, permit processing and building techniques, conservation measures to help maintain the quality of the housing stock.

1.5 Develop housing data, including information on affordable housing needs and production.

1.6 Develop a mortgage financing pool to provide low interest rate mortgages for the construction of new affordable housing units and the rehabilitation of units.

1.7 Support the use of assessment districts, consistent with state law, for new housing development.

1.8 Maintain a sufficient inventory of properly zoned sites to accommodate all of the City's housing needs.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 348
GOAL 2

CONSERVE AND MAINTAIN SOUND, VIABLE NEIGHBORHOODS THAT
ARE WELL-BUILT, WELL-MAINTAINED, SAFE AND SANITARY.

POLICIES IN SUPPORT OF GOAL 2

2.A Require the rehabilitation or demolition of substandard dwelling units in the housing stock that are not fit for human habitation.

2.B Encourage and participate in programs designed to provide a high level of maintenance in existing neighborhoods.

OBJECTIVES

2.1 Use nuisance and safety sections of the Uniform Building Code to require demolition of unsafe and obsolete structures.

2.2 Distribute information on available mortgage and ownership assistance plans in multiple languages.

2.3 Establish a plan for the Central City and Downtown areas that introduces new opportunities for missing middle and multiple family housing.

GOAL 3

PROVIDE EQUAL AND FAIR OPPORTUNITY OF HOUSING CHOICE FOR

ALL RESIDENTS REGARDLESS OF RACE, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, GENDER, OR ETHNIC GROUP AFFILIATION.

POLICIES IN SUPPORT OF GOAL 3:

3.A Sponsor public/private sector partnerships to meet housing needs.

3.B Affirmatively Further Fair Housing efforts and methods to address discrimination in housing choices.

OBJECTIVES

3.1 Promote private housing development that meets the needs of identified special groups such as the elderly, developmentally disabled, female-headed households, farm workers, college students, and the homeless.

3.2 Make available to public, Fair Housing brochures and information in multiple languages such as phone numbers for referrals to citizens contacting the City.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 349
GOAL 4

ENCOURAGE ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR SINGLE AND MULTIPLE
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS.

POLICIES IN SUPPORT OF GOAL 4

4.A The City shall support the PG&E programs to promote energy conservation.

4.B The City shall promote the West Kern Water District programs to promote water conservation.

4.C The City shall support State energy efficient requirements in new housing and encourage the installation of energy savings devices in all housing.

4.D The City shall encourage and support cost-effective energy technologies with both positive economic and environmental impacts, e.g., passive solar space heating and cooling and water conservation.

4.E Insofar as practical, the City shall utilize its planning process to promote efficient land use and development patterns which conserve such resources as fuel, water and land.

4.F The City shall support and encourage high performance design standards in new construction and redevelopment to promote increased energy conservation.

4.G The City shall support the installation of photovoltaic solar and solar water heating systems on new construction to promote and increase the use of renewable resources.

OBJECTIVES

4.1 Promote increased energy conservation for housing development projects by encouraging developers to exceed California Title 24 standards. As an incentive, plan check status for sustainable housing developments will have an expedited review.

4.2 Encourage initiatives to increase the use of renewable resources, such as photovoltaic solar electric systems and solar heating.

4.3 Encourage initiatives to increase the use of solar water heating in single and multiple family developments.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 350

9.2 Housing Programs
The Housing Programs that follow implement the preceding goals, objectives and policies stated above.

The housing production programs included in this section of the Housing Element are primarily directed to stimulating new housing construction at prices and rents affordable to those who cannot compete in the conventional marketplace. They are designed to address production needs created by population growth as well as to provide alternative housing choices to households experiencing the variety of current housing problems outlined in this element. Programs are summarized in Table 9-1 and further described in Section

9.2.1. Program Descriptions.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 351
Table 9-1 City of Taft Housing Programs Summary
Need
Served
Program
Description Quantitative Objective Funding Responsible Agency Timeframe
Program 1. Adequate Sites
Preserves
adequate sites 1.a. No Net Loss
No net loss of capacity below the unmet
RHNA requirement during the 2023-2031
planning period.

General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
ongoing, 2023-
2031; additional
sites made
available within
180 days of
approving a
development
Affordable and
moderateincome housing

1.b. Acquisition and
Development of
City Owned
Property
Encourage acquisition and development
of at least 93 lower income units and 452
moderate income units, for a total of 545
units in the Downtown Taft area.

General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
ongoing, 2023-
2031; update every
2 years
Moderateincome housing 1.c. Acquisition and
Development of
Federally Owned
Property
Encourage acquisition and development
of at least 365 moderate and 365 abovemoderate units, for a total of 730 units on these large lot properties.

General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
ongoing, 2023-
2031; hold first
meeting by Q1,
2026; if sites
become
unavailable,
identify additional
adequate sites
within 6 months

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 352
Program 2. Housing Rehabilitation and Code Enforcement
Preserves
affordable
housing stock

2.a. Housing
Rehabilitation
(Funding and
Assistance)
The City will encourage 2 rehabilitation
units per year from 2023-2031.

CDBG
HOME
Grant
Administration,
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
ongoing, 2023-
2031; Apply for
funding annually.

Preserves
affordable
housing stock

2.b. Housing
Rehabilitation
(Public
Information)
Housing information brochures shall be
updated regularly, with hard copies made
available to the public, in multiple
languages as needed, at City Hall and
shall be posted on the City website and
other social media sites.

CDBG
HOME
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
ongoing, 2023-
2031; Apply for
funding annually.

Safe and
healthy housing
conditions and
preserves
affordable
housing stock

2.c. Code
Enforcement
(Demolitions)
Encourage more rehabilitation and limit
demolitions of residential units to 2 per
year.

General Fund Code Enforcement
Division
Current and
ongoing, 2023-
2031.

Safe and
healthy housing
conditions and
preserves
affordable
housing stock

2.d. Code
Enforcement
(Information and
Monitoring)
Code enforcement information shall be
updated regularly, with hard copies made
available to the public, in multiple
languages as needed, at City Hall and
shall be posted on the City website and
other social media sites.

General Fund Code Enforcement
Division
Produce and post
handout/brochure
or content, Q1,
2026; monitor on a
regular basis,
2023-2031.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 353
Program 3. Support Homeownership Opportunities
Provide
affordable
housing for
low-income
families who
are first-time
home buyers or
displaced
homemakers
who can
qualify for a
first mortgage

3.a. First-Time
Home Buyer
Program (Funding
and Assistance)
The City will seek new funding to keep
the program active and assist at least two
(2) new homeowners each year. CDBG
HOME
Grant
Administration,
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Apply for funding
annually.

Provide
affordable
housing for
low-income
families who
are first-time
home buyers or
displaced
homemakers
who can
qualify for a
first mortgage

3.b. First-Time
Home Buyer
Program
(Education)
Facilitate at least three educational events
during the 2023-2031 planning period.

CDBG
HOME
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Establish
partnership, Q1,
2026; hold three
(3) events, 2023-
2031.

Moderateincome
housing

3.c. Market Rate
Entry Level Homes
(Pipeline Project)
Encourage pipeline project to build out
the remaining 348 homes by December
2031. General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
ongoing, 2023-
2031.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 354
Program 4. Rental Assistance and Tenant Protections
Low-Income
Households 4.a. Housing Choice
Vouchers
Encourage participation in the Housing
Choice Voucher program and expand the
number of Housing Choice Vouchers
available from 15 to 30.

General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
Ongoing,
2023-2031
Low-Income
Households

4.b. Rental
Assistance
(Education)
Facilitate at least three educational events
during the 2023-2031 planning period.

The State Small
Cities CDBG
Program and the
Home Investment
Partnership
Program (HOME)
and Program
Income from
HOME and CDBG
Revolving Loan
Fund are considered
as funding sources.

Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Establish
partnership, Q1,
2026; Hold three
(3) events, 2023-
2031
Low-Income
Senior
Households

4.c. Preserve
Affordable Units
Preserve the 60 affordable senior housing
units.

General Fund;
CDBG; HOME;
CalHFA; MultiFamily Housing
Program
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
ongoing,
2023-2031

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 355
Program 5. Removal of Constraints
Consistency
with state
housing law
and incentives
for low/mod
housing

5.a. Multi-Family
Rental Housing
Remove constraints to multi-family
housing types. General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025
Consistency
with state
housing law
and incentives
for Low/Mod
housing

5.b. Housing for
Agricultural
Employees
Remove constraints to agricultural
employee housing. General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025
Consistency
with state
housing law
and incentives
for special
needs

5.c. Emergency
Shelters
Remove constraints to emergency
shelters. General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025
Consistency
with state
housing law
and incentives
for special
needs

5.d. Low Barrier
Navigation Centers
Remove constraints to low barrier
navigation centers. General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 356
Consistency
with state
housing law
and incentives
for special
needs

5.e. Transitional
Housing
Remove constraints to transitional
housing. General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025
Consistency
with state
housing law
and incentives
for special
needs

5.f. Supportive
Housing
Remove constraints to supportive
housing. General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025
Consistency
with state
housing law
and incentives
for lowincome
households.

5.g. Single-Room
Occupancy Units
Remove constraints to single-room
occupancy units.

General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025
Consistency
with state
housing law
and incentives
for
low/moderateincome
households.

5.h. Manufactured
Housing
Remove constraints to manufactured
homes.

General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 357
Consistency
with state
housing law
and incentives
for
low/moderate
income
households

5.i. Mobile Homes Remove constraints to mobile homes. General Fund Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025
Housing
Construction

5.j. Unit Size
Requirements Remove constraints to housing. General Fund Planning and
Development
Servies
Department
Q4, 2025
Housing
construction 5.k. Setbacks Remove constraints to housing. General Fund Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025
Housing
construction

5.l. PostEntitlement Phase
Permits (AB 2234)
Increase transparency in development
application processes. General Fund
Planning and
Development
Service
Department
Q4, 2025
Special needs 5.m. Definition of
Family Remove constraints to housing. General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025
Special Needs 5.n. Residential
Care Facilities Remove constraints to housing. General Fund Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 358
Special Needs

5.o. Reasonable
Accommodation Remove constraints to housing. General Fund Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025
Special Needs 5.p. Water and
Sewer Priority Remove constraints to housing. General Fund Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025
Program 6. Accessory Dwelling Unit Strategy
Moderate and
Low-income
persons

6.a. ADU
Ordinance Remove constraints to ADUs. General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Submit to HCD;
Q4, 2024; amend
for compliance,
Q4, 2025
Moderate and
low-income
persons 6.b. ADU PreApproved Plans
Develop an ADU Pre-Approved Plans
program soliciting local architects and
engineers to create simple preapproved plans, of various square footages, for new ADUs that are
appropriate for the City’s varying lots
shapes, types, and access.

General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2024
Moderate and
low-income
persons

6.c. Promote and
Monitor ADU
Development
Promote the development of at least 5
ADUs per year. General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2024
Program 7. Fair Housing Services

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 359
Equal and fair
housing
opportunities

7.a. Fair Housing
(Assistance and
Support)
Maintain relationships with regional fair
housing services and the state and Federal
district offices.

CDBG
Grant
Administration,
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
ongoing,
2023-2031
Equal and fair
housing
opportunities

7.b. Fair Housing
(Information)
Maintain relationships with regional
fair housing services and the State and
Federal district offices and continue to
provide informational material to the
public. Continue to distribute
information on fair housing laws and
provide referrals to investigative or
enforcement agencies. Continue to
prepare information in English and
Spanish for distribution to the public
through libraries, senior centers, civic
center offices, etc. Ensure that all new
multifamily construction meets the
federal and state accessibility
requirements.

CDBG
Grant
Administration,
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
ongoing,
2023-2031
Program 8. Homelessness Prevention
Special Needs 8.a. Homeless
Services
Establish the appropriate role and/or level
of service as the need may arise. Organize
joint regular meetings (monthly,
quarterly, yearly, etc.) with
representatives of local service providers
to determine the current homeless
services need for Taft.

General Fund
Grant
Administration,
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
ongoing,
2023-2031

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 360
Program 9. Housing Production, Streamlining, and Incentives Provide decent,
safe, sanitary
housing, with
amenities, for
all income
levels of
working
families

9.a. Multi-Family
Housing Project
Promote an expedited review process and
objective design standards to encourage
the development of a multi-family housing
project(s) in the Downtown Taft Specific
Plan (DTSP) area and in R-3 and MU
zoned properties citywide for market rate
and affordable housing developments.

CDBG
HOME
LIHTC
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
ongoing, 2023-
2031
Affordable and
moderateincome housing9.b. In-Fill Housing
Promote 2 homes per year to be built on
the in-fill lots listed on the Adequate Sites
list. Allow homes to be built on
substandard lots that allow zero lot line
developments and developments on lots
less than 50 feet wide without requiring a
variance.

General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
ongoing, 2023-
2031
Low-income
households 9.c. Self-Help
Housing
Work with Habitat for Humanity to
develop one new self-help housing singlefamily dwelling per year on an in-fill site.

Work with Self Help Enterprises to
develop a low-income housing
development.

HOME
Private Sponsor
Donations
Volunteer Labor
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
ongoing, 2023-
2031
Low-income
senior
households 9.d. Senior Housing
Project
Complete construction of another 50+
senior affordable housing units by
December 2031.

Kern County
Housing Authority
LIHTC
Grant
Administration,
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
ongoing, 2023-
2031

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 361
Low-, very
low-, and
extremely lowincome
households

9.e. Funding for
New Low-Income
Housing
Development
Perform annual review of funding sources
and apply, as appropriate, with a goal of
at least three successfully funded
applications. Assist at least 50 units
during the 2023-2031 planning period.

General Fund
CDBG
HOME
HCD
Grant
Administration
Current and
ongoing, 2023-
2031
Low- and
moderateincome housing 9.f. Infrastructure
Assistance
Continue to monitor for new
redevelopment agency alternatives such
as Community Revitalization and
Investment Authority (CRIA) and
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing
Districts (EIFD) or others to establish
funding mechanisms for infrastructure
assistance for Downtown Taft and City
Center housing projects.

Tax Increment
Financing Revenues
City
Administration,
Finance
Department,
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
ongoing, 2023-
2031
Special Needs 9.g. Developmental
Disabilities
Explore models to encourage the
construction and rehabilitation of housing
for persons with developmental
disabilities and implement a partnership
program during 2023 to 2031 with
regional service agencies for
developmentally disabled persons.

General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Current and
ongoing, 2023-
2031
Housing
construction 9.h. SB 330 Expedite permit process for eligible multi-family housing. General Fund Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025
Housing
construction 9.i. SB 35 Expedite permit process for eligible multi-family housing. General Fund Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 362
Housing
Construction

9.j. Lot Splits and
Small Lot
Residential
Development (SB
9)
Remove constraints to housing. General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025
Housing
Construction

9.k. Multi-Family
on CommerciallyZoned Property
(AB 2011)
Expedite permit process for eligible
multi-family housing. General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025
Housing
Construction 9.l. Density Bonus Incentivize housing development. General Fund Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025
Lower-income
housing 9.m. Lower-Income
Opportunity Sites
Encourage development of affordable
housing. General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Q4, 2025
Consistency
with General
Plan and
Zoning
Ordinance

9.n. Consistency
with General Plan
Compliance with Government Code
65300.5.

General Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Annually, 2023-
2031

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 363

9.2.1 Program Descriptions
The following provides the detailed descriptions of the various programs that will be implemented during the next eight-year plan. Any reference to “affordable” housing is generally referring to low income, verylow income, and extremely low-income persons and households, unless otherwise specified as “market rate” which refers to moderate-income and above-moderate persons and households.

Program 1. Adequate Sites
Program 1.a. No Net Loss
The City will maintain its remaining unmet share of RHNA during the planning period pursuant to Government Code Section 65863 (No Net Loss Law). The City will commit to ensure sufficient residential capacity is maintained to accommodate the RHNA for each income category. To do so, the City will implement an ongoing, project-by-project evaluation procedure that tracks the number of units built on the RHNA sites to determine remaining site capacity and unmet needs. If a parcel identified in the sites inventory is approved to develop fewer housing units than allocated, the City shall:
• Find that the remaining sites inventory parcels have sufficient capacity to accommodate the remaining unmet RHNA by income level; or
• Identify and make available additional adequate sites within 180 days of approving the development; and
• Not disapprove of a housing project because it triggers the need for additional adequate sites.

No action can be taken to reduce the density or capacity of a site (e.g., downzone, moratorium), unless other additional adequate sites are identified prior to reducing site density or capacity or the City makes findings pursuant to Government Code Section 65863.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031; additional sites made available within 180 days of approving a development
Funding: General Fund
Objective: No net loss of capacity below the unmet RHNA requirement during the 2023-2031 planning period.

Need Served: Preserves adequate sites.
[Source: New Program]
Program 1.b. Acquisition and Development of City-Owned Property There are 20 sites in the Sites Inventory that are owned by the City of Taft. A majority (19) of these sites are within the Downtown Taft Specific Plan Area; one site is identified as an Infill Lot and has received interest from Habitat for Humanity. Every two (2) years, the City will review, evaluate, and update its inventory of City-owned land for housing development and re-publish the inventory on the City website.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 364
The City will use the inventory to actively recruit and partner with developers and apply to funding agencies to facilitate development of the sites with affordable and/or special needs housing, i.e., for assisted living and housing for seniors, veterans, the homeless, farmworkers, and affordable housing for families. The City will advertise the inventory on the City’s website and in regular communications with builders/developers. If the City has not made significant progress within the first four (4) years of the planning period, then the City will consider additional measures such as outreach and incentives.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031; update inventory every 2 years; monitor progress at least twice during planning period
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Encourage acquisition and development of at least 71 lower income units and 458 moderate income units, for a total of 529 units in the Downtown Taft area
Need Served: Affordable and moderate-income housing.
[Source: New Program]
Program 1.c. Acquisition and Development of Federally Owned Property The City will engage the Bureau of Land Management by Quarter 1 of 2026 and facilitate continued communication between the City, potential developers, and the federal government for the potential acquisition and development of federally owned lands within city limits, including three (3) sites identified as APNs 032-220-56-00-0, 032-220-59-00-9, and 032-220-61-00-4. If acquisition is determined to be potentially feasible, the City will actively recruit developers. The City will advertise the inventory on the City’s website and in regular communications with builders/developers.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031; hold first meeting by Q1, 2026; if sites become unavailable, identify additional adequate sites within 6 months Funding: General Fund
Objective: Encourage acquisition and development of 365 above-moderate units on federally owned properties
Need Served: Above-moderate income housing
[Source: New Program]
Program 1.d. Acquisition and Development of Large Lot Properties To assist with the acquisition and development of Large Lot Properties identified in the Sites Inventory for housing, the City will facilitate land divisions (i.e., parcel and tract maps, lot line adjustments, etc.) resulting in appropriately sized parcels that encourage affordable housing. The City will do so by working

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 365
with the property owners of large sites and developers (market rate and affordable) to target and market these sites. The City will offer incentives including but not limited to streamlined or expedited approval, ministerial review of lot line adjustments, deferral or waiver of map fees, and modification of development requirements when projects propose at least 20% affordable housing. At least twice in the planning period, the City will monitor the acquisition and development of large sites and assess overall progress. If the City has not made significant progress within the first four (4) years of the planning period, then the City will consider additional incentives and outreach.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Ongoing, 2023-2031; monitor twice during planning period Funding: General Fund
Objective: Encourage acquisition and development of at least 263 lower, 761 moderate and 2,573 above-moderate units, for a total of 3,597 units on these large lot properties
Need Served: Lower-, moderate-, and above-moderate income housing. [Source: New Program]
Program 1.e. Acquisition and Development of Non-Vacant Sites To assist with the acquisition and development of the four (4) non-vacant sites identified in the Sites Inventory, the City will send notices to property owners of these sites at least twice during the planning period to offer to meet and discuss development options for their property. If a property owner indicates interest in selling and/or developing the property for housing, the City will assist with identifying potential developers, streamlining opportunities, such as ministerial review, and other incentives to encourage development of these properties. If the City has not made significant progress within the first four (4) years of the planning period, then the City will consider additional incentives and outreach.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Ongoing, 2023-2031; send notices at least twice in planning period Funding: General Fund
Objective: Encourage acquisition and development of at least 2 lower and 20 moderate units, for a total of 22 units on these non-vacant sites Need Served: Affordable and moderate-income housing.
[Source: New Program]
Program 2. Housing Rehabilitation and Code Enforcement
Program 2.a. Housing Rehabilitation (Funding and Assistance)

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 366
The Housing Conditions survey, Census data, and community input shows a need for home improvements in the older neighborhoods of the City (i.e., Central Taft). To address the needs that fall into the categories of moderate and substantial need for repair, a rehabilitation program is in place. Considering the age of this housing and the extreme temperatures in Taft, a weatherization component is included.

This continued rehabilitation program is aimed at assisting the low and very low-income groups, both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied housing. The program also refers to local financial institutions that offer home improvement loans. The City's funds, Program Income from CDBG and HOME grants, are used to reduce the market interest rate on such loans and to fund the management of the program. The City will continue to apply for these grant funds to continue the program.

Responsibility: Grant Administration, Planning and Development Services Department.

Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031; Apply for funding annually.

Funding: State small Cities CDBG Program, Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and Program Income and Revolving Loan Fund from HOME and CDBG, considered as funding sources in continuing the program.

Objective: The City will encourage 2 low-income rehabilitation units per year from 2023-2031.

Need Served: Preserves affordable housing stock.
[Source: Existing Program 1, carried over and revised]
Program 2.b. Housing Rehabilitation (Public Information) Many of the housing units in older neighborhoods in the central part of the City, need general maintenance and repair. In this regard, the City has established a communications program to encourage property and housing maintenance. This program should emphasize the values of a well-maintained home and offer guidance to typical home maintenance efforts. This program should also provide information regarding assistance that is available to the public. The Planning and Development Services Department shall become an information resource for the community.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031; Apply for funding annually.

Funding: State CDBG & HOME funds associated with a rehabilitation program.

Objective: Housing information brochures shall be updated regularly, with hard copies made available to the public, in multiple languages as needed, at City Hall and shall be posted on the City website and other social media sites.

Need Served: Preserves affordable housing stock.
[Source: Existing Program 2, carried over and revised]

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 367
Program 2.c. Code Enforcement (Demolitions)
Continue to encourage more rehabilitation of dilapidated housing; Limit demolitions to a maximum of two units a year.

Responsibility: Code Enforcement Division
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031.

Funding: General Fund
Objective: Encourage more rehabilitation and limit demolitions of residential units to 2 per year.

Need Served: Safe and healthy housing conditions and preserves affordable housing stock.
[Source: Existing Program 8, carried over and revised]
Program 2.d. Code Enforcement (Information and Monitoring) Create a handout/brochure or content for the Code Enforcement Division that defines substandard housing, identifies how tenants/renters can report substandard housing violations, and details the type of information to include in the complaint. At a minimum, information will be provided in English and Spanish, and complaints can be filed by phone, in person, or writing. The City will track and monitor reports of substandard housing violations to be able to target rehabilitation programs.

Responsibility: Code Enforcement Division
Timeframe: Produce and post handout/brochure or content, Q1, 2026; monitor on an regular basis, 2023-2031.

Funding: General Fund
Objective: Code enforcement information shall be updated regularly, with hard copies made available to the public, in multiple languages as needed, at City Hall and shall be posted on the City website and other social media sites.

Need Served: Safe and healthy housing conditions and preserves affordable housing stock.
[Source: New Program]
Program 3. Support Homeownership Opportunities
Program 3.a. First-Time Home Buyer Program (Funding and Assistance) The City's FTHB Program allows for a percentage of the purchase price to be used for the down payment and closing cost assistance or to buy down the interest rate or buy down the loan amount, if applicant is unable to qualify for the first mortgage loan. In conjunction with CalHFA, in some instances, both closing costs and down payment can be funded through a deferred loan or grant.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 368
The City will record a second deed of trust against the property, which must remain affordable for a minimum term of twenty years, based on the amount of funds borrowed. The loan payments may be 100% deferred, fully amortized or 50% deferred, 50% amortized, based on the borrower’s debt ratio. Any amortized loan is at a 3% interest rate.

This Program can be used in conjunction with the Housing Rehabilitation Programs to preserve affordable housing stock in the older sections of town. Rehabilitation can only be done in the central part of the City, whereas FTHB can be city-wide.

Responsibility: Grant Administration, Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Apply for funding annually.

Funding: The State Small Cities CDBG Program and the Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Program Income from HOME and CDBG Revolving Loan Fund are considered as funding sources in continuing the program.

Objective: The City will seek new funding to keep the program active and assist at least two (2) new homeowners each year.

Need Served: Provide affordable housing for low-income families who are first-time home buyers or displaced homemakers who can qualify for a first mortgage. [Source: Existing Program 3, carried over and revised]
Program 3.b. First-Time Home Buyer Program (Education)
Partner with community based and nonprofit organizations to provide homeownership education and assistance programs for lower income households, to increase awareness of and access to housing resources and financial planning services. The City will advertise the availability of loans for homeownership through the City’s website and referrals.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Establish partnership, Q1, 2026; hold three (3) events, 2023-2031.

Funding: The State Small Cities CDBG Program and the Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Program Income from HOME and CDBG Revolving Loan Fund are considered as funding sources.

Objective: Facilitate at least three educational events during the 2023-2031 planning period.

Need Served: Provide affordable housing for low-income families who are first-time home buyers or displaced homemakers who can qualify for a first mortgage. [Source: New Program]

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 369
Program 3.c. Market Rate Entry Level Homes (Pipeline Project) To facilitate the development of the identified Pipeline Project, the City will coordinate with the property owner to expedite and streamline approvals of remaining entitlements and monitor progress toward completion within the planning period. Specifically, the City will maintain regular communication with the property owner and provide updates on the status of the projects in reports to the City Council. If it is determined that the status of an identified Pipeline Project is “on hold” for a period beyond the planning period, the City will identify additional capacity within six (6) months, if needed.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031.

Funding: General Fund
Objective: Encourage pipeline project to build out the remaining 346 homes by December 2031. Homes are expected to be above-moderate.

Need Served: Moderate-income housing.
[Source: Existing Program 16, carried over and revised] Program 4. Rental Assistance and Tenant Protections
Program 4.a. Housing Choice Vouchers
The City will work with the Housing Authority to promote and encourage qualifying households to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program. The City will also promote and encourage projectbased participation to developers and property managers when new residential development is proposed.

Promotion will occur through the City’s website, brochures, newsletters, and referrals.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031.

Funding: General Fund
Objective: Encourage participation in the Housing Choice Voucher program and expand the number of Housing Choice Vouchers available from 15 to 30.

Need Served: Low-income households.
[Source: New Program]
Program 4.b. Rental Assistance (Education)
Partner with community based and nonprofit organizations to provide tenant/owner education and assistance programs for lower income households, to increase awareness of and access to housing resources and legal services. The City will advertise through the City’s website and social media.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 370
Timeframe: Establish partnership, Q1, 2026; hold three (3) events, 2023-2031.

Funding: The State Small Cities CDBG Program and the Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Program Income from HOME and CDBG Revolving Loan Fund are considered as funding sources.

Objective: Facilitate at least three educational events during the 2023-2031 planning period.

Need Served: Low-income households.
[Source: New Program]
Program 4.c. Preserve Affordable Units
There are currently no affordable units at risk of converting to market rate. However, if in the future units become at risk, the City will coordinate a meeting with the owner (or owner’s representative) to discuss the owner’s intentions and future for the property. If the owner intends to convert or sell the property, the City will seek to facilitate nonprofit acquisition of the property to preserve the affordable units.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031.

Funding: General Fund; CDBG, HOME, CalHFA, Multi-Family Housing Program Objective: Preserve the 60 affordable senior housing units Need Served: Low-income senior households.
[Source: New Program]
Program 5. Removal of Constraints
Program 5.a. Multi-Family Rental Housing
Amend the Zoning Ordinance and Downtown Taft Specific Plan to:
• Define “two-unit dwellings.”
• Modify the definition of “multi-family dwellings” to “a legal parcel containing three (3) or more dwelling units, either attached or detached” to not cause confusion with two-unit dwellings, such as a duplex.
• Allow two- to four-unit dwellings in the MU zone district as a use by right. • Allow small multi-family dwellings (triplexes and fourplexes) as a use by right in the R-2 and R3 zone districts as allowed within the permitted densities, and large multi-family dwellings (five or more units) subject to a site plan review.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 371
• Remove the conditional use permit requirement for multi-family dwellings in the MU zone district and allow small multi-family dwellings (triplexes and fourplexes) as a use by right, and large multifamily dwellings (five or more units) subject to a site plan review. • Allow two-unit dwellings within the Downtown Taft Specific Plan Area, specifically in the MDR, DC-MU, DT-MU, and LW-MU zone districts, as a use by right.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Remove constraints to multi-family housing types.

Need Served: Consistency with state housing law and incentives for Low/Mod housing. [Source: New program]
Program 5.b. Housing for Agricultural Employees
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to:
• Define Employee Housing pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 17008 (Employee Housing), 17021.5 (“Small” Employee Housing), 17021.6 (“Large” Employee Housing). • Allow Employee Housing (Small) as a single-family structure with a residential land use designation in the same zones and of the same permit requirements of a family dwelling of the same type in the same zone (i.e., RS, R-1, R-2, R-3 zone districts). • Allow Employee Housing (Large) as agricultural land use in the same zones and of the same permit requirements of any other agricultural activity in the same zone (i.e., A zone district). • Add new section to Specific Use Development Standards, “Agricultural Employee Housing,” that describes the requirements and process for streamlined ministerial approval pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17021.8.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Remove constraints to agricultural employee housing.

Need Served: Consistency with state housing law and incentives for Low/Mod housing. [Source: New program]
Program 5.c. Emergency Shelters
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to modify the definition of Emergency Shelters to include other interim interventions, including but not limited to, a navigation center, bridge housing, and respite or recuperative

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 372
care (Government Code Section 65583). Amend the Zoning Ordinance to modify the parking requirements for emergency shelters to only require sufficient parking to accommodate all staff working in the shelter, provided that the standards do not require more parking than other residential or commercial uses within the same zone (Government Code Section 65583).

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Remove constraints to emergency shelters.

Need Served: Consistency with state housing law and incentives for special needs. [Source: New program]
Program 5.d. Low Barrier Navigation Centers
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to:
• Define Low Barrier Navigation Center (Government Code Section 65660). • Allow Low Barrier Navigation Center as a use by right in areas zoned for mixed use and nonresidential zones permitting multi-family uses, if it meets the requirements of State Law (Government Code Section 65662).
• Add new section to Specific Use Development Standards, “Low Barrier Navigation Centers,” that describes the requirements and process for streamlined ministerial approval pursuant to Government Code Section 65662.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Remove constraints to low barrier navigation centers.

Need Served: Consistency with state housing law and incentives for special needs. [Source: New program]
Program 5.e. Transitional Housing
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to:
• Modify the definition of Transitional Housing to replace reference to Government Code Section 50675.2(h) with Government Code Section 65582.
• Identify parking requirements for Transitional Housing.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 373
Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Remove constraints to transitional housing.

Need Served: Consistency with state housing law and incentives for special needs. [Source: New program]
Program 5.f. Supportive Housing
Amend the Zoning Ordinance and Downtown Taft Specific Plan to:
• Modify the definition of Supportive Housing to replace reference to Government Code Section 50674.14(b) with Government Code Section 65582.
• Allow Supportive Housing as a use by right in zones where multi-family and mixed uses are permitted, including non-residential zones permitting multi-family uses, if it meets the requirements of State Law (Government Code Section 65651), subject only to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone (Government Code Section 65582).
• Add new section to Specific Use Development Standards, “Supportive Housing,” that describes the requirements and process for streamlined ministerial approval pursuant to Government Code Section 65651.
• Identify parking requirements for Supportive Housing, with no minimum parking requirements imposed for units occupied by supportive housing residents when located within one-half mile of public transit (Government Code Section 65654).

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Remove constraints to supportive housing.

Need Served: Consistency with state housing law and incentives for special needs. [Source: New program]
Program 5.g. Single-Room Occupancy Units
Amend the Zoning Ordinance and Downtown Taft Specific Plan to:
• Define Single Room Occupancy Units (e.g., Single Room Occupancy means a facility providing six (6) or more dwelling units where each unit has a minimum floor area of one hundred fifty (150) square feet and a maximum floor area of four hundred (400) square feet. These dwelling units may have kitchen or bathroom facilities and shall be offered on a monthly basis or longer.)

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 374
• Allow SROs in at least one zone district (Government Code Section 65583). • Add new section to Specific Use Development Standards, “Single Room Occupancy Units,” that describes objective development standards specific to SRO units.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Remove constraints to single-room occupancy units.

Need Served: Consistency with state housing law and incentives for low-income households.
[Source: New program]
Program 5.h. Manufactured Housing
Amend the Zoning Ordinance and Downtown Taft Specific Plan to:
• Modify the definition of Manufactured Home (and thereby, Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision) to match and/or reference Health and Safety Code Section 18007. • Allow Manufactured Homes on lots zoned for conventional single-family residential dwellings to be permitted in the same manner as conventional single-family dwellings would be permitted on the same lot.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Remove constraints to manufactured homes.

Need Served: Consistency with state housing law and incentives for low/moderateincome households. [Source: New program]
Program 5.i. Mobile Homes
Amend the Zoning Ordinance and Downtown Taft Specific Plan to:
• Modify the definition of Mobile Home (and thereby, Mobile Home Park) to match and/or reference Health and Safety Code Section 18008.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 375
Objective: Remove constraints to mobile homes.

Need Served: Consistency with state housing law and incentives for low/moderateincome households. [Source: New program]
Program 5.j. Unit Size Requirements
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to reduce or remove unit size requirements.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Remove constraints to housing.

Need Served: Housing construction.
[Source: New program]
Program 5.k. Setbacks
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to:
• Reduce front yard setback requirements in single-family districts to increase buildable area on smaller lots.
• Replace subjective language in the additional setback standards related to greater setbacks, patios, and parking and vehicular access.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Remove constraints to housing.

Need Served: Housing construction.
[Source: New program]
Program 5.l. Post-Entitlement Phase Permits (AB 2234)
Implement provisions of AB 2234 which requires local agencies to compile one or more lists that specify the information that will be required from any applicant for a post-entitlement phase permit. In accordance with AB 2234, the City will post an example of a complete, approved application and an example of a complete set of post-entitlement phase permits for at least five (5) types of housing development projects in the jurisdiction, including but not limited to, ADU, duplex, multifamily, mixed use, and townhome.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 376
The City will also set time limits to deem post-entitlement applications complete and approve or deny post-entitlement applications in accordance with the law.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Increase transparency in development application processes.

Need Served: Housing construction.
[Source: New program]
Program 5.m. Definition of Family
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to revise “Family” to not distinguish between related and unrelated persons or impose numerical limitations on the number of persons that may constitute a family. The revised definition will comply with Fair Housing Law.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Remove constraints to housing.

Need Served: Special needs.
[Source: New program]
Program 5.n. Residential Care Facilities
Amend the Zoning Ordinance and Downtown Taft Specific Plan to:
• Define Residential Facility and Group Home (Health and Safety Code Section 1502). • Define Board and Care Facility, Residential Care Facilities (Per State Law), Residential Facilities, and Senior Congregate Care, and modify Zoning Ordinance to remove inconsistencies in definitions and use tables and to ensure compliance with State Law. • Allow Residential Facilities and Group Homes serving six (6) or fewer persons as a residential use and subject to the same permit required of a family dwelling or the same type and in the same zone (Health and Safety Code Section 1566.3).
• Include a provision for Residential Facilities and Group Homes serving seven (7) or more persons, specifically for persons with disabilities, in all zones where residential uses are permitted, subject only to requirements similar to other residential uses of the same type in the same zone.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 377
Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Remove constraints to housing.

Need Served: Special needs.
[Source: New program]
Program 5.o. Reasonable Accommodation
The City will amend the Zoning Ordinance to ensure the Reasonable Accommodation review procedures and findings are objective and remove subjective language (i.e., the potential impact on surrounding uses).

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Remove constraints to housing.

Need Served: Special needs.
[Source: New program]
Program 5.p. Water and Sewer Priority
The City will continue to work with water and sewer service providers and will establish specific written procedures to grant priority sewer service to developments with units affordable to lower-income households pursuant to Government Code Section 65589.7. In addition, the City will provide a copy of the final Housing Element to sewer and water providers, within 30 days of adoption.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Remove constraints to housing.

Need Served: Special needs.
[Source: New program]
Program 6. Accessory Dwelling Unit Strategy
Program 6.a. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance
The City will submit its ADU Ordinance to HCD to complete a comprehensive review. Once HCD provides a response, the City will provide a detailed list of corrected actions to bring the ADU ordinance into compliance with State Law.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 378
Timeframe: Submit to HCD, Q4, 2024; amend for compliance, Q4, 2025 Funding: General Fund
Objective: Remove constraints to ADUs.

Need Served: Moderate and low-income persons.
[Source: New program]
Program 6.b. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Pre-Approved Plans Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are an affordable means to provide more residential units for rent in the City. Many cities across the state have implemented a strategy in creating pre-approved construction plans for ADUs. The pre-approved plans provide an expedited process for residents by providing the upfront costs for purchasing plans and acquiring permits.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2024
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Develop an ADU Pre-Approved Plans program soliciting local architects and engineers to create simple pre-approved plans, of various square footages, for new ADUs that are appropriate for the City’s varying lots shapes, types, and access.

Need Served: Moderate and low-income persons.
[Source: New program]
Program 6.c. Promote and Monitor Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Development The City has just begun to see residents and property owners start to develop ADUs of their own design with new single-family residential construction and as additions to existing homes. With the addition of the ADU pre-approved plans program outlined above, the City looks to promote the development of more ADU through creation of an ADU section on the City’s website, with ADU development standards and information on the pre-approved ADU plans. At least twice in the planning period, the City will monitor the production and affordability of ADUs and assess overall progress toward reaching 30 ADUs. If the City has not made significant progress (i.e., less than 50% of target met) within the first four (4) years of the planning period, then the City will undertake appropriate action within six (6) months including additional outreach and incentives (e.g., additional pre-approved plans, reduced permitting fees, etc.).

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2024 begin promotion and monitoring; Q4, 2028, track production, affordability and progress and identify appropriate actions as needed; Q2, 2029, implement actions

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 379
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Promote the development of at least 5 ADUs per year for a total of 30 ADUs in the planning period. Of the 30 ADUs, the City expects 21 for lowerincome, 6 for moderate income, and 3 for above moderate income.

Need Served: Moderate and low-income persons.
[Source: New program]
Program 7. Fair Housing Services
Program 7.a. Fair Housing (Assistance and Support)
Housing discrimination is illegal in California, and cities are expected to assist in the effort to enforce this law. This program proposes that the City disseminate information on fair housing and refer fair housing complaints to the district office of the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

Responsibility: Grant Administration, Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031
Funding: CDBG
Objective: Maintain relationships with regional fair housing services and the State and Federal district offices.

Need Served: Equal and fair housing opportunities.
[Source: Existing Program 9, carried over and revised]
Program 7.b. Fair Housing (Information)
Housing discrimination is illegal in California and cities are expected to assist in the effort to enforce this law. This program proposes that the City disseminate information on fair housing and refer fair housing complaints to the district office of the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. The City provides the public a booklet entitled, “Fair Housing: It’s Your Right,” prepared by the Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The booklet contains a Housing discrimination complaint form for use by aggrieved parties.

Responsibility: Grant Administration, Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031
Funding: CDBG
Objective: Maintain relationships with regional fair housing services and the State and Federal district offices and continue to provide informational material to the public. Continue to distribute information on fair housing laws and provide referrals to investigative or enforcement agencies. Continue to prepare information in English and Spanish for distribution to the public through

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 380
libraries, senior centers, civic center offices, etc. Ensure that all new multifamily construction meets the federal and state accessibility requirements.

Need Served: Equal and fair housing opportunities.
[Source: Existing Program 10, carried over and revised] Program 8. Homelessness Prevention
Program 8.a. Coordination with Agencies Providing Homeless Services The City is currently served by a group of service providers, the NEEDS Center, Kern County Human Services, and ALPHA House, who have the ability to serve the current demand for emergency support and shelters. These organizations do operate on limited resources and when local levels of unemployment increase, the added demand for their services can stretch these resources to their limits.

This program effort constitutes a process of the City becoming involved with these service providers to both understand the full scope of their efforts and to determine if the City has resources that can assist in this area of public service. While complete review is warranted there appears to be a need in transportation services to and from Bakersfield.

By the first quarter of 2026, the City will meet with the service providers to establish the appropriate role and/or level of service for the City. At least annually, the City will correspond with the service providers to discuss the current homeless services need for the city. Depending on the need and opportunities available, the City will convene a joint meeting with the service providers at least twice during the planning period to identify and implement programs for those experiencing homelessness.

Responsibility: Grant Administration, Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Q1, 2026, establish the appropriate role and/or level of service as the need may arise. At least twice in the planning period, organize joint regular meetings (monthly, quarterly, yearly, etc.) with representatives of local service providers to determine the current homeless services need for Taft. [Source: Existing Program 12, carried over and revised] Program 9. Housing Production, Streamlining, and Incentives Program 9.a. Multi-Family Housing Project
In 2011, the City’s Planning Commission approved a 40-unit multi-family residential affordable lowincome family housing project with a mix of 2- and 3-bedroom units, located in the Downtown Taft Specific Plan area. However, the developer never acted upon the approved entitlement, which expired a

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 381
year later. There have been no other applications for multi-family residential or low-income housing projects since that approval.

The City will work with new developers, for this site and others, for a simple process to approve a new and updated project. Such a project would introduce new residents to the Rails to Trails redevelopment area, and nearby Downtown Taft.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031
Funding: The State Small Cities CDBG Program, the Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).

Objective: Promote an expedited review process and objective design standards to encourage the development of a multi-family housing project(s) in the Downtown Taft Specific Plan (DTSP) area and in R-3 and MU zoned properties citywide for market rate and affordable housing developments.

Need Served: Provide decent, safe, sanitary housing, with amenities, for all income levels of working families.
[Source: Existing Program 5, carried over and revised]
Program 9.b. In-Fill Housing
Older housing units in the downtown section have burned or been abated as substandard leaving many vacant lots within the central part of the City. The City has identified 99 properties that provide ideal locations for in-fill development.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Promote 2 homes per year to be built on the in-fill lots listed on the Adequate Sites list. Allow homes to be built on substandard lots that allow zero lot line developments and developments on lots less than 50 feet wide without requiring a variance.

Need Served: Affordable and moderate-income housing.
[Source: Existing Program 17, carried over and revised] Program 9.c. Self-Help Housing
Traditionally, this program is managed by Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit housing agency. Habitat assists low-income persons to gain the pride of home ownership with financing, materials, and labor arranged with other contributions provided the City, volunteer labor, and applicant sweat equity. Self

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 382
Help Enterprises has a home location in the County and develops low-income housing throughout the region. The City will work with Self Help to find an adequate site for a larger housing development.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031
Funding: HOME Program Income, Private Sponsor Donations, Volunteer Labor Objective: Work with Habitat for Humanity to develop one new self-help housing single-family dwelling per year on an in-fill site. Work with Self Help Enterprises to develop a low-income housing development.

Need Served: Low-income households.
[Source: Existing Program 18, carried over and revised] Program 9.d. Senior Housing Project
The City developed a 61-unit senior citizen project, located at 8th Street and North Street, using CDBG, HOME, and LIHTCs in 1998. Based on the facility continuously at full occupancy and the results of the 2007 Senior Assisted Living Housing Study, conducted by The Planning Institute, development of another assisted living and/or skilled nursing facility is still needed.

Responsibility: Grant Administration, Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031
Funding: Kern County Housing Authority; Low Income Housing Tax Credit Objective: Complete construction of another 50+ senior affordable housing units by December 2031.

Need Served: Low-income senior households.
[Source: Existing Program 11, carried over and revised] Program 9.e. Funding for New Low-Income Housing Developments In order for the City to continue to assist in the development of housing for low, very-low, and extremelylow income households, including housing for seniors, persons with disabilities, large households, and farmworkers, the City will 1) perform an annual review of funding sources, including CDBG, HOME, HCD Funding Programs, 2) annually promote acquisition of adequate sites through correspondence and meetings, 3) apply, as appropriate, to seek such funds for new housing development and/or rehabilitation on an annual basis, 4) resources permitting, will assist developers of housing affordable to lower and moderate income housing in their applications for state and federal financial resource, and 5) offer incentives such as expedited priority processing and relief from development standards.

Responsibility: Grant Administration
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 383
Funding: General Fund, CDBG, HOME, and HCD.

Objective: Perform annual review of funding sources and apply, annually and as appropriate, with a goal of at least three successfully funded applications.

Assist at least 50 units during the 2023-2031 planning period.

Need Served: Low-, very low-, and extremely low- income households. [Source: Existing Program 15, carried over and revised] Program 9.f. Infrastructure Assistance
In 2012, Assembly Bill No. 26 (AB 26) dissolved redevelopment agencies, including Taft’s Community Development Agency, which were a revenue source for cities to provide infrastructure assistance. In 2014, the governor signed Senate Bill No. 628 establishing Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFDs) to help fund economic development projects, including housing development. On September 22, 2015, the governor signed Assembly Bill No. 2 (AB 2), which allows the formation of Community Revitalization and Investment Authorities that were intended to function similar to the prior redevelopment agencies. With limited adoption of either program across the state, the City has chosen to carefully analyze which program will work best locally. The City will continue to review available tax increment financing (TIF) options to provide revenues to repair deteriorated or inadequate infrastructure, promote affordable housing, and improve conditions leading to increased employment opportunities.

Responsibility: City Administration, Finance Department, Planning and Development Services Department
Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031
Funding: Tax Increment Financing Revenues
Objective: Continue to monitor for new redevelopment agency alternatives such as Community Revitalization and Investment Authority (CRIA) and Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFD) or others to establish funding mechanisms for infrastructure assistance for Downtown Taft and City Center housing projects.

Need Served: Low- and moderate-income housing.
[Source: Existing Program 14, carried over and revised] Program 9.g. Developmental Disabilities
The City of Taft has approximately 1,582 people living with a disability. Approximately 200 of those people are living with a developmental disability. People in Taft with developmental disabilities may utilize the services provided by the Kern Regional Center and the Transition to Independent Living (TIL) Program at Taft College. However, the City should do its part to minimize constraints for housing for developmentally disabled people. Therefore, the City will partner with Kern Regional Center, TIL, Independent Living Center of Kern County, ARC, and Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire to encourage

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 384
the construction and rehabilitation of housing for persons with disabilities. The City will also require all ground floor units of affordable housing projects to be built with 100% accessibility interior design standards (all doors, hallways, kitchens, and restrooms), whether the units end up being rented or sold to disabled individuals.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Current and ongoing, 2023-2031
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Explore models to encourage the construction and rehabilitation of housing for persons with developmental disabilities and implement a partnership program during 2023 to 2031 with regional service agencies for developmentally disabled persons.

Need Served: Special needs.
[Source: Existing Program 19, carried over and revised] Program 9.h. Preliminary Application for Development (SB 330) Establish and implement an expedited permit process for qualified housing development projects that utilize the Preliminary Application process pursuant to SB 330 to encourage housing production.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Expedite permit process for eligible multi-family housing.

Need Served: Housing construction.
[Source: New program]
Program 9.i. Streamlining Ministerial Approval (SB 35)
Establish and implement an expedited permit process, with updated objective design standards,for qualified housing development projects pursuant to SB 35 to encourage housing production.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Expedite permit process for eligible multi-family housing.

Need Served: Housing construction.
[Source: New program]

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 385
Program 9.j. Lot Splits and Small Lot Residential Development (SB 9) Amend the Zoning Ordinance and add provisions pursuant to SB 9.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Remove constraints to housing.

Need Served: Housing construction.
[Source: New program]
Program 9.k. Multi-Family on Commercially-Zoned Property (AB 2011) Establish and implement an expedited permit process for qualified housing development projects pursuant to AB 2011 to encourage housing production in underutilized commercial zone districts.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Expedite permit process for eligible multi-family housing.

Need Served: Housing construction.
[Source: New program]
Program 9.l. Density Bonus Provisions and Development Incentives Conduct a review of the Zoning Ordinance related to Density Bonus and make modifications to comply with State Law (including parking requirements).

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Incentivize housing development.

Need Served: Housing construction.
[Source: New program]
Program 9.m. Lower-income Opportunity Sites
The City will revise the Zoning Ordinance to allow residential developments by-right, without discretionary action, where at least 20% of the units are affordable to lower-income households, on sites identified in prior planning periods pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2, subdivision (c). These sites are concentrated in the Downtown Taft Specific Plan Area.

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 386
Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Q4, 2025
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Encourage development of affordable housing.

Need Served: Lower-income housing.
[Source: New program]
Program 9.n. Consistency with General Plan
The City will annually evaluate the Housing Element, General Plan, and Zoning Ordinance to identify and correct inconsistencies between the documents.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Annually, 2023-2031
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Compliance with Government Code 65300.5
Need Served: Consistency with General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. [Source: New program]
Program 9.o. Farmworker Housing
The City will make an annual effort to assist in the development of housing for farmworkers, as well as conserve and improve existing farmworker housing. The effort will include maintaining contact with affordable housing developers about development opportunities, coordinating and participating in funding applications for housing development and housing rehabilitation programs, and offering incentives to encourage housing for farmworkers including streamlined entitlements.

Responsibility: Planning and Development Services Department Timeframe: Annually, 2023-2031
Funding: General Fund
Objective: Encourage development of farmworker housing.

Need Served: Farmworkers.
[Source: New program]

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 387
10 QUANTIFIED OBJECTIVES (BY INCOME GROUPS)
Beginning January 1, 1992, Housing Elements were required to establish quantified objectives for the maximum number of housing units by income category that can be constructed, rehabilitated, and conserved over a five or eight-year time period. The objectives established below include all City planned housing activity, including private above moderate-income projects, and all housing activity resulting from the City’s efforts.

Table 10-1 8-Year Quantified Objectives ––2023 through 2031 Extremely
Low Income
Very Low
Income
Low Income
Moderate
Income
Above
Moderate
Income
Total
RHNA 34 34 43 109 284 538
New
Construction 84 84 168 1,286 2,603 4,225
Rehabilitated
Units 0 1 1 0 0 2
ADUs 3 7 11 6 3 30
Preservation
of Affordable
Units
0 30 30
0 0 60

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 388
11 APPENDIX A: COMMUNITY SURVEY

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 389
12 APPENDIX B: COMMUNITY WORKSHOP

6.0 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT

CITY OF TAFT GENERAL PLAN
HCD REVIEW DRAFT #1 (SEPTEMBER 2024) 6.0 - 390
13 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC COMMENTS
City of Taft 2023-2031 Housing Element Community Survey The City of Taft is in the process of updating the Housing Element of the General Plan for the 2023-2031 planning period as required by State law. The Housing Element establishes policies and programs to address Taft’s existing and projected housing needs, including the City’s “fair share” of the regional housing need (or “RHNA”) for Kern County.

If you are a Taft resident, please complete the following short survey to provide us with your input. Please submit the survey to Taft City Hall per the information at the bottom of the form.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT Mark Staples, Director 209 E. Kern Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 763-1222 [email protected]

1. What best describes you? (select one)
a. I am a resident of the City of Taft.
b. I am a resident of the County neighborhoods (Ford City, South Taft, Taft Heights).
c. Other (please describe):__________________________

2. Do you currently own or rent your home? (select one) a. Own.
b. Rent.
c. Other (please describe):__________________________

3. Select the housing type that best describes your current home:
(select one)
a. Single Family House.
b. Condo/Townhome.
c. Duplex (2-unit) / Triplex (3-unit) / Fourplex (4-unit). d. Apartment Building (5+ units).
e. Multifamily Home (triplex/apartment/condominium).
f. Secondary Unit (accessory dwelling unit, guest house) g. Mobile Home or Manufactured Home.
h. I do not currently have a permanent home.
i. Other (please describe):__________________________

4. Which best describes your living arrangement? (select one) a. Single, living alone.
b. Single with children under 18 living at home.
c. Single, living with roommates.
d. Couple, no children.
e. Couple with children under 18 living at home.
f. Couple, living with roommates.
g. Multiple families living together, or family with
roommates.
h. Multiple generations living together (children, parents, grandparents, etc.).
i. Other (please describe):___________________________

5. How would you rate the physical condition of the home you live in? (select one)
a. Excellent condition, no maintenance or rehabilitation improvements are needed.
b. Very good condition, shows signs of minor deferred
maintenance (i.e., peeling paint, chipped stucco, etc.) but no rehabilitation improvements are needed.
c. Fair condition, needs one or more modest rehabilitation improvements (i.e., new roof, new stucco, new wood
siding, etc.).
d. Poor condition, needs one or more major upgrades (i.e., new foundation, new plumbing, new electrical, etc.).

6. How would you rate the physical condition of the home you live in? (select one)
a. Excellent condition, no maintenance or rehabilitation improvements are needed.
b. Very good condition, shows signs of minor deferred
maintenance (i.e., peeling paint, chipped stucco, etc.) but no rehabilitation improvements are needed.
c. Fair condition, needs one or more modest rehabilitation improvements (i.e., new roof, new stucco, new wood
siding, etc.).
d. Poor condition, needs one or more major upgrades (i.e., new foundation, new plumbing, new electrical, etc.).

7. What type of housing do you think is most needed in the City of Taft? (select all that apply)
a. Accessory dwelling units
b. Affordable Housing for Families
c. Affordable Housing for Seniors
d. Affordable Housing for Veterans
e. Agricultural/Farmworker Housing
f. Assisted Living Facilities
g. Condominiums (multifamily ownership homes)
h. Duplexes
i. Efficiency homes and studio apartments
j. Emergency Shelters, Transitional Housing, and
Supportive Housing
k. Employee/Farmworker Housing
l. Factory-built/manufactured housing
m. Mobile homes
n. Single Family
o. Triplexes, Fourplexes, and Apartments (multifamily
rental homes)
p. Workforce Housing
q. Other (please describe):___________________________

8. What do you believe is the biggest barrier to affording a home in Taft? (choose all the apply)
a. Rising home prices or rising rental prices.
b. Lack of funding for down payment/closing cost or
security deposit.
c. Limited options within my budget.
d. Lack of understanding and information about the
homebuying or rental process.
e. Not enough housing is being built.
f. There are no barriers to affording a home in Taft.
g. Other (please describe):___________________________

9. Are there any other comments you would like to share with the City of Taft related to housing needs and constraints you’ve experienced in the City? (fill-in)
Encuesta Comunitaria del Elemento de Vivienda de la
Ciudad de Taft 2023-2031
La Ciudad de Taft está en proceso de actualizar el Elemento de Vivienda del Plan General para el período de planificación 2023-2031 según lo exige la ley estatal. El Elemento de Vivienda establece políticas y programas para abordar las necesidades de vivienda existentes y proyectadas de Taft, incluida la "parte justa" de la Ciudad de la necesidad de vivienda regional (o "RHNA") para el Condado de Kern. Si usted es residente de Taft, complete la siguiente breve encuesta para proporcionarnos su opinión. Envíe la encuesta al Ayuntamiento de Taft según la información que se encuentra en la parte inferior del formulario.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT Mark Staples, Director 209 E. Kern Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 763-1222 [email protected]

1. ¿Qué es lo mejor que te describe? (seleccione uno)
a. Soy residente de la ciudad de Taft.
b. Soy residente de los vecindarios del condado (Ford City, South Taft, Taft Heights).
c. Otro (Por favor describa):________________________

2. ¿Actualmente es propietario o alquila su casa?
(seleccione uno)
a. Poseer.
b. Alquilar.
c. Otro porfavor describe):_________________________

3. Seleccione el tipo de vivienda que mejor describa su hogar actual: (seleccione uno)
a. Vivienda unifamiliar.
b. Condominio/Casa Adosada.
c. Dúplex (2 unidades) / Tríplex (3 unidades) / Cuádruple (4 unidades).
d. Edificio de apartamentos (5+ unidades).
e. Casa Multifamiliar (tríplex/apartamento/condominio). f. Unidad secundaria (unidad de vivienda accesoria, casa de huéspedes)
g. Casa móvil o casa prefabricada.
h. Actualmente no tengo un hogar permanente.
i. Otro (Por favor describa):

4. ¿Cuál describe mejor su forma de vivir? (seleccione uno) a. Soltero, viviendo solo.
b. Soltero con hijos menores de 18 años viviendo en casa. c. Soltero, viviendo con compañeros de cuarto.
d. Pareja, sin hijos.
e. Pareja con hijos menores de 18 años viviendo en casa. f. Pareja, viviendo con compañeros.
g. Varias familias que viven juntas o familias con
compañeros de cuarto.
h. Varias generaciones conviviendo (hijos, padres, abuelos, etc.).
i. Otro (Por favor describa):________________________

5. ¿Cómo calificaría la condición física de la casa en la que vive? (seleccione uno)
a. Excelente estado, no se necesitan mejoras de
mantenimiento o rehabilitación.
b. Muy buen estado, muestra signos de mantenimiento
diferido menor (es decir, pintura descascarada, estuco
astillado, etc.) pero no se necesitan mejoras de
rehabilitación.
c. Buen estado, necesita una o más mejoras modestas de
rehabilitación (es decir, nuevo techo, nuevo estuco,
nuevo revestimiento de madera, etc.).
d. Mal estado, necesita una o más actualizaciones
importantes (es decir, nuevos cimientos, plomería nueva, electricidad nueva, etc.).

6. ¿Por qué razones eliges o eliges vivir en Taft? (seleccione todas las que correspondan)
a. Proximidad al trabajo/trabajo.
b. Calidad del inventario de viviendas.
c. Servicios recreativos locales y paisajes.
d. Proximidad a familiares y/o amigos.
e. Asequibilidad.
f. Calidad del sistema escolar local.
g. Seguridad del vecindario.
h. Servicios y programas de la ciudad.
i. Proximidad a tiendas, restaurantes y servicios.
j. Ninguna de estas razones.
k. Otro (Por favor describa):

7. ¿Qué tipo de vivienda crees que es la más necesaria en la ciudad de Taft? (seleccione todas las que correspondan) a. Unidades de vivienda accesorias
b. Vivienda asequible para familias
c. Vivienda asequible para personas mayores
d. Vivienda asequible para veteranos
e. Vivienda para Trabajadores Agrícolas/Agrícolas
f. Centros de vida asistida
g. Condominios (viviendas multifamiliares)
h. Dúplex
i. Casas y estudios de eficiencia
j. Refugios de emergencia, viviendas de transición y
viviendas de apoyo
k. Vivienda para empleados/trabajadores agrícolas
l. Carcasa fabricada en fábrica
m. Casas móviles
n. Unifamiliar
o. Tríplex, cuádruples y apartamentos (viviendas
multifamiliares de alquiler)
p. Vivienda para la fuerza laboral
q. Otros (Por favor describa):_______________________

8. ¿Cuál cree que es la mayor barrera para pagar una casa en Taft? (elija todas las opciones que se apliquen)
a. Aumento de los precios de las viviendas o aumento de los precios de los alquileres.
b. Falta de fondos para el pago inicial/costo de cierre o depósito de seguridad.
c. Opciones limitadas dentro de mi presupuesto.
d. Falta de comprensión e información sobre el proceso de compra o alquiler de una vivienda.
e. No se están construyendo suficientes viviendas.
f. No hay barreras para pagar una casa en Taft.
g. Otro (Por favor describa):________________________

9. ¿Hay algún otro comentario que le gustaría compartir con la ciudad de Taft relacionado con las necesidades y limitaciones de vivienda que ha experimentado en la
ciudad? (rellenar)
City of Taft 2023-2031 Housing Element
Community Survey Results
The City of Taft is in the process of updating the Housing Element of the General Plan for the 2023-2031 planning period as required by State law. The Housing Element establishes policies and programs to address Taft’s existing and projected housing needs, including the City’s “fair share” of the regional housing need (or “RHNA”) for Kern County.

City of Taft 2023-2031 Housing Element Community Survey Results Page 1 Total Respondents: 189

1. What best describes you? (select one) / ¿Qué es lo mejor que te describe? (seleccione uno) Other (please describe):
• 1
• Maricopa
• Maricopa
• Maricopa
• Maricopa
• Bakersfield
• Work in taft
• I own a house in Taft part time resident

2. Do you currently own or rent your home? (select one) / ¿Actualmente es propietario o alquila su casa? (seleccione uno) Other (please describe):
• Live with parent who owns their home.

Looking for affordable housing for myself.
• Rent a room from a friend
City of Taft 2023-2031 Housing Element Community Survey Results Page 2

3. Select the housing type that best describes your current home: (select one) / Seleccione el tipo de vivienda que mejor describa su hogar actual: (seleccione uno)

4. Which best describes your living arrangement? (select one) / ¿Cuál describe mejor su forma de vivir? (seleccione uno) Other (please describe):
• Live with sister
• Couple with adult children
• Live with parents and siblings
• Single parent, adult child and their friend
• Sharing home w/ family member.
• Couple with child older than 18
City of Taft 2023-2031 Housing Element Community Survey Results Page 3

5. How would you rate the physical condition of the home you live in? (select one) / ¿Cómo calificaría la condición física de la casa en la que vive? (seleccione uno)

6. For what reasons do you or would you choose to live in Taft? (select one) / ¿Por qué razones eliges o eliges vivir en Taft? (seleccione todas las que correspondan)
Other (please describe):
• Love a small town
• I was born and raised here.
• It’s my hometown
• Grew up here and haven't moved away
yet.

City of Taft 2023-2031 Housing Element Community Survey Results Page 4

7. What type of housing do you think is most needed in the City of Taft? (select all that apply) / ¿Qué tipo de vivienda crees que es la más necesaria en la ciudad de Taft? (seleccione todas las que correspondan) Other (please describe):
• Apartments
• Single parents
• None
• None
• Childcare facilities
City of Taft 2023-2031 Housing Element Community Survey Results Page 5

8. What do you believe is the biggest barrier to affording a home in Taft? (choose all the apply) / ¿Cuál cree que es la mayor barrera para pagar una casa en Taft? (elija todas las opciones que se apliquen) Other (please describe):
• We suffer lack of
housing
• There aren’t any
good jobs here in Taft
• Legal status and no
ssn
• Undocumented
status

9. Are there any other comments you would like to share with the City of Taft related to housing needs and constraints you’ve experienced in the City? (fill-in) / ¿Hay algún otro comentario que le gustaría compartir con la ciudad de Taft relacionado con las necesidades y limitaciones de vivienda que ha experimentado en la ciudad? (rellenar) *100 respondents replied “No”, “None”, or “N/A”.

1. Sqfe senior and veteran housing

2. Rental prices are too high

3. We need rent control

4. We need rent control

5. Rental prices are too high

6. Rent prices are too high.

7. High and increasing rents are a barrier

8. We need rent control

9. Rent is too high to be able to rent.

10. Additional meetings for city and county Taft residents

11. Rent is too high. We need rent control.

12. Rent is too high

13. Housing properties are in bad shape and wages are too low to afford high rents

14. Cost of rent is too high

15. Rents are too high for people to be able to rent

16. Rent is too high and they will not rent you housing without credit

17. Need rent control. Rental prices are too high. They will not rent you a house or apartment without credit.

18. Rents are too high

19. Housing is in bad shape. Work salary not enough to pay high rent.

20. Zoning limits for commercial/residential need a new analysis. The age of manufactured housing. No budget for new ones.

21. We need more housing, rent is too high

22. Rent is too high

23. The rent is too high

24. Housing in bad shape and rental and sale prices are too high

25. Housing in bad shape and rental and sale prices are too high

26. A lot of housing is in bad shape and rental pricing is too high

27. Many homes are in bad shape. Rental and sale costs are too high.

28. We need rent control and more information about the resources available for the people

29. There is discrimination against farmworkers in Taft.

30. Rental prices are too high

31. In taft, it is hard to find affordable apartments/ houses for the 20-30 age range. You have to know someone who knows someone to get into apartments.

32. Build more homes and apartments

33. I would like for rent to be more affordable and that there are more jobs for farmworkers

34. More housing with affordable prices

35. Alleys need to be cleaned

36. We need rent control
City of Taft 2023-2031 Housing Element Community Survey Results Page 6

37. We need a family theme park

38. Renton is too expensive. We need more homes that can be rented.

39. We need a water park

40. There needs to be dialogue with property owners so they can bring down rental prices

41. "Que hubiera control de vivienda y las rentals no sean tan costosa

42. That there be housing control and rentals are not so expensive"

43. Homes, condos & apartments are needed.

44. We need new apartments, condos, houses and assisted living for our town to keep people here instead of moving to Bakersfield.

45. Many dwellings in Taft are uninhabitable due to owners not maintaining their properties yet still renting them out to desperate families needing a place to live. Requiring owners to maintain their properties will allow better quality rentals on the market.

46. Ninguna

47. Not enough homes being built so people don’t move up so houses don’t go up for sale often

48. I myself own a home but there is a real struggle for first time home owners now getting assistance. The programs available through the state have really restricted assistance to new buyers if their parents own a home. We really need to focus on getting those people assistance. Home assistance should not be based on if your parents own a home or not it’s not your home. Many young people starting out including those with families are negatively affected by such clauses.

49. We need affordable housing for families.

50. We need rent control

51. We need rent control

52. Need rent control

53. Need rent control

54. We need More employment opportunities and that home prices are not too high

55. Home loan interest rates are too high

56. Too many homes for rent but not for sale. Too many problems with requirements and permitting to build or remodel. The zoning limits of comercial and residential needs to be analyzed and updated.

57. Build a childcare center

58. Need childcare centers

59. Need to bring more bigger super markets to buy groceries for the week

60. Rent is too high, need more child care centers, more employment opportunities, housing needs to be in better conditions, being warehouse work

61. Lower rental prices/less expensive homes

62. Rent is too high and there’s not enough housing

63. Fix streets, clean the city of Taft

64. We need lower rents

65. We need lower rental prices and more child care centers

66. Child care center

67. Childcare center

68. Need mor sports programs like soccer for children under 18 years old

69. Childcare centers and apartments for college/university students in need

70. Child care center

71. We need a child care center

72. We need lower rental prices and more employment opportunities

73. Child care center

74. Child care center

75. A childcare center

76. Childcare center

77. We need a shelter for homeless people and also a community center in ford city

78. We need to have more housing at affordable/lower prices.

79. We need to figure our a solution for the homeless crisis we have in our city. Build affordable housing for them and quit running them off from places they feel safe

80. Houses of quality in the good neighborhoods

81. As a community member of taft that has lived here for 22years. And brought from mexico at the age of 6. I strongly believe making farmworker housing is a strong suggestion. My self and many of the taft community that work in the ag field. Will aprriciate a affordable house for our familys and give back to the town of taft.

82. Build several single family homes west of Hillard Street. Build nice apartments, condos, and triplexes with garages downtown near the monument.

Nice affordable housing for seniors. NO homeless centers, NO affordable housing.

83. If the city can help in affordable housing for qualified people it would b great for single parents one income families. Lows rent I have seen in town would be 1300 for a two bedroom. As for sale the lowest I have seen would be 160,000 with the house having to be completed rebuild. Even if it is when in a time frame those who have everything to buy but just can not afford due to the crazy prices.

84. My SS is $1170 a month. If it weren’t for a local church renting me this house for $400 a month I’d be homeless. Seniors can’t always go out and work to make more money so we can be out of luck getting a house.

85. "Taft needs have more affordable housing for people on fixed income

86. Outside investment has driven prices above what employed people in the area can afford "

87. I think we should focus on cleaning up the dilapidated buildings downtown and the dilapidated houses within the city before we build “affordable” housing. I think Taft is a very affordable place to live than most cities. We have too many low income or people on govt assistance in our community and they don’t want to work - so therefore they shouldn’t be given the option of a brand new apartment/home to live in. Work = nice things, better living conditions.

88. Taft could use affordable family apartments with nice amenities gym pool play ground etc something nice

89. The roads need attention. Especially adjoining county neighborhoods. Roads are horrible. Streets look like a third world country.

90. Rent is high south Taft needs sidewalks and better roads City of Taft 2023-2031 Housing Element Community Survey Results Page 7

91. There is a significant amount of doubling-up (or worse) in single family units in the non-City areas around the 93268. Worse are the deplorable conditions in the County areas that some rentals - especially high-density rentals - are in and that landlords are allowed to rent without issue from the County. The City would do well to advocate for those areas to be addressed ASAP, even if there is no direct responsibility or jurisdiction.

Anything the City can do to encourage, facilitate, and incentivize the building of medium- to high-density housing in the area - especially if they are not high-end apartments, condos, or the like - would be a big benefit to the area.

City of Taft 2023-2031 Housing Element Update
Time: Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 5:30 pm
Location: Taft Transit Center
Community Workshop #1

INTRODUCTION TO

THE HOUSING ELEMENT
City of Taft
• Mark Staples, Director of Planning & Development Services Precision Civil Engineering
• Bonique Emerson, VP of Planning
• Jenna Chilingerian, Senior Planner
• Shin Tu, Associate Planner
• Jasmin Marquez, Translator

INTRODUCTIONS
Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 2

WORKSHOP GOALS
Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 3 LEARN 1. Provide background on the Housing Element and update process.

2. 3.

ENGAGE
Receive community input on housing issues, concerns, and opportunities.

INVOLVE
Share ways to be involved throughout the update process.

WORKSHOP OUTLINE

THE BASICS

DETERMINING HOUSING NEED

MEETING HOUSING NEED

COMMUNITY INPUT

NEXT STEPS
Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 4

1. 2.

3. 4.

5. 1. THE BASICS
What is a Housing Element?
What does a Housing Element do?
What are the goals of a Housing Element?
What’s included in a Housing Element?
5 WHAT IS A HOUSING ELEMENT?
• A required chapter, or “element,” of the City’s General Plan that must be updated every 8 years.
• Serves as the City’s principal guide for strategies to address housing needs for everyone in the community for an 8-year period.
• It’s an opportunity to have a community conversation about how to address local housing needs and challenges.
• It’s an access point for funding opportunities that will benefit housing.

Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 6 WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF A HOUSING ELEMENT?
• Conserve and improve existing affordable housing.
• Maximize housing opportunities throughout the community. • Assist in the provision of affordable housing.
• Remove barriers to housing investment.
• Promote fair and equal housing opportunities.

Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 7 WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A HOUSING ELEMENT?
• “Review of Past Accomplishments” evaluates past Housing Element performance. • “Housing Needs Assessment” assesses existing and future housing needs. • “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing” analyzes fair housing issues and identifies a plan to address disparities.
• “Housing Constraints” assesses constraints to housing development. • “Sites Inventory and Resource Assessment” inventories suitable land and assesses available resources for meeting housing need.
• “Housing Goals, Policies, and Programs” provides an implementation plan to meet existing and future housing needs.

Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 8

2. DETERMINING HOUSING NEEDS
9 Housing Need
Regional Housing Needs Allocation
Taft’s Future Housing Need Allocation
HOW IS HOUSING NEED DETERMINED?
• Housing need is determined through a “Housing Needs Assessment” based on population, employment, and household characteristics
• The Housing Needs Assessment analyzes:
• Existing Needs
• Future Needs
• Special Needs
• The process is repeated every 8 years
• Taft is currently planning for the period from 2023-2031 Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 10 HOW IS FUTURE HOUSING NEED DETERMINED?
• Future housing need is determined through the “Regional Housing Needs Allocation” (“RHNA”) process.
• The RHNA process determines how many new homes, and the affordability of those homes, each local government must plan for in its Housing Element. • The result of the RHNA process is a quantified housing goal, e.g., a specific number of housing units.

Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 11 WHAT IS TAFT’S FUTURE HOUSING NEED ALLOCATION?
• The Housing Element must identify a capacity for 504 units at various income levels for the 8-year planning period.

Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 12 AMI = Area Median Income
Taft 2023-2031 Regional Housing Need Allocation
Income Category Annual Income Units (#)
Very Low Income (30-50% AMI) Up to $29,850 68
Low Income (50-80% AMI) $29,851-$47,760 43
Moderate Income (80-120% AMI) $47,761-$71,640 109
Above Moderate Income (>120% AMI) >$71,640 284
Total Regional Housing Need Allocation 504
WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF RHNA?
• Increase the housing supply and mix of housing types, tenure, and affordability. • Promote infill development and socioeconomic equity, protecting environmental and agricultural resources, and encouraging efficient development patterns. • Promote an improved intraregional relationship between jobs and housing. • Balance disproportionate household income distributions. • Affirmatively further fair housing.

Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 13

3. MEETING HOUSING NEEDS
14 HOW DOES THE HOUSING ELEMENT MEET HOUSING NEEDS?
• Evaluates and assesses the City’s past Housing Element performance. • Assesses constraints to housing development and identifies ways to address, remove, or mitigate constraints.
• Analyzes fair housing issues and identifies an action plan to address disparities. • Provides an inventory of suitable land for housing and assesses available resources for meeting housing need.
• Provides an action plan to meet existing and future housing needs.

Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 15

PAST PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
• The Housing Element evaluates the effectiveness of the existing Housing Element, the appropriateness of goals, objectives, and policies, and the progress in implementing the programs from the previous 8-year planning period.
• Based on the evaluation, the Housing Element Update will continue, modify, or delete the programs for the next 8-year planning period.

Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 16

IDENTIFICATION AND REMOVAL OF CONSTRAINTS
• The Housing Element identifies and
analyzes potential and actual
constraints to housing maintenance,
improvement, or development.
• Where appropriate and legally
possible, the Housing Element
addresses and removes (or mitigates)
constraints through specific action
steps or “Housing Programs.”
Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 17 Typical Housing Constraints
Governmental
• General Plan and Zoning Ordinance
• Building Code and Enforcement
• Permitting Processes, Fees, and Timeframes
Non-Governmental
• Housing age and condition
• Vacancy rates
• Land, labor, and construction costs
Environmental and Infrastructure
• Geologic and seismic hazards
• Wildfire, Flood, Environmental Hazards
• Water, Wastewater, Storm Drainage

INVENTORY OF SUITABLE LAND
• The Housing Element inventories land suitable for residential development, including vacant sites and sites having the potential for redevelopment, and an analysis of the relationship of zoning and public facilities and services to these sites. • The inventory is then used to identify sites that can be developed for housing within the 8-year planning period.

Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 18 Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 19 Draft Sites Inventory
DTSP = Downtown Specific Plan
IFL = Infill
LLP = Large Lot Properties

AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING
Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 20 Outreach
A diligent effort must be made to equitably
include all community stakeholders in the
housing element public participation process
Assessment of Fair Housing
Include an assessment of fair housing that
includes existing segregation and inclusion trends
and current fair housing practices.

Site Analysis
Evaluate and address how particular sites
available for development of housing will meet
the needs of households at all income levels and
will AFFH by replacing segregated living
patterns.

Priorities, Goals, and Actions
Based on findings from the needs assessment and
site analysis, assess contributing factors to fair
housing barriers and adopt policies with
programs that remediate issues and further
promote fair housing.

HOUSING ACTION PLAN
Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 21 The Housing Element identifies specific Housing
Programs that do all the following:
• Identify sites to accommodate the RHNA share.
• Assist in Housing Development.
• Address/Remove/Mitigate Constraints.
• Conserve, Preserve, and Improve Housing
Stock.
• Promote Equal Housing Opportunities.

Example Programs
• Housing Rehabilitation
• First-Time Homebuyer Program
• Market Rate Entry Level Homes
• Self-Help Housing
• Senior Housing Project

4. COMMUNITY INPUT
22 GROUP DISCUSSION
• What is working well with housing in Taft?
• Are there issues or challenges with housing in Taft?
• What can be done to address these issues or challenges? • Are there specific segments of the population whose housing needs are not being met? • What can be done to help meet these housing needs?
• Do you have any suggestions for how Taft can solicit additional feedback on the Housing Element and encourage participation?
Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 23

HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY
Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 24

UPCOMING WORKSHOP
Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 25

HOUSING ELEMENT WEBPAGE
Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 26 https://www.cityoftaft.org/pview.aspx?id=7699&catid=0

5. NEXT STEPS
The update process
Questions
27 THE UPDATE PROCESS
Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 28 Determine Future Housing Need – Regional Housing Needs Allocation Community Input – Outreach and engagement
Draft Housing Element – Writing and preparation
Public Review and Comment – 30-day review period
Adoption Hearings – Planning Commission & City Council
State Review and Comment – 90-day review period
Revised Housing Element – Revisions based on comments, Re-Adoption Progress Reporting & Next Cycle – Annual progress reports We Are Here
QUESTIONS?
Mark Staples, Planning Director
[email protected]
(661) 763-1222 (Ext 124)
Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 29 Actualización del elemento de vivienda de la ciudad de Taft 2023-2031 Hora: jueves 14 de marzo de 2024, a las 17:30 horas
Ubicación: Centro de Tránsito Taft
Reunión Comunitaria #1
INTRODUCCIÓN A

EL ELEMENTO DE LA VIVIENDA
Precision Civil Engineering
• Bonique Emerson, Vicepresidenta de Planificación
• Jenna Chilingerian, Planificadora Senior
• Shin Tu, Planificador Asociado
• Jasmin Marquez, Traductora

INTRODUCTIONS
Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|2 Ciudad de Taft
Mark Staples, Director de Servicios de Planificación y Desarrollo Objetivos de la reunión
3 APRENDER
Proporcione antecedentes sobre el Elemento de Vivienda y el proceso de 1. actualización.

2. 3.

PARTICIPAR
Recibir comentarios de la comunidad sobre problemas, preocupaciones y oportunidades de vivienda.

INVOLUCRAR
Comparta formas de participar durante todo el proceso de actualización.

Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda| ESQUEMA DE LA REUNIÓN
DETERMINACIÓN DE LA NECESIDAD

DE VIVIENDA
4 1.

2. 3.

4. 5.

LO BÁSICO

COMENTARIOS DE LA COMUNIDAD

PASOS SIGUIENTES

SATISFACER LAS NECESIDADES DE

VIVIENDA
Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|

1. LO BÁSICO
¿Qué es un elemento de vivienda?
¿Qué hace un elemento de vivienda?
¿Cuáles son los objetivos de un Elemento de Vivienda?
¿Qué se incluye en un elemento de vivienda?
5 ¿QUÉ ES UN ELEMENTO DE VIVIENDA?
• Un capítulo requerido, o "elemento", del Plan General de la Ciudad que debe actualizarse cada 8 años.
• Sirve como la guía principal de la Ciudad para las estrategias para abordar las necesidades de vivienda para todos en la comunidad durante un período de 8 años. • Es una oportunidad para tener una conversación comunitaria sobre cómo abordar las necesidades y los desafíos locales de vivienda.
• Es un punto de acceso a oportunidades de financiamiento que beneficiarán a la vivienda.

Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|6 ¿CUÁLES SON LOS OBJETIVOS DE UN ELEMENTO DE VIVIENDA?
• Conservar y mejorar las viviendas asequibles existentes. • Maximizar las oportunidades de vivienda en toda la comunidad. • Ayudar en la provisión de viviendas asequibles.
• Eliminar las barreras a la inversión en vivienda.
• Promover oportunidades de vivienda justas e igualitarias.

Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|7 ¿QUÉ INCLUYE UN ELEMENTO DE VIVIENDA?
• "Revisión de Logros Pasados" evalúa el desempeño pasado del Elemento de Vivienda.
• La "Evaluación de las Necesidades de Vivienda" evalúa las necesidades de vivienda existentes y futuras.
• "Promoviendo afirmativamente la vivienda justa" para analizar los problemas de vivienda justa e identificar un plan para abordar las disparidades. • "Limitaciones de vivienda" evalúa las limitaciones para el desarrollo de viviendas. • El "Inventario de Sitios y Evaluación de Recursos" hace un inventario de los terrenos adecuados y evalúa los recursos disponibles para satisfacer las necesidades de vivienda.
• "Metas, Políticas y Programas de Vivienda" proporciona un plan de implementación para satisfacer las necesidades de vivienda existentes y futuras.

Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|8

2. DETERMINACIÓN DE LAS

NECESIDADES DE VIVIENDA
9 Necesidad de vivienda
Asignación Regional de Necesidades de Vivienda
Asignación de necesidades futuras de vivienda de Taft
¿CÓMO SE DETERMINA LA NECESIDAD DE VIVIENDA?
• La necesidad de vivienda se determina a través de una "Evaluación de las necesidades de vivienda" basada en la población, el empleo y las características del hogar
• La Evaluación de Necesidades de Vivienda analiza:
• Necesidades existentes
• Necesidades futuras
• Necesidades especiales
• El proceso se repite cada 8 años
• Taft está planificando actualmente para el período 2023-2031 Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|10 ¿CÓMO SE DETERMINA LA NECESIDAD FUTURA DE VIVIENDA?
• Las necesidades futuras de vivienda se determinan a través del proceso de "Asignación Regional de Necesidades de Vivienda" (RHNA, por sus siglas en inglés).
• El proceso de la RHNA determina cuántas viviendas nuevas, y la asequibilidad de esas viviendas, debe planificar cada gobierno local en su Elemento de Vivienda. • El resultado del proceso de RHNA es una meta de vivienda cuantificada, por ejemplo, un número específico de unidades de vivienda.

Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|11 ¿CUÁL ES LA ASIGNACIÓN DE NECESIDADES FUTURAS DE VIVIENDA DE TAFT? • El Elemento de Vivienda debe identificar una capacidad para 504 unidades en varios niveles de ingresos para el período de planificación de 8 años. 12 AMI = Ingreso Medio del Área
Taft 2023-2031 Asignación Regional de Necesidades de Vivienda Categoría de Ingresos Ingresos Anuales Unidades (#)
Ingresos Muy Bajos (30-50% AMI) Hasta $29,850 68
Bajos Ingresos (50-80% AMI) $29,851-$47,760 43
Ingresos Moderados (80-120% AMI) $47,761-$71,640 109
Ingresos Superiores a Moderados
(>120% AMI) >$71,640 284
Asignación Total de Necesidades Regionales de Vivienda 504 Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda| ¿CUÁLES SON LOS OBJETIVOS DE RHNA?
• Aumentar la oferta de viviendas y la combinación de tipos de viviendas, tenencia y asequibilidad.
• Promover el desarrollo de relleno y la equidad socioeconómica, protegiendo los recursos ambientales y agrícolas, y fomentando patrones de desarrollo eficientes. • Promover una mejor relación intrarregional entre el empleo y la vivienda. • Equilibrar las distribuciones desproporcionadas de los ingresos de los hogares. • Promover afirmativamente la vivienda justa.

Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|13

3. SATISFACER LAS NECESIDADES

DE VIVIENDA
14 ¿CÓMO SATISFACE EL ELEMENTO DE VIVIENDA LAS NECESIDADES DE VIVIENDA? • Evalúa y valora el desempeño anterior del Elemento de Vivienda de la Ciudad. • Evalúa las limitaciones para el desarrollo de viviendas e identifica formas de abordar, eliminar o mitigar las restricciones.
• Analiza los problemas de vivienda justa e identifica un plan de acción para abordar las disparidades.
• Proporciona un inventario de terrenos aptos para la vivienda y evalúa los recursos disponibles para satisfacer las necesidades de vivienda. • Proporciona un plan de acción para satisfacer las necesidades de vivienda existentes y futuras.

Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|15 EVALUACIÓN DE DESEMPEÑO ANTERIOR
• El Elemento de Vivienda evalúa la efectividad del Elemento de Vivienda existente, la idoneidad de las metas, objetivos y políticas, y el progreso en la implementación de los programas del período de planificación anterior de 8 años. • Con base en la evaluación, la Actualización del Elemento de Vivienda continuará, modificará o eliminará los programas para el próximo período de planificación de 8 años.

Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|16 IDENTIFICACIÓN Y ELIMINACIÓN DE RESTRICCIONES
• El Elemento de Vivienda identifica y
analiza las limitaciones potenciales y
reales para el mantenimiento, la mejora
o el desarrollo de la vivienda.
• Cuando sea apropiado y legalmente
posible, el Elemento de Vivienda
aborda y elimina (o mitiga) las
limitaciones a través de pasos de
acción específicos o "Programas de
Vivienda."
17 Limitaciones típicas de la Vivienda
Gubernamental
• Plan General y Ordenanza de Zonificación
• Código de Construcción y Aplicación
• Procesos de permisos, tarifas y plazos
No Gubernamental
• Antigüedad y estado de la vivienda
• Tasas de vacantes
• Costos de tierra, mano de obra y construcción
Medio Ambiente e Infraestructura
• Peligros geológicos y sísmicos
• Incendios forestales, inundaciones, peligros
ambientales
• Agua, aguas residuales, drenaje pluvial
Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|

INVENTARIO DE TERRENOS APTOS
• El Elemento de Vivienda hace un inventario de los terrenos aptos para el desarrollo residencial, incluidos los terrenos baldíos y los sitios que tienen potencial para la reurbanización, y un análisis de la relación de la zonificación y las instalaciones y servicios públicos con estos sitios.
• Luego, el inventario se utiliza para identificar los sitios que se pueden desarrollar para viviendas dentro del período de planificación de 8 años.

Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|18 19 Inventario de sitios
de borrador
DTSP = Downtown Specific Plan
IFL = Infill
LLP = Large Lot Properties
Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|

PROMOVER AFIRMATIVAMENTE LA VIVIENDA JUSTA
20 Difusión
Se debe hacer un esfuerzo diligente para incluir
equitativamente a todas las partes interesadas de
la comunidad en el proceso de participación
pública del elemento de vivienda.

Evaluación de la Vivienda Justa
Incluir una evaluación de la vivienda justa que
incluya las tendencias existentes de segregación e
inclusión y las prácticas actuales de vivienda justa.

Análisis del Sitio
Evaluar y abordar cómo los sitios particulares
disponibles para el desarrollo de viviendas
satisfarán las necesidades de los hogares en todos
los niveles de ingresos y reemplazarán los
patrones de vida segregados.

Prioridades, Metas y Acciones
Con base en los hallazgos de la evaluación de
necesidades y el análisis del sitio, evalúe los factores que contribuyen a las barreras de vivienda justa y
adopte políticas con programas que remedien los
problemas y promuevan aún más la vivienda justa.

Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda| PLAN DE ACCIÓN DE VIVIENDA
21 El Elemento de Vivienda identifica Programas de
Vivienda específicos que hacen todo lo siguiente:
• Identifique los sitios para acomodar el recurso
compartido de RHNA.
• Ayudar en el desarrollo de viviendas.
• Abordar/Eliminar/Mitigar restricciones.
• Conservar, preservar y mejorar el parque de
viviendas.
• Promover la igualdad de oportunidades en
materia de vivienda.

Ejemplos de programas
• Rehabilitación de Viviendas
• Programa para compradores de vivienda
por primera vez
• Viviendas de nivel de entrada a precio de
mercado
• Vivienda de autoayuda
• Proyecto de Vivienda para Personas
Mayores
Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|

4. COMENTARIOS DE LA COMUNIDAD
22 DISCUSIÓN EN GRUPO
• ¿Qué es lo que funciona bien con la vivienda en Taft? • ¿Hay problemas o desafíos con la vivienda en Taft?
• ¿Qué se puede hacer para abordar estos problemas o desafíos? • ¿Hay segmentos específicos de la población cuyas necesidades de vivienda no están siendo satisfechas?
• ¿Qué se puede hacer para ayudar a satisfacer estas necesidades de vivienda? • ¿Tiene alguna sugerencia sobre cómo Taft puede solicitar comentarios adicionales sobre el Elemento de Vivienda y fomentar la participación? Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|23

ENCUESTA DE NECESIDADES DE VIVIENDA
Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|24 PRÓXIMA REUNIÓN
Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|25 PÁGINA WEB DEL ELEMENTO DE VIVIENDA
26 https://www.cityoftaft.org/pview.aspx?id=7699&catid=0 Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|

5. PASOS SIGUIENTES
El proceso de actualización
Preguntas
27 EL PROCESO DE ACTUALIZACIÓN
28 Determinar la Necesidad Futura de Vivienda – Asignación Regional de Necesidades de Vivienda
Comentarios de la Comunidad – Divulgación y Participación Borrador del Elemento de Vivienda – Redacción y preparación Revisión y Comentarios Públicos – Período de Revisión de 30 días Audiencias de Adopción – Comisión de Planificación y Concejo Municipal Revisión y Comentarios del Estado – Período de Revisión de 90 días Elemento de Vivienda Revisado – Revisiones basadas en comentarios, Re-Adopción Informes de Progreso y Próximo Ciclo – Informes Anuales de progreso Estamos Aquí
Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda| ¿PREGUNTAS?
Mark Staples, Director de Planificación
[email protected]
(661) 763-1222 (Ext 124)
Reunión Comunitaria #1: Introducción al Elemento de Vivienda|29

City of Taft 2023-2031 Housing Element Update
Time: Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 5:30 pm
Location: Taft Transit Center
Community Workshop #2

IMPLEMENTING THE

HOUSING ELEMENT
City of Taft
• Mark Staples, Director of Planning & Development Services Precision Civil Engineering
• Bonique Emerson, VP of Planning
• Jenna Chilingerian, Senior Planner
• Shin Tu, Associate Planner
• Jasmin Marquez, Translator

INTRODUCTIONS
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 2

WORKSHOP GOALS
3 LEARN 1. Provide background on the Housing Element and update process.

2. 3.

ENGAGE
Receive community input on housing issues, concerns, and opportunities.

INVOLVE
Share ways to be involved throughout the update process.

Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element |

WORKSHOP OUTLINE
THE BASICS: QUICK RECAP

THE HOUSING ELEMENT

COMMUNITY INPUT

NEXT STEPS
4 1.

2. 3.

4. Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element |

1. THE BASICS: QUICK RECAP
What is a Housing Element?
What’s included in a Housing Element?
What’s Taft’s Future Housing Need Allocation?
5 WHAT IS A HOUSING ELEMENT?
• A required chapter, or “element,” of the City’s General Plan that must be updated every 8 years.
• Serves as the City’s principal guide for strategies to address housing needs for everyone in the community for an 8-year period.
• It’s an opportunity to have a community conversation about how to address local housing needs and challenges.
• It’s an access point for funding opportunities that will benefit housing.

Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 6 WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A HOUSING ELEMENT?
• “Review of Past Accomplishments” evaluates past Housing Element performance. • “Housing Needs Assessment” assesses existing and future housing needs. • “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing” analyzes fair housing issues and identifies a plan to address disparities.
• “Housing Constraints” assesses constraints to housing development. • “Sites Inventory and Resource Assessment” inventories suitable land and assesses available resources for meeting housing need.
• “Housing Goals, Policies, and Programs” provides an implementation plan to meet existing and future housing needs.

Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 7 WHAT IS TAFT’S FUTURE HOUSING NEED ALLOCATION?
• The Housing Element must identify a capacity for 504 units at various income levels for the 8-year planning period.
8 AMI = Area Median Income
Taft 2023-2031 Regional Housing Need Allocation
Income Category Annual Income Units (#)
Very Low Income (30-50% AMI) Up to $29,850 68
Low Income (50-80% AMI) $29,851-$47,760 43
Moderate Income (80-120% AMI) $47,761-$71,640 109
Above Moderate Income (>120% AMI) >$71,640 284
Total Regional Housing Need Allocation 504
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element |

2. THE HOUSING ELEMENT
What are the key components?
9 PAST PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
• The Housing Element Update will continue, modify, or delete previous Housing Element programs for the next 8-year planning period.
• Example of programs to be continued in 2023-2031 Housing Element:
• Housing rehabilitation program with the goal of rehabilitating 5 units per year. • Promote housing programs and funding availability on website/social media. • Develop and seek creative mechanisms to assist the development of affordable and market-rate multi-family housing units.
• Continue limiting residential demolitions to 2 units/year. • Complete construction of senior affordable housing.
• Work with Habitat for Humanity to locate available infill lots for development Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 10

IDENTIFICATION AND REMOVAL OF CONSTRAINTS
• The Housing Element identifies and analyzes potential and actual constraints to housing. • Land Constraints:
• The amount of land available and suitable for residential uses. • The potential for contaminants from past industrial and railroad uses. • The price of privately owned corporate land.
• Market Constraints:
• The rising cost of construction materials and labor.
• The cost to install sewer, water, roadways, and undergrounding of utilities. • The availability of mortgage financing and increasing interest rates. • The inability for households to meet income requirements for lending. • The rising cost of energy consumption rates.

Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 11

IDENTIFICATION AND REMOVAL OF CONSTRAINTS
• Environmental Constraints:
• Habitat for endangered species to the east of the City. • Flooding of Sandy Creek.
• Poor soil compaction conditions.
• High hydrocarbon content for the local air shed caused by oil extraction. • Areas with steep and difficult terrain.

Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 12

ZONING FOR A VARIETY OF HOUSING TYPES
• Providing development opportunities for a variety of
housing types promotes diversity in housing price, style, and size.
• These opportunities also contribute to neighborhood
stability by offering more affordable and move-up homes and accommodating diverse income mixes.
• To increase these opportunities, the Housing Element:
• Identifies zone districts where a variety of housing
types are permitted.
• Analyzes how development standards and processing
requirements facilitate or encourage the development
of each housing type.
• Establishes Policy and Program Options to encourage
these housing types.

Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 13 Example Housing Types
• Single-Family Housing
• Multi-Family Rental Housing
• Farmworker Housing
• Emergency Shelters
• Low-Barrier Navigation Centers
• Transitional Housing
• Supportive Housing
• Single-Room Occupancy Units
• Manufactured Housing
• Mobile Homes
• Accessory Dwelling Units
• Residential Care Facilities

HOUSING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS POPULATIONS
• Special needs housing refers to groups that require
additional housing resources, programs, or responses
to create stable housing conditions.
• To create stable housing conditions, the Housing
Element:
• Estimates households/population size.
• Assesses available housing suitable for
households/groups.
• Identifies potential programs or policy options
and resources to address need.

Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 14 Example Special Needs Populations
• Farmworkers
• Large Households
• Single-Parent Households
• People with Disabilities
• Seniors
• Extremely Low-Income
Households

INVENTORY OF SUITABLE LAND
• The Housing Element inventories land
suitable for residential development,
including vacant sites and sites having the
potential for redevelopment, and an
analysis of the relationship of zoning and
public facilities and services to these sites.
• The inventory is then used to identify sites
that can be developed for housing within
the 8-year planning period.

Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 15 Identifying Sites Suitable for Housing
❑ Sites that are not vacant.
❑ Sites that are underdeveloped or
underutilized.
❑ Sites from the previous Housing Element.
❑ Sites that can accommodate “realistic”
capacity.
❑ Sites that can accommodate lower income
households.
❑ Sites that have been evaluated for
environmental conditions.
❑ Sites with adequate infrastructure (water,
sewer, etc.)
16 DRAFT INVENTORY OF SUITABLE LAND – BY LOCATION
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 17 Land Use Maximum
Density
Low Density 7 dwelling
units per acre
Medium Density 15 dwelling
units per acre
High Density 29 dwelling
units per acre
Mixed Use 29 dwelling
units per acre
Downtown Taft
Specific Plan
40 dwelling
units per acre
DRAFT INVENTORY OF SUITABLE LAND – PLANNED LAND USE
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 18 DRAFT INVENTORY OF SUITABLE LAND – LOWER INCOME SITES
• < 80% AMI
• RHNA Required: 145 units
• Potential:134 units
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 19 DRAFT INVENTORY OF SUITABLE LAND – MODERATE INCOME SITES • 80% - 100% AMI
• RHNA Required: 109 units
• Potential: 2,537 units
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 20 DRAFT INVENTORY OF SUITABLE LAND – ABOVE-MODERATE INCOME SITES • > 100% AMI
• RHNA Required: 284 units
• Potential: 2,366 units
DRAFT INVENTORY OF SUITABLE LAND – EXAMPLE SITES
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 21 Downtown Taft Specific Plan Area
Existing Use: Hotel/Motel
Potential Units:
• 1 Lower
• 9 Moderate
Existing Use: Parking
Potential Units: 4 Moderate
Existing Use: Vacant
Potential Units: 2 Moderate
Existing Use: Residential
Potential Units: 6 Moderate
Infill Lots Sites
• Location: central area
• Smaller lots
• Existing infrastructure
• Close to amenities
Existing Use: Vacant
Potential Units:
• 1 Lower
• 5 Moderate
Similarities of the Sites
Existing Use: Vacant
Potential Units: 2 Moderate
DRAFT INVENTORY OF SUITABLE LAND – EXAMPLE SITES
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 22 Large Lot Properties
Existing Use: Vacant
Potential Units: 72 Above-Moderate
• Location: Fringe of existing development
• Further from amenities, services, jobs
• Mostly allocated for moderate/above-moderate units
• All sites are vacant
Similarities of the Sites
Existing Use: Vacant
Potential Units:
• 100 Moderate
• 172 Above-Moderate

AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING
• 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.

Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 23

FAIR HOUSING ISSUES
Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Housing Element | 24

THE FIVE COMPONENTS OF AFFH
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 25

1. Fair Housing Enforcement and Outreach: The ability to share fair housing information, outreach, and education so that the community is aware of laws and rights.

2. Segregation and Integration Patterns: The patterns and trends of isolation or concentration in specific geographic areas based on protected classes.

3. Racially and Ethnically Concentrated Poverty: A
geographic area with that is mostly non-White and in extreme poverty.

4. Disparities in Access to Opportunities: A disparity in access to economic benefits and quality of life including education, jobs, transportation, amenities, and services.

5. Disproportionate Housing Needs: A disparity in the
proportion of members of a protected class that experience cost burden, overcrowded households, homelessness, and
substandard housing conditions.

AFFH Components
❑ Enforcement & Outreach
❑ Segregation and Integration
❑ Racially and Ethnically
Concentrated Poverty
❑ Disparities in Access to
Opportunities
❑ Disproportionate Housing
Needs

MEDIAN INCOME BY CENSUS BLOCK GROUP
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 26 What This Shows:

Generally, City households in the
central portion of Taft earn a median
household income of less than
$30,000. Newer areas early $55,000-
$87,100.

What This Means:

Income Segregation.

RACIAL DEMOGRAPHICS BY CENSUS BLOCK GROUP
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 27 What This Shows:

The distribution of the population
within and outside city limits
indicates non-White residents are
more concentrated in central portion
of the city as well as to the north and
south of city limits.

What This Means:

Small levels of racial segregation.

ECONOMIC OUTCOMES BY THE REGION
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 28 What This Shows:

Less positive economic outcomes
in Taft versus Bakersfield and areas
further east and south.

What This Means:

Less positive economic outcomes for
Taft compared to more urbanized
areas.

ACCESS TO TRANSIT
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 29 What This Shows:

Transit is more available in
central Taft.

What This Means:

Need to consider access for
those opportunity sites further
out of town.

ECONOMIC OUTCOMES BY THE REGION
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 30 What This Shows:

People in Central Taft are more
likely to pay a higher amount
of their income on Housing.

What This Means:

Disproportionate cost burden.

MEANINGFUL ACTIONS
31 Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | Fair Housing Issue Contributing Factors Program Ideas
Segregation and Integration
• Economic
• Racial
• Lack of private and public housing
investment in Central Taft
• Preparation of opportunity maps
• Developer Open House
• Coordination with nonprofits for
affordable housing grant administration
Disparities in access to opportunities
• Minimal issues
• Regional Econ. Disparity
• Lack of variety of higher paying jobs for
people who live in the community
(possibility)
• Developer Open House
• Coordination with regional economic
development opportunities
Disproportionate housing needs
• Cost burden
• Aging Housing stock
• Lack of housing variety
• Housing costs
• Lack of variety and options
• Housing problems-quality
• Overpayment
• Modifications of Zoning Ordinance to
allow a greater variety of housing types
• Clean up residential use definitions to
make allowances clearer
• Home Rehabilitation Program

HOUSING ACTION PLAN
32 The Housing Element identifies specific Housing
Programs that do all the following:
• Identify sites to accommodate the RHNA share.
• Assist in Housing Development.
• Address/Remove/Mitigate Constraints.
• Conserve, Preserve, and Improve Housing
Stock.
• Promote Equal Housing Opportunities.

Example Programs
• Housing Rehabilitation
• First-Time Homebuyer Program
• Market Rate Entry Level Homes
• Self-Help Housing
• Senior Housing Project
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element |

3. COMMUNITY INPUT
33 COMMUNITY WORKSHOP #1 - RECAP
• In-Person Workshop held Thursday, March 14.
• Workshop presentation available on the Housing Element Update webpage. • The workshop solicited feedback and input from participants through a Q&A session and online survey.
• The workshop provided an opportunity to hear from the community about housing needs, challenges, and opportunities including potential solutions.

Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 34 Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 35

COMMUNITY SURVEY
• An online community survey is open
until March 29.
• A link and QR code to the survey is
available on the Housing Element
Update webpage.
• Survey available in English/Spanish.
• Hard copies available upon request.
• 14 responses received so far.

Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 36 COMMUNITY SURVEY – RESPONSE SUMMARY
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 37 (25%)
(42%)
(33%)
COMMUNITY SURVEY – RESPONSE SUMMARY
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 38 (50%)
(18%)
(50%)
(42%)
(8%)
(33%)
(18%)
(18%)
COMMUNITY SURVEY – RESPONSE SUMMARY
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 39 (68%)
(68%)
(50%)
(50%)
(17%)
(17%)
(17%)
(33%)
(18%)
(9%)
(9%)
(9%)
(9%)
COMMUNITY SURVEY – RESPONSE SUMMARY
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 40 (83%)
(25%)
(50%)
(33%)
(9%)
(9%)

GROUP ACTIVITY AND DISCUSSION
Sites Inventory Map Activity:
• Who lives in/near these sites? Families? Couples? Singles? Older or younger? • What kind of housing is near these sites? Single-family? Apartments? • Are there more homeowners or renters? Has this changed over time? • Have you heard of or seen any private or public investments in these areas? Has this changed over time?
• What is access like to:
• Government services and facilities?
• Schools?
• Public infrastructure? Sidewalks? Pedestrian crossings? • Public Transportation?
• Stores?
• Jobs?
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 41

4. NEXT STEPS
The update process
Questions
42 THE UPDATE PROCESS
43 Determine Future Housing Need – Regional Housing Needs Allocation Community Input – Outreach and engagement
Draft Housing Element – Writing and preparation
Public Review and Comment – 30-day review period
Adoption Hearings – Planning Commission & City Council
State Review and Comment – 90-day review period
Revised Housing Element – Revisions based on comments, Re-Adoption Progress Reporting & Next Cycle – Annual progress reports We Are Here
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element |

HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 44

HOUSING ELEMENT WEBPAGE
45 https://www.cityoftaft.org/pview.aspx?id=7699&catid=0 Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | QUESTIONS?
Mark Staples, Planning Director
[email protected]
(661) 763-1222 (Ext 124)
Community Workshop #2: Implementing the Housing Element | 46 Reunión Comunitaria #2
IMPLEMENTACIÓN DEL

ELEMENTO DE VIVIENDA
Actualización del elemento de vivienda de la ciudad de Taft 2023-2031 Hora: jueves 21 de marzo de 2024, a las 17:30 horas
Ubicación: Centro de Tránsito Taft
Precision Civil Engineering
• Bonique Emerson, Vicepresidenta de Planificación
• Jenna Chilingerian, Planificadora Senior
• Shin Tu, Planificadora Asociado
• Jasmin Marquez, Traductora
INTRODUCCIÓNES
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda|2 Ciudad de Taft
Mark Staples, Director de Servicios de Planificación y Desarrollo Objetivos de la reunión
3 APRENDER
Proporcione antecedentes sobre el Elemento de Vivienda y el proceso de 1. actualización.

2. 3.

PARTICIPAR
Recibir comentarios de la comunidad sobre problemas, preocupaciones y oportunidades de vivienda.

INVOLUCRAR
Comparta formas de participar durante todo el proceso de actualización.

Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| ESQUEMA DE LA REUNIÓN

ELEMENTO DE VIVIENDA
4 1.

2. 3.

4. COMENTARIOS DE LA COMUNIDAD
LO BÁSICO

PASOS SIGUIENTES
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda|

1. LO BÁSICO
¿Qué es un elemento de vivienda?
¿Qué se incluye en un elemento de vivienda?
¿Cuál es la asignación de necesidades futuras de vivienda de Taft? 5 ¿QUÉ ES UN ELEMENTO DE VIVIENDA?
• Un capítulo requerido, o "elemento", del Plan General de la Ciudad que debe actualizarse cada 8 años.
• Sirve como la guía principal de la Ciudad para las estrategias para abordar las necesidades de vivienda para todos en la comunidad durante un período de 8 años. • Es una oportunidad para tener una conversación comunitaria sobre cómo abordar las necesidades y los desafíos locales de vivienda.
• Es un punto de acceso a oportunidades de financiamiento que beneficiarán a la vivienda.

Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda|6 ¿QUÉ INCLUYE UN ELEMENTO DE VIVIENDA?
• "Revisión de Logros Pasados" evalúa el desempeño pasado del Elemento de Vivienda.
• La "Evaluación de las Necesidades de Vivienda" evalúa las necesidades de vivienda existentes y futuras.
• "Promoviendo afirmativamente la vivienda justa" para analizar los problemas de vivienda justa e identificar un plan para abordar las disparidades. • "Limitaciones de vivienda" evalúa las limitaciones para el desarrollo de viviendas. • El "Inventario de Sitios y Evaluación de Recursos" hace un inventario de los terrenos adecuados y evalúa los recursos disponibles para satisfacer las necesidades de vivienda.
• "Metas, Políticas y Programas de Vivienda" proporciona un plan de implementación para satisfacer las necesidades de vivienda existentes y futuras.

Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda|7 ¿CUÁL ES LA ASIGNACIÓN DE NECESIDADES FUTURAS DE VIVIENDA DE TAFT? • El Elemento de Vivienda debe identificar una capacidad para 504 unidades en varios niveles de ingresos para el período de planificación de 8 años. 8 AMI = Ingreso Medio del Área
Taft 2023-2031 Asignación Regional de Necesidades de Vivienda Categoría de Ingresos Ingresos Anuales Unidades (#)
Ingresos Muy Bajos (30-50% AMI) Hasta $29,850 68
Bajos Ingresos (50-80% AMI) $29,851-$47,760 43
Ingresos Moderados (80-120% AMI) $47,761-$71,640 109
Ingresos Superiores a Moderados
(>120% AMI) >$71,640 284
Asignación Total de Necesidades Regionales de Vivienda 504 Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda|

2. ELEMENTO DE VIVIENDA
What are the key components?
9 EVALUACIÓN DE DESEMPEÑO ANTERIOR
• La Actualización del Elemento de Vivienda continuará, modificará o eliminará programas anteriores del Elemento de Vivienda para el próximo período de planificación de 8 años. • Ejemplo de programas que continuarán en el Elemento Vivienda 2023-2031:
• Programa de rehabilitación de viviendas con la meta de rehabilitar 5 unidades por año. • Promover programas de vivienda y disponibilidad de fondos en el sitio web/redes sociales.
• Desarrollar y buscar mecanismos creativos para ayudar al desarrollo de unidades de vivienda multifamiliar asequibles y a precio de mercado. • Continuar limitando las demoliciones residenciales a 2 unidades/año. • Construcción completa de viviendas asequibles para personas mayores. • Trabajar con Habitat for Humanity para localizar lotes de relleno disponibles para el desarrollo
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda10| IDENTIFICACIÓN Y ELIMINACIÓN DE RESTRICCIONES
• El Elemento de Vivienda identifica y analiza las limitaciones potenciales y reales a la vivienda. • Limitaciones de la tierra:
• La cantidad de suelo disponible y apto para usos residenciales. • El potencial de contaminantes de usos industriales y ferroviarios pasados. • El precio de los terrenos corporativos de propiedad privada. • Restricciones del mercado:
• El aumento del coste de los materiales de construcción y de la mano de obra. • El costo de instalar alcantarillado, agua, carreteras y soterramiento de los servicios públicos. • La disponibilidad de financiación hipotecaria y el aumento de las tasas de interés. • La incapacidad de los hogares para cumplir con los requisitos de ingresos para otorgar préstamos.
• El creciente coste de las tarifas de consumo energético.

Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda11| • Limitaciones ambientales:
• Hábitat de especies en peligro de extinción al oriente de la Ciudad. • Inundación de Sandy Creek.
• Malas condiciones de compactación del suelo.
• Alto contenido de hidrocarburos para el vertimiento atmosférico local provocado por la extracción de petróleo.
• Zonas con terreno empinado y difícil.

Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda12| IDENTIFICACIÓN Y ELIMINACIÓN DE RESTRICCIONES
ZONIFICACIÓN PARA UNA VARIEDAD DE TIPOS DE VIVIENDA
• Brindar oportunidades de desarrollo para una variedad de tipos de viviendas promueve la diversidad en el precio, el estilo y el tamaño de las viviendas.
• Estas oportunidades también contribuyen a la estabilidad del vecindario al ofrecer viviendas más asequibles y adaptables y adaptarse a diversas combinaciones de ingresos.
• Para aumentar estas oportunidades, el Elemento de Vivienda:
• Identifica distritos de zona donde se permiten una variedad de tipos de vivienda.
• Analiza cómo los estándares de desarrollo y los requisitos de procesamiento facilitan o fomentan el desarrollo de cada tipo de vivienda.
• Establece opciones de políticas y programas para fomentar estos tipos de vivienda.
13 Ejemplos de tipos de viviendas
• Vivienda unifamiliar
• Vivienda de alquiler multifamiliar
• Vivienda para trabajadores agrícolas
• Refugios de emergencia
• Centros de navegación de baja barrera
• Vivienda de transición
• Vivienda de apoyo
• Unidades de ocupación de habitación
individual
• Vivienda prefabricada
• Casas móviles
• Unidades de vivienda accesorias
• Instalaciones de atención residencial
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda|

VIVIENDA PARA POBLACIONES CON NECESIDADES ESPECIALES
• Vivienda para necesidades especiales se refiere a
grupos que requieren recursos, programas o
respuestas de vivienda adicionales para crear
condiciones de vivienda estables.
• Para crear condiciones de vivienda estables, el
Elemento de Vivienda:
• Estima el tamaño de los hogares/población.
• Evalúa viviendas disponibles adecuadas para
hogares/grupos.
• Identifica posibles programas u opciones de
políticas y recursos para abordar las necesidades.
14 Ejemplo de poblaciones con
necesidades especiales
• Granjeros
• Hogares Grandes
• Hogares monoparentales
• Gente con discapacidades
• Personas mayores
• Hogares de ingresos
extremadamente bajos
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| • El Elemento de Vivienda hace un
inventario de los terrenos aptos para el
desarrollo residencial, incluidos los
terrenos baldíos y los sitios que tienen
potencial para la reurbanización, y un
análisis de la relación de la zonificación y
las instalaciones y servicios públicos con
estos sitios.
• Luego, el inventario se utiliza para
identificar los sitios que se pueden
desarrollar para viviendas dentro del
período de planificación de 8 años.
15 Identifying Sites Suitable for Housing
❑ Sitios que no están vacantes.
❑ Sitios subdesarrollados o subutilizados.
❑ Solares del Elemento Habitacional
anterior.
❑ Sitios que pueden acomodar capacidad
“realista”.
❑ Sitios que pueden acomodar a hogares de
bajos ingresos.
❑ Sitios que han sido evaluados por sus
condiciones ambientales.
❑ Sitios con infraestructura adecuada (agua,
alcantarillado, etc.)

INVENTARIO DE TERRENOS APTOS
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| 16 PROYECTO DE INVENTARIO DE TERRENOS APTOS – POR UBICACIÓN Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| 17 Uso del suelo Densidad
máxima
Low Density
(Baja Densidad)
7 unidades de
vivienda por
acre
Medium Density
(Densidad Media)
15 unidades de
vivienda por
acre
High Density
(Alta Densidad)
29 unidades de
vivienda por
acre
Mixed Use
(Uso Mixto)
29 unidades de
vivienda por
acre
Downtown Taft
Specific Plan
(Plan Específico
del Centro de Taft)
40 unidades de
vivienda por
acre
PROYECTO DE INVENTARIO DE TERRENO APTO – USO PLANIFICADO DEL SUELO Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| 18 PROYECTO DE INVENTARIO DE TERRENOS APTOS – SITIOS DE BAJOS INGRESOS • < 80% AMI
• RHNA Requerido: 145 unidades
• Potencial:134 unidades
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| 19 PROYECTO DE INVENTARIO DE TERRENOS APTOS – SITIOS DE INGRESOS MODERADOS • 80% - 100% AMI
• RHNA Requerido: 109 unidades
• Potencial: 2,537 unidades
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| 20 PROYECTO DE INVENTARIO DE TERRENOS ADECUADOS – SITIOS DE

INGRESOS SUPERIORES A MODERADOS
• > 100% AMI
• RHNA Requerido: 284 unidades
Potencial: 2,366 unidades
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| PROYECTO DE INVENTARIO DE TERRENOS ADECUADOS – SITIOS DE EJEMPLO 21 Área del plan específico del centro
de Taft
Uso existente: Hotel/Motel
Unidades potenciales:
• 1 mas bajo
• 9 moderado
Uso existente: estacionamiento
Unidades potenciales: 4 moderadas
Uso existente: vacante
Unidades potenciales: 2 moderadas
Uso existente: residencial
Unidades potenciales: 6 moderadas
Sitios de lotes de relleno
• Ubicación: zona central
• Lotes más pequeños
• Infraestructura existente
• Cerca de servicios
Uso existente: vacante
Unidades potenciales:
• 1 mas bajo
• 5 moderado
Similitudes de los sitios
Uso existente: vacante
Unidades potenciales: 2 moderadas
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| 22 Propiedades de lotes grandes
Uso existente: vacante
Unidades potenciales: 72 por superiores a moderadas
• Ubicación: Borde del desarrollo existente
• Más lejos de comodidades, servicios, empleos.
• Asignado principalmente a unidades
moderadas/superiores a moderadas
• Todos los sitios están vacantes
Uso existente: vacante
Unidades potenciales:
• 100 moderado
• 172 Por superiores a moderadas
PROYECTO DE INVENTARIO DE TERRENOS ADECUADOS – SITIOS DE EJEMPLO Similitudes de los sitios
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda|

PROMOVER AFIRMATIVAMENTE LA VIVIENDA JUSTA
• Acciones significativas, además de combatir la discriminación, que superen patrones de segregación y fomenten comunidades inclusivas libres de barreras que restrinjan el acceso a oportunidades basadas en características protegidas.
• Específicamente, promover afirmativamente la vivienda justa significa tomar acciones significativas que, en conjunto, aborden disparidades significativas en las necesidades de vivienda y en el acceso a oportunidades, reemplazando
patrones de vida segregados con patrones de vida
verdaderamente integrados y equilibrados, transformando áreas de pobreza concentradas racial y étnicamente en áreas de oportunidad y fomentar y mantener el cumplimiento de las leyes de derechos civiles y vivienda justa.

Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| 23

CUESTIONES DE VIVIENDA JUSTA
24 • Un problema de vivienda justa es una condición en un área geográfica de análisis que restringe la elección de vivienda justa o el acceso a oportunidades, e incluye condiciones tales como segregación local o regional continua o falta de integración, áreas de pobreza y riqueza concentradas racial o étnicamente, disparidades significativas en acceso a oportunidades, necesidades de vivienda desproporcionadas y evidencia de discriminación o violaciones de las leyes o regulaciones de derechos civiles relacionadas con la vivienda.
• Ejemplos:
• Las personas con problemas de movilidad tienen opciones reales cuando existen opciones de vivienda realistas (por ejemplo, unidades con características accesibles) en su área del mercado inmobiliario a un costo asequible. Las personas con discapacidades que no pueden usar escaleras o que necesitan una ducha sin escalones pueden no tener opciones de vivienda reales sin la presencia de unidades de vivienda con estas características de accesibilidad. • Las personas con ingresos más bajos tienen opciones reales cuando existen unidades asequibles y bien mantenidas en todas partes de una jurisdicción y región.

Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda|

LOS CINCO COMPONENTES DE PROMOVER AFIRMATIVAMENTE LA VIVIENDA JUSTA
25 1. Aplicación y divulgación de vivienda justa: la capacidad de compartir información, divulgación y educación sobre vivienda justa para que la comunidad conozca las leyes y los derechos.

2. Patrones de segregación e integración: Los patrones y tendencias de aislamiento o concentración en áreas geográficas específicas basadas en clases protegidas.

3. Pobreza concentrada racial y étnicamente: un área geográfica en la que la mayoría no es blanca y se encuentra en pobreza extrema.

4. Disparidades en el acceso a oportunidades: una disparidad en el acceso a beneficios económicos y calidad de vida, incluida la educación, el empleo, el transporte, las comodidades y los servicios.

5. Necesidades de vivienda desproporcionadas: una disparidad en la proporción de miembros de una clase protegida que experimentan cargas de costos, hogares superpoblados, personas sin hogar y condiciones de vivienda deficientes.

Componentes
❑ Aplicación y divulgación
❑ Segregación e integración
❑ Pobreza concentrada racial y
étnicamente
❑ Disparidades en el acceso a las
oportunidades
❑ Necesidades de vivienda
desproporcionadas
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda|

INGRESO MEDIO POR GRUPO DE BLOQUES CENSALES
26 Lo que esto muestra:

Generalmente, los hogares de la ciudad
en la parte central de Taft ganan un
ingreso familiar promedio de menos de
$30,000. Las áreas más nuevas cuestan
entre $ 55 000 y $ 87 100.

Lo que esto significa:

Segregación de ingresos.

Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| DEMOGRAFÍA RACIAL POR GRUPO DE BLOQUES DEL CENSO
27 Lo que esto muestra:

La distribución de la población
dentro y fuera de los límites de la
ciudad indica que los residentes no
blancos están más concentrados en la
parte central de la ciudad, así como al
norte y al sur de los límites de la
ciudad.

Lo que esto significa:

Pequeños niveles de segregación
racial.

Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| RESULTADOS ECONÓMICOS POR LA REGIÓN
28 Lo que esto muestra:

Resultados económicos menos
positivos en Taft frente a Bakersfield
y áreas más al este y al sur.

Lo que esto significa:

Resultados económicos menos
positivos para Taft en comparación
con áreas más urbanizadas.

Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| ACCESO AL TRÁNSITO
29 Lo que esto muestra:

El tránsito está más disponible en
centro de Taft.

Lo que esto significa:

Es necesario considerar el
acceso a aquellos sitios de
oportunidad más fuera de la
ciudad.

Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| RESULTADOS ECONÓMICOS POR LA REGIÓN
30 Lo que esto muestra:

Es más probable que las
personas en Central Taft
paguen una mayor cantidad de
sus ingresos en vivienda.

Lo que esto significa:

Carga de costos
desproporcionada.

Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda|

ACCIONES SIGNIFICATIVAS
31 Problema de vivienda justa Factores contribuyentes Ideas de programas Segregación e integración
• Económico
• Racial
• Falta de inversión en vivienda pública y
privada en Central Taft
• Elaboración de mapas de
oportunidades.
• Jornada de puertas abiertas para
desarrolladores
• Coordinación con organizaciones sin
fines de lucro para la administración de
subvenciones para viviendas asequibles
Disparidades en el acceso a las
oportunidades
• Problemas mínimos
• Economía Regional. Disparidad
• Falta de variedad de trabajos mejor
remunerados para las personas que viven
en la comunidad (posibilidad)
• Jornada de puertas abiertas para
desarrolladores
• Coordinación con oportunidades de
desarrollo económico regional
Necesidades de vivienda
desproporcionadas
• Carga de costos
• Envejecimiento del parque de
viviendas
• Falta de variedad de viviendas.
• Costos de vivienda
• Falta de variedad y opciones.
• Problemas de vivienda-calidad
• Pago excesivo
• Modificaciones a la Ordenanza de
Zonificación para permitir una mayor
variedad de tipos de vivienda
• Limpiar las definiciones de uso
residencial para aclarar las asignaciones
• Programa de rehabilitación de
viviendas
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| PLAN DE ACCIÓN DE VIVIENDA
32 El Elemento de Vivienda identifica Programas de
Vivienda específicos que hacen todo lo siguiente:
• Identifique los sitios para acomodar el recurso
compartido de RHNA.
• Ayudar en el desarrollo de viviendas.
• Abordar/Eliminar/Mitigar restricciones.
• Conservar, preservar y mejorar las existencias
de viviendas.
• Promover la igualdad de oportunidades en
materia de vivienda.

Ejemplos de programas
• Rehabilitación de Viviendas
• Programa para compradores de vivienda
por primera vez
• Viviendas de nivel de entrada a precio de
mercado
• Vivienda de autoayuda
• Proyecto de Vivienda para Personas
Mayores
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda|

3. COMENTARIOS DE LA COMUNIDAD
33 RESUMEN COMUNITARIA #1
• Taller presencial realizado el jueves 14 de marzo.
• Presentación del taller disponible en la página web de Actualización del Elemento de Vivienda.
• El taller solicitó comentarios y aportaciones de los participantes a través de una sesión de preguntas y respuestas y una encuesta en línea.
• El taller brindó la oportunidad de escuchar a la comunidad sobre las necesidades, desafíos y oportunidades de vivienda, incluidas posibles soluciones. 34 Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| 35 Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda|

ENCUESTA COMUNITARIA
• Una encuesta comunitaria en línea está
abierta hasta el 29 de marzo.
• Un enlace y un código QR para la
encuesta están disponibles en la
página web de Actualización del
Elemento de Vivienda.
• Encuesta disponible en
inglés/español.
• Copias en papel disponibles a
pedido.
• Hasta el momento se han recibido 14
respuestas.

Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| 36 ENCUESTA COMUNITARIA – RESUMEN DE RESPUESTA
37 (25%)
(42%)
(33%)
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| ENCUESTA COMUNITARIA – RESUMEN DE RESPUESTA
38 (50%)
(18%)
(50%)
(42%)
(8%)
(33%)
(18%)
(18%)
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| ENCUESTA COMUNITARIA – RESUMEN DE RESPUESTA
39 (68%)
(68%)
(50%)
(50%)
(17%)
(17%)
(17%)
(33%)
(18%)
(9%)
(9%)
(9%)
(9%)
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| ENCUESTA COMUNITARIA – RESUMEN DE RESPUESTA
40 (83%)
(25%)
(50%)
(33%)
(9%)
(9%)
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| ACTIVIDAD GRUPAL Y DISCUSIÓN
Actividad del mapa de inventario de sitios:
• ¿Quién vive en/cerca de estos sitios? ¿Familias? ¿Parejas? ¿Individual? ¿Viejo o joven? • ¿Qué tipo de viviendas hay cerca de estos sitios? ¿Unifamiliar? ¿Apartamentos? • ¿Hay más propietarios o inquilinos? ¿Esto ha cambiado con el tiempo? • ¿Ha oído hablar o ha visto alguna inversión pública o privada en estas áreas? ¿Esto ha cambiado con el tiempo?
• ¿Cómo es el acceso a:
• ¿Servicios e instalaciones gubernamentales?
• ¿Escuelas?
• ¿Infraestructura pública? ¿Aceras? ¿Cruces peatonales? • ¿Transporte público?
• ¿Tiendas?
• ¿Trabajos?
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| 41

4. PASOS SIGUIENTES
El proceso de actualización
Preguntas
42 EL PROCESO DE ACTUALIZACIÓN
43 Determinar la Necesidad Futura de Vivienda – Asignación Regional de Necesidades de Vivienda
Comentarios de la Comunidad – Divulgación y Participación Borrador del Elemento de Vivienda – Redacción y preparación Revisión y Comentarios Públicos – Período de Revisión de 30 días Audiencias de Adopción – Comisión de Planificación y Concejo Municipal Revisión y Comentarios del Estado – Período de Revisión de 90 días Elemento de Vivienda Revisado – Revisiones basadas en comentarios, Re-Adopción Informes de Progreso y Próximo Ciclo – Informes Anuales de progreso Estamos Aquí
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda|

ENCUESTA DE NECESIDADES DE VIVIENDA
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda44| PÁGINA WEB DEL ELEMENTO DE VIVIENDA
45 https://www.cityoftaft.org/pview.aspx?id=7699&catid=0 Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda| ¿PREGUNTAS?
Mark Staples, Director de Planificación
[email protected]
(661) 763-1222 (Ext 124)
Reunión Comunitaria #2: Implementación del Elemento de Vivienda46| July 12, 2024
City of Taft Planning Department
209 E. Kern Street
Taft, CA 93268
Sent via email: [email protected]
RE: City of Taft First Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element
Dear City of Taft Councilmembers, City Manager, Planning Department, and Director Staples:

My name is Daniel Rodela, and I am a community organizer with Faith in the Valley. The purpose of this letter is to submit comments on the First Draft of the City of Taft’s 2023-2031 Housing Element.

Faith in the Valley is a faith-based grassroots community organization representing families in Fresno, Kern, Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin Counties. In this region alone, we organize 120 congregations representing over 100,000 people. As federated members of PICO California, we are part of the largest faith-based organizing network in the state, with an institutional membership of over 500 congregations, 650,000 people, and over 12 faith traditions represented.

The issues that we work on revolve around the economy, immigration, housing, restorative justice, and other equity issues.

Our public engagement efforts on housing in Taft and its surrounding unincorporated areas have shown that housing needs and disparities exist in this community. The 6th Cycle of the City of Taft’s Housing Element Update offers a critical opportunity to address them in ways that abide by State Housing Element Law requirements. (Gov. Code § 65583 et. seq.). It is vital for the City to actively and intentionally involve communities that historically have not participated in previous Housing Element Cycles. To address the housing needs of all residents as well as the disparities, the City must adopt and enforce policies and programs with clear timelines, take into grave account Housing Needs Survey outcomes, and fulfill its duty to advance fair housing as dictated by state law. (Gov. Code§ 8899.50).

I. The City Must Conduct Meaningful Public Engagement
Public participation is vital for developing a Housing Element that correctly identifies and addresses community needs. The City must create pathways for the community to be involved throughout the entire process and reassure them that they are not just a one-time participant but a continuous partner in the development of the Housing Element, committed to the long-term success of the Taft community. We urge that the City forms a strong partnership with community-based organizations like ours and other leaders to carry out targeted outreach and host workshops during the Housing Element update process. We are committed to working alongside the City to develop a community engagement plan that extends well beyond the adoption of the Housing Element. The active role of the community in this update is essential. It is through their involvement that we can ensure the housing needs of the City are met in the coming years, bringing hope and optimism for a better future.

Taft City Council
July 12, 2024