TO:Andrew P. Powers, City Manager
FROM:Kelvin Parker, Community Development Director
DATE:March 14, 2023
SUBJECT: 2022 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Receive and file the 2022 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report.
2. Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No Additional Funding Requested. Minimal staff time required to prepare the report is included in the Adopted FY 2022-23 General Fund Budget.
BACKGROUND:
California Government Code Section 65400(a)(2), mandates that each city and county prepare an annual report on the status and implementation of its General Plan and Housing Element. The report must be submitted to the City Council, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and the State Department of Housing and Community Development Department (HCD), each year by April 1st.
The purpose of the Annual Progress Report (APR) is to provide City Council and the public with information regarding the implementation of the General Plan for their city or county and inform the public of the progress in meeting the community’s goals. The report also allows OPR to identify statewide trends in land use decision-making and identify how local planning and development activities relate to statewide planning goals and policies. Similarly, it allows HCD to track the progress of the implementation of a jurisdiction’s Housing Element and
2022 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report March 14, 2023
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0 requires its submission as a threshold requirement for several State housing funding programs.
The APR is essentially comprised of two progress reports: the report on the General Plan and the report on the Housing Element. The General Plan progress report summarizes the City’s progress towards implementing the goals and policies of the General Plan during the calendar year and the date of any revisions to each Element. The Housing Element Annual Progress Report outlines the City’s progress in meeting its share of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) determined pursuant to Section 65584 of the California Government Code and local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing. State law requires the Housing Element Annual Progress Report to be considered at a public meeting where members of the public can provide oral testimony and written comments.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
General Plan Annual Progress Report
The Thousand Oaks General Plan provides a long-range comprehensive guide for the physical development of the City. The General Plan comprises a statement of goals and policies related to the community’s development, and various elements which provide more detailed policies and standards in certain topic areas.
Together, these serve as the foundation for guiding public and private activities related to the City’s development.
The following section provides an update on the status and implementation of each element of the current Thousand Oaks General Plan:
Land Use Element
The Land Use Element/Map was originally adopted in 1970 as a component of the City’s original General Plan (“Development Plan” at the time). This Element contains land use goals and policies that provide the physical framework for the future growth of the City and implementation of the policies related to land use are applied to projects as part of the discretionary and environmental review process. Two changes were made to the Land Use Element in 2022:
1. General Plan Amendment 2021-7021: The Land Use Element designation was changed from “Commercial” to “Commercial/Residential” to allow a mixed-use project on approximately 10 acres of land at 325 and 329 Hampshire Road.
2022 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report March 14, 2023
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0 2. General Plan Amendment 2019-70563: The Land Use Element designation was changed from “Industrial” to “High Density Residential” to allow a residential project on 8.8-acres at 1 Baxter Way.
Circulation Element
The Circulation Element was last comprehensively updated in 1997. This Element contains circulation policies and a map that provides for a balanced transportation network. Implementation of the policies related to circulation are applied to projects as part of the discretionary and environmental review process. No formal amendments were adopted to the Circulation Element in 2022.
The following advancements were made during 2022:
In 2018, the City’s Public Works Department implemented the following policy: “A citywide system of pedestrian and bicycle facilities that provide safe, continuous accessibility to all residential, commercial, and industrial areas, to the trail system and to the scenic bike route system shall be provided and maintained.” Bike lanes, sidewalks, and other circulation element improvements are currently in design and programmed for construction for the following projects:
a) Projects in Design and Planning Phases
1. Installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at eight existing marked crosswalks and including advanced flashing beacons.
2. Thousand Oaks Boulevard Pedestrian Crossings: Installation of enhanced pedestrian crossing between Live Oak Street and Oakview Drive.
3. Hillcrest Drive: Converting travel lane #3 (outside lane) to a Class IV protected bike lane from Moorpark Road to Lynn Road, and the installation of pedestrian sidewalk from McCloud Avenue to Lynn Road on the north side of the street.
4. Lynn Road: Installation of Class IV protected bike lanes, high visibility bike striping and crosswalks, ADA curb ramps, and pedestrian signal on designated locations along Lynn Road. At the US 101/Lynn Road overcrossing, installation of Class IV bike lanes, improved barrier, improved fencing, LED lighting, and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) with advanced blinking LED signs at uncontrolled crossings.
5. Installation of retroreflective backplates (yellow borders) at 35 signalized intersections. Reflective backplates improve safety at signalized intersections, boost signal visibility in daytime and nighttime conditions, and reduce crashes.
2022 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report March 14, 2023
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0 6. Rancho Conejo Biotech Area Sidewalk Project. Installation of new sidewalks, ADA curb ramps, marked crosswalks, and a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFBs) at a new marked crosswalk, including advanced flashing beacons. Segments of roadways include Corporate Center Drive, Hillcrest Drive, Lawrence Drive, Rancho Conejo Boulevard and Teller Road. b) Projects Completed or Under Construction in 2022
1. Los Feliz Drive Phase 3: Installation of approximately 2,400 linear feet of new sidewalks, new concrete curb and gutter, curb ramps, driveways, drainage improvements and water service replacements along both sides of Los Feliz Drive, between Conejo School Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard.
2. Conejo School Road and Willow Lane: Installation of sidewalks on Conejo School Road and Willow Lane, between Hampshire Road and Hillcrest Drive, to provide connectivity to both sides of the 101 Freeway, and a direct path to the Conejo Elementary School and Thousand Oaks Boulevard. The project scope of work included bike lanes, curbs, gutters, curb ramps, and a pedestrian signal. The total project length is 7,000 linear feet.
3. Rancho Road: Installation of sidewalks, curb ramps, designated bike lanes, and improved ramp intersections along Rancho Road, including a new traffic signal at the intersection of Rancho Road and the 101 Freeway southbound ramps. In addition, improvements include a bicycle signal for the northbound direction at the intersection of Rancho Road and the 101 Freeway northbound ramps.
4. Teller Road at Lawrence Drive: Widening and realignment of the eastbound and westbound lanes; constructing roadway pavement, sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, gutter, and curb ramps; driveways, drainage improvements and water service replacements along both sides of Los Feliz Drive, between Conejo School Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard.
5. Striping 8.5 miles of buffered bike lanes, enhancing cycling safety throughout the City. Street segments included Lynn Road, Reino Road, Avenida de los Arboles and Via Las Brisas.
Safety Element
The Safety Element was last comprehensively updated in 2014. The purpose of the Safety Element is to protect the community from injury, loss of life, and property damage resulting from natural and man-made hazards. This Element contains 2022 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report March 14, 2023
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0 goals and policies intended to protect the community from natural hazards such as flooding, earthquakes, and fires, and man-made hazards such as air pollution and hazardous materials. No formal amendments were adopted to the Safety Element in 2022.
Implementation of the goals and policies related to safety are typically applied to projects through the discretionary review and building permit processes. The following advancement was made in 2022:
1. The 2022 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan was adopted by Ventura County and the City.
Conservation Element
The Conservation Element was last comprehensively updated in 2013. The purpose of the Conservation Element is to address the preservation and conservation of natural resources, including scenic landforms, geology and paleontology, biological resources, air quality, and cultural and historic resources. No formal amendments were adopted in 2022. Implementation of the goals and policies related to conservation are applied to projects through the discretionary and environmental review process.
Open Space Element
The Open Space Element was last comprehensively updated in 2013. The purpose of the Open Space Element is to support the City’s vision to protect natural open spaces and maintain the community’s character and enviable quality of life.
No formal amendments were adopted in 2022.
The following implementation actions were achieved in 2022:
1. Forty parcels of open space were transferred to Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) from the City for long-term management.
2. Partnered with the Ventura Regional County Fire Safe Council to offer a home hardening education and inspection program for City residents and added a pilot project to assist low-income seniors with implementing home hardening practices.
3. COSCA Rangers completed 342 outdoor maintenance and repair projects.
4. Two volunteer trail working days were conducted, drawing 188 volunteers to improve community trails.
5. Performed the annual Trail Education Days event at which 51 volunteers, 62 teachers, and 80 parents provided outdoor trail use education to 948 fourth-grade students.
2022 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report March 14, 2023
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0 6. Initiated the preparation of an Emergency Access Road Management Plan for the Lang Ranch and Woodridge Open Spaces.
7. Removed approximately 1.8 miles of invasive giant reed and Mexican fan palms from the Arroyo Conejo Creek COSCA property.
8. Completed annual weed abatement program (375 acres).
9. Completed Banning Dam annual maintenance at Lake Eleanor.
Other General Plan Elements
Although no specific amendments or activity took place in 2022 pertaining to the following General Plan elements, they are part of the on-going comprehensive General Plan update:
Noise Element: Last updated in 2000.
Scenic Highways Element (Optional Element): Adopted in 1974.
Social Element (Optional Element): Adopted in 1980.
Public Buildings Element (Optional Element): Adopted in 1972.
Community Forest Element (Optional Element): Last updated in 2017.
Compliance with State General Plan Guidelines
In February 2019, City Council initiated a comprehensive General Plan Update in conjunction with the state-mandated 6 th Cycle Housing Element Update. During the past four years, the City and its General Plan consultant, Raimi + Associates, have made substantial progress on the update by completing three of five phases, including: 1) Existing Conditions, 2) Listening and Visioning, and 3) Policy Development and Plan Alternatives. The update is currently in its fourth phase, called Plan Development. The final phase will begin in Spring 2023 with the release of the Public Draft General Plan and adoption in Fall 2023. The new General Plan will comply with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research General Plan Guidelines and recent State legislation, which requires the inclusion of Environmental Justice policies and an updated Safety Element.
Housing Element Annual Progress Report
The 2021 – 2029 6 th Cycle Housing Element was adopted by City Council on January 25, 2022. On April 1, 2022, the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) completed its review of the adopted Housing Element and provided a letter indicating that the adopted Housing Element met most statutory requirements; however, additional revisions were necessary to comply with State Housing Element Law. As required by State Law, the revised Housing Element was made available for public review for a period of seven days from January 24, 2023, to January 31, 2023, prior to resubmittal to HCD, and one 2022 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report March 14, 2023
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0 public comment was received. On February 1, 2023, the Housing Element was resubmitted to HCD, and is currently being reviewed by the State for certification.
The annual progress report summarizes residential housing activity, progress towards the 6 th cycle RHNA, and housing program implementation. The report is prepared using forms and definitions adopted by HCD. In addition to tracking progress towards RHNA through the issuance of building permits, HCD also collects data on the type of housing projects submitted to local jurisdictions, whether projects are approved or disapproved, the number of streamlined applications, and requests for density bonuses or concessions. The complete 2022 report is provided as Attachment #1 and a summary of the reported information is provided below.
Table A of the progress report (replicated below) documents new residential development applications that were submitted between January 1 to December 31, 2022. Note that only formal applications deemed complete are included.
(Table A)
Housing Applications Submitted
Total housing applications submitted: 162
Number of proposed units in all applications received: 885 Total housing units approved: 402
Total housing units disapproved: 0
Table A2 of the progress report (replicated below) documents the number of approved entitlements by household income categories that were submitted between January 1 to December 31, 2022. Note that entitled projects that have not received their building permits do not yet count towards the progress of meeting RHNA.
(Table A2)
Approved Entitlements by Housing Income Categories
Very Low
Income
Low Income Moderate
Income
Above
Moderate
Income
# Of Units
Approved
16 68 4 757 845
2022 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report March 14, 2023
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0 Table B of the progress report (replicated below) documents the total number of residential units that have received building permits during the first reporting year of the City’s 6th Cycle RHNA. As stated in the table below, the City issued a total of 117 building permits for new housing in 2022, including 103 accessory dwelling units and 14 single-family detached dwellings. There are 2,504 remaining units for the 6th cycle.
(Table B)
Regional Housing Allocation Need Progress 2022
Very
Low Low Moderate
Above
Moderate Totals
RHNA Allocation by
Income Level 735 494 532 860 2,621
Number of Building
Permits Issued
Year 1: 2022
0 0 0 117 117
Remaining RHNA 735 494 532 743 2,504
Percent of RHNA
Satisfied 0% 0% 0% 13.6% 4.5%
Housing Element Programs Implementation
Each jurisdiction is required to identify specific programs in its housing element to allow implementation of its stated goals and objectives. The programs shall include timeframes for implementation, the agencies responsible for implementation, and available funding sources.
The City’s 6th Cycle 2021-2029 Revised Housing Element identifies five goals and 18 programs that focus on: 1) providing a wide range of housing opportunities for persons of all income levels; 2) providing housing opportunities for persons with special needs; 3) maintaining and improving the existing housing stock of the City by reducing housing deterioration; 4) preserving existing affordable housing opportunities; and 5) affirmatively furthering fair housing. A summary of the program implementation is provided in Table D of Attachment #1.
Housing Successor Agency Annual Report
All Redevelopment Agencies in California were formally dissolved in 2012 and the affordable housing functions were assigned to the City as the Housing Successor Agency. Pursuant to Section 34176.1 of the California Health and Safety Code (Code), the Housing Successor Agency Annual Report is required to be submitted to the Department of Housing and Community Development as an addendum to the Housing Element Annual Progress Report. The FY 2021-2022 (ending on June 30, 2022) Housing Successor Agency Annual Report is provided as 2022 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report March 14, 2023
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0 Attachment #2 and a summary of the reported information is provided below in Table 1.
Housing Successor Agency Annual Report Summary (Table 1) Information Requested Information Report
1 Loan Payments
Received
There are no loan agreements, and no loan
repayment schedules between the former
Redevelopment Agency and the City.
2 Funds deposited to
the low and
moderate-income
housing asset fund
No funds deposited. The housing successor is not
funded through the Recognized Obligation
Payment Schedule (ROPS).
3 ROPS amounts None of the Housing Successor Fund was withheld for items on the ROPS.
4 Expenditures The Housing Successor had $138,957 in
administrative expenditures and $1,200,000 in
housing development expenditures.
5 Value of Assets $37,800,906
6 Transfers made No housing successor asset fund monies were transferred between housing successors in
contiguous jurisdictions during the fiscal year.
7 Property tax revenue The Housing Successor Fund did not receive or hold property tax revenues pursuant to the ROPS
during the fiscal year.
8 Status of interests in
real property
Housing Successor statutory value of the land
under Fiore Garden Apartments is
$2,992,749. Project was developed as 100%
affordable housing on the land acquired on
7/24/1991.
Housing Successor funds of $1,200,000 was used
to acquire the vacant Hillcrest/Erbes property on
8/9/2021. The City was seeking a developer to
construct a 100% affordable project as of
6/30/2022.
9 Status of any
outstanding
obligations
No outstanding obligations pursuant to Section
33413 remain to be transferred to Housing
Successor. Annual report and implementation plan
of the former Redevelopment Agency is posted on
the City’s website.
10 Affordable units
created with Housing
Fund
No affordable units created.
2022 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report March 14, 2023
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0 11 Affordable senior
units created within
10 years
No affordable senior units created.
Housing Successor Agency Annual Report Summary (Table 1) Information Requested Information Report
12 Housing fund excess
surplus
$496,324 must be expended within 3 years for
affordable housing development and/or homeless
prevention and rapid housing services.
13 Inventory of home
ownership units
6 homeownership units were assisted by the former
redevelopment agency and 0 units were lost in FY
2021-22.
COUNCIL GOAL COMPLIANCE:
Meets the following City Council goal:
C. Operate City government in a fiscally and managerially responsible and prudent manner to ensure that the City of Thousand Oaks remains one of California's most desirable places to live, work, visit, recreate, and raise a family.
PREPARED BY: Krystin Rice, Sr. Planner
Attachments:
Attachment #1 – 2022 Housing Element Annual Progress Report Attachment #2 – Housing Successor Annual Progress Report CDD:440-20\kr\H:\COMMON\City Council\CC Agenda Items\2023\03142023 [Gen Plan Annual Progress Report].docx