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In 2012 the Council adopted a Housing Element containing 84 different programs, approximately 19 of <br /> which were new. Since that time, the City has made progress in the following areas: <br /> • Permits issued for 467 dwelling units <br /> • Several appropriations, the largest of which was $8 million from the Low-Income Housing Fund <br /> to support redevelopment of Kottinger Place and Pleasanton Gardens apartments <br /> • Approved of two BRE projects in Hacienda for a combined total of approximately 506 rental <br /> units, with affordable housing agreements for 76 units <br /> • Approved four additional sites with a combined total of over 1000 single and multi-family units <br /> • Amended Growth Management Ordinance to assure compatibility with RHMA <br /> • Initiated a nexus study to determine if there is a need to update the Lower Income Housing Fee <br /> • Supported a wide range of non-profits organizations related to housing <br /> • Hosted workshops and produced promotional materials to conduct outreach in support of <br /> affordable housing <br /> • Adopted development standards and guidelines for high density housing <br /> • Approved amendments to zoning regulations aimed at reducing barriers to the development of <br /> housing for special needs groups <br /> Ms. Stern identified the following as programs that require additional work to be completed in 2013-14: <br /> • Density bonus ordinance <br /> • Survey of rental status on second units and analysis of potential incentives <br /> • Development requirements for second units <br /> • Complete nexus study regarding the Lower Income Housing Fee <br /> • Assessment of infrastructure needs related to the Growth Management Ordinance <br /> • Survey of older multi-family complexes and consideration of funding retrofits to create three- <br /> bedroom units <br /> Ms. Stern asked that the Council adopt the resolution allowing staff to forward the report to the <br /> Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Governor's Office of Planning and <br /> Research. <br /> Councilmember Brown requested clarification on "Density Bonus Ordinance consistent with State law." <br /> Ms. Stern explained that the law was previously very simply in that it would require the City to consider <br /> granting density over and above the zoned range for developers offering a certain percentage of <br /> affordable units or other types of affordably features. The law has become a bit more complicated in <br /> that it now allows City's to offer parking, height or other incentives to increase affordability. <br /> Councilmember Pentin asked and Ms. Stern confirmed that the City does currently possess that ability <br /> on a case by case basis, up to the limit provided for in CEQA analysis. <br /> Mayor Thorne opened the item for public comment. <br /> Mike Lung, Citizens for a Caring Community, urged the Council to postpone the processing of <br /> apartment development proposals until a 15% inclusionary requirement can be reinstated. <br /> Mr. Fialho suggested Mr. Lung was referencing the Palmer case, in which the courts rendered the <br /> opinion that cities could not regular or mandate a requirement of inclusionary housing on rental <br /> complexes like apartments, which does call into question the validity of the City's own ordinance as it <br /> applies to apartment units. He noted that it is still the objective of the City to meet its inclusionary goals, <br /> that all developers currently working with staff have expressed an interest and willingness to comply, <br /> and that these goals can still be achieved through conditions of approval or development agreements. <br /> Additionally, the development standards and guidelines recently adopted by the Council require <br /> developments of 30 units or more per acre to comply with the 15% inclusionary requirement. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 3 of 10 March 5, 2013 <br />