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SB 166 are a game-changer for this cycle and will require a much-focused policy discussion on how to <br /> handle sites not built out to their maximum density or their assigned affordability level. She further <br /> advised it will alter assumptions made about selected sites and the likelihood of them building out to <br /> 100%. <br /> In response to Councilmember Balch's inquiry, Mr. Bergman clarified a proposed site's viability is not a <br /> question of financial viability. He advised AB 1397 comes into play if there is a rezoning requirement <br /> because HCD would want some level of assurance a project could go forward on the site. He advised if <br /> parcels owned by different people were being combined into one site, HCD would want to see an <br /> indication the owners are willing to work together. He advised there is not a requirement to work at the <br /> finest level of detail due to the City exceeding the 5,000-unit threshold. <br /> In response to Councilmember Balch's inquiry, Director Clark confirmed staff and LWC must complete <br /> the governmental constraints to affordable housing study which speaks to the City's approval process, <br /> fees, and turnaround time before approval. She advised it is a challenge because the City cares so <br /> much about what projects look like and how they interface with neighborhoods but noted this process <br /> takes time. She explained in an ideal world there would be good and clear objective design standards <br /> like Councilmember Narum inquired about to help streamline projects and reduce the amount of <br /> uncertainty for developers about what will be acceptable. <br /> In response to Councilmember Testa's inquiry, Director Clark clarified the number of units per acre <br /> does not directly relate to the size of each unit because you could always have a larger building. She <br /> advised there are controls to regulate the size, height, and setbacks. <br /> In response to Councilmember Testa's inquiry, Director Clark clarified workforce housing has a <br /> relationship to the middle bracket of income housing ranging from 80-100% of AMI. She advised it is <br /> often called the "missing middle" because it is hard to build it. She noted it refers to housing for groups <br /> like nurses, teachers, and retail workers who provide important functions to the community and benefit <br /> from living close to work but have a challenge finding housing in communities like Pleasanton. Ms. <br /> Wise advised the AMI ranges come from the HUD. She explained workforce housing is typically not <br /> subsidized with low-income housing tax credits so it can be hard to accommodate because the market <br /> does not always fill the needs of those who need this range. <br /> In response to Councilmember Testa's inquiries, Director Clark confirmed Pleasanton has built 32.12% <br /> of its very-low-income allocation during the fifth cycle, it is still the top figure of any city in Alameda <br /> County. She confirmed Pleasanton has produced 300% of its above-market rate RHNA allotment in this <br /> cycle and noted this trend exists across the Bay Area. <br /> In response to Councilmember Arkin's inquiries, Director Clark clarified the ratio of density to the <br /> square footage of the units is a function of building size. She advised some cities made policy decisions <br /> to set minimum and maximum unit sizes and the City could consider one. She explained determining <br /> what sorts of units are built where and in what order stated is a combination of opportunity, partnership, <br /> and strategy. She noted this works best when the City is proactive about looking to do a particular thing <br /> and searches out partners for a specific purpose, leveraging the available funding but agreed it is a <br /> challenge. She clarified under "no net loss" in SB 166 with an underdeveloped site the City would have <br /> to either document it has the remaining capacity to build the unbuilt units or add additional capacity if it <br /> does not. She confirmed the City has not yet filed its appeal of the RHNA allocation and advised the <br /> ABAG board is meeting this week to layout the process and timing. She advised they will know more <br /> shortly about the appeal process and how the City would like to participate in it. She clarified <br /> Pleasanton's RHNA allocation is a function of the regional allocation and area income discrepancies. <br /> She advised part of it is also ABAG's methodology in allocating different income level portions of the <br /> regional allotment. Lastly, she confirmed the City can deny a project if it does not meet the zoning <br /> requirements. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 6 of 10 May 18,2021 <br />