CCMIN 05182021 - Laserfiche WebLink

standards as necessary to be more applicable to the new sites to be eventually identified through this process. In response to Councilmember Narum's inquiry, Director Clark advised an analysis of best practices from other cities will be an important part of the process, relying on the expertise of LWC. She noted it is of particular importance for the development of affordable and workforce units. She advised they will be brought to City Council as the policy framework starts to come together. In response to Councilmember Narum's inquiries, Director Clark advised one of the few benefits of having an allocation of over 5,000 units is relaxing the requirements from HCD for having affirmative property owner support under AB 1397. She explained the City will have a requirement to understand the willingness to develop to help make its case to HCD. Ms. Wise clarified the 5,000-unit threshold is a guideline for HCD and not a hard rule. She noted LWC is also working with the City of Long Beach which has a RHNA number of 26,000. She advised it is not practical to get this level of information for every property being considered for rezoning. She explained the City would handle the process the same as any rezoning, noting the City has a need and a right. She advised it becomes a planning exercise. In response to Councilmember Narum's inquiries, Director Clark explained a developer trying to build a different type of unit than the site was slotted for in the Housing Element would not necessarily be the basis for a denial under SB 166. She advised it would be prudent to take a hard look at the project because it puts the City in a position of having to identify other sites to make up for the loss of expected units due to either affordability level or lack of density. Assistant City Manager Brian Dolan reported the City put in minimum density requirements for the last Housing Element and did not entertain anything below the minimum. He advised he has not heard anything which would prohibit the City from doing this again. He clarified there is a presumed income level at a certain density. He advised if the City allows something not income-restricted it has not met its obligation regardless of density. In response to Councilmember Narum's inquiries, Director Clark advised the discussion on percentages for inclusionary housing will be an important part of the policy discussion starting this summer. She explained the City will need to have a robust discussion of policy strategies and could foresee potential changes to the Inclusionary Ordinance being part of the discussion. She advised this question has been raised by multiple Commission members. She confirmed amending it to allow for flexibility instead of a set percentage is also something to discuss. In response to Councilmember Balch's inquiries, Director Clark confirmed staff recognizes they are transitioning from an all-virtual environment to either hybrid or in-person meetings based on whatever happens with the health orders. She advised they want as much engagement as possible through meetings, online surveys, etc. She noted integrating a residency requirement to any virtual meetings seems reasonable along with obtaining demographic information without being too invasive. In response to Councilmember Balch's inquiry, Director Clark advised education is a huge part of the effort and noted there is a lot of misinformation and confusion about this complex topic. She advised staff already developed several Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) posted on the new Housing Element website and will be updated throughout the process. She requested anyone who would like to add to the FAQ page reach out to Associate Planner Hagen. In response to Councilmember Balch's inquiries, Director Clark explained the 250-acre figure is a preliminary estimate. She advised staff looked at a blended range of densities to arrive at 250 acres with less emphasis on lower-density development due to the low-income needs. She explained the need to be efficient with the available land is more pressing than ever due to the large number of units. She advised the expectation is to be looking at mid to high-density projects as the best way to get to the 6,000 figure and noted it is a work in progress. She confirmed SB 166 requires the City to account for both the total number of units and units by affordability. She advised the challenges presented by City Council Minutes Page 5 of 10 May 18.2021