_Minutes_February 23, 2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

Ms. Bonn presented on the specifics on the item in the Agenda Report. Commissioner Nibert asked the difference between affordable housing and affordable family housing and the definitions. Ms. Clark explained that the prior Housing Element focused on production of larger affordable housing units that could accommodate families. Commissioner Nibert confirmed that affordable family housing had three or more bedrooms. He asked the definition of multiplex. Ms. Clark clarified that multiplexes were apartments with five or more units, but also mentioned this is not a specified definition. Commissioner Allen asked about the need for one or two person households. Ms. Clark explained that that statement came from the Economic Development Strategy, indicating a demand that was not being met. She clarified the need for affordable, larger bedroom units. Commissioner Brown asked about the use of "essential worker" housing. Ms. Clark explained the difficulty in defining essential worker and therefore preferred "workforce housing." Commissioner Brown asked staff's view for the "missing middle" in Pleasanton. Ms. Clark suggested the market, lack of medium density residential zoning, site configuration and zoning regulations were potential causes. Commissioner Brown asked if rental or owned properties would meet the needs of the missing middle. Ms. Clark stated the missing middle units were more likely rental properties. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Jocelyn Combs spoke on Item 7 and recommended a definition for workforce housing; streamlining ADU production; completing achievable, affordable, objective design standards; establishing small units, and multifamily guidelines; amending the Municipal Code for small- scale infill; partnerships with local employers, not just "key" local employers; comparing RHNA numbers to workforce needs by category; enlisting non-profit housing developers; using money to purchase land; encouraging both ADUs and lower income housing funds; incentivizing affordable housing; and indicating that units converted under the California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA) have to be made up elsewhere. Becky Dennis spoke on Item 7 and encouraged embracing non-profit, mixed income housing in addition to encouraging the City to purchase land and facilitate employer-assisted housing. Jeff Schroeder spoke on Item 7; suggested affordable housing produced at scale; and discussed housing trends changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Morgan shared his key focus areas including the need to set the Lower Income Housing Fees (LIHF) at the correct level, differentiating between small and big houses and benchmarking with other highly desirable communities; making all efforts to receive County and State funds for affordable housing; and considering mixed housing for larger sites like Ironwood. Commissioner Nibert stated the Commission should be excited about the opportunity to be a leading innovator in providing affordable housing for the Pleasanton workforce. He suggested Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 of 8 February 23, 2022 icing was critical. She suggested reconsidering the basis for the low-income housing study, especially for residential. She requested more data on the expenditure of funding and what percentage was directed at adding more housing versus the other programs, because HCD was looking at the number of built units. She stated it was worth exploring a housing overlay zone but the ordinance should align with State law for short term. Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 of 7 February 9, 2022 a business person would be equal with building a unit and paying an IZO. Ms. Clark explained the basis for the inclusionary zoning requirement, and the amount of the low-income housing fee were different and therefore, there was a disjuncture between the two fees (i.e. the in-lieu fee does not cover 100 % of the cost of constructing an affordable unit). Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 7 February 9, 2022