CC MIN 03152022 - Laserfiche WebLink

Councilmember Arkin moved to approve staff's Option 2 with an amendment to specify local employees. Councilmember Testa seconded the motion. MOTION: It was m/s by Arkin/Testa to approve staff's recommended Workforce Housing Option 2 with an amendment to specify local employees. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arkin, Balch, Testa, Mayor Brown Noes: Councilmember Narum Absent: None Senior Planner Bonn reported on staff, Planning Commission, and Housing Commission's recommendations for small-scale infill. She advised this can be done outside of the Housing Element process so staff does not want to make requisite amendments to the Municipal Code at this time. In response to Councilmember Testa, Director Clark advised it can also be included in an upcoming discussion of objective design standards. She confirmed this can be explored on a limited basis during the objective design standards discussion. In response to Councilmember Testa, Director Clark confirmed some cities have accommodated SB 9 by increasing the density of single-family residential zones. Councilmember Arkin noted courtyard-style homes and townhomes are good but advised the City does not have many of them. Councilmember Narum recommended discussion on whether to require new housing projects to have ADUs. She agreed with Councilmember Arkin's comment about the City having a lack of good starter home inventory. She expressed support for a policy of encouraging starter home construction meaning they are affordable by design due to their size and not being opulent. Director Clark explained the intent is to not over densify single-family neighborhoods but rather work with infill sites. Councilmember Balch inquired if there was support for adding something to the Housing Element without it being too narrow. Mayor Brown explained the City already does this, citing the Garden Creek duplexes, and advised policy is not needed for it. Councilmember Testa advised the entire City Council wants developments like Garden Creek but for them not to be in the middle of established single-family neighborhoods. Councilmember Narum advised the City Council needs to formally recognize the need for starter homes and get away from 2,500-3,000 square foot homes. Director Clark reported she is hearing the City Council agree to integrate affordability by-design concepts into new residential development. Mayor Brown concurred. In response to Mayor Brown, Director Clark clarified that ADUs are a separate policy topic. In response to Councilmember Balch, Director Clark confirmed they can work affordability by-design concepts into the Housing Element rather than a formal development of new zoning standards. City Council Minutes Page 15 of 22 March 15, 2022