_Minutes_2022-11-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 5 November 9, 2022 Chair Pace explained that the study timing did not align with the State’s requirement for submittal of the Housing Element. Ms. Clark added that the EIR water supply analysis was conservative. Chair Pace stated the conservative approach allowed maximum use of the land and flexibility with the State. Commissioner Nibert highlighted the statement in the draft report regarding water supply and deficiency. He asked about maximum build out capacity, and if it considered differences in sites. Ms. Clark explained that it was more citywide and programmatic. Commissioner Morgan asked the significance of EIR concluding that Alternative 2 was the environmentally superior option. Ms. Clark explained that the City was required to study a range of alternatives and disclose the environmentally superior option. She stated the City was not obligated to select that alternative rather it was a statement of fact, not a staff recommendation. Commissioner Morgan asked what additional information might be available on level of service. Ms. Clark stated the level of service analysis would be part of the discussion in December. She stated other considerations might be neighborhood compatibility, local serving retail, and policy and land use decisions. Commissioner Morgan asked how certain sites were automatically included. Ms. Clark discussed the formulation of the original site list and inclusion of specific sites. Vice Chair Gaidos requested clarification on alternatives. Ms. Clark explained that the Draft Housing Element as formulated was the “project”. She reiterated the requirement to disclose and analyze a reasonable range of alternatives and that the City was not obligated to select a site. She stated she did not anticipate adding sites, but the list might be narrowed. Vice Chair Gaidos requested the HCD comments be provided to the Commissioners. Chair Pace explained the forthcoming HCD comments and reasons to be conservative. Associate Planner Campbell stated staff would compile all information on the potential mix of sites and provide a recommendation. In response to Vice Chair Gaidos, Ms. Clark stated the cost of EIR cost was $370,000. She stated no public comments had yet been received but anticipated some prior to the December 4, 2022, meeting. She stated the proposed EIR was similar to the 4th cycle EIR, a similarly encyclopedic document. Vice Chair Gaidos stated it seemed like impacts were boiled down to car emissions and water. He asked if it was necessary to flag or highlight an alternative recommendation. Ms. Clark explained the purpose to confirm the scope and technical work was done satisfactorily. Vice Chair Gaidos confirmed that car emissions and water were not specific to any of the sites, and the public should provide input on site preference. Ms. Clark explained that when specific sites proceeded through the development process, subsequent EIRs would in most cases be unnecessary. Commissioner Nibert asked if there was a possibility the State would refuse to allow removal of sites. Ms. Clark explained that the State required demonstration of the capacity on RHNA. She encouraged mindfulness of avoiding geographically narrow site locations. Commissioner Nibert asked if HCD had visited the sites. Ms. Clark stated they had not but arrangements could be made. Commissioner Mohan thanked staff for its work on the Housing Element Update. Commissioner Jain expressed his gratitude to staff. He asked how the State tracked the City’s implementation of the Housing Element. Ms. Clark explained that the City had to show feasibility of development within eight years and to annually report its progress. She stated the City was zoning and creating opportunity for housing to be built. She stated the City was not a housing developer and had limited control over what was produced. Commissioner Jain asked what happened if a building wanted to developer a site included. Ms. Clark explained that SB35 gave the City less discretion on designated sites if the RHNA had not been met. She clarified that the State could not make the City rezone. Chair Pace discussed prior litigation resulting in the City’s lack of control. Commissioner Jain asked if the City