HomeMy WebLinkAboutZCA 11-04; SDU Rent Restrictions; Zone Code Amendment (ZCA)The City of Carlsbad Planning Division
A REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Item No.
P.C. AGENDA OF: October 19, 2011
Application complete date: N/A
Project Planner: Corey Funk
Project Engineer: N/A
SUBJECT: ZCA 11-04/LCPA 11-05 - SOU RENT RESTRICTIONS - A request for a
recommendation of approval for a Zone Code Amendment and Local Coastal
Program Amendment to amend the second dwelling unit rent restrictions located
within Chapter 21.10 of the Zoning Ordinance.
I. RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission ADOPT Planning Commission Resolutions No. 6836 and 6837
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL of ZCA 11-04 and LCPA 11-05 based on the findings
contained therein.
II.INTRODUCTION
This proposal involves a City-initiated Zone Code Amendment and Local Coastal Program
Amendment to amend the second dwelling unit rent restriction regulations located within
Chapter 21.10 of the Zoning Ordinance. The purpose of this amendment is to no longer require
certain second dwelling units (SDUs) to be rented at a rate affordable to low income households.
This amendment does not apply to SDUs provided to satisfy the city's Inclusionary Housing
Ordinance (IHO).
The proposed amendments are consistent with applicable portions of the General Plan and
maintain internal consistency within the Zoning Ordinance and the Local Coastal Program
(LCP). With regard to the LCP amendment, the Zoning Ordinance is the LCP implementing
ordinance; therefore an LCP amendment is necessary. However, no portion of the LCP land use
plan document is being amended.
HI. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND
For the purposes of this report, SDUs can be divided into the following two categories: those
that are built to satisfy the requirements of the IHO (inclusionary SDUs), and those that are not
(non-inclusionary SDUs).
• Inclusionary SDUs are one way to meet the requirements of the IHO. For residential
projects with seven or more dwelling units, the IHO requires 15% of the units to be
affordable to very low and low income households (see Attachment 3 for income
group definitions).
ZCA 11-04/LCPA 11-05 - SDU RENT RESTRICTIONS
October 19, 2011
Page 2
• Non-inclusionary SDUs are typically either (1) added to an existing home by a
homeowner, or (2) built by a developer or owner/builder along with a new single
family home as an amenity.
The Planning Commission voted on July 21, 2010 to recommend that the City Council direct
staff to prepare an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to exclude SDUs that are not built to
satisfy the IHO from low income rent restrictions. At its May 17, 2011 workshop, the City
Council concurred with this recommendation and directed staff to prepare the necessary
amendments.
As proposed, non-inclusionary SDUs will no longer be subject to any rent restrictions; however,
inclusionary SDUs will continue to be subject to the requirements of the IHO.
As indicated below, the majority of existing SDUs in Carlsbad are inclusionary SDUs:
• Inclusionary SDUs - 176
• Non-inclusionary SDUs - 39
• Total existing SDUs - 215
The Housing and Neighborhood Services Department completes an annual SDU survey, which
shows how SDUs in Carlsbad are being used. Responses to the 2011 SDU survey are indicated
below (215 SDU owners were surveyed and 152 responses were received).
• SDU is rented - 28%
• SDU is used as housing for extended family - 44%
• SDU is used for other purposes (e.g. home office) - 28%
IV. ANALYSIS
A. General analysis
Currently, the Zoning Ordinance requires both types of second dwelling units to be rent
restricted to low income households. As expressed by the Planning Commission during their
July 21, 2010 meeting, the Commission considered the low income rent restriction on non-
inclusionary SDUs to be unnecessarily burdensome on the individual homeowner.
The primary purpose of existing zoning regulations that require all SDUs (non-inclusionary and
inclusionary) to be rented at rates affordable to lower income tenants is to comply with state
housing law, which requires the city to accommodate a minimum number of dwelling units
affordable to moderate and lower income households. The city's Housing Element depends on
the future construction of 80 SDUs (including inclusionary and non-inclusionary) to meet state
requirements for affordable housing. However, the proposed amendment will not adversely
impact the city's ability to comply with state housing law, provided the SDUs are affordable to at
least moderate income tenants.
ZCA 11-04/LCPA 11-05 - SDU RENT RESTRICTIONS
October 19,2011
Page 3 •
If the proposed amendment is approved, owners of non-inclusionary SDUs will be able to rent
the units at a market rate. However, it is estimated by the city's Housing and Neighborhood
Services Department that non-inclusionary SDUs will still be affordable to moderate income
tenants (see Attachment 3) if a market rate rent is charged.1 Therefore, the city will still be able
to comply with the state's affordable housing requirements.
B. General Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Local Coastal Program Consistency
The proposed amendment is minor and procedural in nature. No substantive changes to
development standards, policies or programs are proposed. Staff has analyzed the proposed
amendment and finds that, as demonstrated above, the proposed amendment does not prevent the
city from complying with the state's affordable housing requirements and therefore does not
conflict with the housing element. Additionally, it does not conflict with any other portion of the
General Plan.
An integral component of any Zoning Ordinance amendment is a requirement to find that the
proposed amendments are internally consistent with the procedures and standards of the rest of
the existing Zoning Ordinance that is not proposed for amendment, and that it is consistent with
the Local Coastal Program. Staff has analyzed the proposed amendments and finds that the
amendments are internally consistent with the other provisions of the Zoning Ordinance not
being amended, and that the proposed amendments do not create any conflicts with the
provisions of the Local Coastal Program.
V. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed amendments are exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQA Section
15061(b)(3), which exempts projects "where it can be seen with certainty that there is no
possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment."
Amending the zoning ordinance to exclude non-inclusionary second dwelling units from low
income rent restrictions will not result in a significant effect on the environment.
ATTACHMENTS;
1. Planning Commission Resolution No. 6836 (ZCA)
2. Planning Commission Resolution No. 6837 (LCPA)
3. Income group definitions and limits
4. Strikeout/underline version of the proposed Zoning Ordinance text amendment
1 Estimate of market rate rents for SDUs is based on U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development's Fair Market
Rents for San Diego County effective 10/01/2010, San Diego County Apartment Association data and staffs
knowledge of the local housing market.
ATTACHMENTS
ZCA11-04/LCPA 11-05
SDU RENT RESTRICTIONS
INCOME GROUP DEFINITIONS
Very Low (<50% of Area Median Income)
Low (50-80% of Area Median Income)
Moderate (80-120% of Area Median Income)
Above Moderate (> 120% of Area Median Income)
See following page for related income group maximum rents
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
SAN DIEGO HOUSING COMMISSION INCOME AND RENT CALCULATIONS
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 2011 SAN DIEGO MEDIAN INCOME:
ATTACHMENTS
$74,900
Note: The table contains income limits for 2010 extremely tow, very towandlowineome, as adjusted for family size and other factors adopted and amended from
time to time by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD adjusted San Diego Very Lowlncome limits for a "high housing cost area"
factor.
family
Size Unit Size
ONE
rwo
THREE
FOUR
FFvE
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
STUDIO
1-BR
2-BR
3-BR
4-BR
5-BR
6-8R
Baremely Low Income
30% AMI
(Aijusted by HUD)
ANNUAL GROSS
INCOME' RENT2 TCftC**
117,200
$19,650
$22,100
$24,550
$26,550
$28,500
$30,450
$32,450
$430
$491
$553
$614
$664
$713
$761
$430
$461
$553
$639
$713
$786
35% AMI
(.Adjusted by HUD)
ANNUAL GROSS
INCOME' RENT* TCAC«*
$20,050
$22,900
$25,800
$28,650
$30,950
$33,250
$35,550
$3L800
$501
$573
$645
$716
$774
$831
$889
$502
$538
$645
$745
$832
$917
40% AMI
(AdjvKtedbyHUD)
ANNUAL GROSS ,_„,.,*
INCOME' RENT*
$22,950
$26,200
$29,500
$32,750
$35,350
$38,000
$40,600
$43,250
$574
$655
$738
$819
$884
$950
$1,015
$574
$615
$738
$852
$951
$1,049
Fami ty
Size Urtt Size
ONE
rv«)
THREE
FOUR
FWE
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
STUDIO
I-BR
2-BR
3-BR
4-BR
5-BR
6-BR
V^ry Louu Iricome
50% AMI
(Aijgsted by HUD)
ANNUAL GROSS Tr,,p,» "Low
INCOME' RENT* HOME"'
$28,700
$32,800
$36,900
$40,950
$44,250
$47,550
$50,800
$54,100
$718
$820
$923
$1 ,024
$1,106
$1,189
$1 ,270
$717
$768
$922
$1 ,065
$1,188
$1 ,31 1
$722
$774
$928
$1 ,073
$1,197
$1 ,321
$1 ,445
60% AMI
(Adjusted by HUD)
ANNUAL GROSS Tr4rp
INCOME' RENT*
$34,440
$39,360
$44,280
$49,140
$53,100
$57,060
$60,960
$64,920
$881
$984
$1,107
$1 ,229
$1 ,328
$1 ,427
$1 ,524
$861
$922
$1,107
$1 ,278
$1 ,426
$1,573
65% AMI
(AJjustedbyHUO)
ANNUAL GROSS "H£-i
INCOME' RENT" HOME"'
$37,300
$42,600
$47,950
$53,250
$57,500
$61 ,750
$66,050
$70,300
$933
$1 ,065
$1,199
$1 ,331
$1 ,438
$1 ,544
$1 ,651
$920
$987
$1,187
$1 ,362
$1 ,500
$1 ,637
$1,774
Family
Sis Urit Size
ONE
TVWJ
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
STUDIO
I-BR
2-BR
3-BR
4-8R
5-BR
8-BR
70% AMI
(AdjuaedbyHUO)
ANNUAL CROSS
INCOME' RENT"'
$40,150
$45,900
$51 ,600
$57,350
$61 ,950
$66,550
$71,100
$75,700
$1 ,004
$1 ,1 48
$1 ,290
$1 ,434
$1 ,549
$1 ,664
$1 ,778
Low Income
80% AMI
(Aijusted by HUD)
ANNUAL GROSS
INCOME' RENT'
$45,850
$52,400
$58,950
$65,500
$70,750
$76,000
$81 ,250
$86,500
$1,146
$1,310
$1,474
$1,638
$1 ,769
$1 ,900
$2,031
100%
£rea Median heoms (No
HUDadjuarrent)
ANNUAL GROSS
INCOME' RENT3
$52,450
$59,900
$67,400
$74,900
$80,900
$86,900
$92,900
$98,850
$1,311
$1 ,498
$1 ,685
$1 ,873
$2,023
$2,173
$2,323
120% AMI
(No HUDadjuament)
ANNUAL GROSS
INCOME' RENT'
$62,950
$71,900
$80,900
$89,900
$97,100
$104,300
$111,500
$118,650
$1 ,574
$1 ,798
$2,023
$2,248
$2,428
$2,608
$2,788
" TCAC = Tax Credit /^location Committee
1. Annual Income = Gross annual income adjusted by family size for A-ea Median Income (£MI) level. May contain additional adjustments as determinec
annually by HUD
2. Gross rent minus utility allowance = maximum cash rent. See the "San Diego Housing Commission Utility Alowance Schedule" to calculate the utility allovwince
based on the project's actual utility mix
3. For projects v\ith multiple funding sources, use the lowest rents applicable and/or apply HUDs MTSP "Hold Harmless" policy.
"LowHOME" and "High HOME" rents effective July 13, 2011
Note. Due to the Housing and Economic Recovery Ad of 2008 the data presented in this chart may not be applicable to projects financed vvth Section 42
Lowlncome Housing Tax Credits(LIHTC)or section 142 tax exempt private equity bonds (MTSP). If you believe your affordable housing project is affected by this
change and have questions regarding the 2011 Rent S Income limits, please contact Irma Betanoourt at irmab@sdhc.org,
This general income and rental rate information is derived from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development very low income figures
published May 31,2011 (revised June 31), 2011 for S an D lego County). H Otif Rents effective July 13,2011.
S.-WFShareVNOFAWMI& Utility ChartsXZOl 1
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Revised:?/! 2/101 Lit.
ATTACHMENT 4
ZCA 11-04/LCPA 11-05
SDU RENT RESTRICTIONS
STRIKE-OUT/UNDERLINE1
Section 21.10.030 (R-l One Family Residential Zone, Second dwelling units) is proposed to be amended
as follows:
21.10.030 Second dwelling units.
A. The public good is served when there exists in a city housing which is appropriate
for the needs of and affordable to all members of the public who reside within that city. Among
other needs, there is in Carlsbad a need for affordable rental housing. Therefore, it is in the
public interest for the city to promote a range of housing alternatives in order to meet the
affordable rental housing needs of its citizens. This section is intended to provide a rental
housing alternative by establishing a procedure to create new second dwelling units.
B. The provisions of this section shall apply to single-family zones R-A, R-E and R-
1, areas designated by a master plan for single-family detached dwellings in P-C zones and lots
within multifamily zones R-2, R-3, R-P, R-T, R-W and RD-M, which are developed with single-
family residences.
C. Second dwelling units developed within the coastal zone require a minor coastal
development permit issued according to the provisions of Section 21.201.085 and a building
permit. Second dwelling units outside of the coastal zone require a building permit.
D. The completed minor coastal development permit and/or building permit
application for a second dwelling unit shall include the following information:
1. The name(s) of the owner(s);
2. The address of the dwelling units;
3. The assessor's parcel number;
4. Building elevations and a general floor plan of the second dwelling unit;
5. A scaled drawing showing the lot dimensions, the location of the primary and
second dwelling unit, location of all vehicular parking and the total square footage
of both units;
6. Description and location of water and sanitary (sewer) services; and
7. An owner signed and notarized a Notice of Restriction, to be recorded against the
property, declaring that: in conformance with 21.10.030.E.I 5 of this Chapter.
•<L The property owner(s) shall reside in either the main dwelling unit or the second
dwelling unit, unless a lessee leases both the main dwelling and the second dwelling unit;
b, The obligations and restrictions imposed on the second dwelling unit per this
Chapter are binding on all present and future property owners.
1 The version of Section 21.10.030 shown in this exhibit was adopted by the City Council on 7/27/10 as part of ZCA
07-02/ LCPA 07-03, but is still pending approval by the California Coastal Commission and is not yet effective. To
view the version of Section 21.10.030 currently in effect, please see Agenda Bill No. 20,329 for ZCA 07-02/ LCPA
07-03 or view the Carlsbad Municipal Code at www. carlsbadca.gov.
ATTACH ME NT 4
E. Second dwelling units shall comply with the following:
1. The second dwelling unit shall either be attached to the main dwelling unit and
located within the habitable area of the main dwelling unit or detached from the
main dwelling unit and located on the same lot as the main dwelling unit;
2. The second dwelling unit shall have a separate entrance;
3. The second dwelling unit must meet the setback, lot coverage and other
development standards applicable to the zone which are not addressed within this
subsection. In the coastal zone, any housing development processed pursuant to
this chapter shall be consistent with all certified local coastal program provisions,
with the exception of density, or as otherwise specified within this subsection;
4. Attached second dwelling units shall conform to the height limits applicable to the
zone and detached second dwelling units shall be limited to one story, except that
second dwelling units constructed above detached garages shall be permitted and
shall conform to the height limits applicable to the zone;
5. Garage conversions are prohibited unless replacement off-street garage parking is
provided concurrently and in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 21.44;
6. Second dwelling units shall not be permitted on a lot or parcel having guest or
accessory living quarters, or a residential care facility. Existing guest or accessory
living quarters may be converted into a second dwelling unit provided that all
zoning and structural requirements are met;
7. One additional paved off-street (covered or uncovered) parking space shall be
provided for the second dwelling unit and shall comply with the requirements of
Chapter 21.44. The additional parking space may be provided through tandem
parking (provided that the garage is set back a minimum of twenty feet from the
property line) or in the front yard setback;
8. Adequate water and sewer capacity and facilities for the second dwelling unit
must be available or made available;
9. All necessary public facilities and services must be available or made available;
10. The second unit may be rented and shall not be sold separately from the main
dwelling unit unless the lot on which such units are located is subdivided. The lot
upon which the second unit is located shall not be subdivided unless each lot
which would be created by the subdivision will comply with the requirements of
this title and Title 20; and further provided, that all structures existing on each
proposed lot will comply with the development standards applicable to each lot;
11. The total area of floor space for an attached or detached second unit shall not
exceed six hundred forty square feet;
12. The second dwelling unit shall be architecturally compatible with the main
dwelling unit, in terms of appearance, materials and finished quality;
13. A second dwelling unit which conforms to the requirements of this section shall
be allowed to exceed the permitted density for the lot upon which it is located and
shall be deemed to be a residential use consistent with the density requirements of
the general plan and the zoning designation for the lot;
14. Second dwelling units intended to satisfy an inclusionary requirement shall
comply with the requirements of Chapter 21.85, including but not limited to the applicable rental
rates and income limit standards.
4-Sr The owner shall sign and notarize a Notice of Restriction, to be recorded against
ATTACHMENT 4
the property, declaring that:
& —If the second dwelling unit is rented, the monthly rental rate shall not exceed the
allowable housing expense of a low income household (defined: Section 21.85.020).
b-. The property ovvner(s) shall reside in either the main dwelling unit or the second
dwelling unit, unless a lessee leases both the main dwelling and the second dwelling unit;
e-. The obligations and restrictions imposed on the second dwelling unit per this
Chapter are binding on all present and future property owners.