HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-09-10; City Council; ; A work plan, citizen advisory committee charter, and budget carry-over for the General Plan Housing Element Update Project@ CITY CO U NCIL
Staff Report
Meeting Date: September 10, 2019
Mayor and City Council To:
From:
Staff Contact:
Scott Chadwick, City Manager
David de Cordova, Principal Planner
David.decordova@carlsbadca.gov or 760-602-4604
Scott Donnell, Senior Planner
Scott.donnell@carlsbadca.gov or 760-602-4618
CA Review / (v{_
Subject: A work plan, citizen advisory committee charter, and budget carry-over
for the General Plan Housing Element Update Project
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution approving (1) a work plan for the General Plan Housing Element Update
Project, (2) a charter for a Housing Element citizen advisory committee, and (3) a carry-over of
$335,000 from FY 2018-19 General Fund budget surplus to fund the Housing Element Update
Project costs.
Executive Summary
At its October 23, 2018 meeting, the City Council directed staff to move forward on a
comprehensive, ground up review and update of the 1986 Growth Management Plan (GMP)
processed through a citizen advisory committee. Council members acknowledged the close
relationship between this effort and the upcoming General Plan Housing Element Update
Project (HE update) particularly since residential growth projections could impact GMP facilities
planning and dwelling unit caps.
The HE update must be adopted by the City Council by April 15, 2021. Because of this deadline
and other state-mandated processing requirements, the HE update will begin this fall. Moving
forward on an update of the GMP is subject to further discussion. At a special meeting on July
9, 2019, the City Council voted 5-0 to discuss the GMP update at their future goal setting
workshops, tentatively scheduled for September 18 and October 2. Depending on how City
Council directs staff at the goal setting workshops, staff will return with a work plan, resource
plan and budget request to enable the update effort.
The HE update will discuss topics that will generate public interest. Accordingly, staff
recommends forming a citizen advisory committee to guide the update. The committee,
composed of city commission and resident representatives, would perform many of the key
steps in the update process, such as soliciting public input and advising decision-makers.
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 1 of 22
The attached charter details the committee's mission statement, composition, and principles of
participation. The attached work plan outlines the committee's and overall project's tasks and
schedule. It is proposed that the full City Council make the final decision on all appointment
recommendations.
Discussion
Work plan
To complete the HE update by the April 2021 state deadline, staff has proposed a work plan
with a start-up phase of initiating actions and a work phase. The work plan also proposes
timelines to accomplish the different tasks of each phase as follows:
1. Start-up phase -September to December 2019: Start-up tasks lay the foundation for
the HE update effort by initiating several activities, such as hiring a consultant(s),
drafting and implementing a public outreach plan, and soliciting and appointing
committee members.
2. Work phase -January 2020 to April 2021: The work phase initially centers on committee
orientation and education and then concentrates on the HE update. This phase includes
substantial public involvement and concludes with committee recommendations to the
City Council, public hearings on the HE update, and submittal of the approved update to
the state by the April 2021 deadline.
Work plan activities are not necessarily sequential and in fact frequently overlap to initiate and
move the project in a timely manner. As the project progresses, tasks may change. Please refer
to the attached work plan for greater detail on the phases, tasks, and timelines.
Citizen advisory committee -overview
As reflected in the work plan, a Housing Element Advisory Committee (HEAC) would oversee
and guide review of the tiE update, consider staff and expert advice, and solicit public input in
formulating its recommendations to the City Council. The committee would hold a series of
public business meetings and/or workshops in carrying out its charge through fall 2020.
Logistical support and professional guidance to the committee would be provided in two ways.
First, city staff would produce draft and final work products on behalf of the committee for
public and decision-maker consideration. Second, staff would form a "technical resource
group." This group would consist of subject matter experts on an as-needed basis, such as
employees from different departments and representatives from outside organizations, such as
a homeless services provider.
A proposed HEAC charter is an attachment to the City Council resolution. The charter provides a
mission statement, principles of participation, member roles, and meeting requirements.
Charter provisions also establish "open meeting" requirements for the committee in
compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act).
2
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 2 of 22
As the charter describes, it is proposed that the City Council appoint all committee members.
To enable the HEAC to begin meeting early 2020, member solicitation would occur in the fall
followed by City Council appointments soon after.
Citizen advisory committee -member representation and appointment
The charter section regarding member representation and appointment identifies the
composition and number of HEAC members and the process to appoint them. As the charter
indicates, staff recommends a seven-member committee composed of three commission
representatives and four resident representatives. It is proposed that the full City Council make
the final decision on all committee appointments. Details, options, and discussions about staff's
recommendations are outlined below.
1. Number of members
Recommendation Seven members
Options The committee could have more or fewer members.
Discussion Seven to nine members is appropriate. A larger number makes
supporting and managing the committee more difficult; a smaller
number could challenge the ability to obtain adequate representation
and perspectives and achieve required quorums to conduct meetings.
While most city boards, committees, and commissions have five to
seven members, a seven-member HEAC enables a better, more
complete mix of commission and resident representation as
explained in the following section.
2. Composition of members
Recommendation A mix of city commission members and residents composed of five
city commission representatives and four resident representatives:
1. One Planning Commissioner
2. One Housing Commissioner
3. One Senior Commissioner
4. Four resident representatives, each serving based on their
quadrant or district location (depending on City Council
desire).
Options There are several options to staff's recommendation, including:
1. A committee composed entirely of commission
representatives or entirely of resident representatives rather
than a mix of both
2. A committee with commission representatives other than as
recommended
3. A committee featuring community stakeholders (e.g.,
representatives of a large employer, Chamber of Commerce,
3
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 3 of 22
or social services provider located in the city) that may not be
Carlsbad residents
4. A committee that includes subject matter experts who may
not live in Carlsbad but who can provide experience and
insight on relevant matters, such as land development,
housing, or financing
5. A committee composition based on a mix of one or more of
the above alternatives
6. Other option(s) the City Council may identify
Discussion The recommended mix of commissioners and residents provides a
balanced representation and perspective. Whether commissioner or
resident, all members would live in Carlsbad and would likely have a
greater interest than a non-resident in project discussions and
outcomes.
The growth and housing matters to be addressed in the HE update
directly relate to the subject areas of the recommended commission
representation. Further, the Planning Commission's purview includes
land use decision-making and General Plan review, and the Housing
Commission is charged with advising the City Council on matters such
as establishment or amendment of affordable housing programs and
amendments of the HE.
Because the HEAC will make recommendations on the HE update,
including related policies and programs, one Planning Commissioner,
one Housing Commissioner, and one Senior Commissioner on the
committee are appropriate.
3. Appointment of members
Recommendation 1. Mayor considers and confirms the recommended
nominations from the Housing, Planning, and Senior
commissions
2. Council members recommend a resident representative from
each quadrant or district (as desired)
The full city Council makes the final decision on all appointment
recommendations (recommended)
Options Alternatives to staff's recommendation include:
1. A resident representative from each of the four City Council
Districts instead of each quadrant
2. Resident representatives at large with no district or quadrant
representation
3. Other option(s) the City Council may identify
Discussion Except for resident representation by quadrant or district, the
recommended appointment procedure is consistent with City
4
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 4 of 22
Council's February 19, 2019, action on the amendment to the
Community Development Block Grant Citizen Participation Plan to
modify the appointment process and the membership requirements
for the ad hoc CDBG Citizen Advisory Committee. In that action, the
City Council approved resident representation from each of the four
City Council Districts instead of from each quadrant.
Staff believes appointments by quadrant (rather than by district) are
more geographically equitable as City Council Districts may or may
not include residents from each of the four quadrants.
If the City Council agrees with staff's recommendation, approval ofthe attached resolution is
appropriate. If the City Council approves an alternative to the recommendation, staff can either
revise the charter accordingly and begin its implementation and solicitation of committee
members or return to the City Council with a revised charter for approval at a future meeting.
Housing Element and Growth Management Plan
Processing of the HE update will include consideration of the GMP, such as its quadrant dwelling
unit caps and facilities planning. The city will need to examine, for example, how it can
accommodate its share of forecasted regional growth based on GMP standards. This examination
will occur as part of the HEAC's deliberations in a public setting with public input. Moreover,
potential recommendations to modify the GMP may develop from the committee's work.
Attached Exhibit 2 provides helpful background information on the city's growth, the GMP, and
state housing law, particularly regarding forecasted growth for Carlsbad and the region.
Fiscal Analysis
Staff is requesting City Council approve a carry-over of $335,000 from FY 2018-19 General Fund
budget surplus for HE update costs.
The State of California recently announced the release of funding under the SB 2 Planning Grants
Program. The intent of the funding is to help local governments streamline housing approvals
and accelerate housing production. If the City Council authorizes staff to apply for and receive SB
2 funds from the state (a proposal that will be processed separately from this recommended
action on the HE update), funds received may partially offset use of the requested carry-over.
Next Steps
Staff will begin the process of soliciting HEAC members for City Council consideration this fall.
HEAC meetings are anticipated to begin early next year. Through 2020, committee members
will seek public input and develop recommendations on the HE update. In the fall of 2020, staff
intends to return to City Council with the HEAC's recommendations. The resulting City Council
direction will then guide staff's preparation of the final HE update for public hearings in early
2021.
5
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 5 of 22
Environmental Evaluation (CEQA)
Pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21065, this action does not constitute a "project"
within the meaning of CEQA in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change
in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment,
and therefore does not require environmental review.
The HE update is subject to CEQA. While the level of environmental review is not known now,
the work plan, schedule, and budget anticipate preparation of an environmental impact report.
Public Notification
This item was noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public
viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting date.
Exhibits
1. City Council Resolution.
2. General Plan Housing Element background information.
6
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 6 of 22
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-170
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING (1) A WORK PLAN FOR THE GENERAL PLAN
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE, (2) A CHARTER FOR A HOUSING ELEMENT
CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AND (3) A CARRY-OVER OF $335,000 FROM
FISCAL YEAR 2018-19 GENERAL FUND BUDGET SURPLUS FOR HOUSING
ELEMENT UPDATE COSTS.
EXHIBIT 1
WHEREAS, state law requires that all cities and counties have an adopted general plan
consisting of various mandatory elements, including a housing element that must be reviewed and
updated every eight years; and
WHEREAS, by law, the City of Carlsbad General Plan Housing Element (HE) must be reviewed,
updated and adopted by April 15, 2021, to adequately plan for its share of anticipated growth in the
San Diego region during the 2021-2029 planning period; and
WHEREAS, because the HE update will generate public interest, a citizen advisory committee is
recommended to oversee and guide the update process, solicit community input, and make
recommendations to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, committee members will voluntarily serve for approximately one year and as
described in the citizen advisory committee charter for the General Plan Housing Element Update
Project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That City Council hereby approves the work plan for the General Plan Housing Element
Update Project as set forth in Attachment A.
3. That City Council hereby approves the citizen advisory committee charter for the
General Plan Housing Element Update Project as set forth in Attachment B.
4. That the City Council hereby approves a carry-over of $335,000 from FY 2018-19 General
Fund budget surplus to fund the Housing Element update costs.
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 7 of 22
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the 10th day of September 2019, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Hall, Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Schumacher, Hamilton.
None.
None.
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Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 8 of 22
ATTACHMENT A
Work Plan
General Plan Housing Element Update Project
Description. This project consists of a state-mandated update to the General Plan Housing
Element (HE) and will span approximately 20 months, from September 2019 to April 2021. The
proposed work plan consists of: 1) a start-up phase to include administrative activities, consultant
selection, and formation of the Housing Element Advisory Committee (HEAC); and 2) a work
phase to include research, analysis, public engagement and hearings, drafting, recommending
and adopting an updated Housing Element.
By law, the Housing Element update for the 2021-2029 planning period must be adopted by the
City Council by April 2021. The HEAC's role in providing guidance and recommendations is vital
to successful completion of the HE update. While the HEAC will focus primarily on the substantive
state requirements of the HE update, it will consider housing matters in light of the city's Growth
Management Plan provisions such as housing caps.
The phases and tasks below describe briefly project contents and steps. Tasks are not necessarily
sequential and in fact frequently overlap to timely initiate and move the project. As the project
progresses, tasks may change.
A project schedule is included on the last page of this work plan.
START-UP PHASE
• Task 1: Acquire professional services. Staff will prepare and issue a request for proposal
to acquire consultant services. Following review of proposals received, staff will
recommend to City Council approval of a consultant, scope of work and contract.
Estimated timeline: September -December 2019.
• Task 2: Draft and implement a public outreach plan. Staff will establish the framework
for noticing, updating, and engaging the community, stakeholders, city commissions, and
City Council. Early on, this task will help advise as much as possible the scope of work and
initial activities to publicize the project and activate the HEAC. Later, staff will refine the
public outreach plan based on consultant, community, and committee input and as
project activities warrant.
Due to anticipated community interest and complexity, an extensive outreach plan may
be necessary. Outreach may include methods such as:
o Preparing community newsletters that educate and explain project objectives, key
issues, and ways to be involved
o Considering surveys via phone, web, and mail to understand community desires
regarding accommodating new housing
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 9 of 22
Work Plan
General Plan Housing Element Update Project
Page 2
o Conducting community workshops and educational forums to educate, inspire,
and facilitate wide and diverse participation
o Attending HOA, business group, and other meetings to broaden outreach
o Creating and regularly updating a project website and logo/branding
o Developing media materials, such as press releases, newsletter articles and public
service announcements
Estimated timeline: September 2019 and ongoing.
• Task 3: Form a supporting technical resources group. The HE update will involve staff
from several different city departments and would likely benefit from the recognized
expertise of representatives from other agencies or organizations, such as a school district
liaison or staff from a homeless services provider. The city's project manager will
assemble the technical resources group from city department employees that is
supplemented by the participation of non-city representatives as needed. The technical
resource group would support the committee and project management team through
data, research, reports and presentations. Estimated timeline: September 2019 and
ongoing.
• Task 4: Solicit and appoint Housing Element Advisory Committee members. The HEAC
will oversee and guide review of the HE update. In carrying out its charge, the HEAC would
consider the advice of staff and solicit community input through a public
meeting/workshop format as they formulate recommendations to the City Council.
Initiation of the HEAC will be based on the City Council-approved charter outlining the
committee's mission statement and principles of participation. In fall 2019, staff will
solicit members through a noticed public process for the HEAC. As a final step in the
committee's formation, the City Council will appoint the members. Estimated timeline:
September -December 2019.
WORK PHASE
• Task 1: Start staff and consultant review. By late 2019, the San Diego Association of
Governments plans to distribute final Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)
allocations to Carlsbad and other county jurisdictions. This release coincides
approximately with the city's hiring of a consultant to assist in the HE update, and it is an
appropriate time for staff and the consultant to begin reviewing the city's housing plan, a
process expected to last about 18 months. RHNA allocations are estimates of new homes
needed to accommodate projected growth over several years. Estimated timeline:
Beginning fall 2019.
• Task 2: Conduct HEAC meetings. Beginning in early 2020, meetings will initially focus on
committee orientation and then concentrate on the HE update. Up front discussion on
the HE and other relevant documents such as the Growth Management Plan (GMP) will
provide members with important foundation and context. For example, awareness of the
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 10 of 22
Work Plan
General Plan Housing Element Update Project
Page 3
GMP will give the committee context when it compares Carlsbad's RHNA allocation with
GMP housing caps and facility standards. And, understanding housing and growth
management in relation to core documents such as the Carlsbad Community Vision and
General Plan will be critical for members in evaluating the impact of HEAC
recommendations on the city's land use plan and community values.
In its role to advise on the HE update, the HEAC could perform many of the important and
fundamental steps in the HE update process, including:
o Soliciting general community and focused stakeholder input on the existing
housing plan and housing conditions (stakeholders include affordable housing
developers and providers)
o Analyzing existing housing programs and policies and suggesting changes
o Recommending any land use changes proposed to accommodate the RHNA
allocation
o Considering broad changes to GMP housing caps, such as increasing individual
quadrants or citywide limits or eliminating caps altogether
o Authorizing the filing of the initial draft HE to the state for mandated review
o Soliciting public input on the initial draft HE after its release
o Providing recommendations to the City Council on the final draft HE
The city will publicly notice all meetings. HEAC recommendations would require City
Council approval. Estimated timeline:
o HEAC meetings will begin early 2020.
o Staff anticipates HEAC meetings to solicit initial public and stakeholder input will
occur the first half of 2020.
o Release of the draft HE for public and mandated state review will occur in the
second half of 2020.
o The HEAC will consider all comments and release its final recommendations on
the HE update in fall 2020.
• Task 3: Process necessary CEQA review. Staff, with consultant assistance, will review the
HE update in relation to the California Environmental Quality Act and prepare the
necessary environmental document. While the level of environmental review is not
known now, preparation of an environmental impact report is planned. An EIR will require
draft and final EIRs, a public review period, and public hearings before the Planning
Commission and City Council. The HEAC would not have purview over the CEQA
document. Estimated timeline: Like the HE update, with release and public review of
the draft document in the second half of 2020 followed by document adoption or
certification in early 2021 as part of the HE public hearings.
• Task 4: Present HEAC recommendations and receive direction. Staff will report the
committee's recommendations on the HE update to the City Council. The resulting City
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 11 of 22
Work Plan
General Plan Housing Element Update Project
Page 4
Council direction will then guide staff's preparation of the final HE update. Estimated
timeline: Fall 2020.
• Task 5: Hold Housing Element public hearings. To adopt the final HE update, hearings
before the Housing Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council are necessary.
Each review body will have the benefit of the HEAC's review and public input. Estimated
timeline: Late 2020 -March 2021.
• Task 6: Submit adopted HE update to the state. Following City Council's approval of the
HE update by the April 15, 2021 deadline, staff will submit the document to the California
Department of Housing and Community Development. Program implementation will
occur thereafter. Estimated timeline: April 15, 2021.
Follow-up housing actions (provided for information only and not a part of this work plan).
The new HE will contain a housing plan of policies and programs. Programs may require
completion of specific actions, such as a rezoning, by a certain date to ensure Carlsbad's
housing needs are timely addressed.
Pursuant to 1986's Proposition E, the city cannot approve any General Plan amendment, zone
change, subdivision map or other discretionary permit that could result in a development
that exceeds the dwelling unit (housing cap) limit in each quadrant without voter approval.
Complying with the city's RHNA allocation, for example, may require the city to redesignate
land for more housing. If that action would exceed GMP housing caps, a housing element
program could identify the need for a public vote and a time frame for the vote to occur.
With voter approval, subsequent proposals to redesignate properties could occur. Another
subsequent action may require updating a local facilities management plan to accommodate
additional housing development as the HE update may identify.
State housing law requires jurisdictions to complete follow-up actions within three years of
housing element adoption {Government Code Section 65583{c)(l)(A)). Depending on various
factors, such as election timing, the drafting of ballot language and other steps could begin
after HE adoption.
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 12 of 22
ID Task Name 12021 1202, ~.II.Ila~! OJ!,. ~0-~~-.1un l 11d l1111gl~1.11a.el 0ec. iao_f•"I
1 Start-up Phase
2 Task 1: Acquire professional services -3 Task 2: Draft, implement public outreach plan 1-
4 Task 3: Form technical resources group
1-s Task 4: Solicit and appoint HEAC members --6 Work Phase
1 Task 1: Start staff, consultant review -8 Task 2: Conduct HEAC meetings . -9 • Begin meetings ♦ 1/6/20
1-
10 • Submit draft 1-tE tor public and state re.view --11 •End HEAC ♦ 11/1/20 ---12 Task 3: Process CEQA
13 Task 4: Pre5ent HEAC recommendations to and receive
1-direction from City Council
'14 Task 5: Hold HE public hearings -IS Task 6: Submit adopted HE to state
Schedule for the General P!Jn Housing Element Update
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Introduction
General Plan Housing Element Update Project
Housing Element Advisory Committee Charter
ATTACHMENT B
The General Plan Housing Element Update Project (HE update) is an approximately 20-month
community process, the objective of which is to update the General Plan Housing Element
as required by state law.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Housing Element Advisory Committee (HEAC) is to participate in and
provide guidance to the HE update by promoting balanced consideration of a range of
perspectives on issues affecting Carlsbad, encouraging broad community participation, and
providing continuity of participation throughout the entire update project.
Principles of Participation
Role of Housing Element Advisory Committee Members
To achieve the mission of the HEAC, the City Council is asking members to:
• Become familiar with state housing law and housing needs, constraints, and
opportunities in the state, regional, and local context
• Attend multiple meetings over an approximately one year period
• Adhere to the update program schedule and respond to established deadlines
• Keep interested community members informed of the progress of the update
program
• Encourage community participation throughout the update program
• Listen to and respect diversity in perspectives, facts and opinions
• Provide constructive feedback to city staff and consultants on process and works in
progress at key points during the update program
• In decision-making, balance individual and group stakeholder goals with the larger
public interest and legal requirements
• Work collaboratively with other HEAC members in reaching decisions and making
recommendations to the City Council
Representation and Appointment
The committee will be composed of a total of nine members as follows:
• One Housing Commissioner
• One Planning Commissioner
• One Senior Commissioner
• One Traffic and Mobility Commissioner
• One Northwest Quadrant resident representative
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 14 of 22
Citizen Advisory Committee Charter
General Plan Housing Element Update Project
Page 2
• One Northeast Quadrant resident representative
• One Southwest Quadrant resident representative
• One Southeast Quadrant resident representative
• One at-large representative
Each respective commission will nominate a commissioner to serve as a member of the
HEAC. The Housing Commission, Planning Commission, Senior Commission, and Traffic and
Mobility Commission will nominate one commissioner each. The nominated commissioner
must have at least 18 months remaining on his or her term at the time of appointment. The
Mayor will consider and confirm the recommended nominations.
City Council members will recommend a resident representative from each quadrant. In
addition, the Mayor will also recommend an at-large representative. The full City Council will
make the final decision on all nomination and appointment recommendations.
Discussion Process
During HEAC meetings, committee members agree to abide by the following discussion
process:
• The committee will select a Chair and Vice-chair
• The committee will establish ground rules about how members should conduct
themselves during meetings
• The preferred decision-making process is collaborative problem-solving
• Consensus of the HEAC will take precedence over individual preferences
• In cases of non-consensus, the Chair may call for majority vote of the committee;
however, alternative perspectives will be documented
• City staff will be present at all meetings to assist the Chair and committee as-needed
Role of Chair and Vice-chair
The Chair will ensure that the HEAC meetings are conducted fairly and efficiently, that proper
order and mutual respect among all participants is maintained, that there is full participation
during meetings, that all relevant matters are discussed, that all committee members have
an opportunity to participate in committee discussions, and that necessary decisions are
made. To the extent reasonable, the Chair will seek consensus of the committee in decision-
making. In instances where consensus cannot be reached, the Chair may call for majority
vote of the committee following procedures set forth in Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter
1.20. However, the Chair will ensure that minority viewpoints are heard and documented.
The Chair will ensure that these Principles of Participation and agreed-upon "ground rules"
are adhered to.
The Chair is responsible for ensuring that members of the public desiring to address the
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 15 of 22
Citizen Advisory Committee Charter
General Plan Housing Element Update Project
Page 3
committee have the opportunity to do so at the appropriate time.
The Chair may speak to members of the media on behalf of the HEAC, and represent the
committee at public workshops, hearings and other public events as appropriate.
The role of the Vice-chair is to serve as the Chair in his or her absence.
Meeting Schedule
Once appointed, HEAC members are making an approximately one-year commitment. The
HEAC will be formed and have its first meeting in early 2020, and will meet approximately
once a month throughout the update program. It is anticipated the HEAC will conclude its
work by December 2020. However, the committee chair or committee member(s) so
authorized may wish to continue project involvement by representing the HEAC during
public hearings on the HE update in early 2021.
Meeting Attendance
Full participation of committee members is essential to the effectiveness of the HEAC, and
members are expected to attend all HEAC meetings. If a committee member is unable to
attend a meeting, he or she shall notify city staff as soon as possible.
If a committee member resigns his or her appointment before the committee's work has
concluded, he or she shall notify the Mayor and City Council in writing, with copies sent to
the City Clerk, City Manager and the HE update project manager. At their next scheduled
meeting, the HEAC will consider whether to recommend that the Mayor and City Council fill
the vacated position.
Meeting Quorum
For meeting purposes, a quorum of the HEAC is met with five members in attendance.
Open Meeting Requirements
All HEAC meetings and committee members are subject to the open meeting requirements
of the Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act). The Brown Act imposes public notice and access
requirements on committee meetings, and places certain limitations on when and how
committee members may communicate with one another. At the first HEAC meeting,
committee members will be given a briefing by the City Attorney's office about the basic
requirements of the Brown Act.
In addition to meeting as a committee approximately monthly, committee members are
encouraged to attend other HE activities scheduled for the benefit of the general public, such as
community workshops, informational meetings or open houses. Member attendance at
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 16 of 22
Citizen Advisory Committee Charter
General Plan Housing Element Update Project
Page 4
these activities also may be subject to the Brown Act.
Meeting Agendas
City staff will prepare meeting agendas and supporting materials in consultation with the Chair
or a majority of the HEAC following the procedures of the Brown Act. At the end of each
meeting, the Chair and city staff will summarize the results and identify items that may need
further research or be carried over to the next meeting, preview new business for the
upcoming meeting, and invite committee members to suggest new items for future
meetings. Agendas for future meetings will be established by consensus of the HEAC with
concurrence of the Chair and city staff.
Members of the public have a right to attend HEAC meetings and will have an opportunity
to address the committee on any issue under its purview. Agendas will include time for
public comment.
External Communications
The overriding consideration in all communications is to honor and sustain the constructive,
collaborative process of the committee. HEAC members are encouraged to communicate
with their constituencies to keep them informed of the HE update program and to encourage
direct participation.
Should committee members speak to the media, members shall provide accurate
information to inform the public about the program, but are asked to refrain from engaging
in speculation, advocating a position on a specific issue, speaking on behalf of the HEAC
(except for the Chair or unless authorized by the committee to do so), or otherwise making
public statements that would tend to hamper constructive committee discussions.
Committee members are asked to notify city staff of any media contact related to the
committee and its work. City staff will be available to assist in any communications to the
media, if desired.
Information Sharing
To ensure all HEAC members have the same information available to them, all documents
will be distributed through city staff. If a member has information he or she would like to
share with other committee members, the information should be given to staff for
distribution to the entire committee. Maintaining this flow of information will facilitate a
respectful, collaborative process, and help avoid unintended violations of open meeting laws
(e.g., serial meetings).
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 17 of 22
Citizen Advisory Committee Charter
General Plan Housing Element Update Project
Page 5
Work Products
In addition to its role as representatives of and conduits to community stakeholders, the
HEAC will be responsible for reviewing draft work product and providing guidance on policy
issues. The primary purpose of the HEAC in reviewing work product is to ensure that it
accurately and fairly reflects information provided by city staff, consultants, subject matter
experts, and the input received from the community at the various forums, group meetings
and public workshops.
The draft work products that the HEAC will likely review include but are not limited to:
• Public outreach plan
• Public comments in response to the work and recommendations of the committee
and staff
• Staff, consultant, and subject matter expert reports and presentations on the housing
element and other relevant land use documents, such as the General Plan and the
growth management plan
• Sites analysis proposed to accommodate Carlsbad's share of the RHNA (Regional
Housing Needs Assessment)
• Draft housing element for the 2021-2029 planning period, including the element's
housing plan of policies and programs comments on the document received from the
public, housing and social service organizations, and the state Department of Housing
and Community Development
• Recommendation on the draft housing element
• Meeting minutes
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 18 of 22
General Plan Housing Element Background Information
September 10, 2019
Page 2
The state of California requires that all cities and counties adequately plan to meet the housing
needs of everyone in the community. California's local governments meet this requirement by
adopting housing plans as part of their general plan. The state law mandating that housing be
included as an element of each jurisdiction's general plan is known as "housing-element law."
California's housing-element law acknowledges that, for the private market to adequately
address the housing needs and demand of Californians, local governments must adopt plans
and regulatory systems that provide opportunities for (and do not unduly constrain), housing
development. As a result, housing policy in California rests largely on the effective
implementation of local general plans and local housing elements.
Regional Housing Needs Assessment
State law describes detailed requirements for a housing element's preparation, content and
implementation timelines. Key among these requirements are determining the local share of a
region's projected housing needs for a given period and demonstrating that there is enough
suitable land planned at the right densities to accommodate the need. Carlsbad's current
Housing Element, which was adopted with the General Plan update in 2015, confirmed (and
subsequently re-confirmed in 2017) that Carlsbad has sufficient planning capacity to meet the
community's housing needs through 2021.
Housing needs are re-examined every eight years through a process known as the Regional
Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), which marks the beginning of a new housing element
update cycle. This assessment process begins with a statewide projection of population and
corresponding housing needs, which are allocated to the regions throughout the state. It is up
to the regions, following parameters laid out in housing element law, to develop a RHNA Plan
for distributing each jurisdiction's share ofthe region's housing needs. The San Diego
Association of Governments (SAN DAG) performs the housing needs allocation function for the
San Diego region.
On July 5, 2018, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
issued its final housing needs determination for the San Diego region . HCD determined that the
region's cities and County must plan for 171,685 new housing units to accommodate the
projected increase in population between June 2020 and April 2029. More than half (57.5%) of
these new units must be planned to accommodate lower and moderate-income households ..
SAN DAG, in consultation with its member jurisdictions and regional stakeholders, has been
developing the methodology and RHNA Plan for allocating the housing needs. After a public
comment period, the RHNA allocation will be finalized. The timeline for the RHNA process is:
• July 5, 2018
• Oct 2018 -July 2019
• July 26, 2019
• August 23, 2019
• Aug -Oct 2019
HCD issues final Regional Housing Need Determination
SANDAG drafts methodology and RHNA Plan
SAN DAG releases draft RHNA methodology for public review
SAN DAG holds public hearing and sends methodology to HCD
HCD reviews RHNA methodology
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 20 of 22
General Plan Housing Element Background Information
September 10, 2019
Page 3
• Late 2019
• Late 2019
SAN DAG adopts final methodology and posts RHNA allocations
for 45-day review
SAN DAG adopts final RHNA Plan and allocation
Following adoption of the RHNA Plan, the region's cities and the County will have until April
2021 to update their housing elements to ensure their land use plans have sufficient capacity to
meet their share of housing needs. If a jurisdiction determines that their planned densities will
not cover their share, then a rezoning program may be required as part of the housing element
update.
Growth Management Plan
At its October 23, 2018, meeting, the City Council directed staff to move forward on a
comprehensive, ground up review and update of the 1986 Growth Management Plan (GMP)
processed through a citizen advisory committee. At the same time, Council members
acknowledged the close relationship between this effort and the update of the Housing
Element particularly since residential growth projections could impact GMP facilities planning
and dwelling unit caps. At a July 9, 2019, special meeting, the City Council voted 5-0 to further
discuss updating the GMP at a subsequent meeting on goal setting.
Pursuant to 1986's Proposition E, a primary component of the GMP, the city cannot approve
any General Plan amendment, zone change, subdivision map or other discretionary permit that
could result in a development that exceeds the dwelling unit (housing cap) limit in each
quadrant without voter approval. Complying with the city's RHNA allocation, for example, may
require the city to redesign ate land for more housing. If that action would exceed GMP housing
caps, a housing element program could identify the need for a public vote and a time frame for
the vote to occur. With voter approval, subsequent proposals to redesignate properties could
occur. Another subsequent action may require updating a local facilities management plan to
accommodate additional housing development as the HE update may identify.
State housing law requires jurisdictions to complete follow-up actions within three years of
housing element adoption (Government Code Section 65583(c)(l)(A)). Depending on various
factors, such as election timing, the drafting of ballot language and other steps could begin
after HE adoption.
Considerations
While the implications for Carlsbad's Housing Element, current land use plan and the GMP
dwelling unit caps are being assessed, consider the following:
• The region's 171,685 housing units needed for the coming cycle is higher than it is for
the current cycle (161,980 units) and covers a shorter projection period (8.8 years vs .
11.0 years).
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 21 of 22
General Plan Housing Element Background Information
September 10, 2019
Page 4
• Carlsbad's current share of 4,999 new units required the city to increase densities on
certain sites as part of the 2015 General Plan update.
• Based on the draft RHNA methodology, Carlsbad's share of the region's housing need
for the upcoming 2021-2029 housing cycle would be 3,873 units. About 54%, or 2,094
units, are designated for lower income households, which is 489 more units than the
previous housing cycle. Furthermore, recent changes to "no net loss" provisions in state
law will encourage cities to plan for more than the minimum lower and moderate
income RHNA allocation. If the draft RHNA plan is adopted as proposed, it may again
require the city to increase densities.
• Changes to housing element law in 2017 enforce more rigor to adequate sites analysis,
such as providing more justification for including in a housing element certain
nonvacant sites, small (less than ½-acre) and large (greater than 10 acres) sites, and
vacant and nonvacant sites that have been listed in previous inventories but not
developed during the housing element period (see AB 879 and AB 1397).
Looking to the next housing element cycle, key questions will be: to what degree can Carlsbad ·
continue to rely on infill and redevelopment sites in its housing strategy; and will additional
sites need to be identified for increased densities, even though the city may have sufficient
overall housing capacity under current land use plans and GMP housing caps?
Sept. 10, 2019 Item #12 Page 22 of 22
Housing Element Update Project
David De Cordova, Principal Planner
Scott Donnell, Senior Planner
August 20, 2019
Background
•General Plan Housing Element
–State requirement to review and update
–Current housing cycle 2013-2021
–Upcoming housing cycle 2021-2029
•Housing Element adoption by April 15, 2021
2
Housing Element and Growth Management
•October 2018 City Council direction
–Pursue “ground up review” of Growth
Management through a committee
•July 2019 City Council decision
–Further discuss Growth Management update
3
Housing Element Update Project
•Work Plan
•Housing Element Advisory Committee (HEAC)
–Committee charter
•Budget request
4
Work Plan
•2019:
–Committee nominations and appointments
–Consultant hiring
–Public outreach
–RHNA finalized
5
Work Plan
•2020:
–HEAC meetings begin
–Public input
–Draft released
•2021:
–Adoption hearings
6
HEAC Mission
•Participate in and guide the update
•Promote balanced consideration
•Encourage broad participation
•Provide continuity of participation throughout
7
HEAC Membership
•Seven members:
–Three commission representatives
–Four resident representatives (by
quadrant)
•Appointment by City Council
8
HEAC Meetings
•Facilitated, public meetings
•Committee chair and co-chair
•Meet approximately once a month in 2020
•Provide recommendations
9
For More Information
•City Council staff report:
–Work plan
–HEAC charter
–Background information
10
Recommendation
ADOPT a resolution APPROVING:
1.A work plan for the update project
2.A charter for the HEAC
3.A carry-over of $335,000 from FY 2018-19
General Fund budget surplus to fund
project costs
11