Laserfiche WebLink
WORKING DRAFT FOR HCD REVIEW <br /> <br /> <br />EVALUATION OF 2010 ELEMENT 2-37 SAN LEANDRO HOUSING ELEMENT <br />goal 59: elimination of housing constraints <br />Goal 59 was to reduce potential constraints that increase the cost or feasibility of new housing <br />development. This is one of the major purposes of the Housing Element, as defined by the State <br />Government Code, and continues to be a valid goal for 2015-2023 <br /> <br />There are nine policies under Goal 59, evaluated below. <br /> <br />Policy 59.1 ensured that the Zoning Code facilitated the production of housing for all income groups, and <br />discouraged overly restrictive or redundant requirements. This remains a valid policy, and should be <br />carried forward. The City has implemented this policy through the adoption of several new mixed use <br />zones, increases in allowable density, reduced parking requirements, modification of second unit <br />standards, and completion of many of the actions listed in Table 2-7 below. <br /> <br />Policy 59.2 was to maintain parking standards that reinforce other General Plan goals, including reduced <br />requirements where high-quality, reliable public transit is available, and where likely occupants will own <br />fewer cars (such as senior housing). The City has adopted reduced parking requirements in the <br />Downtown TOD area, recognizing the presence of BART as well as frequent bus service. Similar <br />requirements may be considered as part of the upcoming study for the Bayfair BART area. This policy <br />should be carried forward. <br /> <br />Policy 59.3 was to minimize the cost and time associated with development review and permit processing <br />while still adequately addressing community concerns. This policy has guided the provision of <br />development services for the past two decades and should be continued. The City’s One-Stop Permitting <br />Center has received awards in the past, and the City’s pre-application meetings have proven to be an <br />effective way to streamline project review. The City will continue to seek out ways to minimize cost- and <br />time-related constraints in the future. <br /> <br />Policy 59.4 was to ensure that impact fees are structured to cover only the costs associated with new <br />development, and not to cover deferred maintenance. This policy should be carried forward to ensure that <br />the City’s fees are legally defensible and equitable. The City conducts justification studies when <br />considering modifications to impact fees, and has completed the technical analysis necessary to charge <br />the maximum school impact fee allowable under law. The City has also pursued and received state grants <br />for upgrading infrastructure in areas where new housing is projected, lessening the burden on future <br />developers as well as San Leandro taxpayers. <br /> <br />Policy 59.5 states the City’s commitment to excellent customer service in the processing of residential <br />development applications. The policy affirms the City’s intent to make the development review process <br />easier to navigate for applicants. This continues to be a relevant policy and should be carried forward. <br /> <br />Policy 59.6 calls upon the City to work proactively with developers and community groups to address <br />design issues and other impacts associated with multi-family housing. The City has implemented this <br />policy through the design of Estabrook Place and Casa Verde, and more recently through the design of the <br />Cornerstone project at the BART station. Policy 58.5 remains relevant and should be carried forward.