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ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW DRAFT 5. POTENTIAL CONSTRAINTS TO HOUSING PRODUCTION This chapter of the Housing Element analyzes potential constraints to housing production in San Leandro. The State Government Code defines two categories of constraints: governmental and non -governmental. The former category includes local ordinances, policies, and procedures that may make it more difficult or expensive to build housing in the City. The latter category includes a wide variety of factors, such as the availability of infrastructure, the dynamics of the local real estate market, the cost of land and building materials, and even local opinions and attitudes about development. The Government Code requires that such constraints be analyzed as part of the Housing Element. If constraints are identified, the City is required to take action to remove or address them. Governmental Constraints Although local ordinances and policies are typically adopted to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents, they may have the consequence of creating a barrier to the development of housing. This consequence may be intentional (as is the case with Urban Growth Boundaries or growth control ordinances), or unintentional (as is the case with certain fees or building requirements). By definition, planning and zoning regulations limit the amount of developable land in the City and establish rules for how that land may be used. Such regulations often have a disproportionate impact on lower income households, either by limiting the density of new housing or adding to construction and permitting costs. These increased costs may be passed on to consumers in the form of higher home prices, making housing less affordable. They may also become a disincentive to developers, slowing down construction and creating a tighter and more expensive housing market. Potential governmental constraints in San Leandro are discussed below. These include the General Plan, the Zoning Code, design review procedures, other local ordinances and standards, site improvement and building requirements, fees, and permit processing procedures. A concluding statement is provided after each subheading. General Plan Analysis. On May 6, 2002, San Leandro adopted a new General Plan to guide growth and development decisions through 2015. Once completed, this Housing Element will be adopted as part of the General Plan. The other Plan Elements are Land Use; Transportation; Open Space, Conservation, and Parks; Environmental Hazards; Historic Preservation and Community Design; and Community Services and Facilities. The new Plan is very supportive of affordable housing development in the City and places great emphasis on the reuse of older commercial sites for mixed use and higher -density residential development. The Plan envisions a substantial amount of new housing around the Downtown BART station, along East 141h HOUSING ELEMENT 5-1 SAN LEANDRO GENERAL PLAN A4 59