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ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW DRAFT In the event preservation of any of the at -risk units is infeasible, the City should work proactively to protect tenants and minimize displacement. Federal law requires 12 months notice to tenants by any owners who wish to opt out of affordability restrictions at the end of the mandatory term. Federal law also requires five to nine months notice to tenants by owners who pre -pay their housing assistance loans, thereby relinquishing the affordability requirement. Some cities, such as San Francisco and Portland, have required owners who pre -pay to provide relocation assistance to displaced tenants. Conclusions There are 114 assisted housing units in San Leandro at risk of converting to market rates by 2011, although the conversion will effectively impact only 73 of these units. The City will need to work proactively with the owners of these properties and with local non -profits to preserve their long-term affordability. It may be necessary to direct a portion of the City's annual housing budget to assist in the preservation of at -risk units before 2008, which is the year the rent restrictions expire. Low -interest rehabilitation loans could be a good incentive to achieve preservation and would be consistent with the approach taken to create affordable units in the past. Residential Energy Conservation Section 65583(a)(7) requires the Housing Element to contain "an analysis of opportunities for energy conservation with respect to residential development." These opportunities present themselves both through new construction and through renovation. There are a number of weatherization and energy savings programs that are specifically targeted to lower income households. All new construction in San Leandro is subject to the requirements of the California Energy Commission's Title 24 energy efficiency standards. These standards apply to wall and ceiling insulation, thermal mass, and window to floor area ratios and are designed to reduce heat loss and energy consumption. A report indicating conformance with the energy standards is usually performed by an energy consultant following methods approved by the State. The Title 24 requirements also apply to major remodeling projects such as home additions. Goal 28 of the new San Leandro General Plan promotes the efficient use of energy in the City and strongly supports measures to reduce residential energy consumption. Policy 28.02 encourages construction, landscaping, and site planning practices that minimize hearing and cooling costs. Policy 28.03 encourages the weatherization of homes, including the expanded use of solar energy and the use of energy -efficient lighting and appliances. The City also strongly supports public education and outreach on conservation resources, such as the use of energy star appliances and energy -retrofit tax credits. Even the land use and transportation pattern envisioned by the General Plan emphasizes the conservation of energy —by promoting higher density, transit -oriented development. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) offers several programs to reduce the burden of energy bills for lower income residential customers and to assist all customers with energy conservation. The utility offers customer incentives for conservation, including rebate programs for old appliances and free energy audits. It has an extensive public education and outreach program, highlighting energy saving tips. Specific programs assisting lower income households are listed below: HOUSING ELEMENT 3-32 SAN LEANDRO GENERAL PLAN ", 44q