TITLE
Recommendation to declare ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code by amending Section 21.15.1010; and by adding Sections 21.15.2667, 21.15.2985, 21.15.2987, and 21.15.3095, relating to transitional and supportive housing, read and adopted as read. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Over the past several years, several changes or additions to the definition of certain housing classifications have been made through amendments to existing State law. The City Council is requested to add definitions of "supportive housing," "target population," "transitional housing" and "single room occupancy" to Chapter 21 of the Long Beach Municipal Code, and to revise the definition of "family" contained within Chapter 21 (Zoning Code).
In 2007, SB 2 (Chapter 633, Statutes of 2007) revised Housing Element Law requiring that transitional and supportive housing be permitted as a residential use, subject only to restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone. SB 745, which took effect on January 1, 2014, generally amends Section 65582 of the Government Code to replace prior Health and Safety Code definitions of "supportive housing," "target population," and "transitional housing," with definitions more specific to Housing Element Law. Further, on April 24, 2014, the California Department of Housing and Community Development - Division of Housing Policy Development sent a memorandum to municipalities on recent amendments to Housing Element Law (Government Code Section 65582) related to transitional and supportive housing zoning requirements.
Previously, definitions for "supportive housing," "target population," and "transitional housing" were found in subdivision (b) of Section 50675.2 of the Health and Safety Code, respectively. SB 745 deletes reference to these sections and creates new definitions in Government Code Section 65582.
The intent for this change is to remove cross references in Government Code Section 65582 to the definitions of "supportive housing" and "transitional housing" that are used in the statutes governing the Multifamily Housing Program and replace them with the current definitions that are used for the purposes of zoning applicable at the time SB 2 passed. In addition, embedded in the City's most recently certified Housing Element is a requirement to revise the definition of "family" and add the definition of "single room occupancy" (SRO) in the Zoning Code.
As such, on April 2, 2015, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council add the definitions of "supportive housing," "target population," "transitional planning," and "single room occupancy;" and revise the definition of family in the Zoning Code (Exhibit A - Planning Commission staff report).
In accordance with the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, a Categorical Exemption (CE 14-135) was issued for the proposed project (Exhibit B - Categorical Exemption).
This matter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Michael Mais and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on May 18, 2015.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 9, 2015, to update the existing zoning regulations, comply with the certified Housing Element and ensure consistency with State law.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no fiscal impact as a result of the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AMENDING THE LONG BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING SECTION 21.15.1010; AND BY ADDING SECTIONS 21.15.2667, 21.15.2985, 21.15.2987, AND 21.15.3095, RELATING TO TRANSITIONAL AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
Respectfully Submitted,
AMY J. BODEK, AICP
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER