TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution approving the application for, and acceptance of, a Planning Grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), in the amount not to exceed $750,000; and
Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents with HCD, relating to the grant application and award, for professional planning services to prepare and adopt planning documents and process improvements that accelerate housing production, and facilitate compliance in implementing the sixth cycle of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) in the context of updating the City’s General Plan Housing Element. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On January 27, 2020, the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for grants as part of the Local Early Action Planning Grants Program (LEAP). The program provides over-the-counter (non-competitive) grants accompanied by technical assistance to local governments for the preparation and adoption of planning documents and process improvements that accelerate housing production and facilitate compliance with the sixth-cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA).
Eligible grant activities include, but are not limited to: updates to planning documents and zoning ordinances to encourage development; establishment of housing incentive zones or other area-based housing incentives beyond State Density Bonus Law; environmental analyses that eliminate the need for project-specific review; rezoning efforts to comply with Housing Element requirements; preparation and adoption of a Housing Element of the General Plan; and other local process improvements that speed up housing production. Staff will be seeking reimbursement for preparation and implementation of the City’s Housing Element and associated ordinances. A City Council Resolution is required by HCD before staff can apply for the grant.
Prospective Work P...
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