CITY COUNCIL: Resolution Adopting Revisions to General Plan and Zoning Ordinance Related to Affordable Housing

Meeting Date: 6 January 2009
Prepared by: Sean Conroy,
Planning & Building Services Manager

City Council
Agenda Item Summary

Name: Consideration of a Resolution adopting revisions to the Land Use element of the General Plan and chapters 17.12.230, 17.14.14D and 17.64.220 of the zoning ordinance related to affordable housing. (The proposed revisions are required by the California Coastal Commission).

Description: This Resolution involves the adoption of modifications to the City’s affordable housing ordinance and General Plan amendment as approved by the California Coastal Commission on 10 December 2008.

As modified, the amendments will allow a maximum density of up to 88 units per acre for projects consisting exclusively of low or very low-income housing. The amendments, however, will not allow the Planning Commission to grant exceptions to other zoning standards such as height, floor area, setbacks, etc. as was originally proposed.

Overall Cost:
City Funds: N/A
Grant Funds: N/A

Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.

Important Considerations: The affordable housing amendments were originally drafted to allow the City a great deal of flexibility when presented with projects devoted exclusively to affordable housing. The Coastal Commission was concerned that the amendments went too far and could result in significant impacts to the character of the community.

Decision Record: The City Council adopted a Resolution amending the General Plan on 1 July 2008 and an Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance on 5 August 2008. The Coastal Commission certified the amendments with modifications on 10 December 2008.

Reviewed by:

__________________________ _____________________
Rich Guillen, City Administrator Date

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
STAFF REPORT
TO: MAYOR McCLOUD AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
THROUGH: RICH GUILLEN, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
FROM: SEAN CONROY, PLNG & BLDG SERVICES MANAGER
DATE: 6 JANUARY 2009
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTING REVISIONS TO THE LAND USE ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN AND CHAPTERS 17.12.230, 17.14.14D AND 17.64.220 OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE RELATED TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

BACKGROUND & PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City Council adopted revisions to the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance to allow for an increase density and additional zoning exceptions for project that were exclusively dedicated to housing for low or very-low income residents. Since affordable housing is at a premium, the intent of the amendments was to provide as much flexibility as possible.

The California Coastal Commission certified the proposed amendments with the attached modifications. The Coastal Commission determined that the City’s ordinance allowing for exceptions to numerous zoning standards had the potential of negatively impacting the character of the City. The Commission approved the density bonus, but eliminated the ability of the City to grant other zoning exceptions. The Commission indicated that the City could still make exceptions for individual projects through the specific plan process. These modifications must be accepted by the City Council before they become effective.

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the Resolution.

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION 2009-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA ADOPTING REVISIONS TO THE LAND USE ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN AND CHAPTERS 17.12.230, 17.14.14D AND 17.64.220 OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE RELATED TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING

WHEREAS, The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea is a unique community that prides itself on its residential character; and

WHEREAS, the City has adopted a General Plan and Municipal Code that strive to protect the village character through clear policies and regulations that guide property owners in the protection of the residential character; and

WHEREAS, the General Plan encourages the creation of ordinances that promote affordable housing and reduce governmental restraints on the provision of affordable housing; and

WHEREAS, the City Council adopted amendments to the Land Use Element of the General Plan/Local Coastal Plan on 1 July 2008 allowing an increased density for projects consisting exclusively of housing for low or very-low income residents; and

WHEREAS, the City Council adopted amendments to the Zoning Ordinance on 5 August 2008 addressing projects that consist exclusively of housing for low or very-low income residents; and

WHEREAS, on 10 December 2008 the California Coastal Commission certified the proposed amendments with modifications.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea does hereby resolve to adopt the attached amendments (exhibit “A”) to the Land Use Element of the General Plan/Local Coastal Plan as certified by the California Coastal Commission.

PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA this 6th day of January 2009 by the following roll call vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

SIGNED,

________________________________
Heidi Burch, City Clerk

ATTEST:

________________________
SUE McCLOUD, MAYOR