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05-15-17 General Plan Annual Progress Report TO: Chair Glasgow and Members of the Planning Commission THRU: Bill Crouch Community Development Director FROM: Jennifer Le Principal Planner SUBJECT General Plan Annual Progress Report to the State of California SUMMARY California Government Code Section 65400 requires that cities submit an annual report on the status of their General Plan and progress in its implementation to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and Department of Housing and Community Development each year. RECOMMENDED ACTION Receive and file 2016 General Plan Annual Progress Report for final acceptance by the City Council. AUTHORIZATION/GUIDELINES California Government Code Section 65400 requires that cities submit an annual report on the status of their General Plan and progress in its implementation to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and Department of Housing and Community Development. Prior to submittal to the state, the annual report must be presented to the City Council for review and acceptance. As a procedural matter, staff is bringing this annual report to the Planning Commission for receipt and acceptance prior to the Council given the role of the Commission as advisory to the Council in planning matters, including implementation of the General Plan. PUBLIC NOTICE No public notification is required for this report to the Planning Commission. Planning Commission Agenda Item May 15, 2017 Planning Commission Staff Report May 15, 2017 Page 2 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Since this item is informational in nature and involves no action by the Planning Commission, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not apply. Notwithstanding, Final Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) No. 1815-09 for the Comprehensive General Plan Update was certified on March 9, 2010 and prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act. The implementation activities identified in the subject report are addressed in the previously-approved General Plan EIR. PROJECT BACKGROUND The City’s 2010 General Plan was adopted on March 9, 2010. State law requires generalized annual reporting on General Plan implementation, with specific reporting requirements and forms related specifically to the Housing Element. PROJECT DESCRIPTION California Government Code Section 65400 requires that cities submit an annual report on the status of their General Plan and progress in its implementation to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and Department of Housing and Community Development. The City has undertaken a number of activities that implement the goals and policies of the Land Use, Circulation & Mobility, Natural Resources, Cultural Resources & Historic Preservation, Infrastructure, Urban Design, Economic Development, and Housing Elements. These activities also reflect progress made on the programs of the General Plan Implementation Plan. APPLICATION(S) REQUESTED/ REQUIRED FINDINGS None. ANALYSIS/STATEMENT OF THE ISSUES Issue 1: General Plan Implementation General Plan implementation supports the quality of life objectives for the community that serve as the foundation for the General Plan. Activities undertaken by the City through its Capital Improvement Program projects, project plans and studies, facility maintenance and management, and inter-agency coordination each play a part in General Plan implementation. Annual report and tracking of these activities enables both the City and State to track progress made on General Plan implementation. Resolution: Over the course of 2016, the City continued to make measurable progress in implementing important goals, policies and programs that span a range of General Plan Elements. During the Planning Commission Staff Report May 15, 2017 Page 3 2016 calendar year the City has accomplished or made significant progress on key implementation actions that are being reported to the State (Attachment 1) including:  Zoning Code Update (Implementation Program I-1): A series of Zoning Code updates were completed in 2016 aimed at streamlining and improving zoning standards and procedures. These updates included changes to the Code which allow for a streamlined process for senior housing in commercial zones, instructional uses in industrial zones, and certain office, medical and residential uses in Public Institution zones. In addition, several Code updates were initiated in 2016, with completion expected in 2017. These include updates regarding accessory dwelling units, single room occupancy units, and parking and sign code standards.  Update Plans, Standards and Guidelines (Implementation Program I-4): In 2016, the staff made substantial progress in updating the City’s Historic Preservation Design Guidelines and the Street Tree Master Plan. Both documents are planned for completion in 2017.  Building and Fire Codes (Implementation Program I-9): In 2016, new Building and Fire Codes were adopted updating life safety standards consistent with State law.  Traffic Signals (Implementation Program I-10 and I-11): Traffic signal improvements were completed including at several Chapman Avenue and Tustin Street intersection locations. Signal synchronization projects were completed on the Newport Boulevard, Glassell Street, Orangewood and City Drive/State College corridors.  Intersection Improvements (Implementation Programs I-10 and I-11): “Critical Intersections” consist of key intersections with historical or projected traffic congestion problems. During 2016, improvements were completed to the intersection of Lincoln Avenue/Tustin Street. Design work also continued for intersection improvements at Tustin/Meats, Tustin/Chapman and Tustin/Katella Avenue. Project completion is expected in 2017-2018.  Old Towne Parking District (Implementation Program I-12): In 2016, staff completed its study of parking options for the Old Towne and Santa Fe Depot areas. The City is in the process of implementing several of the study’s recommendations including initiating stakeholder outreach, considering a second parking structure in Old Towne, and beginning a pilot valet parking program.  Eichler Historic Districts (Implementation Program I-18): In 2016, a community petition was submitted to the City requesting designation of the Eichler tracts as historic districts. The City Council directed staff to hold community meetings, prepare design standards and bring forward a historic district designation for the Eichler tracts. This work will be undertaken in 2017. Planning Commission Staff Report May 15, 2017 Page 4  Fire Hazard Information (Implementation Programs I-27, I-29): In 2016, the Fire Department updated and approved the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and a Community Wildfire Protection Plan. In addition, the City approved a new Hazardous Materials Ordinance.  Flood Control and Storm Drain Facilities (Implementation Program I-32): The City performed routine inspections of storm drains, removing debris from catch basins and maintaining storm drain facilities to minimize the potential for local flooding.  Capital Improvement Program Projects (Implementation Program Section II-1 and V-1: A number of Capital Improvement Program projects have been initiated or completed during 2016. These include: electrical upgrades in Plaza; replacement of pool equipment at Hart Park; Library fountain refurbishment; completion of Master Plan efforts for Cerro Villa, Eisenhower, La Veta and Shaffer Parks for implementation in future years; HVAC replacements and weatherization improvements at the Civic center, Fire Stations #2, 3, 4 and 5, and at Fire Headquarters; routine maintenance of City-owned and operated facilities; completion of a City Facilities Condition Assessment; various software and other technology- related upgrades at City Hall, the Corp Yard, libraries and fire stations; replacement of curbs, gutters and sidewalks throughout the City; street pavement repair and rehabilitation throughout the City; traffic signal synchronization; installation of traffic signal improvements; and roadway and infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.  Sewer Line Replacement (Implementation Programs II-1 and II-6): Sewer line replacement in various locations throughout the City was completed in 2016 to address infrastructure condition and capacity issues.  Pedestrian and Bicycle Amenities (Implementation Program II-4): During 2016, the City performed sidewalk repair and rehabilitation, and accessibility improvements throughout the community. In addition, the City installed new bike racks in multiple locations in the Old Towne area.  Private Development Projects (Implementation Program Section III): In addition to the specific City projects identified above, the City has reviewed private development projects in accordance with Section III of the Implementation Plan where specific programs are applicable.  Green Buildings and Energy Conservation (Implementation Program III-11)- Orange is a participating city in the North Orange County Cities Energy Efficiency Partnership with Southern California Edison and the So Cal Gas Company. Through this effort, the City receives financial incentives to implement energy efficiency projects. In 2016, the City completed a comprehensive energy efficiency audit of City facilities and identified specific energy saving improvements, to be undertaken in future years. In 2016, the City implemented a number of energy saving Planning Commission Staff Report May 15, 2017 Page 5 improvements including HVAC and lighting replacements with more efficient technology. The City also implemented a retrofit of City tr affic signals and street lights using LED technology. The City is also in the process of purchasing SCE- owned street lights, with the intent of converting those lights to LED technology in future years.  Annual Review of General Plan and Land Use Policy Map (Implementation Program IV-1): As noted above, the City adopted a General Plan Update in December 2015, representing a technical accuracy review. In 2016, the City prepared an amendment to the General Plan Public Safety Element in coordination with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. This General Plan Amendment is expected to be completed in 2017.  Coordination with Other Agencies and Organizations (Implementation Program Section V): The City participated in extensive inter-agency coordination during 2016. Outside agency coordination included: o California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) for federally-funded City transportation projects, including preliminary design and environmental work related to the SR-55/Meats Interchange project and traffic signal improvements. o Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for a new Metrolink parking structure, as well as roadway, sidewalk, and safety projects. Issue 2: Housing Element HCD requires the reporting of Housing Element implementation on specific State reporting forms. The method of reporting of Housing Element implementation is established by HCD with the purpose of tracking overall housing production in a community, as well as a City’s progress toward meeting its regional housing needs allocation (RHNA). The City’s 2016 Housing Element Implementation Progress Report is included in Attachment 1 to this report. Resolution: In summary, five new residential units were finaled in 2016, two were accessory dwelling units and, the remaining three units were single family residences. All units are assumed to fall into the Above-Moderate income category, though it is possible that the accessory dwelling units would be affordable to low or moderate income families. The City’s progress in meeting its Year 2014-2021 RHNA goals is summarized in the table below. Although actual housing production in 2016 was very low, there were a high number of residential projects entitled or under construction in 2016. Therefore, we ex pect a sharp increase in reported housing production in the next few years. Planning Commission Staff Report May 15, 2017 Page 6 Housing Unit Construction in Relation to RHNA Income Level 2014-2021 RHNA (# units) 2015 Annual Report Remaining RHNA Need New Units 2016 2016 Remaining RHNA Need Very Low 83 83 0 83 Low 59 58 0 58 Moderate 66 57 0 57 Above- Moderate 155 153 5 148 Total 363 351 5 346 As further detailed in Attachment 1, the City also continues its efforts to implement the Policy Actions of its Housing Element, with the following being addressed in 2016:  Policy Action 3: Promotion of Affordable Housing  Policy Action 4: Support and Outreach for Affordable Housing Production  Policy Action 5: Development of Housing for Large Families  Policy Action 6: Provision of Senior Housing Opportunities  Policy Action 7: Facilitate Infill Construction  Policy Action 9: Support Community Housing Development Organization New Construction Projects’  Policy Action 10: Monitoring Adequate Sites for Housing Development  Policy Action 11: Review and Amendment of Residential Development Standards  Policy Action 12: Affordable Housing Resource “Toolkit”  Policy Action 13: Balance Housing with Needs of Local Employees  Policy Action 14: Coordinate with Chapman University to Address Student Housing  Policy Action 16: Homeless Services  Policy Action 17: Support Fair Housing Services  Policy Action 18: Section 8 Rental Assistance  Policy Action 20: Single Room Occupancy Units  Policy Action 21: Revise Ordinance to Comply with State Law Regarding Transitional and Supportive Housing  Policy Action 22: Monitoring and Preservation of “At-Risk” Units  Policy Action 24: Proactive Code Compliance for Private Property  Policy Action 25: Blight Removal on Public Property  Policy Action 26: Preservation of Historic Residential Structures Furthermore, preparation of this annual report constitutes implementation of Policy Action 2: Annual Review of Housing Element. Planning Commission Staff Report May 15, 2017 Page 7 ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION The annual General Plan Report is not reviewed by either the SMART Committee or the Design Review Committee because it is an informational report. ATTACHMENTS/EXHIBITS Attachments to Report: 1. 2016 General Plan Progress Report including Annual Housing Element Implementation Progress Report N:\CDD\PLNG\General Plan\OPR GP Annual Report\2016Report_Submitted_2017\PC_StaffRpt_4_6_2017.doc