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