AGENDA TITLE:
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Set a Public Hearing for March 20, 2024 to Consider Adopting a Resolution to Amend the General Plan for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update and Direct Staff to Transmit the Report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (CD)
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MEETING DATE:
March 6, 2024
PREPARED BY:
Cynthia Marsh, City Planner
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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Set a public hearing for March 20, 2024 to consider adopting a resolution to amend the General Plan for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update and direct staff to transmit the report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of Lodi (“City”) has prepared an update to the Housing Element of the General Plan to affirmatively further fair housing and accommodate the 3,909-unit Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for the 2023-2031 Housing Element cycle. The content of the draft 2023-2031 Housing Element is structured for consistency with the requirements set forth in state law. In addition to responding to requirements of state law, the Housing Element also demonstrates the City’s strategy to meeting the City’s locally determined housing needs, and that these needs are addressed through policies and programs outlined within the Housing Element. Public review and input has been a critical component of this 6th Cycle Housing Element Update.
The draft Housing Element was submitted to HCD on November 2, 2023. Review during the 90-day period was facilitated through multiple communications with HCD and the City’s Housing Element consultants through January 2024. Revisions incorporating HCD’s feedback concerning potential findings were incorporated and resubmitted to HCD on January 26, 2024 following a seven-day public comment period. On January 29, 2024, the City received a letter from HCD stating that the City’s draft element, including incorporated revisions, substantially “complies with State Housing Element Law.” All potential findings had been proactively addressed and incorporated before the 90-day review period had concluded. The City of Lodi is one of only a handful of jurisdictions in the State to do so.
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 1398 (2021), the City has 120 days from the statutory deadline of December 31, 2023 for Council to adopt a compliant Housing Element. The failure to adopt in this time period triggers automatic penalties, such shorter timeframes for required rezones of Housing Element sites, and loss of substantial compliance status for purposes of State grants and funding sources.
STRATEGIC VISION:
4C. Housing: Continued progress towards Regional Housing Needs Assessment goals.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not applicable.
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John Della Monica
Community Development Director
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Andrew C. Keys
Interim City Manager