HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2019-80 - SB 2 - Planning Grants Program FundsSTAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
MEETING DATE: October 24, 2019
PREPARED BY: Eric Ceja, Principal Planner
Jessica Gonzales, Senior Management Analy
REQUEST: Adoption of a resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert authorizing the submittal of an application for, and receipt of,
Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) Planning Grants Program funds for use in the
update to the City's Housing Element and exploration of a Housing
Specific Plan and Environmental Impact Report
Recommendation
By Minute Motion that the City Council:
1) Waive further reading and adopt City Resolution No. 2019- 80 a
resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert ("City")
authorizing the submittal of an application for, and receipt of, Senate
Bill 2 Planning Grants Program funds administered by the California
Department of Housing and Community Development in order to
seek funding for preparation of the upcoming Housing Element Plan
update along with an environmental analysis, and
2) Authorize the Mayor or the City Manager to execute any documents
that may be necessary to facilitate the application or award.
Strategic Plan
This request helps to achieve the following Goals of the City's Envision Palm Desert
Strategic Plan:
Land Use, Housing and Open Space
for people of all incomes" and "Utilize
support ongoing and future needs."
Executive Summary
—
`facilitate development of high -quality housing
progressive land use policies and standards to
Approval of this request authorizes staff to submit an application to the California
Department of Housing and Community Development ("HCD") for Senate Bill 2 ("SB 2")
Planning Grants Program ("PGP") funds. This grant application is for $160,000 and
does not require a local match. If the application is successful, the City will utilize the
SB 2 PGP funds for the City's 2021 Housing Element update and for the exploration of
a Housing Specific Plan and Environmental Impact Report intended to streamline
WiannngkHousng DepaNnenNessica Gonzales\.StaH Reports'2019 SR - City -- SB2 Grant App Authorization (2).doc
October 24, 2019 — STAFF REPORT
City — Approval of HCD SB 2 Planning Grant Program Application
Page 2 of 3
housing approvals and accelerate housing production within the City.
Staff recommends that the City Council pursue funding under the S B2 PGP to finance
consultant fees and costs associated with the preparation of the Housing Element
update, Housing Specific Plan and environmental analysis. Staff further recommends
that the City Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing application for, and
receipt of, SB 2 PGP funds, as required by the HCD grant application.
Background Analvsis
HCD announced on March 2019 the issuance of the Notice of Funding Availability
("NOFA") under the SB 2, 2017 PGP (see Attachment 1). SB 2 was part of a 15-bill
housing package signed by Governor Brown in 2017 to address the state's housing
shortage and high housing costs. The bill created a recording fee for certain real estate
transaction documents, and directs 50 percent of the revenues in the first year to be
used to establish a noncompetitive grant program that provides financial and technical
assistance to local governments to update planning documents and zoning ordinances
in order to streamline housing approvals and accelerate housing production.
The City qualifies for this grant as a small locality, defined as less than 60,000 people,
based on 2018 population estimates from the State Department of Finance. The City is
eligible for an award between $25,000 and $160,000. Staff intends to apply for the
maximum award of $160,000 and may use grant funds for the costs of preparing and
adopting a variety of planning documents and planning activities that demonstrate a
nexus to accelerating housing production. These documents and activities include
updates to the City's Housing Element, anticipated to be adopted in 2021, and
environmental analyses that eliminate the need for project specific review that expedite
the local planning process.
The SB 2 PGP is an over the counter application and does not use a competitive
process to award funds; all cities and counties who apply and meet eligibility
requirements will be funded. The proposed use of funding by this grant is consistent
with HCD requirements for cities to have an updated and certified Housing Element and
with the City's planning efforts to meet its share of the Regional Housing Needs
Allocation.
HCD requires a resolution from the City's governing body to apply for and receive SB 2
PGP funds (see Attachment 2). The grant is administered on a reimbursement basis
and does not require a match. Applications must be submitted to HCD by November 30,
2019.
Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution authorizing the submittal of the
application to HCD in order request grant funding under the SB 2, 2017 PGP.
October 24, 2019 — STAFF REPORT
City — Approval of HCD S132 Planning Grant Program Application
Page 3 of 3
Fiscal Analvsis
This grant application is for $160,000 and does not require a local match.
LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FINANCIAL REVIEW ASSISTANT CITY
MANAGER
N/A�
N/ Ryan tendell
Robert W. Hargreaves Director of Community Janet Moore And , restine
City Attorney Development Director of Finance Assi nt City Manager
City Manager, Lauri Aylaian:
ATTACHMENTS: 1. HCD SB2, 2017 PGP NOFA
2. City of Palm Desert Resolution No. 2019- 80
RESOLUTION NO. 2019- 80
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR, AND
RECEIPT OF, SB 2 PLANNING GRANTS PROGRAM FUNDS
WHEREAS, the State of California, Department of Housing and Community
Development (the "Department") has issued a Notice of Funding Availability ("NOFA")
dated March 28, 2019, for its Planning Grants Program ("PGP"); and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert desires to submit a project
application for the PGP program to accelerate the production of housing and will submit
a 2019 PGP grant application as described in the Planning Grants Program NOFA and
SB 2 Planning Grants Program Guidelines released by the Department for the PGP
Program; and
WHEREAS, the Department is authorized to provide up to $123 million under the
SB 2 Planning Grants Program from the Building Homes and Jobs Trust Fund for
assistance to Counties (as described in Health and Safety Code section 50470 et seq.
(Chapter 364, Statutes of 2017 ("SB 2")) related to the PGP Program.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT,
CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE, AND ORDER AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby authorize and directs that an application be
submitted to the Department for the 2019 Planning Grants Program application in the
amount of $160,000.
SECTION 2. In connection with the PGP grant, if the application is approved by
the Department, the City Manager, is authorized to enter into, execute, and deliver a
State of California Agreement ("Standard Agreement") for the amount of $160,000, and
any and all other documents required or deemed necessary or appropriate to evidence
and secure the PGP grant, the City's obligations related thereto, and all amendments
thereto (collectively, the "PGP Grant Documents").
SECTION 3. The City shall be subject to the terms and conditions as specified in
the Standard Agreement, the SB 2 Planning Grants Program Guidelines, and any
applicable PGP guidelines published by the Department. Funds are to be used for
allowable expenditures as specifically identified in the Standard Agreement. The
application in full is incorporated as part of the Standard Agreement. Any and all activities
funded, information provided, and timelines represented in the application will be
enforceable through the executed Standard Agreement. The City hereby agrees to use
the funds for eligible uses in the manner presented in the application as approved by the
Department and in accordance with the Planning Grants NOFA, the Planning Grants
Program Guidelines, and 2019 Planning Grants Program Application.
SECTION 4. The City Manager is authorized to execute the City of Palm Desert
Planning Grants Program application, the PGP Grant Documents, and any amendments
thereto, on behalf of the City as required by the Department for receipt of the PGP Grant.
SECTION 5. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert, California, at its regular meeting held on the 241h day of October 2019, by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SUSAN MARIE WEBER, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - BUSINESS, CONSUMER SERVICES AND HOUSING AGENCY
Gavin Newsom, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIVISION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
2020 W. El Camino Avenue, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 263-2771 / FAX (916) 263-2763
www.hcd.ca.aov
March 28, 2019
MEMORANDUM FOR: All Potential Applicants
FROM: Zachary Olmstead, Deputy Director
Division of Housing Policy Development
SUBJECT: NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY -
SB 2 PLANNING GRANTS PROGRAM
The Department of Housing and Community Development (Department) is pleased to
announce the release of this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for approximately
$123 million under the Senate Bill 2 (SB 2, 2017) Planning Grants Program (PGP). SB 2
established a permanent source of funding intended to increase the affordable housing
stock in California. The legislation directs the Department to use 50 percent of the first
year's revenue to establish a program that provides financial and technical assistance to
local governments to update planning documents and land -use ordinances. The PGP is
intended for the preparation, adoption, and implementation of plans that streamline housing
approvals and accelerate housing production.
In order to be eligible for grant funding, an applicant must submit a complete, signed original
application and an electronic copy on CD or USB flash drive. OTC applications will be
accepted for an eight -month period ending on November 30, 2019. The Department will
only accept applications through a postal carrier service that provides date stamp
verification confirming delivery to the Department's office, such as the U.S. Postal Service,
UPS, FedEx, or other carrier services. No facsimiles, late applications, incomplete
applications, application revisions, electronic submittals, or walk-in application packages will
be accepted. All applications must be submitted to the Department at the following address:
Department of Housing and Community Development
Division of Housing Policy Development
2020 West Eli Camino Ave, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95833
PGP applications and forms are available on the Department's website. Please refer to the
Planninq Grants Program Guidelines for detailed information on eligible activities,
applicants, and awards. If you have questions regarding this NOFA, please email the
Department at sb2r)lanningarant(cDhcd.ca.aov.
Attachment
PLANNING GRANTS PROGRAM (SB 2, 2017)
2019 NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY
State of California
Governor Gavin Newsom
Alexis Podesta, Secretary
Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency
Ben Metcalf, Director
Department of Housing and Community Development
Zachary Olmstead, Deputy Director
Department of Housing and Community Development
Division of Housing Policy Development
2020 West El Camino Avenue, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95833
Telephone: (916) 263-2771
Website: http:l/www.hcd.ca.00v/arants-fundinalactive-funding/glannino-arants.shtml
Email; sb2g1anninagrantehcd.ca.aov
March 29, 2019
Table of Contents
I. Introduction.............................................................................................................
II. Program Summary. ................................................................................................. I
Ill. Program Timeline...................................................................................................2
IV. Funding Available...................................................................................................2
V. Eligible Applicants...................................................................................................3
VI. Eligible Activities.....................................................................................................3
VII. Eligible uses...........................................................................................................4
VIII. Threshold Requirements.........................................................................................5
IX. NOFA Application Workshops................................................................................7
X. Application Submission Requirements....................................................................7
XI. Application Review Process... ................................................................................. 7
XII. Applicant Notification...........................................................................---................8
XIII. Award Letter and Standard Agreement...................................................................8
XIV. Appeals... ... ............................ ...............................................................................8
XV. Right to Modify or Suspend.....................................................................................9
2019 NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY
SB 2 PLANNING GRANTS PROGRAM
I. Introduction
The Department is releasing this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for approximately
$123 million to make funding available to all local governments in California under the
Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) Planning Grants Program (PGP). The PGP program is intended for
the preparation, adoption, and implementation of plans that streamline housing
approvals and accelerate housing production.
The PGP is authorized by Health and Safety Code sections 50470 et sea. (Chapter 364,
Statutes of 2017, (SB 2)}. Funding is subject to the December 2018 Planning Grants
Proaram Guidelines (hereinafter referred to as the "Guidelines"), which includes detailed
information on eligibility requirements, conditions, and procedures for awarding funds.
It. Program Summary
SB 2 (2017) is part of a 15 bill housinq oackaae aimed at addressing the state's housing
shortage and high housing costs. Specifically, SB 2 established a permanent source of
revenue intended to increase the affordable housing stock in California.
PGP grants are funded through 50 percent of the revenues collected during the first
calendar year (January through December, 2018). The PGP program is a one-time
component of SB 2 that, among other provisions, provides financial and technical
assistance to local governments to update planning documents in order to:
■ Accelerate housing production;
• Streamline the approval of housing development affordable to owner and renter
households at all income levels;
■ Facilitate housing affordability, particularly for all income groups;
• Promote development consistent with the State Planning Priorities; and
• Ensure geographic equity in the distribution and expenditure of allocated funds
The Department, in conjunction with the Governor's Office of Planning and Research,
will provide technical assistance to localities pursuant to the provisions set forth in Article
VII, Section 700(a) through (e) of the Guidelines. For further information, contact the
Department at sb2DIanninaaranta-hcd.ca.aov for details regarding local technical
assistance.
Please refer to the Guidelines for other administrative provisions not summarized in this
NOFA.
CA HCD Notice of Funding Availability 1 SB 2 Planning Grants NOFA Year-T
Ill. Program Timeline
Pursuant to Section 500(a) of the Guidelines, funds will be initially available to eligible
applicants on a noncompetitive, over-the-counter (OTC) basis. Applications will be
accepted over an eight -month period, commencing from the date of the release of this
NOFA (Section 500(b) of the Guidelines). See Table 1 below for the projected timeline
for awards for the initial OTC period.
Table 1: Projected Timeline for Awards for OTC Applications
Event Date(s)
NOFA release March 28, 2019
NOFA-Application Workshops 1 Webinar Period April 1 - May 1, 2019
Final due date for OTC applications November 30, 2019
Supplemental round TBD }
Anticipated end of grant term June 30, 2022 j
The Department anticipates awards in 2-3 month intervals, depending on the volume of
applications, and reserves the right to make adjustments to the projected timeline at any
time. If OTC funds are not fully awarded at the end of the eight -month period, the
Department may extend the final OTC application due date or consider a supplemental
funding round (Section 500(g) of the Guidelines). During any supplemental round, top
priority will be given to localities that have not submitted a previous request for funding.
All other applicants may be subject to competitive scoring criteria during any
supplemental round (Section 500(g)(2) of the Guidelines).
IV. Funding Available
The Department determined maximum award amounts for large, medium, and small
localities, based on population estimates from the Department of Finance (DOF). Table 2
below shows the minimum and maximum awards available pursuant to Article IV,
Section 400 of the Guidelines. Applicants can view maximum award amounts for all
jurisdictions here.
Table 2: Minimum and Maximum Award Amounts
Large Localities —
All Localities Defined as
Minimum award
amount:
$25,000
200,000 people
Maximum award
amount:
$625,000
Medium Localities —
Defined as 60,000 to
200,000 people
Maximum award
amount:
For a link to the 2018 DOF Population Estimates, E-5, see:
htto.1/www. dof ca. o'ovIForecastinalDemoaranhics/EstimatesIE-5/
$310,000
Small Localities —
Defined as
60,000 people
Maximum award
amount:
$160,000
Applicants seeking partnerships with other local governments will be additive. For
example, two large localities could submit a proposal for up to $1.25 million; three small
localities up to $480,000, etc. Note: All applicants, including those who are forming
partnerships, must submit separate, complete and sinned annlication oackaaes,
pursuant to section X of this NOFA, to the Department in order to be awarded funds.
CA HCD Notice of Funding Availability 2 SB 2 Planning Grants NOFA Year-]
V. Eligible Applicants
Pursuant to Article II, Section 200 of the Guidelines, eligible applicants are limited to
local governments, i.e., cities and counties. However, local governments may partner
through legally binding agreements with other forms of governments or entities where
the proposal will have a direct effect on land -use or development within the locality. This
includes, but is not limited to, partnerships with other localities, regional governments,
housing authorities, school districts, special districts, community based organizations, or
any duly constituted governing body of an Indian Reservation or Rancheria.
Multi -jurisdictional partnerships between local governments are encouraged in order to
coordinate with regional governments, leverage regional and state investment, promote
consistency with the sustainable communities strategy, and affirmatively further fair
housing.
Note: All localities must pass the Threshold Criteria as stated in section VIII of this
NOFA. To ensure compliance with section Vill, all applicants, including those who are
forming partnerships, must submit separate, complete and signed application Dackaaes,
including resolutions. to the Department in order to be awarded funds.
VI. Eligible Activities
Applicants proposing Priority Policy Areas, as defined in section VIII of this NOFA, are
automatically deemed to accelerate housing production without any documentation or
demonstration to the Department.
Pursuant to Article III, Section 300 of the Guidelines, a variety of planning documents,
planning activities and strategies, are considered eligible activities and must
demonstrate a nexus to accelerating housing production, which may include:
(1) Updates to general plans, community plans, specific plans, local planning related to
implementation of sustainable communities strategies, or local coastal plans;
(2) Updates to zoning ordinances;
(3) Environmental analyses that eliminate the need for project -specific review;
(4) Local process improvements that improve and expedite local planning;
(5) A smaller geography with a significant impact on housing production including an
overlay district, project level specific plan, or development standards modifications
proposed for significant areas of a locality, such as corridors, downtown or priority
growth areas;
(B) The creation or enhancement of a housing sustainability district pursuant to AB 73
(Chapter 371, Statutes of 2017);
(7) Workforce housing opportunity zone pursuant to SB 540 (Chapter 369, Statutes of
2017);
CA HCD Notice of Funding Availability 3 SB 2 Planning Grants NOFA Year-1
(8) Zoning for by -right supportive housing, pursuant to Government Code section
65651 (Chapter 753, Statutes of 2018);
(9) Zoning incentives for housing for persons with special needs, including persons
with developmental disabilities;
(10) Rezoning to meet requirements pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(c)
and other rezoning efforts to facilitate supply and affordability;
(11) Rezoning for multifamily housing in high resource areas (according to Tax Credit
Allocation Committee/Housing Community Development opportunity Area Maps);
(12) Pre -approved architectural and site plans;
(13) Regional housing trust fund plans;
(14) SB 2 funding plans;
(15) Infrastructure financing plans;
(16) Environmental hazard assessments; data collection on permit tracking; feasibility
studies, site analysis, or other background studies that are ancillary and part of a
proposed activity with a nexus to accelerating housing production; and
(17) other planning activities demonstrating a nexus to accelerating housing production.
Eligible activities may be part of a larger planning effort (e.g., a comprehensive zoning
code update) if proposed activities have not been completed prior to the NOFA date, are
distinct, and demonstrate a nexus to accelerating housing production.
As part of the PGP program, HCD, in coordination with the Governor's office of Planning
and Research (oPR), will work with a team led by Placeworks to provide technical
assistance (TA) to applicants throughout the application period. The TA team will work
closely with regions, sub -regions, and counties to help jurisdictions identify activities and
provide tools that will accelerate housing production. For further information, contact the
Department at sb2olanninogrant0hcd.ca,vov for details regarding local technical
assistance.
VII. Eligible Uses
Pursuant to Article III, Section 302 of the Guidelines, grant funds shall be used for the
costs of preparing and adopting the proposed activity. Subcontracting is allowable under
conditions set forth in Section 302(c) of the Guidelines. Pursuant to Section 302(b) of the
Guidelines, grant funds may not be used for administrative costs of persons employed
by the grantee for activities not directly related to the proposed activity. No more than 5
percent of the grant amount may be used for administrative costs for any proposed use,
to be approved by the Department upon disbursement.
❑nly approved and eligible costs incurred for work after the NDFA date, continued past
the date of the Standard Agreement, and completed during the grant term, will be
reimbursable. Approved and eligible costs incurred prior to the NOFA date are ineligible
CA HCD Notice of Funding Availability 4 SB 2 Planning Grants NOFA Year-9
(Section 601(c) of the Guidelines).
Refer to Section 301 of the Guidelines for a list of all ineligible activities.
Vill. Threshold Requirements
In accordance with Article II, Section 201 of the Guidelines, all applicants must meet the
following threshold requirements:
(1 ) Housing element compliance: The applicant must have a housing element that
has been adopted by the jurisdiction's governing body by the date the applicant
submits the application package, and is subsequently determined to be in
substantial compliance with state housing element law pursuant to Gov. Code
Section 65585 by the time of award. A j u risd iction's current housing element
compliance status can be obtained by referencing the Department's website at
httr)://www.hcd.ca.aov/community-develor)ment/housing-element/index.shtmi or
emailing the Department at sb2planninggrant(cDhcd.ca.aov. For more information on
housing element requirements, please contact Paul McDougall at
paul.mcdouaall af�.hcd.ca.aov.
Pursuant to Section 201(a)(2) of the Guidelines, applicants not meeting housing
element requirements may be considered to meet this threshold requirement at the
discretion of the Department on a case by case basis by applying factors such as
significant progress in meeting housing element requirements (e.g., a draft found to
meet statute, rezoning near completion), proposing activities to meet housing
element requirements (e.g., rezoning to accommodate housing needs pursuant to
Gov. Code Section 65583(c)(1 )} and adoption of a compliant element prior to the
award of funds.
(2) Annual Progress Report (APR) on the housing element: The applicant must
submit the APR to the Department, as required by Gov. Code section 65400, for the
current or prior year by the date the applicant submits the application package.
(3) Nexus to accelerating housing production: The applicant must propose and
document plans or processes that accelerate housing production. The application
must demonstrate a significant positive effect on accelerating housing production
through timing, cost, approval certainty, entitlement streamlining, feasibility,
infrastructure capacity, or impact on housing supply and affordability. An application
not utilizing Priority Policy Areas must include an explanation and documentation of
the nexus plans or processes impact on accelerating housing production based on
a reasonable and verifiable methodology and must utilize the Department's form
(see Attachment 2 in the Application). A verifiable methodology may include a
statement of support from a non-profit or for -profit developer that is active in the
locality.
Applicants proposing Priority Policy Areas do not require a nexus demonstration
and are automatically deemed to accelerate housing production without any
documentation. Pursuant to Section 102(g) of the Guidelines, Priority Policy Areas
means any of the following:
CA HCD Notice of Funding Availability 5 S6 2 Planning Grants NOFA Year-1
(a) Rezone to Permit Bv-riaht: Rezoning for significant additional housing capacity
without, or lesser, discretionary review, or establishing zoning to permit
residential development by -right, particularly multifamily, without discretionary
action pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(h) and (i).
(b) Obiective Design and Development Standards: Developing objective design
standards or pre -approved site and architectural plans that facilitate
non -discretionary permitting.
(c) Specific Plans or Form based Codes Coupled with CECA Streamlininq:
Designating and rezoning for additional housing capacity or preparing specific
plans or form codes that include zoning and development standards and plan -
level environmental analysis that can be used to streamline future housing
projects and facilitate affordability.
(d) Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) or Other Low -Cost Buildina Strateaies:
Encouraging ADUs and other low-cost building types through actions above
state law such as, outreach, fee waivers, pre -approved plans, website zoning
clearance assistance, and other homeowner tools or finance tools. Also,
establishing other approaches to intensify existing lower density residential
areas and "missing model' typologies to encourage significantly more
residential development (e.g., duplexes, triplexes) in lower density residential
areas.
(e) Expedited Processina: Speeding up approvals and permit processing,
including instituting programs that streamline or consolidate the review
process or create a separate process for expedited review of housing projects.
(f) Housina Related Infrastructure Financina and Fee Reduction Strateaies:
Develop and implement approaches to local, regional or sub -regional housing
related infrastructure financing. Create plans and programs to finance and
increase infrastructure with accompanying enhanced housing capacity, such
as enhanced infrastructure financing districts. Fee reduction and rationalization
approaches, such as reassessing fees to adhere to best practices in reducing
costs, deferrals, sliding scales or proportionate impacts fees (e.g., ADUs,
transit oriented, and infill development, special needs housing), or fee
transparency measures including publically available fee calculators.
Note: HCD will be rolling out best practice toolkits and technical assistance in these
topic areas over the course of 2019.
Note: If the applicant is proposing only Priority Policy Areas ((PPA), as defined in
section VIII, subsection (3) of the NOFA), do not fill out Attachment 2. However, if
the applicant is proposing to fund PPAs AND other activities that are not considered
PPAs, the application must demonstrate how these other activities have a nexus to
accelerating housing production by filling out Attachment 2 of the application.
(4) State Planning and Other Planning Priorities: Applicants must demonstrate that
the locality is consistent with State Planning or other Planning Priorities.
CA HCD Notice of Funding Availability 6 SB 2 Planning Grants NOFA Year-1
Consistency may be demonstrated through activities (not necessarily proposed for
SB 2 funding) that were completed within the last five years. Applicants must self -
certify utilizing the Department's form (see Attachment 1 in the Application).
IX. NDFA Application Workshops
The Department will hold workshops and a webinar to review the PGP NOFA and
application, and will be conducting technical assistance to aid applicants throughout the
OTC period. For a list of dates, times, and locations for the workshops as well as
information on technical assistance, please visit the Department's SB 2 Planninq Grants
webpage, or reqister here.
X. Application Submission Requirements
In order to be eligible for grant funding, an applicant must submit a complete, signed
original application and an electronic copy on C❑ or USB flash drive. Applications will be
accepted on an OTC basis for an eight -month period anticipated to end November 30,
2019. Note: All localities must pass the threshold criteria as stated in section VIII of this
NDFA. To ensure compliance with section VIII, all applicants, including those who are
forming or have formed partnerships, must submit separate, complete and signed
application packages, including resolutions, to the Department in order to be awarded
funds.
The Department will only accept applications through a postal carrier service that
provides date stamp verification confirming delivery to the Department's office, such as
the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, FedEx, or other carrier services. No facsimiles, late
applications, incomplete applications, application revisions, electronically submitted, or
walk-in application packages will be accepted. All applications must be submitted to the
Department at the following address:
Department of Housing and Community Development
Division of Housing Policy Development 1 Land Use Planning Unit
2020 West El Camino Ave, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95833
Applications must be on Department forms and cannot be altered or modified by the
applicant. Program applications and forms are available on the Department's website
located at http:/Iwww.hcd.ca.gov/grants-fundinq/active-funding/planninq-
arants.shtml#farms.
XI. Application Review Process
Each application will first be reviewed for completeness, threshold eligibility
requirements, and accuracy. In order to be considered complete, an application must
contain all requested information and supporting documentation. All applications must
also meet the eligibility and threshold requirements as specified in this NDFA and the
CA HCD Notice of Funding Availability 7 SB 2 Planning Grants NDFA Year-9
Guidelines. If the application is ineligible, it will not be considered for funding. Applicants
may resubmit their applications prior to the November 30, 2019 deadline. All applicants
not meeting the eligibility and threshold requirements will be informed within 60 days
from the date the Department receives the application.
XII. Applicant Notification
Applicants will be notified within 60 days of the Department's receipt of their application
regarding the status of their application and/or if any additional information is required
(Section 500(e)) of the Guidelines). Applicants will receive an official letter of award after
the Department approves funding recommendations (Section 500(f) of the Guidelines).
XIII. Award Letter and Standard Agreement
Successful applicants will receive an Award Letter from the Department and will be
awarded funds through the Standard Agreement process that will specify, among other
things, the amount of funds granted, timeline for expenditure of funds, and the approved
use of funds. Expenditure report dates and other requirements will also be identified in
the SB 2 Planning Grants Program Standard Agreement.
XIV. Appeals
(1) Basis of Appeals:
(a) Upon receipt of the Department's notice deeming an application incomplete or
ineligible, applicants under this NOFA may appeal such decision(s) to the
Director pursuant to this Section.
(b) No applicant shall have the right to appeal a decision of the Department
relating to another applicant's eligibility, point score, award, denial of award, or
any other related matter.
(2) Appeals Process and Deadlines:
(a) Process. In order to lodge an appeal, applicants must submit to the Director by
the deadline set forth in subsection (b) below, a written appeal which states all
relevant facts, arguments, and evidence upon which the appeal is based. No
new or additional information will be accepted. Once the written appeal is
submitted to the Director, no further information or materials will be accepted
or considered thereafter. Appeals are to be submitted to the Director at
following address:
Department of Housing and Community Development
Division of Housing Policy Development
2020 W. El Camino Avenue, Suite 500
Sacramento, California 95833
sb2glanninggrant c&hcd.ca.gov
The Director will accept appeals delivered through a carrier service such as
CA HCD Notice of Funding Availability 8 SB 2 Planning Grants NOFA Year-1
the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, Fed Ex, or other carrier services that provide
date stamp verification of delivery. Deliveries must be received during the
Department's weekday (non -state holiday) business hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Additionally, emails to the email address listed
above will be accepted if the email time stamp is prior to the appeal deadline.
(b) Filing Deadline. Appeals must be received by the Director no later than (5) five
business days from the date of the Department's determination.
(3) Decision:
Any request to amend the Department's decision shall be reviewed for compliance
with the December 2018 Guidelines and the March 29, 2019 NOFA. The Director
shall render his/her decision in writing within fifteen (15) business days of receipt of
the applicant's written appeal. The decision of the Director shall be the
Department's final decision, and shall not be appealable to any court or tribunal.
(4) Effectiveness:
In the event that the statute and/or guidelines governing the PGP program contain
an existing process for appealing decisions of the Department with respect to
NOFA awards made under such programs, this Section shall be inapplicable and all
appeals shall be governed by such existing authority.
XV. Right to Modify or Suspend
The Department reserves the right, at is sole discretion, to suspend, amend, or modify
the provisions of this NOFA at any time, including, without limitation, the amount of funds
available hereunder. If such an action occurs, the Department will notify all interested
parties and will post the revisions to the Department's website. You may subscribe to the
Department's email list here: httr)://www.hcd.ca.aov/HC❑ SSI/subscribe-form.html.
CA HCD Notice of Funding Availability 9 SB 2 Planning Grants NOFA Year-1