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2022-01-18 PC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet
CITY OF PALM DESERT REGULAR PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ri� . (FIA, = AGENDA 4 a£t, TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022 — 6:00 P.M. NN.NN ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Pursuant to Assembly Bill No. 361, the Planning Commission may be conducted via teleconference/virtual meeting and there will be no in-person public access to the meeting location. Any person wishing to discuss any item not appearing on the agenda may address the Planning Commission via the Zoom session at this point by giving his/her name and address for the record. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of three (3) minutes unless the Planning Commission authorizes additional time. Because the Brown Act does not allow the Planning Commission to take action on items not on the agenda, members will not enter into discussion with speakers but may briefly respond or instead refer the matter to staff for a report and recommendation at a future Planning Commission meeting. THREE OPTIONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE MEETING Option 1 — To Participate by email: 1. Send your comments by email to: planning@cityofpalmdesert.org. Emails received by 3:00 p.m. prior to the meeting will be made part of the record and distributed to the Planning Commission. This method is encouraged because it will give the Commissioners the opportunity to reflect upon your input. Emails will not be read aloud. AGENDA REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 18, 2022 Option 2 —To Participate and Provide Verbal Comments by Using Your Internet, then click on "Launch Meeting." 1. Click the link: https://palmdesert.zoom.us/j/84739707419 Option 3 — To Listen and Provide Verbal Comments Using Your Telephone 1. Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): Telephone US: +1 669 219 2599 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 213 338 8477 or +1 602 753 0140 or +1 971 247 1195 or +1 253 215 8782 2. Enter the Webinar ID: 847 3970 7419 followed by #. 3. Indicate that you are a participant by pressing # to continue. 4. You will hear audio of the meeting in progress. Remain on the line if the meeting has not yet started. 5. During the meeting, Press *9 to raise your hand to be added to the queue to provide public comment. When it is your turn, City staff will announce your name or phone number and unmute your line to speak. LIMIT YOUR COMMENTS TO THREE (3) MINUTES Staff reports and documents for agenda items are available for public inspection at the Planning/Land Development Division and on the City's website: www.cityofpalmdesert.org. VI. CONSENT CALENDAR ALL MATTERS LISTED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ROUTINE AND WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE ROLL CALL VOTE. THERE WILL BE NO SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THESE ITEMS UNLESS MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OR AUDIENCE REQUEST SPECIFIC ITEMS BE REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND ACTION UNDER SECTION VII, CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER, OF THE AGENDA. A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of December 21, 2021. Rec: Approve as presented. VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER VIII. NEW BUSINESS None 2 AGENDA REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 18, 2022 IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS None X. PUBLIC HEARINGS Anyone who challenges any hearing matter in court may be limited to raising only those issues he or she raised at the public hearing described herein, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of three minutes unless the Planning Commission authorizes additional time. A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to the City Council to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and approval of General Plan Amendment 21-0002, amending the City's Housing Element and Safety Element of the General Plan. Case No. GPA 21-0002 (City of Palm Desert, Palm Desert, California, Applicant). Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2804, recommending to the City Council to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration, and approving Case No. GPA 21-0002 to amend the City's Housing Element and Safety Element of the General Plan. B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to the City Council for approval of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to modify Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 25.34.060 regarding Timeshare Projects. Case No. ZOA 22-0001 (City of Palm Desert, Palm Desert California, Applicant). Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2805, recommending approval to the City Council for Case No. ZOA 22- 0001, modifying Palm Desert Municipal Code 25.34.060. Xl. MISCELLANEOUS None XII. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE B. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS 3 AGENDA REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 18, 2022 XIV. ADJOURNMENT I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda for the Planning Commission was posted on the City Hall bulletin board not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. Dated this 13th day of January 2022. M o N.i,c cL O'R e i,l,l j Monica O'Reilly, Management Specialist II 4 CITY OF PALM DESERT PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION bpi N: PRELIMINARY MINUTES dio ,"•.4r a�yo.��:� TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021 — 6:00 P.M. ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER Chair John Greenwood called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Chair John Greenwood Vice-Chair Nancy DeLuna Commissioner Ron Gregory Commissioner Lindsay Holt Commissioner Joseph Pradetto Also Present: Craig Hayes, Assistant City Attorney Martin Alvarez, Director of Development Services Eric Ceja, Deputy Director of Development Services/Economic Development Rosie Lua, Principal Planner Nick Melloni, Associate Planner Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner Monica O'Reilly, Management Specialist II III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Joseph Pradetto led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTIONS Director of Development Services Martin Alvarez summarized pertinent City Council actions from the meeting of December 16, 2021. V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 21, 2021 VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of November 2, 2021. Rec: Approve as presented. B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve a Parcel Map Waiver application to adjust two parcels at 890 and 892 Crescent Falls (APNs 652-310-017 and 652-310- 018). Case No. PMW 21-0008 (PAR Development, Palm Desert, California). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Case No. PMW 21-0008. Upon a motion by Commissioner Pradetto, seconded by Vice-Chair DeLuna, and a 5- 0 vote of the Planning Commission, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None). VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VIII. NEW BUSINESS None IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS None X. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to adopt a Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and approval of a Precise Plan (PP) and a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to demolish the former Pizza Hut building and construct a new 7,500-square-foot retail and restaurant building located at 72310 Highway 111. Case No. PP/CUP 20-0002 (Nadel Architects, Inc, Los Angeles, California, Applicant). Note, the staff report(s) and Zoom video of the meeting are available on the City's website. Click on the following link to access: www.planninq-commission- information-center. Associate Planner Kevin Swartz presented the staff report and offered to answer any questions. The Commission had no questions for staff. Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or OPPOSING this matter. 2 PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 21, 2021 Mr. Ralph Deppisch, the applicant's representative, Los Angeles, California, stated that they worked with City staff and the Architectural Review Commission to improve the project. He hoped that the Planning Commission would support the recommendation and offered to answer any questions. Mr. David Anderson, the architect, commented that he did not have anything to add. He also offered to answer questions. Commissioner Ron Gregory listed his concerns and recommendations regarding the landscape plan. With no further testimony offered, Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Pradetto moved for approval and then withdrew his motion to let Commissioner Gregory craft the motion with the recommendations to the landscape plan. Commissioner Gregory moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2801, adopting a Notice of Exemption and approving Case No. PP/CUP 20- 0002, subject to the findings and conditions of approval. Following are additional conditions added to the landscape plan: 1) The San Diego Red Bougainvillea should not be planted as a shrub. The La Jolla Bougainvillea should be considered for a larger shrub, and the Oo-La- La Bougainvillea should be considered for a smaller shrub; 2) The Bougainvilleas should be a minimum size of five gallons; 3) Replace the Bear Grass with Desert Spoon or Giant Hesperaloe; 4) Replace the Aloe Variegata with a different Aloe or plant; and 5) For a commercial setting, change the Dalea Capitata and Lantana to five gallons. The motion was seconded by Vice-Chair DeLuna and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None). B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to the City Council for approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Specific Plan (SP 18-0002), Precise Plan (PP 18- 0009), and Tentative Tract Map 36379 for DSRT SURF inclusive of a surf lagoon and surf center, a four-story hotel, and residential units on a 17.69-acre site located within Desert Willow Golf Resort. Case Nos. SP 18-0002/PP 18-0009/TTM 37639 Amendments No. 1 (Desert Wave Ventures, LLC, California, Applicant). Chair Greenwood disclosed that he works for Prest Vuksic Architects, and the firm has provided consulting services for this project; therefore, he recused himself from this item. He asked Vice-Chair DeLuna to proceed with the meeting. Commissioner Gregory also disclosed that he works for MSA Consulting, and the firm has provided consulting services for this project and recused himself. Principle Planner Rosie Lua gave a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the staff report in detail. She recommended approval to the City Council and noted that the applicant also has a PowerPoint presentation. 3 PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 21, 2021 Vice-Chair DeLuna declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or OPPOSING this matter. Mr. Doug Sheres, the applicant, Solana Beach, California, said they have been working on this project for nearly five years and believed it is better and more compelling than ever. Mr. Bruce Greenfield, the architect, Orange, California, provided a PowerPoint presentation on the project's architecture. Mr. John 0, Palm Desert, California, supported the project. He is a lifetime surfer and the thought to ride waves in his zip code is a dream come true. With no further testimony offered, Vice-Chair DeLuna declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Lindsay Holt stated that it is a great project and appreciated the work done on the revised specific plan and had no concerns. She thanked the staff and applicant for the presentations. Commissioner Pradetto moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2802, recommending approval to the City Council for Case Nos. SP 18-0002/PP 18-0009/TTM 37639 Amendments No. 1, subject to findings and conditions of approval. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Holt and carried by a 3-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: Greenwood and Gregory). C. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to the City Council for a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to modify Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 25.60.60 (Public Hearing and Public Notice), add Section 25.60.160 "Community Engagement," and adding Section 5.11 "Disclosures Upon Transfer of Residential Property" for said project regulating the public engagement process, and apply said regulations. Case No. ZOA 21-0002 (City of Palm Desert, Palm Desert, California, Applicant). Chair Greenwood proceeded with the meeting. Ms. Lua reviewed the staff report and recommended approval of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment. Commissioner Greenwood suggested that it is of value to have public participation meetings digitally and recorded. Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or OPPOSING this matter. With no testimony offered, Vice-Chair DeLuna declared the public hearing closed. 4 PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 21, 2021 Commissioner Pradetto moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2803, recommending approval to the City Council for Case No. 21-0002, with added language to clarify Title 5 in which the new language only applies to new developments. Motion carried by a 4-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: Gregory). XI. MISCELLANEOUS None XII. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE Commissioner Holt reported that the Committee discussed the San Pablo Corridor Art Plan and the Public Art budget. B. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION None XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS City staff thanked the Planning Commission for their time and dedication to the City of Palm Desert. XIV. ADJOURNMENT With the Planning Commission concurrence, Chair Greenwood adjourned the meeting at 7:49 p.m. JOHN GREENWOOD, CHAIR ATTEST: MARTIN ALVAREZ, SECRETARY MONICA O'REILLY, RECORDING SECRETARY 5 STAFF REPORT CITY OF PALM DESERT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT MEETING DATE: January 18, 2022 PREPARED BY: Eric Ceja, Deputy Director of Development Services Jessica Gonzales, Senior Management Analyst REQUEST: Consideration of a recommendation to the City Council to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and approval of General Plan Amendment 21-0002, amending the City's Housing Element and Safety Element of the General Plan. Recommendation Waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2804 recommending to the City Council to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration in accordance with CEQA, and approval of General Plan Amendment (GPA 21-0002), amending the City's Housing Element and Safety Element of the General Plan. Executive Summary As a required Element of the General Plan, the Housing Element analyzes the existing housing stock, and existing and future housing needs based on demographic data and provides strategies to meet the housing needs of the City's residents. The Housing Element focuses on affordable housing and housing for special needs populations, including seniors, disabled persons (including developmental disabilities), large families, single- parent households, and the homeless. The Goals, Policies, and Programs identified in this Housing Element will assist the City's decision-makers in facilitating housing development and preservation to address the need. The City is complying with the mandatory update schedule for Housing Elements. This update addresses the 2022- 2029 planning period. The Safety Element Update addressed changes in the requirements of the law, including flood hazard, fire hazard mapping, and emergency preparedness. The Safety Element Update reflects the current fire hazard mapping by CalFire and current FEMA flood hazard zones. The update also expanded discussion on flood hazard, fire hazard, and emergency response by referring to the City's Municipal Code Title 28 Flood Damage Prevention, the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan adopted by the City in 2017, and Riverside County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan approved by FEMA and adopted in 2018. January 18, 2022 — Staff Report Case Nos. GPA 21-0002 Housing Element and Safety Element Update Page 2 of 11 It is important to note that neither the Housing Element Update nor the Safety Element Update will result in any physical development or change in the environment. Both updates are policy documents, which the City will use in reviewing and implementing development in the future, as projects are proposed. Background State law requires that each City adopt a General Plan to guide land use and development. Among the seven (7) required "elements" of the General Plan is the Housing Element. The Housing Element sets forth goals, policies, and programs that address the future housing needs for all income levels over an eight-year (8) planning period, which coincides with the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) projection period. The RHNA is mandated by State Housing Law as part of the periodic process of updating local housing elements of the General Plan. RHNA quantifies the need for housing within each jurisdiction during specified planning periods. The City is required by state law to update its Housing Element every eight (8) years to coincide with the approved RHNA. Housing Element planning periods are sometimes referred to as "cycles." The City's existing Housing Element covers the planning period extending from 2013-2021, which is referred to as the "Fifth Housing Element Cycle" in reference to the five (5) required updates that have occurred since the comprehensive revision to the State Housing Element law in 1980. Every city and county in the Southern California Association of Government (SCAG) region is required to prepare a Housing Element update for the sixth planning cycle, which spans the 2021-2029 period (October 15, 2021 - October 15, 2029). When updating the Housing Element, the City must also review the Safety Element of the General Plan and update accordingly. The purpose of the Safety Element review and update is to confirm that potential housing sites are developable and that there are minimal obstacles to developing these sites. The following provides a general timeline describing major milestones in preparing the City of Palm Desert Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element Update: • January 6, 2021: Public Meeting, Housing Commission Workshop No. 1, via Zoom on the 2021 Housing Element framework, process, and proposed updates. • January 21, 2021: Community Workshop No. 2, via Zoom on the 2021 Housing Element framework, process, and proposed updates. • February 8, 2021: First draft Housing Element available for Public Review. • March 25, 2021: City Council Study Session, via Zoom on the 2021 Housing Element framework, process, and proposed updates. • April 8, 2021: First Draft submitted to State Housing and Community Development (HCD). • May 15, 2021: First draft Housing Element with revisions was transmitted to State Housing and Community Development (HCD)for a 60-day review. • May 11, 2021: City staff met with HCD staff to receive preliminary verbal comments on the draft document. • June 7, 2021: The City received a written letter from HCD (Attachment 2) finding that while the First draft Housing Element addresses many statutory requirements, revisions will be necessary to comply with State Housing Element Law. • July 2, 2021: In compliance with Senate Bill SB 18 notification requirements (Tribal Consultation), City staff mailed a project description to local tribes identified by the Native January 18, 2022 — Staff Report Case Nos. GPA 21-0002 Housing Element and Safety Element Update Page 3 of 11 American Heritage Commission (NAHC). No requests for consultation were received; ACBCI commented that they had no concerns during the requisite 90-day response period for this notification. • July through August 2021: City staff and consultant revised the First draft Housing Element in response to HCD's comments. • September 2, 2021: Joint City Council and Planning Commission Study Session, via Zoom on the revisions and posted the Second draft Housing Element on the City website for public review and comment during September 10, 2021, through September 24, 2021. • September 27, 2021: 2nd Draft Housing Element was transmitted to HCD for a 60-day review. HCD's deadline to respond was November 24, 2021. • June through November 2021: Staff and consultant prepared the revisions to the Safety Element. • November 15, 2021: City submitted the Safety Element to the California Department of Conservation and California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. No comments were received from the former, and the latter approved the Safety Element Update on December 10, 2021. • A courtesy letter was sent to all property owners for the properties listed on Table 2 (see below) on November 1, 2021, and again on January 12, 2022. Subsequent to the Planning Commission meeting, a public hearing will be scheduled with the City Council to review the Commission's recommendation and consider the adoption of the Housing and Safety Element updates. City of Palm Desert Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element Content State law (California Government Code Sec. 65583 et seq) sets forth extensive requirements for Housing Elements and related land use regulations related to housing. The Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element (Attachment 3) is similar in format to the City's current Housing Element and includes the following components: • An introduction providing background information and context for the Housing Element. • An analysis of the City's demographic and housing characteristics, trends, and special needs. • An evaluation of resources and opportunities available to address housing issues. • A review of potential market, governmental, and environmental constraints to meeting housing needs. • The Housing Plan, including policies and programs for the 2021-2029 planning period. • A review of accomplishments during the previous planning period. • An inventory of the potential sites for housing development. • A summary of opportunities for public participation during the preparation and adoptionof the Housing Element. The most important part of the Housing Element is the Housing Plan as it describes the City's policies, programs, and objectives for the 2021-2029 planning period. Housing programs have been updated to reflect current circumstances and include commitments for specific actions over the next eight (8) years. While most programs reflect a continuation of existing City policy, some recent changes in state housing law will require the City to amend local regulations to conform to current law. January 18, 2022 — Staff Report Case Nos. GPA 21-0002 Housing Element and Safety Element Update Page 4 of 11 Regional Housing Needs Assessment The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is mandated by state law to quantify the need for housing throughout the state. This informs the local planning process to address existing and future housing needs resulting from projected state-wide growth in population, employment, and households. The Housing Element Update must address the housing needs identified by the RHNA prepared and adopted by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) for the City of Palm Desert. As the Council of Governments (or regional planning agency), SCAG is responsible for overseeing the RHNA process for the Southern California region encompassing six (6) counties (Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura) and 191 cities in an area covering more than 38,000 square miles. In March 2021, SCAG adopted RHNA allocations for each county and the 191 cities under their region. Based on RHNA projections, the City of Palm Desert was assigned a total of 2,790 new housing units, which is further distributed into the following four (4) incomecategories (Table 1): Table 1 6t" Cycle RHNA by Income Category for Palm Desert Low Moderate Above Total Very Low Moderate 675 460 461 1,194 2,790 While the City's draft Housing Element for 2021-2029 identifies adequate sites (refer to the discussion under "Sites Inventory") to fulfill the needs established by RHNA, construction of new housing units will depend upon the private market, including a landowner's desire to develop their land, private financing, developer interest, and overall market demand. In addition, public housing subsidies, which can assist in promoting housing development, are not necessarily consistent or accessible and will depend upon the availability of various government funds—local, county, state, and federal. The responsibility of the City is to encourage the construction of affordable housing by identifying adequate sites suitable for residential development to meet RHNA obligations, providing policies and programs that promote the development of a variety of housing types, and providing assistance to developers by facilitating the review and approval of development permits. Sites Inventory The City must demonstrate in its Housing Element the ability to meet the assigned housing needs through the provision of sites suitable for residential development. To meet the assigned housing needs, the Housing Element identifies sites (Page 88 of the Draft Housing Element) that may be suitable for residential development, including vacant sites throughout the community. The analysis demonstrates that the City has adequate capacity to accommodate the RHNA for the 2021-2029 planning period and that rezoning of the property to accommodate RHNA is not necessary. January 18, 2022 — Staff Report Case Nos. GPA 21-0002 Housing Element and Safety Element Update Page 5 of 11 Table III-47 Vacant Land Inventory of Sites for Extremely Low,Very Low,Low and Moderate Income Units Map Assessor's Zoning Allowable Realistic Potential Key Parcel No. GP (all HOD)** Acreage Density Density Units Vacant Entitled Sites Town Center DD 624-040-037 Neighborhood P.R.-17.5 17.66 17.5 17.5 78 Town Center DD* 624-040-037 Neighborhood P.R.-17.5 17.66 17.5 17.5 310 Small Town 694-520-013,- Neighborhood; 014,-015,-017, Employment E -019 and -020 Center P.R.-19 8.05 19 18 21 Subtotal Entitled Sites 409 Vacant Sites in the Entitlement Process 627-122-013 Small Town LL and-003 Neighborhood R-2,HOD 1.43 3 to 10 20 28 Town Center 12 of B 694-310-006 Neighborhood P.R.-20 68.2 4 to 20 22.5 269 Town Center H 694-190-087 Neighborhood P.R.22 14.97 22 22 44 Town Center H* 694-190-087 Neighborhood P.R.22 14.97 22 22 286 Town Center Neighborhood; Suburban P.C.-(3), 10 of C 694-120-0285 Retail Center FCOZ 20.18 7 to 40 24 240 Public Facility/Institu KK 622-370-014 tional P 1.84 N/A N/A 36 Subtotal Sites in Entitlement Process 903 Vacant Sites Regional P.C.-(3), 15 of A 685-010-005 Retail P.C.D. 64.26 10 to 15 14 200 694-130-017&- Town Center D 018 Neighborhood P.R.-22 10.95 22 20 219 Town Center F 694-510-013 Neighborhood P.R.-22 16.32 22 20 326 624-441-014 Small Town PP through-022 Neighborhood P.R.-6 _ 1.31 3 to 10 8 10 624-440-032 Small Town QQ _ through-036 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.72 3 to 10 8 6 Small Town 627-041-010 Neighborhood/ through 013, - Neighborhood T 29,031 -033 Center R-3 1.36 7 to 40 15 20 Subtotal Vacant Sites 761 Total All Vacant Sites 2,093 *Moderate Income Site **All sites in this Table have been assigned the Housing Overlay District. Under current law, cities are not penalized if actual housing production does not achieve the RHNA allocation; however, cities may be required to streamline the approval process for qualifying housing developments that meet specific standards (such as affordability and prevailing wage labor requirements) if housing production falls short of the RHNA allocation. January 18, 2022 — Staff Report Case Nos. GPA 21-0002 Housing Element and Safety Element Update Page 6 of 11 However, one of the objectives of the Housing Element update is to ensure adequate property is available for the RHNA projection, which the City can demonstrate with the table above. Key Challenges of the 6th Cycle Several new requirements for the 6th Cycle Housing Elements make it challenging for cities to identify sites to accommodate their required RHNA allocations. The key changes are: • Higher allocations: There is a higher total regional housing need. HCD's identification of the region's total housing needs has changed to account for unmet existing needs, rather than only projected housing needs. Under changes to state law HCD must now consider: o Overcrowded households. o Cost-burdened households (those paying more than 30 percent of their income for housing). o A target vacancy rate fora healthy housing market (with a minimum of five (5) percent). • Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH): Local Housing Elements must affirmatively further fair housing. AFFH means taking meaningful actions, in addition to combating discrimination, that overcomes patterns of segregation and fosters inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity based on protected characteristics. According to HCD, achieving this objective includes preventing segregation and poverty concentration as well as increasing access to areas of opportunity. HCD has mapped Opportunity Areas and has developed guidance for jurisdictions about how to address affirmatively furthering fair housing in Housing Elements. • Limits on Sites: Identifying Housing Element sites for affordable units will be more challenging. There are new limits on the extent to which jurisdictions can reuse sites included in previous Housing Elements and increased scrutiny of small, large, and non-vacant sites when these sites are proposed to accommodate units for very low- and low-income households. • Safety Element: State law requires that the Safety Element of the General Plan be updated concurrently with the Housing Element.The Safety Element must address new requirements related to wildfire risk, evacuation routes, and climate adaptation and resilience in an integrated manner. As prepared and in consultation with HCD, staff believes that the City's Housing Element and Safety Element updates address each of these concerns with minimal impact on the City's ability to adopt updates for both Elements. Penalties for Noncompliance Jurisdictions face a number of consequences for not having a "certified' Housing Element. Under legislation enacted in recent years, if a city does not comply with state housing law, it can be sued—by individuals, developers, third parties, or the State. In addition to facing significant fines, a court may limit local land use decision-making authority until thejurisdiction brings its Housing Element into compliance. Additionally, local governments may lose the right to deny certain housing projects. January 18, 2022 — Staff Report Case Nos. GPA 21-0002 Housing Element and Safety Element Update Page 7 of 11 Conversely, an HCD-certified Housing Element makes cities eligible for numerous sources of funding, such as Local Housing Allocations, Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Grants, SB 1 Planning Grants, CaIHOME Program Grants, Infill Infrastructure Grants, Pro-Housing Design funding, Local Housing Trust Funds, and Regional Transportation Funds. Safety Element As required by state law, the Safety Element identifies forces of nature and events resulting from human action that has the potential to cause harm to life and property in the City. The Safety Element Update addressed changes in the requirements of the law, including flood hazard, fire hazard mapping, and emergency preparedness (Attachment 4). The Safety Element Update reflects the current fire hazard mapping by CalFire and current FEMA flood hazard zones. The update also expanded discussion on flood hazard, fire hazard, and emergency response by referring to the City's Municipal Code Title 28 Flood Damage Prevention, the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan adopted by the City in 2017, and Riverside County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan approved by FEMA and adopted in 2018. HCD Review An important difference between the Housing Element and other elements of the General Plan is the extent of state oversight. The state legislature has declared an adequate supply of housing to be a matter of statewide importance and has delegated authority to HCD to review city Housing Elements and issue opinions regarding their compliance with state law. A finding of Housing Element compliance by HCD is referred to as "certification" of the Housing Element. On November 24, 2021, HCD issued a letter (Attachment 5) finding that while the draft Housing Element addresses many statutory requirements, revisions will be necessary to comply with State Housing Element Law. Based on HCD's comments, staff has prepared a proposed revisions to the Housing Element (Attachment 6). The Summary of HCD Comments and City Responses (Attachment 5 and 6) summarizes HCD's comments and how the element has been revised to address each comment.While many of the comments requested additional information and analysis, the structure of the element remains the same. The proposed revisions were submitted to HCD for informal review on January 4. Staff is coordinating with HCD to expedite their review, and will provide a verbal update at the hearing. State law requires the City Council to consider HCD's comments and make appropriate findings as part of the Housing Element adoption process. Following City Council adoption, the Housing Element must be submitted for HCD review. HCD then will issue its opinion as to whetherthe adopted Housing Element complies with state housing law. HCD has 90 days to complete its review of the adopted Housing Element and to certify it or provide additional comments. January 18, 2022 — Staff Report Case Nos. GPA 21-0002 Housing Element and Safety Element Update Page 8 of 11 General Compliance The proposed 2021-2029 General Plan Housing Element Update is internally consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies contained in the other Elements of the City of Palm Desert General Plan. The Housing Element Update facilitates the provision of housing for all income categories needed to serve existing and future residents of the community. Analysis The Housing Element is a planning tool that the City uses to implement the development of housing, particularly affordable housing. It is important to note that the City is not responsible for the construction of any of these units. Housing Element law requires that the City's policies and programs facilitate the development of affordable housing, identify adequate sites for housing development to meet the City's RHNA obligation, and do not impose constraints on housing. It does not require that the City build the units. The 2021-2029 Housing and Safety Element would not result in any direct or indirect physical changes to the environment. The Housing and Safety Element Update are strictly policy documents and do not provide entitlements to any specific land use projects. The Housing Element Update does not make any changes to the General Plan land use map and would not modify any land-use designations, allowed densities, or land use intensities established by the General Plan. Public Input Public Notification: A notice of public hearing describing the project, date, time, and location of the hearing was published in The Desert Sun on January 8, 2022, at least 10 days prior to the hearing date (Attachment 7). A notice was also posted at City Hall and made available on the City's website. A courtesy letter was sent to all property owners for the properties listed on Table 2 above of the Housing Element on November 1, 2021, and again on January 12, 2022 (Attachment 8). Public Comments: All the written correspondence received will be provided to the Planning Commission as an attachment to the staff report (Attachment 10). Environmental Review According to the CEQA, staff must determine whether a proposed activity is a project subject to CEQA. If the project is subject to CEQA, staff must conduct a preliminary assessment of the project to determine whether the project is exempt from CEQA review. If a project is not exempt, further environmental review is necessary. Further review from a non-exempt project would result in a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact, a Mitigated Negative Declaration, or an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Generally, an EIR must be prepared if a project may have a significant impact on the environment. January 18, 2022 — Staff Report Case Nos. GPA 21-0002 Housing Element and Safety Element Update Page 9 of 11 The Deputy Director of Development Services Department ("Deputy Director") reviewed this project under the requirements of the CEQA. The Deputy Director found that the Housing Element is a "project" as defined by CEQA. As a result, the City completed an Initial Study. The Initial Study found that the Housing Element will have no impact on the Environment, and a Negative Declaration is proposed (Attachment 9). The Initial Study is attached to this staff report. The environmental impact of constructing specific projects will be assessed on a case-by-case basis as those projects are proposed. Findings of Approval The proposed 2021-2029 Housing and Safety Elements Updates are internally consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies contained in the other Elements of the City of Palm Desert General Plan. Findings can be made in support of the project and in accordance with the City's Municipal Code. Findings in support of this project are contained in Planning Commission Resolution No. 2804 attached to this staff report, recommending that the City Council approve General Plan Amendment GPA 21-02 updating the Housing and Safety Element. City staff will then transmit the adopted Housing Element Update for review and final certification by HCD. LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FINANCIAL ASSISTANT CITY REVIEW MANAGER N/A Marti,v� rarez N/A N/A AL Robert W. Hargreaves Martin Alvarez, Director of Janet Moore Andy Firestine City Attorney Development Services Director of Finance Assistant City Manager City Manager: L. Todd Hileman: N/A APPLICANT: City of Palm Desert ATTACHMENTS: 1. Draft Planning Commission Resolution No. 2804 2. HCD Letter June 7, 2021 3. 2nd DRAFT 2021-2029 Housing Element 4. DRAFT Safety Element 5. HCD Letter November 24, 2021 6. Proposed Revisions submitted to HCD January 4, 2022 7. Public Hearing Notice 8. Notice to Property Owners 9. Negative Declaration PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2804 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE THE ADOPTION OF A NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IPMACT AND ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT AND SAFETY ELEMENT CASE NO: GPA 21-0002 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the 18th day of January 2022, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the request by the City of Palm Desert for approval of the above noted; and WHEREAS, said application has complied with the requirements of the "City of Palm Desert Procedure for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act," Resolution No. 209-41 the Deputy Director of Development Services found that the Housing Element and Safety Element amendments are a "project" as defined by CEQA. As a result, the City completed an Initial Study. The Initial Study found that the Housing Element and Safety Element will have no impact on the Environment and a Negative Declaration is proposed. WHEREAS, at the said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard, said Planning Commission did find the following facts and reasons to exist to justify the recommendation to the City Council of said request: FINDINGS OF APPROVAL 1. The proposed Housing Element Update is in the public interest and there will be a community benefit, insofar as the proposed Housing Element facilitates the development of housing for all residents of Palm Desert. Development of housing for residents of all income levels will also reduce the vehicle miles traveled in the City, which will improve the regional air quality and reduce wear and tear on public streets and infrastructure, all of which is in the public interest. 2. The proposed Housing Element Update is consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan, insofar as it is consistent with the other elements of the General Plan and implements policies and programs directly relating to residential land uses. 3. The proposed Housing Element Update does not conflict with provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, and the Zoning Ordinance is being updated to comply with state law. PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2804 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS: 1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings of the Planning Commission in this case. 2. That the Planning Commission does hereby recommend approval of General Plan Amendment 21-0002 as proposed. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, at its regular meeting held on the 18th day of January 2022, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: JOHN GREENWOOD, CHAIRPERSON ATTEST: MARTIN ALVAREZ, SECRETARY PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\Staff Reports\2022\1-18-22\Eric & Jessica\Attachment 1 - PC Resolution2- Housing & Safety Element.docx PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2804 EXHIBIT "A" NEGATIVE DECLARATION Pursuant to Title 14, Division 6, Article 6 (commencing with section 15070) of the California Code of Regulations. APPLICANT/PROJECT SPONSOR: City of Palm Desert 73-510 Fred Waring Drive PROJECT DESCRIPTION/LOCATION: Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact regarding the approval of the update of the Housing Element of the General Plan, in conformance with State requirements. The Deputy Director of the Department of Development Services, City of Palm Desert, California, has found that the described project will not have a significant effect on the environment. A copy of the Initial Study has been attached to the document supporting the findings. ERIC CEJA DATE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\Staff Reports\2022\1-18-22\Eric & Jessica\Attachment 1 - PC Resolution3- Housing & Safety Element.docx STATE OF CALIFORNIA-BUSINESS,CONSUMER SERVICES AND HOUSING AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM.Governor DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION OF HOUSING POLICY DEVELOPMENT e1 2020 W. El Camino Avenue,Suite 500 Sacramento,CA 95833 (916)263-2911 /FAX(916)263-7453 �04—° " .hcd.ca.gov June 7, 2021 Eric Ceja Deputy Development Service Director City of Palm Desert 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 Dear Eric Ceja: RE: Review of Palm Deserts 6th Cycle (2021-2029) Draft Housing Element Thank you for submitting the City of Palm Desert's (City) draft housing element received for review on April 8, 2021 along with revisions on May 24, 2021. Pursuant to Government Code section 65585, subdivision (b), the California Departmentof Housing and Community Development (HCD) is reporting the results of its review. Our review was facilitated by telephone conversations on May 7 and May 11, 2021 with Nicole Criste, the City's Consultant; Jessica Gonzalez, Senior Management Analyst; and Eric Ceja, Principal Planner. The draft element addresses many statutory requirements; however, revisions will be necessary to comply with State Housing Element Law (Article 10.6 of the Gov. Code). In particular, to comply with State Housing Element Law, the element must provide a complete site inventory as well as provide a full analysis addressing the required components for Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH), among other items. The enclosed Appendix describes revisions needed to comply with State Housing Element Law. To remain on an eight-year planning cycle, the City must adopt its housing element within 120 calendar days from the statutory due date of October 15, 2021 for Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) localities. If adopted after this date, Government Code section 65588, subdivision (e)(4),requires the housing element be revised every four years until adopting at least two consecutive revisions by the statutory deadline. For more information on housing element adoption requirements, please visit HCD's website at: http://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/housing- element/housing-element- memos/docs/sb375 fina1100413.pdf. Public participation in the development, adoption and implementation of the housing element is essential to effective housing planning. Throughout the housing element process, the City should continue to engage the community, including organizations that represent lower-income and special needs households, by making information regularly Eric Ceja, Deputy Development Service Director Page 2 available and considering and incorporating comments where appropriate. This is particularly important since past participation efforts resulted in many meaningful comments that do not appear to be incorporated in the element. Several federal, state, and regional funding programs consider housing element compliance as an eligibility or ranking criteria. For example, the CalTrans Senate Bill (SB) 1 Sustainable Communities grant; the Strategic Growth Council and HCD's Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities programs; and HCD's Permanent Local Housing Allocation consider housing element compliance and/or annual reporting requirements pursuant to Government Code section 65400. With a compliant housing element, the City will meet housing element requirements for these and other funding sources. HCD appreciates the hard work and effort Eric Ceja, Principal Planner; Jessica Gonzalez; Senior Management Analyst, and Nicole Criste, consultant provided during the course of our review. We are committed to assisting the City in addressing all statutory requirements of State Housing Element Law. If you have any questions or need additional technical assistance, please contact Edgar Camero, of our staff, at edgar.camero(c�hcd.ca.gov. Sincerely, C:0/ Shannan West Land Use & Planning Unit Chief Enclosure APPENDIX CITY OF PALM DESERT The following changes are necessary to bring the City's housing element into compliance with Article 10.6 of the Government Code. Accompanying each recommended change, we cite the supporting section of the Government Code. Housing element technical assistance information is available on HCD's website at **********.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/housing-element/housing-element- memos.shtml. Among other resources, the housing element section contains HCD's latest technical assistance tool, Building Blocks for Effective Housing Elements (Building Blocks), available at http://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/building-blocks/index.shtml and includes the Government Code addressing State Housing Element Law and other resources. A. Housing Needs, Resources, and Constraints 1. An analysis and documentation of household characteristics, including level of payment compared to ability to pay, housing characteristics, including overcrowding, and housing stock condition. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (a)(2)) Condition of Housing Stock (pg. III-24): The element identifies the age of the housing stock and uses census data to identify housing units lacking complete facilities. However, this data is insufficient to estimate the number of units in need of rehabilitation and replacement. The analysis could supplement this information with estimates from a recent windshield survey or sampling, estimates from the code enforcement agency, or information from knowledgeable builders/developers, including non-profit housing developers or organizations. 2. Affirmatively furthering] fair housing in accordance with Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 8899.50) of Division 1 of Title 2...shall include an assessment of fair housing in the jurisdiction (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(10)(A)) The element includes the Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) that was prepared in 2017; however, additional information is necessary to address the requisite affirmatively furthering fair housing analysis requirement, including local contributing factors to the fair housing issues and develop strong programs and strategies to address the identified fair housing issues.as follows: Fair Housing Enforcement and Outreach: The element must include the City's ability to provide enforcement and outreach capacity which can consist of actions such as the City's ability to investigate complaints, obtain remedies, or the City's ability to engage in fair housing testing. The element currently states the number of housing discrimination complaints in Palm Desert filed between the years 2007-2016 but must be updated to include the most recent data and analyze the data for any patterns or trend by community area or census tract and include additional local knowledge, relevant factors, and a conclusion of summary of issues. In addition, the element states that the City works with the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County HCD Review of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle Housing Element Page 1 June 7, 2021 (FHCRC) to provide anti-discrimination services; landlord-tenant mediation; fair housing training and technical assistance; enforcement of housing rights; administrative hearing; home buyer workshop; lead-based paint programs; and other housing related services for City residents. However, the analysis must also describe compliance with existing fair housing laws and regulations and include information on fair housing outreach capacity. Racial/Ethnic Areas of Concentration of Poverty: The element includes information relative to Racially and Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty (R/ECAP), but the analysis must be complemented by quantitative evidence for the local and regional comparison. In addition, the City should also analyze the racial concentrations as it relates to areas of affluence if the City does not have areas of concentrated poverty. The combination in the R/ECAP and areas of affluence analyses will help guide goals and actions to address fair housing issues. The analysis should evaluate the patterns and changes over time and consider other relevant factors, such as public participation, past policies, practices, and investments and demographic trends. Access to Opportunity: The element provides qualitative information (pg. III-33) on the access to opportunity but must include quantitative evidence to support such statements. A complete analysis should include the locally and regional disparities of the educational, environmental, and economic scores through local, federal, and/or state data. The element makes references to tables and maps however, none of these tables or maps are provided in the element. Please refer to page 35 of the AFFH guidebook (link: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community- development/affh/index.shtml#guidance) for specific factors that should be considered when analyzing access to opportunities as it pertains to educational, employment, environmental, transportation, and any factors that are unique to Palm Desert. Integration and Segregation: The element includes some data on integration and segregation (pg. III-32) at the regional and local level; however, the comparison of segregation levels at the regional and local level must be complemented by data to support statements such as "[segregation] has remained in the low level category" and "the City has a low segregation level....compared to a moderate level segregation level for the bi-county". The element must also analyze segregation and integration of familial status, income, and persons with disabilities locally and regionally complemented by data and concluding with a summary of issues. Disproportionate housing needs and Displacement Risk: The element does include data on overcrowded households, substandard housing conditions, and cost burdened households, but it must also analyze the data including looking at trends, patterns, and other local knowledge, and conclude with a summary of issues. Site Inventory: The element includes a map of the site inventory and states that the proposed sites to meet lower-income regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) are geographically distributed which results in these sites affirmatively furthering fair housing (pg. III-33). However, the accompanying analysis shall also be reflective of HCD Review of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle Housing Element Page 2 June 7, 2021 housing development at all income-levels and evaluate the sites relative to socio- economic patterns. The site inventory analysis should address how the sites are identified to improve conditions (or if sites exacerbate conditions, how a program can mitigate the impact), whether the sites are isolated by income group and should be supported by local data and knowledge. Contributing Factors: The element must list and prioritize contributing factors to fair housing issues. Contributing factors create, contribute to, perpetuate, or increase the severity of fair housing issues and are fundamental to adequate goals and actions. Examples include community opposition to affordable housing, housing discrimination, land use and zoning laws, lack of regional cooperation, location and type or lack of affordable housing and lack of public or private investment in areas of opportunity or affordable housing choices. The analysis shall result in strategic approaches to inform and connect goals and actions to mitigate contributing factors to affordable housing. Goals, Priorities, Metrics, and Milestones: Goals and actions must significantly seek to overcome contributing factors to fair housing issues. Currently, the element identifies program(s) to encourage and promote affordable housing; however, most of these programs do not appear to facilitate any meaningful change nor address affirmatively furthering fair housing requirements. Furthermore, the element must include metrics and milestones for evaluating progress on programs, actions, and fair housing results. Given that most of the City is considered a high and highest resource community, the element could focus on programs that enhance housing mobility and encourage development of more housing choices and affordable housing. Programs also need to be based on identified contributing factors, be significant and meaningful. The element must add, and revise programs based on a complete analysis and listing and prioritization of contributing factors to fair housing issues. Furthermore, the element must include metrics and milestones for evaluating progress on programs, actions, and fair housing results. For more information, please see HCD's guidance at https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/affh/index.shtml. 3. An inventory of land suitable and available for residential development, including vacant sites and sites having realistic and demonstrated potential for redevelopment during the planning period to meet the locality's housing need for a designated income level, and an analysis of the relationship of zoning and public facilities and services to these sites. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (a)(3).) The City has a regional housing need allocation (RHNA) of 2,790 housing units, of which 1,135 are for lower-income households. To address this need, the element relies on pending projects and vacant sites. To demonstrate the adequacy of these sites and strategies to accommodate the City's RHNA, the element must include complete analyses: Progress in Meeting the RHNA: The element indicates that 92 units affordable to HCD Review of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle Housing Element Page 3 June 7, 2021 lower-income households have been built or are under construction or entitled, but the element provides no information documenting how affordability of the units was determined. As you know, the City's RHNA may be reduced by the number of new units built or entitled since June 30, 2021; however, the element must describe the City's methodology for assigning these units to the various income groups based on actual or proposed sales price or rent level of the units and demonstrate their availability in the planning period. Pending Projects: The element identifies several proposed projects in the pipeline which the City expects to be built with housing affordable to low- and very low-income households (Sites LL-KK). However, the element is unclear whether projects have submitted applications for these sites, and what approvals remain necessary, expecting timelines for completion of the entitlement process, and demonstrate their availability in the planning period. In addition, the element must also describe the City's methodology for assigning these units to the various income groups based on actual or proposed sales price or rent level of the units. In addition, Table III-48 includes a number of projects/sites that have been entitled for single family homes, condominiums, and townhomes affordable to above moderate-income households. However, it is unclear from the element if these "projects" are specific plans which require further approvals or actual entitled projects pending building permits. The element should clarify any additional approvals necessary prior to construction, and estimated buildout timelines to demonstrate availability of these units in the planning period. For example, the University Park project seems to have multiple phases. The element should identify if units for University Park are approved or pending; describe the status of the project, including any necessary approvals or steps prior to development; development agreements; and conditions or requirements such as phasing or timing requirements that impact development in the planning period. Sites Inventory: Pursuant to Government Code section 65583.3, subdivision (b), the City must utilize standards, forms, and definitions adopted by HCD when preparing the sites inventory (for all income-levels). For example, sites to be consolidated should be listed by individual parcel numbers. Sites to be consolidated can then be indicated using the consolidated sites column. Please see HCD's housing element webpage at https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community- development/housing-element/index.shtml for a copy of the form and instructions. The City can reach out to HCD at sitesinventoryhcd.ca.gov for technical assistance. Please note, upon adoption of the housing element, the City must submit an electronic version of the sites inventory with its adopted housing element to sitesinventory(a�hcd.ca.gov. Zoning for Lower-Income Households: Pursuant to Government Code section 65583.2, subdivision (c)(3)(A) and (B), the element must identify sites with zoning and densities appropriate to encourage and facilitate the development of housing for lower-income households based on factors such as market demand, financial feasibility and development experience within zones. For communities with densities that meet specific standards (at least 30 units per acre for Palm Desert), this analysis is not HCD Review of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle Housing Element Page 4 June 7, 2021 required (Gov. Code, § 65583.2, subd. (c)(3)(B)). Based on Table III-47, it appears the City is relying on sites with densities ranging from 10-22 units per acre to accommodate the remaining need for lower-income. The element must include a complete analysis to demonstrate how this zoning encourages the development of units affordable for lower-income households. Realistic Capacity: The element estimates that vacant sites will be built out using an estimate of 80 percent of the allowable density but does not describe the methodology for that determination. The element must describe the methodology for determining capacity based on the land use controls and site improvements, typical densities of existing or approved residential developments at a similar affordability level in that jurisdiction, and on the current or planned availability and accessibility of sufficient water, sewer, and dry utilities. For sites zoned for nonresidential uses (e.g., commercial and mixed-use zones), the element must describe how the estimated number of residential units for each site was determined. To demonstrate the likelihood for residential development in nonresidential zones, the element could describe any performance standards mandating a specified portion of residential and any factors increasing the potential for residential development such as incentives for residential use, and residential development trends in the same nonresidential zoning districts. For additional information, see the Building Blocks at http://www.hcd.ca.gov/community- development/building-blocks/site-inventory-analysis/analysis-of-sites-and- zoning.shtml#analysis. Large Sites: Table III-47 includes two sites larger than 10 acres (Map Key D and F) and states that larger sites are not constrained from development due two proposed projects being developed; however, those sites are being developed with a mix of market and lower-income housing. In order to demonstrate that these sites can accommodate the lower-income need, the element must demonstrate that sites of equivalent size were successfully developed during the prior planning period for an equivalent number of lower-income housing units as projected for the site or unless the housing element describes other evidence to HCD that the site is adequate to accommodate lower- income housing (Gov. Code, § 65583.2, subd. (c)(2)(A).). For example, the element could estimate the same proportion of lower-income housing similar to entitled and approved projects could be accommodated on Sites D and F. For additional information, see the Building Blocks at **********.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/building-blocks/site-inventory- analysis/analysis-of-sites-and-zoning.shtml#analysis. Small Sites: The element identifies two sites (Map Key BB and CC) at less than a half-acre and includes several sites that appear to require consolidation. Sites smaller than an half-acre in size are deemed inadequate to accommodate housing for lower-income housing unless it is demonstrated that sites of equivalent size were successfully developed during the prior planning period for an equivalent number of lower-income housing units as projected for the site or unless the housing element describes other evidence to HCD that the site is adequate to accommodate lower- income housing (Gov. Code, § 65583.2, subd. (c)(2)(A).). As the element appears to rely on consolidated small sites to accommodate the RHNA for lower-income HCD Review of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle Housing Element Page 5 June 7, 2021 households, it should also provide analysis demonstrating the potential for consolidation. For example, the analysis could describe the City's role or track record in facilitating small-lot consolidation, policies or incentives offered or proposed to encourage and facilitate lot consolidation, conditions rendering parcels suitable and ready for lot consolidation, or information from the owners of each aggregated site. Zoning for a Variety of Housing Types: The element must demonstrate zoning for a variety of housing types, as follows: Emergency Shelters: The element describes a zone to permit emergency shelters without discretionary action and describes the capacity to accommodate the need for emergency shelters. The City must ensure that the zoning adheres to the new parking requirement standards per AB 139 (Chapter 335, Statutes of 2019). AB 139 requires that the zone for emergency shelter allows for sufficient parking for the staff of the emergency shelter. The element must include programs as appropriate based on the outcomes of this analysis. 4. An analysis of potential and actual governmental constraints upon the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing for all income levels, including the types of housing identified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c), and for persons with disabilities as identified in the analysis pursuant to paragraph (7), including land use controls, building codes and their enforcement, site improvements, fees and other exactions required of developers, local processing and permit procedures, and any locally adopted ordinances that directly impact the cost and supply of residential development. The analysis shall also demonstrate local efforts to remove governmental constraints that hinder the locality from meeting its share of the regional housing need in accordance with Section 65584 and from meeting the need for housing for persons with disabilities, supportive housing, transitional housing, and emergency shelters identified pursuant to paragraph (7). (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (a)(5).) Local Processing and Permit Procedures: The element provides a general overview of the City's processing and permit procedures and states that that all multifamily must requires a precise plan for multifamily projects. In addition, the element states the Architectural Review Commission review is required for all projects. The element must describe and analyze the precise plan and architectural review requirements including approval procedures and decision-making criteria for their impact as potential constraints on housing supply and affordability. For example, the analysis could describe required findings and discuss whether objective standards and guidelines improve development certainty and mitigate cost impacts. It could also provide examples of recent timeframes for recent projects that have been approved by the City. The element must demonstrate this process is not a constraint and include a program to address this permitting requirement, as appropriate. Fees and Exactions: While the element includes many fees typically charged to a multifamily and single-family project, it does not consider all planning required for a project. For example, the element describes that a precise plan is required for HCD Review of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle Housing Element Page 6 June 7, 2021 multifamily development, but Table III-21 does not include the fee charged for processing the precise plan nor consider the cost associated with architectural review. Table III-21 should describe and analyze all fees charged to a typical project. The element could use recent examples of projects to help support this analysis. 5. An analysis of potential and actual nongovernmental constraints upon the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing for all income levels, including the availability of financing, the price of land, the cost of construction, the requests to develop housing at densities below those anticipated in the analysis required by subdivision (c) of Government Code section 65583.2, and the length of time between receiving approval for a housing development and submittal of an application for building permits for that housing development that hinder the construction of a locality's share of the regional housing need in accordance with Government Code section 65584. The analysis shall also demonstrate local efforts to remove nongovernmental constraints that create a gap between the locality's planning for the development of housing for all income levels and the construction of that housing. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (a)(6).) Nongovernmental Constraints: The element contains information on nongovernmental constraints such as land and construction costs; the availability of financing; economic constraints; and requests to develop at densities below the density identified in the sites inventory (pg. III-50). However, the element must also include analysis regarding local efforts to address non-governmental constraints that create a gap in the jurisdiction's ability to meet RHNA by income category. B. Housing Programs 1. Include a program which sets forth a schedule of actions during the planning period, each with a timeline for implementation, which may recognize that certain programs are ongoing, such that there will be beneficial impacts of the programs within the planning period, that the local government is undertaking or intends to undertake to implement the policies and achieve the goals and objectives of the housing element through the administration of land use and development controls, the provision of regulatory concessions and incentives, and the utilization of appropriate federal and state financing and subsidy programs when available. The program shall include an identification of the agencies and officials responsible for the implementation of the various actions. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c).) To address the program requirements of Government Code section 65583, subdivision (c)(1-6), and to facilitate implementation, all programs should be revised to include: (1) a description of the City's specific role in implementation including meaningful actions the city will take to achieve the identified goals, policies, and program objectives; (2) definitive implementation timelines (e.g., December 31, 2021); (3) objectives, quantified where appropriate; and (4) identification of responsible agencies and officials (e.g., Planning Assistant, Community Development, etc.). In addition, the following programs required additional revisions. HCD Review of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle Housing Element Page 7 June 7, 2021 Program 1.E: The program should be revised to state how the City plans on maintaining inventory of the sites proposed in the site inventory for the PR-20 and R-3 zones. For example, the program could include a commitment to post the inventory on its website, or as projects are submitted perform the calculations outlined in HCD's No Net Loss Memorandum which can be found ***********.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/housinq-element/housinq-element- memos/docs/SB-166-final.pdf. The efforts shall be proactive and must include a timeline to monitor the progress of the sites and whether they are being built at the given densities. Program 3.D: The program states that the City will "strive to maintain ownership and/or long-term affordability" of the rental housing units but shall indicate what striving for looks like for this goal. The City can describe the system that is in place, if such system exists. If not, the City must describe what action will help them achieve this goal. Program 3.E: The program should state how the City plans on coordinating between affordable housing developers and social services agencies to ensure there is a system to integrate that successfully will integrate such social services resources to new housing. Program 4.A: The program currently has a list of areas it has brochures and flyers. However, this narrative must be moved to the program description and shall consider ways it plans to be inclusive to all community members. Program 4.B: The program says that it will work with agencies in the housing of disabled residents. However, the program must specify the capacity to which the City plans to work with the agencies because it is unclear if the City is working collaboratively with the agencies to provide trainings, if the agencies are providing the trainings, or if the City is facilitating the trainings. 2. Identify actions that will be taken to make sites available during the planning period with appropriate zoning and development standards and with services and facilities to accommodate that portion of the city's or county's share of the regional housing need for each income level that could not be accommodated on sites identified in the inventory completed pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) without rezoning, and to comply with the requirements of Section 65584.09. Sites shall be identified as needed to facilitate and encourage the development of a variety of types of housing for all income levels, including multifamily rental housing, factory-built housing, mobilehomes, housing for agricultural employees, supportive housing, single-room occupancy units, emergency shelters, and transitional housing. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(1).) As noted in the Finding A3, the element does not include a complete sites inventory or analysis; as a result, the adequacy of sites and zoning has not been established. Based on the results of a complete sites inventory and analysis, programs may need to be added, or revised, to address a shortfall of sites and zoning for a variety of housing types. HCD Review of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle Housing Element Page 8 June 7, 2021 Programs 1.A-1.D: These programs are intended to facilitate the development of the entitled and pending projects outlined from Table III-47 of the element. All programs need to be revised to include specific timeframes (e.g. month, year) and should include benchmarks for completion. In addition, programs relating to proposed projects without entitlements (1.B and 1.C) must also include a monitoring program with specific actions the City will take to identify or rezone sites to accommodate the shortfall for lower-income should the proposed projects not receive the necessary entitlements within the specified timeframes. Any additional sites or rezones must meet the requirements of Government Code section 65583.2. 3. Assist in the development of adequate housing to meet the needs of extremely low, very low, low-, and moderate-income households. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(2).) The element must include a program(s) with specific actions and timelines to assist in the development of housing for extremely low-income households and households and individuals with special needs (e.g., farmworkers, persons experiencing homelessness, persons with disabilities, including developmental). The program(s) could commit to adopting priority processing, granting fee waivers or deferrals, modifying development standards, granting concessions and incentives for housing developments that include units affordable to lower and moderate-income households; assisting, supporting or pursuing funding applications; and working with housing developers coordinate and implement a strategy for developing housing affordable to lower and moderate income households. 4. Address and, where appropriate and legally possible, remove governmental and nongovernmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing, including housing for all income levels and housing for persons with disabilities. The program shall remove constraints to, and provide reasonable accommodations for housing designed for, intended for occupancy by, or with supportive services for, persons with disabilities. Supportive housing, as defined in Section 65650, shall be a use by right in all zones where multifamily and mixed uses are permitted, as provided in Article 11 (commencing with Section 65650). (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(3).) As noted in Findings A4 and A5, the element requires a complete analysis of potential governmental and non-governmental constraints. Depending upon the results of that analysis, the City may need to revise or add programs and address and remove or mitigate any identified constraints. 5. Promote and affirmatively further fair housing opportunities and promote housing throughout the community or communities for all persons regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, color, familial status, or disability, and other characteristics protected by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Part 2.8 (commencing with Section 12900) of Division 3 of Title 2), Section 65008, and any other state and federal fair housing and planning law. (Gov. HCD Review of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle Housing Element Page 9 June 7, 2021 Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(5).) As noted in Finding Al, the element must include a complete analysis of affirmatively furthering fair housing. Based on the outcome of that analysis, the element must add or modify programs. Additionally, programs and actions need to be significant, meaningful, and sufficient to overcome identified patterns of segregation and affirmatively further fair housing. C. Public Participation Local governments shall make a diligent effort to achieve public participation of all economic segments of the community in the development of the housing element, and the element shall describe this effort. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(8).) While the element includes a general summary of the public participation process (pages III-777), it must also demonstrate diligent efforts were made to involve all economic segments of the community in the development of the housing element. The element describes that only one community workshop was held in preparation of the housing element which members of the public and organizations were invited to attend. The availability of a single workshop does not demonstrate a diligent effort in public participation. The element could describe the efforts to circulate the housing element draft among low- and moderate-income households and organizations that represent them prior to submittal to HCD, the availability of materials in multiple languages, surveys, or other efforts to involve such groups and persons in the element throughout the process. Public participation in the development, adoption and implementation of the housing element is essential to effective housing planning. Throughout the housing element process, the City should continue to engage the community, including organizations that represent lower-income and special needs households, by making information regularly available and considering and incorporating comments where appropriate. For your information, some general plan element updates are triggered by housing element adoption. For example, a jurisdiction must address environmental justice in its general plan by the adoption of an environmental justice element, or by the integration of environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives into other general plan elements upon the adoption or next revision of two or more elements concurrently on or after January 1, 2018. (Gov. Code, § 65302, subd. (h).) In addition, the safety and conservation elements of the general plan must include analysis and policies regarding fire and flood hazard management and be revised upon each housing element revision. (Gov. Code, § 65302, subd. (g).) Also, the land-use element must identify and analyze disadvantaged communities (unincorporated island or fringe communities within spheres of influence areas or isolated long established legacy communities) on, or before, the housing element's adoption due date. (Gov. Code, § 65302.10, subd. (b).) HCD reminds the city of Palm Desert to consider timing provisions and welcomes the opportunity to provide assistance. For information, please see the Technical Advisories issued by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research at: *******opr.ca.gov/docs/OPR Appendix C final.pdf and *******opr.ca.gov/docs/Final 6.26.15.pdf. HCD Review of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle Housing Element Page 10 June 7, 2021 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element HOUSING ELEMENT PURPOSE Providing all residents of Palm Desert with safe and affordable housing is the ultimate goal of this Element. The Housing Element is designed to guide the City's elected and appointed officials, as well as City staff and the general public, in locating and constructing housing to accommodate all segments of the community. The City continues to strive to provide quality housing for all its residents. BACKGROUND The Housing Element works hand in hand with the Land Use Element to balance the land uses available in the City to accommodate future growth. Land use designations are designed to accommodate all types of housing,to allow for the development of single family and multi-family units to meet the needs of the City's residents, now and in the future. The Housing Element includes a description of existing housing types, condition of existing units, overcrowding, overpayment, special housing needs, and the demand for affordable housing in the City. The Element also includes an analysis of the progress made since the drafting of the last Housing Element, and projections of needs for the 2022-2029 planning period. California Law AB 2853, passed in 1980, established Government Code Article 10.6, Section 65580 et. seq. to define the need for,and content of Housing Elements.At its core,the law requires that the"housing element shall consist of an identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs and a statement of goals, policies, quantified objectives, financial resources, and scheduled programs for the preservation,improvement,and development of housing"to meet the State's housing goals. California Government Code requires that every City and County prepare a Housing Element as part of its General Plan. In addition, State law contains specific requirements for the preparation and content of Housing Elements. According to Article 10.6, Section 65580, the Legislature has found that: (1) The availability of housing is of vital statewide importance, and the early attainment of decent housing and a suitable living environment for every California family is a priority of the highest order. (2) The early attainment of this goal requires the cooperative participation of government and the private sector in an effort to expand housing opportunities and accommodate the housing needs of Californians of all economic levels. Housing Element III-1 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element (3) The provision of housing affordable to low and moderate income households requires the cooperation of all levels of government. (4) Local and state governments have a responsibility to use the powers vested in them to facilitate the improvement and development of housing to make adequate provision for the housing needs of all economic segments of the community. (5) The legislature recognizes that in carrying out this responsibility, each local government also has the responsibility to consider economic, environmental, and fiscal factors and community goals set forth in the General Plan and to cooperate with other local governments, and the state, in addressing regional housing needs. Section 65581 of the Government Code states that the intent of the Legislature in enacting these requirements is: (1) To assure that local governments recognize their responsibilities in contributing to the attainment of the State housing goal. (2) To assure that cities and counties prepare and implement housing elements which, along with federal and State programs, will move toward attainment of the State housing goal. (3) To recognize that each locality is best capable of determining what efforts are required by it to contribute to the attainment of the State housing goal as well as regional housing needs. (4) To ensure that each local government cooperates with other local governments to address regional housing needs. The basic components of a Housing Element were established in Section 65583, and required that each Element include: • An assessment of housing needs and an inventory of resources and constraints relevant to the meeting of local needs. • A statement of the community's goals, quantified objectives, and policies relative to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing. • A program that sets forth a schedule of actions to implement the policies and achieve the goals and objectives of the Housing Element to provide housing for all economic segments of the community guided by the following state housing objectives. • Provision of decent housing for all persons regardless of age, race, sex, marital status, source of income, or other factors. • Provision of adequate housing by location, type,price and tenure. • Development of a balanced residential environment including access to jobs, community facilities, and services. Since that time, Housing Element law has been regularly updated, expanded and modified. The most recent update to Housing Element law occurred in 2017, when a series of bills were passed into law to address the State's determination that California was experiencing a State-wide housing crisis. The laws passed in 2017 addressed a wide range of housing-related issues, including Housing Elements, which are summarized below. • SB 2 established a recordation fee for real estate documentation which would fund planning grants for affordable housing and affordable housing projects. Housing Element III-2 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element • SB 3 placed a $4 billion general obligation bond on the November 2018 ballot to fund affordable housing,farmworker housing,transit-oriented development,infill infrastructure and home ownership. • SB 35 mandated a streamlined approval process for infill affordable housing projects in communities that have not, according to the Department of Housing and Community Development(HCD)met their affordable housing allocation (RHNA). • AB 72 allowed HCD to find a housing element out of compliance with State law, and to refer the non-compliant element to the State Attorney General for action at any time during a Housing Element planning period. • AB 73 provided State-funded financial incentives for local jurisdictions which choose to create a streamlined zoning overlay for certain affordable housing projects. • SB 166 required that development proposals on local jurisdictions' sites inventory cannot be reduced in density without findings, and/or the identification of additional sites to result in 'no net loss' of affordable housing units in the sites inventory. • SB 540 provided State funding for the planning and implementation of workforce housing opportunity zones for very low, low and moderate income households. • AB 571 modified the farmworker tax credit program to allow HCD to advance funds to migrant housing center operators at the beginning of each planting season,and allowed migrant housing to remain open for up to 275 days annually. • AB 678 amended the Housing Accountability Act to limit a local jurisdiction's ability to deny low and moderate income housing projects by increasing the required documentation and raising the standard of proof required of a local jurisdiction. • AB 686(approved in 2018) required a public agency to administer its programs and activities relating to housing and community development in a manner that affirmatively furthers fair housing. • AB 879 amended the annual reporting requirements of local jurisdictions to HCD regarding proposed projects, including processing times, number of project applications and approvals, and required approval processes. • AB 1397 amended the requirements of adequate sites analysis to assure that sites are not only suitable, but also available, by requiring additional information in site inventories. • AB 1505 allowed local jurisdictions to adopt local ordinances that require affordable housing units on- or off-site when approving residential projects. • AB 1515 established a `reasonable person' standard to consistency of affordable housing projects and emergency shelters with local policies and standards. • AB 1521 placed restrictions on the owners of affordable housing projects when terminating or selling their projects. Consistency with the General Plan The Housing Element must be consistent with all other Elements of the General Plan. It is particularly guided by the development policies contained in the Land Use Element and roadway policies of the Circulation Element.Housing is also shaped by policies contained in other Elements that affect the quality of life for City residents through the provision of open space and recreation areas, acceptable noise levels, and safety. The current(2022-2029)update of the Housing Element did not require that the City amend its Land Use Element or land use map, as sufficient land has Housing Element III-3 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element been identified to accommodate all housing types. The City will continue to evaluate any amendment to the General Plan, including updating of the Housing Element, as required by State law, to assure that internal consistency is maintained. Evaluation of Existing Housing Element Policies and Programs The City's 2014-2021 Housing Element included policies and action items to address housing needs for the 2014-2021 planning period. Their effectiveness is reviewed below. Goal 1 A variety of housing types that meet all of the housing needs for all income groups within the City. Goal 2 The preservation and maintenance of the high quality of the City's affordable housing supply. Policy 1 New affordable housing projects shall be encouraged in all areas of the City. Special attention will be made to distributing the units so that large concentrations of affordable housing in any one area are avoided. Program 1.A The City shall work with affordable housing developers, non-profit agencies and other stakeholders to implement the following affordable housing projects for extremely low, very low, low and moderate income households during the planning period. For Carlos Ortega Villas and Sagecrest Apartments, the Housing Authority shall market these projects to the development community through direct mail, announcements on the City's web site and Requests for Proposals, once funding sources have been identified. • 31 units at Canterra Phase II • 21 units at Palm Desert 103 • 200 units at Dinah Shore and Portola • 72 units at Carlos Ortega Villas • 16 units at Sagecrest Apartments Responsible Agency: Community Development Department and Housing Authority Schedule: 2014-2021 Evaluation: The City has made progress in moving projects forward during the 2014-2021 planning period, as follows: • Canterra Phase II: Now known as The Sands, was entitled for 388 units, including 78 reserved for very low income households. The project entitlements remain active, but the project has failed to secure funding. The project is shown as site DD on the City's inventory, and will be carried forward into the 2022-2029 planning period, in anticipation of its construction. Housing Element III-4 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element • Palm Desert 103: This project would result in 103 apartments, 20% (21 units) of which would be restricted to moderate income households. This project was inactive during the planning period, but the requirement for affordable units remains. It will be included in the City's inventory for the 2022-2029 planning period. • Dinah Shore and Portola: The City is currently negotiating an agreement for the development of at least 200 units on 10 acres. This site will remain on the City's inventory as site C. • Carlos Ortega Villas: This site was developed in the 2014-2021 planning period, and contains 36 units affordable to very low income households, 36 units affordable to low income households, and one manager's unit. The project was successfully completed and will be removed from the City's inventory and added to its list of existing affordable communities. • Sagecrest Apartments: The Housing Authority will market the project to the development community during the 2022-2029 planning period. Progress on the implementation of this project is expected in the forthcoming planning period. This program has been successful and will be modified to address current projects. Program 1.B The City shall pursue the planning and implementation of the following projects for extremely low, very low, low and moderate income households during the planning period. The City will utilize public-private partnerships, grants and third party funding for these projects, and affordable housing funds if restored by the State Legislature. • 520 units that will include single family for-sale and multi-family for rent units at Gerald Ford Drive and Portola • an additional 52 units at the Vineyards Responsible Agency: City Schedule: 2014-2021 Evaluation: This program is still being implemented, as follows: • Gerald Ford and Portola: This project site is currently proposed for 269 apartments affordable to very low and low income households, and 3 managers'units. Application for entitlement is pending. The project is proposed on 11.4912±acres of a larger City holding owned by the Successor Agency (SARDA). The balance of the acreage continues to be marketed for affordable housing projects. The site will be maintained in the City's inventory, and is shown as site B. • The Vineyard: This site consists of 260 existing apartments, 52 of which are currently restricted to moderate income households. An additional 52 may be offered as affordable to low or moderate income households, but were not during the 2014-2021 planning period. The agreement between the developer and the City remains effective, and the units could be subsidized in the future. This program continues to be implemented, and will be modified and maintained in the 2022-2029 planning period. Housing Element III-5 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Program 1.0 The City shall encourage and facilitate the development by private parties of the following projects for extremely low, very low, low and moderate income units: • 432 units at Key Largo • 194 units at Frank Sinatra and Cook Street • Approximately 302 units at Dinah Shore and 35th Avenue (southeast corner) The City shall annually contact the owners/developers of these lands and review with them the incentives and financing options available through State and federal loan and grant programs, and local non-profit agencies to assure that all potential financial mechanisms are being considered for the project(s). Responsible Agency: City Schedule: 2014-2021 Evaluation: The City continues to work with the land owners associated with these sites as follows: • Key Largo: The land owners are currently preparing a Specific Plan for the site, which would include apartments. Up to 200 units could be restricted to low and moderate income households. This project is still active, and will remain on the City's inventory as site A. • Frank Sinatra and Cook Street: This project was inactive during the planning period, and is not considered viable for the future. It will be removed from the City's inventory. • Dinah Shore and 35th Avenue: This project remains under consideration, and the City believes that it could move forward. The City will continue to work with the landowner and encourage the development of affordable housing units into the next planning period. In addition, the City approved Tentative Tract Map 37506,for land located on the south side of Gerald Ford Drive, between Portola and Technology Drive in the University Park area. This site includes a mix of single family homes, townhome and apartment sites, totaling 1,069 units. The City will continue to work with the developer to encourage the inclusion of affordable housing units in the project. This program remains active, and will be modified for the 2022-2029 planning period. Program 1.D The City shall continue to implement the Self Help Housing program when funds are available. The City will work with agencies such as Habitat for Humanity and Coachella Valley Housing Coalition to identify funding and the location of these units. Responsible Agency: City Schedule: 2016-2018, as funding is identified Evaluation: During the 2014-2021 planning period, Habitat for Humanity developed 2 homes for very low income households, which were all completed and are now occupied. In May of 2020, the City awarded the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition a contract to construct 14 self-help housing units on Merle, near Cook Street. These homes are expected to be built during the next planning period. The program will be modified and maintained to assure construction, and the project will be included in the City's inventory as site PP. Housing Element III-6 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Program 1.E The City shall maintain its inventory of sites zoned for PR-7 and R-3, and shall encourage the incorporation of extremely low, very low, low and moderate income housing units into these projects as they are brought forward. Responsible Agency: Planning Department Schedule: As project applications are submitted Evaluation: The City continues to encourage the provision of affordable housing in all projects, and has negotiated the inclusion of units, or the payment of in lieu fees,for several projects. In addition, in March of 2020, the City adopted the Housing Overlay District, replacing the previously enacted Medium/High Density Overlay District. The Overlay is applied to properties owned by the City, the Housing Authority and private property identified on the City's Housing Element inventory for planning period 2014-2021. The new overlay provides significant incentives to developers, should they apply the overlay to their property for the provision of affordable housing, including development fee waivers, development standard reductions, and parking reductions. In exchange, a minimum of 20%of the units developed must be restricted to moderate, low or very low income households. The program has been successful, and will be extended into the 2022-2029 planning period. Program 1.F The City will encourage further land divisions resulting in parcel sizes that facilitate multifamily development affordable to lower income households in light of state, federal and local financing programs (i.e. 50-100 units) as development proposals are brought forward. The City will discuss incentives available for land divisions (e.g., 2-5 acres) encouraging the development of housing affordable to lower income households with housing developers as proposals are brought forward. The City will offer incentives for land division encouraging the development of affordable housing including,but not limited to: • priority to processing subdivision maps that include affordable housing units, • expedited review for the subdivision of larger sites into buildable lots where the development application can be found consistent with the Specific Plan, • financial assistance (based on availability of federal, state, local foundations, and private housing funds). Responsible Agency: Planning Department Schedule: As projects are proposed Evaluation: The City has implemented this program in two ways: the completion of the Housing Overlay District, and the encouragement of subdivision for larger projects, which was implemented with TTM 37506, and is being implemented at the Key Largo project (please see evaluation of Program 1.C above). The TTM subdivided a large holding into multiple parcels, ranging from 6 to over 20 acres, to accommodate a mix of housing types. This program is ongoing and will be continued in the 2022-2029 planning period. Housing Element III-7 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Policy 2 The City shall encourage the rehabilitation of existing housing units through a variety of programs. Program 2.A The City shall fund the Home Improvement Program for single family homes by providing grants and low interest loans to program participants. The program will be provided to the extent that funding is available, to up to five households each year. Responsible Agency: City Schedule: Annually as funds are available Evaluation: The City implemented the program and funded four grants and loans. Funding was limited, and the City was therefore able to only implement the emergency component of this program. The program will be maintained, to assure that it is available should funding be secured. Policy3 The City shall preserve existing affordable housing units. Program 3.A The Housing Authority shall continue to subsidize affordable housing units it owns now and in the future using operating revenues. Responsible Agency: Housing Authority Schedule: Annually in the Housing Authority Budget Evaluation: The Housing Authority continues to own and operate 1,114 affordable housing units in 15 projects. The City intends to continue to operate these projects, and this program shall be continued in the 2022-2029 planning period. Program 3.B The Housing Authority shall maintain the existing resale restrictions and other subsidies on 303 ownership units if permitted to do so by the Department of Finance. Responsible Agency: Housing Authority Schedule: Throughout the planning period, if permitted by the Department of Finance Evaluation: The Housing Authority maintains affordability covenants on a total of 301 owner- occupied properties, of which 31 properties were resold to a new qualifying household with affordability covenants. Some of the covenants will expire during the 2022-2029 planning period. The Housing Authority intends to maintain these covenants, and the program will be continued and amended to address expirations in the 2022-2029 planning period. Housing Element III-8 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Program 3.0 The Housing Authority owns approximately 1,000 existing rental housing units and will strive to maintain its ownership and/or long term affordability of these units by a third party. Responsible Agency: Housing Authority Schedule: Annually in the Housing Authority Budget Evaluation: The Housing authority continues to own and operate 1,114 units, and plans to maintain ownership. This program has been successfully implemented, and will be continued in the 2022-2029 planning period. Program 3.D The City shall coordinate between affordable housing developers and social service agencies when new projects are developed to encourage the integration of services such as child care,job training, vocational education, and similar programs into new affordable housing projects through direct contact with both parties. For on-site child care,the Agency shall consider allocation of the City's Childcare Mitigation Fee to new projects which provide the service. Responsible Agency: Housing Authority, City Manager's Office, Community Development Department Schedule: As projects are proposed Evaluation: The City continues to operate the Jean Benson Childcare Center located within the Desert Rose project. In addition, the Hovley Gardens project provides after-school programs for school-aged children, and adult education, health and wellness, and skill building classes to residents.New projects proposed for development are encouraged to provide services to residents. As these projects are forthcoming, the level of programming has not been determined. The City will continue to encourage such programs in the 2022-2029 planning period. Policy 4 The City shall continue to strive to meet the State-mandated special shelter needs of large families, female headed households, single parent families, senior citizens, and disabled individuals and families, and shall consider including units for such households in its projects. Evaluation: The City assists disabled residents at all its Housing Authority owned properties. Between 2014 and 2020, there were between 91 and 188 disabled residents in these properties, varying by year. In 2020 the City had the highest number of disabled residents during the planning period,providing housing to 188 disabled residents. The City has approved a project for developmentally disabled persons adjacent to Desert Arc offices on Country Club Drive. In addition, the Housing Authority committed to leasing the land and funding a subsidy of up to $250,000 to assure that 5 units were for persons employed within the City, and supported CTCAC and other funding efforts. The project, which includes 36 units of special needs housing and a community center building, remains entitled but has not secured funding. The City will continue to work with the project, and this program will be maintained in the 2022-2029 planning period. Housing Element III-9 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Program 4.A The City shall continue to enforce the provisions of the Federal Fair Housing Act. The City shall continue its referral program to the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, and shall maintain information at City Hall and affordable housing complexes. Responsible Agency: City and Housing Authority Schedule: Brochures and flyers available at Housing Authority properties, Library, and apartment managers' offices Evaluation: The City provides fair housing information at all its properties, and continues to fund programs operated by the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County. During the 2014-2022 planning period, the City used CDBG funds to provide the Council $239,000 to eliminate discrimination in housing throughout the City in joint efforts across the County. Program 4.B The City shall work with the Senior Center and other appropriate agencies in the housing of disabled residents. Responsible Agency: Senior Center Schedule: Annually through staff training program The Housing Authority maintains 380 of its 1,114 units, or 34%,for senior households.In addition, the City has preserved 37 non-City owned units' affordability for seniors in assisted living communities. In 2015, the City entered into an amended agreement with the developers of the Legend Gardens community, requiring that 10 of its assisted living one-bedroom units be restricted to low income seniors. Program 4.0 The City shall meet with non-profit developers and other stakeholders annually to establish and implement a strategy to continue to provide housing affordable to extremely low-income households. The City shall also consider applying for State and federal funding specifically targeted for the development of housing affordable to extremely low-income households, such as CDBG, HOME, Local Housing Trust Fund program and Proposition 1-C funds to the extent possible. The City shall continue to consider incentives, such as increased densities,modifications to development standards, priority processing and fee deferrals as part of the financing package for projects which include extremely low income units. Responsible Agency: Housing Authority Schedule: As projects are proposed The City and Housing Authority continuously seek opportunities for the development of affordable housing units, including regular contact with the development community. During the planning period, Habitat for Humanity developed 2 homes for very low income households, which were all completed and are now occupied. This has included developing a self-help housing program for 14 units with the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, and marketing City properties to developers. This effort has led to an agreement with Pacific West Companies for the development I of 269 affordable housing units, the entitlement of 36 units dedicated to special needs housing adjacent to Desert ARC, and the commitment of loan funds for the substantial rehabilitation of Hovley Gardens, a 162 unit family project. The City is currently also working with Hovley Gardens Housing Element III-10 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element to refinance the property to extend affordability for the project for an additional 55 years. This will be completed during the upcoming planning period. This program has been successful, and will be maintained in the 2022-2029 planning period. Policy 5 The City shall strive to provide shelter for the homeless and persons with disabilities. Program 5.A The City shall continue to work with CVAG on a regional solution for homelessness, including the Multi-Service Center in North Palm Springs, and the beds and services it will provide. (See discussion on page 28 regarding CVAG's program) Responsible Agency: City Manager's Office, City Council Schedule: Annually in the General Fund Budget Evaluation: The City funded multiple efforts to reduce homelessness. The City participated and funded $100,000 annually for regional homelessness assistance through CVAG, both for the Center in North Palm Springs, and continuing with additional services after the Center closed. In addition, the City funded two full-time positions with the Riverside University Health System to provide assistance to Palm Desert homeless residents. This program will be modified to reflect current homeless prevention efforts for the 2022-2029 planning period. Program 5.B The City will continue to coordinate with the Inland Regional Center, Desert Arc and other appropriate agencies and organizations that serve the developmentally and physically disabled population. The City will continue to encourage developers to reserve a portion of affordable housing projects for the disabled, including those with developmental disabilities. The City will support funding applications for such projects, and will consider fee waivers and reductions when these projects are proposed. Housing Authority properties are one of the vehicles available to encourage rental to developmentally disabled individuals. Responsible Agency: Planning Department, City Council Schedule: As projects are proposed The City approved a project for developmentally disabled individuals adjacent to Desert Arc offices on Country Club Drive. In addition, the Housing Authority committed to leasing the land and funding a subsidy of up to $250,000 to assure that 5 units were for persons employed within the City, and supported CTCAC and other funding efforts. The project, which includes 36 units of special needs housing and a community center building, remains entitled but has not secured funding. The City assists disabled residents at all its Housing Authority owned properties. Between 2014 and 2020, there were between 91 and 188 disabled residents in these properties, varying by year. The 2020 census is the highest of the planning period,providing housing to 188 disabled residents. Furthermore, the City provided Desert Arc $77,750 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) funds to sustain operations during the coronavirus pandemic and implement activities related to a multi phased re-opening plan. This program has been successful and will continue to be implemented. Housing Element III-11 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Program 5.0 The City shall encourage local organizations, such as the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, Martha's Village and Catholic Charities, to apply to the City for the award of CDBG funds for homeless services. Responsible Agency: City Manager's Office Schedule: Annually with CDBG funding cycle Evaluation: During the 2014-2021 planning period, the City used CDBG funds to contribute toward energy improvements and food supplies at Martha's Village and Kitchen totaling $312,752; at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, $52,770 was allocated from CDBG funds for equipment replacements,food supplies and shelter services; and Catholic Charities was allocated $5,151 for food and supplies. In total, the City allocated $370,673 toward direct assistance to homeless individuals. This program was successful and will be continued in the 2022-2029 planning period. In addition, the City provided Martha's Village an additional $40,000 in CDBG-CV funds to provide operational costs for a 15-bed expansion for homeless individuals during the coronavirus pandemic. Likewise, the City provided the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission with an additional $40,000 in CDBG-CV funds to sustain operations during the coronavirus pandemic. Policy 6 The City shall continue to utilize restrictions, applicant screenings, and other appropriate mechanisms established as conditions of approval in order to preserve affordable for sale housing units for the long term. Program 6.A The City shall keep in regular contact with the Riverside County Housing Authority to ensure that Section 8 housing assistance within the City is actively pursued. At least 30 households should be assisted every year. Responsible Agency: City Schedule: Annually with annual compliance plan review Evaluation: The Housing Authority annually houses an average of 40 households under the Section 8 program at its properties. This program has been successful, and shall be carried forward to the 2022-2029 planning period. Program 6.B The City shall continue to work with affordable housing organizations to preserve the affordability of the Regent Palm Desert, Shadow Hills Estates and Cantera Phase I, which will be at risk of losing their affordability restrictions during the planning period. The City will coordinate with private development and management companies to promote the preservation of these units; and may cooperate through state and federal program funding for third party ownership, and other means to assure the long term affordability of the project. Responsible Agency: City Schedule: Annually as the projects' affordability restrictions are at risk Housing Element III-12 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Evaluation: The City made multiple efforts to preserve the affordability of units at the Regent, Shadow Hills and Cantera. All of the owners, however, declined to maintain affordability restrictions, and the units reverted to market rates. This program will be adjusted to reflect units at risk during the 2022-2029 planning period. Policy 8 The City Council shall consider, as an additional incentive,the reduction, subsidizing or deferring of development fees to facilitate the development of affordable housing. Evaluation: The City implemented this policy through the implementation of State density bonus law and the adoption of the Housing Overlay District. In addition, both the Sands project and the Arc Village project were granted fee waivers in exchange for affordability covenants during the planning period. This program has been successful, and will continue to be implemented, based on funding availability. Policy 9 The City shall continue to address the needs of the senior population in development of housing. Program 9.A The City shall maintain the Senior Housing Overlay District and the Second Unit Housing standards in the Zoning Ordinance. Responsible Agency: Community Development Department Schedule: Annually review with state General Plan report Evaluation: The City adopted the Housing Overlay District in 2020. This District allows for the waiver of fees and the reduction of development standards for projects committing to affordable housing units. In addition, the City approved a total of 162 accessory dwelling units during the planning period. Although these units are not restricted by covenant, they provide for an affordable housing option on existing single family home lots. The City will continue to implement both programs in the 2022-2029 planning period. Program 9.B The City shall continue to encourage the development of assisted living facilities for seniors. Responsible Agency: Community Development Department Schedule: As projects are proposed Evaluation: The City preserved existing affordability covenants at an assisted living facility, and increased the availability of affordable units at the Legend Gardens facility to 10. This program was successful, and will be maintained in the 2022-2029 planning period. Policy 10 The City shall implement the State's density bonus law. Evaluation: There were no projects constructed during the planning period with density bonus units, but the Sands project received 78 very low income household density bonus units and concessions, and the forthcoming Pacific West Companies project will increase its unit count from 200 to 270-269 for very low, low and moderate income households through density bonus provisions. The City will continue to implement density bonus law consistent with law in the 2022- 2029 planning period. Housing Element III-13 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Policy 11 Promote the jobs/housing balance through the development of housing with convenient access to commercial land uses, schools, available public transport and employment centers. Evaluation: The City continues to consider the placement of housing in proximity to jobs, and to encourage the housing of Palm Desert employees in projects. This was directly accomplished through a subsidy agreement at the Arc Village project, which provides for 5 units for Palm Desert employed households, and through the University Village Specific Plan, which places higher density residential lands in close proximity to job centers in the Portola/Gerald Ford/Cook/Fred Waring area. This policy continues to be a priority for the City, and will be carried forward into the 2022-2029 planning period. Policy 12 Encourage energy conservation through the implementation of new technologies,passive solar site planning and enforcement of building codes. Please also see the Energy and Mineral Resources Element. Program 12.A The City shall maintain an Energy Conservation Ordinance which mandates conservation in new construction beyond the requirements of the California Building Code. Responsible Agency: Planning Department Schedule: Annual review with state General Plan report Program 12.B The City shall encourage Green Building techniques, recycling in demolition, and the use of recycled, repurposed and reused materials in all new affordable housing projects to the greatest extent possible. Responsible Agency: Planning Department, Building Department, Public Works Department Schedule: As projects are proposed Evaluation: The Housing Authority has implemented energy conservation at multiple projects, including the Carlos Ortega Villas, which was constructed as a net-zero project, and with replacements of HVAC and water heating systems with high-efficiency systems at Housing Authority projects.In addition, solar installations were undertaken within the Desert Rose project. This policy continues to be important to the City, and will be carried forward to the 2022-2029 planning period. Summary of Impact on Special Needs Populations In summary, as described in the evaluation above relating to special needs programs, the City's implementation of its Housing Element during the previous planning period supported the housing needs of special needs households: • City-owned housing communities continue to house senior residents in 7 projects totaling 366 units. Housing Element III-14 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element • City-owned housing communities continue to house physically and developmentally disabled residents,which have ranged from 91 to 188 residents in the last planning period. • The City has actively participated in moving forward on the Arc Village project, which will result in 32 units for developmentally disabled residents, in addition to the funds expended to make improvements to Desert Arc educational and vocational facilities. Housing Element III-15 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION This section provides the demographic background for the residents of Palm Desert. The information is primarily based on 2010 U. S. Census and 2018 American Community Survey (ACS) data. Where more current data is available, it has been included in addition to the Census and ACS information. Regional Population The City of Palm Desert is located in the Coachella Valley in eastern Riverside County. Riverside County grew from 1,545,387 in 2000 to 2,189,641 in 2010. By 2018, the American Community Survey estimated that the County population had grown to 2,383,286, which represents an 8-year increase of 8.8%. The California Department of Finance (DOF) estimated that, in January 2020, Riverside County had a population of 2,442,304, an increase of 11.5% over the 2010 population. Table III-1 Population Trends—Neighboring Jurisdictions Change (2010-2018) Jurisdiction 2010 2018 Number Percent Desert Hot Springs 25,938 28,430 2,492 9.6% Palm Springs 44,552 47,525 2,973 6.7% Cathedral City 51,200 54,037 2,837 5.5% Rancho Mirage 17,218 18,075 857 5.0% Palm Desert 48,445 52,124 3,679 7.6% Indian Wells 4,958 5,317 359 7.2% La Quinta 37,467 40,704 3,237 8.6% Coachella 40,704 44,849 4,145 10.2% Indio 76,036 91,235 15,199 20.0% Riverside County 2,189,641 2,383,286 193,645 8.8% Source:2010 U.S. Census;American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates. City Population Palm Desert has also experienced a rapid rate of growth. In 1990,the Census reported a population of 23,252 in the City. From 1990-2000, the City's population grew to 41,155, an increase of 77% in ten years. By 2010, the Census reported a City population of 48,445, an increase of 17.3% in ten years. The California Department of Finance estimated that the City's population on January 1, 2020 was 52,986, an average annual increase of under 1%. Between 2010 and 2018, the City's growth rate (7.6%) ranked in the middle compared to other Coachella Valley cities and was less than the County's growth rate (8.8%). Housing Element III-16 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-2 Population Trends—Palm Desert Numerical Percent Average Annual Year Population Change Change Growth Rate 2000 41,155 -- -- -- 2010 48,445 7,290 17.7% 1.8% 2020 52,986 4,541 9.4% 0.9% Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census; Table E-1, Population Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State,California Department of Finance,January 1,2020. The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy(RTP/SCS)projects a City population of 64,100 by 2045. Au The Coachella Valley historically has attracted older adults and retirees, and Palm Desert is no exception. The City's median age rose from 48.0 in 2000 to 53.0 in 2010 and decreased slightly to 52.6 in 2018. With the continuing aging of America, it is expected that the median age may keep rising or stabilize. Table III-3 illustrates age characteristics for Palm Desert population in 2010 and 2018. From 2010 to 2018, children and youth groups (ages 0-19) decreased by 0.7% to 16.6%, young and middle-age adults (20 to 54 years) increased by 0.5% to 35.7%, and all age groups over 55 years increased by 0.2% to 47.7%. The data suggest that housing demand is currently highest for seniors and young and middle-age adults. If the aging trend continues, there may be a growing demand for senior housing and programs that promote "aging in place"; however, this trend is likely to occur slowly, and the demand for such products will need to be evaluated over time. The Palm Desert Housing Authority operates 7 affordable apartment complexes that are restricted to seniors, the newest of which is the 72-unit Carlos Ortega Villas built in 2015 (see "Affordable Housing Developments" section). During the 2022-2029 planning period,particular focus will be on expanding housing opportunities for families and first-time buyers. Housing Element III-17 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table II1-3 Age Distribution, 2010 and 2018 2010 2018 % of Age Number Total Number % of Total Under 5 2,021 4.2% 2,032 3.9% 5-9 1,960 4.0% 2,044 3.9% 10-14 2,105 4.3% 2,256 4.3% 15-19 2,345 4.8% 2,331 4.5% 20-24 2,436 5.0% 2,727 5.2% 25-34 4,344 9.0% 5,430 10.4% 35-44 4,387 9.1% 4,847 9.3% 45-54 5,872 12.1% 5,605 10.8% 55-59 3,235 6.7% 3,384 6.5% 60-64 3,817 7.9% 3,886 7.5% 65-74 7,640 15.8% 8,976 17.2% 75-84 5,914 12.2% 5,940 11.4% 85+ 2,369 4.9% 2,666 5.1% Total 48,445 100.0% 52,124 100.0% Median age 53.0 52.6 Source:2010 U.S.Census Tables P12 and P13;American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates,Table DP05 Race and Ethnicity Table III-4 describes the racial and ethnic distribution for Palm Desert in 2010 and 2018. Residents who categorize themselves as white comprise the largest race/ethnicity; this group remained constant at 82.5%. The second most prevalent race/ethnicity changed from "some other race" to Asian. The "some other race" category decreased from 9.1% to 5.0%. The Asian group increased from 3.4%to 5.1%,and the percentage of Black/African Americans increased from 1.8% to 2.5%. The share of American Indians and Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders, remained largely constant, comprising approximately 0.6% combined during both years. The percentage of residents in the"Two or More Races"category increased from 2.5% to 4.4%. The percentage of Hispanic or Latino residents increased from 22.8%to 25.5%. Housing Element III-18 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table 1II-4 Racial and Ethnic Characteristics, 2010 and 2018 2010 2018 % of % of Race/Ethnicity Number Total Number Total One Race: White 39,957 82.5% 42,993 82.5% Black or African American 875 1.8% 1,323 2.5% American Indian&Alaska Native 249 0.5% 196 0.4% Asian 1,647 3.4% 2,651 5.1% Native Hawaiian/Other Pac. Islander 55 0.1% 91 0.2% Some Other Race 4,427 9.1% 2,593 5.0% Two or More Races 1,235 2.5% 2,277 4.4% Total 48,445 100% 52,124 100% Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 11,038 22.8% 13,299 25.5% Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Table P3; American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates, Table DP05 Households The City had a total of 23,117 households in 2010. The average household size was 2.09 persons per household based on the 2010 Census. Between 2010 and 2018, the number of households increased 4.3% to 24,114, and the average household size in 2018 was 2.15 persons according to the ACS. In 2018, 44.9% of households consisted of married couple families, followed by non- family households (43.3%), female householder families (7.6%), and male householder families (4.3%). Table III-5 Household Growth Trends Year Number of Numerical Percent Households Change Change 2010 23,117 --- 2018 24,114 997 4.3% Source: 2010 U.S. Census,Table P28;American Community Survey 2014-2018 5- Year Estimates,Table DP02 Table III-6 Household Types Household Type No. of HH % of Total Family households: 13,679 56.7% Married couple family 10,821 44.9% Male householder,no wife present 1,030 4.3% Female householder, no husband present 1,828 7.6% Non-family households 10,435 43.3% Total Households 24,114 100% Source: American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates,Table DP02 Housing Element III-19 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Income Income can vary significantly by region, industry, and type of job. Table III-7 describes average income per worker by industry in the Coachella Valley. As shown, the highest-paying sectors are Finance/Insurance/Real Estate, Government, and Information, with incomes averaging around $50,000 to $60,000. The lowest-paying sectors include Retail Trade, Other Services, and Leisure and Hospitality, with incomes averaging around$31,000. Table III-7 Average Income by Industry, Coachella Valley Average Income Industry per Worker, 2017 Agriculture $29,571 Construction $45,488 Manufacturing $46,340 Retail Trade $32,281 Information $50,493 Finance, Insurance, Real Estate $59,726 Professional and Business Services $43,736 Education and Health Services $48,322 Leisure and Hospitality $31,513 Government $58,711 Other Services $31,836 Logistics $45,114 Source: 2019 Greater Palm Springs Economic Report, Coachella Valley Economic Partnership,Figure 29 Median household income in the City in 2000 was $48,316; it rose to $50,267 by 2010. In 2018, median household income had risen to $57,578, less than the County median income,which stood at $66,964. The following table identifies the number of Palm Desert households in each income range. Housing Element III-20 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-8 City Household Income Distribution, 2018 Income No. of HH % of Total Less than $10,000 1,787 7.4% $10,000-$14,999 1,187 4.9% $15,000-$24,999 2,252 9.3% $25,000-$34,999 2,477 10.3% $35,000-$49,999 3,004 12.5% $50,000-$74,999 4,341 18.0% $75,000-$99,999 2,547 10.6% $100,000-$149,999 2,809 11.6% $150,000-$199,999 1,721 7.1% $200,000+ 1,989 8.2% Total 24,005 100%* Source: American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates,Table DP03. *Differences due to rounding. The ACS estimated that 9.3% of all families in Palm Desert were living below the poverty level in 2018. Employment and Major Employers Like much of the Coachella Valley, a substantial portion of the City's economy is rooted in the regional tourism and service industries. The following table describes employment distribution in Palm Desert in 2018. The ACS data show that, of a total civilian workforce of 21,933 residents over 16 years, the largest employment sectors were "arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation & food services" (20.1%) and "educational services, health care & social assistance" (18.8%). Housing Element 111-2 1 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-9 City Employment by Industry, 2018 No. of Industry Employees % of Total Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing/Hunting/Mining 147 0.7% Construction 1,473 6.7% Manufacturing 789 3.6% Wholesale Trade 492 2.2% Retail Trade 3,066 14.0% Transportation, warehousing &utilities 585 2.7% Information 438 2.0% Finance, insurance, real estate, rental & leasing 1,616 7.4% Professional, scientific, management, admin. &waste 2,702 12.3% management Educational services, health care & social assistance 4,133 18.8% Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation& food 4,404 20.1% services Other services (except public administration) 1,482 6.8% Public Administration 606 2.8% Total Employment by Industry(Civilian 16 years and over) 21,933 100% Source: American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates,Table S2405 As shown in Table III-10,more than one-third(36.1%)of the City's civilian employed labor force is in "management, business, science, and arts" occupations, followed by "sales and office" occupations (27.6%) and"service" occupations (24.6%). Table III-10 City Employment by Occupation, 2018 No. of Occupation Employees % of Total Management, business, science, and arts occupations 7,926 36.1% Service occupations 5,404 24.6% Sales and office occupations 6,048 27.6% Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 1,316 6.0% Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 1,239 5.6% Total civilian employed population 16 years and over 21,933 100%* Source: American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates,Table DP03 *Differences due to rounding. As shown in Table III-11,the City's principal employers include security services providers, golf clubs and resorts, and big chain retailers. Typical jobs at these facilities include store clerks and managers, salesmen, security guards, and hospitality and food service providers. Housing Element III-22 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-11 Principal Employers in Palm Desert, 2019 No. of % of Total City Employer Employees Employment JW Marriot-Desert Springs Resort& DS Villas 2,304 9.8% Universal Protection Services 1,500 6.4% Securitas-Security Service USA 700 3.0% Organization of Legal Pro's 501 2.1% Sunshine Landscape 500 2.1% Costco Wholesale 250 1.1% Bighorn Golf Club 250 1.1% Whole Foods Market 150 0.6% Target 145 0.6% Tommy Bahama 125 0.5% Total 6,425 27%* Source: 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,City of Palm Desert. *Differences due to rounding. The Great Recession, with onset in late 2007, saw high unemployment and job losses in the Coachella Valley. At the trough, about every seventh person lost their job.' Regional employment started to increase in 2011,but annual growth was still slower than pre-Recession levels until 2017, suggesting more severe impacts than western Riverside County, the state, and the nation. The construction sector was hit hardest regionally, with approximately 70% of jobs lost and only 14% recovered by December 2017.2 The Retail Trade and Wholesale Trade sector lost around 6,700 jobs but has generally returned to pre-Recession levels. Two sectors have fully recovered and even added jobs: Education and Health Services and, to a lesser extent, Leisure and Hospitality. Between 2010 and 2019,annual unemployment rates in Palm Desert declined from a high of 10.1% in 2010 to a low of 4.2% in 2019.3 However, analysis of employment data from 2005 to 2017 shows that, as of December 2017, Palm Desert had not recovered the job losses it incurred during the Great Recession. The City lost about 20% of jobs, relative to peak employment, and had recovered only about 1.8%.4 This scenario is similar for seven other Coachella Valley cities; only Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage had recovered and exceeded their previous peaks. Table III-12 describes the employment locations of Palm Desert residents. As shown, 39.6% of City residents work in the City, which shows a relatively large portion of residents are employed within City limits. The remaining work locations are spread out in other Valley cities, the top two being Rancho Mirage (16.4%) and Palm Springs (12.6%). An estimated 11,824 residents of other cities work in Palm Desert, which is the highest number of employment inflows of all cities in the Coachella Valley. The City's retail and service sectors, in particular, attract and can support younger workers in entry level positions. ' 2019 Greater Palm Springs Economic Report,Coachella Valley Economic Partnership,Figure 24. 2 Ibid,Figures 25 and 26. 3 California Employment Development Department annual average unemployment rates(labor force),not seasonally adjusted,not preliminary. 4 2019 Greater Palm Springs Economic Report,Coachella Valley Economic Partnership,Figure 28. Housing Element III-23 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-12 Commuting Patterns No. of Where Palm Desert Palm Desert Residents Work Residents % of Total Indio 737 7.8% Cathedral City 436 4.6% Palm Desert 3,749 39.6% Palm Springs 1,193 12.6% Coachella 238 2.5% La Quinta 892 9.4% Desert Hot Springs 93 1.0% Rancho Mirage 1,555 16.4% Indian Wells 572 6.0% Total: 9,465 100.0% Inflow of Workers from Other Cities to Palm Desert: 11,824 ---- Source: 2019 Greater Palm Springs Economic Report, Coachella Valley Economic Partnership,Table 6.Based on 2015 data. EXISTING HOUSING STOCK Housing Units The City's housing stock includes an estimated 39,800 dwelling units, the majority of which (39.6%)are single-family detached units. Other housing types include single-family attached units (18.8%), multi-family complexes with 2-4 units (14.2%) and 5 or more units (19.5%), mobile homes (7.8%), and boat/RV/van/etc. (0.1%). The total number of units increased by 2,932 (8.0%) between 2010 and 2018. Specifically, the number of single-family detached units increased by 1,183, single-family attached units decreased by 3,274,multi-family 2-4 units increased by 2,722 and 5+units increased by 2,847,mobile homes decreased by 547, and boat/RV/van/etc. increased by one (1). Table III-13 City Housing Characteristics 2010 2018 Units in Structure No. of Units % of Total No. of Units % of Total Single Family, detached 14,584 39.6% 15,767 39.6% Single Family, attached 10,761 29.2% 7,487 18.8% 2-4 Units, Multi-family 2,927 7.9% 5,649 14.2% 5+Units, Multi-family 4,912 13.3% 7,759 19.5% Mobile homes 3,650 9.9% 3,103 7.8% Boat, RV, van, etc. 34 0.1% 35 0.1% Total 36,868 100.0% 39,800 100% Source: 2010 U.S.Census and American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates,Table DP04 Housing Element III-24 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Residential Building Permit Activity The following table describes residential building permit activity during the 2014-2021 planning period. Permits were issued for a total of 1,447 units. Single-family units accounted for 43% of all permits and had an average value of$513,498 per unit. Multi-family 2-4 units accounted for 13% and had an average value of$279,940 per unit. Multi-family 5+units accounted for 44% and had an average value of$208,200 per unit. Table III-14 Residential Building Permits, 2014-2020 Multi-Family Multi-Family Single-Family 2-4 Units 5+Units No. of Average No. of Average No. of Average Year Units Value/Unit Units Value/Unit Units Value/Unit 2014 200 $443,069 11 $197,473 96' $95,429 2015 95 $471,452 14 $233,533 27 $277,778 2016 75 $596,227 14 $213,890 2072 $159,783 2017 72 $476,216 52 $207,230 10 $320,000 2018 57 $443,851 66 $219,697 0 --- 2019 74 $542,709 24 $137,755 304 $188,011 2020 47 $620,963 2 $750,000 0 Total: 620 $513,498 183 $279,940 644 $208,200 1 Includes 72 units at Carlos Ortega Villas 2 Includes 175 assisted living units In addition to the permits listed above, 162 permits were issued for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)between 2014 and 2020 (see "General Plan and Zoning Ordinance Constraints" for more information about ADUs). Age and Condition of Housing Stock The age of the City's housing stock can be a key indicator of potential rehabilitation, repair, or demolition needs. The ACS estimated a total of 39,800 housing units in Palm Desert in 2018. Of these, 25,312 (63.6%) were built before 1990 and are, therefore, more than 30 years old, while 6,348 (15.9%) were less than 20 years old. Depending on construction quality and maintenance history, older homes may have issues including inadequate or unsafe mechanical systems and appliances,foundation or roof problems,inefficient windows,the presence of asbestos or lead,and lack of fire and earthquake safety features. However, older homes in the City are sought after, particularly those built during the mid-century period, and are more likely to be conserved than demolished. In addition, programs provided by multiple organizations, including CVAG's Green for Life program, have allowed low-interest improvement loans for solar, insulation, lighting upgrades and other improvements that improve a home's energy efficiency, thereby extending its useful life. Housing Element III-25 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element During the previous planning period, the City referred an average of 7 residents per year to the SCE's approved HVAC vendor for replacements of these systems for very low and low income households. HVAC units are critical to residents' safety during Palm Desert's hot summers. In addition, the case records of the Code Compliance division were reviewed for the 2014-2021 planning period. During that time, the City had no cases opened regarding major rehabilitation needs, and no citations issued for health and safety violations. The Home Improvement Program (HIP) assists very low, low and moderate income households with home repairs, including emergency repairs, depending on funding availability. The City will establish a program for the 2022-2029 planning period to explore the possibility of establishing a rehabilitation program and funding options (see Program 2.A). Table III-15 Age of Housing Units No. of % of Year Built Units Total 2014 or later 457 1.1% 2010-2013 755 1.9% 2000-2009 5,136 12.9% 1990-1999 8,140 20.5% 1980-1989 12,658 31.8% 1970-1979 8,121 20.4% 1960-1969 3,114 7.8% 1950-1959 1,137 2.9% 1940-1949 157 0.4% 1939 or earlier 125 0.3% Total 39,800 100% Source: American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates,Table DP04 Another measure of potentially substandard housing is the number of housing units lacking adequate kitchen and plumbing facilities. In Palm Desert, there are 198 units (0.8% of all units) lacking complete kitchens and 67 units (0.3%of all units) lacking plumbing facilities. More rental units have deficiencies than homeowner units. These homes could potentially benefit from repair and rehabilitation programs, such as the HIP program described above. As shown in Table III-46, Quantified Objectives, the City will use the HIP program to correct these deficiencies for the 67 units affected (see Program 2.A). Housing Element III-26 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-16 Housing Units Lacking Facilities Lacking complete Lacking plumbing kitchen facilities facilities No. of % of No. of % of Total Units Tenure Units Total Units Total in City Owner-Occupied 18 0.1% 10 0.1% 14,842 Units Renter-Occupied 180 1.9% 57 0.6% 9,272 Units Total 198 0.8% 67 0.3% 24,114 Source: 2014-2018 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates,Tables B25053 and B25049 To further evaluate housing conditions in Palm Desert, the Code Compliance Division queried its records for residential property code violations, such as structural deficiencies, general deterioration, dilapidation, and faulty plumbing or electrical systems. As of February 2021, there were only 5 active cases of dwelling units with building code violations, all of which were associated with unpermitted construction activity. None of the cases cited structural deficiencies in need of replacement or rehabilitation. The Palm Desert Housing Authority offers a Housing Improvement Program (HIP) to assist homeowners and apartment complex owners with emergency home maintenance and repair costs (see Existing Affordable Housing Programs, below). Vacancy Status and Housing Tenure The vacancy rate is a measure of the general availability of housing. It also indicates how well the types of units available meet the current housing market demand.A low vacancy rate suggests that fewer housing units are available for those needing housing and can result in corresponding higher housing demand and housing values/costs; a high vacancy rate may indicate either excess housing supply or decreased property values. The 2018 ACS showed a total of 15,686 of the City's total 39,800 housing units to be vacant, for an overall vacancy rate of 39.4%. Correcting for seasonal, recreational or occasional use units, which are considered vacant by the ACS but are not available or used for permanent occupancy, the vacancy rate decreased to 8.1% in 2018. Of the 24,114 (60.6%) occupied housing units in the City, about 37.3% are owner-occupied, and 23.3% are renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate is 6.0%, and the rental vacancy rate is 10.7%, which may indicate some excess supply in the rental market. Housing Element III-27 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table I1I-17 Vacancy Status —2018 % of All Unit Type No. of Units Units Occupied Units: Owner-occupied 14,842 37.3% Renter-occupied 9,272 23.3% Total Occupied Units: 24,114 60.6% Vacant Units: For rent 1,123 2.8% Rented, not occupied 85 0.2% For sale only 959 2.4% Sold, not occupied 143 0.4% For seasonal, recreational, or occasional Use 12,443 31.3% For migrant workers 0 0.0% Other vacant 933 2.3% Total Vacant Units: 15,686 39.4% Total Units 39,800 100% Vacancy Rate: Homeowner vacancy rate - 6.0% Rental vacancy rate - 10.7% Source: American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates,Tables DP04 and B25004 Overcrowding The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) establishes a standard of 1.01 persons per room as the criteria for defining "overcrowded" housing conditions. Overcrowding can indicate an imbalance between housing affordability and income and typically affects renters more than homeowners. Table III-18 shows that a total of 959 housing units in Palm Desert were overcrowded in 2018, representing 4.0% of the total occupied housing units in the City. Of all overcrowded units, 77.3% were renter-occupied units and 22.7% were owner- occupied units. Severely overcrowded units have more than 1.5 persons per room and are a subset of overcrowded units. They account for 1.7% of all occupied housing units in the City. About 43.5% of all overcrowded units in the City are severely overcrowded. Housing Element III-28 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-18 Overcrowding, 2018 Persons/Room Owner- Renter- Total % of Occupied Occupied Total Units Units 1.00 or less 14,624 8,531 23,155 96.0% 1.01 to 1.50 127 415 542 2.2% 1.51 to 2.00 48 186 234 1.0% 2.01 or more 43 140 183 0.8% Total Overcrowded 218 741 959 4.0% % Overcrowded by Tenure 22.7% 77.3% - - Total Severely Overcrowded 91 326 417 1.7%* % Severely Overcrowded by 21.8% 78.2% - - Tenure Source: American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates,Table B25014 *Difference due to rounding. As shown,the number of overcrowded units in Palm Desert is relatively low. Units with 3 or more bedrooms help accommodate larger households. Affordable housing developments with 3 or 4 bedrooms include ownership units at Desert Rose, Habitat for Humanity and CVHC units and Falcon Crest; and rental units at Hovley Gardens and the Enclave. Other affordable housing options that can alleviate overcrowding are ADUs, JADUs, and guest houses, all of which are permitted by the Zoning Code. The City has seen a steady number of ADUs in the last planning period (see Table III-14, Residential Building Permits), and a program to track their progress in included to determine whether they will become an effective means of accommodating lower income household need. No ADU sites are included in the City's Land Inventory for purposes of meeting the RHNA allocation for the 2022-2029 planning period. Housing Values The following table compares median housing values in Coachella Valley cities from 2013 to 2018. Palm Desert's median housing value was $308,000 in 2013, which was lower than Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, and La Quinta, but higher than the other cities. Its median value increased nearly 9% over the 5-year period, which was the lowest percent increase in the region (other than the decrease of Rancho Mirage median value). Its median housing value currently ranks in the middle of Coachella Valley cities. Housing Element III-29 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-19 Regional Median Housing Value Trends, 2013 -2018 Median Value, owner-occupied units °A° Change Jurisdiction 2013 2018 2013-2018 Desert Hot Springs $121,600 $174,900 43.8% Palm Springs $267,800 $367,900 37.4% Cathedral City $179,500 $259,900 44.8% Rancho Mirage $518,000 $499,900 -3.5% Palm Desert $308,000 $335,400 9.0% Indian Wells $604,600 $706,800 16.9% La Quinta $348,400 $386,200 10.8% Indio $192,600 $267,900 39.1% Coachella $137,600 $207,300 50.7% Source:American Community Survey 2009-2013 and 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates, Table B25077 The number of owner-occupied housing units, by value range, are listed in Table III-20. Most units (35.3%) are within the $300,000 to $499,999 range. Table III-20 Values, Specified Owner-Occupied Housing Units, 2018 Value Number Less than $50,000 704 $50,000 to 99,999 444 $100,000 to 149,999 509 $150,000 to 199,999 994 $200,000 to 299,999 3,687 $300,000 to 499,999 5,241 $500,000 to 999,999 2,651 $1,000,000 or more 612 Source:American Community Survey 2014-2018 5- Year Estimates,Table DP04 The median housing unit value in 2018 was estimated at$335,400.For renters,the median contract rent in 2018 was $1,260. Current housing values and rental rates are further discussed below in the section titled"Economic Constraints." Housing Element III-30 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element EXISTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS There are a number of local, regional, state, and federal programs available in Palm Desert which provide a variety of housing services to the City's residents. This section of the Housing Element provides a summary of programs available by a number of agencies. City Programs The Palm Desert Housing Division oversees the City's affordable housing programs and the Palm Desert Housing Authority (PDHA). The PDHA owns affordable housing communities and provides rental and ownership assistance to City residents. Owners' Assistance Program Owners of single-family homes, condominiums, mobile homes or apartments who rent to very low, low, and moderate income tenants to the extent funding is available,may receive direct rental payment assistance from the City. The owner must, in exchange for the assistance, enter into a recorded agreement with the City assuring affordability of the rental units for 55 years. Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resale This program allows the City to purchase existing market rate single family units, rehabilitate and refurbish them, and re-sell them to lower income households with affordability covenants. Funding in past cycles has been through the former RDA that made 2 units available in 2000 and 2001, as well as the City's Neighborhood Stabilization Program, where two units were acquired and rehabilitated in 2013. Since that time, lack of funding has prevented additional rehabilitation. The City will continue to explore funding options. Mortgage Credit Certificate Program The City has committed to participating in the Mortgage Credit Certificate Program, which is operated by Riverside County Economic Development Agency. The MCC Program allows qualified home buyers to reduce the amount of their federal income tax liability by an amount equal to a portion of the interest paid during the year on a home mortgage. The MCC is in effect for the life of the loan as long as the home remains the borrower's principal residence. No certificate were issued for homes purchased during the 2014-2021 planning cycle. Source funds for this program come from the CDLAC agency,which established standards for this program and other provisions. Homebuyers Assistance Program The City and Palm Desert Housing Authority have provided assistance to very low, low, and moderate income persons in the form of low interest loans to be applied to down payment, non- recurring closing costs, reduction of the interest rate on the first trust deed, or any other cost associated with the purchase of a single-family home. There are currently 301 homes in this program. In exchange for the assistance, the home owner is required to enter into a recorded agreement with the City assuring affordability of the home for up to 45 years. Housing Element III-31 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Self-Help Housing The City assists very low, low and moderate income households in constructing and purchasing their own homes on existing lots within the City. In May 2020, the City awarded a DDA for 14 vacant lots to the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition for future development of single-family self-help homes along Merle Drive. It is expected that these self-help units will be for three very low income and eleven low income households, and that they will be built during the 2022-2029 planning cycle. Home Improvement Program The City assists very low, low and moderate income households with home repairs by providing grants and low interest loans to program participants from Community Development Block Grant (CBDG)funds. The program has eight(8)components,but only the Emergency Grant Component is currently funded. • The Emergency Grant Component allows up to $7,500 for very low and $5,000 for low income households for emergency health and safety repairs to their homes, such as roof repairs,water heater replacement,ADA improvements, etc.). Four(4)households received Emergency grants during the 2014-2021 planning period. • The Rehabilitation Grant Component will grant up to $20,000 for home improvements to very low income households. • The Matching Fund Grant Component will match up to$5,000 in home improvements with a homeowner who contributes the same amount or more to the improvements. This grant is available to very low and low income households. • The Rehabilitation Loan Component allows up to $35,000 for active loans and$45,000 for a deferred loan for home improvements to low and moderate income households, respectively. • The Drought Tolerant Landscape Retrofit Loan Component allows up to $7,500 in improvements that intend to reduce the consumption of a natural resource for very low, low and moderate income households. • The Make a Difference Volunteer Assistance Component organizes community involvement through volunteers for very low, low and moderate income households. • The Acquisition, Rehabilitation, Resale Component allows the City to acquire properties available on the market for the purpose of rehabilitation and resale to a qualified household. • The Lead and Asbestos Abatement Component will grant $7,500 to remove lead and asbestos from the homes of very low and low income households. Fair Housing respect to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income, disability, genetic information, or veteran or military status. AB 686 requires the City to certify that it will affirmatively further fair housing by taking meaningful actions to overcome patterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities. Housing Element III-32 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element The City prepared an Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) in 2017 is association with its receipt of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The AFH was based on data analysis, community participation, and input from public health, social service, and housing organizations. The AFH included analysis to identify trends and patterns over time and also compare the City to the regional level (including Riverside and San Bernardino Counties). Findings included the following: • There are no Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty (R/ECAPs) in Palm Desert.No R/ECAPs were located in Palm Desert since 1990. In the Region, R/ECAPs are located within the cities of Victorville, San Bernardino, Riverside, Moreno Valley and Indio as well as the unincorporated areas of the Counties of Riverside and San Bernardino. • The City has a low segregation level for each racial/ethnic group, compared to a moderate level of segregation for the bi county region. While there was an increase in the City's segregation level since 1990, it has remained in the low level category and the City became more balanced between 2000 and 2010. • Hispanics represent the largest minority population group residing in Palm Desert, though at a lower percentage compared to the region. The City has two majority minority neighborhoods: census tracts o 0 population in census tract 451.08 is Hispanic, and census tract 451.18 is majority Hispanic. • Special populations including female householders, people with limited English speaking proficiency, residents with disabilities, and families with children are not segregated in particular neighborhoods. • Although substandard housing and overcrowding do not adversely impact a large number of households in Palm Desert, cost burden and severe cost are serious problems. The most households (33.33%) and all other households. • The City is in a generally similar but slightly better situation compared to the region on housing problems. For example, a much lower percentage (9.18%) of the City's family households with fewer than five persons experience severe housing cost burden compared to the Region's (18.78%), and no Native American households in the City had severe housing cost burdens while 19.53% of the Region's households did. • A comparison to cost burden and severe cost burden based on 2010 2014 data in the AFH to 2013 2017 data (Table III 43) shows that the percentage of cost burdened households dropped significantly for both renters and owners. • Two population groups have an ownership rate of more than 50%: White/Non Hispanics 0 0 households are home owners. • Between Fiscal Years 2007/08 and 2015/16, a total of 152 housing discrimination complaints were filed by Palm Desert residents at the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County(FHCRC). The majority(59.9%)were on the basis of disability,followed by 14.5% ° r c-ategories each represented 5.3% or less of the total). • The analysis of access to opportunity involved education, employment, transportation, poverty and environmental health, and found no significant disparities in terms of race/ethnicity or between different neighborhoods/census tracts. Affordable housing is located in seven census tracts/neighborhoods and is not concentrated geographically. Thus, Housing Element III-33 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element of market rate housing. The Citywide trend of access to opportunity is considered stable or even improved over time, based on the fixed service providers and growth in the City and Coachella Valley area. • In general, the City residents enjoy better access to opportunity compared to the regional level, including more proficient schools, a low poverty rate, higher proximity to jobs, higher labor force participation, better transit access and lower transportation costs, and better environmental health. • Evidence provided by the HUD tables and maps reveal there are no disparities in access to environmentally healthy neighborhoods. When compared with the Region, the City residents scored much higher. The City ranged from 53.59 for Whites to 62.28 for Asians. This is a much narrower range than the Region and demonstrates there are no significant differences in labor market access experienced by the different racial and ethnic populations living in Palm Desert. Palm Desert: 1) preservation of affordability of housing units that could convert to market rate housing, 2) increasing the number of affordable units for families with children and people with disabilities, 3) increasing awareness among residents of housing discrimination and how to file housing sites in terms of how they meet the siting selection policies of affordable housing funding programs, and 5) increasing the supply of housing for households with disabilities or other special needs. These and other goals pertaining to housing equity are incorporated into the Goals,Policies, and Programs section. Affordable housing units are geographically distributed throughout the community to avoid clustering of economic, racial, and other populations. The City continues to coordinate with and refer interested and concerned parties to the FHCRC, whose responsibilities are described further below. County, State, and Federal Programs There are numerous programs available to provide rental assistance and to encourage the construction of new affordable housing. The following programs are available in the City of Palm Desert: Housing Choice Voucher(Section 8) Assistance The Riverside County Housing Authority administers the Housing Choice Voucher(HUD Section 8) rental assistance program to lower income renters within the City. During the 2014-2021 planning period,an average of 41 households per year that lived in Palm Desert Housing Authority properties received Section 8 housing assistance. Fair Housing Council of Riverside County The City works with the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County (FHCRC) to provide anti- discrimination services, landlord-tenant mediation, fair housing training and technical assistance, enforcement of housing rights, administrative hearings, home buyer workshops, lead-based paint programs, and other housing related services for City residents. Housing Element III-34 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element CalHFA First Mortgage Loan Programs The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) offers a variety of loan programs for low and moderate income first-time homebuyers who secure a CalHFA 30-year fixed mortgage. CalFHA Downpayment Assistance Program Moderate income households may receive a deferred loan of up to the lesser of 3.5% of the purchase price or appraised value of a home,to be applied to the down payment and/or the closing costs for the residence, with a cap of$10,000. HomeChoice Program This State program provides disabled low and moderate income households with a low-interest 30-year mortgage for a first-time homebuyer. California Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program This competitive State program provides tax credits to private sector developers who provide affordable rental units within their projects. The units can consist of all or part of a project and must meet certain specified criteria. Units must be restricted for a period of at least 55 years. ASSESSMENT OF FAIR HOUSING AB 686 requires that all housing elements due on or after January 1, 2021, must contain an Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) consistent with the core elements of the analysis required by the federal Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Final Rule of July 16, 2015. Under state law, AFFH means "taking meaningful actions, in addition to combatting discrimination, that overcome patterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity based on protected characteristics." The City has completed the following: • Include a Program that Affirmatively Furthers Fair Housing and Promotes Housing Opportunities throughout the Community for Protected Classes (applies to housing elements beginning January 1, 2019). • Conduct an Assessment of Fair Housing,which includes a summary of fair housing issues, an analysis of available federal, state, and local data and local knowledge to identify fair housing issues, and an assessment of the contributing factors for the fair housing issues. • Prepare the Housing Element Land Inventory and Identification of Sites through the lens of Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing. To comply with AB 686, the City has completed the following outreach and analysis. Housing Element III-35 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Outreach As discussed in the Public Participation section of this Housing Element, the City held three community workshops during the Housing Element Update process (see Appendix A for outreach materials). The City made concerted efforts to reach all segments of the population for input into the Housing Element update. The first workshop was held with the Palm Desert Housing Authority Housing Commission on January 6, 2021. The Commissioners indicated that senior units were needed at affordable rents, and that the upcoming planning period seemed to be well planned for, given the projects that were moving forward. On January 21, 2021, a second workshop was held after inviting a mix of affordable housing developers,public agencies, interested parties and individuals via email. The City also sent formal invitations to 21 organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Community Housing Opportunities Corp., Lift to Rise, and the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, and advertised on the City's website and in the Desert Sun newspaper. The City provided accommodation for persons requiring hearing or visual assistance for the virtual workshop, although none was requested from participants. Seventeen (17) people attended and actively contributed with opinions and suggestions. Participants expressed strong support for the City's density increase to 40 units per acre. Affordable housing developers, including CVHC and CHOC, indicated a strong desire to work with the City on projects, and clearly expressed their concerns regarding the funding of projects, which require too many funding sources in recent years. The City concurs with developers' concerns about funding sources, and has included programs for projects in this Element where the City will leverage its land to help with private developers' funding applications. However, the Legislature's removal of housing set aside for affordable housing limits the City's participation in projects during the planning period, and the City has shifted its focus in programs to work with private parties to construct the required units. The City also held two City Council study sessions on March 25 and September 9, 2021. The City Council listened to a staff-led presentation, and asked questions about various projects and sites on the City's inventory. The focus of development in the University Park area for student and faculty housing for the future expansion of the universities in this area was considered a top priority. Assessment of Fair Housing California Government Code Section 65583 (10)(A)(ii)requires the City of Palm Desert to analyze areas of segregation, racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty, disparities in access to opportunity,and disproportionate housing needs,including displacement risk. The 2021 California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) Opportunity Areas are rated by a composite score of resource levels in the following aspects: access to effective educational opportunities for both children and adults, low concentration of poverty, low levels of environmental pollutants, and high levels of employment and close proximity to jobs, among others. High and highest resource areas are those with high index scores for a variety of educational, environmental,and economic indicators. These indicators include access to effective educational opportunities for both children and adults, low levels of environmental pollutants, high levels of employment and close proximity to jobs, and low concentration of poverty, among others. Housing Element III-36 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element According to Figure 1, 1 TCAC Opportunity Areas 2021 TCAC Opportunity Areas, , Highest Resource the majority of the City is High Resource considered "Highest 0 Moderate Resource(Rapidly Changing) g Cathedral Moderate Resource Resource" and the area just City Low Resource north of Hi hwa 111 and High Segregation a Poverty g y Thousand Palms Missingtlnsufficient Data three blocks north of Country City Boundaries Club Drive are considered "High Resource."TCAC and HCD did not designate any portion of the City of Palm Desert as a "Low Resource" area which typically have the - most limited access to all resources. Ina° D Areas of high segregation li and poverty are those that have an overrepresentation mcma of people of color compared to the County, and at least 30% of the population in these areas is below the federal poverty line ($26,500 111 Qumta annually for a family of four in 2021). There is no "High Santa Rosa San Jacinto Mountains Segregation and Poverty" National Monument area in or near the City of Palm Desert (Figure 1). The City prepared an Figure 1 Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) in 2017 in association with its receipt of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The AFH was based on data analysis, community participation, and input from public health, social service, and housing organizations. The AFH included analysis to identify trends and patterns over time and also compare the City to the regional level (including Riverside and San Bernardino Counties). The AFH identified no racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty(R/ECAPs)in Palm Desert since 1990. In the region,TCAC and HCD identified R/ECAPs in the cities of Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Indio and Coachella as well as the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. The 2017 AFH also found R/ECAPs in the cities of Victorville, San Bernardino, Riverside, Moreno Valley as well as the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. Integration and Segregation Patterns To assess patterns of segregation and integration, the City analyzed four characteristics: race and ethnicity, disability, income, and familial status. Housing Element III-37 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Race and Ethnicity - Diversity Index 2018 The diversity index was used to Thousand Palms Lower Diversity555 Cathedral compare the racial and ethnic City 570 Sy I.diversity within the City and °,F'' `$$Higher Diversity surrounding communities. ' cFRA„,rcc 0 Clty Boundaries Diversity Index scores range Arterial Streets from 0 to 100, where higher FRANK SINATRA scores indicate higher diversity among the measured groups. As ancho Mirage w o shown in Figure 2, Diversity aOUNTRVCL08 Index, there is a mosaic of d Desert o diversity index scores in the City, 11111 with higher diversity in the 3 middle and eastern portions of the ...—. k City, and lower diversity in the i imaiMI HI „..'" ,_ northern and southern portions. The area immediately east of the City in the census designated 1111 Indian Wells place of Bermuda Dunes has a higher diversity index score than anywhere within City limits. According to the 2015-2019 r American Community Survey, La Quinta over half (66%) of Palm Desert residents identify as white, non- Santa Rosa San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Hispanic, and 23.5% of the Springs population are of Hispanic or ar- lir Latino origin.In Bermuda Dunes, there is a slightly higher percentage(33.8%)of population I it i sure 2 that are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and a slightly lower percentage (58.5%) of white, non-Hispanic residents. In contrast, Thousand Palms, a census designated place immediately north of Palm Desert, has over half (51.3%) of its population of Hispanic or Latino origin and 46.7% white, non-Hispanic residents. While there are not any racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty in or near Palm Desert, there is potential for a diversity level gap to develop between the City and surrounding communities. Palm Desert sees a similar pattern of predominant population—white majority tracts —as the cities of Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells to the west and east of,respectively. The highest diversity index score in the surrounding communities is found in Bermuda Dunes (81.6), while areas with diversity index scores higher than 85 in the region are seen in the cities of Indio, Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, and Coachella as well as unincorporated Riverside County in the western and eastern Coachella Valley. Housing Element III-38 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Desert Willow Golf Resort, Median Income 2015-2019 located on the north side of I <$ ,000 �<$55 ,000 the City, has a median m <$97,100(HCD 2020 State Median Income) e Greater,000 than greater than < than$125,000 $125,000 (Figure 3). The IliMreseraCa =I City Boundaries resort also falls in Census s P Tract 449.19, which is identified to have 84.8% of white, non-Hispanic or Latino population. While HCD has not released an adjusted methodology for � cathedral City Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence (RCAA) for 1 TI\usand Palms California as of August ,SPings 2021, the national criteria - defined RCAA as census Rancho Mirage Desert tracts where 1) 80% or more - India of the population is white, 1.1 � and 2)the median household Indian C 3 'Iridio income is $125,000 or Coachella greater. Therefore, the Desert Willow Golf Resort p La Quints may have the potential to cod•hells qualify as an RCAA. According to the 2017 AFH, the City has a low Santa Rosa San Jacinto Mountains segregation level for each National Monument racial/ethnic group, Figure 3 compared to a moderate level of segregation for the bi-county (Riverside and San Bernardino) region. While there was an increase in the City's segregation level since 1990, it has remained in the low level category and the City became more balanced between 2000 and 2010. The City has established Programs 1.A through 1.0 to plan and implement affordable housing developments in highest and high resource areas. These programs can further promote a racially and ethnically integrated community. Disability In 2014, the percentage of the population with a disability was highest(25.2%) in the three blocks north of Country Club Drive,which comprise of Palm Desert Greens Country Club,Desert Willow Golf Resort, Desert Falls Country Club and Avondale Country Club. Areas north and south of these country clubs had the lowest percentages of population with a disability (below 9%). According to the 2015-2019 ACS, the areas with low percentages of population with a disability (under 10%) have shifted/expanded to some extent, although two blocks in the northeastern City corner have an increased percentage(20.4%) since 2014(13.3%),which comprise of Indian Ridge Country Club, Palm Desert Resort and Country Club, and Woodhaven Country Club. These Housing Element III-39 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element percentage and geographic distribution changes are limited, in that no tract has had higher than 30% population with a disability. The City has a no-fee application process for reasonable accommodation, and assisted more than double the disabled residents between 2014 and 2020 (from 91 to 188 residents) in Housing Authority owned properties. The City does not impose any restrictions or barriers to the organic changes/movements in the community and will continue to approve and assist housing developments for disabled residents (Program 5.B). Income The City also assessed the concentrations of households below the poverty line across the City to analyze access to adequate housing and jobs. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, there is a higher percentage of residents who fall below the poverty line ($26,500 for a family of four in 2021) in the central portions of the irPoverty Status 2015-2019 City, than to the south and Percent of Population whose annual income is below poverty level north. Generally,the central 111 I i`10% w—liook-20% City has seen an increase in m 20%-30% percentage of residents 30%-40% below the poverty line from ' —'40' 2014 to 2019. Certain areas Desert Elba , 0 City Boundaries 1 south of Highway 111 and A u_ Chaparral Country Club I. along the western City vile ry bounds have seen lower 411- percentages of residents 1 §11. below the poverty line from ■, - 2014 to 2019. As shown in Cathedral Table III-17, Vacancy .11 pit'' ■ çusanaim s Status — 2018, the City of II1kit Palm Desert has a vacancy {111iL 11116.61 rate of 10.7% for rental units and 6% for ownership J Rancho Mirage Desert units, which mayindicateIii � � .1111. ` Indio some excess supply in the .adlyliii _ rental market. A r al Indio■ Indian Wells ��-n Coachella Familial Status linil i The City of Palm Desert has La Quints areas with higher ' percentages (40%-60%) of - children in single female- Santa Rosa headed households along Nation-t Mgovcati ■ the western and eastern City Figure 4 boundaries. Most of these g areas have median income below the HCD 2020 State Median Income ($87,100), and along the western City boundary also overlap with a higher percentage(21.8%)of population below poverty level compared to other areas in the City. The City has higher concentrations (60%-80%) of households with children in the southern and eastern portions of the City, similar to the Housing Element III-40 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element geographical extent in the City of Rancho Mirage on the west but fewer than the cities of Indian Wells and La Quinta on the east. One such area near the southeastern City boundary has median income below the 2020 State Median Income. The City has a majority of two- to three-bedroom units (75.2%) according to the 2015-2019 ACS,which should be able to serve the needs of single- parent and family households with children. Assessment and Actions Given the factors considered above, there is no evidence of segregation based on disability in the City,but there may be segregation based on income and potentially familial status (single female- headed households with children) and opportunity to improve integration within Palm Desert and also across surrounding communities. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, Palm Desert has a relatively low concentration of lower income households in the Coachella Valley. The cities of Cathedral City, Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs to the west, the cities of Indio and Coachella as well as unincorporated areas in both western and eastern valley have areas with higher rates of households living below the poverty line. While incomes in certain areas of the City are lower,the entire City is not considered disadvantaged economically because the median income is above 80% of the statewide average ($59,977 in Palm Desert; $75,235 in California, 2015-2019 ACS). While existing affordable housing units are located throughout the City including the lower income areas, there may be potential demand for more affordable housing, especially along the Highway 111 corridor. Expanded housing options at a diversity of price-points can help encourage a more economically diverse community. However, as shown in Figure 5, Jobs Proximity Index, the City is rated with the closest proximity to employment opportunities (>80 rating), except for small portions on the southern and eastern boundary (60-80 rating). Because all lower income areas are rated "High Resource" or "Highest Resource" (Figure 1 TCAC Opportunity Areas) and with close proximity to employment opportunities(>60 rating),this suggests that access to opportunities should not be the driving factor behind the concentration of lower income households, but likely the type of jobs and housing available. The City is aware that the COVID-19 pandemic can disproportionally impact potentially disadvantaged residents, households and small businesses. The City of Palm Desert ran an Emergency Rental Assistance Program to assist market-rate rental properties impacted by the pandemic. Qualified households must meet certain requirements, including having experienced a loss of income directly related to the pandemic and earning less than 80% of the area median income. The program provides financial assistance in the form of rental arrears to rental properties for delinquent payments for April 2020 and/or beyond. Eligible rental properties include multi- family homes (2 units or more), single-family homes (attached or detached) and accessory dwelling units. The City estimates serving up to 60 qualified households with assistance up to $5,000 per rental unit, and intends the program as an economic recovery tool for rental property owners and a safety net for low- and moderate-income households. Housing Element 111-4 1 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element The City of Palm Desert in Jobs Proximity Index 2014-2017 conjunction with Coachella Cathedral <20(Furthest Proximity) Valley Economic �clty I I 20-40 Partnership and the I 40-60 I I 60-80 California Governor's <80(Closest Proximity) Office of Emergency 0 City Boundaries Services offers no-cost Personal Protective vumaidPai Equipment(e.g. face masks, face shields and hand Indio sanitizer) to Palm Desert Etrailo Mirage businesses. This program helps alleviate overhead costs for small businesses and ensure compliance with state guidelines for the safety of all. Access to Opportunity Y The TCAC Opportunity Areas (2021) designated for Palm Desert were reviewed by City staff For the Composite Score shown in Indian Wells Figure 1,the majority of the City is rated "Highest7 �QQufnla Resource", and an area just north of Highway 111, 11 along with five country i clubs in the northern City Santa Rosa atlon San Jacinumato Mountainsnl Figure 5 111 "'a�`I are rated "High Resource". atMon The individual scores for the economic, education and environmental domains were reviewed to identify any disparities in access to opportunity. Most of the "High Resource"areas are rated with a lower economic domain score(0.25-0.50),which indicates relatively less positive economic outcome. It is unclear why the area north of Highway 111 scores lower in the economic domain, as it contains the Westfield Shopping Mall and College of the Desert, which hosts regular farmer's markets and other activities. The majority of the City scores in the highest range for the education domain (>0.75), which indicates more positive education outcomes. The remaining areas score slightly lower(0.50- 0.75), which includes a primarily commercial area in the northwestern corner of Highway 111 corridor and the five country clubs that are rated"High Resource", as well as a portion of Bighorn Golf Club and Ironwood Country Club on the southern City boundary. The entire City scores in the highest range for the environmental domain (0.75-1), which indicates more positive environmental outcomes. Housing Element III-42 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element There is no transportation score on the HCD data portal. However, all the "High Resource" areas score in the highest range of Jobs Proximity Index(>80),which indicates closest proximity(Figure 5). The area north of Highway 111 is well served with multiple bus routes (Routes 1, 1X, 4, 5, 6) provided by SunLine Transit Agency. The five country clubs north of Country Club Drive have access to transit service, with bus stops in the area served by SunLine Routes 4 & 5. SunLine also provides the SunDial paratransit service, which is available within 3/4 of a mile on either side of a bus route for people who are functionally unable to use the fixed-route service either permanently or under certain conditions. The SunDial service covers the majority of the five country clubs and serves people with limited mobility. In summary,the City scores in mid-range and above for all individual and composite scores,except for the idiosyncrasy in economic domain score. There is no significant or obvious pattern of disparity in access to opportunity for City residents, including people with protected characteristics. This finding is consistent with the City's 2017 AFH,which contains an analysis of access to opportunity involving education,employment,transportation,poverty and environmental health, and found no significant disparities in terms of race/ethnicity or between different neighborhoods/census tracts. The 2017 AFH also determined that Palm Desert residents generally enjoy better access to opportunity compared to the regional level, including more proficient schools, a low poverty rate,higher proximity to jobs,higher labor force participation,better transit access and lower transportation costs, and better environmental health. Currently, affordable housing in Palm Desert is located in seven of the 18 census tracts that occur in the City. While there may be small clusters of affordable housing developments, it is important to note that the City is comprised of many country clubs with defined boundaries, which leave limited options for new housing developments. The City and its Housing Authority have managed to disperse affordable units throughout the City so that overall, they are not concentrated geographically. The residents of affordable housing units share the same access to opportunity as the occupants of market rate housing units.Affordable housing projects include Housing Authority owned family and senior apartments, Housing Authority owned or assisted ownership projects, privately developed and assisted ownership projects, and privately developed rental properties. There are a variety of affordable housing units in the central Highway 111 corridor south of Fred Waring Drive, including family apartments for very low to moderate income tenants such as Neighbors Garden Apartments (24 two-bedroom units), Laguna Palms (48 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units), Palm Village Apartments (36 two-bedroom units), Santa Rosa Apartments (20 two-bedroom units), Taos Palms (16 two-bedroom units), Carel Trust (1 two- bedroom apartment), and Candlewood Apartments (30 one- and two-bedroom units). There are also senior apartments for very low to moderate income tenants, including The Pueblos (15 one- bedroom units), Catalina Gardens (72 studio and one-bedroom units), River Run One (2 studio apartments), Legend Gardens (assisted living facility with 10 one-bedroom units), and Atria Palm Desert (assisted living facility with 5 one-bedroom units). Residents enjoy walking access to the various retail,restaurants, grocery and personal services in the Highway 111 corridor and El Paseo commercial district. Within a half-mile distance, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and Palm Desert Charter Middle School are located to the northeast, George Washington Charter School to the southeast, and Mirus Secondary School to the west. College of the Desert, the Palm Desert Branch Library, Civic Center Park and Palm Desert Aquatic Center are also located conveniently to the northwest within walking distance. Housing Element III-43 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Additional affordable family apartments for very low to moderate income ranges are located west of the College of the Desert near the Highway 111 corridor, including One Quail Place (384 one- and two-bedroom units)and Desert Pointe(64 studio,one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units). The Portola Palms Mobile Home Park is located nearby, in between City parks and public schools, and includes 23 mobile homes for very low and low income ranges. In the central part of City, there are several affordable family housing projects for very low to moderate income households: Hovley Gardens Apartments (162 two- to four-bedroom rental units), Falcon Crest (93 three and four-bedroom single-family homes), and La Rocca Villas (27 one-bedroom apartments). There are also 11 self-help homes restricted to lower income households. This area includes James Earl Carter Elementary School, the City of Palm Desert Hovley Soccer Park, medical offices, restaurants, and a range of service commercial stores. The Palm Desert High School is located within a mile to the south. SunLine Bus Route 5 serves the area with stops nearby on Cook Street. To the east of Palm Desert High School is Desert Rose, a single-family project with 161 three and four-bedroom units restricted to purchasers in the very low, low, and moderate-income categories. Facilities within the project include community recreation and daycare.Desert Rose residents have relatively close access to amenities and services in the Highway 111 corridor to the south. On the east side of the City,California Villas,located in the Palm Desert Country Club community, provides 141 one-bedroom units to very low to moderate income households. In the same neighborhood there is Villas on the Green, which consists of 76 studio, one, and two-bedroom units for persons over 55 years of age. Another senior housing project, Carlos Ortega Villas (72 one- and two-bedroom units) is located further east immediately south of a neighborhood commercial plaza. Both of these senior apartments are available for the very low to moderate income categories. Joe Mann Park is located just west of Carlos Ortega Villas, and Gerald R. Ford Elementary School is within walking distance to the south of California Villas. SunLine Bus Routes 6 & 7 serve the area with stops on Fred Waring Drive and Washington Street. Several other affordable housing projects are scattered on the north side of the City, including a senior apartment, Las Serenas Apartments (150 one- and two-bedroom units), and two family properties,The Vineyards(52 one and two-bedroom reserved units)and The Enclave(64 one,two, and three bedroom units). All three projects are available to very low, low and moderate income categories. Depending on location, these projects may not have access to bus service in the immediate area, but are within a one-mile radius of neighborhood-serving commercial developments including grocery shopping and restaurants. None of the currently affordable housing apartments in the City are at risk of losing affordability restrictions during or within 10 years of the planning period. There are 67 restricted ownership units built or rehabilitated by private parties that are at risk of converting to market rate housing. These include individually owned single-family homes and mobile homes throughout the City. The City is committed to extending covenants as described in Program 3.C. In addition to planned and pending affordable housing projects described in the Land Inventory (Tables III-47 & III-48) of this Housing Element, the City will establish a pilot program to encourage development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) as described in Program 1.G, in an effort to expand housing choices in the highest resource areas. Housing Element III-44 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Disproportionate Housing Need and Displacement Risk As discussed under Existing Housing Stock(Table III-18), overcrowding is not a significant issue in the City of Palm Desert. As of the 2014-2018 ACS, only 4.0% of households in the City are considered overcrowded,with a higher percentage of renter households(8.0%, or 741 households) experiencing overcrowding. Among owners, 1.5 percent of households (218 households) experience overcrowding. A comparison to cost burden and severe cost burden based on 2010-2014 data in the AFH to 2013- 2017 data (Table III-43) shows that the percentage of cost burdened households dropped significantly for both renters and owners. However, nearly half (48.2%) of renters experience overpayment. The median Overpayment by Renters 2015.2019 rent ($1,260, Table III-44) i<20% in Palm Desert would result 40%-60% 0^i- 0�i in a 4-person households mi 60%-80% esert with very low income — DSpringss.. 80% ($37,650, Table III-42) to o City Boundaries overpay. As the 2013-2017 CHAS shows in Table III- 43, 72.7% of all lower- \ - income households in Palm Desert pay at least 30% of their income toward — Cathedral housing costs; among them, City 111111 - Thousand Also 67.8% of lower-income Gdb Springs owner households are I� overpaying and 77.0% lower-income renter Rancho Mirage Palm Desert households are overpaying. I indso However, as shown in Figure 6, overpayment �� by Indian Wells renters in 2019 was not a Coachella unique situation in Palm Desert, rather it is a chronic La Quinta issue to be addressed both amalm locally and regionally. Regionally, overpayment Sa Figure 6 '"rains among renters tends to be higher in the western and eastern Coachella Valley, including the cities of Desert Hot Springs and Coachella and unincorporated areas of Riverside County. The City is in a generally similar but slightly better situation compared to the region. For example, a much lower percentage (9.18%) of the City's family households with fewer than five persons experience severe housing cost burden compared to the Region's(18.78%), and no Native American households in the City had severe housing cost Housing Element III-45 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element L burdens while 19.53% of the Overpayment by Home Owners 2015-2019 Region's households did. <2o% The City of Palm Desert sees zo°ro-ao% �40%-60% a similar extent of renter 60%.80% overpayment to the cities of p -'80% Rancho Mirage, Cathedral Desert Springs Hot 0 City Boundaries City, Palm Springs and Indio,but more overpayment than the cities of Indian Wells and La Quinta. In the Coachella Valley, overpayment among owners ` is less prevalent compared to cathedral renters. Most of the valley City IN Thousand Palms 16. saw fewer than 60% of owners experience Palm Springs overpayment in 2019, including the entire City of Rancho Mirage Palm Desert Palm Desert. Certain Indio portions of the City have fewer than 40% of owners - Indian wells 'Indio overpaying for housing. Jr% 1 Coachella Overpayment increases the risk of displacement for residents who can no longer Coachella afford their housing costs. The City has included all the Santa c i&N Mountains programs under Goals 1 & 2 to carry out planned affordable housing projects Figure 7 and preserve and maintain existing affordable units.The City also aims to ensure adequate Section 8 housing assistance through outreach to the County Housing Authority. In addition to overpayment, over half(63.6%) of the housing stock in Palm Desert is older than 30 years,with approximately 11.4%over 50 years old. Older houses often require some type of repair or rehabilitation, and the cost of such repairs can be prohibitive, which makes the owner or renter live in unhealthy, substandard housing conditions or get displaced if the house is designated as uninhabitable and the owner does not complete repairs. However, older homes, particularly those built during the mid-century period in the City are sought after, and are more likely to be conserved. The City refers lower income households to SCE's HVAC replacement program, averaging about 7 referrals annually when replacement of HCAC units is required. The City also runs a Home Improvement Program (HIP) to assist lower-income households with home repairs depending on funding availability. While only the Emergency Grant Component is currently funded, the City will consider CDBG funds to allow more participants in the HIP, especially for Housing Element III-46 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element the units identified as lacking adequate kitchen and plumbing facilities (Program 2.A). The City will continue to provide program materials in languages other than English, as needed (see Program 11.A). Homelessness According to the 2019 Homeless Point-In-Time (PIT) Count for Riverside County, there were 23 unsheltered homeless individuals in Palm Desert (see Table III-31). The City participates in CVAG's Homelessness Initiative and the previous Homelessness Strategic Plan, and contributes over$100,000 annually to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments(CVAG)for regional homelessness services. The City permits homeless shelters in the Service Industrial (SI) zone and transitional and supportive housing in all residential zones. Program 5.D commits the City to bring its Zoning Ordinance in compliance with AB 101 for Low Barrier Navigation Center requirements on homeless shelters, and AB 139 for parking requirements at homeless shelters. Mortgage Loan Indicators Data related to home loan applications is made available annually through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, through the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA). The data is organized by census tracts rather than local jurisdictions, and thus the following analysis is based on census tracts located entirely within the City of Palm Desert (451.14, 451.15, 451.16, 451.19, 449.29, 449.30, 449.19, 449.22, 449.27, 445.20, 514). Among first mortgage loan applications originated in Palm Desert in 2020, 76.4% were made to white applicants. For 16.3% of loans issued, race data was not available. Among first mortgage loan applications originated in Palm Desert in 2020, Asian(101, 3.2%),Black or African American(50, 1.6%),American Indian or Alaska Native(11, 0.3%) and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (3, 0.1%) homebuyers received a small percentage of total mortgage loans. These percentages are lower than the corresponding race distribution of Palm Desert for white, Asian, and Black or African American groups. Considering the 16.3% of loans with unavailable data on race and geographical area covered in the analysis, the pattern is consistent with the City-wide race distribution. HMDA data combines data on Hispanic or Latino identity within other race categories; approximately 5.6% (180) of 3,199 loan applications that were originated went to borrowers identifying as Hispanic or Latino.The majority (447, 74.4%) of the 601 first mortgage loan applications that were denied were denied to white applicants (including 32 borrowers that also identified as Hispanic or Latino). Twenty (3.3%) applications were denied to Asian borrowers, nine (1.5%) were denied to borrowers identified as Black or African American, and two (0.3%) were denied to borrowers identified as American Indian or Alaska Native. The racial distribution in denied applications are proportional to that in originated loan applications and is considered consistent with the City-wide race distribution. In 2019, the origination rate to white applicants was marginally higher than in 2020, with 77.9% of the 1,783 first mortgage loans originated for home purchases going to white residents. Black (1.1 percent, or 19 loans) and Asian (3.4%, or 60 loans) residents had about the same share of loans originated in 2019 as compared to 2020. The origination rates for American Indian or Alaska Native (0.3%, or 5 loans) and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander(0.1%, or 2 loans) groups in 2019 were the same as in 2020. Race data was not available for 15.1% of first mortgage loans originated. Of the 402 first mortgage loans that were denied in 2019, 72.6% were denied to white applicants (292 loans, including 24 borrowers that also identified as Hispanic or Latino). Eight applications were denied to Asian borrowers, four each were denied to borrowers identified as Housing Element III-47 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Black or African American and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and two were denied to American Indian or Alaska Native borrowers.Approximately 6.1%of loans originated and 8.5% of loans denied were for applicants who identify as Hispanic or Latino,though these loans are also counted within other race categories. As described in Programs 4.A and 11.A, the City will strive to ensure equal access to lending programs for people in all segments of the population and prevent any discriminatory practices based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. Enforcement and Outreach Capacity The City complies with fair housing laws and regulation and enforces fair housing through periodical review of City policies and code for compliance with State law and investigation of fair housing complaints. In 2017, the City prepared an Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) in association with its receipt of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The City is set to meet housing element deadlines through efforts from both staff and consultants,and also update zoning laws and policies to ensure compliance with fair housing law upon adoption of the Housing Element update. The City has included an action in Program 9.A to update its Zoning Ordinance for density bonus requirements set forth in AB 2345.Program 8.A requires the City to maintain the Housing Overlay District and ADU standards in the Zoning Ordinance, and Program 1.G will create a pilot program to encourage accessory dwelling units dedicated as affordable units. Within a year of the Housing Element adoption, the City will ensure that the Zoning Code and land use policies comply with state laws and policies to allow a variety of housing types to serve all needs, encourage patterns of integration, and provide accommodations for protected classes. In addition to zoning and development standards, fair housing issues can also arise from rental, lending and purchase of housing including discriminatory behaviors by landlords, lenders,and real estate agents. Typical issues include refusal to grant reasonable accommodation requests or allow service animals, selective showing of property listings based on familial status, sex, religion, or other protected class, and more. The City complies with fair housing law on investigating such complaints by referring interested and concerned parties to Fair Housing Council of Riverside County(FHCRC). FHCRC is a non-profit organization approved by HUD that fights to protect the housing rights of all individuals and works with government offices to ensure fair housing laws are upheld. FHCRC services include anti-discrimination outreach and investigation, mediation of landlord-tenant disputes, credit counseling and pre-purchase consulting, first-time homebuyer workshops, and foreclosure prevention/loan modification services. Between Fiscal Years 2007/08 and 2015/16, a total of 152 housing discrimination complaints were filed by Palm Desert residents at the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County (FHCRC). The majority (59.9%) were on the basis of disability, followed by 14.5% on the basis of race and 6.6% on the basis of familial status (other categories each represented 5.3% or less of the total). FHCRC provided counseling related to lending discrimination for the City's 2017 AFH. The AFH found that the census tracts with the highest loan denial rates (449.19 and 451.24) had low percentages of minority populations (10.7%). FHCRC's comprehensive audit on rental, sales and lending in 2013 did not have specific findings to Palm Desert,but did indicate that discrimination occurred on the basis of race and national origin during the loan application process and sale and rental housing in Riverside County. Housing Element III-48 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element HUD's Region IX Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) provided case records for Palm Desert in July 2021. Fifteen fair housing cases were filed with their office during the previous planning period, with seven based on disability, four based on familiar status, three on retaliation, two on religion and one each based on race/sex/national origin. Note that three of the cases were filed on multiple bases. Six of these cases were closed due to no cause determination, and one case remains open. Seven cases were closed with successful conciliation/settlement for issues such as refusal to rent, discriminatory advertising/acts/terms and conditions, or failure to make reasonable accommodation. All but two of these cases were handled through the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP), in which HUD funds state and local agencies that administer fair housing laws that HUD has determined to be substantially equivalent to the Fair Housing Act. The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is the only certified agency for FHAP in California. Because state law has more protected classes than federal law,DFEH may have additional case records. A request was made in July to DFEH,but they were not able to provide data as of September 27, 2021. FHCRC and DFEH did not provide additional location details for cases either because they do not track the geographic origin of complaints or due to confidentiality concerns. The City continues to work with agencies and local organizations to affirmatively further fair housing through information dissemination, outreach and referral (Programs 4.A and 11.A). Sites Inventory The City examined the opportunity area map prepared by HCD and TCAC (Figure 1). The opportunity area map designates the majority of the City as"Highest Resource", and the remaining as "High Resource", which indicate areas whose characteristics have been shown by research to support positive economic, educational, and health outcomes for low-income families— particularly long-term outcomes for children. The City extends into the Santa Rosa Mountains in the south, and much of the area near the southern City boundary is designated as Open Space on the General Plan and not available for development. The City is primarily built out, and future housing development will occur as mainly infill projects and on the north side of the City which has larger vacant parcels. Using the statewide opportunity area map, local knowledge, and indicators of segregation, displacement risk, and access to opportunity as overlays to the City's vacant land inventory, the City was able to identify sufficient sites for affordable units in Palm Desert's sixth cycle inventory (See Land Inventory section of this Housing Element and Table III-47) in areas identified by TCAC/HUD as either "Highest Resource" or "High Resource" with the highest Jobs Proximity Index scores. As noted, there is no area of identified segregation in or near Palm Desert, and sites in the inventory are located in areas ranging from lowest to highest diversity ratings (Figure 2). However, some of the sites along the Highway 111 corridor are in areas with lower median incomes (<$55,000) and a slightly higher percentage of population below poverty level (<30%) and overpayment for housing. As shown in the inventory map associated with Table III-47, the sites identified for the inventory are located in different parts of the City in various zoning districts and dispersed to the extent possible with available lands,which will encourage a mix of household types across the City. Most of the sites identified for this Housing Element, primarily those located along the Highway 111 Housing Element III-49 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element corridor,will result in small-lot development and housing affordable to lower-income households. Above moderate income units are expected to be market-driven, single-family homes traditionally built in the City (see Table I1I-48). The above moderate income projects are located throughout the City, many of which are near affordable housing sites or part of the same project as affordable units (see map next to Table 11I-48). The vacant sites that are zoned suitably for multiple income categories are typically found on the central and north sides of the City,where larger vacant parcels are available for mixed-income projects which combat potential segregation and concentration of poverty by providing a variety of housing types to meet the needs of residents in these areas. Many sites identified for affordable housing are located along the Highway 111 corridor, which offers a variety of resources and amenities. Multiple bus routes serve the area,which provide local and regional connectivity in the City, Coachella Valley and Riverside County. The Highway 111 corridor area features walkable streets and neighborhoods, and provides walking access to retail, restaurants, grocery and personal services. Several elementary and middle schools are located nearby, as well as a community college and public facilities such as library and aquatic center. These future housing sites affirmatively further fair housing through their close proximity to jobs, neighborhood retail and services, education and transit, all of which can reduce the overall cost of living for lower-income households. The stores, restaurants and offices in both the Highway 111 and El Paseo commercial districts provide varied job opportunities. The City analyzed environmental constraints, including wildfire zones, 100-year flood zone, and 500-year flood zone, and confirmed that none of the sites identified are within or near any identified hazard zones. The sites identified in the vacant land inventory are not at risk of any environmental hazards. Evidence provided by the HUD tables and maps reveal there are no disparities in access to environmentally healthy neighborhoods. When compared with the Region, the City residents scored much higher. The City ranged from 53.59 for Whites to 62.28 for Asians. This is a much narrower range than the Region and demonstrates there are no significant differences in labor market access experienced by the different racial and ethnic populations living in Palm Desert. Contributing Factors Discussions with community organizations, government agencies, affordable housing developers, and the assessment of fair housing issues identified several factors that contribute to fair housing issues in Palm Desert, including: • Lack of affordable, accessible units in a range of sizes: Families with children and disabled people have a high need for affordable housing. • Lack of access to opportunity due to high housing costs including rising rents: Severe cost burdens greatly reduce the income available to meet other family needs including food, childcare,and medical expenses. This contributing factor also impacts households with one or more disabled member. Housing Element III-50 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element • Housing production out of balance with housing demand: New housing is needed to meet the housing needs of all income groups and fair housing protected classes. • Housing discrimination during the lending process Based on this assessment, most of these contributing factors can be attributed to a common issue of limited options and supply. The City identified three goals to further housing equity in Palm Desert: 1)preservation of affordability of housing units that could convert to market rate housing, 2) increasing the number of affordable units for families with children and people with disabilities or other special needs, 3) increasing awareness among residents of housing discrimination and how to file complaints with local, state and federal agencies. These goals target all contributing factors to fair housing issues identified above, and are incorporated into the Goals, Policies, and Programs section. Programs 4.A and 11.A focuses on information dissemination to all segments of the City population for affirmatively furthering fair housing and combating discrimination. Additionally, the City has incorporated meaningful actions that address disparities in housing needs and in access to opportunity for all groups protected by state and federal law, through preservation and new development of affordable housing and encouraging a variety of housing products including accessory dwelling units. (See Programs 1.A-G, 2.A, 2.B, 3.B-D) AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS The Palm Desert Housing Authority owns and operates approximately 1,114 rental housing units, and private developers own and operate approximately 319 rental units. An additional 227 units are anticipated. Additionally, the Housing Authority has assisted first-time lower income homebuyers in purchasing 301 ownership properties. Each development is described below. Palm Desert Housing Authority Owned and Assisted Rental Properties The Housing Authority owns eight (8) multi-family apartment complexes and seven (7) senior apartment complexes that provide affordable housing for lower income residents. Each of these complexes is described below. Combined, there are a total of approximately 1,114 affordable rental units that are Housing Authority owned and assisted. The number and mix of units and households fluctuates based on occupancy and turnover. The following breakdown is based on occupied units in January, 2021. Family Apartments: • One Quail Place provides 384 units, including 156 one-bedroom and 228 two-bedroom apartments, available to lower income ranges. There are 220 very low, 113 low, and 39 moderate income households currently living in the complex. • Desert Pointe is a 64-unit complex with 34 studio, 24 one-bedroom, and 6 two-bedroom units which currently house 38 very low-income households, 15 low-income households, and 8 moderate income household. Housing Element III-51 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element • Neighbors Garden Apartments has a total of 24 two-bedroom units, 15 of which are rented by very low-income households, 6 of which are low-income tenants, and 2 are rented to moderate income tenants. • Taos Palms provides 16 two-bedroom units to 10 very low, 4 low income households and 2 moderate income tenants. • California Villas is a 141-unit project which provides one-bedroom units to 90 very low, 35 low and 10 moderate income households. • Laguna Palms provides 48 units which include 4 studios, 18 one-bedroom, and 26 two- bedroom units to 30 very low income, 10 low income, and 6 moderate income tenants. • Palm Village Apartments provides 36 two-bedroom apartments. The property includes 20 very low income, 13 low income, and 2 moderate income tenants. • Santa Rosa Apartments provides 20 two-bedroom units to 13 very low income, 6 low income, and 1 moderate income tenants. Senior Apartments: • The Pueblos includes 15 one-bedroom units for 12 very low and 3 low income senior households. • Catalina Gardens provides 72 units, including 48 studio units and 24 one-bedroom apartments to 66 very low, 4 low, and 2 moderate income senior households. • Las Serenas Apartments has 150 units, including 100 one-bedroom and 50 two-bedroom units rented to 118 very low-income, 23 low-income, and 8 moderate-income seniors. • Candlewood Apartments provides a total of 30 units, including 26 one-bedroom units and 4 two-bedroom units to 22 very low, 5 low income and 3 moderate income senior households. • La Rocca Villas includes 27 one-bedroom apartments and houses 21 very low income, 4 low income and 2 moderate income residents. • Carlos Ortega Villas provides a total of 72 units, including 64 one-bedroom and 8 two- bedroom units, for 47 very low income, 22 low income, and 2 moderate income residents. Palm Desert Housing Authority and City Assisted Ownership Projects The Palm Desert Housing Authority and City provide financial assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers with down payment monies needed to secure financing toward the purchase of a new home in the Authority's housing developments. • Desert Rose, a 161-unit single-family project,was developed in 1994. The three and four- bedroom units are restricted for a period of up to 45 years to purchasers in the very low, low, and moderate-income categories. Facilities within the project include community recreation and daycare. Housing Element I1I-52 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element • Falcon Crest provides 93 three and four-bedroom single-family homes for 13 low and 80 moderate income households. The project was completed in 2007 and 2008 and includes resale restrictions for a 45-year time period. Privately Developed and Assisted Ownership Projects The City and Palm Desert Housing Authority have provided various incentives to developers that dedicate units as affordable and carry affordability restrictions. • The Rebecca Road and San Marino Homes were part of the Acquisition Rehabilitation Resale program. Three (3) single-family homes were rehabilitated and resold with resale restrictions for low and moderate income households. • Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC) constructed a total of 11 self-help homes restricted to very low and low income households, that purchased the homes through low interest loans and sweat-equity programs. • Habitat for Humanity constructed 11 single-family homes, which are restricted to very low-income households that were purchased through low interest loans and sweat-equity programs. • Building Horizons homes were built as part of a vocational high school program, and provide 2 single-family homes for low-income households,with 30-year resale restrictions. • Portola Palms Mobile Home Park includes 23 mobile homes, 16 of which are very low income, and 7 of which are low income. The project includes resale restrictions for 30 years. • The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) was used to assist homeowners in the purchase of two (2) single-family properties. Privately Developed Rental Properties The City has provided various incentives to developers that dedicate units as affordable and carry affordability restrictions. Family Properties: • Hovley Gardens Apartments is a private project which received Agency assistance and tax credits, and constructed 162 two,three and four-bedroom rental units available to very low and low income households. • The Vineyards, which consists of a total of 260 units, includes 52 one and two-bedroom units reserved for very low, low and moderate income households. The units were created through the City's density bonus program and the Agency has an option to purchase affordability of an additional 52 units in the future. Housing Element III-53 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element • The Enclave, which consists of a total of 320 units,includes 64 one,two,and three bedroom units reserved for very low, low and moderate income households. The units were created through the City's density bonus program. • The Carel family has 1 two-bedroom apartment available to lower income residents. • L&T Development Company on Catalina Way includes 4 one-bedroom units for residents with low incomes. Senior Properties: • Atria Palm Desert, an assisted living facility, includes 5 one-bedroom apartments for residents with very low incomes. • Bernard on Catalina Way includes 4 studio apartments restricted to low and moderate income residents. • Legend Gardens is an assisted living facility that includes 10 one-bedroom apartments for residents with very low and low income levels. • River Run One includes 2 studio apartments for residents with very low and low incomes. • Villas on the Green, which consists of a total of 76 units, includes 15 studio, one, and two- bedroom units for persons over 55 years of age in the very low, low and moderate income categories. The units were created through the City's density bonus program. Affordable Housing Units Built During the 2014-2021 Planning Period • Carlos Ortega Villas, a Palm Desert Housing Authority rental property described above, was built in 2015.It includes 72 affordable senior units and incorporates a variety of energy efficient design concepts, including passive heating and cooling, solar panels to generate electricity, solar thermal panels for heating water, and water-efficient landscaping and plumbing fixtures, with the long-term goal of having net zero energy usage. • The City secured an agreement with the Legend Gardens assisted living facility for 10 one- bedroom apartments for residents with very low and low income levels. CONSTRAINTS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOUSING This section of the Housing Element analyzes the governmental, environmental, physical and economic constraints associated with the development of housing.These constraints can take many forms, but generally increase the cost of providing housing, which can have a potentially significant impact on affordable housing development. Housing Element III-54 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Governmental Constraints Permit Processing Palm Desert has historically provided expeditious processing for planning entitlements. The City encourages the concurrent processing of applications and can complete the entitlement process on most projects in three to six months, depending on the approving body and the complexity of the application. The City requires tract map review and approval for all single-family home tracts and a precise plan for multi-family projects, both of which can be processed concurrently with any other permit that might be required. For either, the review process is a simple analysis that assures that the project's design meets the requirements of the zone in which it occurs. Applications, when complete, are circulated to other City departments for comments. The project is then reviewed by the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) and approved by the Planning Commission. The ARC provides technical review of the proposal, including the provision of parking, trash enclosures and similar standards,and reviews the landscaping plans for water efficiency. The ARC meetings are public, but are not noticed hearings. ARC review is scheduled within two to three weeks of an application being found complete,and usually precedes Planning Commission hearing by three to four weeks. The ARC provides recommendations to the Planning Commission, which takes action on Precise Plan applications. Public notice and mailings are made 10 days prior to a Planning Commission hearing. The findings needed for approval of either a tract map or precise plan pertain to the project's consistency with State law; the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance; public health and safety; and the site's physical ability to accommodate the project. The findings focus on General Plan and Zoning consistency, are not subjective and do not pose a constraint to development. The average processing time for a typical application is 4 to 6 months,including the recently approved Montage single family homes,which received approval in 6 months,which is generally consistent with most Valley cities, and does not represent a constraint. The City also has a building permit streamlining process, for a fee, and allows "at risk" building permit applications, which can be submitted immediately following ARC review, and prior to Planning Commission approval. The City has not received any requests for streamlined processing under SB 35, and to date has relied on the requirements of law should an SB 35 project be proposed. In order to encourage development of affordable housing under SB 35, Program 1.H has been added to require the establishment of an SB 35 streamlining process within the first year of the planning period. Individual single-family homes do not require a public hearing and are approved by the Planning Department as part of the usual building plan checking process. Building permits are processed, generally in one to four months. Development of residential projects under the City's recent General Plan update have been consistent with the densities allowed under the Land Use Map. The City's processes are not a constraint to the provision of affordable housing. Housing Element III-55 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Application Fees The City posts current fees and exactions that are applicable to proposed housing development projects on the City's website, consistent with Government Code §65940.1(a)(1)(A). Table III-21, below,illustrates typical permit fees for a hypothetical single-family subdivision and an apartment project. Each fee is described in detail in subsequent sections of the Housing Element. The table is not meant to be exhaustive, but provides a general representation of typical development fees. Total fees for a 32-unit subdivision are estimated at approximately $19,04-131 per unit, 63% of which ($11,908) are impact fees which are not controlled by the City. Total fees for a 32-unit apartment complex are estimated at$7,4198 589 per unit, 73%of which($5,487)are non-City fees. For an affordable housing apartment project with an average per unit cost of$208,200 per unit, the City's fees represent 3.6% of the cost of that unit, and are not a constraint to development. Furthermore, the City has the ability to waive fees for affordable housing projects, with the exception of fees not imposed by the City such as MSHCP fees,which further reduce the cost. The City's development fees are not an impediment to the provision of housing. Table III-21 Typical Permit Fees for Housing Developments in Palm Desert Typical Fees 32 Unit 32 Unit Apartment Fee Type Subdivision' Project2 City Fees: Planning Department: Tentative Tract Map $3,308 n/a Tentative Parcel Map n/a $1,203 Environmental Assessment $276 $276 Precise Plan $2,894 $2,894 Public Works Department3: Grading Plan Check $3,023 $853 Subdivision Precise Grading Plan Check $3,500 n/a SWPPP/NPDES Plan Check $176 $176 PM10 Plan Check $78 $78 Signing and Striping Plan Check $1,110 $1,110 Traffic Signal Plan Check $1,480 $1,480 Signalization Impact Fee $1,600 $1,600 Drainage Impact Fee(location dependent) $1,500 $1,500 WQMP Fee(deposit) $3,700 $3,700 Building and Safety Department: Plan Check $46,080 $8,512 Inspection $72,960 $9,120 Permit Issuance $105 $105 New Construction Fee $25,600 $12,160 Fire Facilities Fee(location dependent) $22,688 $5,824 Art in Public Places Fee $41,080 $16,656 Subtotal, City Fees: $228,264 $64,353 Non-City Fees: Strong Motion Implementation Program(SMIP)Fee $2,136 $866 Multi-Species Habitat Conserv. Plan(MSHCP)Fee $43,872 $8,128 Housing Element III-56 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-21 Typical Permit Fees for Housing Developments in Palm Desert Typical Fees 32 Unit 32 Unit Apartment Fee Type Subdivision' Project2 Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) $73,920 $42,560 Desert Sands Unified School District(DSUSD)Fee $261,120 $124,032 Subtotal,Non-City Fees: $381,048 $175,586 Total Cost: $609,312612,206 $239,939242,833 Total Cost Per Unit: $19,041131 $7,498589 1 Assumes a 10-acre subdivision(4 du/ac+2 addl.acres),32 single-family dwelling units.Each unit is 2,000 square feet and valued at$513,498(average value from Table III-14). 2 Assumes a 2-acre parcel with 32-unit multi-family apatliuent complex.Each unit is 950 square feet and valued at$208,200 (average value from Table I11-14). 3 Does not include Half Street and Full Street Improvement Plan Check or Storm Drain Plan Check which are based on project-specific linear feet. Table III-22, below, identifies the City's current(2021) Community Development/Planning fees for processing applications and permits. They have not increased since 2012 and are not considered a constraint to the development of affordable housing in the City. Table III-22 Community Development/Planning Fee Schedule, 2021 Permit Type Fee General Plan Amendment/Change of Zone $2,007 Architectural Review (single family) $226 Conditional Use Permit or Precise Plan $2,894 Environmental Assessment $276 Tentative Tract Map $3,308 Tentative Parcel Map $1,203 Source:"Community Development/Planning Fee Schedule,"Resolution 2012-37,City of Palm Desert,June 14,2012. General Plan and Zoning Ordinance Constraints The residential districts of the Land Use Element allow a broad range of densities for all types of development: • Rural Neighborhood allows 0.05 to 1 units per acre • Golf Course & Resort Neighborhood allows up to 8 units per acre • Conventional Suburban Neighborhood allows 3 to 8 units per acre • Small Town Neighborhood allows 3 to 10 units per acre • Town Center Neighborhood allows 7 to 40 units per acre The General Plan also allows residential uses in Commercial designations: • Resort& Entertainment District allows up to 10 units per acre Housing Element III-57 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element • Regional Retail District allows 10 to 15 units per acre • Suburban Retail Center allows 10 to 15 units per acre • Neighborhood Center allows 10 to 15 units per acre • City Center/Downtown allows 12 to 40 units per acre The City's Zoning designations parallel the General Plan and include: • Hillside Planned Residential District (HPR) (maximum 0.2 du/ac) • Estate Residential District(R-E) (0.5 to 1 du/ac) • Single-Family/Mobile Home District(R-1-M) (4 to 7 du/ac) • Single-Family District(R-1) (2 to 8 du/ac) • Mixed Residential District(R-2) (3 to 10 du/ac) • Multifamily Residential District(R-3) (7 to 40 du/ac) • Planned Residential District(PR) (4 to 40 du/ac) Density Bonus The Zoning Ordinance also includes density bonus provisions, incentives and concessions, housing overlays, and flexible development standards where applicable. Section 25.34.040 establishes eligibility criteria and general provisions for density bonuses.The number of additional dwelling units entitled depends on the number of very low, low, and moderate income units and senior units provided in the development, with a maximum increase of 35%. Additional concessions, such as reductions in development standards, may be approved, and special provisions are available for development of a childcare facility or donation of land to the City. Effective January 1, 2021, AB 2345 amends the state's Bonus Density Law to increase the maximum density bonus from 35%to 50% for projects that provide at least: 1) 15% of total units for very low income households, 2) 24% of total units for low income households, or 3) 44% of total for-sale units for moderate income households. AB 2345 also decreases the threshold of set- aside low income units required to qualify for concessions or incentives, and decreases the number of parking spaces required for 2 and 3-bedroom units. Density bonus projects within '/2 mile of a major transit stop may also qualify for reduced parking requirements. Program 9.A directs the City to amend the Zoning Ordinance to assure compliance with AB 2345. Housing Overlays The Senior Housing Overlay (SO) allows flexibility in density and development standards to reflect the unique requirements of persons over the age of 55. The SO allows for reductions in parking standards, and calculates units based on population per acre, rather than units per acre, to allow greater flexibility in the development process. In 2020, the City replaced the former Medium/High Density Housing Overlay District with the Housing Overlay District (HOD) to incentivize the development of new housing units at affordable rents. The HOD provides optional, flexible development standards, density bonuses, design criteria, and parking reductions for the development of a wide variety of housing products which provide a minimum of 20% of all units at income-restricted rents, or at least one unit for smaller residential projects. It also eliminates the public hearing requirements and waives City plan check/inspection fees and potentially other fees. The HDO was applied to all Housing Authority parcels and privately owned parcels listed in Table III-47, Vacant Land Inventory. Housing Element III-58 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Residential Development Standards The development standards in the Zoning Ordinance are also not restrictive, as shown in Table III-23, below. Table III-23 Residential Zoning District Development Standards Zoning District* R-E3 R-13 >10,000s Standard f R-2 R-3 R-1-M1 HPR PR5 >1 ac >15,000s but <10,000s 4 f <15,000s f f Units/Acre 1-2 2-3 3-4 5-8 3-10 7-40 7 1/5 ac 4-40 Lot Size, 40,000 15,000 10,000 8,000 3,500 3,000 20 ac/ minimum sf sf sf sf sf sf 5,000 sf Lot Size, 14,999 9,999 maximum 1 ac No max sf sf No No No max --- max max Lot Width, minimum 150' 90' 90' 70' 50' 40' 500' --- Lot Depth, minimum 200' 125' 100' - --- --- --- --- Lot Coverage, maximum 30% 35%2 35%2 35%2 60% 75% --- 10% 50% Setback 30/10/5 25/15/20 20/8/20 20/5/15 12/5/1 10/8/1 20/10/1 -/-/- -/-/-8 Front/Side 0 5 0 0 Rear Parking 2/unit9 2/unit9 2/unit9 2/unit9 2/unit9 2/unit9 2/unit9 2/unit 2/unit 9 9 Building 15' (18' 15' 15' 15' Height, ARC)7 (18' (18' (18' max ARC)7 ARC)7 ARC) 30' 40' 18' --- 40' Group usable open space/du, --- --- --- --- --- 300 sf --- --- --- minimum *Residential development is allowed in all Commercial zones 1-7 Notes are provided in Zoning Ordinance Table 25.10-3. 8.Established in Precise Plan. 9.Except in HOD,where Studios and One Bedrooms are 1.5/unit. ARC=Architectural Review Commission Source:City of Palm Desert Zoning Ordinance,Table 25.10-3 The City's development standards allow for two story development in the R-1 district (lot size <10,000 sf), 2.5 stories in the R-2 district, and 3 stories in the R-3 and PR districts. Common area requirements in the R-3 and PR zones are also typical of desert cities and allow for clustering of units to allow for common area amenities. Even with imposition of the City's development Housing Element III-59 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element standards,and assuming a unit size of 1,000 square feet,with two parking spaces per unit and 40% open space, densities in excess of 22 units per acre could be achieved. Therefore, the City's development standards are not a constraint on the development of housing. Accessory Dwelling Units The Zoning Ordinance was updated in 2020 to comply with new state legislation pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units(ADUs)and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units(JADUs). An ADU is an attached or detached residential unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence; it also includes efficiency units and manufactured homes. A JADU is no greater than 500 square feet in size, contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family structure, including its own sanitation facilities or shares them with the single-family structure, and includes an efficiency kitchen. ADUs and JADUs are permitted on any lot in a residential or mixed use zone, with the exception of the Hillside Planned Residential (HPR) zone, and are also permitted in the Public/Institutional zone. As shown in the following table,between 2014 and 2020, a total of 162 ADU building permits were issued(average of 23 ADUs per year). Table III-24 ADU Building Permits, 2014-2020 Year No. of Permits Issued 2014 26 2015 19 2016 27 2017 26 2018 21 2019 19 2020 24 Total: 162 Short-term Rental Ordinance Section 5.10.050 of the Municipal Code defines short-term rental (STR)units as privately-owned residential dwellings rented for dwelling, lodging, or sleeping purposes for a period of less than 27 consecutive days. STRs are allowed in the RE (Residential Estate), HPR (Hillside Planned Residential), R3 (Residential Multiple Family) except for apartment units, and PR (Planned Residential) only within a Homeowners Association that allows for STRs with written approval. Homeowners are required to obtain a STR permit and collect transient occupancy taxes (TOT) at a rate of 11% of the rent charged. STRs provide homeowners with opportunities to increase their incomes, which can offset their housing costs. STRs are often rented by vacationers rather than permanent residents, and the added TOT revenues are not considered a constraint to housing. Furthermore,because only units within planned communities are allowed to have STRs, and these communities contain only market rate units, the presence of STRs in Palm Desert does not constrain the development of affordable housing. Housing Element III-60 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Low Barrier Navigation Centers Assembly Bill (AB) 101 requires that Low Barrier Navigation Centers (LBNC) be a by-right use in areas zoned for mixed use and nonresidential zoning districts permitting multifamily uses. LBNCs provide temporary room and board with limited barriers to entry while case managers work to connect homeless individuals to income, public benefits, permanent housing, or other shelter. Program 5.D of this Housing Element directs the City to review and revise the Zoning Ordinance, as necessary, to ensure compliance with AB 101, and to modify the definition of "homeless shelter"to include this use. Zoning for Special Housing Types The Zoning Code also facilitates the development of other special housing types, as summarized in the table below. Group homes for 6 or more are permitted by right in the residential zones, and require a Conditional Use Permit in the commercial zones, to assure high quality of life for the residents. Reasonable accommodation measures for disabled residents are established in Zoning Code Section 25.64.050. Reasonable accommodation requires a no-fee application, and are approved at the staff level, subject only to the following standards: 1. The requested accommodation is requested by or on behalf of one or more individuals with a disability protected under the fair housing laws. 2. The requested accommodation is necessary to provide one or more individuals with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. 3. The requested accommodation will not impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the City as "undue financial or administrative burden" is defined in fair housing laws and interpretive case law. 4. The requested accommodation will not result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of the City's zoning program, as "fundamental alteration" is defined in fair housing laws and interpretive case law. 5. The requested accommodation will not, under the specific facts of the case, result in a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals or substantial physical damage to the property of others. Housing Element 111-6 1 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-25 City of Palm Desert Zoning for Special Housing Types Housing Type Zoning Where Permitted _ Multi-family housing R-2, R-3 permitted use PR conditional use OP, PC-1, PC-2, PC-3, PC-4, SI conditional use P conditional use Factory-built, manufactured housing R-1-M conditional use P conditional use Mobile homes R-1-M conditional use P conditional use Manufactured home parks R-1-M conditional use Farmworker housing P conditional use Homeless shelter SI permitted use Emergency shelters PC-1, SI permitted use Transitional & supportive housing RE, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-1M, HPR, PR permitted use Single-room occupancy units SI conditional use Group home RE, R-1, R-2, HPR, PR permitted use OP, PC-1, PC-4, SI conditional use P conditional use Guest dwelling RE, R-1, R-2, HPR, PR permitted use Caretaker housing SI permitted use Assisted living R-1, R-2, R-3, PR conditional use ADUs and JADUs RE, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-1M, PR, P permitted use Infrastructure Requirements Most of the City is served by General Plan roads, water, and sanitary sewer facilities. Individual development projects are required to connect to water and sewer facilities and improve roadways in and adjacent to the project. Adjacent roadways must be improved to their ultimate half width and include curb, gutter and sidewalk. Roadway standards for local or neighborhood streets that allow parking on both sides must have a paved width of 40 feet. The City will allow deviations to these standards, including the narrowing of streets if on-street parking is restricted. Pursuant to SB 1087, the Coachella Valley Water District will be provided with the adopted Housing Element and required to establish specific procedures to grant priority service to affordable housing projects. As water and sewer services are installed in most neighborhoods in the City, the City's water and sewer provider, the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), will not be constrained in providing services in the City. CVWD has an approved Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP), which was developed based on the City's General Plan build out, which states that it has sufficient supplies available to meet the City's built out demands. The District's Cook Street Water Reclamation Plant (WRP-10), which provides sanitary sewer treatment for the City, has a combined secondary capacity of 18 million gallons per day, and in 2021 processed an average daily flow of approximately 9 million gallons per day. The District, Housing Element III-62 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element therefore, has more than enough capacity to treat wastewater generated by the City in the future, including sufficient capacity to accommodate the regional housing need. As referenced in its 2015 UWMP, CVWD's long-range plans include adding treated and untreated Colorado River water to its urban water distribution system and using desalinated agricultural drain water for irrigation purposes. The City routinely consults and coordinates with CVWD to assure that services and facilities are adequate to meet the community's needs. "Dry" utilities in the City include electricity, natural gas, telephone, cable, and solid waste collection and disposal. Southern California Edison(SCE)provides electricity to most of the City of Palm Desert. Imperial Irrigation District (IID) provides power to limited portions of the City, including most of the California State University/San Bernardino (CSSB) Coachella Valley Campus and the Avondale Country Club. Natural gas services and facilities are provided to most of the City by the Southern California Gas Company through regional high-pressure transmission lines and medium-pressure distribution lines. Development located west of the Palm Valley Stormwater Channel, parallel to Highway 74, is not connected to the natural gas system and uses propane gas as an alternative fuel source. Telecommunication services are provided to the City by Frontier Communications, Spectrum and other cell service providers. Solid waste collection and disposal is provided by Burrtec Waste&Recycling Services. The City coordinates with utility and service providers, as necessary, regarding the planning, designing, and siting of distribution and other facilities to assure the timely and environmentally sensitive expansion of facilities. Public Works Fees Table III-26 depicts the City's Public Works Department engineering fees, including those associated with site preparation and infrastructure. Table III-26 Public Works Engineering Fees Grading Plan Check(per plan) $853 Pt 3 acres $310/acre ea. add. acre Subdivision Precise Grading Plan Check $1,628 up to 8 lots; $78/lot each add. Hydrology Report Plan Check $352/acre SWPPP/NPDES Plan Check $176 PM10 Plan $78 Half Street Improvement Plan Check $891/1000 LF Full Street Improvement Plan Check $1,550/1000 LF Storm Drain Plan Check $1,550/1000 LF Signing and Striping Plan Check $1,110 Traffic Signal Plan Check $1,480 Faithful Performance Bonds 100% of Public Improvements + 25% of Grading Amount Labor&Materials Bond '/2 of Faithful Performance Amount Signalization Impact Fee $50.00/residential unit Drainage Impact Fee $1,000-$4,000/ac. (based on location) MSHCP Fee 0-8 units/acre: $1,371 per unit 8.1-14 units/acre: $571 per unit 14+units/acre: $254 per unit WQMP Fee $3,700 Sources: "Public Works Engineering Fees," City of Palm Desert, June 27, 2017; MSHCP Local Development Mitigation Fee,Coachella Valley Conservation Commission,July 1,2020. Housing Element III-63 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Because individual projects vary greatly, it is not possible to determine an average cost per unit based on Public Works fees beyond the estimate provided in Table III-21; however, the limited impact fees charged by the City make it one of the less costly in the Coachella Valley in which to develop. These fees are not a constraint on the development of affordable housing. Building Code Requirements As with most communities in California,the City has adopted the California Building Code(CBC) and updates the Code periodically as State-wide updates are developed. Currently(2021),the City is enforcing the provisions of the 2019 CBC. The City cannot adopt standards that are less stringent than the CBC. The only local amendments made by the City are administrative and relate to the timing of payment of fees. These amendments have no impact on the provision of affordable housing. Since all communities in the State enforce similar provisions, the City's CBC requirements are not an undue constraint on the development of affordable housing. Building Permit Fees5 The Building Department charges on a per square foot basis for building permit plan checks and inspections. For single-family custom or tract homes less than 2,500 square feet, the combined architectural and structural charge is $0.72 per square foot for plan check, and $1.14 per square foot for inspection. Fees vary slightly for other single-family housing types and sizes. For multi- family residential units, the combined architectural and structural plan check fee is $0.30 per square foot for projects less than 15,000 square feet, and $0.28 per square foot for projects larger than 15,000 square feet. Inspection fees are $0.36 per square foot for the smaller projects, and $0.30 per square foot for the larger projects. A flat fee of$105 is charged for permit issuance. In all cases, whether single family or multi-family, additional charges apply for plumbing and electrical inspections. New Construction Tax Per Ordinance No. 216, a new construction tax of$0.40 per square foot is charged on all new and additional square footage added to the building under roof(i.e.additional square footage for single- family dwelling additions, converting garages, atriums or patio areas to living space and all commercial additions). Low Income Housing Mitigation Fee Per City Resolution 90-130, all commercial development is assessed mitigation fees which are directed toward low income housing. Fees are paid at the issuance of building permits, according to the following schedule. 5 "Building and Safety Fee Schedule,"Resolution 2012-37,City of Palm Desert,June 22,2012. Housing Element III-64 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-27 Low Income Housing Mitigation Fee Schedule Type of Development Fee General Mixed Commercial $1.00 per sq. ft. Professional Office $0.50 per sq. ft. Industrial $0.33 sq. ft. Resort Hotel (major amenities) $1,000 per room Non-Resort Hotel (limited amenities) $620 per room Fire Facilities Impact Mitigation Fee The Fire Facilities Impact Mitigation Fee, shown below, is charged in designated areas to supplement future fire protection needs. Table III-28 Fire Facilities Impact Mitigation Fee Schedule Type of Development Fee Residential: Low Density $709/unit Medium Density $306/unit High Density $182/unit Note: fee is charged only in designated areas Non-residential fees are not shown. Art in Public Places Fee Per Ordinance No. 473, the City charges an Art in Public Places fee. The residential fee is 0.25 of 1% of valuation of the structure. Individual single-family dwelling units not in a development are exempt from the first $100,000. Other Development Fees In addition to the City's fees, residential developers are responsible for the payment of the State mandated school fees. School fees in the Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) are currently(2021) $4.08 per square foot. Development in the Coachella Valley is also required to pay Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fees (TUMF) to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) to offset impacts to regional roads and transportation improvements. The fee is$2,310 per detached single-family unit, $1,330 per multi-family/mobile home unit, and $495 per nursing/congregate care unit. There is a 15% discount for transit-oriented development. Affordable housing is exempt from TUMF fees. The City is within the boundaries of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CV MSHCP). As such, new development projects are required to pay local development mitigation fees for the acquisition and management of habitat lands. Fees are listed in Table III- 26. Housing Element III-65 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element The City's Strong Motion Instrumentation Program (SMIP) fee is charged on new development. For residential development, the fee is 0.00013 of total valuation. Collected SMIP fees are passed through to the State Department of Conservation. Developers also must pay connection and/or metering fees for public utilities. These fees vary somewhat from one provider to the next,but since many of the utility companies in the Coachella Valley serve all the cities, the fees are consistent throughout the area. Code compliance for structural deficiencies or maintenance problems is processed as follows. A phone call and/or a site visit is made to inspect the reported problem and discuss correction of deficiencies with the owner. In most instances, this is sufficient to cause the violation to be corrected by the property owner. If the violation is not corrected, a notice is sent to the owner, giving the owner 20 days to correct the violation. The City has the ability to directly abate a violation if the owner is unwilling or cannot be located. All costs associated with abatement are billed to the property owner. If the owner is unwilling to pay, a lien is placed on the property. These procedures are typical of those employed by most cities in California and do not place an undue constraint on the development or maintenance of housing. Efforts to Remove Governmental Constraints No governmental constraints have been identified that have a significant adverse impact on housing development in Palm Desert. The City's permitting process and infrastructure requirements are comparable to those of other Coachella Valley cities. Although some application fees have increased somewhat since the last planning period, they remain among the lowest in the region. General Plan and zoning land use designations allow for all types of development and a broad range of densities. Zoning Code Section 25.34.040 allows the City to grant density bonuses, offer incentives and concessions, and waive or reduce development standards for affordable housing projects that can result in identifiable cost reductions to the developer. The City's housing policies and programs have been reviewed and revised, as necessary, to assure that governmental constraints are minimized. Policy 7 of this Housing Element allows the City Council to waive fees for affordable housing projects on a case-by-case basis. Non-Governmental Constraints In general,the City sees applications for building permits submitted within approximately 30 days of entitlement of a project. This process, however, is entirely under the control of the developer, and can vary substantially from one project to another. The City generally does not receive requests for projects below the density allowed for sites on its Vacant Land Inventory (Table III-47). Recent project applications rather have requested the maximum density for these sites (please see further discussion under Land Inventory, below). There are no non-governmental constraints that impact the City's ability to meet its RHNA allocation by income category. On the contrary, the City's processing times and costs have generated applications for 710 units affordable to very low and low income households, and 617 units affordable to moderate income households (see Pending Affordable Housing Projects, below). The constraints, expressed by the affordable housing community at City Housing Element workshops and study sessions, occur with State funding applications, not with non-governmental aspects of the development process. The City actively supports affordable housing project funding applications in order to overcome the constraint caused by State processes. Housing Element III-66 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Economic Constraints Economic constraints are those associated with the cost of land and construction, and the ability to finance any housing, ranging from single-family homes to larger apartment or condominium projects. The cost of land varies somewhat from city to city in the Coachella Valley, but the cost of construction and the ability of homes and projects to financed is regional in nature. Land and Housing Costs The cost of land has the potential to impact the overall cost of housing. A survey of vacant residential lots in Palm Desert found that single-family properties range from approximately $156,000 to $1,400,000 per acre, with an average of$804,453 per acre.6 Multi-family properties average $391,598 per acre. As shown in Table III-19, according to ACS data, the median cost of existing homes in Palm Desert increased 9.0%between 2013 and 2018, from$308,000 to $335,400. According to a recent regional economic study, the median price in 2020 (3rd quarter) was $484,324 for existing homes and $621,938 for new homes.' The American Community Survey determined that the median rental rate in the City in 2018 was $1,260. In order to update this information to current(2021) conditions,representative rental rates for non-subsidized apartments were collected and are provided in Table III-29,below. As shown, rents can range from $1,675 to $2,490 for a 3-bedroom unit. Additional analysis shows rents can range from $3,000 to $7,500 and higher for a 4+-bedroom unit.' Table III-29 Median Gross Rent by Bedrooms No. of Bedrooms Median Gross Rent* No bedroom $729 1 bedroom $974 2 bedrooms $1,307 3 bedrooms $1,691 4 bedrooms $2,082 5+bedrooms Not provided Median Gross Rent: I $1,260 *estimated,renter-occupied housing units paying cash rent Source: American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates,Table B25031 6 LandWatch.com,accessed January 28,2021. 7 "Inland Empire Quarterly Economic Report,"Year 32,Economics&Politics,Inc. October 2020. 8 Rent.com,accessed September 3,2020. Housing Element III-67 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-30 Representative Apartment Market Rental Rates in Palm Desert, 2021 Project Name Unit Size Market Rental Rate The Regent 1 & 2 Bdrm $1,395-$1,685 Desert Fountains Studio, 1 & 2 Bdrm $915-$1,230 Desert Oasis Studio, 1, 2 & 3 Bdrm $1,195-$1,675 The Enclave 1, 2 & 3 Bdrm $1,660-$2,400 The Vineyards 1, 2 & 3 Bdrm $1,490-$2,490 Royal Palms 2 Bdrm $1,695 Construction Costs Construction costs vary widely depending on location, project site, bedroom count, finishes, fixtures, amenities, building type, and wage and hiring requirements. Other determining factors include terrain and soil conditions, environmental factors, and availability of infrastructure. In the Coachella Valley, construction costs for single-family dwelling units generally range from $235 to over $275 per square foot (excluding site improvements), varying based on the location, size, materials, fixtures, and finishes selected.9 Vertical multi-family construction costs generally range from $125 to $145 per square foot.10 A 2021 survey of regional affordable housing developers determined that the average construction cost for affordable housing in the valley is approximately $317,074 per unit/door. Financing Costs The cost of financing can also impact the development community's ability to fund projects. Mortgage interest rates are currently near historic lows but fluctuate over time.Affordable housing typically relies on a mix of public and private financing sources, including tax credits, subsidies, grants,bond funds, and other funding sources, some of which are subject to rules and restrictions. Physical Constraints Age of Housing Stock As shown in Table III-15, 25,312 housing units in the City are over 30 years old, representing 63.6% of the housing stock. Maintenance in the City is not a significant issue; however, and the Palm Desert Housing Authority has programs in place to assist lower income households with home repairs and improvements. Condition of Housing Stock As shown in Table III-16, of 24,114 occupied housing units in Palm Desert, 67 (0.3%) lacked complete plumbing facilities, and 198 (0.8%) lacked complete kitchen facilities. Depending on overall conditions, these units could be considered substandard. 9 Gretchen Gutierrez,CEO,Desert Valleys Building Association,March 2021. 10 Chris Killian,Senior Vice President of Construction,National Core,March 2021.Based on a typical 50-75 unit project with 2 and 3 story garden style walkup buildings(Type V-Wood). Housing Element III-68 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element The Palm Desert Housing Authority manages the Housing Improvement Program(HIP), which is funded through CDBG. Currently, the emergency grant component is the only component that is funded. It assists homeowners with emergency health and safety repairs to their homes, such as roof repairs, water heater replacement, and ADA improvements. Four (4) households received emergency grants during the 2014-2021 planning period. Environmental Constraints The City is identified as Zones III and IV in the Uniform Building Code(UBC)for seismic activity. The UBC imposes certain standards for construction in these zones, which may add to the overall costs of housing. These standards,however, are necessary for the public health and safety, and are common throughout the Coachella Valley and California. None of the proposed sites occur on lands designated as Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones by the State. There are no active faults on any of the sites proposed for development of affordable housing units in the City. The standards required to protect the City's residents from seismic hazards are not considered a constraint to the provision of housing. There are no other environmental constraints to the development of housing. Energy Conservation In addition to the requirements of Title 24 of the Building Code, the City has enacted additional energy efficiency requirements, water conserving landscaping requirements, and has a number of energy conservation programs for residents. Although the cost of installation of energy efficient, "green"or similar products in a home or apartment may increase the initial cost,affordable housing providers in the Coachella Valley have indicated that the cost differential was becoming smaller as technologies improved; and that the long-term benefit to the home owners or renters was worth the added initial expense. These developers implement energy conserving construction to the greatest extent possible in their projects. Carlos Ortega Villas,an affordable senior housing project built in 2015, includes passive heating and cooling, solar panels for generating electricity, solar thermal panels for heating water, and water-efficient plumbing fixtures and landscape materials, 1 with the long-term goal of having net zero energy usage. SPECIAL HOUSING NEEDS This section of the Housing Element quantifies households with special housing needs, such as farmworkers, the homeless, and seniors living in the City. These households can have housing needs which may be more difficult to address, and which require special attention. Farm Workers Farm workers are employed in agricultural industries, including livestock, crops, and nursery products, and typically perform manual and/or hand tool labor-plant, cultivate, harvest, or pack field crops. The industry is supported by both year-round and seasonal workers who typically earn low wages, have difficulty obtaining safe and affordable housing, and have limited access-other services, such as education, transportation, and health care. Seasonal or migrant workers who travel from their permanent homes-work during harvest periods may live in rooming houses, finished garages, trailers, or other temporary shelters. Housing Element III-69 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Citrus,melon,vegetable,and nursery stock production is a key component of the Coachella Valley economy. However, agriculture is focused on the east end of the Coachella Valley, approximately 10 miles or more to the southeast. Farm worker households generally fall into low and very low income categories. Low income groups often need housing near work; for farmworkers, housing is most needed in rural, agricultural areas rather than urban areas. In the Coachella Valley, the principal housing options for migrant and local seasonal farm workers are family-owned homes, private rental houses, second units, apartments, and mobile homes. Palm Desert's continued urbanization has eliminated commercial farming in the City, and no agricultural lands are designated in its General Plan. In 2018,there were 147 persons employed in"agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining" in the City, which constitutes only 0.7% of the City's civilian employed population 16 years and over, and likely consists of mining employees at local sand and gravel operations located in unincorporated County lands and the cities of Palm Springs and Indio. Demand for housing specifically targeted for farm workers has not been identified. Nevertheless, as with other special needs, farmworker households can benefit from rental subsidies provided by City and City incentives for developers to maintain affordable units that are available to all segments of the population. Homeless Homeless persons are those in need of temporary or emergency shelter and include a diverse population of individuals, including seniors, veterans, substance abusers, immigrants, physically or mentally disabled, and families with children. Homeless individuals may live in vehicles, encampments, abandoned buildings, outdoors, or homeless or transitional shelters. The Homeless Point-In-Time (PIT) Count is a federally mandated annual count of homeless individuals used to evaluate the extent of homelessness. The data provide a snapshot of homelessness on a particular date and time. The 2019 PIT Count for Riverside County determined there were 23 unsheltered homeless individuals in Palm Desert." Consistent with the HUD definition, the unsheltered PIT Count enumerates homeless individuals and families who are "living in a place not designed or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for humans" (i.e., abandoned buildings, cars, parks, under bridges, bus stops, etc.). This estimate represents 0.04% of the City's total 2019 population of 52,911 people.12 The actual number of homeless may be higher given that many individuals, particularly women and children, remain hidden for safety or stay in locations where they cannot be seen. It represents a 46.5% decrease over the 2018 PIT Count for Palm Desert(43 individuals).The reduction may be due,in part,to undercounts in earlier years and/or changes in counting and surveying methods, such as increased coverage by more volunteers, that were implemented in 2019. " 2019 Riverside County Homeless Point-In-Time Count and Survey Report,County of Riverside Department of Public Social Services,page 60. 12 Department of Finance Table E-5,January 2019 estimates. Housing Element III-70 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-31 Palm Desert Unsheltered Homeless Characteristics, 2019 Number % of Total Race American Indian 2 9% Black 1 4% White 18 78% Multiple Races 1 4% Unknown Race 1 4% Ethnicity Hispanic 3 13% Non-Hispanic 16 70% Unknown Ethnicity 4 17% Gender Male 15 65% Female 8 35% Age Adults (>24 yrs) 20 87% Youth (18-24 yrs) 1 4% Unknown Age 2 9% TOTAL HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS =23 Source: 2019 Riverside County Homeless Point-In-Time Count and Survey Report, County of Riverside Department of Public Social Services,page 60. As shown in Table III-31, the majority of homeless people in Palm Desert are white (78%), non- Hispanic (70%), male (65%), and adults over 24 years (87%). The following table describes homeless subpopulations in Palm Desert. Of the 15 individuals interviewed,35%were chronically homeless, 22% had a physical disability, 22% had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), 17% were veterans, and 13% had mental health conditions. Some subpopulations could be higher, but the extent is unknown because 8 individuals were not interviewed for various reasons, including refusal to participate, sleeping, a language barrier, inability to respond, or physical barriers or unsafe site conditions. Housing Element 111-7 1 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-32 Palm Desert Homeless Subpopulations, 2019 Subpopulation Numbers % of Total Veterans 4 17% Chronically Homeless 8 35% Substance Abuse 2 9% PTSD 5 22% Mental Health Conditions 3 13% Physical Disability 5 22% Developmental Disability 1 4% Victim of Domestic Violence 1 4% Jail release, past 12 months 3 13% Jail release, past 90 days 1 4% 1 Results of interviews with 15 homeless individuals.Actual numbers may be higher as 8 individuals were not interviewed. Source: 2019 Riverside County Homeless Point-In-Time Count and Survey Report, County of Riverside Department of Public Social Services,page 60. The City contributes over$100,000 annually to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) for regional homelessness services. The City is a participant in CVAG's Homelessness Initiative and was also a participant of the previous Homelessness Strategic Plan,which built Roy's Desert Resource Center ("Roy's") in the western Coachella Valley. The facility opened in December 2009 and provided emergency and transitional shelter and support services for homeless individuals. After the closure of Roy's in 2017, there was a need for a homeless shelter or navigation center in the western Coachella Valley.Path of Life Ministries and now CVAG operates a program that placed people in permanent housing before addressing issues such as joblessness or behavioral health. Program results were positive, with 81% of the 242 people who exited the program in the first year able to find permanent housing, and all participants who exited the program more than doubling their monthly incomes. 13In late 2019, CVAG initiated an effort to advance the goals of CV Housing First through a collaborative approach called the Coachella Valley Homelessness Engagement & Action Response Team (CVHEART). The program is expected to establish a formal structure for regional homelessness policies and programs, identify funding opportunities for future projects, and expand multi-agency cooperation and participation. In addition to its own efforts to end homelessness,Palm Desert's membership in CVAG will assure its continued participation in regional efforts. A number of other organizations provide shelter and services to the homeless throughout the Coachella Valley (see Table III-33 for a list of available homeless facilities in the Coachella Valley). Shelter from the Storm, which provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence in the Valley, operates its administrative offices in the City. Desert Horizon and Desert Vista permanent supportive housing is a program in the western Coachella Valley managed by Jewish Family Service of San Diego with 18 and 40 beds, respectively. Supportive services, 13 "CV Housing First Program Evaluation:Examining the Clients Served in the First Year:July 2017 to June 2018,"Health Assessment and Research for Communities,September 2018,page 55. Housing Element III-72 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element including living skills, budgeting instruction, case management, employment assistance, food distributions, advocacy, and community referrals and access to benefits, are provided. Residents contribute 30% of their income based on HUD guidelines. Table III-33 Coachella Valley Homeless Facilities and Services Organization Name Facility Name Total Beds Emergency Shelter Coachella Valley Rescue Overnight shelter(families with children, 251 Mission individuals without children) Coachella Valley Rescue Overnight shelter(individuals without 49 Mission children) Martha's Village and Kitchen Renewing Hope Emergency Shelter 120 Inc. Operation Safe House Desert Emergency Shelter 20 Path of Life Ministries Inc. CVAG Emergency Shelter Project 12 Shelter from the Storm Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter 20 County of Riverside,Desert Summer Homeless Survival Program 90 Healthcare District and (seasonal emergency cooling centers in (30 in each city) Foundation' Cathedral City,Palm Springs,Desert Hot Springs) Subtotal 472 (year-round) 90(seasonal) Transitional Housing Operation Safe House Harrison House(youth,young adults) 15 Subtotal 15 Rapid Rehousing Coachella Valley Rescue Rapid Re-Housing 5 Mission Coachella Valley Rescue State-funded Rapid Rehousing 13 Mission Path of Life Ministries Inc. CVAG Rapid Re-Housing 2 Subtotal 20 Permanent Supportive Housing Desert AIDS Project Vista Sunrise Apatttuents 80 Jewish Family Services Desert Horizon 18 Jewish Family Services Desert Vista 40 Jewish Family Services Permanent Supportive Housing 35 Expansion(new in 2018) Riverside University Health Behavioral Health—Coachella Valley 25 System—Behavioral Health Permanent Housing Subtotal 118 Sources: "The Path Forward: Recommendations to Advance an End to Homelessness in the Coachella Valley,"Barbara Poppe and Associates,November 27,2018,Appendix 3. ' dhcd.org. Housing Element III-73 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element The City also addresses homelessness at the local level. It contracts with Riverside University Health System to provide a Behavioral Health Specialist and a Mental Health Peer Support Specialist in Palm Desert. It also contracts with the County of Riverside for a Homelessness Assistance Program in which two staff members offer resources through daily street outreach efforts. The City has awarded CBDG funds to local charities, including Martha's Village & Kitchen, Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, and Catholic Charities, for the provision of homeless services, such as food, equipment, consumable supplies, and energy upgrades. The City permits homeless shelters in the Service Industrial (SI) zone. There are 344.17 acres of serviced, vacant land in this zone in the City, ranging in size from 1-20 acres. The Service Industrial zone is appropriate for such facilities because these lands are located on transit lines, near commercial and school sites, and in areas where other governmental services are available. The City currently has no requirement for parking for emergency shelters. AB 139 requires that parking be provided for employees of emergency shelters. Program 5.D. requires that the City add this requirement to the Zoning Ordinance in 2021-2022, as part of its annual Zoning Ordinance update. The City allows transitional and supportive housing in all residential districts subject to only those restrictions that apply to other residential uses of the same type in the same zone. The General Plan allows for an additional 8,049 residential units on 610 acres of vacant land in the City, in a range of densities, which will accommodate the City's need for transitional and supportive housing. Seniors The Coachella Valley has a long-established reputation as a popular retirement destination. In 2018,the City had 17,582 residents over the age of 65,representing 33.7%of the population.These seniors were in a total of 11,302 households. Home ownership data shown in the table below indicates that approximately 22% of seniors are renters, and 78% are homeowners. Table III-34 City of Palm Desert Householders 65 Years and Over, by Tenure Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied Householder Age Households % Households % Total, City of Palm Desert 14,842 100.0 9,272 100.0 Total,Non-Senior Households 6,018 40.5 6,794 73.3 Total, Householders 65 Years & Over 8,824 59.5 2,478 26.7 65 to 74 years 4,389 29.6 1,124 12.1 75 to 84 years 3,203 21.6 647 7.0 85 years and over 1,232 8.3 707 _ 7.6 Source:American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates,Table B25007 According to the American Community Survey, an estimated 1,590 seniors have incomes below the poverty level, which represents 9.0% of all seniors in the City. The 2020 federal poverty guideline for one person is $12,760. The major source of income for most seniors is Social Housing Element III-74 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Security, and the average Social Security monthly benefit is $1,503.14 Therefore, a single senior paying 30% of their monthly Social Security income on housing costs would pay $451 toward housing costs.However,Palm Desert median rents are$974 for a one-bedroom unit.A two-person senior household would have $902 available for housing costs, which would be sufficient for a one-bedroom unit. Therefore, Social Security alone cannot adequately cover housing costs for seniors living alone in the City. Table III-35 Senior Incomes Below the Poverty Level No. of Residents with Income in Past 12 Months Age Group Below Poverty Level 65 to 74 years 847 75 years and over 743 Total 1,590 Source:2014-2018 ACS 5-Year Estimates,Table B17001 Special considerations affecting senior households include income limitations, access to health care and transportation, accommodations for physical disabilities and limitations, and long-term care concerns. Senior housing needs can include low-income apartments,retirement communities, independent living centers, assisted living centers, nursing homes, and hospice care centers. There are seven senior apartment projects in the City which are owned and operated by the Housing Authority,providing 380 units for very low, low and moderate income senior households.Nursing care facilities in the City include the Carlotta,with 192 beds; Manorcare Health Services,with 178 beds; and Monterey Palms, with 99 beds. Numerous senior communities are located in the City, including Atria Palm Desert, Atria Hacienda, Segovia, Palm Desert Senior Living Oahu Cottage, and Fountains at the Carlotta, Legend Gardens, which provide a range of services including medical transport,assistance with housekeeping and personal care,hospice and dementia care,and onsite recreational and social opportunities. Numerous senior support services are provided by various organizations, including those listed in the following table. Table III-36 Senior Resources Organization Services Provided Braille Institute Coachella Valley Rehabilitation, enrichment classes, in-home support for the Neighborhood Center visually impaired The Joslyn Center Health/fitness programs,social events, classes,Wellness Center, food distribution Eisenhower Memory Care Center Adult day center for neuro-cognitive impairments FIND Food Bank Food distribution Hidden Harvest Food distribution Jewish Family Services of the Desert Advocacy,case management services Riverside County Office on Aging Medical case management,counseling,transportation assistance,meals 14 Social Security Administration Fact Sheet,December 2019 Beneficiary Data. Housing Element III-75 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-36 Senior Resources Organization Services Provided Salvation Army Food distribution, social events,community programs Senior Advocates of the Desert Public benefits and social services assistance,emergency financial assistance SunLine Transit Agency For seniors and disabled residents: Half-Fare Program,Taxi Voucher Program, SunDial paratransit service,bus travel training The City's Senior Housing Overlay provides flexible development standards for a variety of housing for residents age 55 and over, including attached or detached units for sale or rent and associated recreational facilities. Persons with Disabilities This population includes individuals with mental and physical disabilities that may require affordable housing with convenient access to public transportation and health care services,as well as structural adaptations to accommodate wheelchairs and other assistive devices. Housing needs can include independent home environments, homes with special modifications and design features, supervised apartments, inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, and senior care facilities. Individuals who are unable to work because of disability may require income support, and their limited incomes can severely restrict their ability to pay for housing and living expenses. The 2018 ACS identified 7,901 persons in the City with disabilities, of which 4,593 (58.1%)were persons over the age of 65. Individuals may be affected by one or more types of disability. The table below identifies the number of disabilities, by type, for Palm Desert residents. The most prevalent disabilities are ambulatory difficulties (26.3%) and hearing difficulties (19.5%). Housing Element III-76 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table I1I-37 City of Palm Desert Number of Disabilities, by Disability Type Number of Percent of Total Disabilities Disabilities Disabilities, ages 0-17 Hearing Difficulty 101 0.7% Vision Difficulty 182 1.3% Cognitive Difficulty 204 1.4% Ambulatory Difficulty 42 0.3% Self-Care Difficulty 8 0.1% Independent Living Difficulty Subtotal, ages 0-17 537 3.7% Disabilities, ages 18-64 Hearing Difficulty 549 3.8% Vision Difficulty 700 4.9% Cognitive Difficulty 1,170 8.1% Ambulatory Difficulty 1,405 9.8% Self-Care Difficulty 615 4.3% Independent Living Difficulty 1,004 7.0% Subtotal, ages 18-64 5,443 37.8% Disabilities, ages 65+ Hearing Difficulty 2,153 14.9% Vision Difficulty 776 5.4% Cognitive Difficulty 981 6.8% Ambulatory Difficulty 2,347 16.3% Self-Care Difficulty 748 5.2% Independent Living Difficulty 1,423 9.9% Subtotal, ages 65+ 8,428 58.5% Total Disabilities 14,408 100% Total Civilian Non-Institutionalized Population with a Disability 7,901 Source:American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates,Table S1810. *data not provided Facilities that provide specialized accommodations and services for the disabled are located in the City and Coachella Valley region and are identified in the "Seniors" discussion above, and "Persons with Developmental Disabilities" section below. In addition, Desert Vista Permanent Supportive Housing, a HUD-funded program, provides housing and services to 40 homeless individuals with disabilities. Clients pay up to 30% of their income based on HUD guidelines. The California Building Code requires that all new multi-family construction include a percentage of units accessible to persons with disabilities. The City of Palm Desert Building Department requires compliance with these standards as part of the Building Permit review and inspection Housing Element III-77 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element process.The City's affordable housing projects include units for persons with disabilities.The City has housed between 91 and 188 disabled persons in its properties annually in recent years,varying from year to year. The City adheres to State guidelines regarding handicapped access and promotes the use of principles of architectural design that aid the disabled.The Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) requires all new multi-family construction to include a percentage of units accessible to persons with disabilities. The City monitors and requires compliance with these standards as part of the building permit review, issuance, and inspection process. The City imposes no special requirements or prohibitions on the development of housing for persons with disabilities, beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. There is no concentration restriction for residential care homes. State and federal law does not permit the City to regulate group homes of 6 or fewer residents. Group homes of 7 or more residents are permitted, with approval of a conditional use permit, in the RE, R-1, R-2, HPR, and PR zones. Zoning Code Section 25.64.050 allows for reasonable accommodations in zoning and land use regulations,policies, and practices when needed to provide an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. Persons with Developmental Disabilities Per Senate Bill No. 812, the Housing Element must include analysis of the special housing needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. A developmental disability is defined by Section 4512 of the Welfare and Institutions Code as "a disability that originates before an individual becomes 18 years old, continues or can be expected to continue indefinitely, and constitutes a substantial disability for that individual." This includes intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and related conditions, but does not include other handicapping conditions that are solely physical in nature. The California Depaitiuent of Developmental Services (DDS) implements a statewide system of community-based services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. DDS contracts with the Inland Regional Center (IRC) in Riverside to provide and coordinate local services in Riverside County, including the City of Palm Desert. IRC currently (2021) serves 234 clients who are Palm Desert residents. Housing needs for individuals with developmental disabilities can range from traditional independent living environments, to supervised group quarters, to institutions where medical care and other services are provided onsite. Important housing considerations for this group include proximity to public transportation, accessibility of the home and surroundings, access to medical and other public services, and affordability. A variety of housing options and support services in the Coachella Valley are provided by local and regional service agencies, including the following: • Angel View,a non-profit organization based in Desert Hot Springs,operates 19 six-bed group homes for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities. The homes Housing Element III-78 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element provide 24-hour nursing and/or attendant care and can accommodate 100+ individuals at a time. There are 16 homes in the Coachella Valley, including 12 in Desert Hot Springs, 3 in Palm Springs, and 1 in Thousand Palms. • The Inland Regional Center uses person-centered planning when developing a Consumer's Individual Program Plan (IPP). The IPP outlines the goals developed by the Consumer and their support team, as well as the services and supports they will receive to help achieve those goals. Many of the services/supports listed in the IPP are funded by Inland Regional Center. However, services and supports may also be provided by other agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, school districts, county agencies, etc. • Casas San Miguel de Allende in Cathedral City includes 48 apartment units for individuals with special needs or long-term disabilities. • Canyon Springs in Cathedral City is a State developmental center operated by DDS. It provides residential services, treatment, and job training for up to 55 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Referrals for admission are made by the Inland Regional Center. Each person is assessed and participates in developing and carrying out an Individual Program Plan. Residents have opportunities to participate in a variety of integrated activities in natural environments at home, at work, and in the community. Other local agencies provide additional support services to the developmentally disabled population. Desert Arc, a non-profit organization based in Palm Desert, provides vocational training and employment to adult clients with developmental disabilities in the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin. It operates on-site businesses at its primary campus in Palm Desert and two smaller workshop facilities. Most clients are placed by the Inland Regional Center. Of its 695 clients in 2019, 71 are Palm Desert residents. The City has a long-standing relationship with Desert ARC. During the 2014-2021 planning period, the City awarded it approximately $201,000 across four projects for various ADA facility improvements.The City is working with prospective developers to develop Arc Village,an entitled project that proposes 32 one-bedroom and 4 two-bedroom affordable housing units, a community center, swimming pool, and recreational space for special needs adults on the Desert Arc campus. The project would offer proximity to transit, Desert Arc, and its services and job opportunities. The City continues to work to facilitate completion of this project. Through its building permit review and inspection process,the City adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Building Code, which require that all multi-family development include a percentage of units that are accessible and"barrier-free"to disabled residents. The City will continue to coordinate with the Inland Regional Center and other appropriate agencies and organizations that serve this population. The City will continue to encourage developers to reserve a portion of affordable housing projects for the disabled, including those with developmental disabilities, and will continue to identify and pursue funding sources for special needs housing. Extremely Low-Income Households Extremely Low-Income (ELI) households are defined by HCD as those which earn less than 30% of the area median income (AMI). ELI households are a subset of the very low-income household category in a region. The AMI for a 4-person household in Riverside County is $75,300. ELI Housing Element III-79 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element household incomes are defined by HCD and HUD as those earning less than $26,200.15 These households are sensitive to unexpected changes in income and expenditures and typically require assistance for housing.16 Existing Needs Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data are compiled by HUD to evaluate housing problems and needs, particularly for low income households, based on Census data. According to the latest CHAS data, 2,815 households (11.9% of total households) in Palm Desert are considered extremely low-income. More than half(55%) of ELI households are renters. Of all ELI households,the majority(82.6%)experience housing problems, including incomplete kitchen and plumbing facilities,overcrowding and severe overcrowding, and cost burden greater than 30% of income (overpayment). Nearly 82% are in overpayment situations, and 73.2% are in severe overpayment situations in which housing costs are greater than 50% of household income. Table III-38 Housing Problems for Extremely Low-Income Households Owners Renters Total Total Number of ELI Households 1,270 1,545 2,815 Percent with any housing problems* 79.5% 85.1% 82.6% Percent with Cost Burden>30% of income 79.5% 83.5% 81.9% Percent with Cost Burden>50% of income 68.9% 76.7% 73.2% Total Number of Households 14,270 9,455 23,730 * housing problems include incomplete kitchen facilities, incomplete plumbing facilities, more than 1 person per room(overcrowding), and cost burden greater than 30%of income. Source:U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development,CHAS,based on the 2012-2016 ACS. Projected Needs To calculate projected ELI housing needs,the City assumed 50% of its very low income Regional Housing Need Assessment (RHNA) consists of ELI households. From its very low income need of 675 units (see Table III-38), the City has projected a need of 337 units for ELI households. Housing Options Currently, more than 28% of the units within the City-owned affordable housing portfolio are designated for extremely low-income households. Extremely low income households are also eligible to receive rental assistance through the County of Riverside Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program. Small ELI households may also find affordable housing in Single Room Occupancy(SRO)hotels,accessory dwelling units(ADUs), and guest houses,which are typically affordable options. SROs are permitted in the SI zoning district with a Conditional Use Permit. ADUs are permitted in the RE, R-1, R-2, R-3, HPR, and PR zoning districts. Guest dwellings are permitted in the RE, R-1, R-2, HPR, and PR zoning districts. 15 Per HUD,the Extremely Low Income(ELI)income limit is the greater of either: 1)60%of Very Low Income limit($37,650),which equals$22,590,or 2)poverty guideline established by Dept.of Health and Human Services(HHS),which equals$26,200. 16 Palm Desert Housing Authority follows HCD requirements(not HUD)for ELI households. Housing Element III-80 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Large Households Large households (those with 5 or more people) require larger homes with more bedrooms and may find it difficult to locate adequate and affordable housing if there is a limited supply of larger units. The cost of larger homes is typically higher than smaller units, and large families can experience a higher cost burden associated with housing. The 2018 ACS indicates there were 1,013 households with five or more persons in the City,which constitutes 4.2% of all households. This represents a 5.9% decrease from year 2011 (1,076 households). Of large households, 411 (40.6%) are owners and 602 (59.4%) are renters. ACS also identified a total of 2,446 housing units with 4 or more bedrooms, or 10.2% of all housing units in the City. This may suggest that there are generally a sufficient number of larger housing units to accommodate larger families. Table III-39 City of Palm Desert Household Size, by Tenure Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied Household Size Households % Households % 1 person 4,897 33.0% 3,803 41.0% 2 persons 7,208 48.6% 3,108 33.5% 3 persons 1,602 10.8% 1,110 12.0% 4 persons 724 4.9% 649 7.0% 5 persons 302 2.0% 269 2.9% 6 persons 94 0.6% 200 2.2% 7 persons or more 15 0.1% 133 1.4% Total Households 14,842 100.0% 9,272 100.0% Total Households with 5+Persons 411 2.8% 602 6.5% Source:American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates,Table B25009 Table III-40 City of Palm Desert Number of Bedrooms, by Tenure Total Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied Occupied Units No. of Bedrooms No. of Units % No. of Units % No. of Units % 0 bedrooms 122 0.8% 572 6.2% 694 2.9% 1 bedroom 160 1.1% 2,511 27.1% 2,671 11.1% 2 bedrooms 5,838 39.3% 4,319 46.6% 10,157 42.1% 3 bedrooms 6,492 43.7% 1,654 17.8% 8,146 33.8% 4 bedrooms 1,926 13.0% 216 2.3% 2,142 8.9% 5+bedrooms 304 2.0% 0 0.0% 304 1.3% Total 14,842 100.0% 9,272 100.0% 24,114 100.0% Source:American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates,Table B25042 Housing Element III-81 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Despite the number of 4+-bedroom dwelling units in the current housing stock, renters occupied the majority(77.3%) of overcrowded units. Only 216 of 2,446 units with 4 or more bedrooms are rental units, indicating a need for additional large rental units. Prices for larger units tend to be affordable only to moderate and above moderate income households. Large, very low income households may find it difficult to find affordable and adequate housing. The City implements a number of housing programs to assist with finding adequate housing, including the provision of affordable housing units, mortgage and home ownership guidance, and home rehabilitation programs. Female-Headed Households Female-headed households can experience lower incomes, higher living expenses, higher poverty rates, and low rates of homeownership.Finding adequate and affordable housing is a high priority. Special considerations for this population include proximity to schools, childcare, employment, and health care. As shown in Table III-6, there are 2,858 single-parent-headed family households in Palm Desert, or 11.9%of all households. Male-headed family households comprise 4.3%of all households, and female-headed family households comprise 7.6%. The number of female-headed family households increased compared to 2010 (1,370 female-headed, 5.9% of total family households). ACS data from 2018 show of the estimated 1,828 households with a female householder (no husband present) in the City, approximately 41.3%had children under 18 years of age. Over one- third(34.8%) of all families with incomes below the poverty level are female-headed households. Table III-41 Female-Headed Household Characteristics Number Percent Total Households 24,114 100% Female-Headed Households, no spouse/partner present 1,828 7.6% Female-Headed Households with own children under 18 755 - Female-Headed Households without children under 18 1,073 - Total Families, Income in the Past 12 Months Below Poverty Level 2,098 100% Female Householders, Income in the Past 12 Months Below Poverty 731 34.8% Level Source:American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates,Table DP02;ACS 2018 Supplemental Estimates Detailed Table K201703 The City's continued implementation of affordable housing projects, public outreach efforts on fair housing issues, and efforts to maintain affordability restrictions on affordable units will serve those female-headed households requiring housing assistance. Housing Element III-82 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Affordable Units at Risk There are 67 restricted ownership units in the City which are at risk of losing their affordability restriction. These units were built or rehabilitated by private parties, such as Habitat for Humanity and Building Horizons through various programs in the past or are within existing projects. These units are single family homes and mobilehomes distributed throughout the City. None of the currently affordable housing apartments in the City are at risk of losing affordability restrictions during or within 10 years of the planning period. Maintenance of at-risk ownership housing units as affordable will depend largely on market conditions,the attractiveness of financial incentives, if warranted. Because all 67 of the ownership units are individually owned,controlling and maintaining affordability is particularly difficult.The City will, however, be required to release the restriction when sales occur, and has an opportunity at that time to renew affordability covenants. Program 3.C. addresses the preservation of these units. Riverside County Income Limits Income limits for affordability are established annually on a regional basis by the Department of Housing and Community Development. Table III-42 provides the current (2020) income limits applicable in Palm Desert. The median household income for a family of four in 2020 is $75,300. Table III-42 Riverside County Housing Program Income Limits 2020 Number of Persons in Family Income Category 1 2 3 4 Extremely Low $15,850 $18,100 $21,720 $26,200 Very low $26,400 $30,150 $33,900 $37,650 Lower $42,200 $48,200 $54,250 $60,250 Moderate $63,250 $72,300 $81,300 $90,350 Median $52,700 $60,250 $67,750 $75,300 Source:HCD 2020 State Income Limits Households Overpaying for Housing When a household pays more than 30%of its income toward its housing expenses, it is considered to be overpaying. The Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy(CHAS)database,provided by HUD and based on American Community Survey data,describes the number of households,by income, with housing cost burdens. The latest CHAS data for the 2013-2017 period for Palm Desert are shown in the following table. Of all owner households, 35.6% are overpaying for housing, and 18.0% are severely overpaying. The percentages are higher when analyzing lower- income households as a group. Of all lower-income owner households, 67.8%are overpaying, and 44.7% are severely overpaying. Housing Element III-83 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element The patterns are similar for renter households. Of all renter households, 48.2% are overpaying, and 24.7%are severely overpaying. Of all lower-income renter households,77.0%are overpaying, and 46.1% are severely overpaying. Table III-43 Overpayment by Income Level, 2013-2017 Income Category' Owners Renters Households Percent Households Percent Household Income less than or=30%HAMFI: 1,270 1,545 Households overpaying 1,010 79.5% 1,290 83.5% Households severely overpaying 875 68.9% 1,185 76.7% Household Income>30%to less than or=50%HAMFI: 1,195 1,215 Households overpaying 875 73.2% 1,125 92.6% Households severely overpaying 515 43.1% 725 59.7% Household Income>50%to less than or= 80%HAMFI: 2,020 2,250 Households overpaying 1,155 57.2% 1,445 64.2% Households severely overpaying 615 30.4% 400 17.8% Subtotal: All lower-income households 4,485 5,010 Subtotal: All lower-income HH overpaying 3,040 67.8% 3,860 77.0% Subtotal: All lower-income HH severely overpaying 2,005 44.7% 2,310 46.1% Household Income>80%to less than or= 100%HAMFI: 1,215 875 Households overpaying 530 43.6% 320 36.6% Households severely overpaying 240 19.8% 20 2.3% Household Income>100%HAMFI: 8,575 3,570 Households overpaying 1,505 17.6% 380 10.6% Households severely overpaying 325 3.8% 10 0.3% Total Households 14,270 9,455 Total Households Overpaying 5,075 35.6% 4,560 48.2% Total Households Severely Overpaying 2,570 18.0% 2,340 24.7% 1 HAMFI=HUD Area Median Family Income "Overpaying"is defined as spending>30%of gross household income on housing costs. "Severely overpaying"is defined as spending>50%of gross household income on housing costs. Source:U.S.Dept. of Housing and Urban Development,CHAS data for Palm Desert,based on 2013-2017 ACS. For all income levels, the 2013-2017 CHAS Databook identifies 5,075 owner households and 4,560 renter households paying 30% or more for housing, for a total of 9,635 households overpaying for housing. Affordability of Housing In order to determine the level of affordability for market housing in Palm Desert, a comparison of for-sale and for-rent market housing was undertaken. Table III-44 illustrates that a moderate income household of four in Palm Desert is able to find rental housing well within its ability to pay,but cannot afford to buy a median priced home. The table demonstrates that while rental units are affordable to moderate income households in the City, purchased units may not be affordable to these households. Housing Element III-84 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-44 Affordability of Housing, 2021 Type of Housing Ownership Rental Cost Median Single- Family Purchase $485,000 N/A Price Median Mortgage $2,780 N/A Costs (PITI) Rental Rate N/A $1,260 (median) $1,691 (3- bedroom) 30% of Moderate $2,259 $2,259 Household Income No Gap Affordability Gap $521 ($568-$999 positive) Regional Housing Needs Assessment Allocation The State and Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) develop housing allocations for each Housing Element planning period. The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is a minimum projection of additional housing units needed to accommodate projected household growth of all income levels during the upcoming planning period. For the 2022-2029 planning period, Palm Desert's share of the RHNA is 2,790 housing units, segmented into five income categories as shown below. Table III-45 RHNA by Income Category, 2022-2029 Units Extremely Low Income 337 Very Low Income 338 Low Income 460 Moderate Income 461 Above Moderate Income 1,194 Total Units Needed 2,790 Housing Element III-85 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Quantified Objectives Housing Element law requires the City to estimate the number of affordable units likely to be constructed, rehabilitated, or conserved/preserved, by income level, during the upcoming (2022- 2029) planning period. As shown in the following table, the City reasonably expects that 2,790 housing units will be provided through new construction, and 67 through conservation. Table III-46 Quantified Objectives Matrix, 2022-2029 Income Category Extremely Very Low I Low Moderate Above Total Activity Low Moderate New Construction 337 338 460 461 1,194 2,790 Rehabilitation 67 67 Conservation 67 67 LAND INVENTORY The City's Regional Housing Needs Assessment for the 2022-2029 planning period projects that a total of 2,790 housing units will be needed in the City. Of these, 1,194 will be for above moderate income households,and 461 will be for moderate income households. In addition,the City expects to conserve a total of 67 units affordable to low income households, and rehabilitate 67 units with substandard sanitary facilities (see Quantified Objectives, above). Above moderate income units are expected to be market-driven, single-family homes traditionally built in the City. More than adequate approved projects are available for above moderate units, as shown in Table III-48. Moderate income units are expected to be a combination of market rate rental units and assisted units, based on the analysis provided in Table III-44, which shows that rental units are affordable to moderate income households, but ownership units are not. Two moderate income sites, shown with an asterix in Table III-47, are included in the Vacant Land Inventory to demonstrate that there is sufficient capacity for these units. The sites are identified as "DD" and"H" in the Table and on the land inventory map, and will result in 574 units, which exceeds the RHNA allocation of 461 units. Site DD (The Sands, described below) is entitled. Site H has completed a pre-application review, and is currently being processed. The remaining 1,135 housing units required for RHNA are for extremely low, very low, and low income households. The City has identified vacant land that will allow the development of 1,764 units for extremely low, very low and low income households, as shown in Table III-47. These lands include a combination of approved projects, projects currently being entitled, and vacant lands which all have the Housing Overlay District. Housing Element III-86 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Land in the southern portion of the City is mostly built out, with only infill development opportunities available at higher densities. The Land Use Element increased densities and provides for the redevelopment of the downtown, including the San Pablo area, with a particular focus on more urban housing environments in flanking neighborhoods. The Land Use Element also includes the University Park area, which is designed to accommodate higher density. Table III-47 lists the available vacant lands in the City by Assessor's Parcel Number and provides the size of each parcel and the potential number of units that could be developed on each. All lands shown in the Table have all utilities available immediately adjacent to them, including water, sewer, electricity, and natural gas. As shown on the corresponding map, inventory lands are geographically distributed throughout the City and not concentrated in any areas. As such, they affirmatively further fair housing principles. Lands provided in the inventory have been calculated at a density of 15 to 20 23 units per acre. Assuming The density range assumes that 80% intensity will be achieved based on: an average unit size of 1,000 square feet, 28 units per acre can be achieved with 3-story buildings, which is the current height limit in the Planned Residential (PR) zone. This also assumes common area open space in compliance with Zoning requirements, and surface parking. As this zone allows building coverage of 40%,there is more than sufficient space to accommodate the density assumed in the inventory. Further, the density assumptions are conservative compared to typically built densities in each of the zones. The most recent affordable housing projects built in the City were constructed at densities of 15 to 28 units per acre, including Carlos Ortega Villas, at 13 units per acre , and the City currently has entitled or proposed affordable housing projects at densities of 17.5 to 27 units per acre on parcels of 10 acres or more: • Tthe Sands, Site DD: 388 units on_17.5 acres (22/acre); • Pacific West, Site B,2-7-0-269 units on 12 acres (23/acre); • Millennium private site, and 2 sites at Millennium, Site H, 330 units on 15 acres (22/acre), and • Millennium City site, Site C, 240 units on 10 acres, 24/acre). As described on page III-46, Infrastructure Requirements, water, sewer and dry utilities are all in place throughout the City, immediately adjacent to all the sites listed in Table III-47. The current pattern of projects being proposed in the City also shows that lbarge sites are not constrained from development, and are being developed currentlyas all four currently proposed projects listed here are on sites of 10 acres or larger. In addition,when the City adopted the Housing Overlay District, it placed it on all Inventory sites to increase capacity and allow higher densities on these properties. Housing Element III-87 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Table III-47 Vacant Land Inventory of Sites for Extremely Low,Very Low,Low and Moderate Income Units Map Assessor's Zoning Allowable Realistic Potential Key Parcel No. GP (all HOD)** Acreage Density Density Units Vacant Entitled Sites Town Center DD 624-040-037 Neighborhood P.R.-17.5 17.66 17.5 17.5 78 Town Center DD* 624-040-037 Neighborhood P.R.-17.5 17.66 17.5 17.5 310 Small Town 694-520-013,- Neighborhood; 014,-015,-017, Employment E -019 and -020 Center P.R.-19 8.05 19 18 21 Subtotal Entitled Sites 409 Vacant Sites in the Entitlement Process 627-122-013 Small Town LL and-003 Neighborhood R-2,HOD 1.43 3 to 10 20 28 Town Center 12 of B 694-310-006 Neighborhood P.R.-20 68.2 4 to 20 22.5 269 Town Center H 694-190-087 Neighborhood P.R.22 14.97 22 22 44 Town Center H* 694-190-087 Neighborhood P.R.22 14.97 22 22 286 Town Center Neighborhood; Suburban P.C.-(3), 10 of C 694-120-02M Retail Center FCOZ 20.18 7 to 40 24 240 Public Facility/Institu KK 622-370-014 tional P 1.84 N/A I N/A 36 Subtotal Sites in Entitlement Process 903 Vacant Sites Regional P.C.-(3), 15 of A 685-010-005 Retail P.C.D. 64.26 10 to 15 14 200 694-130-017&- Town Center D 018 Neighborhood P.R.-22 10.95 22 20 219 Town Center F 694-510-013 Neighborhood P.R.-22 16.32 22 20 326 624-441-014 Small Town PP through-022 Neighborhood P.R.-6 1.31 3 to 10 8 10 624-440-032 Small Town QQ through-036 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.72 3 to 10 8 6 Small Town 627-041-010 Neighborhood/ through 013, - Neighborhood T 29,031 -033 Center R-3 1.36 7 to 40 15 20 Subtotal Vacant Sites 761 Total All Vacant Sites 2,093 *Moderate Income Site **All sites in this Table have been assigned the Housing Overlay District. Housing Element III-88 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Commercial Designated Sites Sites C and A are proposed on lands currently designated for Planned Commercial. In the case of Site C, the land is owned by the City, and is currently under contract for development of 240 affordable housing units for very low and low income households (please see discussion below, Pending Projects). This site has the HOD overlay,which allows parking reductions and fee waivers for the development of affordable housing units. Site A is part of a larger holding owned by a private party. The developer is preparing a Specific Plan which will include a minimum of 200 units affordable to very low and low income households. The Specific Plan, as allowed by State law, will include site-specific zoning standards to allow the development of these units. The Specific Plan submittal is expected in 2021-2022. Small Sites As described below, Site LL is City-owned, and will be developed for 28 units affordable to very low and low income households. The City will consolidate the lots when development occurs. As shown in the Table, approximately 2,419 093 units could be constructed on lands which are currently available for multiple family residential development.As several of these sites are larger, Program 1.F has been provided to encourage the subdivision of these sites to facilitate multi-family development, even though currently proposed projects for affordable housing in the City are on sites of 10 to 15 acres. This inventory accommodates land needed for very low, low and moderate income households, although as described above, moderate income households can afford market rate rentals in the City currently. I According to the Fair Housing analysis(see"Existing Affordable Housing Programs"section),the City has a low segregation level, no racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty, equal access to opportunity, and no disproportionate housing needs. The sites identified above will not exacerbate any such conditions. Pending Affordable Housing Developments The following affordable projects are either entitled or proposed and anticipated to be built during the planning period. Entitled Projects • The Sands Apartments (Site DD) on Hovley Lane is approved for a total of 388 multi- family rental units. Of those, 78 are required to be affordable for very low income households through an approved Development Agreement that requires that the units be deed restricted. The balance are expected to be market units which will be affordable to moderate income households. • Palm Desert 103 (Site E) will include 21 one and two-bedroom rental units reserved for moderate income residents required by conditions of approval,which require that the units be deed restricted. The project will be developed by a private party. • In May 2020,the City conveyed 14 vacant parcels on Merle Street to the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC) for the development of 14 detached single-family, self-help ownership homes for very low and low income households. CVHC will deed restrict the homes when they are developed. These lots are shown on the inventory as sites PP and QQ. Housing Element III-89 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Projects Pending Entitlements • Sagecrest Apartments (Site LL) will be rebuilt into a minimum of 28 units for very low and low income households with the implementation of the Housing Overlay. The Housing Authority is currently seeking proposals for this project. This Housing Authority project is located at the corner of Santa Rosa and San Pasqual. The project will require a Precise Plan approval when the developer is selected. The units will be deed restricted for very low and low income households, and renters will be required to show proof of income. The DDA for the project includes a requirement that the units be built by 2024. • Pacific West (Site B) The Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency (SARDA) is under contract for the sale of 10± acres immediately east of the Sherriff's station on Gerald Ford Drive, for the development of 2-70-269 units affordable to be deed restricted for very low and low income households. The project was approved by the Planning Commission in July of 2021. The developer is actively involved in securing CDLAC/TCAC and other funding, and expects to begin construction in 2023. • Millennium Private site(Site H)will include 66 affordable rental units with 44 to very low and low income and 22 to moderate,within a 330 unit market rate/moderate income project on 10 acres. The affordability of the very low, low and moderate income units have been secured in an approved Development Agreement, and will require deed restrictions. The project is proposed by a private housing developer. The project is being designed, and a Precise Plan application is expected in October of 2021. • Millennium City site (Site C) The City is currently under contract for the development of 240 units affordable to very low and low income households on 10 acres of land. The units will be deed restricted. The project will be developed by a private housing developer on City land. Entitlement applications are expected in 2022,financing will be secured in 2023. and construction is expected in 2024. • Arc Village (Site KK) will include 36 affordable rental units, including 32 one-bedroom units and 4 two-bedroom units, for special needs adults adjacent to the Desert Arc campus. The project will be developed by a private party. This project will require a Previse Plan application. These entitled and pending entitlement projects will result in a total of 716 units affordable to very low and low income households, and 596 units affordable to moderate income households. With completion of these projects, the City will need to accommodate an additional 419 units for very low and low income households, and would have an excess of 135 moderate income units when all entitled and pending entitlement sites in Table I1I-47 are developed. Table III-47 also shows that the City has capacity for 761 units on vacant sites, almost double the 419 needed during the planning period to complete the RHNA. Table III-48 provides a list of entitled projects which will be available for market housing, to accommodate the City's RHNA for the above moderate income category. These projects include plans for single family homes, condominiums and townhomes, and apartments. These projects are Housing Element III-90 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element in various stages of development. Dolce is under construction. Stone Eagle, Big Horn Mountains, Big Horn Canyon,and Ponderosa Homes lots are recorded and only single family building permits are required. In the case of Montage, the project was approved in May, 2021 and is currently proceeding to record the Tract Map and secure grading and building permits. In the case of University Park, Millennium Apartments, Ponderosa Apartments, Precise Plan applications are required to allow development. University Park,the Santa Rosa Golf Course,the Catavina site and Villa Portofino require further subdivision and Precise Plan approvals. The various stages of development allow for staged development throughout the planning period. Table III-48 Vacant Above Moderate Income Sites Map Project Name Remaining Projected Key Lots Units 1 Stone Eagle 25 25 2 Big Horn Mountains 10 10 3 Big Horn Canyon 31 31 4 University Park—Phase I 1,069 1,069 5 University Park—Phase II 1,291 1,291 6 University Park—Phase III 196 196 7 Millennium Apartments 330 264 8 Former Santa Rosa Golf Course 300 300 9 Former Catavina Site 159 159 11 Villa Portofino—Lot 1 145 145 12 GHA Montage 63 63 13 Ponderosa Homes 99 80 14 Ponderosa Apartments 140 140 15 Dolce 127 127 16 Monterey Ridge 202 202 Total Units 4,187 4,102 The map below provides the location of the sites shown in the inventory tables. Housing Element 111-9 1 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element m....-. - ---- ' F . , , zo , RAMON RD — [3 6'4;1, 13 C 15 n-... 4,,DINAF SHORE DR's", i2 I ....... „ , .... .... . I II. ' ..--.,7:-.; ••.. 1 = 1Q.:14,..., . •"-'r ,.,-..- il,,..•&'- ' ...__/)._ ()4i E Y,,,,,....,70 :i...,r. S) rs, E' G RALD FORD D7 ,... •,! 0 . 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I, -„„,,!,,,tie•.... ••....,-1, _fiI15,,iis „...,Z,L.,7:7,:i ‘2-7•.',;47 77....,7•L';;;,'').:.;.1,;0:::::,,".ii ri'lle Ir.° ir,4,:iliz...co...,7,•• .........„e:,,a_,?..,•-•=4,WI/.0,y-.,.:'h Am ,.;;;.'t ai...',7.7.ttlm,,4:::.'=43,.71414.oror rifffiftoiiiiigniLik7Mik.7 1r 4 7,' ,I;•_f,;.,:::134:',..:7.1 cr:, •-,-L'''7 2 iti.t....r, N --70- -..410•4•A ''":` Bga ..,...4'="4..no.,r.,..,;;;;;;:a-,T.zi '' ,I 0 0.5 1 2 A ;2 22. a aao Miles ' Housing Element 111-92 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element PUBLIC PARTICIPATION The first workshop held for the Housing Element update was with the Palm Desert Housing Authority Housing Commission on January 6, 2021. The Commission's discussion centered on the City's RHNA, the sites on the inventory, and the provision of units for seniors. The Commissioners indicated that senior units were needed at affordable rents, and that the upcoming planning period seemed to be well planned for, given the projects that were moving forward. The City made concerted efforts to reach all segments of the population for input into the Housing Element update. On January 21, 2021, the City held a workshop for the community. A mix of affordable housing developers,public agencies, interested parties and individuals were invited via email. Formal invitations were sent to 21 organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Community Housing Opportunities Corp., Lift to Rise, and the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition. In addition, the workshop was advertised on the City's web site, and in the Desert Sun newspaper. Accommodation was provided for persons requiring hearing or visual assistance for the virtual workshop, although none was requested from participants. Seventeen (17) people attended, and had an active and productive conversation. The workshop began with a short presntation, but was structured as a conversation among attendees, so that they could speak freely about issues of concern. Affordable housing developers, including CVHC and CHOC, indicated a strong desire to work with the City on projects, and clearly expressed their concerns regarding the funding of projects, which require too many funding sources in recent years. Strong support was expressed for the City's increased density to 40 units per acre. The City concurs with developers' concerns about funding sources, and has included programs for projects in this Element where the City will leverage its land to help with private developers' funding applications.However,because of the Legislature's removal of housing set aside for affordable housing, the City's participation in projects will be more limited during the planning period, and the City's focus in programs has shifted to work with private parties to construct the required units. A City Council study session was held on March 25, 2021, to discuss the status of the Housing Element update and the recently adopted RHNA allocation. The City Council listened to a staff- led presentation, and asked questions about various projects and sites on the City's inventory. The focus of development in the University Park area for student and faculty housing for the future expansion of the universities in this area was considered a top priority. The Housing Element was posted on the City's website in June of 2021. The City also held an additional Study Session with the City Council on amendments to the Housing Element on September 9, 2021. Following that Study Session, the revised Draft Element was posted on the City's website, and notices sent to community organizations, all of the participants in the City's previous workshops,and all those to whom workshop invitations had been sent to invite comments on the revised Element, prior to its resubmittal to HCD. No comments were received during the comment period. Finally, public hearings were held before the Planning Commission and City Council for the adoption of the Element, in ?? and?? of 2021. Housing Element III-93 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element GOALS, POLICIES AND PROGRAMS Goal 1 A variety of housing types that meet all of the housing needs for all income groups within the City. Goal 2 The preservation and maintenance of the high quality of the City's affordable housing supply. Policy 1 New affordable housing projects shall be encouraged in all areas of the City. Special attention will be made to distributing the units so that large concentrations of affordable housing in any one area are avoided. Program 1.A The City shall work with affordable housing developers, non-profit agencies and other stakeholders to implement the following affordable housing projects for extremely low, very low, low and moderate income households during the planning period. • 21 units at Palm Desert 103 (Site E): annually contact the landowner and provide them with current City programs and incentives for the construction of the remaining units within the project. • 36 units at Arc Village (Site KK): continue to work with Desert ARC and affordable housing developers to secure funding for these units for developmentally disabled persons. The City will participate in the preparation of applications for State funding and reinstate funding assistance when an application is prepared. • 66 units at Millennium(Site F):the City will continue to work with the developer to process the pending entitlements and finalize the affordable housing covenants consistent with the existing Development Agreement. The City will annually contact the land owners, promote the projects to the development community, and continue to extend approvals, as appropriate, to implement these projects. Responsible Agency: Community Development Department and Housing Authority Schedule: 2022 2027Continuous as these projects move forward Housing Element III-94 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Program 1.B The City shall pursue the planning and implementation of the following projects for extremely low, very low, low and moderate income households during the planning period. The City will utilize public-private partnerships, grants and third party funding for these projects, and density bonus incentives. • 240 units at Millennium City Site (Site C): the City shall enforce the terms of its existing agreement with the developer of this project, including maintaining project schedules and expediting processing of applications. A minimum of 15% of the units will be reserved for extremely low income residents. • 28 units at Sagecrest Apartments(Site LL):the City will complete the RFP process in 2022, and establish an agreement with the successful developer for construction of the units by 2025.A minimum of 15%of the units shall be reserved for extremely low income residents. • 27-&269 units at Gerald Ford, west of Portola(Site B): the City will maintain the schedule established in the existing agreement with the developer, participate in funding applications, and participate in the funding through the existing land sale agreement, to reach completion of construction by 2024. SARDA will issue RFPs and secure developers for these project, and negotiate timelines for development of the units during the planning period. The City will also write letters of support and lobby in favor of funding for these projects where appropriate. Responsible Agency: Community Development Department and Housing Authority Schedule: As described above, 2022-2025 Program 1.0 The City shall encourage and facilitate the development by private parties of the following projects for extremely low, very low, low and moderate income units: • 200 units at Key Largo (Site A): the City will continue to work with the land owner in the completion of entitlement applications for the site, including the provision of Density Bonus incentives, fee waivers and other incentives as appropriate. • 78 units at the Sands (Site DD): the City will maintain contact with the land owner and participate in funding efforts as the developer applies for TCAC and other funds for the project. 0- 320 units within the University Neighborhood Specific Plan area (Site I/5): the City will maintain contact with the landowner and provide incentives, including Density Bonus and fee waivers, as appropriate, to encourage development of these properties for housing affordable to very low and low income households..- The City shall annually contact the owners/developers of these lands and review with them the incentives and financing options available through State and federal loan and grant programs, and local non profit agencies to assure that all potential financial mechanisms are being considered for the project(s). The City will offer incentives, including Density Bonus, fee waivers and reduced building permit fees for those projects including a minimum of 15% of units affordable to extremely low income households. Responsible Agency: Planning Department Schedule: 2022-2029 Housing Element III-95 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Program 1.D The City shall continue to implement the Self Help Housing program when funds are available. The City will work with agencies such as Habitat for Humanity and Coachella Valley Housing Coalition to identify funding and the location of these units. This includes the construction of the 14 homes on Merle, secured with CVHC. The City will implement the provisions of its agreement with CVHC to assure the completion of the 14 self-help units by 2024. Responsible Agency: Housing Authority Schedule: 2022-2024 for Merle lots, annually throughout planning period Program 1.E The City shall maintain its inventory of sites zoned for PR-20 or more, and R-3, and shall encourage the incorporation of extremely low, very low, low and moderate income housing units into these projects as they are brought forward. These sites are included in the Vacant Land Inventory (Table III-47), have been assigned the Housing Overlay District, and will be required, consistent with AB 330, to meet the densities cited in the Inventory. The City will post Table III- 47 on its website immediately upon adoption of the Element. The City shall, as part of its Annual Progress Report to HCD, analyze whether any Inventory site has been developed at a density less than that shown in Table III-47, and how any reduction was offset to assure that the City's RHNA allocation can be met(no net loss). Responsible Agency: Planning Department. Schedule: As project applications are submitted2022 for posting of Table III-47, April of each year for Annual Progress Report. Program 1.F Although the affordable housing projects currently approved or being entitled in the City occur on parcels of 10 acres or more, tThe City will encourage further land divisions resulting in parcel sizes that facilitate multifamily development affordable to lower income households in light of state, federal and local financing programs (50-100 units) as development proposals are brought forward. The City will discuss incentives available for land divisions (2-5 acres) encouraging the development of housing affordable to lower income households with housing developers as proposals are brought forward. The City will offer incentives for land division encouraging the development of affordable housing including, but not limited to: • priority to processing subdivision maps that include affordable housing units, • expedited review for the subdivision of larger sites into buildable lots where the development application can be found consistent with the Specific Plan, • financial assistance (based on availability of federal, state, local foundations, and private housing funds). Responsible Agency: Planning Department Schedule: As projects are proposed Program 1.G The City shall establish a pilot program to encourage development of ADUs and JADUs that are dedicated as affordable units and made available for rent to low-income households for at least 30 years. The City program could include an incentive such as floor area bonus for the property owner; reductions in building plan check fees, and/or inspection fees. Housing Element III-96 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Responsible Party: Planning Department Schedule: Develop and publish program on City website: 2021-2022, with regular Zoning Ordinance update Program 1.H The City shall establish an SB 35 planning application and process that contains the requirements of the law,the required objective development standards,and the processing requirements for these projects. Responsible Agency: Planning Department. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Policy 2 The City shall encourage the rehabilitation of existing housing units through a variety of programs. Program 2.A The City shall consider CDBG funds for the Home Improvement Program for single family homes by providing grants and low interest loans to program participants, with a focus on the 67 units identified as having substandard kitchen and bath facilities, and continuing to refer residents to the existing HVAC replacement program offered by SCE. The HIP program will be provided to the extent that funding is available, to up to five eight households each year, and referrals made for the SCE replacement program as they are received, on average to 7 residents annually. Responsible Agency: Housing Authority Schedule: Annually as funds arc availablcwith adoption of CDBG program funding Program 2.B The City shall develop a program for homeowner assistance for the rehabilitation of older and substandard housing units. Funding sources to be considered include CDBG, HIP, and other programs as identified. Responsible Agency: Community Development Department Schedule: Annually as funds are available Policy3 The City shall preserve existing affordable housing units. Program 3.A The Housing Authority shall continue to subsidize affordable housing units it owns now and in the future using operating revenues. Responsible Agency: Housing Authority Schedule: Annually in the Housing Authority Budget Program 3.B The Housing Authority shall maintain the existing resale restrictions and other subsidies on 301 ownership units. Responsible Agency: Housing Authority Schedule: Throughout the planning period Housing Element III-97 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Program 3.0 The City will research and identify ownership of the 67 ownership units at risk of losing affordability covenants during or immediately following this planning period, and work with owners to extend these covenants. Incentives could include: • financial assistance for the extension of covenants. • Offer HIP major rehabilitation loans to homeowners to secure extended restrictions. Responsible Agency: Housing Authority Schedule: Throughout planning period, one year prior to covenant expiration Program 3.D The Housing Authority owns approximately 1,114 existing rental housing units and will strive to maintain its ownership and/or long term affordability of these units by a third party. Should the Housing Authority sell any of its properties, the sale will include a deed restriction assuring that the same affordability levels as occur prior to sale are maintained for a period of at least 55 years. Responsible Agency: Housing Authority Schedule: Annually in the Housing Authority Budget Program 3.E The City shall coordinatcwill host meetings between affordable housing developers and social service agencies when new projects are developed to encourage the integration of services such as child care,job training, vocational education, and similar programs into new affordable housing projects through direct contact with both parties. For on-site child care, the City shall consider allocation of the City's Childcare Mitigation Fee to new projects which provide the service. Responsible Agency: Housing Authority, Community Development Department Schedule: As projects are proposed Policy 4 The City shall continue to strive to meet the State-mandated special shelter needs of large families, female headed households, single parent families, senior citizens, and disabled individuals and families, and shall consider including units for such households in its projects. Program 4.A The City shall continue to enforce the provisions of the Federal Fair Housing Act. The City shall continue its referral program to the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, and shall maintain information at City Hall and affordable housing complexes.Brochures and flyers shall be available at Housing Authority properties, the Public Library, and City Hall, and at County social service agency offices in the City, in order to assure that they are available to all community members. Responsible Agency: City and Housing Authority Schedule: Brochures and flyers available at Housing Authority properties, Public Library, and GittBrochures updated and refilled as needed to assure they are always available. Housing Element III-98 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Program 4.B The City shall work with the Senior Center and other appropriate agencies in the housing of disabled residents. The City will annually train staff at the Senior Center and Housing Authority properties in the needs of disabled residents, the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the City's Reasonable Accommodation policy. Responsible Agency: Senior Center Schedule: Annually through staff training program Program 4.0 The City shall meet with non-profit developers and other stakeholders annually to establish and implement a strategy to continue to provide housing affordable to extremely low-income households. The City shall also consider applying for State and federal funding specifically targeted for the development of housing affordable to extremely low-income households, such as CDBG, HOME, Local Housing Trust Fund program and Proposition 1-C funds to the extent possible. The City shall continue to consider incentives, such as increased densities,modifications to development standards, priority processing and fee deferrals as part of the financing package for projects which include extremely low income units. Responsible Agency: City Schedule: As projects are proposedIn conjunction with development of projects described in Programs 1.A through 1.C. Policy 5 The City shall strive to provide shelter for the homeless and persons with disabilities. Program 5.A The City shall continue to work with CVAG on a regional solution for homelessness with the CV Housing First program, through a collaborative approach of the Coachella Valley Homelessness Engagement& Action Response Team(CVHEART). Responsible Agency: City Manager's Office Schedule: Annually in the General Fund Budget Program 5.B The City will continue to coordinate with the Inland Regional Center, Desert Arc and other appropriate agencies and organizations that serve the developmentally and physically disabled population. The City will continue to encourage developers to reserve a portion of affordable housing projects for the disabled, including those with developmental disabilities. The City will support funding applications for such projects, and will consider fee waivers and reductions when these projects are proposed. Housing Authority properties are one of the vehicles available to encourage rental to developmentally disabled individuals. Responsible Agency: Planning Department Schedule: As projects are proposed Program 5.0 The City shall encourage local organizations, such as the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, Martha's Village and Catholic Charities, to apply to the City for the award of CDBG funds for homeless services. Responsible Agency: Finance Department Schedule: Annually with CDBG funding cycle Housing Element III-99 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Program 5.D Review and revise, as necessary, the Zoning Ordinance to ensure compliance with Assembly Bill (AB) 101 as it pertains to Low Barrier Navigation Centers, and AB 139 as it relates to parking for emergency shelters being required for employees only.Modify the definition of"homeless shelter" to include Low Barrier Navigation Centersthis use. Responsible Agency: Planning Department Schedule: 2022-2023 at regular Zoning Ordinance update Policy 6 The City shall continue to utilize restrictions, applicant screenings, and other appropriate mechanisms established as conditions of approval, restrictive agreements or other means in order to preserve affordable for sale housing units for the long term. Program 6.A The City shall keep in regular contact with the Riverside County Housing Authority to ensure that Section 8 housing assistance within the City is actively pursued. At least 30 households should be assisted every year. Responsible Agency: City and Housing Authority Schedule: Annually with annual compliance plan review Policy 7 The City Council shall consider, as an additional incentive,the reduction, subsidizing or deferring of development fees to facilitate the development of affordable housing. Policy 8 The City shall continue to address the needs of the senior population in development of housing. Program 8.A The City shall maintain the Housing Overlay District and Accessory Dwelling Unit standards in the Zoning Ordinance. Responsible Agency: Community Development Department Schedule: Annually review with state General Plan report Program 8.B The City shall continue to encourage the development of assisted living facilities for seniors. Responsible Agency: Community Development Department Schedule: As projects are proposed Policy 9 The City shall implement the State's density bonus law. Program 9.A Revise the Zoning Ordinance to ensure compliance with AB 2345State law as it pertains to density bonus requirements throughout the planning period. Responsible Agency: Community Development Department Schedule: at regular Zoning Ordinance update Housing Element III-100 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Policy 10 Promote the jobs/housing balance through the development of housing with convenient access to commercial land uses, schools, available public transport and employment centers. Policy 11 The City shall promote and affirmatively further fair housing opportunities throughout the community for all persons regardless of race,religion, sex,marital status,ancestry,national origin, color, familial status, or disability, and other characteristics protected by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Government Code Section 65008, and any other applicable state and federal fair housing and planning law. Program 11.A Maintain andContinue to provide multilingual brochures and informational resources to inform residents, landlords, housing professionals, public officials, and others relevant parties about fair housing rights,responsibilities, and services. Responsible Agency: Housing Authority Schedule: Ongoing Program 11.B Coordinate with SunLine Transit Agency to expand services that provide reliable transportation options to low income, disabled, senior, and other residents with limited access. Responsible Agency: Community Development Department Schedule: 2022-2029 Policy 12 Encourage energy conservation through the implementation of new technologies,passive solar site planning and enforcement of building codes. Please also see the Energy and Mineral Resources Element. Program 12.A The City shall maintain an Energy Conservation Ordinance which mandates conservation in new construction beyond the requirements of the California Building Code. Responsible Agency: Planning Department Schedule: Annual review with state General Plan report Program 12.B The City shall encourage Green Building techniques, recycling in demolition, and the use of recycled, repurposed and reused materials in all new housing projects to the greatest extent possible. Responsible Agency: Planning Department, Building Department, Public Works Department Schedule: As projects are proposed Housing Element III-101 TN/City of Palm Desert General Plan/Housing Element Appendix A Public Outreach Materials Housing Element III-102 PALM DESERT COMM tA_N tTY WORKS HOP N OYI c CITY OF PALM DESFRT H-ORSIN4 FL>✓MFNT COMMt4NITY WORKS H-OP T1ttu.rsdaU,Jawu.aru 2.1, 202.1 — 3:00 A cowt.wt u.wit workshop for the Citj's H-ovsiwg el,ewt.ewt update (2021-2029 plawwiwg period) wiLL be held Thursdau,Jawu.arj 21, 2021, at 3:00 p.wt,. via Zoom. At this workshop, the CitIJ, will discuss backgrovwd iw forw�atiow regardiwg its upcowtiwg H-ou.siwg el,ewt,ewt update iwcLu.diwg wew State 1--Voysi,wg eLe'newt Law, the 2021-2029 rzegiowal, H-ovsiwg Needs Assesswt.ewt (RH-NA) allocatiow for the Citj awd takepu.bLic cowtwtewts ow the update from those attewoliwg. ALL wt,ewtbers of the pu.bLic are ewcou.raged to attewd. The H-ovsiwg elewt.ewt is a series of goals, poLicies, awd iwtpLewt,ewtatiow wt.easvres for the preservatiow, iwtprovewtewt, aIAA d eve Lap mewt of hou.siwg, which would appLj throu.ghout the Citj. it meets the rectu.irewt.ewts of the CaLi forwia Departwt,ewt of H-ou.siwg awd Cowt wt uwitlJ, AeveLopwt,ewt, awd State Law. To participate iw the workshop via Zoovv, please RSVP email, to eceja@cituo fpaLwt.desert.org, b j 10:00 a.wt . ow the °tau of the wt,eetiwg (rectu.ests received after 10:00 a.wt,. ow wt.eetiwg o(c j wta j wot be processed). Specific ctuestiows regardiwg the workshop or Ho sivt,g eLewt,evtt wtau be directed to eric Ceja, PriwcipaL PLawwer, at (moo) 34o-o&11. or eceja@ci,tofpaLwtdesert.org. The citj of PaLwtvesert-promotes fairhous%wg awd wt.alzes all-programs ava%LabLeto Low-iwcowt.e families awd regardLess of race, reLigiow, coLor, wati-owaL origiw, awcestru phusicaL d%sab%L%tj, wtewtaL d%sab%L%t�, med%caL cowd%t%ow, wt.aritaL status, poLiticaL a f f aati-ow, sex, age, sexttaL or'ewtat'ow or other arbitrarj factor. m lc o o - a ai0 `S 'O O O 0 U U UL _c > L U U L 3 3 3 3 `o E > E 6) o0. U 2' O 2 s O co w o O U �22 w U • _ O . N• O 5 • C 0 0. E to `0 0 8 0. -0 E 7 d a o 0 m e E ,_ E o N o 0 0 w ,a). V C > w a) 0 7 C) w OL L ° C O 3 N U _c "0 O w fl. 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OH » 3: < z J 000 I z x O. a zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz o 0 > > > > > 0 0 0 > > > > > > > z z z z 0000000000000000 ZZZZ 17, U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U o 0 0 0 J W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W U U U 0 0000000000000000 W W W W coo >,Cn Ca Ca Ca Ca (n Ca (n Ca (n Ca (n Ca (n Ca (n 0000 c ct -f-, CCIICeCtCeCeCtCeCeCtCeCtCeCeCCCe CT) CT) CT) CT) • c W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W CC CC CC CC CO 0 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > W W W W Tuesday,January 12,2021 at 08:21:03 Pacific Standard Time Subject: Palm Desert Housing Element Update-Virtual Community Workshop Notice -Join us! Date: Tuesday,January 12, 2021 at 8:19:19 AM Pacific Standard Time From: Kimberly Cuza <kcuza@terranovaplanning.com> BCC: Andrew@greendev.co<Andrew@greendev.co>, mrisdon@acof.org<mrisdon@acof.org>, affordablehomestead@gmail.com <affordablehomestead@gmail.com>, Riaz@marrscorp.com <Riaz@marrscorp.com>, apreedge@cityventures.com <apreedge@cityventures.com>, julie.bornstein@cvhc.org<julie.bornstein@cvhc.org>, mdiacos@cypressequity.com <mdiacos@cypressequity.com>, Ivandeweghe@decro.org<Ivandeweghe@decro.org>, smoreno@families-forward.org<smoreno@families-forward.org>,jon@hipsandiego.org <jon@hipsandiego.org>, paul@integrityhousing.org<paul@integrityhousing.org>, rubina@olivecs.org<rubina@olivecs.org>, tcox@cvag.org<tcox@cvag.org>, cesarc@kennedycommission.org<cesarc@kennedycommission.org>, esantana@ush.us <esantana@ush.us>, ggardner@usapropfund.com <ggardner@usapropfund.com>, tmize@workforcehomebuilders.com <tmize@workforcehomebuilders.com>, tmize@nationalcore.org<tmize@nationalcore.org>,JSilver@chochousing.org <JSilver@chochousing.org>, CLiuzzo@chochousing.org<CLiuzzo@chochousing.org>, YLyashenko@chochousing.org<YLyashenko@chochousing.org>, MHachiya@chochousing.org <MHachiya@chochousing.org>, Maryann.Ybarra@cvhc.org<Maryann.Ybarra@cvhc.org>, DarrenB@tpchousing.com <DarrenB@tpchousing.com>,jortiz@nphsinc.org <jortiz@nphsinc.org>, executivedirector@hfhcv.org<executivedirector@hfhcv.org>, info@hfhcv.org<info@hfhcv.org>, cdahlin@cvag.org<cdahlin@cvag.org>, info@lifttorise.org <info@lifttorise.org>, VNicholas@chochousing.org<VNicholas@chochousing.org>, Eric Ceja <eceja@cityofpalmdesert.org>,jgonzales@cityofpalmdesert.org <jgonzales@cityofpalmdesert.org>, Nicole Criste <ncriste@terranovaplanning.com>, Bitian Chen <bchen@terranovaplanning.com> Attachments: image001.png PALM DESERT COMMRNITy WbR.kSH•OP NOTICV CtTy OF PALM i s r H-ORStN COMMt. WOR.K.SH-OP Ti u.rsdad, Jawu.ard 21., 2021 — 3:00 p.m. A co v ,iM vv tH wor.sliop for the eitH's t-toi•csiwg Etev ev.t update (2. Page 1 of 2 plawwiwg period) will be held ThiArsdau,Jawi.ccrlji 2.1, 202.1, at 3:0 .z.,00m. At this worleshop, the Cittj will discress baclzgrottv4 iw regardiwg its vpcomiwg f-tovsiwg EIevU,ewt Rpdate iwcltcdiwg F-towcsiwg elel/mewt law, the 2021-202j R.egiowal !-tou_siwg Needs A. (RI-1NA) allocatiow for the Ciao awd tal2e plAblic coil vin,ewts ow the RI those attewdiwg. ALL members of the pi•cbl.ic are ewcoi•craged to attewd The I-toresiwg elemev t is a series of goals, policies, awd i v ptei wt.easitres for the preservatiow, ivi,+,provevi,+,ewt, awd developvwewt of which worAld appl j throwcghorct the Citu. It meets the recticiremed Cali forwia "epartmewt off-to wg awd Covu,wt.I.cv tt j ievelopmewt, Law. To participate iw the worl-zshop via Zoowt,, please RSVP bu eceja@cituo f palmdesert.orcl, b j 1o:oo a.vw. ow the dad of the meetiwe received after 10:00 GI-VIA.. ow vweetiwg dau vwau wot be processed) cV.testiows regardiwg the worleshop or I-toicsiwg Flevwewt 1/1A,ad be direc Ceja, Priwcipal plawwer, at (700) 34 -0411 or eceja@cittJ,o fpalvwdes The cad of PaLvvt.Desert provwotes fair Housiwg awd 1/4402es all programs avai.LabLe to Low-i.vu awd iwdividuals, regardLess of race,reLigiovt.,coLor,vt.atiovt.aLorigivt,awcestrd phdsicaL disc disabiLitd, medical cowditiow, maritaL status, poLiticaL a f fi.Liatiovt., sex, age, seXtaL orievtt arbitrarj factor. Page 2 of 2 Housing Element Workshop RSVP List-January 21,2021 Name Organization Email Jane Bueller City's Housing Commission jannb774@gmail.com Taylor Varner Li bolt Lift to Rise taylor@lifttorise.org Melody Morrison tallgirlof3@gmail.com Donna ault City's Housing Commission donnaault@msn.com Dennis City's Housing Commission guinawcd@gmail.com Habitat for Humanity executivedirector@hfhcv.org Joy Silver Communities Housing Opportunities Corporation JSilver@chochousing.org Tony Mize National Core tmize@nationalcore.org Emilia Mojica Coachella Valley Housing Coalition Emilia.Moiica@cvhc.ore Slawom i r Rutkowski Coachella Valley Housing Coalition Sl awom i r.Rutkowski @cvhc.ore Anna Tel I ez Coachella Valley Housing Coalition An na.Tel lez@cvhc.org Sheila McGrath Coachella Valley Housing Coalition Sheila.McGrath@cvhc.org Gretchen Gutierrez Desert Valley Builders Associations gg@thedvba.org • .,•- 41!.:F.-4. •.1 _ . : 11.1ilill ‘6' . • ., • ;kr . - •.et• II.. . . , . - -— .. ... . • ... ...:-., t •--.. 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X = V) Co n , a (NI VJ `- Ni O Ni l0 L co D C co 1 U co a) a) 4- L- 0 0 D 4U t iD a) v) co 4u 42) 0_ C L 0 0 > • — 4--J (r) C (I) co U a) c• 2 0 Wednesday,September 1, 2021 at 15:47:59 Pacific Daylight Time Subject: Palm Desert Housing Element Study Session Date: Friday,August 27, 2021 at 2:44:30 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Kimberly Cuza <kcuza@terranovaplanning.com> To: Kimberly Cuza <kcuza@terranovaplanning.com> BCC: Andrew@greendev.co<Andrew@greendev.co>, mrisdon@acof.org<mrisdon@acof.org>, affordablehomestead@gmail.com <affordablehomestead@gmail.com>, mdiacos@cypressequity.com <mdiacos@cypressequity.com>, Riaz@marrscorp.com <Riaz@marrscorp.com>, tmize@workforcehomebuilders.com <tmize@workforcehomebuilders.com>, ggardner@usapropfund.com <ggardner@usapropfund.com>, esantana@ush.us <esantana@ush.us>, cesarc@kennedycommission.org<cesarc@kennedycommission.org>, apreedge@cityventures.com <apreedge@cityventures.com>,julie.bornstein@cvhc.org <julie.bornstein@cvhc.org>, Ivandeweghe@decro.org<Ivandeweghe@decro.org>, smoreno@families-forward.org<smoreno@families-forward.org>,jon@hipsandiego.org <jon@hipsandiego.org>, paul@integrityhousing.org<paul@integrityhousing.org>, rubina@olivecs.org<rubina@olivecs.org>, tcox@cvag.org<tcox@cvag.org>, tmize@nationalcore.org<tmize@nationalcore.org>,JSilver@chochousing.org <JSilver@chochousing.org>, Charles Liuzzo<cliuzzo@chochousing.org>, Yegor Lyashenko <YLyashenko@chochousing.org>, Minami Hachiya <MHachiya@chochousing.org>, Maryann Ybarra <maryann.ybarra@cvhc.org>, Darren Berberian <DarrenB@tpchousing.com>, jortiz@nphsinc.org<jortiz@nphsinc.org>, executivedirector@hfhcv.org <executivedirector@hfhcv.org>, cdahlin@cvag.org<cdahlin@cvag.org>, info@lifttorise.org <info@lifttorise.org>, Info HFHCV<info@hfhcv.org>,Vince Nicholas <VNicholas@chochousing.org>, Eric Ceja <eceja@cityofpalmdesert.org>,Jessica Gonzales <jgonzales@cityofpalmdesert.org>, Nicole Criste <ncriste@terranovaplanning.com>, Bitian Chen <bchen@terranovaplanning.com>, Cynthia Michaels <cmichaels@terranovaplanning.com>,jannb774@gmail.com <jannb774@gmail.com>, taylor@lifttorise.org<taylor@lifttorise.org>,tallgirlof3@gmail.com <tallgirlof3@gmail.com>, donnaault@msn.com <donnaault@msn.com>, guinawcd@gmail.com <guinawcd@gmail.com>, executivedirector@hfhcv.org<executivedirector@hfhcv.org>, JSilver@chochousing.org<JSilver@chochousing.org>,tmize@nationalcore.org <tmize@nationalcore.org>, Emilia.Mojica@cvhc.org<Emilia.Mojica@cvhc.org>, Slawomir.Rutkowski@cvhc.org<Slawomir.Rutkowski@cvhc.org>, Anna.Tellez@cvhc.org <Anna.Tellez@cvhc.org>, Sheila.McGrath@cvhc.org<Sheila.McGrath@cvhc.org>, gg@thedvba.org<gg@thedvba.org> Attachments: image.png, PD HE Study Session Notice.jpg II 3 PALM DESERT As a participant in our community workshops for the City of Palm Desert's Housing Element Update, we wanted to let you know of this upcoming Study Session. The Study Session will be a presentation followed by Planning Commission and City Council comments and questions, and we hope that you can attend and listen in. Following the Study Session, the City will post the revised Housing Element on its website for public comment, from September 10th through September 24th. We invite you to provide comments on the Element through this portal: Housing Element I City of Palm Desert Page 1 of 3 ............. CITY OF PRIMi tin DESERT �; 73-510 FRI?r)WARIYG DRIVE? ,, VIM y PA!NI I)E!SEIT,CAI.I-0MA 92260-257g ,, TEL: 760 346-061I '•y� 1ICi -;' infn+cityofpalmdcscrt.org .f NOTICE OF JOINT STUDY SESSION OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Palm Desert City Council and the Planning Commission will convene for a Joint Study Session Thursday, September 9, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.—a Virtual Meeting. Said Study Session will be for the purpose of a proposed draft Housing Element presentation by Terra Nova Planning & Research, Resulting recommendations will be considered at an upcoming Regular City Council Meeting. r,- NORMA I. ALLEY,M CITY CLER Posted: August 19, 2021 I (' A!'.TIfmq MI I RP TAKFAI AT TWP CTI IfV QPQQinM Page 2 of 3 NOTE:Pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20,this meeting maybe conducted by teleconference and there will be no in-person public access to the meeting location, Study Session is live-streamed on the City's website: www.cityofpalmdesertoral under the Council Agenda link at the top of the homepage and by selecting the September 9,2021,Study Session scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Page 3 of 3 Friday,September 3, 2021 at 13:49:22 Pacific Daylight Time Subject: Palm Desert Housing Element Study Session Date: Friday, September 3, 2021 at 1:48:29 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Kimberly Cuza <kcuza@terranovaplanning.com> BCC: josieare@gmail.com <josieare@gmail.com>, info@pdacc.org<info@pdacc.org>, gg@thedvba.org<gg@thedvba.org>,Jessica Gonzales<jgonzales@cityofpalmdesert.org>, Nicole Criste <ncriste@terranovaplanning.com> Attachments: image001.jpg, image002.jpg PALM DESERT As a participant in our community workshops for the City of Palm Desert's Housing Element Update, we wanted to let you know of this upcoming Study Session. The Study Session will be a presentation followed by Planning Commission and City Council comments and questions, and we hope that you can attend and listen in. Following the Study Session, the City will post the revised Housing Element on its website for public comment, from September 10th through September 24th. We invite you to provide comments on the Element through this portal: Housing Element I City of Palm Desert • CITY OF PALMI 4d, O 73-5Io F ARING DRIVE Iti J'' ii PALM DF_yrIT, CA1-IFoRNrA 922.6o-2578 •:_ r; TEL 760 3 46--06 i x v'y `•:" • inft + cityofpalmdcsrrt.org NOTICE OF JOINT STUDY SESSION OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION Page 1 of 2 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Palm Desert City Council anc Commission will convene for a Joint Study Session Thursday, Septemb+ 2:00 p.m. —a Virtual Meeting. Said Study Session will be for the purpose draft Housing Element presentation by Terra Nova Planning & Researc recommendations will be considered at an upcoming Regular City Council 4// ./ NORMA I. ALLEY, C CITY CLER Posted: August 19, 2021 NO ACTIONS WILL BE TAKEN AT THE STUDY SESSION NOTE: Pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20. this meeting may be conducted by and there will be no in-person public access to the reefing location. Study Session is live-streamed on the City's website: www.cityofpalmdesert. Council Agenda link at the top of the homepage and by selecting the September Session scheduled for 2:00 p.m. I .{WIMfA-0 OIR{CHLM OMR Page 2 of 2 Friday,September 10, 2021 at 15:13:32 Pacific Daylight Time Subject: FW: Screen Shot of Housing Element Website Update Date: Friday, September 10, 2021 at 3:10:10 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: Nicole Criste <ncriste@terranovaplanning.com> To: Kimberly Cuza <kcuza@terranovaplanning.com> Attachments: image001.jpg, image002.png, image003.jpg, image004.jpg, image005.jpg For PDHE Appendix Nicole Sauviat Criste Principal TERRA NOVA PLANNING &RESEARCH, INC.® 42635 Melanie Place, Ste 101 PALM DESERT, CA. 92211 (760)341-4800 FAX#: 760-341-4455 E-Mail: ncriste@terranovaplanning.com From: "eceja@cityofpalmdesert.org" <eceja@cityofpalmdesert.org> Date: Friday, September 10, 2021 at 2:54 PM To: Nicole Criste <ncriste@terranovaplanning.com> Cc: "jgonzales@cityofpalmdesert.org" <jgonzales@cityofpalmdesert.org> Subject: Screen Shot of Housing Element Website Update Attached is the screenshot for the HE website update. I] x {arW r+errni lgr x 1 #yl Mnr e4.«Pr•a x I 0 kir ttia+nt{.b 40. x I '. teamked car6r.w x I e vu Le, wru' x I a 146t elerrrr rrwr. -- C'i O F €+7o+vwr4tr++a o,u-p Otininrileatiorpiirpunif 'rat- 4-Otrneu 121ta^+•^ 'C-nrta $ [ro,rose . . E.reare.e is 1110157 I ti44rtspur-'0rre� PALMDESERT RESIDENTS BUSINESSES Ck [ I1 RNLI r- = PLmnIng ICfilf]I•G�bS71•Jt74 a 21l5 r Obritri1 Pli ri Rowing Element HOUSING ELEMENT Cm sue L and Dr rlopenrnr one Component of she General flan Is the}lousing Element.The Hou3g'g Etenrmi + MAKI Identities'the Cttys housing€codiGORs and needs.are estap1.15-*es gnats,obtectlues,.a pollcle s Vet ere the fD n liskes or the{Itsls houslny and dre'th stiategy.The Hatuir + PIRIKet. Et went ISane d'17re rmarxlatoe'elements that Is rrrvleeked es part or ar/Cceoerat PI; and If the only Element 1n¢1M4alty certified by The Slott s Department Or Hoosing a Desert Surf [anunanIeyOrieboprncrs1 kit an rIginTifflar emle-The(ILO Housing Bement Mr tlse pi-rnning giclicd 241.-2071 was lot tertlfitd in 2013. Saopahlb tmprare.nents The Lrtyoe Patin Desert is In the process 40 updating end tltrelerprrrrf strategoes rot le Mon.feint Rentals cycle HeusInq Element If you Nye arty comments rn the grail Mousing E lenient{4LlI ILL ng.pcfiod 2021.1029 PiNeGe send terern directly to Eric Ceja,Deputy Director o riarlluaoaltannabls develoornent Services at trzjaecItuctloakrndrie4tmg. Page 1 of 2 Appkl[ad+x.s and 1'n-n::.. Ar h kural 11.70v.cnlnnti-.i PlonnIr,g Comrn.5slnn Plae RL-fr.v -We GimpName. Comma Planrw.g P o PH 140. KI �I Thanks, Eric Ceja '• . ' Deputy Director of Development Services 4 Ph: 760.346.0611 Direct.: 760.776.6384 =-� • 1,7 `• eceja@cityofpalmdesert.o.rg • CITY OF PALM DESERT 78-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 9 260- 578 www.cityofpalmdesert.org Install the Palm Desert In Touch app to stay in touch with your community Android Apple Mobile Web Page 2 of 2 CHAPTER 8:SAFETY Z . SAFE Overview The City of Palm Desert strives to maintain a high level of safety and to respect the natural setting of the community, while meeting the needs of residents, a thriving economy, and critical government PARAMDIcs functions. This element identifies priority public safety issues in Palm Desert and addresses potential hazards to people and property. Issues in this element include both natural and human-caused gir w~ hazards. Goals, policies and actions in the Safety Element seek to ,�.Of" enhance the safety of the community and foster long-term resilience t0 potential hazards. Palm Desert is known for high quality emergency services Statutory Requirements California law(Government Code Section 65302(a)) requires that a city's general plan include: "a safety element for the protection of the community from any unreasonable risks associated with the effects of seismically induced surface rupture,ground shaking, ground failure,tsunami,seiche,and dam failure;slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides;subsidence...and other geologic hazards known to the legislative body;flooding;and wildland and urban fires.The safety element shall include mapping of known seismic and other geologic hazards. It shall also address evacuation routes...peak load water supply requirements, and minimum road widths and clearances around structures,as those items relate to identified fire and geologic hazards." As required by state law,the Safety Element identifies forces of nature and events resulting from human action that have the potential to cause harm to life and property in the city. Identifying the source of such threats allows decision-makers to take preemptory action to minimize the damage, particularly as it relates to new development projects. In addition to State-mandated components,the Safety Element builds on the previous General Plan to emphasize the importance of police services and personal safety.This element presents existing conditions relative to public safety in Palm Desert and is organized to address the following six priority safety issues required by state law and identified by the City's(2017) Local Hazard Mitigation Plan: • Seismic and geologic hazards • Flooding • Extreme weather • Fire GENERAL PLAN 1109 CHAPTER 8:GENERAL PLAN • Emergency preparedness • Human-caused and other hazards The Safety Element is consistent with and supports the other General Plan elements. The elements of the General Plan that most closely correlate to the Safety Element are the Land Use and Community Character Element, Public Utilities Element, Mobility Element, Housing Element,and Environmental Resources Element.While the Safety Element has a less direct relationship with the remaining General Plan elements,each element is important and collectively supports a comprehensive framework for Palm Desert's future. Context The Safety Element addresses a broad range of issues and hazards that affect the i ......., community and residents of Palm Desert. Hazards and strategies from the Local ' ., -• • - Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)1, Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan �` (MJHMP)2, Riverside County Unit Fire Plan,and Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) . - 1 provide a foundation for policy development in this element.The Safety Element ii also reflects technical information on the extent and scope of hazards,as described ' in the City of Palm Desert Existing Conditions Report(2015). Relevant sections in the r; "'` report include Section 7(Geology and Soils),Section 8(Hazards and Hazardous Materials),Section 9(Hydrology and Water Quality),and Section 15(Public Services, Utilities,and Recreation).These sections provide technical information on hazards, Protecting community well-being and in addition to context regarding the local,state and federal regulatory framework. health remains a high priority for Palm Desert Related Plans The Safety Element supports and integrates several key plans that identify the City's approach to assess and reduce risks from hazards. In addition to local plans and ordinances,several state and federal policies and programs shape the City's approach to hazard mitigation. Two key local plans present programs and implementation strategies to assess and respond to hazards.The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)analyzes potential hazards in Palm Desert. Included in the LHMP is a comprehensive risk assessment that meets the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act(DMA)of 2000.The DMA requires local governments to prepare plans that identify hazards and risks in a community and to create appropriate mitigation.Additionally,the City maintains an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)as a framework for implementation of the California Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS)and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).The EOP facilitates multi-agency and multi- jurisdictional coordination for emergency operations across the region and state. The City of Palm Desert is also a participant in the Riverside County Operational Area Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) (Riverside County 2018). The County LHMP identifies the hazards, reviews and assesses past disaster occurrences,estimates the probability of future occurrences,and sets goals to 12017 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, prepared by Eric Cadden,City of Palm Desert, 5/1/2017 https://www.cityofpalmdesert.org/our-city/departments/risk- management/emergency-services-/disaster-preparedness/local-hazard-mitigation- plan 2 County of Riverside Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan,July 2018 https://www.rivcoemd.org/LHMP 110 I CITY OF PALM DESERT CHAPTER 8:SAFETY mitigate, reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural and man-made hazards in the county and participating jurisdictions, including Palm Desert. As a contract city that receives fire services from Riverside County,which contracts with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE). The City's fire response and preparedness planning is contained in the Riverside County Fire Department Strategic Plana prepared by the County and Cal FIRE. This plan outlines the activities necessary to reduce total government costs and citizen losses from wildland fires. A key component of this protection of assets at risk through focused pre-fire management prescriptions and increasing initial attack success. In addition, the City has adopted the California Fire Code with some adoptions within Chapter 15.264 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code. The adoptions within this Chapter are associated with local climatic,geologic,and topographical conditions within the City. Natural Hazards Seismic and Geologic Hazards Palm Desert is in a region bordered by mountain ranges on three sides.According to the state mapping of fault zones, pursuant to the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act of 1972(Public Resources Code Sections 2621-2630),the city and the sphere of influence(SOI)are not located in an active fault zone. Nonetheless,the ." area is bordered by three active faults.The closest fault to the community is the San f FA Andreas Fault, located approximately four miles to the north. Other nearby faults include the San Jacinto Fault, located approximately 10 miles to the southwest,and the Elsinore Fault, located approximately 30 miles to the southwest. Figure 8.1 presents fault lines near Palm Desert and the sphere of influence. The San Andreas Fault located in close Fault rupture is a primary seismic hazard that describes the sudden release of energy proximity to Palm Desert which results from the sliding of one part of the earth's crust past another.An earthquake,or ground shaking, is another type of primary seismic hazard.Thousands -of earthquakes occur frequently in Southern California each year,although most do not cause significant damage or affect communities.The most recent earthquake in the Coachella Valley occurred on October 16, 1999, and registered as a magnitude (M)of 7.1. Relatively negligible damage was reported from the earthquake because of the epicenter's remote location.Six major seismic events(magnitude 5.9 or greater) have been recorded in the Coachella Valley region in the past 100 years, • with none occurring in Palm Desert(SCEC 2014). Terrain and steep slopes within Palm Although no active faults run through the community, Palm Desert's soils and Desert geologic characteristics result in other potential secondary seismic hazards. Due to a combination of steep slopes, unstable terrain,and proximity to earthquake faults, the southwestern portions of the city and the SOI are susceptible to landslide risks ranging from moderate to very high.Areas susceptible to landslide are shown in Figure 8.2.Susceptible areas include those identified in the Land Use and Community 3 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Riverside County Fire Department Strategic Plan 2009-2029, http://rvcfire.org/stationsAndFunctions/AdminSppt/StrategicPlanning/Documents/St rategicPlan2009.pdf 4 Palm Desert Municipal Code, http://www.gcode.us/codes/pa l mdesert/view.ph p?topic=0&frames=off GENERAL PLAN I CHAPTER 8:GENERAL PLAN Character Element for development of new buildings and structures.As of 2015, no recent landslides had been reported in Palm Desert or the SOI. Local soil and fault characteristics also result in the potential for liquefaction. Liquefaction is the loss of soil strength caused by a sudden increase in pore water pressure during shaking and is one of the most destructive secondary effects of seismic shaking.The California Geological Survey does not identify liquefaction- susceptible areas for Palm Desert. However,the Riverside County Land Information System (Riverside County 2014)identifies that the majority of the city and the entire northern portion of the SOI are susceptible to moderate liquefaction potential. 112 I CITY OF PALM DESERT CHAPTER 8:SAFETY Figure 8.1 Faults and Fault Zones in Palm Desert II II IL_c� — N. Thousand Palms �aoq , \\ , 5 �4r •.- \ e\• o 06 .1;'6_,., 5 K t'�e� -�. Coachella Valley Pres®rve �'.po,''aa {.\\\ c r I�f \ �, \3 Fran k nk Sinatra Dr. - L. . r._ i v, ! Cuun try Club �'ti� a �i HovleyI, w / Rancho Mirage i 11 L . .._.._.._!: i --.--- —'6\....... j --------- Graf=s'ine 5, r Indian Wells 17 n ro F a' La Quints / Legend 1-•—••�City Boundary 1 Palm Desert SOI F i,P,2_��6, Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone hF, o�k\ � Fault Type Accurate *-- — — Approximate \ Concealed //////)1 '-— A , • '" ~ri Sources:CA Geological Survey(2014);City of Palm Desert(2014), r r, .... ' Riverside County(2014). . -- . .. .r GENERAL PLAN 1113 CHAPTER 8:GENERAL PLAN Figure zs.z Lanasiide Susceptibility :II I 1 mnm Thousand Palms ) MY Coachella Valley Preserve } L Riverside Count 0 +J {�YY 494 •k il I Frank Sinatra Dr / — ? ! L i II��/a. $ Country Club Or "-� • \ �� L.,itraieWrdwage 1N. ❑ ._11 µ. jV. ! ��VW. - 7 : rr m i - veil" ai4lh Are r \ ' '4,4 . t` N t.,i... .i A. oPes5 fI `�.,— Cxapme St` t i . Indian Wells" ' Indio € 1 {r La Quinta : l -9 .. :il iL t 1 i,'rrt, .. rcorc ,r__ i 01:-R.*k lki ii . _ / Legend t — `... R r , ~CRy Boundary r-'' /-" - - ^'i -. Palm DesertSOl S. �•t i.. i, /��' IV," Landslide Susceptibility F I *` !: Low . ;, it Moderate r High i/' / •• ., • =Very High /yr /r yryi.„. •4L'Mt � - -'. k1 i , - ) 0,#)../ . k. '7 r: ` L_ 'y, •,: AP Sources.City of Pain Desert(2014)Riverside County(2014) 114 I CITY OF PALM DESERT CHAPTER 8:SAFETY Wind Erosion Erosion is a normal geologic process whereby earth materials are loosened,worn away,decomposed,or dissolved and are removed from one place and transported to another.The City of Palm Desert and the SOI face exposure to potential erosion hazards due to wind.The geologic orientation of the hills and mountain ranges throughout the community provide little resistance to air flow down the Coachella Valley, resulting in increased rates of erosion. For example,the narrow San Gorgonio Pass actually accelerates the wind speed and further increases erosion rates. Other factors in the community exacerbate the potential for wind-blown sand hazards. Local bedrock is characterized by granite and metamorphic rock types, which are easily transported by the wind.Wind-blown hazards also follow slope and floodplains. Due to sparse desert vegetation, little groundcover exists to hold materials in place(County of Riverside 2000). As shown in Figure 8.3,the greatest areas of potential wind-blown hazards are located alongside the sand dunes on Highway 1-10 and the Whitewater River. GENERAL PLAN 1115 CHAPTER 8:GENERAL PLAN Figure 8.3 Wind Erosion Hazard -- . Thousand Palms NIIMpr-— '14444114\ / Coachella Valley Preserve oar .1,„ ,,,, ,•_` Riverside County c a III/Frank Sinatra nr. - .'" l''''''''', Nor m Country Club Or __, 17 at a C Hwley Ln_ w _ /�� I,"1 � gi zt Rancho Irage o / %, . I I AS‘ _.t try- r..—.x 3 s ! _.._..—.._I E 441h Ave r..-..s r El Peseo \ Grapevine St ��� . / r Indian Wells J I a / gv a I (----7:11 ,\L„._ . 0! , / Legend a./loir i i�-�r;CityBoundary c1 I Palm DesertSO1 Wind Erodibility Rating Very High (/ ,.\ High Moderate A 1 / Low i A Ai / \ r• Sources:City of Palm Desert(2014);Riverside County(2014). 116 I CITY OF PALM DESERT CHAPTER 8:SAFETY Flooding Flooding hazards in Palm Desert can result from stormwater flows and flash runoff from the Indio Hills and the foothills of the San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains.The threat of localized flash flooding is especially high during summer storms due to the high intensity and shorter duration of rainfall. Palm Desert has a history of flood events. Recent regional occurrences include the Riverside County floods in 1998 that resulted in reported damage of over$12 million. Locally,smaller flood incidents have also occurred in Palm Desert. Previous local events in Palm Desert include flash floods that occurred in 1998, in addition to flooding from Tropical Storms Kathleen and Doreen in 1976 and 1977 that caused extensive flood damage throughout the city(Riverside County 2012,City of Palm Desert 2017). In 2015,the Palm Desert Country Club neighborhood in the City experienced temporary flooding from an isolated high wind/storm event,with damages mainly from high winds and falling trees. Nonetheless, reported damages from these flood events in Palm Desert are low and far less extensive than the reported damages from the countywide floods of 1998. Areas of Palm Desert and the SOI are subject to inundation from flooding.The Federal Emergency Management Agency's(FEMA's) Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map(2017) identifies the following flood hazard zones: Zone A/AE/AO-100-year floodplain,designating a 1 percent or greater chance of flooding in a given year,with base flood elevations undetermined,determined,or 1- 3 feet average depth and Zone X-500-year floodplain, designating a 0.2 percent or greater chance of flooding in a given year;areas of average depths of less than 1 feet or with drainage areas less than 1 square miles; and areas protected by levees from 1 percent annual chance flood. North of Interstate 10,the majority of the northern portion of the SO1 is within the 100-or 500-year flood zone.Additional 100-and 500-year flood zones are present throughout the southern City along the Whitewater River and its tributaries such as the Palm Valley System.The majority of the community south of the Whitewater River, however,are areas with reduced risk due to levee or not within any flood hazard zones. Figure 8.4 depicts the flood hazard zones in the City and SOI. Existing development in the 100-year flood zones are mainly located between Interstate 10 and Washington Street in the northern SOI. Part of the Palm Springs RV Resort and some commercial uses are located in the 100-year flood plain.There are existing residential and commercial development within the 500-year flood zones. The majority of Sun City Palm Desert,a retirement community in the northern SOI, are located in the 500-year flood zone.Several commercial plazas and single-family residences near Highway 111 in the western City are also located in the 500-year flood zone. Applications for development in Special Flood Hazard Areas(SFHAs)are subject to Palm Desert Municipal Code Title 28, Flood Damage Prevention.Title 28 defines SFHAs as an area in the floodplain subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year,which corresponds to Zone A/AE/AO in figure 8.4.This title requires an applicant to obtain a development permit before construction or other development begins in any area of special flood hazard.Chapter 28.10 sets GENERAL PLAN 1117 CHAPTER 8:GENERAL PLAN provisions for flood hazard reduction, including standards of construction,for utilities,subdivisions, manufactured homes and recreational vehicles. While areas of community flood exposure are indicated by designated flood zones, other areas of Palm Desert are also susceptible to other types of localized flood risks. Stormwater runoff or the failure of infrastructure can result in additional flood events, both within and outside of designated flood zones.Stormwater drainage in Palm Desert is approaching the end of its useful life. Existing stormwater infrastructure throughout the Coachella Valley is more than 100 years old, requiring replacement to control groundwater levels and safely facilitate percolation of stormwater.As the community continues to urbanize,the need for improved stormwater infrastructure will increase. The possibility of dam failure poses additional potential flood hazards to Palm Desert.Although no dams or reservoirs are located in the community or SOI,the city is within the potential inundation area of the Wide Canyon Flood Control Dam.While the city is not expected to be impacted directly by a seiche,or wave,from the dam, Palm Desert is subject to potential flood hazards if the dam were to fail. Constructed in 1968 and located in Fun Valley,the dam has the potential to inundate not just Palm Desert but also other portions of the Coachella Valley. 118 I CITY OF PALM DESERT CHAPTER 8:SAFETY Figure 8.4 FEMA Flood Zones RAMDl RD aL. 0Ci• • El- w ;rL;I.' a �Ro. a1i: • F rl GERALD FORD DR i ' . F� i • .d - i41 l y t — r Cl t x I tree r,�lr FRANK 54NAT R.4UR Tr• y 23TH A`iEtfi h'i[Jy� , ^ +� l 'lrs �.� x 7t1AfTRY CLUB DR us �t� .7 30TI.IAVE • Jy HCAdI-FY L1 .12ND AVE'•1 yyI 1 I -�/ H:rmu[la • i I j/y as :tP.Iri l.` Ill ccan[r1' L�� __ 1 /,/ L_; % //j%jam,:- ---F1 , . , ry 21/r FRFD).41AR NG DR., ` f I—-- • ,• J////FAIRVio,NY DR /.-17 __ F,1 LESA`J`_ .r w I 'fll4'Y /.. . . .... .. S �1 Z fi� d8TH L .0i aff _•. ".. l',„.,, �1 at r,.`tff 0 PALI1 DESERT CM(LIMITS - - .-. ...0'.' -_;PALM DESERT SQI K v-1"Lrle FEMA FLOOD HAZARD fr— A°. zr ori f ZONES Y§ __3 �w} 1%Annual Chant good g F�'u' Hazard 0.2%Annual Chance Flood w + Hazard u. a F: ":fir] Regulatory Floodway f./ f $ Special Flrndvray tL. I Ftrttlt Conditions 135 Annual ■ • Chance Flood Hazard .02 Area with Reduced Risk Due to Levee Zone A-Na base flood devotions determined I__----1 Zane AE-Base flood elevations determined I Zane AO-Flood depths of i.-3 ft avereoe Zane X-Areas of 6.2%annual chance of 0 of average deprths of less O..Prizz (] or with 5draina areas fees than 1 .n • mi.;and areas protected by 9evees frcen I% % Piny'. annul chance hood. �C:csk Uni MOM:Th15 maps 1110.7614 hY geh'fll lard La. 01 Awing only.:ntcriraJm on Ns rim is rat suit-Weir to fi scone as a sut Lute kr dcraiod hredrok er,rrvasidgaJans of PINESre1OHE RD S•,_ individualatns,ra 2oes s-etzd:air eraluatin rrqurenents ro. set rash it flpod laranl rrgrloniens. r Term Nerd P161rih]&fds4xlref5,lne.{Terra Iieva)rankm ea 0,�or,,arr0ek&46idrAiq the l em?r1v of 1Fle dam nem...Nil LAME Mare were eu-i0.cl 1erro Neon shell Wit @ � �� net be e oer eery rKes eiernese Far eery&rner.irltliref. F oy., '7y, sp�l,besearral,or ew aeglmrtial damages or 1eq err to arty[tarn by arry user or bird]arty on aomJneoi or arlEtng Pigs Rem1,Pi.fe Oa er Cds mep. Alas h p.75 1.6 3 GENERAL PLAN 1119 CHAPTER 8:GENERAL PLAN Fire Palm Desert and the SOI are exposed to fire-related hazards from two potential sources:wildfires and fires that occur in urban settings. Fire hazards are highest in areas of the community near the wildland-urban interface(WUI).The WUI refers to areas where development abuts areas of wilderness or landscapes with higher fuel loads. Although Palm Desert does not have record of any reported fire incidents,the Riverside County LHMP indicates that from 2001 to 2017,at least 88 large fires(300 acres or greater in size)were reported in the county. Figure 8-5 presents the fire hazard severity zones in the City of Palm Desert and SOI. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire)classified fire hazard severity zones based on fuel load,terrain,weather,and other relevant factors.The mapping also involved an extensive local review process, including by the Riverside County Fire Department based on an assessment of vegetation,slope, fire history,weather patterns,and the effects of flames, heat and flying fire embers. Collectively,areas designated in the fire hazard severity zones on Figure 8.5 face the highest risk of wildfires.Areas of local and state responsibility in these fire hazard severity zones are shown in Figure 8.5.All areas of the community in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone(VHFHSZ)and High Fire Hazard Severity Zone(HFHSZ)are located in the southern areas of the city and the SOI,with very limited VHFHSZ and HFHSZ in SRAs along the city's urban edge(Cal Fire 2020).Within the city limits,the VHFHSZ overlaps minimally with some single-family residences on Canyon View Drive and Desert Vista Drive; however,there is no developable land in the VHFHSZ as it contains marginal hillside area behind single family residences and does not have any development potential.The small area of HFHSZ within the city limits covers undeveloped desert land and an aboveground water tank and has no development potential. Currently,the main evacuation route in the area is via Canyon View Drive, which will lead to Portola Avenue and Highway 74.A secondary evacuation route is available at the eastern end of Ridge View Way,via an access road along the eastern boundary of the Ironwood Country Club,to continue north or east into the roadway network.These areas that encroach into SRA/VHFHSZ within the city meet the minimum standard of two emergency evacuation routes as established in Government Code Section 65302.g. In the SOI,some single-family homes in Cahuilla Hills west of Highway 74 are located within the VHFHSZ,and some are limited to one local street leading to Highway 74 as an evacuation route. As urbanization expands south of Highway 111 in the southern portion of the SOI, the community will face heightened exposure to areas vulnerable to wildfire hazards. Increased infill and nonresidential development in the city can also increase the probability of urban fires due to increased potential for hazardous materials accidents,arson or other hazard events. Five federal agencies are responsible for wildland fire management—U.S. Forest Service,the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service,and National Park Service. Both state and local codes regulate the abatement of fire-related hazards.The California Health and Safety Code includes requirements for local jurisdictions to adopt and enforce the Uniform Building Code, including fire-related construction methods and exterior design measures.Special standards apply to structures in the state's designated fire hazard severity zones. 120 I CITY OF PALM DESERT CHAPTER 8:SAFETY California Government Code Section 51182 further requires maintenance of defensible space of 100 feet from each side of a structure. The City of Palm Desert has incorporated state requirements with adoption of the 2019 edition of the California Building Standards Code, including the California Fire Code by reference in Municipal Code Title 15, Building and Construction.The state's fire hazard severity zones shown in Figure 8.5 are incorporated and established in Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 15.26.010,supporting the City's ability to enforce state standards applicable to areas of higher risk. GENERAL PLAN 1121 CHAPTER 8:GENERAL PLAN Figure ts.5 rire Hazard Severity Zones �G....wA. 51175-89 difedir IheeelirniS Defia(W tnt Of Fele1!)an:Fie POE,lien{CAL FIRE:bvJcibfy PALM CITY a-ens d very high r e hazard severity es se whirea Local Rporutiity Areas(LIRA} Massing d the areas.referred O e as Vey High rIre Hazard Seaeiiy Iran,(a H H52),is lowed an data and imitate af.pererrdal foe [NW a 5650 LIMI 15 year erne Iklri2dn and H1eif atsor 3Led e*ed d fie beleseinf,SW expacie:Gale prCbahiRiea cogaamry(re IiKelihood ='PALM DESERT SOI end mature of regetaion lye exposure tirldueina fitegoande)to bulldllpa Demo on theprejeclgrd speetc nlcdeiirq rr1.1341=iagy'cal-COMM et1'ia oraDcr di il9l1o'uletl9 hanrVT•eltiod9 rirm Loael RFepan9alpy Area V119-1.53 State Res o ribili Area-Are maps were ir.0.illy developed in the mil-1990s and are rrnv4e hell,updafrxf hmed on inprgred sago(. R tY interiorly lechnques.cote dohs. Hazard Severity Zane Class H Iola TOM to be(Weave In 2oce,the Calf bade Etule'lr Conwr on adopted Callfoanla Binding Cade Chapter TA I .Moderate requiring new Buidiags i,ruH FH3281.y uaeig,idn reaiaian'wnaeuclim Nellitds dot nn8r_wial,These new cadet irxluc pr9Vi94crri b nnpraw the ignition rcsialanec of lividings.ripcasllylrcm brarends.Thsupeledod eery high fire. ®High M[erd eewarily xmeEMil be wed by biesrg elndal6 Tea ne i anteing permed in LRa.The Upeateerenea wit aim,be �VeHigh usedtniderdify passe rtyvkiase owners meinum sly with nah d iralhazardssdoemere9urnnemsatdnrr�fgrapr.rhf y 9 sale end 1W foot defere4leapece aI•agrorrs.It is Nary hat te fire haz RI seuerily xor¢s will be!noel to updgieaio Looal RespansibIllty Area-FIrF !ha se lr eresr,erd of general plan Hazard Severity Zone Class Thissradflcmapa:laced ma wig rapflcIr,T 1 ionayeten1detaeetfiatdepletefinnlCALFIRE<eeianrreerelatlorle br Very Kill FY6Fa withinlhe,IxaIlwisdicfion. The proaew. finalizing Mope baJrldenea irndvad gn extenaiva kcal v. Very Fligh review preeees•the detain d l4hleh we avallek:le a! nitn;!had.Mr rvnrwv:mt Aro4tkazArH.h_raj'Wink en'Ceellrwe e: z.lee1 withi.ul lipgeg in'_Ln[al Rued-relent.non 120 day(h1 denignete,by ordinance.very hinlr nrr hued seabily Miles zones wilbn tea juriricem enter re airing the reasnrrrenealles. Local-Qov diU emment can adeaticaull 4HFI eZa. Thera is no Rgirvnvri for Iossl government to report their final action In CAL FIRE when iha reosrnnwrded amiss are fJ 0.75 1.5 3 ' :II:dgq0.Car+eegven6y,oaan ors drodnnd r¢1ne a61P^annats InrallerrHtp iootert•,dx'fire depal'tnrent,or Pine P prolecdm Dish-id)b deieemile the statue al Ilre bexlfire hxcard geverilyxnx oidiw:oe. • aP 2 0 DINAH SHORE DR ¢ Y4 GEFusLD FORD OR G Z • !. M Ca4Ed.al ! ..tnte! IX Y� :r.Palms yP Reoclio :: : .5P- L,zn 'h4 d4TH AVE Y ': O ''bj.� LI LI i M,aei: 5 T .: +u HDVLEY IN Y 47vonvE to FREDWARINGDR 'I 7 f1r5 _1 M Ir ; ?N rt ti ., F' . -j-j* . ..1 ' • art e �-•-I. .:•,- . • ,0.;.5..,:.„ ...... ..... :�- . .. .../., . . .. .. :.,. az, : ...7t*... .... . irimi_. . . _ ! . ,:..;:._.,_ •,._:„. _ d fIOTH AVE . , . s... „4:,. PINE5610KER❑ rip, r IIId2r{p AVE ,. r• c g.1.T4 ____ 61TH AVE J4iE N A 122 I CITY OF PALM DESERT CHAPTER 8:SAFETY Extreme Heat The climate in Palm Desert is hot and arid. Exposure to extreme heat or extended periods of high temperatures results in a variety of health effects, including increased heat-related mortality(Chestnut et al. 1998; Medina-Ramon et al. 2006). Because of a changing climate, Palm Desert is anticipated to experience increasing levels of heat. By 2100,the Riverside County region is anticipated to experience an increase ranging from 4.3°F to 8.7°F(Scripps Institution of Oceanography 2018). Similarly, Palm Desert is anticipated to experience an increase in the number of days when temperature exceeds 112.1°F,the local threshold for extreme heat.While Palm Desert's historic number of extreme heat days through 2011 was four occurrences per year, by 2050 the number of extreme heat days could increase to 56 per year,on an average of 21 to 25(Scripps Institution of Oceanography 2009& 2018). Increased heat,when combined with drought and high winds,can exacerbate wildfire risk in and around Palm Desert. Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation As described in Chapter 6 Environmental Resources and above,climate change can have widespread impacts at different levels on the community.Climate change impacts temperature, precipitation and other natural processes,thus potentially affecting natural hazards including wildfire,flood,and extreme weather. Similar to the state trend,the projections show little variation in total annual precipitation in Palm Desert throughout this century. Palm Desert had an average annual rainfall of 3.8 inches during 1961 to 1990,which is almost 79 percent less than the average in California.Average rainfall in Palm Desert is predicted to increase up to 0.1 inches,with a 0.051 inches to 0.099 inches increase in maximum one-day precipitation throughout the century.These projected changes in precipitation are not expected to have a significant impact on Palm Desert compared to the current conditions. However,the maximum length of dry spell (days with precipitation< 1 mm) is projected to increase by 8 to 13 days in mid-century(2035- 2064),which can further drought and related hazards including wildfire. Human-Caused and Other Hazards Hazardous Materials A hazardous material is any material that,due to its quantity,concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics, poses a significant present or potential hazard to human health and safety or to the environment if released. Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to, hazardous substances, hazardous wastes,and any material that a business or local implementing agency has a reasonable basis to believe would be injurious to the health and safety of persons or would be harmful to the environment if released. While Palm Desert has nonresidential land uses, it has very few generators of hazardous or toxic materials. Potential uses associated with possible hazardous materials production may include commercial, quasi-industrial or medical operations.The city and SOI have one abandoned hazardous waste site that is designated by the US Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)as a Superfund site (EPA 2014).The site, Enfield Chemical, is located at 77539 Enfield Court,just south of GENERAL PLAN 1123 CHAPTER 8:GENERAL PLAN 1-10 in Palm Desert.Although listed as a Superfund site,this site is not on the EPA National Priority List for cleanup,and only requires site cleanup and material removal. The potential for exposure to potentially hazardous materials in Palm Desert results primarily from the transport of hazardous materials.As of 2015,one registered transporter of hazardous materials is located in the community. In addition, major transportation corridors such as 1-10 may be used to transport hazardous materials; accidents could result in release of hazardous materials. Major natural gas transmission lines provide another potential source of hazardous materials exposure. As of 2012,transmission lines for natural gas run parallel approximately two miles north of 1-10 and transmission lines for hazardous liquid are located along the 1-10 corridor(PHMSA 2012). The City jointly participated with Riverside County and other jurisdictions to adopt the Riverside County Hazardous Waste Management Plan.The plan supports the safe management of hazardous materials and waste products with identification of types of wastes and programs to manage them. Airport Operations Hazards Hazards from airports can result from accidents during takeoff and landing.Airports can also pose issues associated with land use incompatibilities. Bermuda Dunes Airport is the closest airport to the city and is located within the SO1.This privately owned public use airport encompasses over 90 acres. For the 12-month period ending April 30, 2014,the airport had approximately 27,000 aircraft flights at an average of 74 per day. Terrorism and Civil Disturbances Numerous targets and locations for potential terrorist and civil disturbances are present throughout California and Riverside County.Areas that may serve as targets include government facilities,schools, religious institutions,gathering places(for example,shopping centers,entertainment venues), medical clinics, utility infrastructure,transportation infrastructure,water storage facilities, locations of high-profile individuals,and financial institutions. Palm Desert contains potential target locations such as these and is regionally located near others.The Riverside County Emergency Management Office is actively involved with planning for terrorism and other human-caused events. Due to the sensitive nature of these threats,they are not addressed in extensive detail in this public document. Critical Facilities Critical facilities provide essential community functions that the City has prioritized as meriting additional attention for emergency preparation.These can include both public and private assets.Critical facilities identified in the City's LHMP include City Hall, local fire stations,the Sheriff's Station,the Palm Desert Corporation Yard, local schools,the waste water treatment plant,and the Joslyn Center. Emergency Preparedness and Coordination The City of Palm Desert actively prepares to safeguard the community from the numerous potential hazards that could occur.The City undertakes several emergency preparedness activities,establishing procedures and responsibilities for 124 I CITY OF PALM DESERT CHAPTER 8:SAFETY emergency response. Land use rules and service providers also play a role in achieving readiness for hazards and emergencies.Additionally,the City is supported by several other external entities to provide response services. Emergency Preparation The City of Palm Desert has established a framework for emergency preparation and response. Key preparation tasks and tools are outlined below, including an overview of roles identified in the EOP. Emergency Operations Center The City's Desert Emergency Operations Center(EOC) is the central management entity responsible for directing and coordinating the various City departments and other agencies in their emergency response activities.The EOC also serves as the physical location from which information and resources are coordinated.The City's Emergency Operations Plan establishes City Hall as the primary EOC,with an alternate center located at the City Corporation Yard.The EOP provides guidance for activation and deactivation of an Emergency Operations Center,including an action plan for the EOC in event of an emergency. Emergency Notification Program The City of Palm Desert is a member of Riverside County's Emergency Alert System (EAS).The EAS is a statewide network of commercial broadcasting stations and interconnecting facilities authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)to operate during national disasters or emergencies.The EAS provides immediate warnings for hazards such as flash floods,child abductions,or needs for evacuation. Emergency Services—Peak-Load Water Supplies The availability of water greatly affects the City's ability to effectively respond to any occurrences of fire.Water services in the Coachella Valley come from the Coachella Valley Water District(CVWD).The CVWD provides domestic water services to Palm Desert using wells to extract groundwater from the Whitewater River subbasin.The groundwater supply consists of a combination of natural runoff, inflows from adjacent basins, returns from groundwater, recycled water,and imported water use. Drinking water is met primarily from groundwater sources,while irrigation water is supplied primarily from recycled wastewater and imported water. Annual demand for groundwater has exceeded the ability of the subbasin to recharge, resulting in overdraft conditions.The CVWD, recognizing the need for other sources of water to reduce demand on groundwater, initiated water reclamation in 1967 and currently operates six water reclamation plants(WRPs)in the valley. Recycled water from two of these facilities has served golf course and greenbelt irrigation in the Palm Desert area for many years, reducing demand on the groundwater basin.A third facility(WRP 7), located north of Indio, began providing recycled water for golf course and greenbelt irrigation in Palm Desert in 1997. The CVWD continues to expand recycled water services to golf courses and other nonpotable needs to reduce peak-load supply.Typically,demand is highest during summer months because of water needs for landscaping. Demand for recycled water exceeds the CVWD's current supply and would require additional infrastructure for recycled water connections.The district has plans to expand pipeline connections to the Mid-Valley Pipeline(MVP) recycled water system,with the potential to connect GENERAL PLAN 1125 CHAPTER 8:GENERAL PLAN at least 10 additional golf courses.Completion of the MVP project would further reduce demands on groundwater and enhance the City's ability to meet peak-load water supplies during an emergency. Emergency Access and Response Evacuation Routes Key evacuation routes in the city consist primarily of the north—south connections between Palm Desert and 1-10 and Highway 111, including Monterey Avenue, Portola Avenue(following the planned construction of the interchange),Cook Street, and Washington Street. Both Monterey Avenue and Washington Street provide all- weather bridges to the highways.Cook Street and Portola Avenue also provide connections across the Whitewater River. Coordination with Riverside County will be critical to support connections to unincorporated SOI areas.Areas of the SOI north of Interstate 10 have higher potential for isolation in case of a hazard. In the southern SOI,areas along State Route 74 such as Royal Carrizo could face similar challenges of isolation in case of a hazardous event. A process to identify evacuation routes appropriate to given hazards is established in the City's EOP.City departments are responsible for development of department- specific Standard Operating Procedures and Response Plans with evacuation routes, with varied priorities based on hazard. Emergency Access—Roadway Widths To ensure the community is accessible to emergency response personnel,the City establishes minimum roadway widths and access requirements.Section 26.40.040 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code establishes minimum roadway widths for subdivision development. Minimum widths range from 24 to 106 feet,with standards that vary based on street parking characteristics.To date, roadway widths or parked vehicles have not hindered emergency response access. Emergency Services Agencies and Organizations The City's Risk Management Department coordinates and manages Palm Desert's emergency services and providers.The City's Risk Manager serves as the community's emergency manager. Fire protection,first response emergency medical services,and natural disaster preparedness services in Palm Desert are provided by the Riverside County Fire Department(RCFD), in cooperation with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).As of 2015, Palm Desert had a total Fire Department staffing of 44 positions. Emergency Dispatch Services Regional communications and dispatch services are provided by the RCFD,which serves approximately 1,360,000 residents in an area spanning 7,200 square miles. RCFD is an all risk,full-service fire department with three fire stations located strategically throughout the City of Palm Desert to provide highly effective protection:Station 71 serving North Palm Desert at 73995 Country Club Drive, Station 33 serving Central Palm Desert at 44400 Town Center Way,and Station 67 serving South Palm Desert at 73200 Mesa View Drive.The city participates in a regional cooperative agreement and benefits from resources responding from other nearby stations,ensuring that peak loads and major incidents are handled promptly. 126 I CITY OF PALM DESERT CHAPTER 8:SAFETY In 2013,the RCFD responded to 133,536 total incidents and 8,172 calls for service in Palm Desert.The average en-route-to-on-scene response time was 3.6 minutes,with 86.2 percent of call response under 5 minutes.There are no service gaps in the city. All areas within the city, including those in SRAs/VHFHSZ, receive adequate emergency services. Flood Services Countywide,flood control services are provided by the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.The district has the responsibility of protecting people, property and watersheds in the county from flood damage. District tasks include regulation of drainage and development in the floodplain,the construction of channels and flood facilities,and flood warning and early detection. Both the Coachella Valley Water District and the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District are responsible for the management of regional drainage within and in the vicinity of Palm Desert, including rivers, major streams and their tributaries,and areas of significant sheet flooding.The City participates in stormwater management related to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). For purposes of NPDES permits,the City serves as a co-permittee with the County of Riverside,CVWD, Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District,and municipalities in the Whitewater River subbasin. Police Services The Riverside County Sheriff's Department provides contract services in Palm Desert and the SOI as the Palm Desert Police Department(PDPD).Services include general law enforcement and police protection services.As of early 2015,the PDPD operated with 81 staff members. Regional Services and Coordination The City of Palm Desert participates in regional forums to monitor and coordinate emergency preparation tasks.The City participates in the Coachella Valley Emergency Managers Association,in addition to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments'(CVAG) Public Safety Group. Both forums provide an opportunity to identify and prepare regional evacuation routes and other key emergency response tasks. In coordination with the RCFD Office of Emergency Services,the City of Palm Desert also plans for extreme heat conditions.Together with the County,the City operates two local cooling stations during extreme heat occurrences:the Joslyn Center located at 73750 Catalina Way,and the Palm Desert Community Center located at 43900 San Pablo Avenue.These cooling centers offer a safe, air-conditioned space in times of extreme heat. GENERAL PLAN 1127 CHAPTER 8:GENERAL PLAN Goals and Policies Goal 1. Leadership. City leadership that promotes collaboration within the region that sustains maximum resilience to emergencies and disasters. Policies 1.1 Hazards Information. Establish and maintain a database containing maps and other information that identifies and describes the community's hazards. 1.2 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Maintain and regularly update the City's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) as an integrated component of the General Plan, in coordination with Riverside County and other participating jurisdictions,to maintain eligibility for maximum grant funding. 1.3 Hazards Education. Consult with agencies and partners to provide public education materials on safe locations and evacuation routes in case of emergency or hazardous event. 1.4 Critical Facilities. Prepare existing critical facilities for resilience to hazards and develop new facilities outside of hazard-prone areas. 1.5 Emergency Plans and Processes. Consult with the Coachella Valley Emergency Managers Association and CVAG to maintain and update the City's Emergency Operations Plan, and maintain SEMS compliant disaster preparedness plans for evacuation and supply routes, communications networks, and critical facilities' capabilities. 1.6 Utility Reliability. Coordinate with providers and agencies including the CVWD and Southern California Edison for access to reliable utilities and water supply to minimize potential impacts of hazards and emergencies to pipelines and infrastructure. 1.7 Citizen Preparedness.Continue to promote citizen-based disaster preparedness and emergency response through Riverside County's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)training and certifications. 128 I CITY OF PALM DESERT CHAPTER 8:SAFETY Goal 2. Geologic hazards. A built environment that minimizes risks from seismic and geologic hazards, including hazards due to wind erosion. Policies 2.1 Seismic Standards. Consider exceeding minimum seismic safety standards for critical facilities that ensure building function and support continuity of critical services and emergency response after a seismic event. 2.2 Structural Stability. Maintain development code standards to prohibit siting of new septic tanks, seepage pits, drainage facilities, and heavily irrigated areas away from structure foundations to reduce potential soil collapse. 2.3 Seismic Retrofits to the Existing Building Stock. Create a phased program for seismic retrofits to existing public and private unreinforced buildings to meet current requirements. 2.4 Wind Hazards.Support integrated land management for site design and improvements that protect the natural and built environment, including both public and private structures,from hazardous wind events. Goal 3. Flood hazards. A community where flooding and inundation hazards are contained within areas reserved for open space. Policies 3.1 Flood Risk in New Development. Require all new development to minimize flood risk with siting and design measures,such as grading that prevents adverse drainage impacts to adjacent properties, on-site retention of runoff, and minimization of structures located in floodplains. 3.2 Flood Infrastructure. Require new development to contribute to funding regional flood control infrastructure improvements. 3.3 Stormwater Management. Monitor, update, and enforce stormwater management plans in coordination with regional agencies, utilities, and other jurisdictions. 3.4 Open Space for Flood Control. Prioritize open space or uses that serve recreational purposes as a preferred land use within areas of high flood risk. 3.5 Dam Failure. Disseminate information on dam inundation areas subject to potential risks of flooding in the event of dam failure or seismic hazard, including preparation for seiche events,which can be caused by seismic events and consist of the occurrence GENERAL PLAN 1129 CHAPTER 8:GENERAL PLAN of a standing wave that oscillates in a body of water,such as a dam. 3.6 Special Flood Hazard Areas. Locate new essential public facilities out of the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) as identified in Municipal Code Title 28.Assess the conditions of existing utilities, roads, and other structures within the SFHAs, and implement risk reduction measures,where necessary. Goal 4. Fire hazards. Existing and future development is protected from wildfire hazards, with decreased frequency and intensity of wildfire incidents despite increased density and urbanization within the community. Policies 4.1 Fire Preparation. Maintain optimal fire readiness and response service in coordination with Riverside County and other agencies. Review inter- jurisdictional fire response agreements and ensure that the agreements and firefighting resources, including water supply, can meet current and future needs, including increased demand from new development and changing fire regimes. 4.2 Fire Hazard Severity Zones.Adopt and implement fire mitigation standards for areas designated as High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones per CalFire, including safe access for emergency response vehicles,visible street signs,and water supplies for structural fire suppression. 4.3 Brush Clearance. Require new development and homeowners associations to maintain brush clearance criteria that meets 120%of the current state requirement for fire hazard severity zones in the city. 4.4 Inventory of Structures for Fire Risk. Prepare an inventory of all structures and ownership information for structures in each fire hazard severity zone in the city and the 501. 4.5 Fire Education. Disseminate information on fire risks and minimum standards, including guidance for new development in the wildland- urban interface and fire hazard severity zones. 4.6 Future Emergency Service Needs. Require new developments and homeowners associations along the wildland urban interface to house the proper equipment and infrastructure to respond to wildland fire incidents. 4.7 Open Space Preservation. Consult with neighboring jurisdictions, private property owners, and other agencies to identify resource management activities that can both enhance open space areas and reduce wildland fire. 130 I CITY OF PALM DESERT CHAPTER 8:SAFETY 4.8 New Essential Public Facilities.When planning new essential public facilities for the SOI, avoid locations within any state responsibility area or very high fire hazard severity zone. If not possible, mandate construction methods or other measures to ensure minimal damage to the facilities. 4.9 Existing development in Fire Hazard Zones. Direct the Planning Department Code Compliance Division to identify and track properties that are not in conformance with contemporary fire safe standards adopted by the City, especially of road standards and vegetative hazard. Reach out to these property owners during redevelopment or other permitting processes to work out a mitigation plan to achieve conformance. 4.10 Redevelopment in Fire Hazard Zones. Require all redevelopment in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ)to comply with the latest California Building Standards Code (Title 24), including the California Fire Code(Part 9). Coordinate with the Fire Department on evaluation of rebuilding after a large fire and require implementation of fire safe design and additional measures where necessary. 4.11 Long Term Fire Hazard Reduction.Coordinate with the Fire Department and consult with private property owners, homeowner associations and other organizations to identify roadside fuel reduction plan,otherwise provide for the long-term maintenance of defensible space clearances around structures, and include fire breaks in the VHFHSZ where appropriate. Goal 5. Extreme weather. Improved quality of life for residents, workers, and visitors during extreme heat events. Policies 5.1 Extreme Heat Vulnerabilities.Analyze and address groups with vulnerabilities to extreme heat, including youth,the elderly, nursing homes,or communities with older structures that lack adequate air conditioning. 5.2 Education on Extreme Heat. Educate visitors and residents on the risks of extreme heat using brochures, public service announcements, and other methods. 5.3 Backup energy sources. Obtain and install backup power equipment for critical public facilities to ensure they are functional during a power failure that might result from extreme weather. 5.4 Below ground utilities. Provide information and education to encourage private stakeholders with formation of assessment districts that would finance and replace overhead electric lines with subsurface lines that will not be affected by fallen trees and branches during windstorms. 5.5 Tree trimming.Support utility companies in their enforcement of the national guidelines on tree trimming and vegetation management GENERAL PLAN 1131 CHAPTER 8:GENERAL PLAN around electric transmission and communication lines to prevent or reduce the potential for felled branches or trees to cause power outages and disrupted communications. 5.6 Wind barriers. Encourage the preservation and establishment of additional wind barriers in the form of hedges and tree lines to reduce the effects of dust and sand. Goal 6. Human-caused hazards and hazardous materials. A safe community with minimal risk from hazardous materials and human-caused hazards. Policies 6.1 Site Remediation. Encourage and facilitate the adequate and timely cleanup of existing and future contaminated sites and the compatibility of future land uses. 6.2 Airport Hazards. Upon annexation of areas within the Bermuda Dunes Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Area, adopt and implement airport compatibility zones for protection of people and property. 6.3 Airport compatibility. Require new development in the vicinity of Bermuda Dunes Airport to conform to the County's airport land use and safety plans. Notwithstanding the allowable land use intensities and densities set forth by the Land Use and Community Character Element, there may be more restrictive density and intensity limitations on land use and development parameters, as set forth by the Airport Land Use and Compatibility Plan. Additionally, per the Airport Land Use Plan, there may be additional limits, restrictions, and requirements,such as aviation easements, height limits,occupancy limits, and deed restrictions, required of new developments within the vicinity of the airport. 6.4 Wildlife Hazards Study. New developments proposing golf course or significant open space and/or water features shall prepare a wildlife hazard study if the site is within the Airport Influence Area. 6.5 Airport Land Use Commission Review. Before the adoption or amendment of this General Plan, any specific plan, the adoption or amendment of a zoning ordinance or building regulation within the planning boundary of the airport land use compatibility plan, refer proposed actions for review, determination and processing by the Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission as provided by the Airport Land Use Law. Notify the Airport Land Use Commission office and send a Request for Agency Comments for all new projects, and projects proposing 132 I CITY OF PALM DESERT CHAPTER 8:SAFETY added floor area or change in building occupancy type located within the Bermuda Dunes Airport Influence Area. 6.6 Federal Aviation Administration Review. Projects that require an FAA notice and review will be conditioned accordingly by the City to obtain an FAA Determination of No Hazard to Air Navigation prior to issuance of any building permits. 6.7 Residential Development near airport. New residential development within Airport Compatibility Zone D shall have a net density of at least five dwelling units per acre. New dwelling units should not be permitted as secondary uses of the Urban Employment Center General Plan Designation within Airport Compatibility Zone C. 6.8 Nonresidential Development near airport. The land use intensity of nonresidential structures within Airport Compatibility Zones B1, C,and D shall be limited as set forth by Table 2A of the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. 6.9 Hospitals near airport. Prohibit hospitals within Airport Compatibility Zones B1 and C and discouraged in Airport Compatibility Zone D. 6.10 Stadiums and gathering spaces. Major spectator-oriented sports stadiums, amphitheaters, concert halls shall be discouraged beneath principal flight tracks. 6.11 Regional coordination. Promote coordinated long-range planning between the City, airport authorities, businesses and the public to meet the region's aviation needs. 6.12 Railroad Safety.When considering development adjacent to the railroad right-of-way,work to minimize potential safety issues and land use conflicts associated with railroad adjacency. GENERAL PLAN 1133 STATE OF CALIFORNIA-BUSINESS,CONSUMER SERVICES AND HOUSING AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM. Governor DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT �* °Afrpd DIVISION OF HOUSING POLICY DEVELOPMENT a6 2020 W. El Camino Avenue,Suite 500 o o '�n 1�� Sacramento, CA 95833 °o (916)263-2911 /FAX(916)263-7453 www.hcd.ca.gov 04L0 • November 24, 2021 Eric Ceja, Deputy Director Palm Desert Planning Division City of Palm Desert 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 Dear Eric Ceja: RE: City of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle (2021-2029) Draft Housing Element Thank you for submitting the City of Palm Desert's (City) revised draft housing element received for review on September 28, 2021. Pursuant to Government Code section 65585, subdivision (b), the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is reporting the results of its review. The draft element addresses many statutory requirements described in HCD's June 7, 2021 review; however, revisions will be necessary to comply with State Housing Element Law (Article 10.6 of the Gov. Code). The enclosed Appendix describes the revisions needed to comply with State Housing Element Law. As a reminder, the City's 6th cycle housing element was due October 15, 2021. As of today, the City has not completed the housing element process for the 6th cycle. The City's 5th cycle housing element no longer satisfies statutory requirements. HCD encourages the City to revise the element as described above, adopt, and submit to HCD to regain housing element compliance. To remain on an eight-year planning cycle, the City must adopt its housing element within 120 calendar days from the statutory due date of October 15, 2021 for Southern California Council of Government (SCAG) localities. If adopted after this date, Government Code section 65588, subdivision (e)(4) requires the housing element be revised every four years until adopting at least two consecutive revisions by the statutory deadline. For more information on housing element adoption requirements, please visit HCD's website at: http://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/housing- element/housing-element-memos/docs/sb375 fina1100413.pdf. Public participation in the development, adoption and implementation of the housing element is essential to effective housing planning. Throughout the housing element Eric Ceja, Deputy Development Services Director Page 2 process, the City should continue to engage the community, including organizations that represent lower-income and special needs households, by making information regularly available and considering and incorporating comments where appropriate. Several federal, state, and regional funding programs consider housing element compliance as an eligibility or ranking criteria. For example, the CalTrans Senate Bill (SB) 1 Sustainable Communities grant; the Strategic Growth Council and HCD's Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities programs; and HCD's Permanent Local Housing Allocation consider housing element compliance and/or annual reporting requirements pursuant to Government Code section 65400. With a compliant housing element, the City will meet housing element requirements for these and other funding sources. We are committed to assisting the City in addressing all statutory requirements of State Housing Element Law. If you have any questions or need additional technical assistance, please contact John Buettner, of our staff, at john.buettner@hcd.ca.gov. Sincerely, \lk‘ t'I(/ 7 Paul McDougall Senior Program Manager Enclosure APPENDIX CITY OF PALM DESERT The following changes are necessary to bring the City's housing element into compliance with Article 10.6 of the Government Code. Accompanying each recommended change, we cite the supporting section of the Government Code. Housing element technical assistance information is available on HCD's website at http://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/housing-element/housing-element-memos.shtml. Among other resources, the housing element section contains HCD's latest technical assistance tool, Building Blocks for Effective Housing Elements (Building Blocks), available at http://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/building-blocks/index.shtml and includes the Government Code addressing State Housing Element Law and other resources. A. Housing Needs, Resources, and Constraints 1 . Affirmatively furthering] fair housing in accordance with Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 8899.50) of Division 1 of Title 2...shall include an assessment of fair housing in the jurisdiction. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(10)(A).) Disproportionate Housing Needs and Displacement Risk: The element was revised to include an analysis of cost burden, but it should also address patterns and trends related to overcrowding and displacement risk. Local Data and Knowledge, and Other Relevant Factors: The revised element generally does not address this requirement. The element must include local data, knowledge, and other relevant factors to discuss and analyze any unique attributes about the City related to fair housing issues. The element should complement federal, state, and regional data with local data and knowledge where appropriate to capture emerging trends and issues, including utilizing knowledge from local and regional advocates and service providers. Also, the element must include other relevant factors that contribute to fair housing issues in the jurisdiction. For instance, the element can analyze historical land use and investment practices or other information and demographic trends. Contributing Factors: The element was revised to provide a more concise summary of contributing factors, goals, and programs to address the factors. However, the contributing factors should be updated and prioritized based on the complete analysis of the factors described above. Site Inventory: The revised element includes a discussion stating that the City is designated as highest resourced and that sites are near a variety of resources and amenities. However, sites identified to accommodate the lower-income regional housing need allocation (RHNA) appear concentrated in the Town Center Neighborhood in the northern part of the City. The element must evaluate this concentration and include discussion of whether the sites inventory improves or exasperates existing patterns. City of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle Draft Housing Element Page 1 November 24, 2021 Goals, Priorities, Metrics, and Milestones: Goals and actions must significantly seek to overcome contributing factors to fair housing issues and should be revised based on the outcomes of a complete analysis. Currently, the element identifies program(s) to encourage and promote affordable housing; however, most of these programs do not appear to facilitate any meaningful change nor address AFFH requirements. Furthermore, the element must include metrics and milestones for targeting significant fair housing results. For more information, please see HCD's guidance at https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/affh/index.shtm 2. Include an analysis and documentation of household characteristics, including level of payment compared to ability to pay, housing characteristics, including overcrowding, and housing stock condition. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (a)(2).) Housing Stock Condition: The draft element was revised to state that the City reviewed Code Compliance Division case records for the period of 2014-2021 and found no open cases or citations issued for health and safety violations. However, the element still must estimate the number of units in needs of rehabilitation and replacement. 3. An inventory of land suitable and available for residential development, including vacant sites and sites having realistic and demonstrated potential for redevelopment during the planning period to meet the locality's housing need for a designated income level, and an analysis of the relationship of zoning and public facilities and services to these sites. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (a)(3).) The City has a RHNA of 2,790 housing units, of which 1,135 are for lower-income households. To demonstrate the adequacy of these sites and strategies to accommodate the City's RHNA, the element must be revised to include complete analyses on the following: Progress in Meeting the RHNA: The revised element states that 310 units for Site DD will be affordable to moderate-income units but must also demonstrate affordability based upon actual or anticipated sale prices or rents. Sites Inventory: The revised draft element provides data on the City's site inventory in Table III-47. However, the data is insufficient to determine the adequacy of all sites since the inventory aggregates available sites by Map Keys and APNs (Sites E, LL, A, D, F, P, QQ, and T). The inventory must provide a parcel listing of sites by APN, along with parcel size, zoning, general plan designation, describing existing uses for any nonvacant sites and include a calculation of the realistic capacity of each site. Additionally, pursuant to Government Code section 65583.3, subdivision (b), the City must utilize standards, forms, and definitions adopted by HCD when preparing the sites inventory. Please see HCD's housing element webpage at https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/housing-element/index.shtml for a copy of the form and instructions. The City can reach out to HCD at sitesinventory@hcd.ca.gov for technical assistance. Please note, upon adoption of the housing element, the City must submit an electronic version of the sites inventory with its adopted housing element to sitesinventory@hcd.ca.gov. City of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle Draft Housing Element Page 2 November 24, 2021 Zoning for Lower-Income Households: Pursuant to Government Code section 65583.2, subdivision (c)(3)(A) and (B), the element must identify sites with zoning and densities appropriate to encourage and facilitate the development of housing for lower-income households based on factors such as market demand, financial feasibility, and development experience within zones. For communities with densities that meet specific standards (at least 30 units per acre for Palm Desert), this analysis is not required (Section 65583.2(c)(3)(B)). While the revised draft element provides some information on recent project densities, it does not discuss factors such as market demand or financial feasibility to support the densities identified on Table 111-47. In addition, it appears that Site A, Site PP and Site QQ only allow a maximum of 10-15 units per acre but are being identified to accommodate the RHNA for lower-income households. As stated in the element, affordable housing projects in the City have had densities ranging from 15-28 units per acre. The element does not provide sufficient evident that densities in in the10- 15 range provide the financial feasibility needed to support housing affordable to lower-income households and should not identify sites within this density range as appropriate for the lower-income housing need. The element could reassign this capacity to the moderate-income housing need, or the City could rezone to higher density to continue utilizing those sites to accommodate the RHNA for lower- incoming households. Large Sites: Table III-47 includes sites larger than ten acres and states that these sites are not constrained from development based on proposed projects on ten acres or more being developed. While the draft element was slightly revised to account for densities and to add the Carlos Ortega Villas project (p. III-87), the analyses must demonstrate developments of equivalent size were successfully developed during the prior planning period for an equivalent number of lower-income housing units as projected for these large sites or provide other evidence that the site is adequate to accommodate lower-income housing. (Gov. Code, § 65583.2, subd. (c)(2)(A).) Additionally, the analysis should state whether larger sites such as Site A and Site F have the potential for being split and, if so, the element should contain a program or programs to facilitate the splitting of larger lots. Small Sites: The initial draft element identified sites at less than a half-acre and included several sites that appear to require consolidation. The revised draft element now states that site LL is City-owned and will be developed for 28 units and that the City will consolidate the lots when development occurs. However, the element still requires analysis to demonstrate the lot consolidation potential of other sites within the inventory such as Site D, Site PP, Site QQ, and Site T. For example, the analysis should describe the City's role or track record in facilitating small-lot consolidation by affordability level, policies or incentives offered or proposed to encourage and facilitate lot consolidation, conditions rendering parcels suitable and ready for redevelopment, recent trends of lot consolidation, and information on the owners of each aggregated site. 4. An analysis of potential and actual governmental constraints upon the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing for all income levels, including the types of City of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle Draft Housing Element Page 3 November 24, 2021 housing identified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c), and for persons with disabilities as identified in the analysis pursuant to paragraph (7), including land use controls, building codes and their enforcement, site improvements, fees and other exactions required of developers, and local processing and permit procedures... (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (a)(5).) Processing and Permit Procedures: While the draft element was revised to describe approval procedures for the architectural review process, the element must still describe approval procedures for the Precise Plan review including a description of the approval bodies. The analysis must be revised to evaluate the Precise Plan processing and permit procedures and their impacts as potential constraints on housing supply and affordability. B. Housing Programs 1. Include a program which sets forth a schedule of actions during the planning period, each with a timeline for implementation, which may recognize that certain programs are ongoing, such that there will be beneficial impacts of the programs within the planning period, that the local government is undertaking or intends to undertake to implement the policies and achieve the goals and objectives of the housing element through the administration of land use and development controls, the provision of regulatory concessions and incentives, and the utilization of appropriate federal and state financing and subsidy programs when available. The program shall include an identification of the agencies and officials responsible for the implementation of the various actions. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c).) To address the program requirements of Government Code section 65583, subdivision (c)(1-6), and to facilitate implementation, programs should include: (1) a description of the City's specific role in implementation; (2) definitive implementation timelines; (3) objectives, quantified where appropriate; and (4) identification of responsible agencies and officials. Programs to be revised include the following: General: The revised element continues to include programs without specific metrics or objectives. Programs must demonstrate that they will have a beneficial impact within the planning period. Beneficial impact means specific commitment to deliverables, measurable metrics or objectives, definitive deadlines, dates, or benchmarks for implementation. Program 5.0 (CDBG for Homelessness): The Program should be revised to state how the City will encourage organizations to apply and the role the City plays in delivering the funds. Program 8.A (Housing Overlay and ADUs): The Program should be revised to state what standards are being maintained and if there are any potential revisions to the zoning code that need to be implemented. If revisions are needed to comply with state law, then the program should commit to a definitive timeframe for implementation of those revisions. City of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle Draft Housing Element Page 4 November 24, 2021 Program 11.6 (Transit Agency): The Program should be revised to clarify how the City will coordinate and specific actions the City will take to ensure that transit is and will be available to residents with limited access. 2. Identify actions that will be taken to make sites available during the planning period with appropriate zoning and development standards and with services and facilities to accommodate that portion of the city's or county's share of the regional housing need for each income level that could not be accommodated on sites identified in the inventory... ...without rezoning, and to comply with the requirements of Government Code section 65584.09... (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(1).) As noted in Finding A-3, the element does not include a complete site analysis, therefore, the adequacy of sites and zoning were not established. Based on the results of a complete sites inventory and analysis, the City may need to add or revise programs to address a shortfall of sites or zoning available to encourage a variety of housing types. In addition, the element should be revised as follows: 3. The housing element shall contain programs which assist in the development of adequate housing to meet the needs of extremely low-, very low-, low- and moderate- income households. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(2)). Program 1.A (Affordable Housing Developers): This Program should be revised with specific timeframes (e.g., month and year) and benchmarks for the Village (KK) and Millennium (F) projects. The Program should be revised to provide specific timeframes and benchmarks for these developments and monitor these developments. Program 1.6 (Public/Private Partnerships): The program should be revised to monitor these developments and offer specific schedules for these monitoring activities. Additionally, the Program should be revised to provide back-up measures if any projects are subsequently denied. Program 1.0 (Encourage Housing for Lower-income Households): The Program should be revised to monitor these developments and offer specific schedules for these monitoring activities. The Program should also offer a definitive timeline other than the entire planning period and back-up measures if any projects are subsequently denied. Program 9.A (Density Bonus): The Program should be revised with a specific date for completing amendments. 4. Address and, where appropriate and legally possible, remove governmental and nongovernmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing, including housing for all income levels and housing for persons with disabilities. The program shall remove constraints to, and provide reasonable accommodations for housing designed for, intended for occupancy by, or with supportive services for, persons with disabilities. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(3).) As noted in Finding A4, the element requires a complete analysis of potential governmental constraints. Depending upon the results of that analysis, the City may City of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle Draft Housing Element Page 5 November 24, 2021 need to revise or add programs and address and remove or mitigate any identified constraints. In addition: Program 1.H (SB 35): The Program should be revised to offer a definitive date for implementation of the SB 35 requirements (e.g., June 30, 2022). 5. Promote and affirmatively further fair housing opportunities and promote housing throughout the community or communities for all persons regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, color, familial status, or disability, and other characteristics protected by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Part 2.8 (commencing with Section 12900) of Division 3 of Title 2), Section 65008, and any other state and federal fair housing and planning law. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(5)). As noted in Finding Al, the element must include a complete analysis of AFFH. Based on the outcome of that analysis, the element must add or modify programs. Additionally, programs and actions need to be significant, meaningful, and sufficient to overcome identified patterns of segregation and AFFH. C. Public Participation Local governments shall make a diligent effort to achieve public participation of all economic segments of the community in the development of the housing element, and the element shall describe this effort. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd.(c)(8).) The draft element includes a revised summary of the public participation process (page III-93), which now states that the City held additional study sessions. However, it does not demonstrate that diligent efforts were made to involve all economic segments of the community in the development of the housing element, especially low- and moderate-income groups, nor does it address the availability of materials in multiple languages, surveys, or other efforts to involve such groups and persons in the element throughout the process. In addition, HCD understands the City made the element available to the public in June of 2021 prior to an additional study session on September 9, 2021. The element also states that following the September study session the revised draft element was posted on the City's website. However, the element should indicate when the revised draft was made available for comments prior to submitting to HCD on September 28, 2021, if comments were received, and how those comments were incorporated. City of Palm Desert's 6th Cycle Draft Housing Element Page 6 November 24, 2021 City of Palm Desert Housing Element Second Draft Proposed Responses Page 1 of 13 Housing Stock Condition: The draft element was revised to state that the City reviewed Code Compliance Division case records for the period of 2014-2021 and found no open cases or citations issued for health and safety violations. However, the element still must estimate the number of units in needs of rehabilitation and replacement. Note: The element currently states (emphasis added) at page 111-26: Another measure of potentially substandard housing is the number of housing units lacking adequate kitchen and plumbing facilities. In Palm Desert, there are 198 units (0.8% of all units) lacking complete kitchens and 67 units (0.3%of all units) lacking plumbing facilities. More rental units have deficiencies than homeowner units. These homes could potentially benefit from repair and rehabilitation programs, such as the HIP program described above. As shown in Table III- 46,Quantified Objectives,the City will use the HIP program to correct these deficiencies for the 67 units affected (see Program 2.A). In addition, the following text has been added to page 111-27: To further evaluate housing conditions in Palm Desert, the Code Compliance Division queried its records on three separate occasions for residential property code violations, such as structural deficiencies, general deterioration, dilapidation, and faulty plumbing or electrical systems. As of February 2021, there were only 5 active cases of dwelling units with building code violations, all of which were associated with unpermitted construction activity.None of the cases cited structural deficiencies in need of replacement or rehabilitation. Therefore, the City is not aware of any units requiring substantial rehabilitation, other than those described above, and has included those 67 units shown in Table I1I-16 in its Quantified Objectives (also see Program 2.A). Progress in Meeting the RHNA: The revised element states that 310 units for Site DD will be affordable to moderate-income units but must also demonstrate affordability based upon actual or anticipated sale prices or rents. The following language has been added to page 111-87: • The Sands Apartments (Site DD) on Hovley Lane is approved for a total of 388 multi- family rental units. Of those, 78 are required to be affordable for very low income households through an approved Development Agreement that requires that the units be deed restricted. The balance are expected to be market units which will be affordable to moderate income households based on the analysis provided in Table III-44, which shows that rental units are affordable to moderate income households. Sites Inventory: The revised draft element provides data on the City's site inventory in Table III-47. However, the data is insufficient to determine the adequacy of all sites since the inventory aggregates available sites by Map Keys and APNs (Sites E, LL, A, D, F, P, QQ, and T). The inventory must provide a parcel listing of sites by APN, along City of Palm Desert Housing Element Second Draft Proposed Responses Page 2 of 13 with parcel size, zoning, general plan designation, describing existing uses for any nonvacant sites and include a calculation of the realistic capacity of each site. Note: The Table is titled "Vacant Land Inventory... "so no "nonvacant sites"are included. Site A and F are each single parcel sites, and no change has been made. The other sites have been modified in Table III-47, as follows: Table III-47 Vacant Land Inventory of Sites for Extremely Low,Very Low,Low and Moderate Income Units Ma p Zoning Allowab Realisti Potenti Ke Assessor's (all Acreag le c al y Parcel No. GP HOD)** e Density Density Units Vacant Entitled Sites Town Center 12 of B 694-310-006 Neighborhood P.R.-20 68.2 4 to 20 22.5 269 Town Center DD 624-040-037 Neighborhood P.R.-17.5 17.66 17.5 17.5 78 Town Center DD* 624-040-037 Neighborhood P.R.-17.5 17.66 17.5 17.5 310 Small Town Neighborhood; Employment E 694-520-019 Center P.R.-19 5.62 19 18 17 Small Town Neighborhood; Employment 694-520-020 Center P.R.-19 1.2 19 4 Small Town 624-441-014 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-441-015 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-441-016 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-441-017 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 PP Small Town 624-441-018 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-441-019 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-441-020 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-441-021 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-441-022 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 QQ Small Town 624-440-032 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.14 3 to 10 1 1 City of Palm Desert Housing Element Second Draft Proposed Responses Page 3 of 13 Table III-47 Vacant Land Inventory of Sites for Extremely Low,Very Low, Low and Moderate Income Units Ma p Zoning Allowab Realisti Potenti Ke Assessor's (all Acreag le c al y Parcel No. GP HOD)** e Density Density Units Small Town 624-440-033 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.14 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-440-034 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.14 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-440-035 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.14 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-440-036 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.14 3 to 10 1 1 Subtotal Entitled Sites 692 Vacant Sites in the Entitlement Process Small Town LL 627-122-003 Neighborhood R-2,HOD 0.16 3 to 10 20 3 Small Town 627-122-013 Neighborhood R-2,HOD 1.27 3 to 10 20 25 Town Center H 694-190-087 Neighborhood P.R.22 14.97 22 22 44 Town Center H* 694-190-087 Neighborhood P.R.22 14.97 22 22 286 Town Center Neighborhood; Suburban P.C.-(3), 10 of C 694-120-028 Retail Center FCOZ 20.18 7 to 40 24 240 Public Facility/Institu KK 622-370-014 tional P 1.84 N/A N/A 36 Subtotal Sites in Entitlement Process 634 Vacant Sites Regional P.C.-(3), 15 of A 685-010-005 Retail P.C.D. 64.26 10 to 15 14 200 Town Center D 694-130-017 Neighborhood P.R.-22 8.43 22 20 169 Town Center 694-130-018 Neighborhood P.R.-22 2.52 22 20 50 Town Center F 694-510-013 Neighborhood P.R.-22 16.32 22 20 326 Small Town 624-441-014 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town PP 624-441-015 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-441-016 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-441-017 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 City of Palm Desert Housing Element Second Draft Proposed Responses Page 4 of 13 Table III-47 Vacant Land Inventory of Sites for Extremely Low, Very Low, Low and Moderate Income Units Ma p Zoning Allowab Realisti Potenti Ke Assessor's (all Acreag le c al y Parcel No. GP HOD)** e Density Density Units Small Town 624-441-018 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-441-019 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-441-020 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-441-021 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-441-022 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.16 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-440-032 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.14 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-440-033 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.14 3 to 10 1 1 QQ Small Town 624-440-034 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.14 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-440-035 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.14 3 to 10 1 1 Small Town 624-440-036 Neighborhood P.R.-6 0.14 3 to 10 1 1 Subtotal Vacant Sites 759 Total All Vacant Sites 2,071 *Moderate Income Site **All sites in this Table have been assigned the Housing Overlay District. Zoning for Lower-Income Households: Pursuant to Government Code section 65583.2, subdivision (c)(3)(A) and (B), the element must identify sites with zoning and densities appropriate to encourage and facilitate the development of housing for lower-income households based on factors such as market demand, financial feasibility, and development experience within zones. For communities with densities that meet specific standards (at least 30 units per acre for Palm Desert), this analysis is not required (Section 65583.2(c)(3)(B)). While the revised draft element provides some information on recent project densities, it does not discuss factors such as market demand or financial feasibility to support the densities identified on Table III-47. In addition, it appears that Site A, Site PP and Site QQ only allow a maximum of 10-15 units per acre but are being identified to accommodate the RHNA for lower-income households. As stated in the element, affordable housing projects in the City have had densities ranging from 15-28 units per acre. The element does not provide sufficient evident that densities in in the10-15 range provide the financial feasibility needed to support housing affordable to lower-income households and should not identify sites within this density City of Palm Desert Housing Element Second Draft Proposed Responses Page 5 of 13 range as appropriate for the lower-income housing need. The element could reassign this capacity to the moderate-income housing need, or the City could rezone to higher density to continue utilizing those sites to accommodate the RHNA for lower-incoming households. Note:As the finding above relates to Sites PP and QQ, they are specifically described in the Element as being sold to the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition for self-help housing(page III- 88), and are entitled. Since the Element was submitted to HCD, CVHC has closed escrow, and construction will begin in April of 2022. This is substantial evidence that the density range is appropriate for affordable housing. The paragraph on that project under "Entitled Projects" has been modified as follows: • In May 2020,the City conveyed 14 vacant parcels on Merle Street to the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC) for the development of 14 detached single-family, self-help ownership homes for very low and low income households. CVHC will deed restrict the homes when they are developed. The parcels closed escrow in December of 2021, and construction will start in April of 2022. CVHC will deed restrict 3 homes for very low income households, and 11 lots for low income households for a period of 45 years. These lots are shown on the inventory as sites PP and QQ. As it relates to Site A, the land is part of a larger Specific Plan being prepared by a private developer. The City wishes to see 200 of the 1500± units developed for affordable housing, and has made that clear to the developer. It does not, however, have the ability to rezone the property in the absence of the developer's willingness to do so. Table III-47 shows that there is capacity for 2,071 units. Of those, 1,326 are either entitled or pending entitlement (730 for lower income units and 596 for moderate income units). The City's RHNA for lower income units is 1,135, and 461 for moderate income units. There is a need for an additional 405 lower income units under the RHNA, after the entitled and pending entitlement sites are deducted. Table III-47 shows capacity for an additional 745 units on vacant land. So Table III-47 provides for 340 more units than the City requires to meet the RHNA. As already stated in the Element: These entitled and pending entitlement projects will result in a total of 730 units affordable to very low and low income households, and 596 units affordable to moderate income households. With completion of these projects, the City will need to accommodate an additional 405 units for very low and low income households, and would have an excess of 135 moderate income units when all entitled and pending entitlement sites in Table I1I-47 are developed. Table I1I-47 also shows that the City has capacity for 745 units on vacant sites, almost double the 405 needed during the planning period to complete the RHNA. Large Sites: Table III-47 includes sites larger than ten acres and states that these sites are not constrained from development based on proposed projects on ten acres or more being developed. While the draft element was slightly revised to account for densities and to add the Carlos Ortega Villas project (p. III-87), the analyses must demonstrate developments of equivalent size were successfully developed during the prior planning period for an equivalent number of lower-income housing units as projected for these City of Palm Desert Housing Element Second Draft Proposed Responses Page 6 of 13 large sites or provide other evidence that the site is adequate to accommodate lower- income housing. (Gov. Code §65583.2, subd. (c) (2) (A) Additionally, the analysis should state whether larger sites such as Site A and Site F have the potential for being split and, if so, the element should contain a program or programs to facilitate the splitting of larger lots. The Element does provide evidence of existing development (entitled projects). In addition, the language on page III-85 has been modified as follows: Lands provided in the inventory have been calculated at a density of 15 to 23 units per acre. The density range assumes that 80% intensity will be achieved based on: an average unit size of 1,000 square feet, 28 units per acre can be achieved with 3-story buildings, which is the current height limit in the Planned Residential (PR) zone. This also assumes common area open space in compliance with Zoning requirements, and surface parking. As this zone allows building coverage of 40%, there is more than sufficient space to accommodate the density assumed in the inventory. Further, the density assumptions are conservative compared to typically built densities in each of the zones. The most recent affordable housing projects built in the City were constructed at densities of 15 to 28 units per acre, including Carlos Ortega Villas, at 13 units per acre , and the City currently has entitled or proposed affordable housing projects at densities of 17.5 to 27 units per acre on parcels of 10 acres or more: • The Sands, Site DD: 388 units on 17.5 acres (22/acre); • Pacific West, Site B, 269 units on 12 acres (23/acre); • Millennium private site, Site H, 330 units on 15 acres (22/acre), and • Millennium City site, Site C, 240 units on 10 acres, 24/acre). In addition to these projects, the City of La Quinta, east of Palm Desert, developed the Coral Mountain Apartments in 2018, providing 176 units on 11 acres of land, at a density of 16 units per acre. All four of the projects in the City and the La Quinta project are on large sites (10 acres or more), and have been built, entitled or are in the entitlement process. Significantly, the two most recent projects in which the City is participating,the Pacific West and Millennium City site, are 10 acres or more. Large sites are also included in Table III-47, sites A and F are both planned for larger sites. Although the sites are feasible at 15 and 16 acres, respectively, Program 1.F is also provided to encourage subdivision of these parcels to smaller sites, with the provision of incentives. City of Palm Desert Housing Element Second Draft Proposed Responses Page 7 of 13 Program 1.F Although the affordable housing projects currently approved or being entitled in the City occur on parcels of 10 acres or more, the City will encourage further land divisions resulting in parcel sizes that facilitate multifamily development affordable to lower income households in light of state, federal and local financing programs (50-100 units)as development proposals are brought forward for sites A and F. The City will discuss incentives available for land divisions (2-5 acres) encouraging the development of housing affordable to lower income households with housing developers as proposals are brought forward. The City will offer incentives for land division encouraging the development of affordable housing including, but not limited to: • priority to processing subdivision maps that include affordable housing units, • expedited review for the subdivision of larger sites into buildable lots where the development application can be found consistent with the Specific Plan, • financial assistance (based on availability of federal, state, local foundations, and private housing funds). Responsible Agency: Planning Department Schedule: As projects are proposed Small Sites: The initial draft element identified sites at less than a half-acre and included several sites that appear to require consolidation. The revised draft element now states that site LL is City-owned and will be developed for 28 units and that the City will consolidate the lots when development occurs. However, the element still requires analysis to demonstrate the lot consolidation potential of other sites within the inventory such as Site D, Site PP, Site QQ, and Site T. For example, the analysis should describe the City's role or track record in facilitating small-lot consolidation by affordability level, policies or incentives offered or proposed to encourage and facilitate lot consolidation, conditions rendering parcels suitable and ready for redevelopment, recent trends of lot consolidation, and information on the owners of each aggregated site. Site D is comprised of two lots of 8.4 and 2.5 acres—neither of these lots qualify as small sites. In regards to sites PP and QQ, as shown above, those sites are now owned by CVHC, and are scheduled for construction in April of 2022. Site T has been removed from the inventory. Processing and Permit Procedures: While the draft element was revised to describe approval procedures for the architectural review process, the element must still describe approval procedures for the Precise Plan review including a description of the approval bodies. The analysis must be revised to evaluate the Precise Plan processing and permit procedures and their impacts as potential constraints on housing supply and affordability. The description of the Precise Plan process was already in the Element at page III-53. The paragraph has been modified for clarity: The City requires tract map review and approval for all single-family home tracts and a precise plan for multi-family projects,both of which can be processed concurrently with any other permit City of Palm Desert Housing Element Second Draft Proposed Responses Page 8 of 13 that might be required. For either, the review process is a simple analysis that assures that the project's design meets the requirements of the zone in which it occurs. Applications for Precise Plans, when complete, are circulated to other City departments for comments. The Precise Plan is then reviewed by the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) and approved by the Planning Commission. The ARC provides technical review of the Precise Plan application, including the provision of parking,trash enclosures and similar standards, and reviews the landscaping plans for water efficiency. The ARC meetings are public, but are not noticed hearings. ARC review is scheduled within two to three weeks of an application being found complete, and usually precedes Planning Commission hearing by three to four weeks. The ARC provides recommendations on the Precise Plan to the Planning Commission, which takes action on Precise Plan applications. Public notice and mailings are made 10 days prior to a Planning Commission hearing. The findings needed for approval of either a tract map or precise plan pertain to the project's consistency with State law; the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance;public health and safety; and the site's physical ability to accommodate the project. The findings focus on General Plan and Zoning consistency, are not subjective and do not pose a constraint to development. The average processing time for a typical application is 4 to 6 months,including the recently approved Montage single family homes,which received approval in 6 months,which is generally consistent with most Valley cities, and does not represent a constraint. The City also has a building permit streamlining process, for a fee, and allows "at risk" building permit applications, which can be submitted immediately following ARC review, and prior to Planning Commission approval. As described above, neither the process for a Precise Plan review, nor the time required are constraints to the development of housing. General: The revised element continues to include programs without specific metrics or objectives. Programs must demonstrate that they will have a beneficial impact within the planning period. Beneficial impact means specific commitment to deliverables, measurable metrics or objectives, definitive deadlines, dates, or benchmarks for implementation. Specific programs are addressed individually below. Without additional information, we are unable to guess whether this statement intends us to modify any others. Program 5.0 (CDBG for Homelessness): The Program should be revised to state how the City will encourage organizations to apply and the role the City plays in delivering the funds. The program has been modified as follows: Program 5.0 The City will continue to make direct appeals to encourage local organizations, such as the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, Martha's Village and Catholic Charities, to apply to the City for the award of CDBG funds for homeless services, including announcements on its website and social media of the availability of funds, the schedule for applications, and the award schedule, as City of Palm Desert Housing Element Second Draft Proposed Responses Page 9 of 13 it has for many years. The City Council will continue to allocate available funds to these and other organizations that apply from its annual City allocation. Responsible Agency: Finance Department Schedule: Annually with CDBG funding cycle Program 8.A (Housing Overlay and ADUs): The Program should be revised to state what standards are being maintained and if there are any potential revisions to the zoning code that need to be implemented. If revisions are needed to comply with state law, then the program should commit to a definitive timeframe for implementation of those revisions. The intent of the Program was to provide policy support to assure that HOD and ADU were addressed in the Zoning Ordinance. The program has been modified regardless, to address the finding. Program 8.A The City shall maintain the Housing Overlay District to include flexible development standards, density bonuses, design criteria, and parking reductions for the development of a wide variety of housing products which provide a minimum of 20% of all units at income-restricted rents, or at least one unit for smaller residential projects, and to eliminate the public hearing requirements and waive City plan check/inspection fees and potentially other fees. The Accessory Dwelling Unit standards shall be maintained consistent with State law in the Zoning Ordinance. Responsible Agency: Community Development Department Schedule: Annually review with state General Plan report Program 11.B (Transit Agency): The Program should be revised to clarify how the City will coordinate and specific actions the City will take to ensure that transit is and will be available to residents with limited access. For HCD's information, SunLine is a JPA over which the City has limited authority. A member of Council sits on the Board, as does a member of each of the member agencies' Council. The program has been modified to the extent it can be. Program 11.B Continue to coordinate with SunLine Transit Agency by continuing to provide it with all development applications, to encourage it to expand services that provide reliable transportation options to low income, disabled, senior, and other residents with limited access. Responsible Agency: Community Development Department Schedule: 2022-2029 As noted in Finding A-3, the element does not include a complete site analysis, therefore, the adequacy of sites and zoning were not established. Based on the results of a complete sites inventory and analysis, the City may need to add or revise programs to address a shortfall of sites or zoning available to encourage a variety of housing types. In addition, the element should be revised as follows: City of Palm Desert Housing Element Second Draft Proposed Responses Page 10 of 13 With the changes proposed herein, we believe that the analysis is sufficient. Individual programs are addressed below. Program 1.A (Affordable Housing Developers): This Program should be revised with specific timeframes (e.g., month and year) and benchmarks for the Village (KK) and Millennium (F) projects. The Program should be revised to provide specific timeframes and benchmarks for these developments and monitor these developments. The program has been modified as follows: Program 1.A The City shall work with affordable housing developers, non-profit agencies and other stakeholders to implement the following affordable housing projects for extremely low, very low, low and moderate income households during the planning period. • 21 units at Palm Desert 103 (Site E): annually contact the landowner and provide them with current City programs and incentives for the construction of the remaining units within the project. Meet with the land owner annually, and provide the requirements of the Development Agreement for the site to encourage its development. • 36 units at Arc Village (Site KK): For this Housing Authority-owned site, the Housing Authority and City will continue to work with Desert ARC and affordable housing developers to secure funding for these units with priority to developmentally disabled persons. The Housing Authority and City will participate in the preparation of applications for State funding and reinstate funding assistance when an application is prepared. The Housing Authority and City will promote the site to developers through its website, and annually meet with Desert ARC to encourage development. • 66 units at Millennium(Site F):the City will continue to work with the developer to process the pending entitlements and finalize the affordable housing covenants consistent with the existing Development Agreement. The application is expected to be reviewed by the Planning Commission by March of 2022. Responsible Agency: Community Development Department and Housing Authority Schedule: Continuous as these projects move forward Program 1.13 (Public/Private Partnerships): The program should be revised to monitor these developments and offer specific schedules for these monitoring activities. Additionally, the Program should be revised to provide back-up measures if any projects are subsequently denied. The programs have been modified to address scheduling. As regards monitoring, all three projects in 1.B are under existing agreements with the City, as described on page 111-89 of the Element. The agreements are the monitoring tools and their provisions have been replicated below. There is no evidence provided by HCD that the projects will be denied, nor does the City have any evidence that denial is possible. No change can be made to address such a speculation. City of Palm Desert Housing Element Second Draft Proposed Responses Page 11 of 13 Program 1.B The City shall pursue the planning and implementation of the following projects for extremely low, very low, low and moderate income households during the planning period. The City will utilize public-private partnerships, grants and third party funding for these projects, and density bonus incentives. • 240 units at Millennium City Site (Site C): the City shall enforce the terms of its existing agreement with the developer of this project, including maintaining project schedules and expediting processing of applications. A minimum of 15%of the units will be reserved for extremely low income residents. Entitlement applications are expected in 2022, financing will be secured in 2023. and construction is expected in 2024. • 28 units at Sagecrest Apartments (Site LL): the Housing Authority will complete the RFP process in 2022, and establish an agreement with the successful developer for construction of the units by 2024. A minimum of 15% of the units shall be reserved for extremely low income residents. The DDA for the project includes a requirement that the units be built by 2024. • 269 units at Gerald Ford, west of Portola (Site B): the City will maintain the schedule established in the existing agreement with the developer, participate in funding applications, and participate in the funding through the existing land sale agreement, to reach completion of construction by 2024. The project was approved by the Planning Commission in July of 2021. The developer is actively involved in securing CDLAC/TCAC and other funding, and expects to begin construction in 2023. Responsible Agency: Community Development Department and Housing Authority Schedule: As described above, 2022-2025 Program 1.0 (Encourage Housing for Lower-income Households): The Program should be revised to monitor these developments and offer specific schedules for these monitoring activities. The Program should also offer a definitive timeline other than the entire planning period and back-up measures if any projects are subsequently denied. Site I has been removed from the inventory, and deleted in the program. For the other two sites, the following modifications have been made. We do not have any reason to think that either project would be denied. Program 1.0 The City shall encourage and facilitate the development by private parties of the following projects for extremely low, very low, low and moderate income units: • 200 units at Key Largo (Site A): the City will continue to work with the land owner in the completion of entitlement applications for the site, including the provision of Density Bonus incentives, fee waivers and other incentives as appropriate. The City will meet with the developer annually, and encourage the completion of the Specific Plan by December of 2024, and construction beginning in January of 2026. City of Palm Desert Housing Element Second Draft Proposed Responses Page 12 of 13 • 78 units at the Sands (Site DD): the City will maintain contact with the land owner and participate in funding efforts as the developer applies for TCAC and other funds for the project. The City will process the pending application amendments by June of 2022, and assist in the preparation of funding applications by March of 2023, and construction beginning by June of 2024. The City will offer incentives, including Density Bonus, fee waivers and reduced building permit fees for those projects including a minimum of 15% of units affordable to extremely low income households. Responsible Agency: Planning Department Schedule: As provided above. Program 9.A (Density Bonus): The Program should be revised with a specific date for completing amendments. The program has been modified as follows: Program 9.A Revise the Zoning Ordinance to ensure compliance with State law as it pertains to density bonus by October of 2022 to address the changes contained in AB 2345, and as State law changes throughout the planning period. Responsible Agency: Community Development Department Schedule: at regular Zoning Ordinance update As noted in Finding A4, the element requires a complete analysis of potential governmental constraints. Depending upon the results of that analysis, the City may need to revise or add programs and address and remove or mitigate any identified constraints. In addition: Program 1.H (SB 35): The Program should be revised to offer a definitive date for implementation of the SB 35 requirements (e.g., June 30, 2022). As it relates to Finding A4, the analysis of Precise Plan processing has been modified above. No constraint exists. As it relates to the program, it has been amended as follows: Program 1.H The City shall establish an SB 35 planning application and process that contains the requirements of the law,the required objective development standards,and the processing requirements for these projects. Responsible Agency: Planning Department. Schedule: June 2022 Public Participation: The draft element includes a revised summary of the public participation process (page III-93), which now states that the City held additional study sessions. However, it does not demonstrate that diligent efforts were made to involve all City of Palm Desert Housing Element Second Draft Proposed Responses Page 13 of 13 economic segments of the community in the development of the housing element, especially low- and moderate-income groups, nor does it address the availability of materials in multiple languages, surveys, or other efforts to involve such groups and persons in the element throughout the process. In addition, HCD understands the City made the element available to the public in June of 2021 prior to an additional study session on September 9, 2021. The element also states that following the September study session the revised draft element was posted on the City's website. However, the element should indicate when the revised draft was made available for comments prior to submitting to HCD on September 28, 2021, if comments were received, and how those comments were incorporated. The text has been modified as follows: The Housing Element was posted on the City's website in June of 2021. The City also held an additional Study Session with the City Council on amendments to the Housing Element on September 9, 2021. Following that Study Session, on September 10th, the revised Draft Element was posted on the City's website, and notices sent to community organizations, all of the participants in the City's previous workshops, and all those to whom workshop invitations had been sent to invite comments on the revised Element, prior to its resubmittal to HCD on September 28t". No comments were received during this time. 750 N Gene Autry Trail PDSUll t mediagrou p Tel: l 760lm 7 78-4578/Fax760-778-4731 PART Or ME USA TODAY NET WORK Email:lecgalsLdd)jhedesertsun.com PROOF OF PUBLICATION STATE OF CALIFORNIA SS. COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE CITY OF PALM DESERT ATTN: ERIC CEJA 73510 FRED WARING DR CITY OF PALM DESERT LEGAL NOTICE PALM DESERT, CA 92260 CASE NOS.GPA 21-0002 NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION TO CONSIDER RECOMMENDING TO TIIE CITY COUNCIL THE APPROVAL OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 21-0002 UPDATING THE CITY'S HOUSING ELEMENT AND SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN I am over the age of 18 years old,a citizen of the The City of Palm Desert(City),In Its capacity as the Lead Agency for this project under the United States and not a party to, or have interest in California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA),has prepared an Initial Study and Negative Declara- tion for the updates to the Housing and Safety Elements of the General Plan. this matter. I hereby certify that the attached Project Location/Description: advertisement appeared in said newspaper(set in Project Description:The Housing Demerit is one of the mandated Elements of the General Plan.It type not smaller than non pariel) in each and entire considers the future needs for housing In the City,with a particular focus on affordable housing and housing for special needs households,Including the elderly,disabled persons,large families, issue of said newspaper and not in any supplement singie•parent households, and the homeless. It also provides the City's dorislon•makers wills Goals,Policies,and Programs Intended to facilitate the development of housing to meet these thereof on the following dates,to wit: needs.The period from 2022.2029 planning is being addressed In this Update. In addition,the City is required to evaluate and update its Safety Elements to address impedi- ments to the development of housing sites within the City. 1/8/22 Recommendation:Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution rec- ommending to the City Council approval of amendments to the City's Housing and Safety Ele- ments of the General Plan. 1 acknowledge that I am a principal clerk of the Public Hearing:The public hearing will be held before the Planning Commission on Tuesday, printer of The Desert Sun, printed and published January 18,2022,at 6:00 p.m.via Zoom.The hearing will be conducted in accordance with the City's emergency protocols for social distancing.Options for remote participation will be fisted on weekly 1 the City of Palm Springs,County of the Posted Agenda for the meeting at: https:/lwww.cityolpalmdesert.org/nor•city/committees•and•commissiorulpfanning•commissian•inl Riverside, State of California.The Desert Sun was ormation•center. adjudicated a Newspaper of general circulation on Public Review:The Draft Housing Element and Safety Element update are available for public re- view Monday through Friday from 8:00 am.to 5:00 p,m.at City Hall.Please submit written corn- March 24, 1988 by the Superior Court of the merits to the Development Services Department.If any group challenges the action In court,the Issues raised may be limited to only those Issues raised at the public hearing described in this no. County of Riverside, State of California Case No. lice or in written cerrespondence al,or prior to the Planning Commission hearing.All comments and any questions should be directed to: 191236. Eric Ceja,Deputy Director of Development Services/Economic Development City of Palm Desert, • 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert,CA 92260 I certify under penalty of perjury, under the laws of the (760)346•0611,Extimsisn384 ecejatAcityofpa l mdesert,org State of California,that the foregoing is true and MARTIN ALVARE2,SECRETARY IANURY 8,2022 correct. Executed on this 10th of January 2022 in PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION Published:1/8/2022 Green Bay, Wisconsin,County of Brown C))°0141A___ 041A- DECLARANT Ad#: 0005076350 I-' 0: Case NOS. GPA 21-0002 #of Affidavits: 1 CITY OF PALM DESERT LEGAL NOTICE CASE NOS.GPA 21-0002 NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION TO CONSIDER RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL THE APPROVAL OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 21.0002 UPDATING THE CITY'S HOUSING ELEMENT AND SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN The City of Palm Desert(City), in its capacity as the Lead Agency for this project under the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA),has prepared an Initial Study and Negative Declara- tion for the updates to the Housing and Safety Elements of the General Plan. Project Location/Description: Project Description-The Housing Element is one of the mandated Elements of the General Plan.It considers the future needs for housing in the City,with a particular focus on affordable housing and housing for special needs households.including the elderly,disabled persons,large families. single-parent households.and the homeless.It also provides the City's recision-makers with Goals,Policies,and Programs intended to facilitate the development of housing to meet time needs.The period from 2022-2029 planning is being addredsed In this Update. In addition,the City is required to evaluate and update its Safety Elements to address impedi- ments to the development of housing sites within the City. Recommendation:Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution rec- ommending to the City Council approval of amendments to the City's Housing and Safety Ele- ments of the General Plan. Public Hearing:The public hearing will be held before the Manning Commission on Tuesday, January 18.2022,at 6:00 p.m.via Zoom.The hearing will he conducted In accordance with the City's emergency protocols lot social distancing.Options for remote participation will be listed on the Posted Agenda for the meeting at: hups:llwww.cityafpal mdese rt.orglour-city/committees-and-commissionslplan ping-commiss ion-int ormation-center. Public Review:The Draft Housing Element and Safety Element update are available for public re- view Monday through Friday unarm 8:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m.at City Hail.Please submit written cont- inents to the Development Services Department.If any group challenges the action in court,the issues raised may be limited to only those issues raised at the public hearing desuibed In this no- tice or in written correspondence at,or prior to the Planning Commission heating.All comments and any questions should he directed to: Eric Ceja,Deputy Director of Development Services/Economic Development City of Palm Desert 73-51 0 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert,CA 92260 (760)346.0611,Extension 384 eceja®cityolp aim desert,org MARTIN ALVAREZ,SECRETARY JANURY 8,2022 PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION Published:118/2022 LETTERS October 29, 2021 .5cSTREET> «CITY >. «STATE» CD Pg. SUBJECT: APN KAP%HOUSING ELEMENT INVENTORY As required by Government Code Section 65583, the City of Palm Desert's Housing Element, must prepare an inventory of land suitable for residential development sufficient to meet its Regional Housing Needs Assessment forthe State of California, (RHNA). This inventory+ may include vacant land and similar area sites having the potential for housing redevelopment. An analysis of these sites must evaluate zoning needed to achieve the required housing units and any public facilities or services that may be necessary to support those sites. Your property has been Identified as a potential part of the Housing Element Inventory for the City of Palm Desert, requiring that housing be constructed affordable to very low, low or moderate income households. A public hearing has been scheduled to provide property owners an opportunity to comment on Palm Desert's Housing Element update for the fi' Cycle 2021-2029 planning period before the Planning Commission on December 7th, 2021, and before the City Council on January 13, 2022. For more information, please visit the City's website at: httvalli rww_oitwofpalmdesert.or our-citvtdepartmentstplanninu/1 eneral- plardhousing-element_ In the event you have questions regarding this Housing Element inventory notification_ please contact Eric Ceja, Deputy Director of Development Services at (760) 34 -0(111 or via email at eceja cityofpalmdesert_orq. Best Regards, LETTER 21 October 29, 2021 g TO» gSTREET» ft CITY , «STATE} «ZI P:o- SUBJECT: APN ((APNx HOUSING ELEMENT INVENTORY As required by the Regional Housing Needs Assessment for the State of California. (RHNA), the City of Palm Desert's Housing Element: must prepare an inventory of land suitable for residential development. This inventory may include vacant land and similar area sites having the potential for housing redevelopment. An analysis of these sites must evaluate zoning needed to achieve the required housing units and any public facilities or services that may be necessary to support those sites. Your property was identified in the previous 5'h Flousing Element cycle and continues to be identified as part of the upcoming 61h Housing Element cycle inventory for the City of Palm Desert. In the near future a public hearing will be scheduled to provide property owners an opportunity to comment on Palm Desert's Housing Element update for the 6:.. Cycle 2021-2029 planning period_ For more information, please visit the City's website at: https:lfwww.citvofpal mdesert_orglour-cityfdepartmentsfplanni nq/general- planlhousing-element_ In the event you have questions regarding this Housing Element inventory notification, please contact Eric Ceja, Deputy Director of Development Services at(760)34C 0511 or via email at eceja@cityofpalmidesert.org. Best Regards, ERIC CEJA DEPUTY DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Letter 3 December 6, 2021 §(TC: aSTREET.o- « ITY:o-, .aSTATED CZI PR, SUBJECT: APH <APN* HOUSING ELEMENT INVENTORY On October 29, 2021, you were sent notification of a public hearing scheduled on December 7, 2021. This hearing was intended to provide property owners an opportunity to comment on the Palm Desert Housing Element update for the 611 Cycle 2021-2029 planning period. That public hearing was been re-scheduled to January 18, 2022;_Future public meeting information can be found by visiting the City of Palm D esert v ebsite at the link below. Jittps:11www_city ofpa Im d esert_o rgfo u r- citytdepartmentsfplanningigeneral-planlhousin g-efem ent. In the event you have questions regarding the Housing [lenient inventory program or this rescheduling notice, please contact Eric Ceja, Deputy Director of Development Services at (760) 346-0611 or via email at vicejaQcityofpalmdesert_org_ Best Regards, ERIC CEJA DEPUTY DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LETTER 4 Januar'13,2022 ITS gSTREET i ESTATE* 42.1133. SUBJECT: APN HAPN:c.HOUSI ELEMENT INVENTOR On De ember b,2021,you were sent holtricalioni trial the public;h acing relalsdllo 1he City of Pah L ert's liaising Elpirienl n'n1ory had been r d 40 January 18, 2022. The herring is. intsticled to proms properly owners an oppertinity lu cxrirreit i the update for the House) Elerneri1Cycle 1- ' plying penal This notice is sim.l a .roli±r* nr the uprceig hearing date. FIJIAN illorrnalton regardirg this he @ arrd!Pe Grtyof Palm DE#s housing Element on tie Ifaurd by iisoig Me City of Palm Deserl otrsile et lle link thilps:Nvivr uhokialn a er1 orfOli-Crty)deoartmentsiolarinirNigoreral- alanihmrsino-element In the event you have iquashars regard this Houses Elerhent Irtvrlory notifeaticii,ply conterl Er CEta.Depty Direlnr of Devebriment Sr'uice5 st (i 3484611 v irruil ateceiaftuivotaEroduertufg Bast Regards. ERIC MIA DEPUTY DIRECTOR DEVELOFII ENT SERVICES CITY OF PALM DESERT CEQA Environmental Checklist & Environmental Assessment Project Title: Housing and Safety Element Updates,Case Number GPA 21-0002 Lead agency name and address: City of Palm Desert 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert,CA 92260 Contact persons and phone number: Eric Ceja,Deputy Director Community Development Department City of Palm Desert 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760)346-0611 Project location: City-wide Project sponsor's name and address: City of Palm Desert 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 General Plan Designation: Zoning: All All Description of project: Housing Element Update As a required Element of the General Plan, the Housing Element analyzes the existing housing stock and existing and future needs for housing based on demographic data, and provides strategies to meet the housing needs of the City's residents. The Housing Element focuses on affordable housing and housing for special needs populations, including seniors, disabled persons (including developmental disabilities), large families, single parent households, and the homeless. The Goals, Policies, and Programs identified in this Housing Element will assist the City's decision makers in facilitating housing development and preservation to address the need. The City is complying with the mandatory update schedule for Housing Elements. This Update addresses the 2022-2029 planning period. During this period, the City has been allocated the following housing units under the Regional Housing Needs Allocation(RHNA) developed by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG): Table 1 Regional Housing Needs Allocation, 2022 to 2029 Income Category Number of Units Extremely low income 337 Very low income 338 Low income 460 Moderate income 461 Above moderate income 1,194 Total 2,790 Source: SCAG -1- This Housing Element updated statistical figures from the previous planning period(primarily the 2010 Census information to 2018 American Community Survey information), and reassessed housing needs in the City based on changes in demographics and other conditions. For the land inventory identified for future housing development, some sites have been added/removed as availabilities and conditions change.All sites identified in the land inventory in this Update will be developed pursuant to applicable General Plan guidelines and zoning provisions. There is no significant change in policy other than updates in compliance with state legislation. AB 686 was passed by California Legislature in 2018 requiring that all housing elements due on or after January 1, 2021 must contain an Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) consistent with the core elements of the analysis required by the federal Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Final Rule (2015). This Update includes an AFH that analyzes patterns of segregation and equal access to opportunity within the City, consistent with AFFH Final Rule. Safety Element Update The Safety Element Update addressed changes in the requirements of law including flood hazard, fire hazard mapping and emergency preparedness. The Safety Element Update reflects the current fire hazard mapping by CalFire and current FEMA flood hazard zones. The Update also expanded discussion on flood hazard, fire hazard and emergency response by referring to the City's Municipal Code Title 28 Flood Damage Prevention,the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan adopted by the City in 2017 and Riverside County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan approved by FEMA and adopted in 2018. It is important to note that neither the Housing Element Update nor the Safety Element Update will result in any physical development or change in the environment. Both Updates are policy documents which the City will use in reviewing and implementing development in the future, as projects are proposed. Utilities and Service Providers The following agencies and companies will provide service to the City: 1. Sewer: Coachella Valley Water District(CVWD) 2. Water: Coachella Valley Water District(CVWD) 3. Electricity: Southern California Edison (SCE) 4. Gas: Southern California Gas Company 5. Telephone: Frontier, Charter Spectrum 6. Storm Drain: City of Palm Desert Environmental Setting and Surrounding Land Uses Not applicable. The Updates apply to all lands throughout the City. Other public agencies whose approval is or may be required(e.g.,permits,financing approval, or participation agreement.) None. -2- ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. Aesthetics Agriculture and Air Quality Forestry Resources Biological Resources Cultural Resources Energy Geology/Soils Greenhouse Gas Hazards&Hazardous Emissions Materials Hydrology/Water Land Use/Planning Mineral Resources Quality Noise Population/Housing Public Services Recreation Transportation Tribal Cultural Resources Utilities/Service Systems Wildfire Mandatory Findings of Significance -3- DETERMINATION: (To be completed by the Lead Agency) On the basis of this initial evaluation: X I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. ~ � /D�ZG/L{ Eric Ceja, Deputy irec or Date r City of Palm Desert -4- EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: 1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved(e.g., the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g., the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis). 2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts. 3) Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur,then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. 4) "Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from"Potentially Significant Impact" to a"Less Than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level(mitigation measures from "Earlier Analyses," as described in(5)below, may be cross referenced). 5) Earlier analyses may be used where,pursuant to the tiering,program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following: a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures, which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site specific conditions for the project. 6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should,where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated. 7) Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project's environmental effects in whatever format is selected. 9) The explanation of each issue should identify: a) The significance criteria or threshold, if any,used to evaluate each question; and b) The mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impacts to less than significance. -5- I.AESTHETICS Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than No Except as provided in Public Resources Significant with Significant Code Section 21099,would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Impact Incorporated a)Have a substantial adverse effect on a ✓ scenic vista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including,but not limited to,trees,rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a ✓ state scenic highway? c)In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings?(Public views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible ✓ vantage point). If the project is in an urbanized area,would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare,which would adversely affect day or ✓ nighttime views in the area? Setting The City of Palm Desert is located in the central Coachella Valley,which extends from the San Gorgonio Pass in the northwest and the Salton Sea in the southeast and is surrounded by the San Bernardino and Little San Bernardino, San Jacinto, and Santa Rosa Mountain Ranges. The San Bernardino, Santa Rosa, and San Jacinto Mountain Ranges rise significantly above the valley floor with peak elevations of 11,503, 8,715, and 10,834 feet, respectively. The surrounding mountains are of high aesthetic value across the valley, including the City of Palm Desert. The City regulates new development to ensure that it does not conflict with or adversely impact scenic resources. State-designated scenic highways in the City include State Route 74 and Highway 111,which is a California eligible state scenic highway. The Municipal Code imposes additional development standards for lands within the Scenic Preservation Overlay District (Section 25.28.080). Discussion of Impacts a-d) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates are policy documents, and will not impact aesthetics, scenic vistas or light and glare in the City.As future housing projects are proposed,they will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for potential impacts on aesthetics. General Plan policies and zoning provisions limit building height and prevent construction of bulky buildings that may block scenic vistas. Conformance to Zoning standards, which limit height and mass of buildings, will assure that neither scenic vistas nor scenic quality will be significantly impacted by future development after completion of the Updates. -6- A few of the sites in the land inventory are located in the general vicinity of State Route 74 and Highway 111,which are state-designated or eligible scenic highways. These sites do not host any scenic resources such as trees, rock outcroppings, or historical buildings, nor are they located within the Scenic Preservation Overlay District.No impact to these resources will occur. Future housing projects can generate new sources of light and glare; however, residential lighting is generally limited and of low intensity. The City regulates lighting levels and does not allow lighting to spill over onto adjacent property. Municipal Code Chapter 24.16 (Outdoor Lighting Requirements) provides lighting performance criteria and design guidelines for various light sources. The City's plan check process includes detailed review of landscape and lighting plans. These City standards will assure that development occurring subsequent to the Update will not significantly add to light and glare in the City. No impact is anticipated. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: City of Palm Desert General Plan Update & University Neighborhood Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report, 2016; Palm Desert Municipal Code. -7- II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects,lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model(1997)prepared by the California Dept.of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland.In determining whether impacts to forest resources,including timberland,are significant environmental effects,lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state's inventory of forest land,including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project;and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Would the project: Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact a)Convert Prime Farmland,Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance(Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland ✓ Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency,to non- agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act ✓ contract? c)Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land(as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), ✓ timberland(as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production(as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))? d)Result in the loss of forest land or ✓ conversion of forest land to non-forest use? e)Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature,could result in conversion of ✓ Farmland,to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? Setting Agriculture has been a key component in the economy of the Coachella Valley and Riverside County historically. Today, commercial agricultural operations of scale are concentrated in the eastern valley. The City of Palm Desert is predominantly built out with existing urban uses, and does not contain agricultural uses. Per the Palm Desert General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, the City does not contain any land designated or zoned for agricultural uses. While not directly related to agriculture and forest uses, the General Plan includes a potential for golf course reuse that may allow community scale agricultural use. The City's General Plan does not include Forestry or Forest Production designations, nor does the City have zones for these uses. No forestry or forest production lands occur in the desert climate in the valley. -8- Discussion of Impacts a-e) No Impact. According to the Important Farmland Mapping by the Department of Conservation, all sites identified for future housing in the land inventory are designated as Urban and Built-Up Land or Other Land, except a small fraction of site E near Interstate 10 designated as Farmland of Local Importance. However,the site is designated as Planned Residential on the General Plan land use map, is surrounded by existing commercial and residential development, and has been designated for urban uses for years. The loss is considered to have already occurred. There is no land under Williamson Act contract in the City. All sites in the land inventory are designated as and zoned to allow for residential uses. There will be no conflict with any zoning for agricultural/timberland uses or a Williamson Act contract. This Update to the Housing and Safety Elements of the General Plan will not result in any new direct or indirect impact on any agricultural or forest land, nor would it result in the conversion of such land to non-agricultural or non-forest uses. No impact will occur. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: City of Palm Desert General Plan Update & University Neighborhood Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report, 2016; Palm Desert Municipal Code; Important Farmland: 1984-2018, California Department of Conservation. -9- III.AIR QUALITY Where available, the significance criteria Less Than established by the applicable air quality Potentially Significant Less Than No management district or airpollution Significant Significant g with Impact control district may be relied upon to Impact Impact Mitigation make the following determinations. Would the project: a)Conflict with or obstruct implementation ✓ of the applicable air quality plan? b)Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an I applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard c)Expose sensitive receptors to substantial ✓ pollutant concentrations? d)Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors adversely affecting a ✓ substantial number of people? 1 Setting The City of Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley are located in the Salton Sea Air Basin(SSAB), which covers part of Riverside County and all of Imperial County. The SSAB is characterized by the large scale sinking and warming of air within the semi-permanent subtropical high-pressure center over the Pacific Ocean. The flat terrain near the Salton Sea creates deep convective thermals during the daytime but equally strong surface-based temperature inversions at night. Once the air enters the valley, it gets trapped and influences the local climate. The SSAB is under the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District(SCAQMD). All development within the SSAB is subject to the 2016 SCAQMD Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) and the 2003 Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan(2003 CV PMIo SIP). SCAQMD operates and maintains regional air quality monitoring stations at numerous locations throughout its jurisdiction. The City is located within Source Receptor Area (SRA) 30, which includes monitoring stations in Palm Springs and Indio, as well as in the unincorporated community of Thermal. Criteria air pollutants are contaminants for which state and federal air quality standards have been established. The Salton Sea Air Basin exceeds state and federal standards for fugitive dust (PM10) and ozone (03), and is in attainment for PM2.5 except the City of Calexico. Ambient air quality in the SSAB, including the City of Palm Desert, does not exceed state and federal standards for carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxides, sulfur dioxide, lead, sulfates,hydrogen sulfide, or vinyl chloride. Discussion of Impacts a-d) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates are policy documents, which in and of themselves will have no impact on air quality. As future housing projects are proposed, the City will undertake CEQA review and consider their potential impacts on air quality during construction and operation at the individual project level, including criteria pollutant emissions, -10- impacts on sensitive receptors, and odors. All sites in the land inventory identified for future housing will be developed accordingly with their General Plan and zoning designations. Future development of these sites will be consistent with the 2016 AQMP, which was based, in part, on the land use plans of the jurisdictions in the region. All future projects will be subject to SCAQMD rules and regulations and City requirements for construction related activities to ensure compliance with the 2016 AQMP and 2003 SIP. Typical measures include, but are not limited to the implementation of fugitive dust control measures (SCAQMD Rule 403.1, Municipal Code Chapter 24.12) and the use of low VOC content coatings (SCAQMD Rule 1113). The City's General Plan contains several policies under Goal 6. Air Quality that restrict sensitive uses within 500 feet of localized air pollution sources such as Interstate 10 and certain industrial facilities. If such separation distance is not possible, the City will require a health impact assessment (HIA) during project-level CEQA review. Future housing developments proposed under the Housing Element typically will not emit odors that would adversely affect a substantial number of people.Mitigation measures will be implemented,where necessary, in accordance with SCAQMD rules and City requirements to reduce potential impacts to less than significant levels. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: SCAQMD AQMP, 2016; "2003 Coachella Valley PMIo State Implementation Plan,"August 1, 2003. -11- IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Potentially Less Than Less Than Significant No Significant Significant Would the project: Impact with Impact Impact Mitigation a)Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications,on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional I plans,policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b)Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional ✓ plans,policies,regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service? c)Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands (including,but not limited to,marsh,vernal pool,coastal, '/ etc.)through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d)Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors,or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e)Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f)Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan,Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other I approved local,regional, or state habitat conservation plan? Setting The Coachella Valley is located within the Sonoran Desert subunit of the Colorado Desert. The Sonoran Desert contains a wide range of biological resources that are highly specialized and endemic to the region. The central portion of the valley, including the City of Palm Desert, is predominantly composed of sand dunes and sand fields that are divided into three sub-communities: active sand dunes, active sand fields, and stabilized and partially stabilized desert sand fields. Undeveloped portions of the City of Palm Desert host a variety of biological resources. Ten(10) special- status plant species and fifteen (15) special-status wildlife species are known to occur in the City. Due to the loss of viable habitat, some of these species have been listed as threatened or endangered by the federal and state governments. -12- The City is within the boundaries of CVMSHCP, a comprehensive Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan encompassing approximately 1,136,400 acres in the Coachella Valley. The City of Palm Desert is a Permittee to the CVMSHCP and as such subject to its provisions.The City is required to enforce the requirements of the Plan and will do so for all future housing projects. Discussion of Impacts a-f) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates will not generate any construction or development, nor will they impact biological resources. The sites identified for future housing in the land inventory are not located within or adjacent to a conservation area under the CVMSHCP. This Update does not expand new housing sites beyond what is currently allowed under the General Plan. There are generally no streams, rivers, wetlands or riparian habitat on those sites, nor on lands designated for housing in general. Because most of the identified sites are infill sites and occur in an urban setting,they have minimal potential to support wildlife movement or nursery sites. As future housing projects are proposed, the City will require the preparation of biological resource studies, where appropriate, and implementation of mitigation measures to protect biological resources as necessary. New development will be required to pay the Local Development Mitigation Fee (LDMF) implemented by the City under the CVMSHCP. Payment of the LDMF is intended to offset potential impacts of cumulative projects on covered biological species. The City's General Plan Policy 3.3 under Goal 3. Passive Open Space calls for preservation of natural land features including important or landmark trees. This will be considered during individual project review. Overall, no impact is anticipated. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: City of Palm Desert General Plan,2016; City of Palm Desert General Plan Update&University Neighborhood Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report, 2016. -13- V. CULTURAL RESOURCES Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Would the project: Impact with Mitigation Impact a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource I pursuant to § 15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological I resource pursuant to § 15064.5? c)Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal I cemeteries? Setting The City of Palm Desert lies in the Coachella Valley, which has been home to the Cahuilla Indians for centuries. The Cahuilla Indians are a Takic-speaking people that before European settlement consisted primarily of hunters and gatherers who are generally divided into three groups based on their geographic setting: the Pass Cahuilla of the San Gorgonio Pass-Palm Springs area; the Mountain Cahuilla of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains and the Cahuilla Valley; and the Desert Cahuilla of the eastern Coachella Valley. The Coachella Valley saw the first noted European explorations in the 1820's. By the 1870's non-native settlements began to occur across the Coachella Valley, as new federal laws opened lands for new settlers. The discovery of underground water sources began to increase farming activities throughout the Valley in the early 20th century. The modern community of Palm Desert was established on the north side of Highway 111, near a now extant water hole. After World War II, the Henderson brothers organized the Palm Desert Corporation to promote their new desert town. In 1946,they started constructing streets and commercial buildings which later became known as Palm Desert. The City soon joined the boom of country clubs and golf courses along with other communities in the Coachella Valley, and was officially incorporated as the 17th City in Riverside County in 1973. The City of Palm Desert Cultural Resources Preservation Committee maintains the Palm Desert Register, a listing of historical landmarks within the City, which includes seven landmarks. Municipal Code Title 29, Cultural Resources, contains provisions to prevent demolition and/or damage to historic resources. Discussion of Impacts a-c) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates are policy documents and will not impact cultural resources. The Safety Element Update primarily affects fire hazard zones and flood zones, both of which will be used in considering future housing development proposals, but neither of which will impact cultural resources. The sites identified for future housing in the land inventory are vacant and do not contain any known historical resources.When future housing projects are proposed on previously undeveloped -14- lands, the City will require an archaeological study during the CEQA review, as required by the General Plan.Mitigation measures such as monitoring and recording and preservation of resources upon discovery will also be required as appropriate. During the Project-level CEQA process, the City will also conduct tribal consultation on potential cultural resources pursuant to AB 52 and/or SB 18. The consultation process is detailed in Section XVIII, Tribal Cultural Resources. There are no known cemeteries or Native American burial sites within the City. However, should human remains be discovered during construction of future housing projects, proper procedures are required under California Health and Safety Code Sections 7050.5 and 7052 and California Public Resources Code Section 5097. The state laws will assure that there will be no impact to cemeteries or human remains. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: City of Palm Desert General Plan,2016; City of Palm Desert General Plan Update&University Neighborhood Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report, 2016. -15- VI. ENERGY Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Would the project: Impact with Mitigation Impact a)Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of J energy resources, during project construction or operation? b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy J efficiency? Setting Energy sources range from nuclear energy,fossil fuels (e.g. oil,coal and natural gas)to renewable sources (e.g. wind, solar, geothermal and hydropower). Southern California Edison (SCE) provides electrical services to the City of Palm Desert. Currently, SCE serves approximately 4.5 million residential service accounts, 575,000 commercial service accounts and 77,000 other accounts in its 50,000 square-mile service area.1 Natural gas is provided by the Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). Its service territory encompasses approximately 24,000 square miles in diverse terrain throughout Central and Southern California, from the City of Visalia to the Mexican border.2 Both SCE and SoCalGas offer various programs and incentives for all users to reduce energy consumption. The City of Palm Desert completed its Environmental Sustainability Plan in 2010, which includes measures on the built environment and energy management that promote energy efficiency and renewable power generation. Discussion of Impacts a,b) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will not generate construction or development directly, and will have no impact on energy resources. Mapping and text updates to the Safety Element relating to fire and flood zones will not impact energy resources. Future housing projects proposed under the Housing Element will utilize energy resources during both construction and operational activities. Construction components including equipment,fuels,materials,and management practices,would be subject to current SCAQMD rules and regulations such as source-specific standards for engines and limits on equipment idling durations. Regional, state, and federal laws and regulations are in place to ensure efficient energy use and will apply to future projects. These include the state Low Carbon Fuel Standard for construction equipment and heavy-duty vehicle efficiency standards, and vehicle fuel efficiency standards set by the EPA and CARB. Future housing developments would result in the consumption of petroleum-based fuels related to vehicular travel. While future housing projects have the potential to increase the overall City 1 Edison International and Southern California Edison,2019 Annual Report. 2 SoCalGas,Company Profile,https://www.socalgas.com/about-us/company-profile,Accessed February 2021. -16- VMTs, the proposed Update will not interfere with evolving fuel efficiency standards and will not result in wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of transportation energy resources. Further,housing sites are located in areas where transit, services and job opportunities are nearby, allowing future residents to limit vehicle trips. All residential buildings will be constructed in accordance with the Building Code and California Green Building Standards(California Building Code Title 24)in effect at the time of development, which will ensure the most efficient construction/building technologies are used and benefit overall building operations. The 2019 CBC requires all residential buildings to be constructed net- zero-energy after 2020. Adherence to the applicable laws and standards enforced by government agencies, SCE and SoCalGas will ensure that future housing development is consistent with current energy standards and conservation goals laid out in the City's Environmental Sustainability Plan (2010). No impact is anticipated. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: City of Palm Desert General Plan, 2016; City's Environmental Sustainability Plan (2010). -17- VII. GEOLOGY AND SOILS Potentially Less Than Less Than Significant No Significant with Significant Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact a)Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury,or death involving: i)Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other I substantial evidence of a known fault?Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? I iii) Seismic related ground failure,including ✓ liquefaction? iv)Landslides? I b)Result in substantial soil erosion or the ✓ loss of topsoil? c)Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in I on-or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d)Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code ✓ (1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property? e)Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems ✓ where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? f)Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique ✓ geologic feature? Setting The City of Palm Desert is located in the Coachella Valley on the northern end of the Salton Trough, a tectonic depression formed by regional faulting and extending from the San Gorgonio Pass to the Gulf of Mexico. The geology and seismicity of the valley are highly influenced by the tectonics of the San Andrea and San Jacinto fault systems. -18- Episodic flooding of major regional drainages, including the Whitewater River, results in the deposition of sand and gravel on the valley floor. Strong sustained winds emanating from the San Gorgonio Pass cause wind erosion and transport and deposit dry, finely granulated, sandy soils on the valley floor. Regional soils range from rocky outcrops within the mountains bordering the valley to coarse gravels of mountain canyons and recently laid fine- and medium-grained alluvial (stream-deposited) and aeolian (wind-deposited) sediments on the central valley floor. Discussion of Impacts a-f) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on geology and soils. Future development facilitated by the Housing Element Update will result in construction of buildings that will be affected by seismic events and soil composition. According to the City's General Plan (Figure 8.1), there are no Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones within the City. However, the active faults in the region are capable of generating strong earthquakes in the City; for example, the closest branch of the San Andreas Fault has a probable magnitude range of 6.8-8.0 on the Richter scale; the San Jacinto Fault and the Elsinore Fault, located 10 miles and 30 miles southwest of the City,respectively,have a probable magnitude range of 6.5-7.5. Future housing projects will be required to comply with the current edition of the California Building Code (CBC) which includes seismic safety specifications and requirements. Additionally, Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 25.28.110 sets development standards and requirements for areas in the Seismic Hazard Overlay District that must be incorporated into development proposals and requires in-depth geological soils investigations and technical studies. Sites planned for housing development and those identified in the land inventory are not within the Seismic Hazard Overlay on the City's zoning map. As future housing projects are proposed,they will be required to address geologic and soil hazards during the CEQA process and incorporate mitigation, as necessary. Lands susceptible to landslide hazards are not designated for housing development. Liquefaction is generally not an issue in the City, as the depth to groundwater exceeds 50 feet. Future housing projects will be required to submit and implement a site-specific dust control mitigation plan as part of the grading permit process to minimize potential impacts caused by blowing dust and sand during construction.The City will also enforce NPDES standards,including a water quality management plan (WQMP) and Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent erosion or siltation on- or off-site. All sites identified in the land inventory are well-served by the sewer system, and future housing development will be required to connect to the sewer system.No impact will occur regarding septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems. According to the Riverside County General Plan EIR (Figure 4.9.3), most of the City is of low paleontological sensitivity. Potential impacts to paleontological resources will be addressed at the individual project level and mitigation is required by the City as appropriate(General Plan Policies 9.6 & 10). No impact is anticipated. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: City of Palm Desert General Plan, 2016; City of Palm Desert Zoning Map; City of Palm Desert General Plan Update&University Neighborhood Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report,2016. -19- VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS Less Than Potentially Less Than EMISSIONS Significant No Significant Significant with Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact a)Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly,that may have a '/ significant impact on the environment? b) Conflict with an applicable plan,policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing I the emissions of greenhouse gases? Setting Certain gases in the earth's atmosphere, classified as greenhouse gases (GHGs), play a critical role in determining the earth's surface temperature. Prominent GHGs contributing to the greenhouse effect are CO2, methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N20), and fluorinated compounds. Sources of GHGs include both natural and anthropogenic (human-caused)processes. Anthropogenic emissions of these GHGs in excess of natural ambient concentrations are responsible for intensifying the greenhouse effect and have led to a trend of unnatural warming of the earth's climate, known as global climate change or global warming. State laws, such as Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32) and Senate Bill 32 (SB 32), require all cities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. SB 32 is the extension of AB 32 which requires the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. To protect air quality locally and contribute to the state mandate to reduce air quality emissions, the City of Palm Desert has adopted an Environmental Sustainability Plan(2010) that is consistent with the goals of AB 32 and S-3-05, which calls for a statewide GHG emission reduction to 80%below 1990 levels by 2050. GHG Thresholds On December 5, 2008,the SCAQMD formally adopted a greenhouse gas significance threshold of 10,000 MTCO2e/yr that only applies to industrial uses' stationary sources where SCAQMD is the lead agency (SCAQMD Resolution No. 08-35). This threshold was adopted based upon an October 2008 staff report and draft interim guidance document that also recommended a threshold for all projects using a tiered approach. It was recommended by SCAQMD staff that a project's greenhouse gas emissions would be considered significant if it could not comply with at least one of the following"tiered"tests: • Tier 1: Is there an applicable exemption? • Tier 2: Is the project compliant with a greenhouse gas reduction plan that is, at a minimum, consistent with the goals of AB 32? • Tier 3: Is the project below an absolute threshold (10,000 MTCO2e/year for industrial projects; 3,000 MTCO2e/year for residential and commercial projects)? • Tier 4: Is the project below a (yet to be set)performance threshold? • Tier 5: Would the project achieve a screening level with off-site mitigation? Discussion of Impacts a,b) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on greenhouse gas emissions as they will not generate construction or development directly. -20- Modifications to the Safety Element relating to fire and flooding areas will not impact greenhouse gas emissions. As individual housing projects are proposed in the future, they will be required to analyze potential impacts on GHG emissions using the tiered GHG thresholds by SCAQMD during the CEQA process. Future projects will be required to adhere to City and SCAQMD rules and regulations related to emission effective at the time development occurs. The 2019 California Building Code requires all residential buildings to be constructed net-zero-energy (ZNE), which will greatly reduce the GHG emissions of future housing projects. The Housing Element also identifies local conservation efforts and opportunities that will help reduce GHG emissions. No impact is anticipated regarding any conflict with the City's Sustainability Plan and other applicable GHG policies and regulations. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: Palm Desert General Plan, 2016; City's Environmental Sustainability Plan (2010). -21- IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS PotentiallyLess Than MATERIALS Significant Less Than No Significant with Significant Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact a)Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine ✓ transport,use, or disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions I involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c)Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, ✓ substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d)Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section ✓ 65962.5 and, as a result,would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? e)For a project located within an airport land use plan or,where such a plan has not been adopted,within two miles of a public airport or public use airport,would the project result I in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area? f)Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response I plan or emergency evacuation plan? g)Expose people or structures,either directly or indirectly,to a significant risk of loss, ✓ injury or death involving wildland fires. Setting A hazardous material is defined as a substance or combination of substances which may either(1) cause, or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness; or(2)pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed. The proper management of hazardous materials is a common concern for all communities, including the City of Palm Desert. Since the 1970s, governments at the federal, state, and local levels became increasingly concerned about the effects of hazardous materials on human health and the environment. Numerous laws and regulations were developed to investigate and mitigate these effects. As a result, the storage, use, generation, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials are highly regulated by federal, -22- state, and local laws and regulations. The Palm Desert General Plan Safety Element addresses hazardous materials that may occur in the City and their management, as well as emergency access and response. Discussion of Impacts a-g) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates are policy documents and will have no impact on hazards and hazardous materials. As future housing projects are proposed, they will be required to consider and address such potential impacts at the project level during CEQA review; however, residential development typically involves minor use, storage, or transport of hazardous materials, and projects are not expected to have significant impacts. The Safety Element Update refers to the updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan adopted by the City in 2017 and Riverside County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan approved by FEMA and adopted in 2018,which provide current guidance on hazard mitigation and emergency response in and around the City. There are many schools located throughout the City, and some are close to the sites identified for future housing in the land inventory. However, as noted,housing development is unlikely to cause significant impacts on hazardous materials, and any such impact would be addressed at the individual project level. According to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control "EnviroStor" database and the State Water Resources Control Board GeoTracker database, the sites identified in the land inventory are not included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5. Future projects are not expected to create a hazard to the public or the environment. They will also be required to comply with police and fire department regulations including adequate emergency access and vehicle turn-around space. Part of the eastern City is located in the Bermuda Dunes Airport Compatibility Zones C and E per the Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (2004). The sites identified in the inventory for future housing development are located in the western half of the City and far from the airport compatibility zones and future noise contours (Exhibits BD-6 and BD-7). The Palm Springs International Airport is located at least 5.6 miles to the northwest. There are no other airports or airstrips located within two miles of the City. Therefore, the proposed Update will not result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people on the identified housing sites. Primary emergency evacuation routes in the City include I-10, Highway 111, Monterey Avenue, Portola Avenue, Cook Street, and Washington Street. Future development on the sites identified in the inventory will have access to these routes.Future housing projects will be required to comply with police and fire department regulations to assure adequate emergency access and vehicle turn- around space. No impact to emergency access or evacuation routes is anticipated. The Safety Element Update includes the up-to-date fire hazard mapping by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection(CalFire). The sites identified for future housing in the inventory are not located within or near any state responsibility area or very high fire hazard severity zone.Future housing projects will be required to adhere to applicable fire codes and would be subject to Fire Department review and inspection. There will be no impact on exposing people or structures to a significant risk associated with wildfire hazards. -23- Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Source: City of Palm Desert General Plan,2016; Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, December 2004; State Water Resources Control Board, GeoTracker, accessed April 2021; California Department of Toxic Substances Control "EnviroStor" Database, accessed April 2021; California Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer,https://gis.data.ca.gov/datasets/789d5286736248f69c4515c04f58f414,last updated January 13, 2020. -24- X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER Less Than Potentially Less Than QUALITY Significant No Significant Significant with Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact a)Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise ✓ substantially degrade surface or ground water quality? b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede ✓ sustainable groundwater management of the basin? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces,in a manner which would: (i)result in substantial erosion or siltation on- ✓ or off-site; (ii) substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result ✓ in flooding on-or off-site; (iii)create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or ✓ provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff; or (iv)impede or redirect flood flows? ✓ (d)In flood hazard,tsunami,or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project ✓ inundation? (e)Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable ✓ groundwater management plan? Setting Domestic Water The Coachella Valley Water District(CVWD)provides domestic water service to the City of Palm Desert. The District's primary water source is groundwater extracted through a system of wells from the Whitewater River subbasin. In addition to groundwater, CVWD relies on imported water brought to the region by regional canals. CVWD's domestic water system includes 97 wells with a total daily pumping capacity of 244 million gallons. CVWD has a total of 64 reservoirs, with an average storage capacity of 153.2 million gallons. CVWD also owns and operates the water distribution system, which is generally located under existing streets in the public right-of-way. -25- CVWD is responsible,under the California Water Code, for analyzing its current and future water supply, and assuring that sufficient supply is available to serve land uses within the District, through the preparation of an Urban Water Management Plan(UWMP). CVWD is required to periodically update the Plan. Wastewater Treatment Provider and Sewer System CVWD also provides sewer service to the City of Palm Desert. CVWD maintains sewer trunk lines ranging in size from 4 to 24 inches and five sewer lift stations in City boundaries. Effluent from the City is conveyed to CVWD's Cook Street treatment plant(Water Reclamation Plant No. 10),which has a total capacity of 18 million gallons per day (mgd), including 15 mgd tertiary treatment capacity as of 2019. CVWD also implements the requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board pertaining to domestic water quality and wastewater discharge. Flood Control The City is located on the valley floor where rainfall averages 3 inches annually. Several watersheds drain the adjoining elevated terrain of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains towards the valley floor. There are five stormwater channels in Palm Desert: the Whitewater River Channel, and its tributaries: Dead Indian Creek, the Deep Canyon Channel, the Palm Valley System, and the East Magnesia Channel. The City implements standard requirements for the retention of storm flows and participates in the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)to protect surface waters from pollution. Discussion of Impacts a-e) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will not impact hydrology and water quality.As future housing projects are proposed,they will be required to prepare a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) for surface waters in conformance with the NPDES and implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) to address the management of pollutants of concern that may be generated onsite, as identified by the WQMP. The City requires that all projects retain the 100-year storm on site. CVWD's most recent Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) indicates that sufficient water supplies are available to serve anticipated future growth.3 Housing sites identified in the Update are consistent with the General Plan, on which, in part, CVWD bases its demand and supply projections. Future projects will be required to comply with Title 24 provisions on efficient use of water. Because the sites identified in the land inventory will be developed according to their General Plan land use designations, CVWD will have adequate water supplies to serve those sites. The Safety Element updates the FEMA Flood Zones map (Figure 8.4). According to FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps, none of the sites identified in the land inventory are located in or adjacent to a 100-year or 500-year FEMA Flood Zone. The sites are not located in the vicinity of a water body or a dam, and are not subject to impacts of seiches or dam failure. The City is located inland and would not be subject to tsunami. While the General Plan identified potential inundation risk from the Wide Canyon Flood Control Dam located in the Fun Valley, it is managed by the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District under state laws to ensure dam safety. General Plan Policy 3.5 calls for disseminating information on dam inundation areas and 3 "2015 Urban Water Management Plan,Final Report,"CVWD,July 1,2016. -26- potential risks including dam failure, and no specific risk is identified for the future housing sites. Compliance with standard requirements will minimize any potential impacts regarding hydrology and water quality. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: City of Palm Desert General Plan,2016; City of Palm Desert General Plan Update&University Neighborhood Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report, 2016; 2015 Urban Water Management Plan (Final Report), CVWD, July 1, 2016. -27- XI. LAND USE AND PLANNING Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Impact a)Physically divide an established ✓ community? b) Cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy,or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? Setting The City of Palm Desert seeks to maintain a desirable living environment and robust economy through careful planning of a diversity of land uses framed by preserved hillsides and desert open space. Except the larger vacant parcels in the northern City, infill development will be prioritized to balance growth and protection of the valued natural environment. Discussion of Impacts a-b) No Impact.The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on land use and planning. The sites identified for future housing in the land inventory are designated for residential uses in the General Plan and Zoning Code, and will be developed under the applicable provisions. The identified sites are currently vacant, either surrounded by independently operated uses or individual parcels in a larger residential neighborhood. Future housing projects will not divide an established community,nor conflict with any plans,policy,or regulation on land use and planning. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: City of Palm Desert General Plan, 2016; Palm Desert Municipal Code. -28- Potentially Less Than Less Than XII. MINERAL RESOURCES Significant No Significant Significant Would the project: Im act with Im act Impact p Mitigation p a)Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of ✓ value to the region and the residents of the state? b)Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery ✓ site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? Setting The State of California has recognized the importance of mineral resources for construction materials and other economic purposes. The California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA) addresses the loss of regionally significant mineral deposits to urban development. The Act requires the Department of Conservation to create Production-Consumption Regions, which are areas where significant mineral resources of statewide importance and regional significance are produced and consumed,and a classification system that identifies lands where significant mineral resource deposits are located. The Palm Springs Production-Consumption Region covers approximately 631 square miles of the Coachella Valley from near Cabazon to Thermal, including the entire City of Palm Desert. Lands within the Production-Consumption Region are classified according to the presence of valuable mineral resources. The City is located within Mineral Resource Zone 3 (MRZ-3), defined as "areas containing known or inferred mineral occurrences of undetermined mineral resource significance." Discussion of Impacts a,b) No Impact. The adoption and implementation of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on mineral resources. According to the General Plan EIR, no known mineral sources exist in the City, and the significance of any mineral resource in MRZ-3 is considered speculative because no mining has historically occurred in the area. There are no active mining sites in the City. The sites identified in the land inventory are not designated,used, or planned for mineral resource extraction or development. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: Palm Desert General Plan, 2016; City of Palm Desert General Plan Update & University Neighborhood Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report, 2016; Update of Mineral Land Classification Map for Portland Cement Concrete-Grade Aggregate in the Palm Springs Production- Consumption Region, Riverside County, California (Special Report 198), California Geological Survey, 2007. -29- XIII.NOISE Potentially Less Than Less Than Significant No Significant with Significant Impact Would the project result in: Impact Mitigation Impact a)Generation of substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of J standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Generation of excessive groundborne J vibration or groundborne noise levels? c)For a project located within the vicinity of a primate airstrip or an airport land use plan or,where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public J use airport,would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Setting In the City of Palm Desert, the predominant noise source is traffic (motor vehicles), followed by other noise generators such as construction activities, commercial activities and landscape equipment. Noise- sensitive receptors in the City include housing, schools, libraries, and senior care facilities. Effective methods to reduce the impacts of noise on sensitive land uses include vehicle trip reduction,noise barriers, and setbacks. City's Noise Standards Table 7.1 Noise Compatibility Matrix of the General Plan defines the level of acceptable noise for different land uses in the City. Normally acceptable noise levels range from 50 to 65 dBA CNEL for multifamily residential development and 50 to 60 dBA CNEL for single-family residential development. These allowable noise levels do not include construction-related noise levels, as construction activities generate temporary noise. General Plan standards are supplemented by Municipal Code 9.24.030, Sound Level Limits, which regulate noise in different zones throughout the City. Discussion of Impacts a-c) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on noise.As future housing projects are proposed,they will be required to assess noise impacts during the building permit and CEQA processes. The City may require site-specific noise studies to assess roadway and railroad noise impacts, where appropriate. The development of future housing projects will result in temporary construction noise. Construction noise is exempt from the noise standards set forth in Section 9.24.030 of the Municipal Code; however, it is restricted to generally less sensitive daytime hours on Monday through Saturday (excluding holidays, see Municipal Code Section 9.24.070). At buildout, the housing developments will be required to comply with the operational noise levels established in -30- the Municipal Code related to residential property,which is 45 dBA between 10pm to 7am and 55 dBA from 7am to 10pm. Residential development is not a noise generator, and future housing projects are not expected to exceed City standards. Traffic noise generated on adjacent streets will be analyzed when projects are proposed, but generally can be mitigated if elevated through walls and setbacks on future projects. The potential noise impacts on sensitive receptors will be addressed in site-specific noise studies and project-level CEQA review. As noted in Section IX above, none of the sites identified in the land inventory are located within or near the noise contours of the Bermuda Dunes Airport. There are no other airports or airstrips within two miles of the City. No impact would occur. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: City of Palm Desert General Plan, 2016; Palm Desert Municipal Code; City of Palm Desert General Plan Update&University Neighborhood Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report,2016. -31- Potentially Less Than Less Than XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING Significant No Would the project: Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact a)Induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area,either directly(for example,by proposing new homes and businesses)or indirectly(for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b)Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing,necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? Setting The City of Palm Desert has a current population of approximately 53,892 persons (2021), which is expected to grow to 64,100 in 2045. The City's housing stock is a mix of single-family,multi-family, and mobile home development, and the majority (68.4%) of housing units are single-family homes. Discussion of Impacts a, b) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Elements Update will not impact population or housing, as it does not generate any development. The Element includes goals, policies, and programs to facilitate housing development in the City to meet the need of its residents. The Housing Element does not create any immediate need of housing. As future housing projects are proposed, the programs identified in the Housing Element may apply and be implemented as appropriate. The Housing Element will not induce any growth beyond what is envisioned in the General Plan, and the City's RHN allocation does not generate population in excess of existing forecasts. The sites identified in the land inventory are well served by utilities and the City's roadway network. No utility or roadway extension are expected other than onsite connections. Because the identified sites for housing are vacant, future development will not displace people or housing. Overall, no impact is anticipated. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: E-5 City/County Population and Housing Estimates, California Department of Finance,January 1,2021;2020-2045 RTP/SCS,Demographics and Growth Forecast Technical Report, Southern California Association of Governments, adopted September 3, 2020. -32- XV. PUBLIC SERVICES Would the project result in: Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered Potentially Less Than Less Than governmental facilities, need for new or Significant No physically altered governmental Significant with Significant Impact facilities, the construction of which could Impact Mitigation Impact cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Fire protection? ✓ Police protection? ✓ Schools? ✓ Parks? ✓ Other public facilities? I Setting Fire Protection The City of Palm Desert contracts with the State of California (CalFire) and Riverside County Fire Department to receive fire protection services. Palm Desert has a total Fire Department staffing of 44 positions at the three fire stations(No.33,No.67, and No.71)within the City limits. The City also receives backup fire support from Station No. 55 in Indian Wells,and Stations No. 50 and No. 69 in Rancho Mirage, based on a regional cooperative agreement. Police Protection The City of Palm Desert contracts with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department for police protection services. Staffing consists of 80 sworn officers, 36 of which are dedicated to the patrol division, with the remaining dedicated to special assignments such as the Traffic Division, Special Enforcement Team, the Motorcycle Enforcement Unit, K-9 Officer, Business District Team, School Resource Officers, the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force and Narcotics Enforcement. The City of Palm Desert currently provides about 1.56 sworn officers for every 1,000 residents. In 2013, the response time to the highest priority calls was within 5.58 minutes. Schools The City of Palm Desert is located within the jurisdictions of two school districts: Desert Sands Unified School District(DSUSD) and Palm Springs Unified School District(PSUSD). Parks The City of Palm Desert currently operates and maintains 203.9 acres of park land in twelve parks. -33- Discussion of Impacts No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates are policy documents, and will have no impact on public services. As future housing projects are proposed, they will be required to assess potential impacts on public services during CEQA review. The sites identified for future housing in the land inventory are generally located in developed areas of the City, and thus less likely to result in significant impacts on public services. The Safety Element Update includes current mapping by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire), which shows lands designated for housing are located out of any State Responsible Areas or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). Future housing development will be subject to all Municipal Code and RCFD Fire Protection Standards as well as Police Department regulations and procedures to assure adequate fire and general safety and emergency response. In addition, future projects will be required to pay City development impact fees to contribute its fair share of future facilities and apparatus. PSUSD and DSUSD implement mandated developer fees on new residential development per state law to mitigate potential impacts to school resources. Future housing projects will be required to provide on-site parks or pay in lieu fees to accommodate the increased demand created by new residents. These fees are designed to offset the population growth generated by new housing, and will be used by the City to purchase and improve park sites, consistent with General Plan standards. Overall, no impact is anticipated. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: City of Palm Desert General Plan,2016; City of Palm Desert website, accessed April 2021; City of Palm Desert General Plan Update & University Neighborhood Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report, 2016. -34- XVI. RECREATION Potentially Less Than Less Than Significant No Significant with Significant Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact a)Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that I substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b)Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which I might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Setting The City of Palm Desert currently maintains and operates over 200 acres of park land in twelve public parks, two community centers, an Aquatic Center, and over 25 miles of multi-purpose trails. The City partners with the Desert Recreation District to provide recreational programs and activities for all ages year-round. Other recreational facilities in Palm Desert include three municipally owned golf courses and the Family YMCA located in Civic Center Park. City residents also enjoy access to numerous private golf courses, large open space reserves, the nearby Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Park and other local and regional recreational resources. Discussion of Impacts a,b) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates will not impact recreation. The General Plan Environmental Resources and Land Use & Community Character Elements contain provisions to preserve and enhance open space and recreational amenities in the City, and also encourage open space and park facilities within each neighborhood concurrent with, or prior to its development. As future housing projects are proposed, they will be required to assess potential impacts on recreational resources at the individual project level, and include recreational facilities on-site. No impact is anticipated. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: City of Palm Desert General Plan,2016; City of Palm Desert website, accessed April 2021; City of Palm Desert General Plan Update & University Neighborhood Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report, 2016. -35- XVII. TRANSPORTATION Potentially Less Than Less Than Significant No Significant with Significant Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact a)Conflict with a program plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, ✓ including transit,roadway,bicycle and pedestrian facilities? b)Would the project conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section ✓ 15064.3, subdivision(b)? c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature(e.g., sharp curves ✓ or dangerous intersections)or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? d)Result in inadequate emergency access? ✓ Setting Roadways in the City of Palm Desert are classified into various roadway types based on number of lanes and other facilities, including bicycle lanes, sidewalks and parkways. The City sets an acceptable Level of Service(LOS)for both roadway segments and intersection operations at LOS C or better;when physical constraints, land use compatibility or other urban design considerations make achieving LOS C impractical, LOS D shall be acceptable. Changes to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines were adopted in December 2018, which require all lead agencies to adopt VMT as a replacement for automobile delay-based level of service (LOS) as the new measure for identifying transportation impacts for land use projects. This statewide mandate went into effect July 1, 2020. To aid in this transition, the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR) released a Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA (December 2018). The City of Palm Desert has not adopted its own VMT guidelines. The County of Riverside adopted its Transportation Analysis Guidelines for Level of Service &Vehicle Miles Traveled in December 2020, which may be used upon approval of the City traffic engineer. Discussion of Impacts a-d) No Impact. The proposed Housing and Safety Element Updates will not generate construction or development, and will have no impact on transportation. As future housing projects are proposed, the City will require project-specific traffic impact analyses and VMT analyses,where appropriate. The projects will also be subject to City standards on roadway improvements, parking and emergency access, and will be required to pay their fair share toward offsite improvements. These requirements will be mandated through conditions of approval by the City. Prior to construction, site plans of future projects will be reviewed by both the Fire Department and Police Department plan to ensure safety measures are incorporated, including emergency access and geometric design. -36- The sites identified for future housing in the land inventory are generally located on the City's developed roadway network, and are not expected to interfere with the network. Most of the identified sites are close to transit routes, bicycle routes and pedestrian facilities, and future residents will be able to utilize multi-modal transportation. SunLine Transit Agency reviews and updates the transit service periodically to address ridership,budget and community demand needs. The City's General Plan Goal 5 and Policies 5.1 through 5.6 also promote and encourage public and private transit service and the connections to bicycle and pedestrian networks. No impact would occur on the circulation system. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: City of Palm Desert General Plan,2016; City of Palm Desert General Plan Update&University Neighborhood Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report, August 2016. -37- XVIII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES a)Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a Less Than tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Potentially Less Than Significant No Resources Code section 21074 as either a Significant Significant With Impact site, feature,place, cultural landscape Impact Impact p Mitigation that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is: i)Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as ✓ defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k),or ii)A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence,to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c)of Public Resources Code Section ✓ 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision(c)of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1,the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe. Setting As discussed in the Section V, Cultural Resources, Cahuilla Indians are known to have lived in the Coachella Valley for thousands of years. They were Takic-speaking and lived in various groups in the area. Today,Native Americans of Pass or Desert Cahuilla heritage are mostly affiliated with one or more of the Indian reservations in and near the Coachella Valley, including the Cabazon, Augustine, Torres Martinez, Twenty-nine Palms,Agua Caliente, and Morongo. Numerous cultural resources are found throughout the valley which are considered non-renewable resources because they provide important information about the past. Discussion of Impacts a)i,ii) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on tribal cultural resources. The Update will not generate construction or development, nor does it expand sites for future housing development beyond what is allowed under the General Plan. -38- According to the General Plan EIR, a total of 36 cultural resources containing prehistoric components have been recorded in the City of Palm Desert. The sites identified in the land inventory are not known to contain any tribal cultural resources. The City conducted AB 52 and SB 18 consultation for the proposed Update and sent out written letters to 16 tribes in July of 2021. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians responded, and indicated that they did not have concerns about the Update, and concluded consultation. No other consultation requests were received. As future housing projects are proposed, the City will undertake Tribal Consultation in conformance with AB 52 and/or SB 18 requirements, and incorporate requests and input from consultation in conditions of approval and/or as mitigation measures in the environmental review process. The City also requires an archaeological resources assessment for new development that involves ground disturbing activities and proper mitigation measures where necessary. These requirements assure that there will be no impact from the eventual development of housing sites in the City. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: City of Palm Desert General Plan,2016; City of Palm Desert General Plan Update&University Neighborhood Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report, 2016. -39- XIX. UTILITIES AND SERVICE Less Than SYSTEMS Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant Significant with Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact a)Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, electric power,natural gas, or I telecommunications facilities,the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? b)Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable ✓ future development during normal,dry and multiple dry years? c)Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate ✓ capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? d) Generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards,or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair ✓ the attainment of solid waste reduction goals? e)Comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and I regulations related to solid waste? Setting Domestic Water The Coachella Valley Water District(CVWD)provides domestic water service to the City. The District's primary water source is groundwater extracted through a system of wells from the Whitewater River subbasin, supplemented by imported water via regional canals. CVWD's domestic water system includes 97 wells with a total daily pumping capacity of 244 million gallons. CVWD has a total of 64 reservoirs, with an average storage capacity of 153.2 million gallons. CVWD also owns and operates the water distribution system, which is generally located under existing streets in the public right-of-way. CVWD is responsible,under the California Water Code, for analyzing its current and future water supply, and assuring that sufficient supply is available to serve land uses within the District, through the preparation of an Urban Water Management Plan(UWMP). CVWD is required to periodically update the Plan. -40- Wastewater Treatment Provider and Sewer System The Coachella Valley Water District(CVWD) also provides sewer service to the City. CVWD maintains sewer trunk lines ranging in size from 4 to 24 inches and five sewer lift stations in City boundaries. Effluent from the City is conveyed to CVWD's Cook Street treatment plant(Water Reclamation Plant No. 10), which has a total capacity of 18 million gallons per day (mgd), including 15 mgd tertiary treatment capacity as of 2019. CVWD also implements the requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board pertaining to domestic water quality and wastewater discharge. Stormwater Management Several watersheds drain the adjoining elevated terrain of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains towards the valley floor. There are five stormwater channels in Palm Desert: Whitewater River Stormwater Channel, and its tributaries: Dead Indian Creek, the Deep Canyon Channel, the Palm Valley System, and the East Magnesia Channel. The City implements local stormwater management. Electric Power and Natural Gas Southern California Edison (SCE) provides electrical services to the City of Palm Desert. Many neighborhoods in the City were developed prior to the placement of underground electric facilities, and thus have overhead power lines. Natural gas is provided by the Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). Solid Waste Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services, LLC (Burrtec)provides solid waste disposal to the City through a franchise agreement. Non-hazardous household, commercial and most nonhazardous industrial solid waste collected is taken to the Edom Hill Transfer Station in Cathedral City,which is permitted to receive 3,500 tons of waste per day. From there solid waste is transported to the Lamb Canyon regional landfill, which is owned by the County of Riverside and had a remaining capacity of 19,242,950 cubic yards as of 2015. Discussion of Impacts a-e) No Impact.The Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on utilities and service systems. As future housing projects are proposed,they will be required to assess potential impacts on utilities at the individual project level during CEQA review. CVWD undertakes long term planning for domestic water and wastewater treatment services within its service area. The sites identified for future housing in the land inventory will be developed according to their General Plan land use designations,and thus consistent with the plans of CVWD. As discussed in Section X, future projects are required by the City to provide adequate onsite drainage facilities to accommodate a 100-year controlling storm event and implement best management practices (BMPs) to minimize impacts on the public drainage system. The sites identified for housing in the land inventory are well served by utility services. Future housing development is expected to provide local connections to nearby existing SCE, SoCalGas, and Frontier Communications and/or Spectrum infrastructure. These service providers plan their infrastructure and services based on projected local development and growth. Local and regional solid waste facilities have sufficient capacities to serve the City and planned housing development. All future projects will be required to analyze their demand for utilities at the individual project level. Overall, no impact is anticipated. -41- Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: Sanitary Sewer Management Plan, CVWD,December 1,2019; 2015 Urban Water Management Plan (Final Report), CVWD, July 1, 2016; Solid Waste Information System, www2.calrecyle.ca.gov, CalRecycle, accessed April 2021. -42- XX. WILDFIRE—If located in or near Less Than state responsibility areas or lands Potentially Significant Less Than No classified as very high fire hazard Significant Significant severity zones, would the project: Impact with Impact Impact Mitigation a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency ✓ evacuation plan? b)Due to slope,prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose project occupants to, pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire? c)Require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources,power ✓ lines or other utilities)that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment? d)Expose people or structures to significant risks,including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides,as a result of runoff, ✓ post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes? Setting Wildfire is a nonstructural fire that occurs in vegetative fuels, excluding prescribed fire. Wildfires can occur in undeveloped areas and spread to urban areas where landscape and structures are not designed and maintained to be ignition resistant.A wildland-urban interface(WUI)is an area where urban development is located in proximity to open space or "wildland" areas. The potential for wildland fires represents a hazard where development is adjacent to open space or within close proximity to wildland fuels or designated fire severity zones. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection(CalFire) has mapped areas of significant fire hazards in the state through its Fire and Resources Assessment Program(FRAP). These maps place areas of the state into different fire hazard severity zones (FHSZ) based on a hazard scoring system using subjective criteria for fuels, fire history, terrain influences, housing density, and occurrence of severe fire weather where urban conflagration could result in catastrophic losses. The City of Palm Desert is exposed to fire-related hazards from two potential sources: wildfires and fires that occur in urban settings. Wildfire hazards are highest in areas of the community near the WUI. Southern portions of the City are susceptible to the risk of wildland fires. There are very high fire hazard severity zones (VHFHSZ) in both local and state responsibility areas in the southern Sphere of Influence (SOI). In the southeastern corner of the City, the state responsibility area encroaches into the City limits and includes very high and high fire hazard severity zones. The VHFHSZ overlaps with some residences on Canyon View Drive and Desert Vista Drive. The high fire hazard severity zone covers undeveloped desert land and an aboveground water tank. -43- Discussion of Impacts a-d) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on wildfire. As required by state law, the Safety Element in the General Plan is also being updated, including the most recent fire hazard mapping by CalFire. This update will allow the City to accurately gage fire risk when development is proposed in the future. The sites identified for future housing in the land inventory are not located within or near any state responsibility area or very high fire hazard severity zone. These sites are in the urban area of the City and within the established roadway network. Future development on these sites will have access to primary emergency evacuation routes in the City, including I-10, Highway 111, Monterey Avenue, Portola Avenue, Cook Street, and Washington Street. Future housing projects will be reviewed for compliance with the Fire Department design guidelines. Potential wildfire- related risks due to project location and topography will be evaluated during CEQA review and in site-specific geotechnical studies, as discussed in Section VII. Overall, no impact is anticipated. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required Sources: City of Palm Desert General Plan, 2016; Project materials; Google Earth Pro 7.3.3.7786; California Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer, https://gis.data.ca.gov/datasets/789d5286736248f69c4515 c04f58f414, last updated January 13, 2020. -44- XXI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF Potentially Less Than Less Than SIGNIFICANCE Significant Significant Significant No with Impact Impact Mitigation Impact a)Does the project have the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self- sustaining levels,threaten to eliminate a I plant or animal community, substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b)Does the project have impacts that are individually limited,but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a ✓ project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? c)Does the project have environmental effects,which will cause substantial adverse ✓ effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? 1 a-c) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates will not impact the environment. As noted, the sites identified for future housing are not located within or adjacent to a conservation area designated by the CVMSHCP. The Element will not impact biological or cultural resources, nor human beings. The Safety Element is updated along with the Housing Element as required by state law, and both Elements are consistent with each other and the balance of the General Plan. The sites in the land inventory will be developed according to their General Plan land use and zoning designations. Such housing development will not impact long term environmental goals, as it is planned and covered in the General Plan and its Environmental Impact Report. Cumulative impacts of future housing development were addressed in the General Plan and its EIR, and will also be analyzed during the project-level CEQA review as individual projects are proposed. -45- STAFF REPORT CITY OF PALM DESERT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT MEETING DATE: January 18, 2022 PREPARED BY: Rosie Lua, Principal Planner REQUEST: Consideration for a recommendation for approval to the City Council for a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to modify Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 25.34.060 regarding Timeshare Projects. Recommendation Waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2805, recommending to the City Council approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment 22- 0001 to modify Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 25.34.060 regarding Timeshare Projects. Background At the November 18, 2021, City Council meeting, the City Attorney presented a memorandum addressing a new business model that features "co-ownership" shares in residential properties operating within the City known as "Pacaso." After evaluation of the ownership formation of the Pacaso, it was determined that it mirrored a "timeshare" as defined in the Business and Profession Code Section 11212(z) and regulated by Section 25.34.060 (Timeshare Projects) of the Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC). The timeshare ordinance has not been updated since 2013. Therefore, the City Council invited consideration of an update to Section 25.34.060 (Timeshare Project) to include a more robust definition referring to current California law and provide a broader scope of potential enforcement regulations to more clearly address Pacaso types of business formations. Pacaso is a corporation that sells "co-ownership" shares in residential property. The Pacaso business model owns title to the residential home by first purchasing or entering a contract to purchase single-family homes, then markets "co-ownership" interests in the homes to up to eight (8) individuals, and finally forms a limited liability company ("LLC"). The "co-owners" receive one-eighth (1/8) share ownership interest, with entitlement to use the residential property for a certain number of days per year as specified in their share of ownership in the LLC. The one-eighth (1/8) interest entitles the purchaser to stay at the property for up to 45 days per year in increments of two to 14 days, including one "special day" (Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.). The stays are reserved through a mobile application, and while each co-owner is prohibited from renting the home as a short-term rental, they are permitted to allow other guests to stay there during their allotted days. Once shares in an LLC are sold, a Pacaso manages the homes, providing landscaping and pool maintenance, furnishing the homes, and paying all expenses, which are then passed through to the co- January 18, 2022 —Staff Report Case No. ZOA 22-0001 Timeshare Uses - Pacaso Page 2 of 3 owners. The company started by purchasing homes in tourist destinations in California; however, they are rapidly expanding throughout the United States and internationally. Discussion Business and Profession Code, Section 11212(z) defines the following significant terms: Timeshare plan means any arrangement, plan, scheme, or similar device, other than an exchange program, whether by membership agreement, sale, lease, deed, license, right to use agreement, or by any other means, whereby a purchaser, in exchange for consideration, receives ownership rights in or the right to use accommodations for a period of time less than a full year during any given year, on a recurring basis for more than one year, but not necessarily for consecutive years. A timeshare plan may be either of the following: (1) A "single-site timeshare plan" that is the right to use accommodations at a single timeshare property. (2) A "multisite timeshare plan" that includes either of the following: (A) A "specific timeshare interest" that is the right to use accommodations at a specific timeshare property together with use rights in accommodations at one or more other component sites created by or acquired through the timeshare plan's reservation system. (B) A "nonspecific timeshare interest" that is the right to use accommodations at more than one component site created by or acquired through the timeshare plan's reservation system but includes no specific right to use any particular accommodations. The Pacaso model fits within that definition of a "timeshare plan" as co-owners receive ownership rights to use a property for less than a year on a recurring basis. Pacaso is not currently regulated by the state, as it does not meet the state's 10-share threshold for regulation. Palm Desert Municipal Code, Section 25.34.060 (Timeshare Projects) provides the following definitions: The PDMC timeshare ordinance does not align with the definition of "timeshare" as defined by state law. Instead it describes timeshares as "The timeshare project must be composed of "timeshare estates" as defined in California Business and Professions Code Section 11003.5 [now section 11212]." This reference to timeshares is short-sided of the broader definitions provided by the state law as referenced above. Furthermore, the PDMC timeshare ordinance does not provide any specific enforcement provisions for timeshare uses. The proposed ZOA recommends an amendment to Section 25.34.060 (Timeshare Projects) to define timeshare uses more comprehensively as defined by the state and apply regulatory provisions for enforcement. General Plan The General Plan promotes goals and policies to protect and enhance community value in neighborhoods and its surroundings. Land Use and Community Character Policy 1.1 (Scale of development) promotes the City's corridors to use design techniques to a moderate height and use and ensure compatible fit with surrounding development. Therefore, the proposed January 18, 2022 —Staff Report Case No. ZOA 22-0001 Timeshare Uses - Pacaso Page 3of3 amendment to the timeshare ordinance supports the City's goal in meeting the intent of the General Plan. Public Input Public noticing was conducted in accordance with state law. A public hearing notice was published on Saturday, January 8, 2022, in The Desert Sun. To date, the Development Services Department has received no letters in opposition to or in favor of the proposed ordinance amendment. Environmental Review The Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert finds that the adoption of this ordinance has been analyzed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA (Pub. Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.) ("CEQA") and the state CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.). It has been determined that the amendments do not meet the definition of a project because the amendments do not have the potential to cause either a direct physical change or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. The proposed amendments are consistent with the General Plan goals of ensuring the quality of life for the community. Because the amendment is not a project under CEQA, they are not subject to further environmental review. Findings of Approval Findings can be made in support of the amendment and in accordance with the City's Municipal Code. Findings in support of this ZOA are contained in the Resolution No. 2805, attached to this staff report. LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FINANCIAL ASSISTANT CITY REVIEW MANAGER RH Ma-rti-v/Alava-rezz N/A N/A Robert W. Hargreaves Martin Alvarez, Dir. of Janet Moore Andy Firestine City Attorney Development Services Director of Finance Assistant City Manager City Manager L. Todd Hileman: N/A ATTACHMENTS: 1. Draft Resolution No. 2805 2. Draft Exhibit A: Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2. Public Hearing Notice PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2805 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO MODIFY PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 25.34.60 REGARDING TIMESHARE PROJECTS CASE NO: ZOA 22-0001 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the 18th day of January 2022, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the request by the City of Palm Desert for approval of the above-noted; and WHEREAS, the Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) modifies the Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC) Section 25.34.60 (Timeshare Projects) to update the ordinance to clarify definitions and add enforcement options; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, in reviewing all the facts and any testimony given, adopts the following as its Findings in recommended approval of the ZOA to the City Council: SECTION 1. Findings. The Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert hereby finds that: A. The City of Palm Desert, California ("City") is a municipal corporation, duly organized under the constitution and laws of the State of California; and B. The Planning and Zoning Law authorizes cities to establish by ordinance the regulations for land use and development. SECTION 2. Amendment. The Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert recommends that the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, approve and adopt the PDMC amendment to Section 25.34.60 (Timeshare Projects)as shown in Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and incorporated herewith. SECTION 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase in this ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this ordinance or any part thereof. The Planning Commission hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that one (1) or more subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared unconstitutional, invalid, or ineffective. SECTION 4. CEQA. The City Council finds that adoption of this ordinance is not a "project," as defined in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it does not have a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and concerns general policy and procedure making. PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2805 PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, at its regular meeting held on the 18th day of January 2022, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: JOHN GREENWOOD, CHAIR ATTEST: MARTIN ALVAREZ, SECRETARY PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION 2 "EXHIBIT A" ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT SECTION 1. Amendment to Palm Desert Municipal Code. Palm Desert Municipal Code section 25.34.060 is hereby amended as follows: "25.34.060 Time Share Timeshare Projects Uses A. Purpose. The purpose of the special use regulations for time share timeshare projects uses is to establish special location and site development standards. B. Definitions. 1. "Accommodation" means any dwelling unit, apartment, condominium or cooperative unit, hotel or motel room, or other structure constructed for residential use and occupancy, including but not limited to a single family dwelling, or unit within a two family dwelling, three family dwelling, multiple family dwelling, or townhouse dwelling as defined in Section 17.04.160. 2. "Developer" means person, who at any point in time, owns, or has an option or contract to acquire eleven or more time share timeshare interests for purposes of sale in the ordinary course of business if the time share timeshare interests were acquired or are to be acquired from the original recipient of a public report for the time share timeshare plan, or from a person who succeeded to the interest of the original recipient in eleven or more time share timeshare interests in a time share timeshare plan. 3. "Owner" means owner of a time share timeshare interest. 4. "Person" means a natural person, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, estate, trust, or other legal entity, or any combination thereof. 5. "Time share timeshare instrument" means one or more documents, by whatever name denominated, creating or governing the operation of a time share timeshare plan and includes the declaration dedicating accommodations to the time share timeshare plan. 6. "Time share timeshare interest" means and includes either of the following: (i) A "time share timeshare estate," which is the right to exclusively occupy a time share timeshare property for a period of time on a recurring basis pursuant to a time share timeshare plan, coupled with a freehold estate or an estate for years with a future interest in a time share timeshare property or a specified portion thereof. (ii) A "time share timeshare use," which is the right to exclusively occupy a time share timeshare property for a period of time on a recurring basis pursuant to a time share timeshare plan, which right is neither coupled with a freehold interest, nor coupled with an estate for years with a future interest, in a time share timeshare property. 7. "Time share Timeshare Plan" means any arrangement, plan, scheme, or similar device, whether by membership agreement, sale, lease, deed, license, right to use agreement,_or by any other means, whereby a purchaser, in exchange for consideration, receives the right to exclusive use of an accommodation or accommodations, whether through the granting of ownership rights, possessory rights or otherwise, for a period of time less than a full year during any given year, on a recurring basis for more than one year, but not necessarily for consecutive years. 8. "Time share Timeshare property" means one or more accommodations subject to the same time share timeshare instrument, together with any other property or rights to property appurtenant to those accommodations. 9. "Time share Timeshare use" means the use of one or more accommodations or any part thereof, as a time share timeshare property pursuant to a time share timeshare plan. C. Permitted zones. A time share timeshare project use shall be permitted only in a planned residential zone, a general commercial zone, or a planned commercial resort zone. Any time share timeshare project use shall be developed in conjunction with a resort hotel having 500 or more rooms and an 18-hole golf course of not less than 6,400 yards, and then only if and when a conditional use permit has been obtained from the Commission in accordance with Section 25.72.050 (Conditional Use Permit) of this code. G D. Application submittal requirements. In addition to standard application submittal requirements, an applicant for a conditional use permit approval involving a time share timeshare project use shall submit in the application at least the following information: 1. Copies of documents and information required pursuant to Article 12.2 of the California Administrative Code of Regulations, Sections 2810 2809.1, 2809.2, and 2809.3 wherein the requirements for a "substantially properly completed" application for a final subdivision public report are enumerated, excluding those documents so enumerated which are subject to the approval of the City and therefore otherwise available to the City. In the event such documents and information have not been filed with the California Department of Real Estate at the time an applicant applies for a conditional use permit, the applicant shall furnish such documents and information upon the submission of such documents and information to the Department of Real Estate, but in no event later than the issuance of the conditional use permit. 2. In the event an existing condominium project is proposed to be converted to a whole or partial time share timeshare project use, a verified description or statement of the number and percentage of the current condominium owners desiring or consenting to the proposed conversion of some or all of the units to a time share timeshare basis shall be submitted. Also, in such instance there shall be submitted to the Commission prior to or during the hearing process, a verified statement of the number and percentage of owners who have received notification, either personally or by receipted certified US mail. 3. In the case of a new mixed project (i.e., time-sharing condominium/rental), a description of the means proposed to be employed to disclose the number and location of all time share timeshare units accommodations within the project time share timeshare use shall be submitted. 4. Description of time periods, types of units accommodations, and which units accommodations are in the time share timeshare program (if less than all), and the length of time each of the units accommodations are committed to the time share timeshare program plan shall be submitted. D. E. Requirements. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the following requirements must be met by any time share timeshare development use in any permitted zone: 1. The time share timeshare project use must be composed of "time share timeshare estates" interests as defined in California Business and Professions Corte Section 11003.5. 2. All maintenance agreements and conditions, covenants, and restrictions must be approved by the City. 3. The minimum time share timeshare use interest exclusive occupancy period shall be for one week (seven days). 4. Project sponsor Developer of the time share timeshare plan shall post a maintenance bond, letter of credit, or cash deposit to ensure the maintenance of any landscaping along the perimeter of the project time share timeshare use abutting any public right-of-way. The amount of the bond, letter of credit, or cash deposit shall be equal to 25 percent of the annual budget of the time share timeshare use owner's association having the duty to maintain the exterior of the time share timeshare property project which is for such landscaping expenses. The bond, letter of credit, or cash deposit shall run to the City and shall remain in place for life of the project time share timeshare plan. 5. With respect to a time share timeshare project use, all interests created therein shall be subject to a public facilities impact mitigation fee of $150 per week share. With respect to each week share in a time share timeshare pr-eject use, a public facilities impact fee payable under this section shall be paid on the first day of the first calendar month following the sale and conveyance of such week share by the sponsor developer of a time share timeshare project plan to an individual consumer (excluding bulk sales from one sponsor developer to another, in which case the successor sponsor developer shall have the obligation to pay the public facilities impact fee described herein upon the sale and conveyance of a week share to a consumer). On the first day of each calendar month, or less frequently if required by the Council, a sponsor developer of a time share timeshare project plan shall also submit a written report to the City which specifies the number of week shares in the time share timeshare project plan which have been sold and conveyed in the preceding calendar month. F. Minimum number of units. The minimum number of units in a time share timeshare project shall be 50. G. Development standards. Time share Timeshare projects uses shall be designed to conform to the standards for hotel developments in the event the time share timeshare project use is located in a planned commercial resort or general commercial zone. The time share timeshare project use must comply with all development standards of the zone in which it is located. With respect to time share timeshare projects uses developed within a planned residential zone, the density of the time share timeshare project uses shall not exceed the density permitted in such zone for residential projects; with respect to time share timeshare projects uses developed in a general commercial zone or a planned commercial resort zone, the density of the time share timeshare project uses shall not exceed the density permitted in such zone for general commercial or planned commercial projects. In determining the density of a time share timeshare project use, upon the request of an applicant, the Director shall have the authority to transfer the density permitted in other similarly zoned property owned by an applicant to the time share timeshare project use. H. Violations, Enforcement and Civil Penalties 1. Any responsible person, including but not limited to an owner of a time share timeshare interest, management entity, agent, or broker who uses, or allows the use of, or advertises or causes to be printed, published, advertised or disseminated in any way and through any medium, the availability for sale or use of an accommodation in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor for each day in which such accommodation is used, allowed to be used, or advertised for sale or use in violation of this chapter. Such violation shall be punishable pursuant to Chapter 1.12 (General Penalty). 2. Any responsible person, including by not limited to an owner of a time share timeshare interest, management entity, agent, or broker who uses, or allows the use of, or advertises or causes to be printed, published advertised or disseminated in any way and through any medium, the availability for sale or use of an accommodation in violation of this section is subject to administrative fines as set forth in Chapter 8.81 (Administrative Citations). Any person issued an administrative citation pursuant to this section shall for each separate violation be subject to: (1) an administrative fine in an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for the first citation; (2) an administrative fine in an amount not to exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000) for a second citation issued for the same offense within a twelve-month period of the date of the first offense; and (3) a fine in an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000). 3. Time share timeshare use, and/or advertisement for time share timeshare use, of an accommodation in violation of this section is a threat to public health, safety or welfare and is thus declared to be unlawful and a public nuisance and may be abated pursuant to Chapter 8.20 (Public Nuisances), Chapter 9.24 (Noise Control), and Chapter 9.25 (Multiple Responses to Loud or Unruly Parties, Gatherings or Other Similar Events.) 4. Each day the violation of this chapter occurs shall constitute a separate offense. 5. The remedies under this section are cumulative and in addition to any and all other remedies available at law and equity." CITY OF PALM DESERT LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO MODIFY THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 25.34.060 (TIME-SHARE PROJECTS) The City of Palm Desert Planning Commission finds that this Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; it prevents changes in the environment pending the completion of the contemplated study of impacts. Project Location/Description: Project Location: City wide Project Description: Approval of staff's recommendation will consider a regulatory response to the Pacaso type businesses related to "co-ownership" shares in residential properties operating within the City. Recommendation: Planning Commission recommending to the City Council approval of the first reading of the Time-Share uses and its regulations and pass to second reading. Public Hearing: The public hearing will be held before the Planning Commission on January 18, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. The hearing will be conducted in accordance with the City's emergency protocols for social distancing. Options for remote participation will be listed on the Posted Agenda for the meeting at: https://www.cityofpalmdesert.orq/our-city/committees-and- comm issions/planninq-comm ission-information-center. Comment Period: The public comment period for this project is from January 8, 2022 to January 18, 2022. Public Review: The plans and related documents are available for public review Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by contacting the project planner, Rosie Lua, Principal Planner. Please submit written comments to the Planning/Land Development Division. If any group challenges the action in court, issues raised may be limited to only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence at, or prior to the Planning Commission hearing. All comments and any questions should be directed to: Rosie Lua, Principal Planner City of Palm Desert 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 346-0611, Extension 480 rlua@cityofpalmdesert.org PUBLISH: DESERT SUN MARTIN ALVAREZ, SECRETARY JANUARY 6, 2022 PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION