I. RECOMMENDATION:
Approval of Resolution No. 3974 authorizing the City Manager to submit the Application, enter into, execute, and deliver on behalf of the Applicant, a State of California Agreement (Standard Agreement) for the amount of $65,000, and any and all other documents required or deemed necessary or appropriate to evidence and secure the LEAP grant.
II. BACKGROUND:
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (Department) released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for approximately $119,040,000 as part of the Local Early Action Planning Grants Program (LEAP or Program). LEAP, made available as a portion of the Local Government Planning Support Grants Program, established as part of the 2019-20 Budget Act, pursuant to Chapter 3.1 of Health and Safety Code (Sections 50515.03 (Chapter 159, Statutes of 2019). The Program provides funding to jurisdictions for the preparation and adoption of planning documents, process improvements that accelerate housing production, and facilitate compliance in implementing the sixth cycle of the RHNA.
The 2019-20 Budget Act provides a spectrum of support, incentives, resources and accountability to meet California’s housing goals. Some specific elements include:
- Planning Support (local and regional planning grants)
- Incentives (Prohousing preference and infill incentive grants)
- Funding Resources
- Accountability (penalties for noncompliant housing plans)
- Reform (collaborative processes to reform regional housing needs)
The Local Government Planning Support Grants Program provides one-time grant funding to regions and jurisdictions for technical assistance, preparation and adoption of planning documents, and process improvements. The over-arching goals of the Program are to (1) accelerate housing production; and (2) facilitate compliance to implement the sixth cycle of the regional housing need assessment (RHNA).
III. DISCUSSION:
Eligible activities must demonstrate an increase in housing related planning activities and facilitate accelerated housing production. Eligible activities may be part of a larger planning effort (e.g., a comprehensive zoning code update) if proposed activities have not been completed prior to the NOFA date, are distinct, and demonstrate a nexus to accelerating housing production.
Eligible activities may include a variety of planning documents and processes, the City’s application will focus on developing or improving an accessory dwelling unit ordinance in compliance with Section 65852.2 of the Government Code to support the City's Cottage Home Program as directed by the City Council; and establishing pre-approved architectural and site plans; for the development of accessory dwelling units that can be provided to property owners are no cost.
Funding is determined by jurisdiction population and is set at $65,000 for Coalinga. Applications are due by 5:00 PM on July 1, 2020. Department will review applications within 30 days and target award of applications within 60 days, with subsequent Standard Agreements processed within 60 days of award.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
Do not adopt Resolution No. 3974 - staff does not recommend.
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost of the grant application submission is $2,500 paid to Self Help Enterprises which will be paid from the Housing Successor Fund. |